DSWD exec says 98,000 jeepney drivers received aid from gov’t

An official from the Department of Social Welfare and Development on Wednesday said more or less 98,000 jeepney drivers in Metro Manila have been provided with aid in this time of quarantine.

Interviewed on Dobol B sa News TV, Undersecretary Rene Glen Paje said the DSWD has been coordinating with the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board and Land Bank of the Philippines regarding extending aid to jeepney drivers.

"Dito po sa NCR, nasa 98,000 na po ang nakatanggap na mga PUV at mga iba-ibang drivers na kasali sa listahan na naverify o navalidate na ibinigay ng LTFRB..." Paje said.

The national government has said it will provide cash assistance for jeepney drivers affected by the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic.

Presidential spokesperson Harry Roque added the government could even tap jeepney drivers as contact tracers.

Paje said some jeepney drivers who are beneficiaries of other government programs will no longer receive the aid from DSWD.

"Mayroon din po namang kasing mga tsuper natin na beneficiary na po ng ibang programa ng ating pamahalaan," Paje said.

SAP second tranche

Meanwhile, Paje said the agency is already preparing for the distribution of the second tranche of the cash subsidy for more or less 18 million families.

Paje said the government would prioritize the 4Ps beneficiaries and those waitlisted from the first tranche of the cash subsidy. — RSJ, GMA News