As the national government starts to distribute assistance to the micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) in areas affected by "Typhoon Odette", senatorial aspirant Guillermo Lorenzo Eleazar appealed to the national government to make it easy for the recipients to receive the aid.

"We should be considerate to those affected, we should not let them undergo hardship in getting the assistance that they deserve," said Eleazar.

He was reacting to the complaints by some MSME recipients about the documents that they have to present before receiving the aid.

The DTI already started rolling out the assistance or the P8,000 gift cards for MSMEs in Siargao Island. To avail this, they need to present their DTI permit as well as a mayor’s permit or a barangay’s business permit.

The gift cards being provided for MSMEs in Siargao Island can be used to purchase the equipment they need to revive their businesses.

Eleazar expressed hope that extending aid to small businesses have already started in other provinces badly hit by Typhoon Odette.

Even during the distribution of cash assistance during the lockdown period, the recipients would complain hardship in getting the cash assistance.

Meanwhile, Eleazar appealed to these businesses in typhoon-hit areas to observe the price freeze in goods and commodities and not take advantage of the situation.

The DTI said at least 69 retailers in Surigao Del Norte and Butuan, which are selling construction and hardware materials, were reported to have overpriced goods. A show cause order was already sent to them.

Eleazar called on law enforcers to continue their campaign against those who are selling overpriced items in the Odette-hit provinces and municipalities.