Lacson eyes expansion of 4Ps, review of 2025 budget

Incoming senator Panfilo Lacson yesterday said his top legislative priority in the 20th Congress would be to integrate all government cash assistance programs under the Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program (4Ps).

- By NEIL JAYSON SERVALLOS

In an interview with Bombo Radyo, Lacson said his team is already drafting amendments to Republic Act 11310 to expand the coverage of 4Ps to include sectors currently served by other aid programs such as TUPAD, AKAP, AICS and MAIP.

"This early, I have instructed my prospective legislative staff to draft an amendment... to expand it and address the sectors covered by the other forms of ayuda that have become confusing and have become a political tool used by some politicians for their campaigns," Lacson said.

He argued that unlike other programs, 4Ps is supported by a verified list of beneficiaries and backed by studies from government agencies such as the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) and the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE).

"Expanding the 4Ps will be better because the 4Ps has a data-driven list of beneficiaries," he said.