P23 billion available to fund another round of aid under ECQ, says Go

MANILA, Philippines — About P23 billion of funds are available for another round of aid to be given to those affected by the implementation of enhanced community quarantine (ECQ) in Metro Manila and adjacent provinces, Senator Christopher “Bong” Go revealed Monday.

During a Laging Handa briefing, Go said the Department of Budget and Management (DBM) has recommended that the assistance be given “in kind.”

“Mayroon pa silang (DBM) nakitang about P23 billion na pwedeng pagkunan ng pondo for the new SAP (Social Amelioration Program). I think ang rekomendasyon nila ay in kind ito,” he said.

(The DBM found about P23 billion of funds available for the new SAP. I think their recommendation is to give this in kind.)

The DBM has also recommended to the President whether the aid will be given per family or per household or per individual and whether this will be coursed through local government units or the Department of Social Welfare and Development.

“Hintayin na lang natin ano magiging desisyon ng Pangulo,” Go said.

(Let’s wait for the decision of the President.)

The government has assured that aid will be given to those unable to work in Metro Manila, Bulacan, Rizal, Cavite and Laguna which are under ECQ starting this Monday until Sunday, April 4.

Presidential spokesman Harry Roque earlier said financial aid to be distributed to those affected by ECQ in the “NCR Plus” bubble may be less than P2,000.

He said local government officials prefer giving in-kind assistance over cash.

Meanwhile, Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) spokesman Jonathan Malaya said some local government units are already preparing to distribute aid to their constituents, some will give out food packs, relief goods or cash.

JE