‘Well-to-do’ asked not to expect assistance from gov’t

MANILA, Philippines — Those who are “well-to-do” and can manage to buy basic necessities are asked to not expect assistance from the government, the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) said Wednesday.

DILG Secretary Eduardo Año said the government is prioritizing the less fortunate families who are directly affected by the month-long enhanced community quarantine being implemented in Luzon.

“Syempre ang uunahin natin yung indigent families. ‘Yung mga well-to-do, wag naman tayo mag-expect na tatanggap tayo sapagkat mas unahin ang mga nangangailangan,” Año said in a press briefing.

(We’re prioritizing the indigent families. Those who are well-to-do, let’s not expect to accept assistance because we will assist first those who need it the most.)

Año said this as he urged local government units (LGUs) to utilize their funds by distributing food packs to their constituents.

“We are reminding all LGUs to utilize their funds and distribute food packs to those who are needing this,” he said.

The Philippines has been placed under a state of calamity, allowing LGUs to access their quick response funds.

The Luzon-wide strict quarantine measure imposed by President Rodrigo Duterte suspended public transportation, prohibited mass gatherings and even ordered the temporary closure of some businesses, excluding hospitals, groceries and drug stores, and the like.

Members of the informal economy, those who are paid daily and no-work, no-pay employees are said to be the most affected by the measure due to the temporary closure of some establishments.

READ: Quarantine in Metro Manila taking toll on workers’ pay, business 

READ: Informal waste sector feels pinch of coronavirus quarantine

EDV