(Eagle News)–President Rodrigo Duterte on Monday night unveiled a P200-billion assistance plan for low-income families affected by the coronavirus disease 2019 pandemic.
“Sila ang nasa informal sector and those who live day to day on subsistence wages or no work no pay,” the President said.
According to the President, under the program, reportedly the biggest social assistance program in the country, beneficiary households will receive “emergency support for their 2 months based on the regional minimum wage.”
“However, I still count on everyone to also look out after their fellowmen, their countrymen,” Duterte said.
“To those who have more in life, I implore you to share in the cost of taking share of the less fortunate and keeping our society intact. They have also contributed to our prosperity in one way or the other so let us support them,” he added.
President Duterte’s speech came days after Congress granted him additional powers to address the COVID-19 crisis.
Under the law approved by the upper and lower chambers, Duterte was required to report to Congress the actions taken on the crisis.
Senate President Tito Sotto said he had expected the President to unveil a plan for the 18 million families affected.
