Expanded Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino (E4ps) Act

THE RECEIVED TWENTIETH CONGRESS OF THE DATE: 4/27/26 PHILIPPIN REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES TIME: 3:19 PM BY: First Regular Session BILLS & INDEX SENATE Senate Bill No. _ 2070 Introduced by Senator JOEL VILLANUEVA AN ACT EXPANDING THE PANTAWID PAMILYANG PILIPINO PROGRAM (4Ps), AMENDING FOR THE PURPOSE REPUBLIC ACT NO. 11310, OTHERWISE KNOWN AS "THE PANTAWID PAMILYANG PILIPINO PROGRAM (4Ps) ACT" EXPLANATORY NOTE Poverty in the Philippines remains a longstanding challenge, driven in part by the country's historical underinvestment in human capital, particularly in health and education.' In response to this concern, Republic Act No. 11310, or the "Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program (4Ps) Act," was enacted on 17 April 2019, thereby institutionalizing the 4Ps and mandating its implementation by the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD). The 4Ps is anchored on the State's commitment to reduce poverty, address inequality, and respond to the socio-economic challenges faced by Filipino families. It serves as a flagship national poverty reduction strategy modeled after conditional cash transfer programs in other developing countries, providing grants for education, health, and support for pregnant women and children, as well as rice subsidies.? From its modest beginning as a pilot program covering 6,000 families in 2007, the program expanded steadily and experienced rapid growth, reaching approximately 4.46 million beneficiary families by the end of 2014, equivalent to around 21% of the population. Among the 63 countries implementing conditional cash transfer programs, ADB. The Social Protection Support Project in the Philippines. Published in July 2015. Available at https://www.adb.org/publications/social-protection-support-project-philippines (Accessed on 06 April 2026). DSWD. Republic Act No. 11310. Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program Act. Available at https://pantawid.dswd.gov.ph/about/ (Accessed on 07 April 2026).

the 4Ps has become one of the largest. Its budget likewise increased significantly, rising from 0.1% of GDP in 2010 to P62.6 billion, or 0.5% of GDP, in 2014.3 Currently, in addition to the 4Ps, the government has implemented various poverty alleviation initiatives that provide assistance to vulnerable sectors. These include: (1) the Ayuda sa Kapos ang Kita Program (AKAP), which supports minimum wage earners and low-income individuals in meeting basic needs, particularly during periods of high inflation; (2) the Assistance to Individuals in Crisis Situation (AICS), which provides aid for medical, burial, transportation, educational, food, and other essential needs of individuals and families in distress; (3) the Tulong Panghanapbuhay sa Ating Disadvantaged/Displaced Workers (TUPAD), which offers emergency employment to displaced, underemployed, and seasonal workers; and (4) the Food STAMP, or the Strategic Transfer and Alternative Measures Program, which seeks to address involuntary hunger, malnutrition, and stunting among Filipinos. While these social protection programs provide immediate relief to vulnerable sectors, concerns have been raised regarding their long-term effectiveness in addressing the structural causes of poverty. Many interventions are short-term in nature, focused on alleviating immediate hardship rather than fostering sustainable pathways out of poverty through education, skills development, or stable employment. Moreover, overlaps and duplication among programs have led to inefficiencies in targeting and resource allocation, while concerns persist regarding their potential susceptibility to patronage politics, which may undermine transparency, fairness, and accountability in the distribution of public funds. In this context, the bill proposes the establishment of the "Pantawid Pag-Asa" to strengthen the convergence and complementarity of social protection initiatives across government agencies, including AKAP, AICS, TUPAD, and the Food STAMP. The measure seeks to institutionalize an integrated welfare framework that delivers strategic and coordinated interventions aimed at achieving the long-term improvement of beneficiaries' lives, particularly through social amelioration programs and similar assistance mechanisms commonly referred to as "ayuda." Under this framework, families or individuals assessed as needing financial assistance shall be entitled to direct monetary support for essential and urgent needs, including medical care, food, education, transportation, funeral expenses, disability assistance, professional services, and other immediate material requirements. To ensure the effective and accountable implementation of the Pantawid Pag- Asa Program, the bill further provides for clear documentary requirements for beneficiaries, safeguards against political exploitation and manipulation, the establishment of a comprehensive social protection database, and a grievance mechanism to address concerns and complaints related to program implementation. Ibid.

