Remulla says cash aid a 'disaster' in Cavite, hopes MSME assistance under Bayanihan 2 is better

Cavite Governor Jonvic Remulla is hoping that assistance for micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) under the Bayanihan to Recover as One Act or Bayanihan 2 is better compared to the aid provided by the national government under the first Bayanihan law.

In a television interview on Friday, Remulla specifically mentioned the Social Amelioration Program, which he branded as a "disaster" in the province of Cavite.

"They haven't released details on how to do it but I hope it's better than SAP 'cause SAP was a disaster here in the province," Remulla told ANC.

"I hope they choose carefully, I hope they do it right. I hope it goes with the investment or in the payroll support of the MSMEs, not to the owners," he said.

Remulla did not elaborate on why he called the first SAP aid distribution a disaster.

Under the Bayanihan 2, which has a P165.5-billion budget, a total of P10 billion was allocated for the DTI Small Business Corporation (SBCorp), in which P4 billion will be devoted for low-interest loans to MSMEs, cooperatives, hospitals, and OFWs.

Like the first Bayanihan law, the current bill also provides a P5,000 to P8,000 subsidy to affected low income households in areas under granular lockdown and those with recently returned overseas Filipino workers as well as to displaced workers.

The proposed measure is now up for President Rodrigo Duterte's signature. —Anna Felicia Bajo/KBK, GMA News