DILG seeks San Jose del Monte LGU explanation on waiver in cash aid distribution

The Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) said Friday it is waiting for the explanation of San Jose del Monte City, Bulacan on reports that some residents were required to sign a waiver when they receive their cash assistance.

At the Laging Handa public briefing, DILG spokesperson Undersecretary Jonathan Malaya said they were shocked when the information reached the department.

“As of now, kino-confirm pa po namin ang report na ito kung totoo nga na may waiver. Inaantay namin po ang paliwanag ng San Jose del Monte, if true, bakit sila nag-require ng waiver,” he said.

(As of now, we are still verifying this report. We are waiting for the explanation of San Jose del Monte, if true, why they require a waiver.)

According to the report, the beneficiaries of the cash assistance program were asked to sign a document waiving their right to file a complaint against the government after accepting the cash aid.

Based on the executive order issued by Mayor Arthur Robes, Malaya said there is no requirement for a waiver. He added that this is not stated in the Joint Memorandum Circular No. 1.

The national government allocated P22.9 billion for the cash assistance program for the affected residents. They will receive an assistance of P1,000 per individual with a maximum of P4,000 per family.

A resident, who received only P1,000 instead of P3,000 based on the number of persons in their family,  questioned the waiver, according to a report of Darlene Cay on GMA News’ Unang Balita.

Florante Lagazo, barangay chairman of Sta. Cruz 1, explained that the waiver is intended only for one person and not for other members of the family who are yet to receive the cash aid.

He said it was the city hall personnel who asked the residents to sign the waiver and they said that the P1,000 is just an initial payout for the family.

City Legal Officer Elmer Galica explained that they only relied on the list given by the national government. He said the list is not yet complete and they are still verifying it.

In a press statement, the San Jose del Monte city government said the waiver is not intended to suppress the rights of the residents, noting that they can still appeal to the grievance committee.

"Walang layong ipanikil ng karapatang pantao ang nasabing waiver. Kung may problema ang mga nakatanggap ng ayuda sa kanilang natanggap ay malaya silang maghain ng reklamo na naaayon sa grievance provision ng JMC No. 1," it stated.

It added that the waiver is a supporting document to show that the fund was indeed distributed to the beneficiaries.

Due to the rising COVID-19 cases, the government placed National Capital Region, Bulacan, Cavite, Laguna, and Rizal—collectively called NCR Plus —under enhanced community quarantine.

Under the strictest community quarantine classification, the mobility of people is restricted as well as the operation of some businesses.—AOL, GMA News