In view of the foregoing, the immediate passage of this bill is earnestly sought. JOEL, VILLANUEVA f

THE PHILIP TWENTIETH CONGRESS OF THE ) OFFICE RECENED S DATE: REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES PINE TIME: 3:19 PM First Regular Session BY: _ BILLS & INDEX SENATE Senate Bill No. 2070 Introduced by Senator JOEL VILLANUEVA AN ACT EXPANDING THE PANTAWID PAMILYANG PILIPINO PROGRAM (4Ps), AMENDING FOR THE PURPOSE REPUBLIC ACT NO. 11310, OTHERWISE KNOWN AS "THE PANTAWID PAMILYANG PILIPINO PROGRAM (4Ps) ACT" Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the Philippines in Congress assembled:

SECTION 1. Short Title. - This Act shall be known as the "Expanded

Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program (4Ps) Act."

SEC. 2. Sec. 2 of Republic Act No. 11310 is hereby amended to read as

4 follows: "SEC. 2. Declaration of Policies. - The State shall promote a just and dynamic social order thereby uplifting its citizens and marginalized sectors from poverty, VULNERABILITY TO RISKS, AND CRISIS through policies that provide adequate social services, promote full employment, a rising standard of living, and an improved quality of life for all. XXX (g) Improve maternal health; [and] (h) Ensure healthy lives and promote well-being for all[-]; AND (I) PROMOTE SOCIO-ECONOMIC RESILIENCE AMONG FAMILIES AND INDIVIDUALS."

SEC. 3. Sec. 3 of Republic Act No. 11310 is hereby amended to read as

follows: "SEC. 3. Definition of Terms. - As used in this Act, the following terms are defined, as follows: XXX (A) ASSISTANCE TO INDIVIDUALS IN CRISIS SITUATIONS (AICS) REFERS TO THE PROGRAM OF THE DEPARTMENT OF SOCIAL WELFARE AND DEVELOPMENT (DSWD) THAT PROVIDES IMMEDIATE FINANCIAL OR MATERIAL ASSISTANCE THROUGH OUTRIGHT CASH OR GUARANTEE LETTER TO INDIVIDUALS OR FAMILIES AFFECTED BY CRISES SUCH AS ILLNESS, DEATH, DISPLACEMENT, CALAMITY, VIOLENCE, OR OTHER UNFORESEEN CIRCUMSTANCES REQUIRING URGENT SUPPORT. ASSISTANCE MAY COVER BUT IS NOT LIMITED TO MEDICAL, FOOD, EDUCATIONAL, TRANSPORTATION, BURIAL, PSYCHOSOCIAL INTERVENTION, OR OTHER EMERGENCY NEEDS; [(a)] (B) Authorized Government Depository Banks refer to banking institutions accredited and managed by government which is also categorized as government-owned and -controlled corporation GOCC or government financial institution; (C) AYUDA SA KAPOS ANG KITA PROGRAM (AKAP) REFERS TO THE TARGETED SOCIAL ASSISTANCE THAT PROVIDES DIRECT FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE TO INDIVIDUALS WHOSE INCOME IS BELOW THE APPLICABLE MINIMUM WAGE RATE AND WHO ARE AFFECTED BY THE EFFECTS OF INFLATION. THESE INCLUDE INDIVIDUALS WHO ARE EMPLOYED IN THE FORMAL OR INFORMAL SECTOR, OR SELF-EMPLOYED, WHOSE INCOME IS BELOW THE APPLICABLE MINIMUM WAGE RATE.

[(b)] (D) Case Management refers to a process used by the [Department of Social Welfare and Development (]DSWD[] to enable the household-beneficiaries OR INDIVIDUALS to improve their functioning by dealing with their difficulties specifically in complying with the terms of the program; [(e)] (E) Compliance Verification refers to the checking and monitoring undertaken to ensure that the qualified household- beneficiaries OR INDIVIDUALS comply with conditions for entitlement set forth by the Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program (4PS) AND ITS EXPANDED PROGRAM; [(d)] (F) Conditional Cash Grant refers to the amount received by the qualified household-beneficiaries OR INDIVIDUALS who comply with the conditions for entitlement; (G) FOOD PROVISION THROUGH STRATEGIC TRANSFER AND ALTERNATIVE MEASURES PROGRAM (FOOD STAMP) REFERS TO DSWD'S MONETARY-BASED ASSISTANCE IN THE FORM OF AN ELECTRONIC BENEFIT TRANSFER (EBT) CARD THAT WILL BE LOADED WITH FOOD CREDITS TO PURCHASE A SELECT LIST OF FOOD COMMODITIES FROM PARTNER MERCHANT STORE/S. THIS SEEKS TO DECREASE THE INCIDENCE OF INVOLUNTARY HUNGER EXPERIENCED BY LOW-INCOME HOUSEHOLDS AND MAKE THEM PRODUCTIVE CITIZENS OF THE COUNTRY. [(e)] (H) Grantee refers to the most responsible adult member of the qualified household-beneficiary authorized to receive the conditional cash transfer OR INDIVIDUAL IN NEED OF FINANCIAL SUPPORT; [(F)] (I) Grievance Redress System refers to the mechanism of the DSWD which addresses and resolves issues and concerns related to the implementation of the Program; [(e)] (J) Health Facility refers to a barangay health station, rural health unit, barangay health center, infirmary, or hospital;

