President Rodrigo Duterte has given updates on the measures undertaken by the government against COVID-19 in his seventh weekly report to Congress.
Based on the report, aside from the SAP, “the DSWD has catered to 43,346 clients for COVID-19 related concerns” such as requests for medical or burial assistance, including the transport of 6,478 stranded individuals amounting to Php 184,793,812.
Under the Small Business Wage Subsidy Program, a total of Php 10.1 billion “in cash grants has been released by the SSS to 1,261,044 employee-beneficiaries” as of May 6.
Regarding consumer protection, the DTI has expanded its “No Wrong Door Policy” where all consumer complaints will be acknowledged and acted upon.
To decongest jail facilities and in consideration of the welfare of vulnerable PDLs, “the BJMP has provided paralegal assistance to PDLs, which resulted in the expedited release of 4,188 PDLs.”
129 PDLs have also been released pursuant to SC Administrative Circular No. 38-2020.
Since jail visitations are currently prohibited, the report said the BuCor is implementing e-dalaw or online visits which are conducted via video or teleconferencing. – Report from Mela Lesmoras
