SOCIAL Welfare Secretary Rex Gatchalian warned Tuesday against illegal processing fees for the availment of cash relief assistance for tricycle drivers.
Gatchalian issued the warning during an inspection of payout sites in Metro Manila.The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) chief began his rounds in San Juan City, where hundreds of beneficiaries received P5,000 each under the program.He said the initiative is in line with the directive of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. to immediately assist public transport workers affected by rising fuel prices.”We were instructed by President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. to visit this morning... we know fuel prices are high, but do not worry because our department has been directed by the president to help drivers,” Gatchalian said.Following his San Juan visit, Gatchalian proceeded to other payout sites, including locations in Manila, Quezon City, Mandaluyong and Pasay.He said tricycle drivers were prioritized due to the availability of their records with local government transport regulatory groups and their vulnerability to fuel price hikes.”Their list is readily available through the transport regulatory groups of local government units, and while all are affected, they are among those most impacted as 40 to 50 percent of their income has already been reduced due to rising fuel prices,” Gatchalian said.The DSWD said payouts for other public utility vehicle drivers — including jeepney, taxi, TNVS (transport network vehicle service) and service vehicle operators — will follow in the coming weeks.Gatchalian reiterated that the government may extend further assistance if fuel price increases persist while assuring that aid distribution will remain free of charge and based solely on valid documentation.
