Government to distribute P500 monthly to 12.4 million households

MANILA, Philippines — The government is looking at distributing P500 in monthly cash assistance for over 12.4 million households before President Duterte steps down from office, according to the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD).

DSWD spokesperson Irene Dumlao said they would start the distribution of the monthly assistance before the end of the month.

The cash subsidy would be given in tranches equaling two months at a time, for a total of six months, Dumlao said in an interview on dzBB.

She noted that the DSWD, the Department of Budget and Management, National Economic and Development Authority and Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas have issued a joint memorandum circular.

President Duterte in March ordered the distribution of monthly assistance or ayuda for indigent families.

The target beneficiaries will be the bottom 50 percent of the country’s population, which include households enrolled in the Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino program, social beneficiaries and those who are already receiving unconditional assistance.

Dumlao clarified that there are no requirements or preconditions for receiving the cash assistance.

The DSWD and the Landbank of the Philippines are undertaking an inventory of beneficiaries who have cash cards for easier distribution.