The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) on Wednesday, March 5 reminded beneficiaries of the Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program (4Ps) to be cautious of political candidates exploiting the program for electoral gain.
In the DSWD’s online show, “4Ps Fastbreak,” 4Ps Social Marketing Division Chief Marie Grace Ponce specifically warned against politicians who claim they can influence a beneficiary’s status in the program.
“Huwag po kayong maniniwala kapag po may mga kandidato o mga politiko na nagsabing pwede nila kayong ipasok o tanggalin mula sa programa (Do not believe candidates or politicians who say they can enroll or remove you from the program),” she said.
Ponce stressed that only the DSWD has the authority to enroll new beneficiaries or remove individuals from the 4Ps.
She added that any delisting of members is done in accordance with the law, and not based on political pressure.
“Tanging DSWD lang po ang maaaring magtanggal doon sa mga beneficiaries ng 4Ps at hindi po tayo basta-basta nagtatanggal. Yung pagtatanggal po natin ng mga beneficiaries, maliwanag po na nakasaad sa batas kung anu-ano lang yung mga pamamaraan para po kayo ay mawala sa programa (Only the DSWD can remove beneficiaries from the 4Ps, and we do not remove beneficiaries without due process. The removal of beneficiaries is clearly defined by law, specifying the procedures for being delisted from the program),” she said.
To prevent political interference with its services, the DSWD issued Memorandum Circular (MC) No. 9, S. 2021, which outlines “Policy Guidelines on Strengthening Partnership with Stakeholders During Election and Non-Election Periods.”
Ponce also clarified that while meetings involving 4Ps beneficiaries, such as gatherings with volunteers or parent leaders, are allowed, these should not be used to promote any political candidate or agenda.
The DSWD urged concerned citizens to report any politicking involving 4Ps through their text hotline at 0918-912-2813.