GRACE POE ON STRANDED TRANSIENT MIGRANTS:

The Inter Agency Task Force for COVID-19 is called on to immediately release guidelines for the inclusion of stranded transient migrants in the list of beneficiaries to receive emergency subsidy and commodity assistance.

Poe's call comes amidst reports that unregistered residents and non-voters are being excluded from receiving government aid in some barangays. This call is also consistent with the DILG's pronouncement that it is illegal for barangay officials to require voter IDs in exchange for food packs.

The transient migrants are also affected by the enhanced community quarantine. They don't need to be registered residents or voters to receive aid. This is everyone's problem so government must help them.

Under the newly signed Bayanihan to Heal as One Act or Republic Act No. 11469, 18 million low income households will receive P5,000 to P8,000 in cash subsidy. There will also be an additional budget to be given to the Assistance to Individuals in Crisis Situations of the DSWD and the Quick Response Fund of the local governments.

With Congress' green light to the reallocation of funds for COVID-19 response, there will be plenty to go around. Further, the law made no qualification as to residence so transients must be covered wherever they may be stranded.

In times of crisis, no one should be left behind.