Hundreds of delivery riders went to Makati City Hall early on Friday, March 27, 2026, to get P5,000 in cash help from the government. The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) started giving out the money before sunrise. Free bread was also given to those who received their aid.
The DSWD expected around 1,600 riders to come on Friday, including some who missed the payout on Thursday. The agency set different days for different transport groups. Delivery riders were scheduled on Thursday and Friday.
Why Some Names Were Missing
DSWD Secretary Rex Gatchalian said fewer people are now complaining about missing names on the list. But he explained that the problem comes from the companies, not the DSWD. The companies gave the government the list of their drivers. The DSWD only used that list to give out the money.
He said some drivers called “tempo drivers” were not included. These are temporary drivers who work for delivery apps but are not officially registered with the LTFRB, the government office that oversees transport. Because they are not registered, they were not on the list.
Gatchalian also said some companies may not want to share the full list. This is because the list might show that they hired more drivers than what the government allows.
More Aid Coming
Gatchalian said the cash help will not stop after this week. He said the President ordered the aid to continue for as long as needed. The government has set aside P30 billion for transport workers until June, and another P30 billion for the rest of the year.
Some riders said the P5,000 helps, but it is not enough. One rider said prices of goods and fuel are still too high. Another said he would use the money to buy a helmet and pay debts, and is thankful for any amount given.
