Cayetano Urges Digital Shift to Speed Up Assistance for Poor Families
ALAN PETER CAYETANO – The senator is pushing for a more digital and simpler way for Filipinos to apply for government assistance, especially for medical, burial, and other forms of financial aid.
His proposal came after discussions in the Senate of the Philippines on the Simplified Government Aid Access Act, or Senate Bill No. 155, which aims to make the process of receiving assistance faster, clearer, and more organized, particularly for poor and vulnerable families across the Philippines. Cayetano, who also led the creation of the country’s E-Governance Law to improve public services through technology, believes that shifting the submission of requirements to digital platforms can reduce long lines, confusion, and delays in government offices.
One of his main suggestions is to assign the Department of Information and Communications Technology to lead the development and management of an eGov Super App or a similar online system. Through this platform, people can submit requests for assistance using their mobile phones or computers, making the process more convenient and accessible, especially for those who cannot travel easily.
The proposal, introduced by bill sponsor Erwin Tulfo during a plenary session on February 10, 2026, highlights the need to use modern tools to improve public service delivery. In coordination with the Department of Health, Cayetano also stressed the importance of providing clear and complete information about hospitals, clinics, and other authorized medical facilities that issue medical certificates and records.
This step is intended to prevent confusion and ensure that submitted documents are valid. He also recognized that some beneficiaries may not be able to sign forms due to age, illness, disability, or limited literacy. In such cases, other reasonable forms of authorization may be allowed under the implementing rules.
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