Officials from the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) reassured the public that politicians are barred from using the agency’s Pantawid Pamilya Pilipino Program (4Ps) in their propaganda.

According to Joan Pelicio, a representative of the grievance committee of the said program in Bohol, beneficiaries of the government initiative should not give in to threats and dispel thoughts that politicians will remove them from the list if they do not vote for a certain candidate or members of a political party.

Pelicio noted that requirements to remain in the program’s list and to continue receiving benefits from the department have not been changed.

Those in the list have also been encouraged to report erring candidates who will intimidate voters and use the government program in their campaigns.

Beneficiaries of the 4Ps program have the freedom to vote for whoever they see fit to hold positions in government during the May 9 polls, Pelicio highlighted.

The province of Bohol approximately has 60,000 beneficiaries of the program. (with reports from Allen Oyetto)