Expand cash aid to 2M displaced workers, over 230K affected OFWs: Pangilinan

"The pace of job displacements as a consequence of Covid-19 is alarming, now placed at over 2 million in the formal sector and over 230,000 among overseas Filipino workers (OFWs).

We urge the Department of Labor and Employment to continue and expand its COVID-19 Adjustment Measures Program (CAMP), which gives a one-time P5,000 assistance to displaced formal workers, and its Abot Kamay ang Pagtulong (AKAP) emergency fund, which provides a one-time P10,000 or $200 cash aid to qualified OFWs.

With millions more from the informal sector losing their livelihood, there is need for government to intensify its social amelioration program, so that help could get to the people on time.

We, in Congress, are prepared to pass a measure that would augment existing funds so that Filipinos in need are covered.

There are savings and unused funds from last year's budget that are only sitting idle, which should be tapped to boost our war chest as we go through this pandemic.

Napakahalaga lalong-lalo na sa panahong ito na ipaalam natin sa mga Pilipino na ang kanilang mga buwis at ang kanilang pamahalaan ay nagtatrabaho para sa kanila."