The Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) on Thursday debunked the rumor that only vaccinated individuals would be eligible for cash aid amid the Metro Manila lockdown.
In a statement, Interior Undersecretary Jonathan Malaya said the financial assistance would be distributed to low-income individuals and families regardless of their vaccination status.
“The guidelines are now being finalized for the immediate release of the funds following the same system implemented during ‘Ayuda 1’ last April,” he said.
The Palace also assured Filipinos on Thursday that there was enough funding for the distribution of cash aid in areas under enhanced community quarantine (ECQ).
Palace spokesman Harry Roque earlier said that the government has set aside a P13.1 billion budget for financial aid.
The DILG also clarified that vaccination in Metro Manila would continue amid ECQ.
“We will utilize the two-week lockdown to ramp up vaccination in Metro Manila in cooperation with the LGUs in order for us to reach population protection this year,” Malaya said.
“All individuals scheduled for vaccination will be considered Authorized Persons Outside Residence (APORs) and will be allowed to pass by our checkpoints upon presentation of vaccination schedule,” he added.
Metro Manila will undergo ECQ from Aug. 6 to 20 due to the threat of the more infectious Delta variant. John Ezekiel J. Hirro