Ace Balangitan

As tropical storm Dodong hit the Philippines, dubious posts containing registration links for supposed financial aid emerged on several Facebook groups.

The post bearing the logo of the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) and the official portrait of Senator Robinhood “Robin” Padilla has been reposted several times on Facebook groups and pages, urging netizens to register for a Php 3,000 financial aid for indigents.

However, the registration link in the post only leads to e-commerce websites.



Claim: In a Facebook post made on July 17, a faux Facebook account claims that the Department of Social Welfare and Development and Senator Robin Padilla are offering financial aid worth P3,000 through a registration link.

Rating: FALSE

Conclusion: DSWD and Sen. Padilla are not spearheading any financial aid program through social media.


The graphic posted in 4PS ALL REGION Facebook group includes a supposed roll of beneficiaries and a text saying, "TULONG PINANSYAL. 3,000 PESOS. NON 4PS AT 4PS KASAMA. MAG PALISTA NA. Sa Lahat ng mag papalista paki MESSAGE kami."

Meanwhile, a reverse image search reveals the photo was first published on June 14 by a Facebook page named "DSWD Scholarship Program" that similarly urged netizens to apply through a registration link leading to a fake website, libreng-ayuda-2022.blogspot.com.

While others questioned the legitimacy of the posts, many hoped to be selected to receive financial assistance. 

These posts taking advantage of the Filipino masses are FALSE because Sen. Padilla and the DSWD are not spearheading an online financial assistance program.

Official announcements regarding DSWD's programs and services can be accessed through their official Facebook page and website. 

On the other hand, some of their programs such as the Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program have separate Facebook pages.

During the height of the COVID-19 pandemic in early 2021, the department has already issued a warning against fake Facebook pages, stressing that it does not implement programs online or on social media. Recently, the DSWD has cautioned the public against similar schemes that said indigent senior citizens will receive a monthly pension worth Php 1,000 through registration.

As of writing, the post in the group has amassed over 1,700 reactions, 1,800 comments, and more than  70 shares.


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