Former Senator Antonio Trillanes IV made unsolicited advice to the Inter-Agency Task Force (IATF) on how the government may implement the social amelioration program to solve several issues.

In a lengthy Facebook post, Trillanes explained that the ‘per family’ distribution of assistance resulted in several problems, citing that the aid received by some beneficiaries are not enough to sustain their needs.

He also mentioned an issue that the LGUs are being forced to select the beneficiaries as the funds being given to them by the government for the social amelioration.

Trillanes explained that to solve those problems, he suggested that the social amelioration package should be given individually instead of family.

The former Senator cited that “SAF should instead be given to all individual Filipino citizens at 2.5k each”, except for the following:

1. All government employees (and spouse).
2. All private-sector employees (and spouse) who are still receiving salaries.
3. All current recipients (and spouse) of different government financial assistance programs (such as 4Ps, TUPAD, etc.).
4. All owners of registered businesses (and spouse).
5. All minors aged 17 yrs and below. They are presumed to be living with either qualified beneficiaries or exempted individuals as stated in #1 to 4 above.

He believes that giving it individually would hasten the process of distributing the aid.

“Based on cursory calculations, if we take out the exemptions, there would be a maximum of about 40M individual beneficiaries under this proposal. At 2.5k each, this would amount to 100bn/month, plus the 20bn/month for the 4Ps and other government programs, the amount would be roughly 120bn/month or 240bn for 2 months. The total amount of 240bn for 2 months would still be below the 275bn fund allocation,” Trillanes said.

He also suggested that barangay halls should be designated as the distribution center for social amelioration.

“At the designated time/day, the beneficiary would proceed to the nearest barangay hall and present any valid ID to the barangay official. The beneficiary need not have the same barangay indicated in the ID since he/she may have decided to spend the quarantine period in the province or another place before the lockdown or is an OFW who just got home, etc. This is convenient for our beneficiaries since the prohibition of PUVs would have made it impossible for them to go back to their original barangays. (Remember, the distribution is done by the national government for all its qualified citizens. The barangay centers are merely being used as distribution centers, so the political boundaries are irrelevant.) The beneficiary may also be reminded that criminal charges may be filed if they are found later on to be among those exempted from receiving the funds,” Trillanes explained.

Trillanes admitted that his proposal is not “perfect or complete” but it might help the LGUs from being forced to select their beneficiaries.

Some Mayors complained that the ‘quota system’ for cash aid being sent by the national government was based on the data that was taken five years ago.
Sen. Win Gatchalian, a former mayor and representative of Valenzuela, complained about the quota system on his Twitter account.

“In our 2015 census, Valenzuela has 155,00 families. I just learned that DSWD (Department of Social Welfare and Development) will give the P8,000 to only 95,000 families in Valenzuela. What will happen to the remaining 60,000 families? What are the qualifications to be included in the 95,000 quota?” Gatchalian said.

A vlogger based in Davao City was saddened on how his friends criticized President Rodrigo Duterte on social media.

Chito Samontina writes his thoughts on his Facebook page, saying that his friends who opposed the government are welcome to criticize the government, but he asked them to be respectful to the chief executive.

He explained that it’s really hard to see that his father figure, President Duterte was being disrespected by his critics.

Samontina also explained that their admiration for the Presidente is not ‘idolatry’, saying that they’re only considering the Duterte’s as their family.

President Duterte became the Mayor of Davao for more than two decades and transformed the said city in one of the richest and safest places in the Philippines.

Even today, the Duterte family dominated the politics in Davao City.

You can read his post below:

“I still have friends who are self-proclaimed dilawans. By friends, I meant in real life. I never unfollowed them because I respect their views.

Criticizing is fine. Totally fine. It’s our right. We all have the right to demand good governance.

However, if you trashtalk the man I always look up to, it hurts.

It hurts knowing that most of you would wait for his speeches only to make fun of him.

It hurts because the man you make fun of is the man I grew up to as a father figure. You will never understand that. Waking up every Sunday with his typical disciplinarian way of talking — you will never understand that.

You will never feel how I felt when I finally faced the man and stared at me and said, “unsa manang naa sa imong dalunggan” (what’s with your ears), pertaining to my ear tunnels. The same reaction when my biological father saw my tattoo. You will never understand that.

Do not call it idolatry.

Because you will never understand how that man changed our lives in Davao City.

If you think Dabawenyos are idolizing him, you’re wrong. We’re like a family here. It is love that he’d shown that made us love him back. It is also called respect. Big respect.

So please, when you call us dutertards by respecting that man, do not mistake it as idolatry.

Furthermore, be respectful when criticizing because it is painful when I see your posts degrading the man I respect. It hurts and that’s why most of us fight back. I’m sorry if we do.

But I hope this time you understand.

