Instead of cash, grant livelihood capital to 4Ps beneficiaries — Erwin Tulfo

Senator Erwin Tulfo has proposed to provide livelihood capital to beneficiaries of the Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program (4Ps) instead of cash transfer to curb reported abuses.

“If we give them capital, they can use it to start businesses and contribute to the economy. We can provide them enough funds to start a sari-sari store, an eatery, or even engage in online selling,” Tulfo said Sunday in a statement.

This after some 4Ps beneficiaries were reportedly caught using their cash grants on gambling and illegal drugs.

Tulfo added some 4Ps beneficiaries “would rather have livelihood capital instead of monthly cash transfer.”

“It is also hard for them to hear that they are being called freeloaders, lazy, and that they do not add value to the country,” the senator said.

“It is also unfair to low-wage earners like security guards, janitors, or house helpers who tighten their belts due to lack of funds but receive nothing from the government, such as 4Ps, since they are not qualified,” he added.

The lawmaker said this proposal is one of the topics he aims to deliver in his upcoming meeting with President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. and Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) Secretary Rex Gatchalian.

However, the date was not disclosed. During the Post-SONA discussion on Tuesday, Gatchalian shared that the President’s call to amend the 4Ps law would that would allow those in the program to stay longer than seven years.

Gatchalian noted this as a welcome development, as two million Filipinos were about to exit the program in 2026 for reaching the maximum number of years in the program. — Mariel Celine Serquiña/RF, GMA Integrated News