‘No photos, names of local execs on quarantine aid'

MANILA, Philippines — The Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) has warned credit-grabbing politicians against taking advantage of the government’s social amelioration packages during the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) crisis.

Under DILG Memorandum Circular No. 2020-65 dated March 30, local politicians “shall not install or cause to install any form of signage or appendage crediting any local government official, or bearing his or her image, for the distribution of any of the social amelioration measures.”

The memorandum also states that local officials may not limit social assistance beneficiaries to only voting residents in their area of jurisdiction.

The program may be extended to non-residents stranded due to the lockdown if they meet the qualifications for beneficiaries, the DILG said.

It is still unclear how the social amelioration program, specifically the emergency subsidy program, will be undertaken after President Duterte said he does not want local government units (LGUs)  handling the funds. 

Families could get between P5,000 to P8,000 for two months as part of the Emergency Subsidy Program, as per Republic Act 11469 or the Bayanihan to Heal As One Act.

Families that belong to either the poor or informal sector who are at risk of not earning a living during the enhanced community quarantine are among the target beneficiaries of the program. 

Other beneficiaries may include those from vulnerable sectors such as senior citizens, persons with disability, pregnant and lactating women, solo parents, indigent indigenous peoples, overseas Filipinos in distress and homeless citizens.

In Taguig, an initial batch of 700 jeepney, tricycle and pedicab drivers received P4,000 each from the city government on Thursday.

The city government yesterday said its target is to give P4,000 cash aid to around 15,000 public utility vehicle (PUV) drivers twice, for this month and the next.

PUV drivers were displaced when the government suspended all forms of public transport during the enhanced community quarantine in Luzon. – With Ghio Ong