Senator Erwin Tulfo on Wednesday called for tighter regulations to prevent the abuse and politicization of government aid that leaves many Filipinos without the support they urgently need.

During Wednesday’s Senate Plenary Session, Tulfo highlighted how government assistance is often politicized, with 'ayuda' given only to supporters of certain political parties or personal acquaintances.

“Ang pamimigay ng ayuda ay nakabase sa pagiging kaalyado sa sa partido o sa personal na koneksyon,” Tulfo said.

"Ito po ay malinaw na abuso, at ito rin ay isang anyo na pamumulitika sa gitna ng kahirapan at kalamidad. Something that has no place in a government that calls itself democratic and just. This act...betrays the principles of public service and deepens inequality in our society," he added.

The senator pointed out that unqualified beneficiaries sometimes receive aid, while deserving recipients are deliberately excluded. Priority is often given to relatives or allies of officials overseeing the programs.

To address this, Tulfo introduced Senate Bill No. 254 under Committee Report No. 9, which seeks to penalize "selective, discretionary, and discriminatory practices in social protection programs."

"This is a measure that seeks to uphold one of the most fundamental values enshrined in our Constitution, equal access to government services, especially for the poor, the marginalized, and the most vulnerable in our society," he said.

“It doesn't matter kung ano ang kulay mo. Kung ikaw ay pula nung halalan, ang nanalo ay verde, dapat meron ka rin ayuda dahil kinakailangan mo. Kung ikaw ay puti, ang nanalo ay itim, dapat mabigyan ka rin ng ayuda o ng tulong ng pamahalaan because public service doesn't have color. Dapat wala pong kulay ang pagtulong” Tulfo stressed.

Violators would face imprisonment of one to six years and permanent disqualification from holding any government position.

“Ang layunin po ng panukalang batas na ito ay simple lang, wakasan ang pamumulitika sa pagbibigay ng ayuda,” Tulfo said.

He urged immediate passage of the bill to ensure that every Filipino, regardless of political color, race, or religion, receives the support they need when they need it most.