[(h)] (K) Institutionalization refers to making the Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program (4Ps) AND ITS EXPANDED PROGRAM an added function of the DSWD and [a] regular programs funded from its annual appropriation; [i)] (L) Poor refers to households OR INDIVIDUALS whose income falls below the poverty threshold as defined by the National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA) and cannot afford in a sustained manner to provide their minimum basic needs of food, health, education, housing, and other essential amenities of life; [G)] (M) Preventive Health Check-up refers to health and nutrition services comprising of complete immunization, deworming, growth and development monitoring, management of childhood diseases, malnutrition, and services for pregnant, lactating, and post-partum women; [(k)] (N) Qualified Household-Beneficiaries refer to households identified by the DSWD for entitlement to the monthly conditional cash grants as provided under Section 6 of this Act; [(0] (O) Responsible Person refers to the parent or guardian in the qualified household-beneficiary; [(m)] (P) Standardized Targeting System refers to a system for COLLECTING, PROCESSING, VALIDATING, AND GENERATING DATA AT THE LOCAL LEVEL TO SERVE AS THE BASIS IN TARGETING HOUSEHOLDS AND INDIVIDUALS IN THE PLANNING, BUDGETING, AND IMPLEMENTATION OF SOCIAL PROTECTION PROGRAMS; [identifying who and where the poor households are through the generation of socioeconomic database of poor households that is adopted by national government agencies and implemented by the DSWD; and] [(n)] (Q) Sustainable Livelihood Program refers to the livelihood and capability building program managed by the DSWD for the poor, vulnerable and marginalized families, and individuals to help improve their socioeconomic conditions. The one-time livelihood

assistance is in the form of microenterprise development (MD) and employment facilitation (EF). The MD track provides microenterprise interventions to the poor or savings generation while the EF track provides interventions that facilitate employment. (R) TULONG PANGHANAPBUHAY SA ATING DISADVANTAGED WORKERS (TUPAD) REFERS TO THE COMMUNITY-BASED EMERGENCY EMPLOYMENT PROGRAM OF THE DEPARTMENT OF LABOR AND EMPLOYMENT (DOLE) THAT PROVIDES SAFETY NET THROUGH TEMPORARY WAGE PUBLIC EMPLOYMENT FOR A PERIOD OF 10-90 DAYS TO VULNERABLE, MARGINALIZED AND DISPLACED INDIVIDUALS. xxX"

SEC. 4. Section 10 of Republic Act No. 11310 is hereby amended to read

as follows: "Sec. 10. Periodic Assessment. - xxx The amounts indicated in Section 7 of this Act shall be made available to the qualified household-beneficiaries during the first three (3) years of the implementation of this Act: Provided, That [every six (6) years] ANNUALLY after the effectivity of this Act, the PIDS shall recommend to the NAC whether the cash grants shall be adjusted to its present value using the consumer price index, as published by the PSA: Provided, further, That the NAC shall ensure that the grant amounts are sufficient to make a positive impact on the health, nutrition, and education of the beneficiaries and are timely received and spent by the beneficiaries."

SEC. 5. Section 11 of Republic Act No. 11310 is hereby amended

to read as follows: "SEC. 11. Conditions for Entitlement. - ALL QUALIFIED HOUSEHOLD-BENEFICIARIES CLASSIFIED AS FOOD POOR BASED ON THE SUBSISTENCE THRESHOLD ISSUED BY THE PSA AT THE TIME OF THE SELECTION SHALL BE

PRIORITIZED IN THE SELECTION PROCESS OF BENEFICIARIES. All qualified household-beneficiaries shall comply with all of the following conditions as a requirement for continued program eligibility: xxx"

SEC. 6. A new Section 13-A is hereby inserted to read as follows:

