Recto urges gov’t to ‘relax’ rules on 2nd SAP aid release

MANILA, Philippines — Senate President Pro Tempore Ralph Recto appealed to government on Wednesday to “relax” its rules on the release of the second tranche of the Social Amelioration Program (SAP) by extending the deadline of submission of the required liquidation reports from local government units (LGUs).

The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) has required LGUs to first submit their liquidation reports on the first tranche of the SAP before they get the second wave of the cash subsidy for millions of Filipino families affected by the coronavirus pandemic.

READ: DSWD needs LGU liquidation reports for quick release of 2nd tranche of aid

“In ordinary times, this audit rule should be followed strictly. But in the midst of the pandemic, it should be relaxed, not waived, but only insofar as extending the deadline of submission, and not making it a requisite for the release of the next tranche,” Recto said in a statement.

“Citizens running out of cash and hope are expecting this assistance which has been promised them, and to allow red tape to abort its prompt delivery is unkind and unjust. Why should the people be penalized for a delay not of their own doing?” he further said.

The senator though recognized that local governments are also frontliners in the war against the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19).

And like soldiers in the battlefield, Recto said the LGUs should also be given the ammunition they need without delay.

“For local governments who have been remiss in the distribution of SAP, or have violated rules, there is a time to make them accountable and pay for their mistakes,” he said.

“In the meantime, let us have a full-speed-ahead mentality in bringing aid to the people. Replenish the aid; the receipts can come later.”

Those who have not completed their liquidation reports may not be given the full amount of the second tranche, but no LGUs should receive a zero cash subsidy, Recto stressed.

“Ang deadline ng liquidation report pwedeng i-atras, pero ang gutom ng tao hindi,” said the senator.

READ: DILG gives LGUs deadline to submit list of SAP’s 2nd tranche beneficiaries

At the same time, the senator enjoined LGUs to also comply with the DSWD’s directive, noting that the agency is “financially accountable” and “has rules to comply with from its end.”

“Transparency should not be the first casualty of war or pandemic,” Recto said.