Solons to critics: Most Filipinos support gov’t social welfare programs

MANILA, Philippines — Critics of the government’s social welfare programs should stop their criticisms since a recent survey showed that an overwhelming number of Filipinos vouched for these initiatives, according to lawmakers.

In a joint statement on Wednesday, three House leaders made the appeal citing the Social Weather Stations (SWS) and Pulse Asia survey results, which showed that 80 to 90 percent of Filipino respondents found them beneficial.

“Let’s listen to our fellow Filipinos. They support the social welfare programs, and these are helping them. Enough, stop the criticism,” Senior Deputy Speaker Aurelio Gonzales Jr. said in Filipino.

He pointed out “no other government program has gained such level of acceptance and support from the public in recent years.”

Likewise, Deputy Speaker David Suarez and Majority Leader Manuel Jose Dalipe welcomed the results.

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“These programs are funded by taxpayers’ money, which Congress is putting to good use by helping the poor and those whose income is not enough for their daily needs,” Dalipe said.

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Based on the SWS survey result, 90 percent of respondents said the Department of Social Welfare and Development’s Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program (4Ps) was helpful to them; 88 percent shared the same sentiments for the Department of Labor and Employment’s Tulong Panghanapbuhay sa Ating Disadvantaged/Displaced Workers program.

Meanwhile, the Pulse Asia survey results revealed that 82 percent believed that 4Ps “improved the financial stability of Filipinos from the lower social class,” while the same percentage said TUPAD was “beneficial to the overall well-being of the Filipino people by providing livelihood and ensuring employment.”