THE Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) continues to strengthen its regulatory functions by conducting inspections on shelters operating without valid licenses in order to ensure the safety, protection, and welfare of vulnerable individuals.
In the early morning of Thursday, Jan. 29, the DSWD’s Standards Bureau (SB), in coordination with the City Social Welfare and Development Office (CSWDO) of San Pedro, Laguna, the DSWD’s Field Office’s (FO) 4A – CALABARZON, Landayan barangay officials, and local law enforcement authorities, conducted an operation on the unlicensed shelter owned and managed by vlogger Benjie Perillo, popularly known as BenchTV, located in Barangay Landayan. San Pedro
Initial investigation by the DSWD-SB showed that BenchTV has been rescuing individuals living on the streets since 2020 and subsequently reuniting some with their families.
During the raid, the DSWD discovered a total of 12 individuals who were staying at the shelter, two of whom are minors.
The group, including two minors, were remanded to the custody of the DSWD for proper disposition. Six will remain under close monitoring of the LGU for immediate reintegration with their respective families.
“The role of the Department is not to discourage compassion-driven initiatives, but to make sure that every shelter operates within standards that protect the dignity, safety, and rights of clients. This is part of strengthening regulatory functions to ensure that well-meaning efforts do not result in unintended harm,” DSWD assistant secretary and spokesperson Irene Dumlao said.
The City Health Office of San Pedro has conducted medical assessments focusing on vital signs, while social workers carried out comprehensive profiling of the beneficiaries to ensure proper case management.
All rescued persons were assisted by DSWD’s licensed social workers and formally endorsed to social workers of the receiving care facilities to guarantee continuity of care services.
“Regulation is essential in social welfare work because vulnerable individuals deserve services that meet minimum standards of care. The Department will continue engaging unlicensed shelters, providing guidance while taking necessary action to uphold child protection and social welfare laws,” Dumlao pointed out.
The DSWD’s Standards Bureau provided the shelter owner technical assistance related to the licensing process, including the requirements and procedures for securing a Certificate of Registration and License to Operate (CRLTO) and the forms of support available to organizations seeking compliance with regulatory standards.
Following the assessment, the SB suspended the shelter’s operation pending full compliance with licensing requirements.
