MANILA – Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) Secretary Rex Gatchalian defended the government’s cash relief program for public transport drivers, stressing that the initiative is part of the agency’s mandate to assist Filipinos facing economic hardship.
During the Kapihan ng Samahang Plaridel media forum in Manila on Friday, Gatchalian explained that providing financial aid to drivers affected by rising fuel costs is consistent with the department’s role in delivering social welfare services.
He noted that the PHP5,000 cash relief assistance was introduced to support drivers whose livelihoods have been strained by increasing fuel prices amid tensions in the Middle East.
The aid is funded through government resources allocated for the Assistance to Individuals in Crisis Situations (AICS) program, which currently has a budget exceeding PHP60 billion and is designed to provide immediate help to vulnerable sectors.
Gatchalian also dismissed allegations discussed during a Senate PROTECT Committee hearing, including claims that some beneficiaries were fictitious and that applicants were required to provide their voting precinct numbers.
According to the DSWD chief, the department never asked for such information. Instead, it only collects essential personal details—such as the name appearing on the driver’s license, birthdate, and home address—to properly identify recipients and avoid duplication in the list.
He further explained that the agency continues to require beneficiaries to personally appear during payouts to verify their identities while the government gradually improves digital systems.
This measure, he said, helps ensure that only legitimate drivers receive the assistance, addressing concerns about individuals who may no longer be working in the transport sector or who are already overseas.
Gatchalian assured transport workers that the government recognizes their challenges and will continue extending assistance in accordance with the directive of President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.
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