NATIONAL
Advocates Philippines
DSWD Shuts Down BenchTV's Unlicensed Care Facility In Laguna
Photo credit: DSWD
The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) has ordered the immediate shutdown of an unlicensed care facility operated by vlogger Benjie Perillo, popularly known as BenchTV, following an early morning inspection in Barangay Landayan, San Pedro, Laguna on January 29.
The operation was carried out by the DSWD Standards Bureau, with support from the San Pedro City Social Welfare and Development Office, DSWD Field Office 4A–CALABARZON, barangay officials, and local police. The coordinated visit aimed to verify reports about the facility’s operations and ensure the safety of the individuals staying inside.
During the inspection, authorities found 12 people living in the shelter, including two minors. Six of them—among them the two underaged individuals—were immediately placed under DSWD custody for proper care, assessment, and intervention.
Health workers from the San Pedro City Health Office conducted medical checks, while social workers handled case profiling and management to determine the needs and conditions of each person rescued. The beneficiaries were then formally endorsed to receiving social workers to guarantee uninterrupted support and services.
DSWD officials also briefed BenchTV’s team on the legal requirements and procedure for securing a Certificate of Registration and License to Operate (CRLTO), emphasizing that any facility providing residential care must be accredited to ensure the safety and welfare of its residents.
The agency is expected to release further updates as the case progresses, particularly on the compliance of BenchTV and the long-term welfare of the individuals rescued from the unlicensed facility.
The operation was carried out by the DSWD Standards Bureau, with support from the San Pedro City Social Welfare and Development Office, DSWD Field Office 4A–CALABARZON, barangay officials, and local police. The coordinated visit aimed to verify reports about the facility’s operations and ensure the safety of the individuals staying inside.
During the inspection, authorities found 12 people living in the shelter, including two minors. Six of them—among them the two underaged individuals—were immediately placed under DSWD custody for proper care, assessment, and intervention.
Health workers from the San Pedro City Health Office conducted medical checks, while social workers handled case profiling and management to determine the needs and conditions of each person rescued. The beneficiaries were then formally endorsed to receiving social workers to guarantee uninterrupted support and services.
DSWD officials also briefed BenchTV’s team on the legal requirements and procedure for securing a Certificate of Registration and License to Operate (CRLTO), emphasizing that any facility providing residential care must be accredited to ensure the safety and welfare of its residents.
The agency is expected to release further updates as the case progresses, particularly on the compliance of BenchTV and the long-term welfare of the individuals rescued from the unlicensed facility.
Jan 30, 2026
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