Metro Manila, Philippines – The government will shift to e-wallet transfers for future cash aid distribution to transport workers, the Department of Social Welfare and Development said, following concerns over long queues during payouts.
Social Welfare Secretary Rex Gatchalian said the move will be implemented after the validation of beneficiaries, particularly ride-hailing drivers, in the initial rollout.
“Moving forward we will start e-wallet transfers sa succeeding rounds,” Gatchalian said.
[Translation: Moving forward, we will begin e-wallet transfers in the succeeding rounds.]
He said the current manual distribution was necessary to verify recipients.
“Sa stage na ito we are doing manual para masigurado na physical at totoo ang driver na driver talaga siya,” he added.
[Translation: At this stage, we are doing manual distribution to make sure the drivers are physically present and legitimate.]
The shift comes after a rider died while waiting to receive assistance in Quezon City. Gatchalian said aid has been extended to the victim’s family.
₱5 billion in cash aid
The DSWD said around ₱5 billion in cash aid has been distributed to more than one million drivers nationwide as part of the government’s efforts to cushion the impact of rising fuel prices.
Some drivers, however, criticized the process, saying it forces them to line up under extreme heat.
“Para kaming nagmamaka-awa,” ride-hailing driver Edwin Echalose said.
[Translation: It feels like we’re begging.]
Echalose said he was denied three times before finally receiving aid on April 20 and suggested that funds could have been distributed through digital platforms.
“Pwede naman i-top up na lang sa apps para mas madali,” he said.
[Translation: They could just top up the apps to make it easier.]
He also called for the removal of excise taxes on diesel and gasoline to ease the burden on drivers.
