Manila, Feb. 6 -- The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) on Thursday issued a stern warning against charitable institutions and social welfare and development agencies (SWDAs) operating without valid registration and license.

"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," Assistant Secretary Irene Dumlao said in a press release.

A SWDA refers to any organization that engages mainly and generally in programs and services that promote social welfare and development to one or more clientele group.

Under Republic Act No. 4373, as amended by...