IATF: No need for new law to aid middle-income households

MANILA, Philippines — There is no need for another law to give aid to middle-income families during the ongoing coronavirus crisis, the Inter-Agency Task Force (IATF) for the Management of Emerging Infectious Disease said Wednesday.

While providing aid to the middle class is not covered under the Bayanihan to Heal as One Act, IATF spokesperson and Cabinet Secretary Karlo Nograles said this law is “enough” to look for solutions to address their plight.

“Hindi na po kailangan ng bagong batas. I think perusing through the law ng Bayanihan to Heal as One Act, I think it’s extensive enough to cover or look for a solution to this problem,” Nograles said in a virtual briefing.

(There is no need for a new law. Perusing the Bayanihan to Heal as One Act, I think it’s extensive enough to cover or look for a solution to this problem.)

“Right now ang tinitignan natin, hindi siya pwedeng social amelioration kasi if you read the law, nakalagay sa batas, ‘provide an emergency subsidy to around 18 million low-income households,’ so hindi kayo papasok dito sa emergency subsidy,” he added.

(Right now, it is not included in the social amelioration program because if you read the law, it indicated to ‘provide an emergency subsidy to around 18 million low-income households.’ They are not covered in this emergency subsidy.)

The proposal to include middle-income households in the government’s cash aid was made by Cavite Governor Jonvic Remulla who said they are “overlooked” amid the health crisis.

President Rodrigo Duterte said he “agrees” with Remulla’s appeal but noted that the government’s P270-billion budget for the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) measures was not enough.

Nograles said the IATF is already studying the proposal of giving aid to middle-income households.

“Ang timeline natin, I don’t know kung kailan matatapos. But they’re working on it already. We’re seeing some proposals, some possible proposals,” he said.

“At this point, we can give other assistance to middle-income families, but not a social amelioration package,” he added.

The government has set aside P200 billion worth of cash aid to be distributed to about 18 million low-income families ranging from P5,000 to P8,000 depending on the minimum wage rates in their respective regions.

/MUF