Cash aid implementers warned: Expect lawsuits if non-ECQ, -GCQ areas excluded

MANILA, Philippines — Cagayan de Oro City 2nd District Rep. Rufus Rodriguez has warned implementers of the second tranche of the social amelioration program (SAP) that failure to include all 18 million low-income families in the country, regardless of the quarantine status in their area, could result in criminal charges against them.

Rodriguez said Section 4(c) of Republic Act 11469 or the Bayanihan to Heal as One Act mandates that the financial assistance be distributed for two months to 18 million low-income families.

However, a joint implementing guideline for the implementation of the cash aid’s second tranche signed by various government agencies dated June 9 states that only several areas will be covered by it, following Executive Order No. 112.

This includes the National Capital Region, Region III except for Aurora province, Region IV-A, Benguet, Pangasinan, Iloilo, Cebu Province, Bacolod, and Davao City.

Another memorandum from the Office of the Executive Secretary also includes Albay Province and Zamboanga City.

Rodriguez lamented that among those who will not receive the cash aid are low-income families from his jurisdiction in the second district of Cagayan de Oro City.

The lawmaker reminded concerned officials that aside from the Bayanihan to Heal as One Act, concerned officials may also face charges under the Anti-Graft Law.

“Among those who will not get aid are about 8,000 families who are my constituents in the second district of Cagayan de Oro City. We cannot stop them and other affected families from going to court to challenge the IATF decision,” Rodriguez said in a statement.

READ: https://newsinfo.inquirer.net/1275344/2nd-tranche-of-cash-only-for-ecq-areas

The Bayanihan To Heal As One Act lists several offenses that are punishable with jail term of two months or fine of not less than P10,000 but not more than P1,000,000.

Both imprisonment and fine can also be imposed at the discretion of the court.

KGA