Maximize funds for new SAP, government urged

MANILA, Philippines — Sen. Bong Go has urged the government to maximize available funds and use it for the proposed new social amelioration program as many Filipinos have been reported to experience hunger due to the continuing quarantine restrictions amid the COVID-19 pandemic.

“I talked to Secretary (Carlos) Dominguez yesterday, I even kept on asking Secretary (Wendel) Avisado, telling them to find a source, to sweep what can be swept,” Go said in Filipino during a radio interview.

He wanted to have the additional “ayuda” expanded so it would cover all vulnerable sectors, including those who lost their jobs, and must be provided to those affected by stricter quarantine restrictions in NCR-plus areas.

“Just use the unused funds for our countrymen who are suffering. We confined them so they would not get infected. Only about half are able to work and many have lost their livelihood,” he pointed out.

Go also reminded agencies involved in the distribution of amelioration funds to avoid the same issues they encountered in last year’s batches of “ayuda.”

“The distribution should now be perfect. Combine the recipients from the first list and (the second round of distribution). This time, no one should be missed out so we would not get barraged with complaints, so everyone who is hungry will get help,” he said, hopeful that the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) will get it right this time.

“I see no reason for them (DSWD) to stumble in the distribution. There is no politics here, don’t mix it with politics. There are already many suspended (barangay) captains who are exploiting,” he added.