City mayors seek DSWD clarification on subsidy guidelines


By Nanette Guadalquiver
April 7, 2020 - Bacolod City


The League of Cities of the Philippines (LCP) has sought clarification from the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) on the guidelines for the release of government financial assistance amid the coronavirus disease (Covid-19) crisis.

"We are respectfully requesting (for) a clear statement from DSWD that the Emergency Subsidy Program is not for everyone but only for the beneficiaries qualified under the DSWD guidelines," Bacolod City Mayor Evelio Leonardia, national president of LCP, said in his April 4 letter addressed to Secretary Rolando Bautista.

Through the DSWD, the national government is providing a subsidy of PHP5,000 to P8,000 each for eligible families affected by the enhanced community quarantine (ECQ) in various areas nationwide.

Leonardia said the league is "deeply concerned of the growing perception through the media that there is enough budget to cover all lower-income households".

"With so much unfounded and even malicious speculations circulating on allegations of corruption and many other issues that may have created inordinate expectations and speculations among our people, we believe and humbly request that the DSWD release an official statement," he added.

Specifically, Leonardia said the city mayors are requesting that the DSWD clarify that not everyone will receive the subsidy but only those qualified under its guidelines and that the assistance will be distributed by DSWD to the qualified beneficiaries in coordination, and with the support of the local government units (LGUs) and the barangays.

Leonardia said on Sunday that he sent the letter-request to Bautista after his fellow city mayors informed him that the misconception and false expectations have been causing confusion among their constituents and barangay officials.

He added that in Bacolod, village chiefs have also been reporting to him about the complaints of some residents, who believe "everyone is qualified" to receive the financial assistance.

Some 18 million low-income households across the country expected to receive the subsidy.

Beneficiaries from the National Capital Region will receive the highest amount at PHP8,000, while those in Central Luzon and Calabarzon regions will receive PHP6,500. Other regions will receive around PHP5,000 to PHP6,000.

The cash subsidy schedule is based on the upper limit of the daily minimum wage in each region.

With a funding of PHP200 billion, the emergency subsidy is provided under Section 4C of Republic Act No. 11469 or the "Bayanihan to Heal as One Act". (PNA)

Source: https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1098955?fbclid=IwAR3Qtzcu32bcYl40a1vV6vNc6Uu5engaOWztTvtpEeF9ncFlaMgs0Qfn0k8

Granting Authority to make Advance Payments for the Procurement of COVID-19 Vaccines
February 19, 2021
LOOK: Memorandum Order No. 51 signed by President Duterte granting the national government and local government units (LGUs) authority to make advance payments exceeding the 15\% limit for the procurement of COVID-19 vaccines.
The Advocate
January 15, 2021
The Q1-Q2 2020 issue of our official newsletter features the League's mid-year accomplishments including our response to COVID-19.
 MEMO
Appeal for coordinated assistance to affected cities of Typhoon Quinta, Rolly, and Ulysses
November 16, 2020
The unprecedented landfall of three (3) tropical storms in three weeks or from October 25 to November 11 in the country has greatly affected our cities from Luzon. Based on the available Situational Reports from the National Disaster Risk Reduction Management Council (NDRRMC), a total of 64 cities have been affected by Typhoon Quinta, Rolly, and Ulysses.
Roundtable Consultation on Metropolitan Transport with Clean Air Asia
October 22, 2020
We invite you to an online consultation with Clean Air Asia on 27 October 2020 (Tuesday), from 2:30 to 6:15 p.m., to deepen the conversation on the importance of establishing and reorganizing transport authorities and executives.
 FEATURE CITY