MANILA, Philippines — The Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) has warned politicians against using the government’s cash-for-work program to urge beneficiaries to join election campaign caravans.
The DOLE said it would file charges against those found guilty of involvement in the irregular implementation of the Tulong Panghanapbuhay para sa Disadvantaged/Displaced workers or (TUPAD) program.
“We do not condone such activities, especially those requiring the participation of would-be beneficiaries in caravans to be able to avail themselves of the assistance under the TUPAD program,” DOLE said, noting TUPAD is a program of DOLE and not of congressmen.
Labor officials expressed concern over the claim of Sen. Panfilo Lacson that some politicians are requiring TUPAD beneficiaries to join the caravan.
Additional control measures, DOLE said, were already issued to ensure that workers will be protected from any form of abuse, including the alleged requirement.
The agency gave assurance the incident that Lacson reported would be properly addressed.
DOLE said the availment of TUPAD assistance is subject to the eligibility of the beneficiaries and compliance with the requirement provided under Department Order 219-20.
“The qualified beneficiaries are the workers in the informal sector who were affected by the pandemic and other forms of calamities,” DOLE said as it urged citizens to report politicians violating the law.