ECQ 'ayuda' of P1k per individual to be given in-kind or cash according to DBM

The government will give assistance to low-income individuals in the “NCR Plus bubble” — namely Metro Manila, Bulacan, Rizal, Cavite, and Laguna — that has been placed under the Enhanced Community Quarantine.

The value of the goods under the supplemental amelioration program will be P1,000 per individual, with each family being allowed to get a maximum of P4,000-worth of assistance.

Budget Secretary Wendel Avisado said during the president’s televised briefing held midnight of March 29 that the assistance will be given directly to the local government units for distribution.

Avisado initially said the assistance will be given in kind during the briefing, but when asked for clarification after, he said it will be ultimately up to the LGU whether to give in kind or cash.

"Ang memo po from the Office of the Executive Secretary ay nagsasaad ng 1k per person o 4K per family. So it's really up to the LGUs kung ano po ang pinaka-mabilis at convenient sa kanila na mabilis na maipatutupad ang kautusan ng Pangulo na maipaabot kaagad ang ayuda galing sa gobyerno," Avisado replied in a text message to PhilSTAR L!fe.

The funding will be P23 billion and will be drawn from the remaining balance of the Bayanihan 2 Act. It is targeted to benefit 22.9 million individuals comprising 80% of the low-income population with NCR Plus.

Avisado said that the disbursement will not need the consent of Congress because Bayanihan 2 gives the authority to Congress to use any unutilized appropriation in response to the pandemic.

A grievance mechanism will also be set-up to address complaints on the distribution of the assistance.

Meanwhile, Senator Bong Go announced on his Facebook page that the President has already signed the papers authorizing the said assistance.

Thumbnail and banner photo from STAR file/Michael Varcas