Malacañang confirmed that there will be another set of financial assistance under the Bayanihan to Recover as One Act (Bayanihan 2) that was signed into law by President Rodrigo Duterte last Friday.
“Magbibigay po tayo ng Php 5,000 to Php 8,000 na ayuda doon sa mga mamamayan na mapapasaloob po ng granular lockdown na idedeklara po ng lokal na pamahalaan (We will provide Php 5,000 to Php 8,000 cash aid to citizens included under granular lockdown that will be declared by local governments),” Presidential Spokesperson Harry Roque announced on Monday.
“At bukod pa po rito ay ‘yung balanse po ng Php 13 billion ay ibibigay po natin ‘yan para sa mga nawalan ng trabaho at ‘yan po ay ibibigay ng DOLE (Aside from the cash aid, the Php 13 billion balance will be given to displaced workers which will be provided through the DOLE),” Roque continued.
The government will also provide assistance to individuals who are seeking trainings for employment.
Based on the released copy of the new law or Republic Act No. 11494, Php 13.5-B is allotted for health-related responses, Php 39.4-B for credit guarantee program/loans, Php 9.5-B for DOTr programs, Php 6-B for DSWD programs, Php 4-B for DepEd programs, and Php4-B for the tourism industry.
Aside from Bayanihan 2, the Inter-Agency Task Force for the Management of Emerging Infectious Diseases (IATF-EID) recently approved “staycations” for the gradual recovery of the tourism industry in Mega Manila. The Department of Tourism (DOT) is yet to release guidelines on the matter.
Meanwhile, the report of the task force directed to investigate PhilHealth is expected to be submitted to President Rodrigo R. Duterte today. Malacañang assured that he will respect the recommendation of the task force.
The Chief Executive is expected to deliver his public address tonight. – Report from Mela Lesmoras