4PS NOT TO BLAME FOR ELECTRIC BILL SHOCK, SAYS DSWD CHIEF

The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) has clarified that the Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program (4Ps) should not be blamed for the recent spike in household electricity bills. DSWD Secretary Rex Gatchalian stressed that the cash grants given to poor families are not linked to power rate adjustments or billing computations, based on preliminary reports from the agency. He noted that concerns circulating online suggesting that 4Ps beneficiaries were somehow causing higher electric charges are unfounded as of now, as there are no confirmed details supporting such claims.

According to initial information, the 4Ps remains focused on providing conditional cash transfers for health, nutrition, and education, rather than subsidies related to utilities. The program, which targets low-income households nationwide, operates under strict guidelines and monitoring mechanisms to ensure that funds are used for basic needs and human capital development. Officials emphasized that electricity pricing is regulated separately and involves energy regulators and distribution utilities, not social welfare agencies.

The DSWD chief also urged the public to verify information with official sources before drawing conclusions about the cause of their higher bills. He indicated that any issues regarding sudden increases in electric charges are more appropriately addressed to power distributors and relevant regulatory bodies, which are in charge of rate-setting and billing rules. As discussions continue, the clarification aims to prevent misinformation from undermining public support for 4Ps, a flagship anti-poverty program that many vulnerable families rely on for day-to-day survival.