Missing names on the beneficiary list - a primary concern of Filipino drivers when seeking cash relief assistance from the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD).

The concern began during the distribution of cash relief assistance to tricycle drivers in Metro Manila. The complaints reached DSWD Secretary Rex Gatchalian, which is why he clarified that if the legitimate driver doesn’t find his name on the list, he has to coordinate with the respective Local Government Unit (LGU).

“Kung sakaling hindi niyo matagpuan ang inyong pangalan sa listahan pero lehitimo kayong driver, ang gagawin niyo lang, magpupunta lang tayo sa inyong local government unit at ia-apela natin doon,” he said during the cash assistance rollout on tricycle drivers

[“Just in case you didn’t find your name in the list, but you’re a legitimate driver, the only thing you have to do is to go to your respective Local Government Unit (LGU) and file an appeal.”]

A similar concern arose during the distribution of ₱5,000 aid for Transport Network Vehicle Services (TNVS) drivers. 

Several legitimate drivers didn’t find their names on the list. Laban TNVS President Jun de Leon also revealed this concern in an exclusive interview on Hataw Balita Ngayon.

“Alas-4 lang tayo po natulog dahil hinahanap din po natin ang pangalan ng ating driver at wala po sa listahan,” he said

[“I slept at 4:00 AM, looking for the names of our fellow drivers, and they are not included in the list.”]

The DSWD has also received reports where drivers blame the agency staff due to the same concern.

In response, Secretary Gatchalian mentioned not to vent their frustrations to the DSWD personnel, as the agency is not responsible for creating the masterlist of claimants.

“Hindi ho DSWD ang gumawa ng listahan,” he said

[“The DSWD didn’t create the list.”]

He further clarified that the transport network vehicles are responsible for that and advised the drivers to approach their respective companies regarding their concerns.

“Kaya kung meron kayong dapat puntahan ngayon or kung meron kayong dapat singilin ngayon, singilin natin mismo yung mga TNC niyo o yung mga kumpanya niyo na may hawak sa inyo,” he added

[“So, if there is someone to approach or hold accountable, it should be your respective TNCs or companies.”]

Sec. Gatchalian assured drivers that this will not be the first and last chance to receive the aid.

“Hindi naman ho ito ang una at huling araw ng payout. Katulad ng nangyari sa tricycle drivers last week, pwede tayong mag-schedule ng special payout day,” he said

[“This is not the first and last day of payout. Similar to what happened to tricycle drivers last week, we can set a schedule for a special payout day.”]

The lists of beneficiaries, which came from the TNCs, also underwent the verification of the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) to ensure that no drivers would receive duplicate assistance.

With reports from Benedict Samson

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