Duterte admits gov’t funds depleted

August 11, 2020

President Rodrigo Duterte has admitted that government funds have been depleted and there is a need for other sectors to go back to work.

Duterte said that his administration could no longer afford to provide cash aid for the Filipinos.

"Before I have (money) to give to you...the problem is the funds are already depleted. Our (resources) are depleted and others need to go to work," he said in a televised message in Davao late Monday night.

As much as he wants to give in to the call of the doctors to continue with the modified enhanced community quarantine in Metro Manila and four nearby provinces, he said the government could no longer extend cash aid  for those who could not work.

In a press briefing on Tuesday, Roque explained that what is depleted is the fund for cash assistance for over 18 million low income households and vulnerable sectors.

"The President is straight forward, transparent. There's no more assistance for those who can no longer go to work, thus, there is a need to live despite and in spite; let's protect our health so that we can move forward on our daily lives," he said.

Despite depleted government fund, Duterte expressed optimism that the Filipinos would not be defeated by the crisis.

"The challenges are daunting but we will not be defeated because we have strong faith in God --- that's true --- and in the resilience of the Filipino people," he said.

He said the National Action Plan against COVID-19 is also strong and the government is doing everything to address COVID-19.

But he reiterated the need to balance the economy and in imposing a lockdown. Celerina Monte/DMS