Manila Bulletin
Recto calls on gov't to release remaining P100B allocation for SAP
Senate President Pro Tempore Ralph Recto urged the government to release the remaining P100 billion for the Social Amelioration Program (SAP) to continue assisting indigent families affected by the COVID-19 pandemic.
Recto stressed that the Bayanihan to Heal as One Act mandates a two-month emergency subsidy for low-income households, regardless of the quarantine status of their areas.
Official reports indicate that P100.62 billion has been disbursed by the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) for the distribution of SAP cash assistance to 18 million low-income households, with P96.03 billion received by 17 million beneficiaries.
He argued that withholding the remaining funds is akin to depriving struggling families of necessary financial support and that the lifting of lockdowns should not be an excuse to discontinue aid.
Recto suggested that instead of reducing the SAP, the government should focus on expanding it to include the 'new poor' who are also experiencing financial difficulties.
The executive department is reportedly seeking an additional P50 billion to continue the subsidy program.
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As of May 19, the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) has distributed P97.95 billion in Social Amelioration Program (SAP) cash subsidies to over 17.33 million low-income families, representing 96.33 percent of the 18 million families targeted for the first tranche.
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President Duterte has directed Budget Secretary Wendel Avisado to identify funds that can be realigned to finance the second tranche of the Social Amelioration Program (SAP).
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As of May 12, the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) has distributed P93.5 billion in SAP emergency subsidies to over 16.5 million beneficiaries nationwide.
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Low-income families in areas under general community quarantine (GCQ) who received the first wave of cash aid will no longer get a second tranche, according to the Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG).
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Malacañang has ordered the expansion of the second tranche of the social amelioration program (SAP) by including an additional 5 million households on top of the original 12 million beneficiaries.
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