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Manila Bulletin devider Philippines devider National devider NTF-ELCAC funding is a nat'l priority, Roque asserts, amid quest for ECQ ayuda

NTF-ELCAC funding is a nat'l priority, Roque asserts, amid quest for ECQ ayuda

Published Aug 5, 2021 04:25 pm

Presidential Spokesman Harry Roque defended the government's funding for its anti-communist task force, saying the money was for programs that help solve communist insurgency in the country.

Presidential Spokesman Harry Roque and Vice President Leni Robredo (Manila Bulletin File Photos)

Roque made the statement after Vice President Leni Robredo said the release of the P19-billion budget of the National Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict (NTF-ELCAC) should be suspended and instead be used to help fund the cash aid for residents who will be affected by the two-week enhanced community quarantine (ECQ) in Metro Manila.

In his press briefing on Thursday, August 5, Roque justified the government's funding of the NTF-ELCAC, saying it will help resolve the decades-long war in the country.

"Ang ELCAC po, 'yan po ang solusyon para mawala na ang giyera dito sa ating bayan (The NTF-ELCAC is the key to ending the war in this country)," he said.

"Kaya nga po binibigyan natin ng pondo para sa mga proyektong makabubuti sa kabuhayan yung mga barangays na meron pong labanan. Alam po natin na ang pagkagutom ang pinagmumulan ng labanan (We are funding NTF-ELCAC for its projects that will establish livelihoods in barangays where there are fighting We know that hunger is the root of these fights)," he added.

"Kung mali po 'yan, bahala na po kayo (Now, if you think that is wrong, then you do you)," he continued.

Roque likewise expressed exasperation with the Vice President's remarks.

"Hay, naku (Oh, dear). Napapagod na po akong sumagot (I'm tired of answering her)," he said.

"Sabihin na lang niya nang sabihin ang gusto niyang sabihin (She should just say what she wanted to say)," he added.

According to Roque, he was aware that election season is coming but said the government will not make any promises it cannot keep.

"Basta tayo, magla-lockdown dahil ayaw nating mamatay ang karamihan ng mga kababayan natin. Ibibigay ang kayang ibigay (We will declare a lockdown because we don't want many of our people to die. We will give what we can)," he said.

"Alam ko panahon ng eleksyon pero hindi po nangangako ng hindi maibibigay ngayon ang ating gobyerno (I know this is election season already but the government will not promise what we do not have)," he added.

Malacañang has assured affected residents that they will receive cash assistance worth P1,000 or up to P4,000 per family.

Related Tags

Harry Roque ECQ Leni Robredo Metro Manila covid-19 Vice President Leni Robredo NTF-ELCAC National Capital Region enhanced community quarantine AYUDA Cash aid
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