DOLE adopts new rules on cash aid distribution

MANILA, Philippines — The Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) has adopted new regulations in the distribution of cash aid for workers displaced by the COVID-19 pandemic.

Labor Undersecretary Ana Dione said the DOLE came out with additional rules for the implementation of the Tulong Panghanapbuhay sa Ating Disadvantaged/Displaced Workers or TUPAD program.

“Ang ID ng mga beneficiaries issued by the DOLE ay nilagyan na po namin ng QR code para masiguro na sila mismo ang nagtrabaho at sila ang kukuha ng sahod,” Dione said at a press briefing.

Labor Secretary Silvestre Bello III said he is considering suspending the implementation of the TUPAD program in Palawan amid reports of irregularity in the distribution of cash assistance to beneficiaries.

Bello said the alleged TUPAD anomalies in Quezon City and Palawan were isolated cases.

“These are only two cases of irregularities in the implementation of the cash-for-work program, which are being investigated,” Bello said, adding that over 2.7 million displaced workers have benefited from TUPAD.

The National Bureau of Investigation is looking into the criminal responsibility of those involved in the anomaly while the DOLE is investigating the administrative liability of labor personnel.

The DOLE has disbursed around P7 billion in cash assistance to TUPAD beneficiaries nationwide, according to Bello.