"SEC. 13-A. PANTAWID PAG-ASA. - THE PANTAWID PAG-ASA IS A RATIONALIZED SUPPORT PROGRAM OF THE PANTAWID PAMILYANG PILIPINO PROGRAM (4Ps) AIMED AT PROVIDING FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE TO PERSONS OR HOUSEHOLDS, REGARDLESS OF FORMAL POVERTY CLASSIFICATION, THOSE WHO ARE EXPERIENCING ECONOMIC DISTRESS DUE TO A CRISIS SITUATION, SUDDEN LOSS OF INCOME, OR DISRUPTION OF NORMAL FUNCTIONING. THIS INCLUDES THOSE UNABLE TO MEET BASIC NEEDS OR ESSENTIAL EXPENDITURES SUCH AS, BUT NOT LIMITED TO, FOOD, SHELTER, HEALTHCARE, EDUCATION, OR UTILITIES-AS A RESULT OF LOW INCOME, DISPLACEMENT, ILLNESS, CALAMITY, OR OTHER FORMS OF SOCIOECONOMIC VULNERABILITY. ALL EXISTING SIMILAR SOCIAL AMELIORATION PROGRAMS OR "AYUDAS", SUCH AS AYUDA SA KAPOS ANG KITA PROGRAM (AKAP) ASSISTANCE TO INDIVIDUALS IN CRISIS SITUATION (AICS) PROGRAM, TULONG PANGHANAPBUHAY SA ATING DISADVANTAGED WORKERS (TUPAD) PROGRAM; FOOD STAMP (STRATEGIC TRANSFER AND ALTERNATIVE MEASURES PROGRAM), AND OTHER SIMILAR SOCIAL PROTECTION PROGRAMS SHALL BE CONSOLIDATED UNDER THE PANTAWID PAG-ASA."

SEC. 7. A new Section 13-B is hereby inserted to read as

follows: "SEC. 13-B. PANTAWID PAG-ASA COVERAGE. - A

FAMILY OR INDIVIDUAL DETERMINED TO BE IN NEED OF FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE SHALL BE ENTITLED TO RECEIVE DIRECT FINANCIAL SUPPORT FOR MEDICAL, FOOD, EDUCATIONAL, TRANSPORTATION, FUNERAL, DISABILITY SUPPORT, PROFESSIONAL ASSISTANCE, AND SUCH OTHER IMMEDIATE MATERIAL NEED THAT THE DSWD MAY DEEM ESSENTIAL AND URGENT."

SEC. 8. A new Section 13-C is hereby inserted to read as follows:

"SEC. 13-C. PANTAWID PAG-ASA CASH ASSISTANCE TRANSFER. - THE NATIONAL ADVISORY COUNCIL (NAC) SHALL DETERMINE THE AMOUNTS AND ALLOWABLE FREQUENCY OF ASSISTANCE IN ACCORDANCE WITH RELEVANT PROGRAM GUIDELINES AND THE MODE OF CASH TRANSFER AS PROVIDED FOR UNDER SECTION 9 OF THIS ACT: PROVIDED, THAT THE SPECIFIC AMOUNTS SHALL BE FORMULATED IN CONSULTATION WITH THE DEPARTMENT OF BUDGET AND MANAGEMENT (DBM), AND BASED ON THE RECOMMENDATIONS OF THE PHILIPPINE INSTITUTE FOR DEVELOPMENT STUDIES (PIDS), TAKING INTO ACCOUNT INFLATION, POVERTY THRESHOLDS, AND AVAILABLE APPROPRIATIONS: PROVIDED, FURTHER, THAT THE APPROVED CASH ASSISTANCE SHALL NOT BE LOWER THAN THOSE PROVIDED UNDER EXISTING LAWS AND GUIDELINES: PROVIDED, FINALLY, THAT THE CASH TRANSFER SHALL BE MADE WITHIN FIVE (5) DAYS AFTER THE SUBMISSION OF THE COMPLETE DOCUMENTARY REQUIREMENTS AND EVALUATION THEREOF BY THE DSWD SOCIAL WORKER. NO PAYOUTS IN CASH IN OFFSITE VENUES NOR PAYOUTS IN GROUPS SHALL BE MADE."

SEC. 9. A new Section 13-D is hereby inserted to read as follows:

