Residents appeal to Duterte for continued aid despite downgrade to GCQ

Residents of areas that will be downgraded to a general community quarantine (GCQ) starting May 16 appealed for President Rodrigo Duterte to continue giving them cash subsidies despite the easing of restrictions.

Malacañang earlier announced that the government will only give cash aid to residents of areas under enhanced community quarantine—Metro Manila, Laguna, and Cebu City—due to budget constraints.

In a 24 Oras report by Ian Cruz on Wednesday, some residents pointed out that there is no guarantee that their sources of income will be restored even under GCQ.

Lorna Bulus from Calumpit, Bulacan said she already used up her share of the first tranche of financial assistance when she gave birth last May 7.

Her husband was stranded in Zambales due to the quarantine restrictions.

“President Duterte, sana po magkaroon kami ng second ayuda dahil ang mga tao po rine sa Bulacan magsisimula pa lang maghanap-buhay sa [May 16]. Sana po magkaroon muli ng tulong mula sa inyo President Duterte,” she appealed.

Jennifer Pagunsan of Hagonoy, Bulacan likewise said her family will continue to need cash aid even though they have been downgraded to GCQ.

“Sana po mabigyan pa rin po kami kasi po kailangang kailangan kasi hindi pa rin sigurado,” she said.

“Katulad ‘yung asawa ko… baka hindi pa sigurado ‘yung kompanya nila. Nakakatakot pa rin po papasukin kasi may cases pa,” she added.

The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD), tasked with distributing the aid, said it is still awaiting a formal directive from Palace about second tranche beneficiaries.

“Inuulit po ng DSWD na wala pong release ng pondo para sa second tranche unless makapagsumite ang mga lokal na pamahalaan ng kanilang liquidation reports,” spokesperson Irene Dumlao said. —Julia Mari Ornedo/LDF, GMA News