Senate Calls for Review of Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program
MANILA — The Senate is urging a thorough review of the Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program, citing concerns that the program has been abused. Senator Erwin Tulfo, a former Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) chief, emphasized the need to examine the Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program beneficiaries to ensure that cash grants are going to those who truly need them.
After a consultative meeting with DSWD chief Rex Gatchalian, Senator Tulfo stressed the importance of revisiting the law institutionalizing the Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program. He pointed out that some beneficiaries continue to receive support despite improvements in their living conditions.
Addressing Backlogs and Fair Distribution
As of March 13, 2024, the DSWD reports 721,083 active beneficiaries under the Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program. However, Senator Tulfo noted that many remain in the program for extended periods, which limits opportunities for others on the waiting list to receive assistance.
“We already have backlogs; there are those still in the waiting list,” he said. He further highlighted that continuously supporting the same group without reassessment is unfair to others who remain unserved.
Legislative Action on the Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program
Senator Tulfo announced that the Senate will push for new legislation to review and possibly amend Republic Act No. 11310, the law that institutionalized the Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program. He believes this move is necessary to address the program’s current challenges and ensure equitable distribution of aid.
“The President wants it to be studied, because the Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program has been abused a bit,” Tulfo said in a statement in Filipino. He added, “It’s unfair to others that we just keep on feeding this group of people. How about the others?”
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