By Mariela Angella Oladive
The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) Field Office VI clarified that only the agency has the authority to remove beneficiaries from the Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program (4Ps).
This follows reports of political candidates allegedly threatening to delist beneficiaries if they refuse to offer support.
“We urge 4Ps beneficiaries to never believe politicians who threaten them with delisting from the program if they do not support a certain candidate. That is a big lie. Only DSWD can remove a 4Ps beneficiary from the list, and only for valid reasons,” said Regional Director Atty. Carmelo N. Nochete in a statement on September 7.
The agency outlined valid reasons for delisting, including non-compliance with program conditions, significant improvements in a family’s living standards, or misconduct.
Nochete stressed that political affiliation or voting choices will not affect a beneficiary’s status in the program. He assured beneficiaries they could vote freely without fear of losing their benefits.
The Commission on Elections (COMELEC) in Iloilo earlier announced that the deadline for voter registration is September 30.
Afterward, COMELEC will focus on the filing of certificates of candidacy (COC) for the 2025 midterm elections, scheduled from October 1 to 8.