You never heard from me personally trashtalking your yellow leaders.

I hope you could do the same.

You see a clown, we see a hard-working erpat.

Big love,

A son of Davao City”

As of writing, Samontina’s post already reached 4,500 shares on social media.

Source: [1]

President Rodrigo Duterte revealed that they’re considering to extend the enhanced community quarantine until April 30.

During his televised address, the President said that they already discussed the possibility of extending the lockdown

“If you really want to know, we have discussed it actually even before this, we are inclined to extend the lockdown up to April 30, tignan natin,” Duterte said.

The lockdown was supposed to end two weeks from now.

Secretary Carlito Galvez Jr. already hinted at the possible lockdown extension a few days ago to ensure control of the spread of COVID-19 in the country.

Galvez explained that the cases are still rising and it might only give difficulties to the government if they decided to end the lockdown quickly.

Vice President Leni Robredo and businesses also supported the lockdown extension.

Duterte also vowed to hasten their discussion about their actions to help the middle-class families in the Philippines after he received a letter from Cavite Governor Jonvic Remulla.

Remulla said that people belong to the middle-class should also be eligible to be part of the social amelioration program of the Duterte administration as they “pay the most taxes”.

“It is a time of crisis for everyone. Not just the poorest of the poor, but also those who have built much but not enough. They wait for the LGU’s to give them relief goods but those come few and far in between. They scrimp and pawn and borrow. They are barely surviving,” Remulla stated.

“As governor, I am respectfully asking that you consider them to be part of the social amelioration program. They may not get as much as the poorest of the poor but please consider their welfare. They are often overlooked. They pay the most taxes. They keep our economy alive. They are mostly law-abiding citizens. They need a break,” he also said.

Before he ended his speech, Duterte hoped that the situation improves in the upcoming days.

Cavite Government Jonvic Remulla writes an open letter to President Rodrigo Duterte asking the latter to include the middle class to the social amelioration program of the government.

In his social media post, Remulla explained that while middle-class people are not considered as the poorest of the poor, they’re still affected by the crisis.

As the leader of one of the biggest provinces in the Philippines, Remulla believes that middle-class families living in subdivisions don’t mean they’re not being affected by the enhanced community quarantine as they’re still relying to their monthly paychecks.

The government also told the President that the people belonged to the middle class contributing so much to the economy of the country that’s why they should not be disregarded.

According to iMoney.ph, people belong to the middle class are earning approximately ₱11,915 to ₱49,526 per month.

You can read his open letter below:

“I write to you today to appeal for the middle class. I come from a province that is over 70% migrants. People who have climbed their way up in life: buying a house on mortgage; sending their children through college; having a their 1st car or motorcycle on a 5 year instalment basis. 300,000 of them work in manila. 400,000 directly (factory workers) and indirectly (feeding, clothing, driving, retailing) from our economic zones. Our poverty incidence is one of the lowest in the country and our GDP per capita is just about the highest of all LGU’s outside of metro Manila.

The Covid-19 pandemic has hit my province hard. Despite that I am not asking for anything to be given to the local government. We can fend for ourselves, but not everybody can.

The recent announcement of the issuance of a Social Amelioration Card gave people a lot of hope. In the past 3 weeks most have depleted their savings. Families of 8 stay in housing units 24 to 40 square meters small. Cramped as they are, they are generally optimistic people. Despite all that, they are hurting.

Most of the people who live in subdivisions such as tierra nevada, or tree lane, or lancaster, are employed in the private sector or SME’s. Double income homes, OFW’s, single mothers, transport operators and entrepreneurs, all of them rely on a monthly pay check. As grand as their gated villages sound, they are middle class people who see their pay checks every month deducted of their SSS,GSIS, Pag-ibig and salary loans, and the largest part-income taxes.

It is a time of crisis for everyone. Not just the poorest of the poor, but also those who have built much but not enough. They wait for the LGU’s to give them relief goods but those come few and far in between. They scrimp and pawn and borrow. They are barely surviving.

As governor, I am respectfully asking that you consider them to be part of the social amelioration program. They may not get as much as the poorest of the poor but please consider their welfare. They are often overlooked. They pay the most taxes. They keep our economy alive. They are mostly law-abiding citizens. They need a break.

Thank you very much and I hope you receive this in the spirit that it was intended. Not for politics nor favour but for the people and their well being”

Three days ago, the Department of Social and Welfare Development (DSWD) launched the social amelioration program, which according to President Duterte, is the “largest and widest” in the “country’s history”.

Senator Ramon ‘Bong’ Revilla Jr. expressed sadness over the recent remarks of Manila City Mayor Isko Moreno whom he considered as a ‘friend’ and colleague in showbiz.

Revilla, in a Facebook live video, addressed Moreno for criticizing the 24 senators of the republic, calling the statement of the Manila City Mayor as unfair.