SEC. 13-D. PANTAWID PAG-ASA DOCUMENTARY

REQUIREMENTS AND SUBMISSION. - THE DSWD SHALL

ISSUE A STANDARD LIST OF DOCUMENTARY REQUIREMENTS NECESSARY TO ACCESS ASSISTANCE UNDER THE PANTAWID PAG-ASA PROGRAM. THE PHILIPPINE IDENTIFICATION CARD (PHILID) SHALL BE + in USED AS THE PRIMARY MEANS OF ESTABLISHING THE IDENTITY OF THE APPLICANT: PROVIDED, THAT IF THE PHILID IS NOT AVAILABLE, ANY VALID GOVERNMENT- ISSUED IDENTIFICATION MAY BE ACCEPTED: PROVIDED, FURTHER, THAT IN EXCEPTIONAL CASES, SUCH AS NATURAL OR MAN-MADE DISASTERS WHERE THE APPLICANT CANNOT PRESENT VALID IDENTIFICATION, THE DSWD SHALL TAKE A PHOTO OF THE INDIVIDUAL AND PREPARE A REPORT EXPLAINING THE CIRCUMSTANCES AND REASONS FOR THE ABSENCE OF PROPER IDENTIFICATION. TO ENSURE PROPER VERIFICATION AND RECORD INTEGRITY, THE CORRESPONDING PHILSYS CARD NUMBER (PCN) SHALL BE INTEGRATED INTO THE DSWD'S IDENTIFICATION SYSTEM AND BENEFICIARY DATABASE. THE PRESENTATION OF THE PHILID SHALL BE REQUIRED WHEN APPLYING FOR ANY ADDITIONAL OR FUTURE ASSISTANCE UNDER THE PANTAWID PAG-ASA PROGRAM. THE DSWD SHALL NOT REQUIRE DOCUMENTS THAT ARE ALREADY IN ITS POSSESSION, WHETHER FROM PREVIOUS APPLICATIONS OR FROM THE INDIVIDUAL'S ENROLLMENT IN THE 4PS PROGRAM. INSTEAD, THE DSWD SHALL CROSS-CHECK EXISTING RECORDS WITH ANY NEW SUBMISSIONS TO AVOID DUPLICATION. TO MAKE THE APPLICATION PROCESS EASIER AND MORE ACCESSIBLE, THE DSWD SHALL ESTABLISH A SIMPLE, DIGITAL, AND ONLINE SYSTEM FOR APPLYING

FOR ASSISTANCE UNDER THE PANTAWID PAG-ASA PROGRAM.

SEC. 10. A new Section 13-E is hereby inserted to read as follows:

"SEC. 13-E. SUSTAINABLE SOCIAL PROTECTION. - PANTAWID PAG-ASA IS A BRIDGE PROGRAM TO ASSIST CRISIS-AFFECTED FAMILIES AND INDIVIDUALS AND HELP DEVELOP BASIC CAPACITIES TO MEET FUTURE NEEDS AND IMPROVE ECONOMIC CONDITIONS. TOWARD THIS END, THE DSWD IS MANDATED TO BUILD CAPACITY AND ADAPTABILITY AND EXPAND OPPORTUNITIES OF FAMILIES AND INDIVIDUALS EXPERIENCING ECONOMIC UNCERTAINTY AND HARDSHIP. FOR THIS PURPOSE, PANTAWID PAG-ASA BENEFICIARIES SHALL ALSO BE GIVEN PRIORITY IN THE AVAILMENT OF LIVELIHOOD INTERVENTIONS AS PROVIDED UNDER SECTION 13 OF THIS ACT."

SEC. 11. A new Section 14-A is hereby inserted to read as follows:

"SEC. 14-A. SOCIAL PROTECTION DATABASE. - THE DSWD SHALL MAINTAIN A CENTRALIZED DATABASE OF ALL SOCIAL PROTECTION PROGRAMS, INCLUDING 4PS AND ITS PANTAWID PAG-ASA SUPPORT PROGRAM, AND THE BENEFICIARIES. THE PCN OF THE INDIVIDUAL BENEFICIARIES SHALL BE USED AS THE REFERENCE NUMBER IN THE IDENTIFICATION SYSTEM AND DATABASE. SUBJECT TO THE PROVISIONS OF THE DATA PRIVACY ACT OF 2012, THE DSWD SHALL INSTITUTIONALIZE A MECHANISM FOR REAL-TIME DATA SHARING WITH OTHER GOVERNMENT AGENCIES, SUCH AS THE DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH (DOH), DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION (DEPED), DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE (DA), DEPARTMENT OF LABOR AND EMPLOYMENT (DOLE), COMMISSION ON HIGHER EDUCATION (CHED),

TECHNICAL AND SKILLS DEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY (TESDA), AND LOCAL GOVERNMENT UNITS (LGUS) TO IDENTIFY ASSISTANCE NEEDED, ADDRESS GAPS, DETERMINE THE FUNDING REQUIREMENT, AND PREVENT POSSIBLE ABUSE AND FRAUD."

