Senator Erwin Tulfo is backing the push for a review and possible amendments to the law institutionalizing the government’s flagship anti-poverty program, the Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program (4Ps).
Tulfo’s commitment came after his consultative meeting with Social Welfare Secretary Rex Gatchalian and other Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) officials, following his election as chairperson of the Senate Committee on Social Justice, Welfare, and Rural Development.
“Meron silang binigay sa amin na mga bills about 4Ps na nabanggit nga ng Pangulo sa SONA (We’ve received proposed bills related to 4Ps that were also mentioned by the President in his SONA),” Tulfo said.
He also noted that DSWD Secretary Rex Gatchalian raised good suggestions “that we believe can benefit many.”
One of the main concerns Tulfo plans to address is the continued inclusion of 4Ps beneficiaries whose economic situations have already improved.
He said it's time to assess whether the program is still serving those most in need.
Tulfo, who previously served as DSWD secretary, explained that there are cases where families have long benefited from the program despite improved living conditions, while others remain on the waiting list.
He noted that it is high time to legislate changes and there’s a need “to make the system fairer for all.”
“Gusto ng Pangulo, pag-aralan na talaga. Kasi medyo na-abuso ‘yung 4Ps. Merong iba dyan na sobra-sobra na yung panahon nila. Pwede yung iba naman na pumasok. Kasi may mga backlog pa tayo. May mga nasa waiting list,” he said.
“Gagawa kami ng legislation hinggil diyan sa 4Ps na ‘yan. I think it's really high time that we look into this. Kasi unfair naman dun sa iba na we just keep on feeding this group of people. Paano naman yung iba?“ he added.
Among the amendments proposed by the DSWD is the removal of the current seven-year limit on receiving assistance.
Gatchalian earlier warned that without such changes, around 2.4 million beneficiaries may be forced to exit the program even if they still live in poverty.
The discussion also touched on broader social welfare reforms, including an entrepreneurship program for low-income families, increased support for the elderly, and the institutionalization of key DSWD initiatives like the Sustainable Livelihood Program and Kalahi-CIDSS.
Tulfo also visited the agency’s main office and voiced support for the rehabilitation of its aging facilities, a gesture welcomed by Gatchalian.
“Hindi ko na nga kailangan buksan yung bibig ko. Nung nakita niya yung anyo ng opisina. Kasi alam naman natin na pinaka-isa ito sa matatandang departamento, pagbaba pa lang sinabi na ni Sen. Erwin, ‘Padala mo sa akin yung costing ng building,’” Gatchalian said.
If granted additional funding, Gatchalian said the DSWD would be able to better equip its social workers and boost overall morale within the agency.