Senator Erwin Tulfo is calling for a major overhaul of the government’s flagship poverty alleviation initiative, the Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program (4Ps), citing reports of abuse and the stigma attached to its beneficiaries.
Tulfo, who once served as secretary of the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD), said many 4Ps recipients personally told him they would prefer livelihood support over monthly cash transfers.
“It is hard for them to hear that they are being called freeloaders, lazy, and that they do not add value to the country,” Tulfo said, describing the current scheme as akin to “giving alms.”
The senator, who chairs the Senate committee on social justice, welfare, and rural development, argued that providing capital for small businesses could empower poor families to generate their own income and contribute to the economy.
“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,” he said.
Tulfo stressed that this shift could address both the negative perception and alleged misuse of the program. He plans to present his proposal to President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. and DSWD Secretary Rex Gatchalian in their upcoming meeting.
He also criticized the perceived inequity of the current system, noting that low-wage earners such as security guards, janitors, and household helpers—despite struggling financially—do not qualify for 4Ps assistance.
Tulfo has vowed to push for amendments to Republic Act No. 11310, the law institutionalizing 4Ps. The DSWD has also suggested changes, including removing the seven-year limit for beneficiaries and introducing entrepreneurship and livelihood programs for low-income households.