Senator Erwin Tulfo, a leader in the Philippine Senate, wants to change how the government helps poor families.
Right now, there’s a program called 4Ps (Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program). It gives monthly cash to poor families to help them buy food, send their kids to school, and go to health centers. But Tulfo said this system isn’t working well anymore.
He wants to remove the 4Ps program and replace it with something new — giving families capital or money to start small businesses.
Why Does Tulfo Want to End the 4Ps?
Tulfo says he heard from some families that they don’t really want monthly cash anymore. They would rather get business money so they can work and earn on their own.
He shared, “Some 4Ps members told me when I was DSWD Secretary in 2022 that they feel bad when people call them lazy or freeloaders.” A freeloader means someone who just takes help and doesn’t try to work.
He said if the government gives them money to start a business, like a sari-sari store, a small eatery, or online selling, they can start earning and feel proud. That way, they don’t need to wait every month for cash — they can make their own money.
Tulfo Says the Current System Feels Unfair
Tulfo also said the system feels unfair to other hard-working people who are not in the 4Ps program — like security guards, janitors, and house helpers.
He explained, “These people work very hard and don’t get help from the government just because they earn a little bit more. But they also struggle and barely have enough money.”
What Happens Next?
Tulfo said he plans to talk to President Bongbong Marcos Jr. and DSWD Secretary Rex Gatchalian about this big change.
He said the President really wants to solve poverty, but now is the time to ask:
How should we really do it?
Should we keep giving poor families cash every month?
Or is it better to give them money to start their own business and be independent?
This is a big decision — and it could change how millions of Filipinos live.
