Noting the possibility of more price hikes in the coming weeks, Albay 2nd district Rep. Joey Salceda pleaded to the outgoing Duterte administration to hasten the release of still undistributed subsidies meant for poor Filipinos.
Salceda was particularly referring to the P500 monthly subsidy promised earlier by President Duterte to poor families for three months, amid surging prices of basic commodity.
“The has warned that more fuel hikes are coming next week. You will also see price increases in other commodities, such as bread and fish, in the coming months. So, we really need the aid released as soon as possible,” Salceda said in a statement Wednesday, June 8.
“I think the aid is coming this week or next week, as long as the proper authorization is already made. I just confirmed this also with some sources in the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD),” Salceda said of the P500 monthly subsidy.
On June 30, President Duterte will step down from Malacañang after six years at the government’s helm.
“The funding is there, for at least a few months. I also requested that any unreleased subsidies be granted already. Malaking tulong pa po ‘yan (That would be a huge help).” Salceda noted.
“The subsidies that can still help are, the unconditional cash transfers under the TRAIN (Tax Reform for Acceleration and Inclusion) law, which I fought for. Around P10-billion of that is still up for release. There are some balances from the Rice Farmer Financial Assistance program of the DA (Department of Agriculture), which can also help farmers facing the brunt of fuel hikes," the economist-solon said.
“The promised P2.5 billion in ayuda to farmers and the transport sector also needs to be released soon. I will be writing Executive Secretary Medialdea to ask the agencies, in turn, for any unreleased subsidies. President Duterte can order their expedited release within a certain date,” added Salceda.
“This is all apart from the P500 monthly ayuda (subsidy) PRRD (President Duterte) also announced. These unreleased subsidies will come in handy because they also happen to be directed at sectors heavily affected by oil price hikes,” the Bicol lawmaker explained.
Salceda chairs the House Committee on Ways and Means.