Faces of the News: Luis Raymund Villafuerte Jr.

Using unusually strong language, Deputy Speaker Luis Raymund Villafuerte Jr. called out the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) for its “cumbersome set of rules” in the release of emergency funds for 18 million poor families.

Villafuerte said red tape in the DSWD was hampering the distribution of emergency assistance to households affected by the pandemic under the Bayanihan to Heal as One Act.

Under the program, poor families will receive a monthly subsidy of P8,000 each in Metro Manila, and from P5,000 to P6,500 in lower-wage regions over two months.

The Camarines Sur representative lamented that the DSWD “appears bereft of any sense of urgency” while millions were struggling because the monthlong Luzon lockdown had crippled their livelihood.

“[It] may probably take a month before target beneficiaries finally get the first tranche” of their subsidy, Villafuerte said.

Social Welfare Secretary Rolando Bautista appealed for patience, saying it would take time for the agency to validate beneficiaries.

As of April 4, some communities in Metro Manila have already received their share of the fund.