MANILA, Philippines — Nearly P92 million of the P98 million fund allocated for the financial aid for those affected by the recent lockdowns have been disbursed in San Juan City, Mayor Francis Zamora said Monday.
“’Yung cash ayuda natin, the one that they called the ECQ (enhanced community quarantine) financial assistance, 98 million was allocated to San Juan and we have disbursed close to P92 million,” Zamora said in an interview with ABS-CBN News Channel’s Headstart.
“Now the P6 million balance, this is because some did not claim their financial assistance—possibly they were locked down in the province or some other place or possibly they are positive or under quarantine,” he added.
Zamora said if those who have yet to claim will not be able to get their share, the funds will be reallocated and given to other recipients.
“As per the DILG, we have to finish the entire amount. I believe in a few days matatapos ‘yan,” Zamora said.
Around 67 percent of an intended 22.9 million beneficiaries have received P1,000 as ECQ social aid, Interior Secretary Eduardo Año said on April 28.
According to Año, 67 percent is equivalent to 15.49 million of the beneficiaries in Metro Manila, Bulacan, Cavite, Laguna, and Rizal — the areas collectively known as the National Capital Region Plus that were put under enhanced community quarantine due to a surge in COVID-19 cases.
The government was mandated to provide a P1,000 social aid for people whose incomes were affected by the strict lockdown imposed to check the further spread of COVID-19.