SEC. 12. A new Section 14-B is hereby inserted to read as follows:

"SEC. 14-B. INSTITUTIONAL SUPPORT. - TO ENSURE EFFECTIVE AND EFFICIENT DELIVERY OF SERVICES, THERE SHALL EXIST A CRISIS INTERVENTION OFFICE (CIO) AT THE CENTRAL OFFICE, CRISIS INTERVENTION DIVISIONS AT THE FIELD OFFICES, AND CRISIS INTERVENTION UNITS AT THE SOCIAL WELFARE AND DEVELOPMENT SATELLITE OFFICES OF THE DSWD THAT SHALL ENSURE THAT THE PROGRAM IS PROPERLY IMPLEMENTED, MONITORED, AND EVALUATED NATIONWIDE. THE SECRETARY THE DSWD, IN COORDINATION WITH THE CIO DIRECTOR AT THE CENTRAL OFFICE AND REGIONAL OFFICES, SHALL DETERMINE THE ADDITIONAL POSITIONS REQUIRED FOR THE IMPLEMENTATION OF THE PROGRAM IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE REVISED COMPENSATION AND POSITION CLASSIFICATION SYSTEM SUBJECT TO THE EVALUATION AND APPROVAL OF THE DBM AND IN COMPLIANCE WITH THE CIVIL SERVICE LAWS, RULES AND REGULATIONS, AND OTHER PERTINENT LAWS."

SEC. 13. A new Section 14-C is hereby inserted to read as follows:

"SEC. 14-C. GRIEVANCE MECHANISM. - A GENDER- SENSITIVE AND INDIGENOUS PEOPLES-RESPONSIVE GRIEVANCE REDRESS SYSTEM (GRS) SHALL BE ESTABLISHED AT THE NATIONAL, REGIONAL, PROVINCIAL, AND CLUSTER LEVELS AS A MECHANISM TO TO ADDRESS GRIEVANCES RELATIVE THE

IMPLEMENTATION OF THE PROGRAM, ESSENTIALLY ENSURING THAT ITS GOALS AND OBJECTIVES ARE ACHIEVED. THE SYSTEM SHALL BE A VENUE WHERE BOTH THE QUALIFIED HOUSEHOLD-BENEFICIARIES AND THE GENERAL PUBLIC CAN REPORT THEIR GRIEVANCES FOR RESOLUTIONS. THE GRS IS A GUIDE FOR PROGRAM STAFF ON HANDLING AND RESOLVING GRIEVANCES THAT INVARIABLY EMERGE IN THE PROGRAM IMPLEMENTATION. THE PERIOD FOR RESOLVING GRIEVANCES SHALL BE BASED ON THE EXISTING GUIDELINES OF THE DSWD 4PS GRS. IN CASE OF DOUBT, IT SHALL BE RESOLVED IN FAVOR OF THE QUALIFIED HOUSEHOLD-BENEFICIARY. THE GRIEVANCE RESOLUTION STANDARDS AND INDICATORS OUTLINED IN PANTAWID PAMILYANG PILIPINO PROGRAM NATIONAL ADVISORY COUNCIL (NAC) RESOLUTION NO. 4, SERIES OF 2020, AND IN ANY SUBSEQUENT ISSUANCES, SHALL BE OBSERVED. TO ENSURE THE EFFECTIVE AND EFFICIENT IMPLEMENTATION OF THE GRS, THE DSWD SHALL: (A) DEVELOP A GRS SUB-OPERATIONS MANUAL TO BE APPROVED BY THE CIO DIRECTOR. THE MANUAL SHOULD SPECIFY THE PROCESSES AND STEPS, INCLUDING THE TIMELINE OF GRIEVANCE HANDLING; (B) CAPACITATE GRIEVANCE OFFICERS, STAFF, BENEFICIARIES, AND PARTNER AGENCIES AND INSTITUTIONS TO EFFECTIVELY IMPLEMENT THE GRS; (C) MAINTAIN AND CONTINUOUSLY IMPROVE DATA MANAGEMENT, INCLUDING VALIDATION OF ADMINISTRATIVE DATA TO PREVENT DATA ISSUES SUCH AS MISSING DATA, NON-STANDARDIZED AND INVALID ENTRIES;

(D) PERFORM REGULAR DATA QUALITY CHECK AND USE OFF-THE-SHELF CUSTOMER RELATIONSHIP MANAGEMENT SYSTEMS (CRMS) TO MANAGE GRIEVANCE DATA; (E) ENSURE THAT ALL BENEFICIARIES, ESPECIALLY THOSE THAT ARE RECENTLY REGISTERED, ARE INFORMED OF THE KEY GRS PROCEDURES, AND ARE REGULARLY PROVIDED WITH INFORMATION AND UPDATES THROUGH VARIOUS FORA AND PLATFORMS, BOTH PHYSICAL AND DIGITAL; AND (F) PREPARE AN ANNUAL REPORT ON THE CLIENT SATISFACTION OF THE IMPLEMENTATION OF THE 4PS."

