Senator Erwin Tulfo said on Sunday, August 3 he sees the necessity of scrapping the Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program (4Ps) in favor of providing livelihood capital for poor beneficiaries.

Senator Erwin Tulfo (Photo from the Office of Senator Tulfo)

Tulfo, former Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) secretary, said he believes a livelihood program for the poor can solve the reported abuses plaguing the 4Ps program.

“Even some 4Ps members themselves, they would rather have livelihood capital instead of monthly cash transfer,” Tulfo said, citing his direct interactions with beneficiaries.

As chairman of the Senate Committee on Social Justice, Welfare and Rural Development, he will recommend a livelihood potential as an alternative to 4Ps.

“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,” Tulfo added.

“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 (small) store, an eatery, or even engage in online selling,” he emphasized.

He also pointed out that since President Marcos’ term started, the government has been focused on poverty mitigation.

Thus, he said, a livelihood program for the 4Ps beneficiaries might resolve the perceived unfairness in the current system.

“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 said.

Tulfo said he will raise this proposal in his upcoming meeting with the President and incumbent DSWD Secretary Rex Gatchalian.