Cash aid distribution to continue despite lapse of May 10 deadline, Malacañang says

May 11, 2020

Malacañang said on Monday that the distribution of cash assistance to some remaining 9 percent recipients could continue even after the May 10 deadline given to the local government units lapsed.

In a press briefing, Presidential Spokesperson Harry Roque, however, said the Department of Interior and Local Government might issue a show cause order for the LGUs which failed to comply with the deadline to complete the distribution of the financial aid under the Social Amelioration Program.

"The distribution (of the cash assistance) should continue until the funds are withdrawn by the DSWD (Department of Social Welfare and Development)," he said.

The DSWD has been tasked to implement the SAP to be given in two tranches to some 23 million low income families affected by the quarantine measures to prevent the spread of coronavirus disease in the country.

"I think if there is really a basis, the DILG may issue a show cause order, but it' still important that the assistance reaches to the remaining 9 percent (intended beneficiaries) who haven't yet received it," he explained.

According to the DILG, as of Sunday, May 10, the deadline it gave to LGUs, about 91 percent families have received the cash aid.

Roque said the second tranche of SAP should be received by the beneficiaries this month.

"So, I'm sure that since the first tranche is almost finished, the second tranche can start," Roque said.

But the official could not say yet if the second tranche of cash assistance would be given only to low income families living in areas which remain under the enhanced community quarantine.

He said the Inter-Agency Task Forces for the Management of the Emerging Infectious Disease with the approval of President Rodrigo Duterte has yet to come out with the final decision.

Roque earlier said that the second tranche of SAP might be given to poor families in areas under ECQ since places, which are now under the general community quarantine, have partially opened up the local economy, meaning more businesses have been operational. Celerina Monte/DMS