Batangas LGU asks gov't to extend COVID-19 cash aid to barangay execs

The local government of Batangas is asking the national government to include its barangay officials as beneficiaries in the social amelioration program, Vice Governor Mark Leviste said on Friday.

At a Laging Handa press briefing, Leviste said a resolution regarding the matter was already passed on Thursday.

"Ang Sangguniang Panlalawigan din po ay nagpasa ng resolusyon na humihiling sa Pangulong Rodrigo Duterte, ganoon din po sa ating national inter-agency task force, ganon din sa DSWD at sa Kongreso na isama ang ating barangay officials and duly-recognized barangay functionaries sa ating special amelioration program," Leviste said.

"Umaasa po kami na kasama ang iba't ibang probinsya ng Pilipinas ay mapagbigyan ang aming kahilingan ng national government," Leviste added.

According to Leviste, the local government already realigned more than P400 million to assist families affected by the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic.

He urged local government officials to finish the distribution of aid for Batangas residents.

Leviste said there were 92 confirmed COVID-19 cases in Batangas with 14 fatalities.

He also said a total of 1,418 suspected cases were recorded.  —Anna Felicia Bajo/LBG, GMA News