Poe urges gov't to speed up P200B emergency subsidy distribution

Senator Grace Poe urged government agencies to expedite the distribution of the P200-billion emergency subsidy to 18 million low-income families affected by the enhanced community quarantine.

Poe emphasized the urgency of the cash aid to prevent widespread hunger from escalating into public discontent.

President Duterte's report to Congress indicated that the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) is still in the process of profiling and validating beneficiaries.

Senator Joel Villanueva echoed concerns about potential bureaucratic delays in the DSWD's distribution process, particularly regarding the review of social amelioration cards.

Villanueva stressed the need for a quick vetting mechanism to ensure aid reaches the underserved without being bogged down by inefficiency.

He added that the aid should reach low-income households as soon as possible, given the duration of the quarantine and the expected number of individuals needing assistance.

The DSWD has reportedly begun distributing the cash subsidy to communities in Tondo, Manila, and Parañaque City, and the budget department has released P100 billion of the P200 billion allocated.

Under the Bayanihan to Heal as One Act, 18 million informal sector families shall receive aid amounting to P5,000 to P8,000 for two months.