Cavite 1st District Representative Jolo Revilla
RECOGNIZING the urgent need for a permanent and reliable emergency employment program for vulnerable Filipinos, Cavite 1st District Representative and House Committee on Labor Chair Ramon “Jolo” Revilla III has filed House Bill No. 86, or the “TUPAD Act,” seeking to institutionalize the Department of Labor and Employment’s (DOLE) Tulong Panghanapbuhay sa Ating Disadvantaged/Displaced Workers (TUPAD) Program.
The measure transforms TUPAD from a stopgap program into a cornerstone of the country’s social protection and employment response system—especially in times of crisis such as natural disasters, economic shocks, pandemics, or mass layoffs.
“‘Hindi marunong maghintay ang gutom. Walang palugit ang sakuna. Kaya dapat laging handa ang gobyerno na tumugon nang mabilis at may malasakit. Sa pamamagitan ng TUPAD Act, ginagawa nating batas ang programang nagbibigay ng dignidad at agarang tulong sa mga nawalan ng kabuhayan,’” said Revilla.
The TUPAD Program has long served as a community-based emergency employment initiative targeting displaced, underemployed, and seasonal workers. Under the proposed law, its legal codification will ensure consistent funding, expanded implementation, and clearer standards that prevent abuse and maximize impact.
House Bill 86 expands the coverage of TUPAD to include informal and seasonal workers, as well as individuals affected by force majeure or government-declared emergencies. It mandates that workers receive no less than 100% of the prevailing regional minimum wage, and that all beneficiaries be provided with micro-insurance and the appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE) while on duty.
To guard against abuse, the bill also introduces accountability mechanisms to prevent fraudulent practices such as the inclusion of ghost beneficiaries and the illegal collection of commissions or kickbacks. It also promotes stronger inter-agency coordination between DOLE and other key agencies such as local government units, TESDA, and DSWD to enhance program delivery and integrate skills development.
“‘Hindi sapat ang pa-isa-isang ayuda lang. Ang kailangan ng mamamayan ay tuloy-tuloy na oportunidad, kahit pansamantala—para makabangon at makapagsimula ulit. Ang TUPAD Act, hindi lang ito ayuda, kundi pag-asa na naka-structure at laging handa para sa lahat,’” Revilla pointed out.
With the Philippines being highly susceptible to natural disasters and economic volatility, Revilla emphasized the importance of building a resilient and institutionalized mechanism that can be quickly deployed to affected communities.
“‘Ang dami nating kababayang nabibigyan ng bagong pag-asa dahil sa TUPAD. Ang layunin natin ngayon ay siguraduhin na palagi itong nariyan—handa, patas, at makatao,’” said Revilla who is a known champion for the labor sector.
