6 NCR LGUs complete payout, 'ayuda' distribution 94.73-percent complete
By Chito Chavez
Only six of the 16 Metro Manila local government units (LGUs) have met the August 31 deadline set by the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) for the cash aid (ayuda) distribution to their qualified recipients in the area which was placed under the enhanced community quarantine from August 6 to 20.
The National Capital Region (NCR) was placed under the strictest restrictions to slow down the coronavirus disease-2019 (COVID-19) Delta variant transmission.
In a news briefing, DILG Undersecretary and spokesperson Jonathan Malaya stated that Quezon City, Manila, Caloocan City, Pasig City, Malabon City and Navotas City have completed the ayuda distribution to their respective qualified recipients.
As of August 31, Malaya noted that 94.73 percent of the financial assistance was dispensed to 10,663,537 actual recipients saying that this was the fourth episode and fastest cash aid distribution process since it was given last year.
He added that only five percent of the ayuda have not been distributed to the qualified recipients in the other NCR LGUs.
With this development, Malaya explained that other low-income individuals not included in the initial list of beneficiaries who fail to go to the various distribution points despite several calls from the LGUs may still avail of the unclaimed ayuda.
The DILG spokesperson explained that the LGUs were given the authority to identify who among their constituents who appealed in the grievance and complaints committee can avail of the unclaimed casi aid.
But Malaya stressed that it is not “automatic’’ that all who made their appeal at the grievance and complaints committee are granted the unclaimed ayuda.
“May ilan na nagtangkang magkaroon ng scam gaya ng nangyari sa Pasig (City) na hindi naman pala taga Pasig ngunit nagkekeclaim sa Pasig (There were some who involved in a scam like what happened in Pasig (City) who are non Pasig residents but claimed to be from Pasig),’’ Malaya said.
He said that there were also instances where one family twice claimed cash aids using the identities of their parents, either the father or mother’s names.
Malaya also stressed that DILG Secretary Eduardo Año wants all qualified recipients to get their shares as it is not his wish for the unclaimed aid to be returned to the National Treasury. (Chito A. Chavez)