Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, November 16) – The Department of Labor and Employment on Tuesday said it will look into claims that some election aspirants are using for their own benefit the department’s assistance program for workers.
Presidential aspirant Senator Panfilo Lacson earlier said he received reports that some politicians are taking advantage of the Tulong Panghanapbuhay sa Ating Disadvantaged/Displaced Workers or TUPAD program by first requiring people to join election campaign caravans in order to become beneficiaries.
“We do not condone such activities, especially those requiring the participation of would-be beneficiaries in caravans to be able to avail of assistance under the TUPAD program,” the DOLE said in a statement.
“Rest assured that this incident will be addressed,” it added.
Under TUPAD, the department provides emergency employment for displaced, underemployed and seasonal workers for 10 to 30 days, depending on the nature of work to be performed. They are paid based on the prevailing minimum wage in their respective areas.
Beneficiaries must comply with the documentary requirements set by the DOLE, and must be workers affected by the COVID-19 pandemic or other forms of calamity.
The department said it has institutionalized an administrative order to address complaints regarding the program, including facilitating the filing of charges against those found responsible for the irregularities in the implementation.
It added that Labor Secretary Silvestre Bello III has recently issued a memorandum emphasizing that the program is under DOLE and not a congressional district activity.
As such, it said “additional control measures were issued to ensure that the workers will be protected from any form of abuse, including this alleged requirement.”
