Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, April 20) — Local governments have been given more days to finish distributing financial assistance to households affected by stricter lockdown measures, the Palace announced Tuesday.
“Inextend ang deadline na makumpleto ang pamamahagi ng financial assistance hanggang a-15 ng Mayo 2021,” said Presidential Spokesperson Harry Roque during his virtual briefing.
[Translation: The deadline for completing the distribution of financial assistance has been extended until May 15, 2021.]
Roque cited as reasons for the deadline extension restriction on crowds gathering during the COVID-19 pandemic amid the need to preserve everyone’s health and safety; adjustments being made to make the distribution efforts more flexible, whether through automated or door-to-door means; and appeals from local governments.
The spokesman earlier apologized for delays in the provision of financial aid, noting only ₱4 billion has been distributed out of the total ₱23 billion.
Mayors in the Greater Manila Area were earlier given 15 days to complete the distribution of cash assistance to residents affected by the region’s shift to the stricter enhanced community quarantine on Mar. 29 to Apr. 11 in a bid to curb the alarming surge in COVID-19 cases.
The Greater Manila Area is currently under modified ECQ until end-April.
