The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) has warned all beneficiaries of its financial assistance programs against using their cash aid for gambling.
In a department-wide memorandum released Monday, DSWD Secretary Rex Gatchalian directed all program implementers to remind beneficiaries that the financial aid should be used only for basic needs and not for gambling or other unauthorized activities.
“These funds are for public purposes and cannot be used for any other purpose, especially in all forms and modes of gambling,” the memorandum read.
Gatchalian also ordered stronger post-distribution monitoring and the activation of grievance mechanisms to address any reports of misuse.
Beneficiaries caught using aid for gambling may be removed from the program and may be disqualified from future government assistance.
The move aligns with the Marcos administration’s broader campaign against gambling and its negative impact on Filipino households, the DSWD said.
The warning follows a recent directive from the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas for e-wallet platforms to de-link from online gambling sites to protect their subscribers from financial risks.
The DSWD urged all beneficiaries to use government assistance —provided to alleviate poverty and improve the welfare of Filipinos— responsibly. PNA
