DSWD chief issues reminders to TNCs, drivers ahead of special cash aid payout

Social Welfare Secretary Rex Gatchalian on Monday reminded transport network companies (TNCs) to follow stricter coordination and compliance ahead of the special payout of the cash relief assistance (CRA) for public transport drivers and riders.

Gatchalian also urged beneficiaries to strictly follow the schedule and check the master list for their names to avoid overcrowding and delays during payout.

“Basta simple lang, pag nandoon ang pangalan mo, pumunta ka. Pag wala ‘yung pangalan mo, huwag ka muna pumunta,” he said during a meeting at the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) Central Office.

(It’s simple, if your name is there, come to the payout. If your name is not on the list, then don’t go.)

The meeting was attended by key officials from the DSWD, partner agencies such as the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) and Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT), and representatives from major TNCs.

Gatchalian also urged the TNCs to deploy personnel to man the Help Desks that will assist drivers during the CRA payouts.

“I will remind you all again. I’m telling you, I’m really going to make this such a big issue. Send people (to the Help Desks) who are knowledgeable,” he said.

Gatchalian also reminded the TNCs not to set up recruitment booths at the special payout sites and to avoid the late submission of the complete list of their drivers.

READ: LIST: Special payout dates for PUV drivers in Metro Manila

Over 160,000 motorcycle (MC) taxi and private express and messengerial delivery service (PEMEDES) riders, and more than 48,000 transport network vehicle service (TNVS) drivers are set to receive their P5,000 cash aid under the Assistance to Individuals in Crisis Situations (AICS) program.

These recipients are from the lists of unclaimed and additional validated beneficiaries.

Gatchalian called on TNCs to strictly follow official postings from government websites and social media pages, particularly the masterlist and schedules posted by the DSWD and LTFRB.

The special payout for MC taxi and PEMEDES riders will be on Friday, April 17 for previously unclaimed cash aid at pre-identified sites.

This will be followed by an open payout for additional beneficiaries on Saturday, April 18 and Sunday, April 19 at the Caloocan Coliseum, TLC Park Concert Grounds in Taguig City, Makati Coliseum, and Quezon Memorial Circle starting at 7 a.m.

TNVS drivers will have a one-day payout schedule on Thursday, April 16.

Aside from TNVS, MC taxi, and PEMEDES drivers from Metro Manila, the special payout will also cover those from nearby provinces such as Rizal, Laguna, Cavite, and Bulacan, particularly those who operate around or near Metro Manila. — JMA, GMA News