REPRESENTATIVE Leila M. De Lima of the Mamamayang Liberal (ML) party-list has issued a statement strongly opposing calls to abolish the Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program (4Ps), emphasizing that the program is not simply charity but a conditional cash transfer (CCT) program based on shared responsibility between the government and Filipino families striving to overcome poverty.
While acknowledging implementation gaps and reported abuses, De Lima argues that these issues necessitate strengthening, not scrapping, the program. She advocates for improved targeting, monitoring, and support systems to maximize its effectiveness and reach those most in need.
As the principal author of Republic Act No. 11310, the law that institutionalized 4Ps, De Lima highlighted the program’s success, citing the over 1.5 million households that have graduated from poverty under its framework, as mentioned in the President’s State of the Nation Address.
She is currently pushing for House Bill No. 1434, the Expanded 4Ps Act, which aims to expand support for beneficiaries beyond financial aid to include adult education, livelihood training, employment facilitation, and entrepreneurship development.
De Lima emphasized that the goal is not just temporary relief but sustainable livelihoods, ensuring that government aid empowers rather than diminishes the dignity of recipients.
She concluded by stating that millions have already benefited from the program, and millions more depend on it, underscoring the importance of preserving and improving, not dismantling, the 4Ps.
