On Apr. 16, the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) released an advisory warning people against holding unauthorized solicitations and fundraisers, as well as guidelines for securing a solicitation permit during the enhanced community quarantine period. 

The advisory reminds people that, despite the COVID-19 crisis, the Solicitation Permit Law is still being enacted. Under this law, the DSWD is mandated to regulate solicitations for donations for charitable or public welfare purposes. Because of this, entities who want to hold fundraisers need to secure a permit from the department.

Given restrictions set by the enhanced community quarantine, people or organizations who want to hold solicitations for donations can send in applications for a solicitation permit and pay the processing fee online. 

The advisory, however, was met with criticism from netizens upon its release. Most people appealed for the suspension of the policy for the duration of the crisis, citing issues with the distribution of financial aid and relief goods, as well as a lack of transparency with donations coursed through government channels.

Header photo by Bayu on Unsplash

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