“Si Yorme, tinira kaming mga senador, sana naman wag ganon, masakit dahil alam naman natin na you’re a very good friend of mine, alam mo naman na lahat kami nagta-trabaho, di kami nag papabaya,” Revilla said.

The Senator from Cavite said that they couldn’t afford to help the whole country that’s why the Manila Mayor should understand that they could only help the people at their bailiwicks.

He also revealed that all the Senators were disappointed over Moreno’s remarks.

Revilla said that they did their mandate despite the possible risk of getting infected by COVID-19 just to pass the Bayanihan To Heal As One Act.

“Kaya yung banat samin ni Yorme, wag ganon, tulungan tayo hindi ito ang panahon ng pag batikos, wag mo kaming personalin, minsan nakakasama ng loob,” Revilla said.

“Nag usap usap nga kami dun sa aming Viber group, saktan kaming lahat dahil unfair yun sa amin, dahil nung pumasok pa kami kahit na alam nating delikado ilan na nga yung nagkasakit, pero gayon paman tuloy parin ang trabaho namin,”  he added.

Revilla is one of 11 the Senators who attended the special session on March 28.

He then urged the people to help the country instead of focusing on criticizing the public officials.

“Sama sama po tayo, alam ko po ang nararamdaman nang bawat isa sa inyo, alam ko po kung anong nararamdaman ng mga LGUs, ng mga ating mga Mayors, talagang yung mga alkalde talagang halos wala po silang pahinga, pero sila ang tumatangap ng lahat ng dagok,” he said.

LGUs and public officials were also lack of funds according to Revilla, that’s why the public should not assume that they’re corrupting the budget of the people.

“Akala nila ninanakaw nila yung pera, pero totoo sa tingin ko kulang na kulang yan dahil hindi sapat ang pondo natin, kaya kailangan talaga ang ayuda ng National Government nakahanda po kaming mga Senador at Kongresista para tumugon sa pangangailangan ng ating mga kababayan,” Revilla remarked.

A few days ago, Mayor Isko Moreno criticized the Senators and urged them to help the people.

“Mga senador, 24 lang kayo, mga sekretaryo, mga pulitikong katulad ko, ngayon natin ipakita, ipakita ninyo ang pagmamahal ninyo sa Pilipino. Kaming mga tiga-Maynila, Pilipino rin. Ngayon niyo ipakita, maraming nagdadarahop.” Moreno said.

“Wala ba kayong mga puso? Maswerte kayo, pinagpala kayo. Maswerte tayo nakaluwag tayo sa buhay. Paano yung mga naghihikahos dahil sa krisis na ito at yung mga naghihikahos sa kasalukuyan. Hindi tayo magkakaunawaan sa salitaan, hindi tayo magkakaunawaan sa mga political ideologies.”  he added.

Moreno’s statement catches the attention of the public and several senators including Senate President Vicente Sotto III.

Senate President Vicente ‘Tito’ Sotto III denied the accusation of Manila City Mayor Isko Moreno that all of his colleagues are not helping the people affected by the enhanced community quarantine.

In a Tweet, Sotto revealed that some members of the Senate are donating more than their monthly salaries to the people, without broadcasting it.

“The Senators have been donating more than just their salaries since day one but never published it!” Sotto said.

The Senators have been donating more than just their salaries since day one but never published it!

— Tito Sotto (@sotto_tito) April 5, 2020

The Senate President also shared a verse from the bible about giving the needy.

“So when you give to the needy, do not announce it with trumpets, as the hypocrites do in the synagogues and on the streets, to be honored by others. Truly I tell you, they have received their reward in full. But when you give to the needy, do not let your left hand know what your right hand is doing, so that your giving may be in secret. Then your Father, who sees what is done in secret, will reward you.” the Senator posted.

pic.twitter.com/WAFAnMZC7F

— Tito Sotto (@sotto_tito) April 5, 2020

Sotto made the said tweets after he made controversial remarks yesterday, saying that they’re not tasked to repack relief goods for the people.

“Our duty as lawmakers is to promptly pass the enabling law so the exec dept can use govt funds to respond during this health crisis. We did so in 18 hrs. it’s not our mandate to repack rice and sardines with a complete PR team around us. Some of us do, WITHOUT the PR team!” Sotto said yesterday.

Our duty as lawmakers is to promptly pass the enabling law so the exec dept can use govt funds to respond during this health crisis. We did so in 18 hrs. it’s not our mandate to repack rice and sardines with a complete PR team around us. Some of us do, WITHOUT the PR team!

— Tito Sotto (@sotto_tito) April 4, 2020

A few days ago, Mayor Isko Moreno slammed the 24 senators of the Philippines and asked them if they’re already heartless as they’re not being seen helping the people affected by the ECQ.

