Gov’t urged to maximize available funds for expanded Social Amelioration Program

Senator Christopher “Bong” Go has called on concerned government agencies to maximize available funds for the proposed new Social Amelioration Program (SAP).

“Nakausap ko po kahapon si Secretary (Carlos) Dominguez. Hindi ko po tinitigilan pati si Secretary (Wendel) Avisado. Sabi ko maghanap kayo ng pagkukunan, kung maaari walisin n’yo kung ano ang pwedeng walisin,” Go said in a statement issued Saturday.

[I have spoken with [Finance] Secretary Dominguez and [Budget] Secretary Avisado. I told them to find any possible sources of funds, if possible swipe everything they can swipe.]

The senator also stressed that the provision of additional subsidy or “ayuda” should be expanded and must include all vulnerable sectors, including those who lost their jobs. 

He noted that such assistance must be provided to those affected by stricter quarantine restrictions in “NCR plus” areas. 

The senator also reminded concerned agencies to avoid issues they experienced during the initial distribution of social amelioration last year. 

“Ang pagbibigay ng SAP ay nagkaroon ng reklamo sa first round. Ilang porsyento lang sa isang munisipyo ang nakakatanggap,” he said. 

[The distribution of SAP in its first round received many complaints. Only a few percentage of municipalities have received.]

Go, however, expressed confidence that the Department of Social Welfare and Development will be able to do their job well in the distribution of assistance. 

“Alam n’yo sa ayuda na ‘yan, alam na po ng DSWD ang kanilang trabaho. Wala na akong nakikitang rason na magkakandarapa sila sa distribusyon,” he said. 

[In the subsidy distribution, I believe the DSWD already knows what to do. I don’t see any reason they will fail.]

“Wala pong pulitika dito, ‘wag n’yo haluan ng pulitika, marami na po nasususpinde na mga kapitan na nagsasamantala,” he added. 

[There’s no politicking here, don’t mix politics, a lot of barangay captains have been suspended already for abuse.]

Go said that while he welcomes the 10K Ayuda Bill proposed by Taguig-Pateros Representative Alan Peter Cayetano, he suggested that the executive branch must also explore options that can already provide the needed aid while the proposed measure is still a pending legislation. 

He suggested looking into available funds or savings that can be used without need of congressional action. —Ted Cordero/KG, GMA News