DSWD to TODA chiefs: Submit names of trike drivers not on ayuda list

The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) has asked leaders of Tricycle Operators and Drivers Associations (TODA) to submit the names of tricycle drivers who were not included in its master list of beneficiaries of the P5,000 cash assistance. 

According to Ian Cruz’s report in “24 Oras” on Wednesday, Frederick Ramos received his cash aid promptly on the second day of distribution. 

Ramos, 47, is from Pasig City and has been a tricycle driver for two decades, although his tricycle is in need of repairs.

“Sa tricycle ko rin po kasi medyo may sira po. Sobrang napakahalaga po kasi tulad ko, may pinagdaraanan din, kahit paano malaking tulong po,” he said.

(My tricycle broke down, so this is extremely important for someone like me who is going through a tough time. This is a big help somehow.)

Since the distribution in Barangay Pineda in Pasig City was going smoothly on Wednesday, even those scheduled for the afternoon were asked to come in the morning.

However, there were some who were not included in the list of the 1,500 target recipients for the cash aid at the said payout center.

The Pasig City Hall has asked for their personal details. 

“Malaking bagay po sa akin ‘yan, sir. Lalo na ngayon sa sobrang taas ng gasolina, halos ang kinikita doon lang mapunta sa gasolina,” said tricycle driver Noel Cutara. 

(This is a big deal for me, sir. Especially now with the price of gasoline so high, almost all of our earnings just go to fuel.) 

At a payout center in Katipunan Park in Quezon City, nearly 300 were not included in the master list of over 2,000 beneficiaries.

“Nagpapasa naman kami ng requirements eh. Pero nung lumabas itong listahan ng masterlist, wala yung pangalan namin. Hindi namin alam kung saan nagkaroon ng problema,” said Jessie Cortezano. 

(We submitted the requirements. But when the master list came out, our names weren’t there. We don’t know how the problem occurred.) 

They were also asked to submit a copy of their driver’s license to their TODA. 

DSWD Secretary Rex Gatchalian said he already reached out to the TODA leaders to submit the names of those excluded in the master list. 

“Meron pa tayo bukas. So ang sabi namin sa kanila, una, hindi kailangan mangamba, hindi kailangan mag-worry na hindi kayo makakatanggap,” he said. 

(We still have distributions tomorrow. So we told them there is no need to be anxious, there is no need to worry that you won’t receive anything.)

But even those who already received the cash assistance are still worried that the P5,000 may not be enough soon should the crisis in the Middle East escalates. 

“Sa mga susunod na araw, kapag ganito pa rin ang sitwasyon natin, baka kung pwede pong madagdagan pa sana ito,” said Dennis Zamora. 

(In the coming days, if our situation is still like this, maybe this aid could be increased.) 

For now, the DSWD said the cash assistance will be given to other beneficiaries in the transport sector and those outside of Metro Manila before they can consider giving another round of aid to those who already received the assistance.

“Unahin na namin, sundan na namin ’to ng MC taxi, yung TNVS, mga jeep, at service delivery. Sila naman ang pagtutuunan natin ng pansin, at lalabas na rin tayo ng Metro Manila,” Gatchalian said.

(We will prioritize and follow this up with motorcycle taxis, TNVS, jeeps, and delivery services. We will focus our attention on them, and we will also move outside of Metro Manila.) 

Meanwhile, transport group PISTON is ready to hold its transport strike on Thursday to call for the scrapping of the oil deregulation law, and of the excise taxes and VAT on petroleum products. — Vince Angelo Ferreras/JMA, GMA Integrated News