President Duterte has ordered the swift and orderly distribution of cash subsidy to poor residents affected by the hard lockdown in Metro Manila.
The President said the government has already released the funds for the aid program as well as the guidelines for its efficient distribution to ensure the money will go to the intended beneficiaries.
The cash aid program, Duterte said, seeks to help people, especially those who lost their jobs, cope with the enhanced community quarantine (ECQ) declared in the National Capital from August 6 to 20 to curb the coronavirus spread.
"On Sunday, August 7, the DSWD (Department of Social Welfare and Development), DILG (Department of Interior and Local Government) and DND (Department of National Defense) were --- has already released the guidelines for the efficient and orderly and quick release of this said assistance to the people," Duterte said during a televised address Monday, August 9.
"Mayroong guidelines, there are rules to be followed. You know, to all, lahat na, LGUs, government, departmental employees there, there are guidelines prepared by the DSWD, the DILG and DND. Hindi naman ito ginawa na walang purpose eh. This is really to --- maibigay --- gusto kong masiguro na maibigay sa mga (These were made without prupose. It is ensure the aid is given to the) beneficiaries intended," he said.
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The budget department has released ₱10.89 billion to cover the financial aid of poor and vulnerable persons effected by the ECQ in National Capital Region this month. The funds were sourced from last year's savings. The cash aid is expected to benefit 10.9 million persons, or the bottom 80 percent of the population in Metro Manila.
The President, in the same speech, announced the government would take over the aid distribution from local government units that are "disorganized" in providing such assistance to the people. Duterte said there was one place in Metro Manila where he saw "disorder and chaos" when it comes to aid distribution. He did not identify the area.