Sunday, January 29, 2023
manilastandard.net
ADVERTISEMENT
  • About
  • News
    • Top Stories
    • National
    • World News
    • Pinoy Abroad
    • Features
  • Opinion
    • Editorial
    • Columns
    • Soundbytes
  • LGUs
    • NCR
    • Luzon
    • Visayas
    • Mindanao
  • Business
    • Corporate
    • Economy & Trade
    • Stocks
    • Money
    • Agri & Mining
    • Power & Tech
    • IT & Telecom
  • Sports
    • Basketball
    • Volleyball
    • Fightsports
    • Active
    • Sports Plus
    • One Championship
    • Columns
  • Entertainment
    • TV & Movies
    • Celebrity Profiles
    • Music & Concerts
    • Digital Media
    • Columns
  • Lifestyle
    • Food
    • Culture & Media
    • Fashion
    • Health and Home
    • Leisure
    • Shopping
    • Columns
  • Others
    • Pets
    • Pop.Life
      • Newsmakers
      • Hangouts
      • A-Pop
      • Post Its
      • Performances
      • Malls & Bazaars
      • Hobbies & Collections
    • Technology
      • Gadgets
      • Computers
      • Business
      • Tech Plus
    • MS ON THE ROAD
      • Sedan
      • SUV
      • Truck
      • Bike
      • Accessories
      • Motoring Plus
      • Commuter’s Corner
    • Home & Design
      • Residential
      • Commercial
      • Construction
      • Interior
    • Spotlight
    • Gallery
      • Photos
      • Videos
    • Events
      • Seminars
      • Exhibits
      • Community
    • Biyahero
      • Travel Features
      • Travel Reels
      • Travel Logs
  • Advertise with Us
No Result
View All Result
  • About
  • News
    • Top Stories
    • National
    • World News
    • Pinoy Abroad
    • Features
  • Opinion
    • Editorial
    • Columns
    • Soundbytes
  • LGUs
    • NCR
    • Luzon
    • Visayas
    • Mindanao
  • Business
    • Corporate
    • Economy & Trade
    • Stocks
    • Money
    • Agri & Mining
    • Power & Tech
    • IT & Telecom
  • Sports
    • Basketball
    • Volleyball
    • Fightsports
    • Active
    • Sports Plus
    • One Championship
    • Columns
  • Entertainment
    • TV & Movies
    • Celebrity Profiles
    • Music & Concerts
    • Digital Media
    • Columns
  • Lifestyle
    • Food
    • Culture & Media
    • Fashion
    • Health and Home
    • Leisure
    • Shopping
    • Columns
  • Others
    • Pets
    • Pop.Life
      • Newsmakers
      • Hangouts
      • A-Pop
      • Post Its
      • Performances
      • Malls & Bazaars
      • Hobbies & Collections
    • Technology
      • Gadgets
      • Computers
      • Business
      • Tech Plus
    • MS ON THE ROAD
      • Sedan
      • SUV
      • Truck
      • Bike
      • Accessories
      • Motoring Plus
      • Commuter’s Corner
    • Home & Design
      • Residential
      • Commercial
      • Construction
      • Interior
    • Spotlight
    • Gallery
      • Photos
      • Videos
    • Events
      • Seminars
      • Exhibits
      • Community
    • Biyahero
      • Travel Features
      • Travel Reels
      • Travel Logs
  • Advertise with Us
No Result
View All Result
manilastandard.net
No Result
View All Result
Home Opinion Columns Point of Impact by Erwin Tulfo

Poor Pinoys treated as paupers, beggars

Erwin TulfobyErwin Tulfo
April 16, 2021, 12:25 am
in Point of Impact by Erwin Tulfo
Reading Time: 3 mins read
A A
Share on FacebookShare on TwitterShare on Email

"How can the DSWD and DILG officials allow this deplorable mess to happen again?"

 

We understand that the main reasons for the delays in the arrival of vaccines from abroad are beyond the control of the government, with wealthy and powerful countries cornering the supply of manufactured vaccines.

Vaccine makers do not consider the Philippines a priority customer even as we expect more deliveries coming our way within the next few weeks. 

Hopefully, the vaccination rollout will curb the surge in COVID-19 cases, particularly in Metro Manila and nearby Luzon provinces. 

What is most distressful and lamentable is the repeated aggravation of poor Filipinos over the chaotic distribution of the government cash aid in the NCR Plus areas subjected to Enhanced Community Quarantine (ECQ) for two weeks. 

ADVERTISEMENT

President Duterte had assured that individuals are to receive P1,000 cash aid while low-income families get P4,000 each. 

