Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) Secretary Rex Gatchalian gathered the representatives of various transport network companies (TNCs), including the Land Transportation Franchising Board (LTFRB), to iron out issues regarding the distribution of financial assistance for transport network vehicle service (TNVS) drivers.

The meeting was held in response to multiple complaints received by the DSWD from TNVS drivers who were excluded from the list of cash aid beneficiaries, reported RH 5 Val Gonzales on Friday, March 27.

Gatchalian stressed that TNCs, including Grab, Move It, InDrive, Lalamove, Maxim, JoyRide, Angkas, and PureRide, must submit complete lists of all their drivers—including temporary ones. Grab and InDrive were found to have had the most issues on payout days.

The meeting also tackled the possible reasons for the variance in lists submitted, such as drivers’ insufficient personal information, preventing the DSWD from processing the data, or the TNC’s failure to turn in a list in the first place.

As an example, Gatchalian said the lack of information provided resulted in the delisting of one driver, consistent with the agency’s strict validation protocols.

He appealed to TNCs to exercise transparency and acknowledge drivers excluded from their official lists, as the government bears the criticism for their shortcomings.

Amid steep hikes in petroleum product prices, the DSWD—through local government units (LGUs)—has also provided financial aid to public utility vehicle (PUV) drivers, but has faced similar issues.