Palace assures ‘ayuda’ on lockdown, but still unsure on funding source

MANILA, Philippines — While Malacañang gave assurance on Monday that there will be financial assistance during the looming lockdown in Metro Manila, it also admitted that it remains unsure where the funds for the program will be sourced from.

Presidential spokesperson Harry Roque made this remark four days before the re-imposition of the enhanced community quarantine (ECQ) in Metro Manila, prompting calls for financial assistance to residents who will be affected by the lockdown.

“Siguradong ibibigay yan, ang hindi lang sigurado, saan kukunin. Pero ang mandato ng Presidente, humanap kayo ng pera,” Roque said during a press briefing.

“Ang siguradong-sigurado, walang ECQ na walang ayuda. Ninanais natin mabigay ito sa lalong mabilis na panahon bago mag-lockdown,” he added.

Roque said each individual will be given P1,000 cash aid, with a limit of P4,000 per household.

The presidential spokesperson said the Department of Budget and Management (DBM) will hold a meeting on Monday afternoon to tackle the rollout of the financial assistance and the funding source for the program.

“Alam natin na maraming isang kahig-isang tuka. Hindi naman pwedeng magugutom sila ng tuluyan. Kaya naman ang assurance ng ating Presidente, hindi talaga tayo maglo-lockdown ng walang ayuda,” Roque said.

EDV