We would like to applaud the Philippine National Police (PNP) for apprehending the fixers who sell ‘Enhanced Community Quarantine (ECQ) ayuda’ forms to unqualified beneficiaries in Pasig City.
Just because of the illegal act of the arrestees, the individuals who are most in need have been denied the support that is intended to help them survive the pandemic. It is terribly unfortunate that these fixers are taking advantage of the situation.
As I am constantly reminding everyone: Ang red tape sa panahon ng pandemya ay nakamamatay. Nananawagan po kami sa inyo na huwag po nating pagsamantalahan ang taumbayan sa gitna ng pandemyang ito. Maghanap tayo ng maayos na pagkakakitaan. Ang mga lokal na pamahalaan naman po natin ay handang tumulong sa inyo kung kinakailangan.
The Anti-Red Tape Authority (ARTA) is extremely appreciative of the PNP as well as the Pasig local government, led by Mayor Vico Sotto, for their efforts to root out these fixers. This is encouraging because it shows that local governments are gradually taking the initiative to clean up their areas from such unscrupulous individuals within their jurisdiction. ARTA is willing to help and assist in any entrapment operations against fixers and we hope that more local governments will follow suit and conduct regular checks on their respective cities or municipalities regarding the distribution of cash assistance. (ARTA)-rir