DBM awaiting OP instruction on 'ayuda' for NCR residents amid ECQ

The Department of Budget and Management (DBM) is awaiting a directive from the Office of the President (OP) concerning the cash aid to families to be affected once Metro Manila reverts to the strictest quarantine classification.

“We will wait for OP’s instruction,” Budget Secretary Wendel Avisado told GMA News Online when asked if the government will provide “ayuda” for residents to be affected by the reimposition of enhanced community quarantine (ECQ) in the National Capital Region (NCR).

National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA) chief Karl Kendrick Chua earlier said that the economy stands to lose P105 billion for each week that NCR is under ECQ. He also said the number of poor people could increase to 177,000 and at least 444,000 will be jobless.

The government placed Metro Manila under ECQ from August 6 to 20 to mitigate the threat of the highly contagious Delta coronavirus variant.

Chua said cash could help mitigate the economic impact of the lockdown.

Under existing government policy, the government will have to grant cash aid to residents of affected areas of ECQ protocol ranging from P1,000 to P4,000 per household.

Presidential spokesperson Harry Roque has earlier said the government has no budget for cash aid for the implementation of an ECQ protocol in Metro Manila, but added the government would look for sources if necessary.

Asked if there are available funds for cash aid distribution, Avisado said, “We will work it out.”

Under ECQ only essential trips and services are allowed.

The decision was reached after the Metro Manila Council, which is composed of Metro Manila mayors, met with the government inter-agency COVID-19 task force to appeal for the imposition of stricter measures in the region amid the threata of the Delta coronavirus variant. —KBK, GMA News