No More Free Money? Tulfo Wants to Scrap 4Ps and Give Something Even Bigger
4PS – Senator Erwin Tulfo is advocating for a major shift in the government’s anti-poverty efforts by scrapping the 4Ps program and replacing it with livelihood capital for beneficiaries.
Senator Erwin Tulfo is calling for the abolition of the Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program (4Ps), suggesting that the government should instead provide livelihood capital to beneficiaries to empower them economically.
Citing widespread reports of abuse within the 4Ps system, Tulfo believes that transitioning to livelihood support would offer a more sustainable solution. During his time as secretary of the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) in 2022, Tulfo said he personally heard these concerns from 4Ps members themselves.
“It is hard for them to hear that they are being called freeloaders, lazy, and that they do not add value to the country,” Tulfo said, describing the monthly cash transfer as seemingly “giving alms” to beneficiaries.
The senator emphasized that providing capital for microenterprises could shift the perception of beneficiaries and give them an active role in nation-building.
“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 store, an eatery, or even engage in online selling,” said Tulfo, who chairs the Senate committee on social justice, welfare, and rural development.
Tulfo is set to raise this proposal with President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. and DSWD Secretary Rex Gatchalian in an upcoming meeting. He believes it is crucial to reassess current poverty-alleviation strategies.
“We know that since PBBM’s term started, the priority has been poverty mitigation. But the question is: how do we really do this?” he said.
Erwin Tulfo also noted the imbalance in government aid distribution. “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 previously expressed his intent to revisit Republic Act No. 11310, the law institutionalizing 4Ps, for potential amendments. Meanwhile, DSWD has proposed lifting the current seven-year limit for assistance and integrating livelihood and entrepreneurship support for low-income families into its programs.
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