Senator Sherwin Gatchalian on Wednesday raised concerns over a proposed P6.3-billion budget cut for the government’s emergency employment program, Tulong Panghanapbuhay sa Ating Disadvantaged/Displaced Workers (TUPAD), warning it could displace nearly one million Filipinos in 2026.

During Senate deliberations on the P44.382 billion proposed 2026 budget for the Department of Labor and Employment (DoLE) and its attached agencies, Gatchalian urged the agency to present clear data and impact assessments to justify the program’s continued funding.

“Big programs need impact studies to determine if they really help our countrymen,” Gatchalian said. “We often hear that the program is good, but we also need a science-based approach to know if it has actually made an impact on society — even if it’s a short-term program.”

TUPAD is one of DoLE’s flagship initiatives, offering short-term employment — ranging from 10 to 90 days — for displaced, underemployed, or seasonal workers, particularly those affected by calamities.

While acknowledging the program’s importance during crises, Gatchalian questioned whether it leads to sustainable improvements in the lives of beneficiaries.