Senator Raffy Tulfo announced plans to convene a Senate hearing to examine the implementation of the Department of Labor and Employment’s emergency employment program, TUPAD (Tulong Panghanapbuhay sa Ating Disadvantaged/Displaced Workers), following a rise in complaints over alleged irregularities and limited coverage.
Tulfo, who chairs the Senate Committee on Labor and Employment, said the inquiry will focus on the “TUPAD Tuloy Pasada” component aimed at transport workers, amid concerns on how assistance is distributed at the barangay level.
The senator cited reports of beneficiaries allegedly failing to carry out assigned community work, unauthorized deductions from financial aid, and cases of “ghost work,” where individuals reportedly pose for documentation without completing required tasks.
“Dapat siguruhin ng DOLE at Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board na maaayos nila ang guidelines para maiwasan ang pagkalito at aberya, kagaya ng mga naunang insidente sa distribusyon ng subsidiya,” Tulfo said.
He also raised concerns over the program’s limited reach, noting that only around 50,000 drivers are currently targeted out of an estimated 1.4 million nationwide. Tulfo warned that a significant number of affected workers could be left without assistance.
For its part, DOLE clarified that the list of beneficiaries is still undergoing validation and emphasized that the program remains open to qualified drivers who are not receiving other forms of government aid.
The agency added that broader support initiatives are also being rolled out, including livelihood programs for farmers, fisherfolk, and returning overseas Filipino workers.
The Senate inquiry is expected to identify gaps in the program’s implementation and ensure accountability in the distribution of emergency employment assistance.