Drilon appeals for continued cash aid for poor families

MANILA, Philippines —With the number of poor families increasing due to the pandemic, the government should continue providing cash subsidy for low-income families in 2021 under a new Social Amelioration Program, according to Minority Leader Franklin Drilon.

Drilon said he would look for ways to increase the allocation for the social services sector under the P4.5 trillion 2021 budget after the budget department removed the dole originally granted by the Bayanihan to Heal As One Act, which expired in June.

Budget Secretary Wendel Avisado said the cash subdidy was removed because the government expected an improvement in the economy and more people to be able to return to work.

The newly signed Bayanihan to Recover as One Act, which will expire in December, provides a subsidy to affected low-income households in areas under enhanced community quarantine, and to households with recently returned overseas Filipino workers.

The regular social services programs of the government, such as the 4Ps or conditional cash transfer under the Department of Social Welfare and Development, would also remain, Avisado said in an earlier budget hearing.

“[But] what is needed now is aid,” Drilon said in a radio interview. “There is no food, no jobs. We should fund the Social Amelioration Program. A bigger portion of the budget should be for the social service sector.”