FROM all indications, there won’t be another round of financial assistance under the national government’s Social Amelioration Program, as claimed by a Palace official.
At the Laging Handa press briefing, the Department of Budget and Management (DBM) instead recommended to President Rodrigo Duterte the provision of assistance “in-kind” to households or individuals affected by the new restrictions.
The DBM recommendation runs smack against what presidential spokesperson Harry Roque has earlier stated to the media since the re-imposition of the most stringent community quarantine classification for Metro Manila and adjoining provinces last Saturday.
During the same briefing, Senator Bong Go assured the public that the government would definitely be helping those who are adversely affected by the re-imposition of the enhanced community quarantine in the National Capital Region, Rizal, Laguna, Cavite and Bulacan.
He, however, took note of the DBM recommendation that food supplies be given to the affected families in these areas instead of the usual financial aid.
“Rekomendasyon ng DBM, based sa kanilang napag-usapan sa meeting nila, ay assistance to be given in kind. Importante dito, habang kinukulong natin ang ating mga kababayan ay dapat walang magutom, meron silang makain sa kanilang hapag-kainan dahil pinilit natin silang manatili sa kanilang mga bahay. Siguraduhin nating meron tayong maibigay na tulong sa kanila,” Go said.
He added that the food assistance would either be distributed per family or household, or per individual and coursed through the Department of Social Welfare and Development or the local government unit. As for the funds, Go said they are looking at tapping the remaining P23 billion identified by the Bureau of Treasury.