President Rodrigo Duterte has conveyed his plans for low-income families affected by the Corona Virus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic.
In his pubic address on Monday night, the President said that the government has allocated billions for low-income households.
“The government is now launching the largest and widest social protection program in our country’s history. We have allotted 200 billion pesos for low-income households who are badly affected by the current crisis. Sila ang nasa informal sector and those who live day-to-day on subsistence wages or “no-work, no-pay” arrangements. Beneficiary-households will receive emergency support for two months based on the regional minimum wage.”
The Chief Executive has also stated that the government is now attending to the needs of frontliners to strengthen the fight against COVID-19.
“We are now procuring medical supplies, devices and personal protective equipment. About 1 million medical protective items are being acquired right now, with the government and the private sector working together to purchase or produce the necessary quantities. We are also ramping up our capacity to test more broadly to take a fuller and more accurate picture of the spread of COVID-19 in the country.”
According to President Duterte, there are 3 main priorities under the “Bayanihan to Heal as One Act”, first is to provide emergency assistance to affected sectors. Second, to secure facilities and resources for the health sector. And third, to perform fiscal and monetary actions for the economy.
The President has also recognized the diligence of the Local Government Units (LGUs) that work hand in hand with the national government in implementing the directives to the public.
President Duterte has cautioned people who take advantage of the situation that they will be punished.
“Huwag na huwag kayong mandaya, mangurakot at taguin ‘yung mga pagkain at ‘yung iba hindi bigyan kasi… (Don’t ever cheat, be corrupt, and hoard food while others are not given any.) You know, people sometimes think that they own whatever they receive from government. This is not yours, neither is it mine. Pero kung mamulitika ka tapos mabalitaan ko na ‘yan ang nagawa mo, I will suspend you ora mismo. (But if you prioritize your political agenda, I will suspend you immediately.) And for those who are really absconding the money, I will detain you, I said, and maybe I will release you after COVID,” the President warned.
