Palace: DSWD clean-up of 4Ps list seen to free P15 billion

More than P15 billion is expected to be freed up from the government's cash doles program following the Department of Social Welfare and Development's finding that over 1.3 million beneficiaries were no longer considered poor.

Press Secretary Trixie Cruz-Angeles issued the statement following Social Welfare Secretary Erwin Tulfo's report during Tuesday's Cabinet meeting in Malacanang.

Cruz-Angeles said the DSWD was in the process of validating the list of 1.3 million Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program beneficiaries who were no longer qualified to receive cash aid because of their improved lot.

“Of note is Sec. Erwin Tulfo’s declaration that in the Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino program, at least 1.3 million beneficiaries out of 4.4 million are no longer considered ‘poor’ as a qualification for the 4Ps benefits,” Cruz-Angeles said.

“This frees up P15B for other qualified persons to replace them and now be included in the 4Ps program,” she added.

Tulfo said the number of beneficiaries who could be delisted was not yet final as the number could still increase.

He said 600,000 were still being interviewed.

As regards the P15 billion that could be given to other qualified beneficiaries, Tulfo said the amount could still "go up" as well.

Asked what was the reaction of the President on the delisting, Tulfo said Marcos was surprised but he said the Chief Executive was supportive of the agency's action.

"It was his marching order to clean the 4Ps list kasi nakakarating na ho sa kanya eh, na may mga sumbong na rin ho sa kanya, at saka nababasa niya ho sa social media because the President is also active sa social media," Tulfo said. -NB, GMA News