A study conducted by three economists has disclosed that vulnerable households in Luzon need around Php 18 billion to address their basic needs.
“Sa aming bilang, may 2.4 billion na highly vulnerable household sa Luzon at nangangailangan sila ng 18 billion kada buwan para suportahan…habang tumatagal ang quarantine (Based on our tally, there are 2.4 billion highly vulnerable households in Luzon that need 18 billion monthly to support them as the quarantine period remains),” Economist and Ateneo Professor Dr. Geoffrey Ducanes said.
Compared to the economist’s assessment, the Department of Finance has a higher estimate of Php 100 billion monthly for the informal sector.
“We certainly need to take strong action to support Filipino households, especially in the informal sector. Our estimates indicate that we need 100 billion per month to support households in the informal sector in the Philippines,” DOF ASec. Tony Lambino said.
Ducanes said the reason why some members of the sector have not yet been reached by relief is a possible leakage of funds.
“Ang problema pa hindi siya targeted nang maayos, meaning hindi inuuna yung pinaka-nangangailangan (The problem is it has not been targeted well, meaning those who need the most are not addressed first). Ang tawag diyan sa amin is leakage ‘di nagagamit ng efficient ‘yung pera (We call it a leakage when the money is not used efficiently),” he said.
“Kung ‘yung ibinibigay na mga tulong di ibinibigay sa pinaka nangangailangan, ‘di natin na-a-achieve ‘yung goal natin to alleviate ‘yung welfare ng mga naghihirap (When the help we give is not given to those who need it most, we cannot achieve our goal to alleviate the welfare of the poor),” he added.
Meanwhile, the budget department said all budgetary needs and plans are on the table for consideration at this point.
“The budget authority to spend on priority actions, especially to support households in the informal sector, from off-budget sources is being considered, yes,” Lambino said.
Ducanes said though higher borrowing and a budget deficit loom, it is still better to ensure at this point that no Filipino will be left out. – Report from Naomi Tiburcio
