The government is unlikely to distribute cash subsidy to families affected by two-week bubble in Metro Manila and four provinces, similar to the relief aid given during the stricter lockdown last year.
According to Presidential spokesman Harry Roque, people are still allowed to work even though additional movement restrictions have put in place in these areas, now collectively known as "NCR+."
"In terms of iyong sinasabi mong ayuda na gaya ng binigay natin sa ECQ (Enhanced Community Quarantine) dahil hindi naman po natin pinipigil magtrabaho ang ating mga kababayan eh hindi na po tayo dapat magbigay ng ganoong ayuda dahil puwede pong maghanapbuhay ang lahat (In terms of the relief aid we gave during ECQ, since we did not stop our people from working, we don't have to give that kind of aid because everyone can work)," he said during a virtual press conference Monday, March 22.
When Luzon was placed under most restrictive ECQ last year, the government distributed billions worth of cash assistance to low-income families to help them cope with the pandemic. At the time, the government implemented a stay-at-home rule, suspended mass transportation, imposed travel curbs, banned large gatherings, among others. The prolonged lockdown eventually weakened the economy as businesses were crippled and millions lost their jobs.
In light of the latest coronavirus surge, Metro Manila, Bulacan, Cavite, Laguna and Rizal have been placed under general community quarantine (GCQ) but with additional restrictions from March 22 to April 4, 2021. The restrictions included night-time curfew and prohibitions on non-essential travel, mass gatherings, and indoor dining in restaurants. Certain business such as cinemas, video arcades, driving schools, and limited tourist attractions have been temporarily suspended.
Although no imminent ECQ-level cash aid is forthcoming, Roque said the government was prepared to provide loans and other assistance to small businesses affected by the latest bubble restrictions. He said the labor department also offered cash-for-work program for people who lost their jobs during the pandemic.
In case an area is placed under granular lockdown, he said local government units distributed relief assistance to the affected residents.