Unfortunately for our poor kababayans who were displaced from their low-paying jobs or livelihood due to lockdown and curfew, the same problems have delayed the distribution of the said social amelioration program (SAP) cash.  

The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD), the local government units (LGUs) and barangay officials are again pointing fingers at each other for the delay just like inefficient, chaotic and corruption-ridden SAP cash distribution last year.

The cash aid currently being given out is reportedly sourced from Bayanihan 2 which, for unclear reasons, were not distributed completely while many impoverished Filipinos did not receive anything. 

Again, we witnessed the agonizing ordeal of our poor kababayans, including senior citizens, being treated like paupers and beggars at crowded barangay halls and basketball courts.

How can the DSWD and DILG officials allow this deplorable mess to happen again?

I have received hundreds of complaints in my radio program, Tutok Erwin Tulfo, from supposed beneficiaries of the government cash assistance for the NCR Plus area residents.

President Duterte, in his televised cabinet meeting with the Inter-Agency Task Force (IATF) last week, clearly assured the viewers that each person affected by the ECQ would get P1,000 and P4,000 for a low-income family of four or more.  

According to numerous complaints, there are cases where families were given only P1,000 or P2,000, arbitrarily decided by barangay officials.

What’s worse, many residents qualified for the cash aid are reportedly not even on the list of beneficiaries.

LGUs have blamed the DSWD for failure to send the correct lists of beneficiaries.

DSWD officials however point to the barangay officials for submitting defective lists. 

These DSWD and LGU officials must realize the extreme economic hardship poor Filipinos are experiencing because of restrictions during lockdowns, rendering them unable to make a living. 

Many Filipinos are practically dying of hunger while many government officials in non-essential government agencies now practically enjoy a paid vacation, not having to worry about their salaries and benefits with much less work to perform. 

It is disheartening to hear that the same “irregularities” are happening in the distribution of Special Risk Allowance, hazard pay, meal and accommodation allowances of healthcare workers.

The Alliance of Healthcare Workers (AHW) had to write an open letter to the President asking for help in getting the said benefits and allowances. 

AHW President Robert Mendoza also disclosed that some public hospital officials have asked healthcare workers to use their face masks for “three days” instead of only eight hours. 

Small wonder that thousands of healthcare workers contract COVID-19 owing to the low health standards at public hospitals.

Department of Health (DOH) Undersecretary Leopoldo Vega clarified that Bayanihan 2 funds—to the tune of P256 million—have been downloaded to the hospitals.

Vega said hospital directors are responsible for distributing the benefits and allowances to their healthcare workers. 

We need not overemphasize the sacrifices of healthcare workers in the frontline of war versus COVID-19, many of whom have made the ultimate sacrifice. 

Like DSWD and DILG officials, DOH directors and other officials should be sensitive to the healthcare workers’ dire needs.

Tags: cash assistanceCOVID-19 vaccinesECQenhanced community quarantineErwin TulfoSAPSocial Amelioration Program
ADVERTISEMENT
Erwin Tulfo

Erwin Tulfo

Related Posts

True compassion ‘not for show’

byErwin Tulfo
November 22, 2022, 12:10 am
0
296
Denying Villafuerte justice

"Christmas came early to nearly 100 young orphans when PBBM and Madam Liza distributed gift toys and Jollibee snacks to...

Read more

Fight pollution, climate change

byErwin Tulfo
November 17, 2022, 12:10 am
0
113
Denying Villafuerte justice

"The country’s rich biodiversity is constantly under threat from human activities, including deforestation and forest degradation, illegal fishing and illicit...

Read more

PBBM an emerging voice, leader in ASEAN

byErwin Tulfo
November 15, 2022, 12:10 am
0
298
Denying Villafuerte justice

"The Philippines being among the five-nation founding members of the ASEAN in 1967, then President Ferdinand E. Marcos, Sr. was...

Read more

Awareness, preparedness keys to saving lives

byErwin Tulfo
November 10, 2022, 12:10 am
0
139
Denying Villafuerte justice

"Awareness and preparedness, as well as sound urban planning and reforestation, are keys to saving people’s lives from the horrors...

Read more

‘Red tape’ not my style

byErwin Tulfo
November 8, 2022, 12:05 am
0
260
Denying Villafuerte justice

"I will defend and fight for each and every DSWD servant all the way to the top if he or...

Read more

Bring back the trees to our forests

byErwin Tulfo
November 3, 2022, 12:10 am
0
157
Denying Villafuerte justice

"The President has in mind the massive reforestation program that will minimize the effects of heavy rains and onslaught of...

