The Department of Social Welfare and Development – National Capital Region (DSWD-NCR) warns Pantawid Pamilya beneficiaries against the pawning of their cash cards.

Since this act manifests misdemeanor of the beneficiaries, and once a complaint has been verified under the Grievance Redress System (GRS) of the program, the following sanctions will be given:

First Offense: Counseling by the City/ Municipal Link and a written warning from the Social Welfare Officer IV of the area.

 

Second Offense: Counseling by the SWO III, written warning from the Regional Director and a two-month (1 period) suspension of cash grants.

 

Third Offense: Delisting of the concerned household with the approval of the Regional Director.

 

Meanwhile, since the cash card is a government property and is being used in paying cash grants to the beneficiaries, DSWD-NCR has the authority to confiscate the cash card from loan sharks.

 

DSWD-NCR Director Ma. Alicia S. Bonoan said that beneficiaries, who need emergency assistance which could be the possible cause of pawning of cash card, may request the facilitation of their City/ Municipal Links for access to the Department’s Expanded Assistance to Individuals in Crisis Situation (EAICS) which includes transportation, medical, burial, educational and financial assistance.

 

Also, Director Bonoan encourages the public to report such cases by texting to Pantawid Pamilya hotline 0918-912-2813 or call telephone numbers 733-0010 to 18 local 302 or 734-8639.

 

As of March 12, 2015, a total of 94 cases of Pantawid Pamilya cash card pawning have been filed in DSWD-NCR. Of these, 15 cases are being validated while 79 have been resolved. ### (DSWD-NCR, Social Marketing Office, March 25, 2015)