Marilyn Cahatol

Article (news)

ABS-CBN News

<p>MANILA — Government welcomes individuals and groups who want to help those in need, but care centers need to comply with laws and regulations, the National Council on Disability Affairs and Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) said following the <a href="https://www.abs-cbn.com/news/regions/2026/1/30/dswd-shuts-down-unlicensed-care-facility-owned-by-vlogger-1207">shutdown of an unlicensed care facility</a> in Laguna. </p><p>The council explained that government requires license to ensure “social work agencies and practice of social work profession are officially regulated, recognized and authorized to deliver helpful and quality social services.”</p><p>The DSWD shut down an unlicensed care facility in Barangay Landayan in San Pedro, Laguna owned by vlogger Benjie Perillo — also known as BenchTV — after a site inspection Thursday. </p><p>DSWD personnel saw 12 people staying at the shelter when they conducted their inspection, and have taken custody of six of them, including two minors. </p><p>NCDA also raised concerns about using vulnerable individuals, particularly those with mental health issues, in social media content as it may violate the Data Privacy Act, Magna Carta for Persons with Disabilities and other laws.</p><p>It added that “minors and individuals with mental conditions may not be able to express complaints about their situations and exposure to social media.”</p><p>Welcoming NCDA’s support, DSWD spokesperson Irene Dumlao said: “Gaya nga ng sabi ni Secretary Rex Gatchalian, hindi natin kinukwestyon ang kanyang magandang intensyon pero delikado kung ang isang care facility ay hindi lisensyado.” </p><p>(As Secretary Rex Gatchalian said, we do not question his good intentions, but it is dangerous for a care facility to be unlicensed.)</p><div><br/></div><div><strong>RELATED VIDEO:</strong></div><div><br/></div><div style="text-align:center"><iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/3SCZiqWyT78?si=L8ZmjUz5nqWA6bHF" title="YouTube video player" frameBorder="0" allowfullscreen=""></iframe></div>

<p>Individuals or groups are not discouraged from helping those in need, but should comply with laws and regulations, the National Council on Disability Affairs (NCDA) and Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) said following the <a href="https://www.abs-cbn.com/news/regions/2026/1/30/dswd-shuts-down-unlicensed-care-facility-owned-by-vlogger-1207">shutdown of an unlicensed care facility</a> in Laguna.</p>

Individuals or groups are not discouraged from helping those in need, but should comply with laws and regulations, the National Council on Disability Affairs (NCDA) and Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) said following the shutdown of an unlicensed care facility in Laguna.

Care facilities welcome, but must comply with laws — NCDA, DSWD

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Care facilities welcome, but must comply with laws — NCDA, DSWD

Marilyn Cahatol,

ABS-CBN News

Published Feb 01, 2026 09:54 AM PHT

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Department of Social Welfare and Development

National Council of Disability Affairs

care facility

unlicensed

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