Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, April 16) — President Rodrigo Duterte on Thursday said no cash aid will be given to those who will be identified spending money on gambling and alcohol drinking amid the enforced quarantine.
In a televised address, Duterte called on the Department of the Interior and Local Government to investigate those taking part in cockfights and other forms of gambling despite the stay-at-home order. He also instructed authorities to identify those who continue to squander funds on liquor.
The chief executive ordered local government units to hold financial assistance to violators.
“Alam mo sa totoo lang, kayong nagsasabong at inuman, ibig sabihin may pera kayo,” Duterte said. “Do not expect any help from me. Sorry na lang.”
The president said the country is running low on supplies, especially food products to distribute across the country. Luzon has been on a lockdown for four weeks now and the government is struggling to provide for affected families, he said.
“There’s not enough to go around, ‘di talaga magkasya,” he lamented. “Ilang araw na buong Pilipinas pinapakain mo—18 million [low-income] families.”
“Itong assistance na binibigay ng gobyerno dapat talaga gamitin ninyo sa wastong paraan,” he added.
Duterte said he will order LGUs to redistribute the funds, supposedly intended for quarantine violators, to families in greater need.
In his speech, he also lambasted authorities who are likewise taking part in illicit activities, adding that he would “punch” them if caught in the act.
The national government earlier assigned the Department of Social Welfare and Development to distribute cash aid to 18 million low-income families nationwide. Under the social amelioration program, beneficiaries are to receive ₱5,000 to ₱8,000 to help relieve them of financial burden amid the crisis.
[Translation: This assistance from the government should really be used in appropriate ways.]
[Translation: To those of you taking part in cockfights and drinking sessions, that means you have money. Do not expect any help from me. Sorry.]
[Translation: There’s not enough to go around, it really wouldn’t suffice. For a number of days, the government has been trying to feed the Philippines—there are 18 million low-income families.]