Read more

Print Edition

View More

Recent Posts

  • Smuggled red onions worth P9.49M seized in Zambo City
  • South Upi mayor wins SEAL award
  • Plebiscite campaigns in Marawi, Lanao del Sur begin on Feb. 25
  • Envoy thanks PCG for rescue of seven Chinese fishermen
  • Bad weather hampers search for Cessna plane
  • The Language of Cats
  • Debarking (Based on Human Convenience): A Clear Violation of Animal Rights and Welfare
  • New interior design trends: Happier, vibrant and eco-conscious

Advertisement

Latest News

The Language of Cats

byMariana Burgos
January 28, 2023, 8:00 pm
0
8
Debarking (Based on Human Convenience): A Clear Violation of Animal Rights and Welfare

If you are a cat person, that does not necessarily mean that you can understand cats and their ways better...

Read more

Debarking (Based on Human Convenience): A Clear Violation of Animal Rights and Welfare

byMariana Burgos
January 28, 2023, 7:50 pm
0
8
Debarking (Based on Human Convenience): A Clear Violation of Animal Rights and Welfare

My daughter and I were talking last week about what other interesting topics I could write about. And then, she...

Read more

New interior design trends: Happier, vibrant and eco-conscious

byManila Standard Lifestyle
January 28, 2023, 7:40 pm
0
8
Jumpstart your money goals this 2023

The 2023 design trends promise happiness as society continues to adjust to the ‘new normal’ as we open our doors...

Read more

A new perspective in modern prep fashion

byManila Standard Lifestyle
January 28, 2023, 7:30 pm
0
8
Jumpstart your money goals this 2023

Revitalize any wardrobe and elevate style with this season’s transitional essentials that offer a playful take on modern prep. From...

Read more

Jumpstart your money goals this 2023

byManila Standard Lifestyle
January 28, 2023, 7:20 pm
0
8
Jumpstart your money goals this 2023

New year, new goals. We all want to live through the year in a financially secure position. If you’re looking...

Read more

Advertisement

ADVERTISEMENT
Facebook Twitter Instagram Youtube

ABOUT US

Manila Standard

Manila Standard website (manilastandard.net), launched in August 2002, extends the newspaper’s reach beyond its traditional readers and makes its brand of Philippine news and opinion available to a much wider and geographically diverse readership here and overseas.

Digital Edition

In tone and content, the online edition mirrors the editorial thrust of the newspaper. While hewing to the traditional precepts of fairness and objectivity, MS believes the news of the day need not be staid, overly long or dry. Stories are succinct, readable and written in a lively style that has become a hallmark of the newspaper.

Download – Today’s Paper

Search

No Result
View All Result

6th Floor Universal Re Bldg., 106 Paseo De Roxas cor. Perea Street, Legaspi Village, 1226 Makati City Philippines

Trunklines: 832-5554, 832-5556, 832-5558

© 2021 Manila Standard - Designed and Developed by Neitiviti Studios.

No Result
View All Result
  • About
  • News
    • Top Stories
    • National
    • World News
    • Pinoy Abroad
    • Features
  • Opinion
    • Editorial
    • Columns
    • Soundbytes
  • LGUs
    • NCR
    • Luzon
    • Visayas
    • Mindanao
  • Business
    • Corporate
    • Economy & Trade
    • Stocks
    • Money
    • Agri & Mining
    • Power & Tech
    • IT & Telecom
  • Sports
    • Basketball
    • Volleyball
    • Fightsports
    • Active
    • Sports Plus
    • One Championship
    • Columns
  • Entertainment
    • TV & Movies
    • Celebrity Profiles
    • Music & Concerts
    • Digital Media
    • Columns
  • Lifestyle
    • Food
    • Culture & Media
    • Fashion
    • Health and Home
    • Leisure
    • Shopping
    • Columns
  • Pop.Life
    • Newsmakers
    • Hangouts
    • A-Pop
    • Post Its
    • Performances
    • Malls & Bazaars
    • Hobbies & Collections
  • Technology
    • Gadgets
    • Computers
    • Business
    • Tech Plus
  • MS ON THE ROAD
    • Sedan
    • SUV
    • Truck
    • Bike
    • Accessories
    • Motoring Plus
    • Commuter’s Corner
  • Home & Design
    • Residential
    • Commercial
    • Construction
    • Interior
  • Spotlight
  • Gallery
    • Photos
    • Videos
  • Events
    • Seminars
    • Exhibits
    • Community
  • Biyahero
    • Travel Features
    • Travel Reels
    • Travel Logs
  • Pets
  • Advertise with Us

© 2021 Manila Standard - Designed and Developed by Neitiviti Studios.

Welcome Back!

Login to your account below

Forgotten Password?

Retrieve your password

Please enter your username or email address to reset your password.

Log In

Install Manila Standard Web App

Install App