The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) has issued a suspension of operations of the unlicensed shelter run by vlogger Benjie Perillo, known as BenchTV, following a site inspection in Barangay Landayan, San Pedro, Laguna early morning of Thursday (January 29).
The operation was led by the DSWD’s Standards Bureau (SB) in coordination with the City Social Welfare and Development Office (CSWDO) of San Pedro, and DSWD Field Office (FO) 4A- CALABARZON. To ensure transparency, barangay officials, and local law enforcement authorities accompanied the DSWD officials who conducted the inspection.
A total of 12 individuals were discovered at the facility, including two minors. Six individuals, among them the two minors, were transferred to the custody of the DSWD for appropriate care and intervention. Medical assessments focusing on vital signs were conducted by the City Health Office (CHO) of San Pedro, while social workers carried out profiling and case management procedures.
The beneficiaries were assisted throughout the process by licensed social workers and were formally endorsed to receiving social workers to ensure continuity of services. The DSWD also provided technical assistance to BenchTV regarding the process and requirements for securing a Certificate of Registration and License to Operate (CRLTO). (KI)
DSWD’s Standards Bureau cracks down on unlicensed Laguna care facility; 6 residents, 2 of whom are minors, now under social workers’ custody
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 (January 29), the DSWD’s Standards Bureau (SB), in coordination with the City Social Welfare and Development Office (CSWDO) of San Pedro, 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 in San Pedro, Laguna.
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 January 29 operation, the DSWD discovered a total of 12 individuals who were staying at the shelter, two of whom are minors.
Six individuals, including the two minors, were successfully transferred to the custody of the DSWD for appropriate intervention and placement. The remaining six will be 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,” Asst. Secretary Irene Dumlao, the DSWD’s spokesperson said on Friday (January 30).
The City Health Office (CHO) of San Pedro has conducted medical assessments focusing on vital signs and social workers carried out comprehensive profiling of the beneficiaries to ensure proper case management.
All rescued individuals were assisted by DSWD’s licensed social workers and were formally endorsed to social workers of the receiving care facilities to guarantee continuity of care.
“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,” Asst. Secretary Dumlao pointed out.
During the dialogue with BenchTV, the DSWD’s Standards Bureau provided 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 issued a suspension order directing BenchTV to stop shelter operations until full compliance with licensing requirements is achieved.
The DSWD continues to work with local government units (LGUs), civil society partners, and concerned individuals to ensure that all social welfare institutions operate legally and responsibly, while prioritizing the best interests of those in need. (KI)
