Lawmakers Call to Strengthen 4Ps Program Amid Concerns
MANILA, Philippines — The government’s conditional cash transfer program, known as the 4Ps, faces criticisms that should be addressed through reforms rather than abolition, a prominent lawmaker said. The call to strengthen 4Ps comes amidst concerns over implementation gaps and alleged abuses.
Mamamayang Liberal party-list Rep. Leila de Lima responded to recent remarks by a former social welfare official, emphasizing that despite flaws, the 4Ps program remains vital. “Yes, there are gaps in implementation. Yes, some abuses have been reported. But that’s precisely why we must strengthen, not scrap, the program,” she said.
Reforms Over Repeal: Lawmaker’s Perspective on 4Ps
De Lima stressed that repealing the law would leave millions of families without support. Instead, she advocated for improved targeting, monitoring, and support systems. “The answer is better targeting, better monitoring, and better support systems, not abandoning millions of families who have long relied on this program to survive, recover, and rebuild,” she explained.
As the principal author of Republic Act No. 11310 that institutionalized 4Ps, De Lima highlighted the program’s successes. She noted that over 1.5 million households have graduated from poverty under the program, citing figures shared in the President’s State of the Nation Address. “That is not a failure. That is progress that must be sustained,” she added.
Expanding Support Through Proposed Legislation
To address concerns, De Lima introduced House Bill No. 1434, the Expanded 4Ps Act. This bill aims to enhance beneficiary support by combining financial aid with adult education, livelihood training, and entrepreneurship development.
“Now that I am in Congress again, I am pushing for House Bill No. 1434. Under this proposal, we will expand the support for beneficiaries, not only through financial assistance but also through adult education, livelihood training, employment facilitation, and entrepreneurship development,” she said. “It’s not lifeline assistance, but a goal of sustainable livelihood.”
She added, “This is the future that we want to provide: where government assistance will not erode someone’s dignity, but gives strength. Where those who need help will eventually help others. Where the government’s programs are a bridge, not a trap.”
Concerns Raised by Former Social Welfare Head
Former Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) head, Sen. Erwin Tulfo, recently urged a review of the 4Ps law. He cited reports that some beneficiaries continue receiving grants despite improved living standards. “The president wants it to be studied, because the 4Ps have been abused a bit,” Tulfo said.
As of March 13, 2024, DSWD data shows there are 721,083 active 4Ps beneficiaries.
This isn’t Tulfo’s first critique. In 2022, while serving as social welfare secretary, he acknowledged the program’s effectiveness but stressed the need for refinement.
Shared Responsibility Key to 4Ps Success
De Lima also defended the program’s conditional nature, rejecting the notion that beneficiaries are freeloaders. “This program is not like alms. There are conditions that must be met to be eligible for government support, that’s why it is called Conditional Cash Transfer Program,” she said.
“It is based on a principle of shared responsibility – between the government and each Filipino family that wants to get out of poverty,” De Lima added.
She concluded by urging for constructive improvements rather than scrapping a program with proven benefits. “4Ps is not perfect, but let us not destroy a program that has a good goal and has had a history of victories, especially when there are concrete steps that can be taken to improve it. A government that admits loopholes and addresses these is responsible. That is the leadership I am seeking and fighting for,” she said.
For more news and updates on the 4Ps program, visit Filipinokami.com.
