Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, July 21) — Malacañang on Wednesday assured Filipinos whose livelihood have been affected by the strictest community quarantine status currently imposed over some areas that they will be given financial aid.
Presidential Spokesperson Harry Roque said the assistance will come “in due course” for residents of Iloilo province, Iloilo City, Cagayan de Oro, and Gingoog City, which are under enhanced community quarantine until end-month due to increased coronavirus threats.
“Hindi po kayo nakakalimutan ng Presidente,” Roque said in a briefing. “Magbibigay po sa takdang panahon ng ayuda.”
[Translation: The President doesn’t forget you. Aid will be given in due course.]
There is no final decision yet, Roque noted, but added President Rodrigo Duterte has always made it clear he will not allow the hard lockdown to be enforced unless subsidy is given to those who will go jobless because of it. On Monday, Roque said he has already asked the Department of Budget and Management about the aid distribution.
He added he believes the amount will not be lower than that given to those in Metro Manila and four nearby provinces who weren’t able to work the last time they were under ECQ.
In April, the government distributed assistance amounting to ₱1,000 per qualified beneficiary, but only up to ₱4,000 per family, to low-income households in Metro Manila, Cavite, Laguna, Bulacan and Rizal. The amount is described as measly compared to the ₱5,000 to ₱8,000 worth of subsidy provided under the Bayanihan to Heal As One Act or Bayanihan 1 in 2020.
Over the weekend, Deputy Speaker and Cagayan de Oro City Rep. Rufus Rodriguez appealed to Duterte to provide ₱6,000 aid for each family in the city.
Iloilo City Mayor Jerry Treñas also said about half a million Ilonggos would not be allowed to work due to the ECQ.