SEC. 14. A new Section 14-D is hereby inserted to read as follows:

"SEC 14-D. CONSOLIDATION AND FUNDING OF AYUDA PROGRAMS AND PROJECTS. - CONSISTENT WITH THE MANDATE OF THE DSWD TO PROVIDE AN INTEGRATED WELFARE PACKAGE THAT CONSTITUTES STRATEGIC INTERVENTIONS LEADING TO LONG-TERM IMPROVEMENT OF THE LIVES OF TARGET BENEFICIARIES, PROGRAMS AND PROJECTS CONCERNING SOCIAL AMELIORATION OR OF SIMILAR NATURE AND PURPOSE TO "AYUDA" THAT ARE HEREAFTER ESTABLISHED SHALL BE CONSOLIDATED, FUNDED, AND IMPLEMENTED THROUGH THE PANTAWID PAG-ASA PROGRAM: PROVIDED, THAT ALL AYUDA PROJECTS SHALL STRICTLY ADHERE TO THE APPLICABLE GUIDELINES AND REGULATIONS TO BE ISSUED BY THE NAC. TO ENSURE A SMOOTH AND ORDERLY TRANSITION IN THE CONSOLIDATION OF THE VARIOUS PROGRAMS UNDER THE PANTAWID PAG-ASA, THE DSWD, IN COORDINATION WITH THE DEPARTMENTS OR AGENCIES AFFECTED, SHALL FORMULATE A TRANSITION PLAN WITHIN SIXTY (60) DAYS FROM THE EFFECTIVITY OF THIS ACT. THE PLAN SHALL PROVIDE FOR THE PHASED

TRANSFER OF FUNCTIONS AS WELL AS THE PROGRAM COMPONENTS. PROVIDED FURTHER, THAT ASSISTANCE TO EXISTING BENEFICIARIES SHALL CONTINUE WITHOUT INTERRUPTION, SUBJECT TO UNIFIED GUIDELINES TO BE ISSUED BY THE NAC."

SEC. 15. Sec. 17 of Republic Act No. 11310 is hereby amended to read

as follows: "SEC. 17. Regular Monitoring. - The DSWD shall PERIODICALLY monitor the implementation of the program and report its status [at least once every three (3) years] ANNUALLY in order to ensure the attainment of the goals [enumerated in

Section 2 of] OF THE 4PS AND THE PANTAWID PAG-ASA

UNDER this Act to the House of Representatives and the Senate of the Philippines."

SEC. 16. Sec. 18 of Republic Act No. 11310 is hereby amended and

renumbered as Section 27 to read as follows: "SEC. [18] 28. Report of the Program. - The DSWD shall annually publish a full report of the 4Ps AND THE PANTAWID PAG-ASA covering the implementation of the previous fiscal year. The said report shall include financial disclosures, number of households included in the 4Ps, NUMBER OF FAMILIES AND INDIVIDUALS ASSISTED UNDER THE PANTAWID PAG-ASA, and recommendations to the Advisory Council, the President and to both chambers of Congress on how to further enhance it. This report shall be submitted to Congress before the submission of the President's Budget Message."

SEC. 17. Sec. 20 of Republic Act No. 11310 is hereby amended to read

as follows: "SEC. 20. Transparency. - [The] Program NOTWITHSTANDING THE PROVISIONS OF THE DATA PRIVACY ACT OF 2012, THE DSWD shall regularly and timely post and update on its website a report of financial disclosures and

: information about beneficiaries based on geographical area, social, economic, and cultural circumstances. THE SECRETARY OF THE DSWD SHALL BE PRIMARILY RESPONSIBLE FOR THE REGULAR POSTING AND UPDATING OF THE REPORT ON ITS WEBSITE."

SEC. 18. Sec. 21 of Republic Act No. 11310 is hereby amended to read

7 as follows: "SEC. 21. Joint Congressional Oversight Committee. - Upon the effectivity of this Act, a Congressional Oversight Committee, hereafter referred to as the 4Ps AND PANTAWID PAG-ASA Oversight Committee, is hereby constituted. This Committee shall set the overall framework to review the implementation of this Act. It shall likewise determine inherent weaknesses in the law and recommend necessary remedial legislation or executive measures. The 4Ps AND PANTAWID PAG-ASA Oversight Committee shall be composed of fourteen (14) members with the chairpersons of the Committee on Poverty Alleviation of the House of Representatives, and the Committee on Social Justice, Welfare and Rural Development of the Senate as Co-Chairpersons; and six (6) members from each House, to be designated by the Speaker of the House of Representatives, and the Senate President, respectively. For purposes of determining remedial legislation, the 4Ps AND PANTAWID PAG-ASA Oversight Committee shall, [within] EVERY three (3) years after the effectivity of this Act, conduct a [sunset] review which shall include a systematic evaluation of the impact of this Act, accomplishments of the program, and the performance of its implementing agencies."

