Senator Tulfo Calls for 4Ps Overhaul, Offers Entrepreneurial Path for Beneficiaries
4PS- In a move to empower Filipinos in poverty, Senator Tulfo proposes ending the 4Ps program and offering capital to help families start small businesses.
Senator Erwin Tulfo has proposed scrapping the Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program (4Ps) and redirecting government assistance toward providing livelihood capital to beneficiaries to help improve their financial independence.
Tulfo cited recurring reports of misuse and inefficiency within the 4Ps system as a reason for change, arguing that livelihood assistance could be a more lasting and effective alternative. He shared that during his tenure as Secretary of the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) in 2022, he directly heard similar sentiments from 4Ps beneficiaries.
“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 argued that equipping poor families with business capital would allow them to take a more active and dignified role in society and the economy.
“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 plans to discuss this initiative with President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. and DSWD Secretary Rex Gatchalian in an upcoming meeting. He emphasized the need to revisit current anti-poverty programs to assess their true impact.
“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.
Sen. Tulfo also highlighted perceived inequalities in how aid is distributed. “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.
Previously, Tulfo voiced support for reviewing Republic Act No. 11310, which institutionalized the 4Ps, for possible revisions. At the same time, the DSWD has proposed removing the seven-year cap on aid and incorporating entrepreneurship programs and other social welfare initiatives to better serve the needs of the poor.
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