MANILA (UCAN): Responding to complaints that very little government aid had reached those most in need of help during the Philippine’s Covid-19 coronavirus (SARS-CoV-2) lockdown, the country’s vice president, Leni Robredo, appealed to the Social Welfare Department to adopt a more transparent system in distributing goods and cash aid across cities and local communities.
“Maybe it would help everyone that the list (of beneficiaries) be made public so that people will know whether or not they will receive the aid and they won’t blame local leaders,” Robredo said on April 27.
Transparency and better coordination between central government and local authorities are key for speeding up and providing an efficient way of helping the poor during the crisis, she said.
The Duterte administration allocated 200 billion pesos ($30.6 billion) in cash subsidies to alleviate hardship during Enhanced Community Quarantine for millions of Filipinos living below the poverty line. Poor families where lockdowns have been imposed were supposed to receive between 5,000 and 8,000 pesos a month in government assistance.
On April 24, the government extended the lockdown to May 15.
Robredo also joined several senators in criticising calls to reopen Philippine offshore gaming operations (POGO)—run mostly by Chinese businessmen—during the pandemic, saying the move was unfair to local businessmen whose operations have been halted as a result of anti-virus restrictions.
“We know that there is corruption … It is not right if they (Chinese POGO operators) are prioritised in opening their business before businesses that employ Filipinos. If we are not allowing Filipino businesses to operate why are POGOs being given privilege to reopen?” Robredo asked.
Offshore gambling has been engulfed by accusations of prostitution, money trafficking, kidnapping and money laundering.
Authorities arrested 44 Chinese nationals on April 25 for violating Covid-19 quarantine rules by running an offshore gambling operation in Manila.
As we celebrate the 500 years of Christianity in the Philippines. The Chaplaincy to Filipino Migrants organises an on-line talk every Tuesday at 9.00pm. You can join us at:
https://www.Facebook.com/CFM-Gifted-to-give-101039001847033
Meanwhile, seminarians from the Diocese of Pampanga serenaded healthcare workers and coronavirus patients on social media.
The Magnificat Choir of the Mother of Good Counsel Seminary sang Fishers of Men to thank hospital workers for their “selfless” commitment in fighting fight Covid-19 and to give hope to those who are ill with the virus.
“You (healthcare workers) are blessed because you have chosen to stand beside the Lord’s cross, the way of sacrifice for the good of all,” choir director, Father Eisen John Cruz, said.
As of May 6, the Philippines had recorded 9,684 Covid-19 cases with 637 deaths and 1,408 recoveries, PhilStar reported.