SEC. 19. Sec. 24 of Republic Act No. 11310 is hereby amended to read

as follows: "SEC. 24. Penalties. - Any person, whether or not acting in conspiracy with public officials, who, by act or omission, inserts or allows the insertion of data or false information, or who diverts from

what ought to be contained in the registry, with the view of altering the fact, or aiding in the grant of the money to persons other than the qualified INDIVIDUALS OR household-beneficiaries, shall be penalized with imprisonment of not less than one (1) month but not more than one (1) year, or a fine of not less than Ten Thousand Pesos (P10,000.00) but not more than One Hundred Thousand Pesos (P100,000.00) or both imprisonment and fine, at the discretion of the court. A public official who commits any of the acts provided herein shall be penalized with temporary disqualification to hold public office [-], EXCEPT WHEN THE ACT FALLS UNDER

SECTION 24-A OF THIS ACT, IN WHICH CASE PERPETUAL

ABSOLUTE DISQUALIFICATION SHALL APPLY. Administrative sanctions shall be imposed without prejudice to prosecution in the proper courts."

SEC. 20. A new Section 24-A is hereby inserted to read as follows:

"SEC. 24-A. PROHIBITION AGAINST POLITICAL EXPLOITATION AND MANIPULATION. - THE ASSISTANCE PROVIDED UNDER THE PANTAWID PAG-ASA PROGRAM SHALL BE DETERMINED BASED ON THE GENUINE NEEDS OF THE INDIVIDUAL OR FAMILY SEEKING SUPPORT. NO PUBLIC OFFICIAL OR GOVERNMENT EMPLOYEE SHALL INFLUENCE OR REPRESENT THEMSELVES AS HAVING INFLUENCE OVER ANY PART OF THE PROGRAM'S IMPLEMENTATION. IN LIKE MANNER, NO PUBLIC OFFICIAL OR EMPLOYEE SHALL ENDORSE, IN WHATEVER FORM, ANY INDIVIDUAL TO BE INCLUDED OR EXCLUDED FROM THE PROGRAM. EXCEPT FOR AUTHORIZED DSWD PERSONNEL, NO OFFICIAL OR EMPLOYEE OF THE GOVERNMENT SHALL PARTICIPATE IN THE TRANSFER OF CASH ASSISTANCE TO INDIVIDUALS NOR ISSUE GUARANTEE LETTERS. THE DSWD SHALL ENSURE THAT ALL ASSISTANCE PROVIDED IS

! EXPLICITLY IDENTIFIED AS SOURCED FROM TAXPAYERS' MONEY, REGARDLESS OF THE MODE OF TRANSFER. NO PUBLIC OFFICIAL SHALL CLAIM THAT FUNDS WERE PROVIDED BY HIM/HER OR APPROPRIATED THROUGH HIS/HER EFFORTS. ANY PERSON WHO SHALL VIOLATE THIS PROVISION SHALL SUFFER THE PENALTY OF PERPETUAL ABSOLUTE DISQUALIFICATION FROM HOLDING PUBLIC OFFICE."

SEC. 21. Appropriations. - The amount necessary to carry out the

10 provisions of this Act shall be charged against those authorized in the current and subsequent General Appropriations Act.

SEC. 22. Implementing Rules and Regulations. - The rules and

regulations necessary for the effective and efficient enforcement of the provisions of this Act shall be formulated by the DSWD, in consultation with relevant government agencies, LGUs, the private sector, and other stakeholders, and shall be implemented within ninety (90) days from the effectivity of this Act. Unjustified or willful failure or refusal of the concerned government agencies to promulgate the implementing rules and regulations (IRR) within the specified period shall subject the heads of these government agencies to administrative penalties under applicable civil service laws. Should the IRR contain provisions that are contrary to this Act, the heads of the government agencies responsible for such provision, when done in bad faith or with gross negligence, shall be held administratively liable.

SEC. 23. Separability Clause. - If any portion or provision of this Act

is declared unconstitutional, the remainder hereof or any provisions not affected thereby shall remain in force and effect.

SEC. 24. Repealing Clause. - Any law, presidential decree or issuance,

executive order, letter of instruction, rule, or regulation inconsistent with the provisions of this Act is hereby repealed or modified accordingly.

SEC. 25. Effectivity. - This Act shall take effect fifteen (15) days after

its complete publication in the Official Gazette or in a newspaper of general 3 circulation. Approved,