MANILA, Philippines — To ensure the swift delivery of financial aid, the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) clarified on Sunday, April 19, 2026, that it does not require a certification from the Commission on Elections (Comelec) for public utility vehicle (PUV) drivers to receive their cash relief.
The announcement comes after reports that motorcycle taxi drivers in Cebu City were being asked to present voter certifications to claim their assistance. DSWD Assistant Secretary Irene Dumlao emphasized that the agency is committed to “keeping politics out of ayuda” and simplifying the process for those whose livelihoods are threatened by rising fuel costs.
To claim the ₱5,000 cash assistance under the Assistance to Individuals in Crisis Situations (AICS) program, qualified PUV drivers only need to present:
- Valid Professional Driver’s License.
- No other documents (such as voter’s certifications or local political endorsements) are required by the national agency.
The cash relief is specifically targeted at those in the transport sector most affected by the current energy crisis. The list of beneficiaries is compiled through official government channels:
- Tricycle Drivers: Lists provided by Local Government Units (LGUs).
- TNVS Drivers: Lists provided by the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) via transport network companies.
- Motorcycle Taxi & Delivery Riders: Lists provided by the Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT) via private express/messenger services.
The DSWD is moving toward more efficient, digital methods to distribute aid:
- Second Tranche: On April 8, the DSWD held a summit with Financial Service Providers (FSPs) to transition the second round of cash relief to digital platforms, reducing the need for drivers to wait in long physical lines.
- Broad Scope: While the current priority is the transport sector, Dumlao noted that other individuals in crisis may still visit DSWD offices to apply for regular AICS support.
By removing bureaucratic hurdles like the Comelec certification, the DSWD aims to get funds into the hands of drivers immediately. “We want to hasten the distribution… every day of delay is a day of lost income for our drivers,” Dumlao stated.