JANUARY 8, 2026 — When you hear TUPAD, many Filipinos immediately think of short-term jobs from the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) for those who lost their livelihood — street sweeping, barangay clean-up, or simple community work with pay. During the pandemic, it became a lifeline for thousands. 

Now actor-turned-lawmaker Jolo Revilla has filed a measure seeking to make the TUPAD program permanent, ensuring continuous emergency employment for displaced workers, informal laborers, and returning OFWs. The proposal aims to institutionalize funding and regularize the program as a long-term safety net during crises.

He said, “Layunin ng panukala na gawing regular at may sapat na pondo ang programa bilang pangmatagalang tulong sa oras ng krisis.” 

(The proposal aims to make the program regular and adequately funded as long-term aid during times of crisis.)

Sounds promising, right? But let’s pause for a while here … because hasn’t TUPAD been abused before? 

Another haunting

In 2021, DOLE itself admitted there were “ghost beneficiaries” and barangay officials who skimmed off wages from workers. There were also reports of people being asked to sign attendance sheets without actually working. 

If this program becomes permanent, how do we ensure it doesn’t turn into passive income for the lazy — or worse, a cash cow for corrupt officials?

On one hand, it’s a huge help for informal workers and OFWs suddenly left jobless. On the other, don’t we need stronger job creation programs instead of temporary “emergency work”? If TUPAD becomes law, should monitoring and transparency be tightened? Or will it simply open the door wider for misuse?

But the bigger question is, do we really want to turn a stopgap program into a long-term solution? Wouldn’t it be wiser to invest more in real jobs, skills training, and sustainable livelihood that can truly uplift communities?

Permanent aid without permanent accountability is a recipe for permanent failure.

(Image: Jolo Revilla | Facebook)