Here are the highlights of PRRD's address this morning, 5 June 2020:
💰 RELEASE OF CASH BENEFIT TO FAMILIES OF DECEASED FRONTLINE HEALTH WORKERS
• PRRD questioned why there were no implementing rules and regulations for the provision in the Bayanihan Act to provide cash benefits to families of health workers who died in service. The release of benefits has been delayed for two months.
• The President has directed DOH to expedite the release of the compensation to affected and deceased health workers as mandated by the Bayanihan Law. He gave a three-day deadline to distribute to 32 families who are eligible for the PHP 1 million aid.
• SOH Duque was directed to form a team to ensure the processing of funds for health workers and their families.
🧳 OFW REPATRIATION
• The return of OFWs to their hometowns will be expedited. They are expected to spend a maximum of 5 days in Metro Manila before they can travel to their home towns.
• According to SILG Año, they are expecting 42,000 OFWs to arrive in the coming weeks. Meanwhile, SND Lorenzana stated that they plan to accept at least 1,200 OFWs per day which can rise to 2,000 depending on capacity.
• Returning OFs who are not OFWs will have to pay for their own testing and processing
🤲 SAP IMPLEMENTATION
• According to SILG Año, 155 barangay captains and officials are under investigation. Barangay officials that were caught along with their relatives will be charged accordingly.
• Almost 99\\% of the first tranche has already been distributed. The DSWD is preparing the distribution of the second tranche.
• LGUs have submitted 4.94 million names who will be given cash assistance in the second trance.
• The AFP and PNP will assist in the distribution of the second tranche.
🛵 TRANSPORTATION
• Motorcycle backrides, aka angkas, are still not allowed even among family members.
• The DILG stands by the IATF-EID decision to restrict backriding.
🖋️ REVIEW OF WATER DEALS
• PRRD sought to review the collection of excess money by Maynilad and Manila Water and directed them to return the money to the people even in installments.
• The President will review the contracts with the Pangilinan and Ayala groups over their water deals.