The Department of Social Welfare and Development reiterates that only the DSWD has the right to remove a beneficiary from the Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program and no political candidates can use that claim.

The beneficiaries are reminded and assured that only non-compliance to the conditions of the program such as non-attendance to monthly Family Development Sessions, Failure to attend school,  health center visits including failure to meet eligibility requirement are the grounds for delisting a certain household. However, delisting will still undergo thorough process and validation.

The department refuted the issue on the alleged use of Pantawid Pamilya beneficiaries in favor of electoral candidates which simmered issues on removal to the program once not voted.

The DSWD, as part of the government remains apolitical and is not indorsing any political candidate nor involved in any political activity.

Pantawid Pamilya is an empowering program that enables our partner-beneficiaries to stand and speak for their rights and actively participate in community activities in support of fostering good governance.

As citizens, the partner-beneficiaries are not prohibited and are in fact encouraged to be involved in the entire electoral process. They are, however, barred from using the program activities and its beneficiaries to promote certain candidates or political party.

DSWD has geared the beneficiaries to be equipped with their rights for them not to be harassed nor deceived especially during campaign period. Pantawid Pamilya has included the Active Citizenship module in their monthly Family Development Sessions (FDS) which sought to educate the beneficiaries on their responsibility and role in participating the electoral process. Being the direct recipients of the program, the sessions helped them to understand the election as another transition period which may also affect their current status considering the program is only a policy and at risk of losing its sustainability thus, choosing a right leader plays a crucial role for them.

The beneficiaries also expressed their concerns as it calls for support on the approval of the CCT bill to formally institutionalize it as a Poverty Alleviation strategy.

The beneficiaries are already empowered enough to be critical in their own preferences by exercising their freedom to choose and elect the official whom they think worthy of their trust.

The agency has employed the Grievance Redress System as a mechanism to receive any election related complaints or concerns pertaining to Pantawid Pamilya.

Should you know a staff/ official or beneficiaries who are using the program for personal or political gains, you may submit your complaints through the Grievance Help Desk at DSWD Field Office IX. ##