MANILA – The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) has ordered the suspension of operations of an unlicensed care facility run by vlogger Benjie Perillo, known as BenchTV, following a site inspection in Barangay Landayan, San Pedro, Laguna.

In a news release Friday, DSWD spokesperson Assistant Secretary Irene Dumlao said the operation was carried out by the agency’s Standards Bureau (SB) in coordination with the City Social Welfare and Development Office (CSWDO) of San Pedro, the DSWD field office in Calabarzon, barangay officials, and local law enforcement authorities.

An initial investigation by the DSWD-SB showed that BenchTV has been rescuing individuals living on the streets since 2020 and has reunited some of them with their families.

During the inspection, authorities found 12 individuals staying at the shelter, including two minors. Six individuals, among them the two minors, were transferred to the custody of the DSWD for appropriate intervention and placement, while the remaining six will be closely monitored by the local government unit for immediate reintegration with their 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,” Dumlao said.

The City Health Office of San Pedro conducted medical assessments focusing on vital signs, while social workers carried out comprehensive profiling of the beneficiaries to ensure proper case management. All rescued individuals were assisted by DSWD-licensed social workers and formally endorsed to social workers of receiving care facilities to ensure 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,” Dumlao said.

During a dialogue with BenchTV, the DSWD-SB provided technical assistance on the licensing process, including requirements and procedures for securing a Certificate of Registration and License to Operate (CRLTO), as well as available forms of support for organizations seeking compliance.

Following the assessment, the Standards Bureau 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,” Dumlao said.

“We also continue to strengthen our regulatory functions by conducting inspections on shelters operating without valid licenses in order to ensure the safety, protection, and welfare of vulnerable individuals,” she added.