Issues in a government cash aid rollout left some motorcycle taxi drivers and delivery riders in Metro Manila without assistance, prompting the Department of Social Welfare and Development to adjust its payout schedules after some beneficiaries did not receive the ₱5,000 cash relief intended to ease rising fuel costs and cover daily operating expenses. The agency said it is reviewing the April 18 and 19 payouts after confirming that some beneficiaries had not yet received the aid.
DSWD Assistant Secretary and spokesperson Irene Dumlao said additional payout schedules will be added within the week to accommodate those who were not served. “Dahil alam po namin na mayroon pang mga motorcycle taxi at delivery riders mula sa Metro Manila na hindi pa nakakakuha ng cash aid, minabuti po ng DSWD na magdagdag ng payout schedule sa darating na linggo. Tinitignan po natin na gawin ito within this week,” Dumlao said.
The agency said issues were encountered during implementation despite prior coordination with local government units, transport network vehicle services, transport network companies, and private delivery service providers. The review covers both the payout process and conditions at payout sites to prevent a recurrence.
For drivers who missed the cut-off or were unable to claim their aid, the DSWD said they will still be accommodated once new schedules are finalized. “Para sa mga hindi po umabot sa cut-offs at hindi pa naka-claim ng kanilang cash relief assistance, hindi po natin hahayaan na hindi nila makuha ang assistance,” Dumlao said.
The agency is reviewing whether payout venues can handle large crowds following the death of a motorcycle taxi driver while lining up at a payout site in Quezon City on April 18. The cash assistance forms part of the government’s response to rising fuel costs linked to tensions in the Middle East, with beneficiaries advised to monitor updates from the DSWD and the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board
