The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) reiterated on Thursday that all charitable organizations and social welfare and development programs have to secure a valid certificate of registration and license before they can legally operate.
DSWD spokesperson Irene Dumlao warned that operating without a valid license from the DSWD is punishable under Republic Act No. 4373 as amended by RA No. 10847.
“Charitable institutions and organizations operating as social welfare and development agencies without securing the needed registration and license from the Department is a violation of the law, and with due penalties once proven,” Dumlao said.
Under the law, any person, corporation or entity operating as a social welfare entity without a valid license and permit from the DSWD will be fined P100,000 up to a maximum of P500,000, plus imprisonment of one year to three years, depending on the discretion of the court.
