Manila: An official of the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) on Wednesday said the agency is strengthening validation and monitoring mechanisms of the Tulong Panghanapbuhay sa Ating Disadvantaged/Displaced Workers (TUPAD) program.

According to Philippines News Agency, DOLE Undersecretary Benedicto Ernesto Bitonio Jr. stated during a public hearing of the Senate Committee on Labor, Employment and Human Resources Development that the agency revised its guidelines to emphasize meaningful work and tighter oversight of beneficiaries. He emphasized that the work should have social value, reflecting the agency's commitment to improving the program's implementation.

Bitonio highlighted enhancements to DOLE's validation process, which include limiting assistance to one beneficiary per household per year and coordinating with the Philippine Statistics Authority to utilize community-based monitoring and the national ID system. This approach aims to prevent repeated access to benefits and ensure that assistance reaches those most in need.

The reforms were discussed following concerns raised by Senator Raffy Tulfo, chair of the panel, regarding alleged misuse of the program. Tulfo noted receiving numerous complaints about improper implementation, where beneficiaries were reportedly photographed holding a broom and then sent home without performing meaningful work.

Tulfo called for stricter monitoring to ensure that beneficiaries fulfill their responsibilities and that assistance is provided to qualified recipients. In response, Bitonio assured the Senate committee that the agency would submit a detailed report on the improvements in TUPAD implementation.