Palace promises food, cash aid

THE government will provide food and cash aid to those who need help most during the enhanced community quarantine in Luzon, Malacañang said on Wednesday as the government rolled out its “draconian” war chest against the coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19) pandemic.

Cabinet Secretary Karlo Alexei Nograles presented the government’s National Action Plan after President Rodrigo Duterte signed Republic Act (RA) 11469 or the “Bayanihan to Heal as One Act” that grants him additional powers to address the “national emergency.”

Nograles said the government was mobilizing funds to extend food assistance to those affected by the pandemic.

“Based on the presentation of the IATF (Inter-Agency Task Force), uunahinmuna‘yung food assistance (food

assistance will be prioritized) and the cash aid will follow,” he said in a news briefing.

He added that the Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office was directed to transfer P420.5 million to the Philippine Health Insurance Corp. (PHIC). The amount shall cover Covid-19-related packages of the PHIC.

The IATF also endorsed the proposal of the Department of Labor to release P1.5 billion to help overseas workers and repatriated overseas workers.

Indigents who suffered from Covid- 19, whether confirmed cases or persons under investigation, will receive funeral support from the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD), Nograles said.

“DSWD shall allot P25,000 per deceased for this purpose,” he added.

Budget realignment

Under RA 11469, each lowincome household will receive around P5,000 to P8,000 per month for two months from various national government and local government programs.

The law provides compensation of P100,000 to public and private health workers who may contract severe Covid-19 infection in the line of duty.

A P1-million compensation will be given to health workers who died while fighting the pandemic.

The provision on compensation for health workers is retroactive to Feb. 1, 2020.

All public health workers will also receive a Covid-19 special risk allowance in addition to the hazard pay granted under RA 7305.

The law also tasks the President to expedite and streamline the accreditation of testing kits, and facilitate the prompt testing of suspected cases.

It also empowers the President to temporarily direct the operations of “privately-owned hospitals, medical and health facilities including passenger vessels and other establishments,” when the public interest so requires.

RA 11469 also authorizes him to take over the operations of these private enterprises if they “unjustifiably refuse or signify that they are no longer capable of operating their enterprises” for Covid- 19 response, subject to the limits and safeguards of the Constitution.

The law laid down penalties for various offenses including hoarding, local government officials disobeying national government policies or directives in imposing quarantines and spreading false information.

Possible lifting

Meanwhile, Interior and Local Government Secretary Eduardo Año is confident that the Luzonwide enhanced community quarantine would be lifted on April 12.

“That we have to assess, but I’m confident that we can,” Año said.

Even after the quarantine is lifted, he said the government would continue to strictly enforce social distancing.

Since the quarantine has yet to be lifted, the DILG chief said “draconian” measures were needed to prevent a sharp peak of Covid-19 cases.

Citing studies by the World Health Organization, Año said the number of Covid-19 cases in the country could reach 75,000 in five months if efforts to contain the spread of the virus fail.

He added that there was no need to expand the quarantine to Visayas and Mindanao.

“But if there is a necessity and depending on the development, i-a- assess ng IATF ‘yan (the IATF will assess it),” he added.

No surrender

The President assured the public late Tuesday that the government would not back down from the fight against the pandemic, promising that the government “will be on top of this situation at all times.”

“I ask the entire country for patience, understanding and utmost cooperation. With your support, I am confident that we will emerge triumphant. Nothing is more formidable and resilient than the Filipino spirit. Matindiangkalaban (The enemy is strong). But we will not surrender. Tayoaylalaban (We will not give up the fight),” Duterte said.

“Yes, things will not be easy, [but] we Filipinos are tough. We all must do what we can, parasa atingbayan (for our country),” he added.

“We will address all the different issues brought about by this pandemic as well as ensure the protection of all of our people, especially those who are serving in the frontlines,” he said.

Duterte called on Filipinos to stay home.

“Nothing is more important than your cooperation,” he added.

The President said supplies of food, water and other essentials would be provided throughout the ordeal while financial assistance would be extended to those in the margins and the vulnerable groups.

“Huwagkayongmatakot.Nandito kayo…totoongpagsilbihan… We will not leave anyone behind. Sabaysabay parasakabutihannglahat (Do not be afraid. Your government is here to truly serve you. We will not leave anyone behind. Together, we will fight Covid-19 for the common good),” he added.

‘Heroes’

Duterte thanked health workers and recognized them as “heroes” for risking their lives to treat infected patients.

He admitted that he was saddened to hear that some had died after contracting the disease.

The President also expressed gratitude to other frontliners including uniformed personnel, government workers, and those working in basic services such as groceries, banks, food establishments, and delivery services, among others, and volunteers, and the private sector for helping alleviate the people’s suffering.

As of Wednesday, the number of Covid cases climbed to 636, according to the Department of Health.

The death toll rose to 38. The three new deaths came from the cities of Quezon, Caloocan, and Marikina.