DSWD: Report politicians using 4Ps for campaign

MANILA, Philippines — The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) on Wednesday reminded the public to be wary of candidates running in May who use the Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program (4Ps) to boost their campaign.

Marie Grace Ponce, the DSWD’s 4Ps social marketing division chief, stressed that only the agency was authorized to enroll and delist beneficiaries of the program.

“We also don’t just hastily remove [or add] beneficiaries into the program. It is also clearly stated in the law—Republic Act 11310 or the 4Ps Act—who can become beneficiaries,” Ponce said during the DSWD’s online show.

“Don’t [be fooled by] politicians or candidates saying that they can [help] you [get into] [the] program,” she added.

READ: DSWD bans politicians, political materials during ‘AKAP’ distribution

Candidates or politicians who promise to help include or expel anybody from the flagship poverty alleviation program should be reported, the DSWD said as Ponce urged the public to report cases of politicking to its 4Ps hotline at 0918-912-2813.

Ponce cited DSWD Memorandum Circular No. 9 issued in 2021 that sets guidelines to ensure that the agency’s programs are protected against politicking, especially during elections.

The campaign period for party list groups and individuals vying for seats in the Senate started on Feb. 11, while candidates for district representatives in the lower chamber and local government posts have yet to kick off their campaigns on March 28.