EMERGENCY is the top most reason why Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program (4Ps) beneficiaries pawn their ATM cards, according to John Sampiano, Regional Grievance Officer of the Department of Social Welfare and Development in Davao Region (DSWD-Region).
“Emergency, mao gyud na ang ilahang number one nga rason. Emergency kaayo, kana sya nga mga rason gina-validate gyud na sya (The top most reason why they pawn their ATMs because of emergency cases and these claims have been validated),” Sampiano said in an interview with Super Radyo.
“Nanginahanglan lage, or naospital ilahang mga anak (Either they are in dire need of money or their children are admitted in the hospital).” Sampiano added.
Sampiano said there are cases where beneficiaries will pawn their ATM cards to lending firms collecting high interest rates.
Sampiano emphasized that the financial assistance are intended for the beneficiaries' children specifically for their education and health.
“Para ni sya sa ilang mga bata, para sa pagskwela, para sa health (This is for their children’s education and health),” Sampiano said.
Sampiano said pawning of the 4Ps ATM card is a violation of the conditions stipulated in the program and subject for removal from the program. Beneficiaries may also face sanctions and penalties.
For the first offense, beneficiaries will be given a warning from the provincial link to investigate the pawning of the atm card.
Second offense, they will receive a warning from the regional director and suspension of cash grants for two months while the case is under investigation by the DSWD staff.
The third offense will lead to the removal from the program.
DSWD-Davao urged the public to report anyone who is involved in the said activity to their office.