Quezon city: Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) Secretary Rex Gatchalian on Monday sternly warned transport network companies (TNCs) to follow stricter coordination and compliance ahead of the Cash Relief Assistance (CRA) special payout for public transport sector drivers and riders. He also called on beneficiaries to strictly follow the schedule and check the master list for their names to avoid overcrowding and delays during payout.

According to Philippines News Agency, Gatchalian emphasized the importance of adhering to the guidelines during a meeting with representatives from the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB), Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT), and TNCs at the DSWD Central Office in Quezon City. He urged TNCs to deploy personnel to man help desks that will assist drivers during the CRA payouts, reminding them to send knowledgeable staff to handle inquiries.

The DSWD chief also reiterated his warning against TNCs setting up recruitment booths at payout sites and criticized late submissions of driver lists. He specifically called out companies like Grab, MoveIt, and Lalamove for practices that disrupt the payout process. Other major TNCs present at the meeting included Joyride and Foodpanda.

A total of over 160,000 motorcycle taxi and Private Express and Messengerial Delivery Service (PEMEDES) riders, along with more than 48,000 Transport Network Vehicle Service (TNVS) drivers, are set to receive PHP5,000 cash assistance under the Assistance to Individuals in Crisis Situations (AICS) program. To avoid confusion, Gatchalian directed TNCs to follow official postings from government sites and social media pages, particularly regarding the master list and schedules.

The payout for MC taxi and PEMEDES riders is scheduled for April 17 at pre-identified sites for previously unclaimed cash aid, followed by an open payout on April 17 and 19 at four designated venues. TNVS drivers will have a separate one-day payout within the week, with the date to be announced.

The special payout will also include drivers from nearby provinces such as Rizal, Laguna, Cavite, and Bulacan, particularly those operating around Metro Manila.