“Mga senador, 24 lang kayo, mga sekretaryo, mga pulitikong katulad ko, ngayon natin ipakita, ipakita ninyo ang pagmamahal ninyo sa Pilipino. Kaming mga tiga-Maynila, Pilipino rin. Ngayon niyo ipakita, maraming nagdadarahop.” Moreno said.

“Wala ba kayong mga puso? Maswerte kayo, pinagpala kayo. Maswerte tayo nakaluwag tayo sa buhay. Paano yung mga naghihikahos dahil sa krisis na ito at yung mga naghihikahos sa kasalukuyan. Hindi tayo magkakaunawaan sa salitaan, hindi tayo magkakaunawaan sa mga political ideologies.”  he added.

Aside from encouraging high-ranking officials to help, Moreno and the other elected officials of Manila City announced that they’re going to donate their salary to the Philippine General Hospital (PGH).

Senate President Vicente ‘Tito’ Sotto III responded to Manila City Mayor Isko Moreno’s call to some politicians to go out and help the needy affected by the ‘enhanced community quarantine’ (ECQ).

On a statement, Sotto III defended the mandate of the Senate and explained that they’re not being useless on fighting the COVID-19 crisis in the country.

“Mga kababayan, bilang Pangulo ng Senado, nais ko po, una sa lahat, pasalamatan ang lahat ng ating mamamayan lalo na ang mga tagapangalaga ng kalusugan na tumutulong ng taos puso at walang pagyayabang. Ang pagtulong sa kapwa na walang hinihintay na kapalit o papuri ay tunay na dakila,” Sotto said in his most recent statement.

“Para naman dun sa ilang kababayan natin na nagyayabang at mahilig maghamon sa mga Senador at pulitiko na lumabas at tumulong sa kapwa, sana ay mahismasmasan kayo at magkaroon ng tamang katinuhan,” he added.

Moreno, and also businessman Francis Leo Marcos urged the high-ranking officials to help needy.

However, Sotto said that they already did their contribution by pushing for the Bayanihan To Heal As One Act.

He also said that they should stop using the current situation of the country to push for their political agendas.

“Sang-ayon ako na bawal mamulitika kung kaya’t hinahamon ko lahat ng pulitiko sa buong bansa lalo na ang mga mayayabang na local official, na wag gamitin ang pagtulong sa kanilang mga nasasakupan para sa pansariling ambisyon,” Sotto said.

“Tigilan natin ang pagpapacover ng mga ating ginagawa, ito naman ay ating sinumpaang tungkulin. Tigilan muna ang pagiging EPAL at pagiging KSP,” he added.

Photo: Vicente Tito Sotto Facebook page

The Senate President also added another message on his Twitter, saying that they’re not mandated to repack sardines and rice for the poor then publicize it.

“Our duty as lawmakers is to promptly pass the enabling law so the exec dept can use govt funds to respond during this health crisis. We did so in 18 hrs. it’s not our mandate to repack rice and sardines with a complete PR team around us. Some of us do, WITHOUT the PR team!” Sotto said.

Our duty as lawmakers is to promptly pass the enabling law so the exec dept can use govt funds to respond during this health crisis. We did so in 18 hrs. it’s not our mandate to repack rice and sardines with a complete PR team around us. Some of us do, WITHOUT the PR team!

— Tito Sotto (@sotto_tito) April 4, 2020

Recently, Senator Ping Lacson also reminded Mayor Isko Moreno about the real mandate of the Senate.

“Yorme, kaya po namamahagi ngayon ang gobyerno ng tulong pinansyal kasama na ang lungsod ng Maynila ay dahil nagpagod at nagpuyat ang mga senador kahit may banta ng COVID-19 para ipasa ang Bayanihan Act. Iyan kasi ang mandato namin. Mali ang paratang ninyo na wala kaming ginagawa,” Lacson said.

Yesterday, Mayor Isko Moreno asked if the high-ranking public officials are being heartless now because they’re not doing anything to help the needy.

“Mga senador, 24 lang kayo, mga sekretaryo, mga pulitikong katulad ko, ngayon natin ipakita, ipakita ninyo ang pagmamahal ninyo sa Pilipino. Kaming mga tiga-Maynila, Pilipino rin. Ngayon niyo ipakita, maraming nagdadarahop.” Moreno said.

“Wala ba kayong mga puso? Maswerte kayo, pinagpala kayo. Maswerte tayo nakaluwag tayo sa buhay. Paano yung mga naghihikahos dahil sa krisis na ito at yung mga naghihikahos sa kasalukuyan. Hindi tayo magkakaunawaan sa salitaan, hindi tayo magkakaunawaan sa mga political ideologies.”  he added.

Moreno is not yet releasing a response to the statement of the Senators.