MMDA chair Abalos bats for extension of cash aid distribution in NCR Plus

Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) chairman Benhur Abalos on Friday said the two-week period for the giving of cash aid to residents affected by the enhanced community quarantine (ECQ) in NCR Plus should be extended.

Abalos made the appeal amid reports that health and safety protocols were hardly observed on the ground as local government units to accommodate as many beneficiaries as possible every day.

"Sa nakikita ko, dapat bigyan ng extension ito because otherwise ganyan ang nangyayari, nagkakakumpulan (I think this should be extended because otherwise crowds will be difficult to manage)," he told Super Radyo dzBB.

Abalos however could not say how long the extension would be. He said it would depend on the reports of the local government units.

"We have to assess these cases in the LGU, compile them and submit them to DILG (Department of the Interior and Local Government)," said Abalos, a former mayor of Mandaluyong City.

Distribution of the cash aid, amounting to P1,000 to P4,000 per household, started this week and was marked by thick crowds and long lines, most of which reportedly lasting overnight.

Metro Manila, Cavite, Laguna, Bulacan and Rizal are under ECQ until April 11 due to the surge in COVID-19 cases.   —KBK, GMA News