Food and Financial Aid

Question from Facebook: Meron bang 2nd tranche sa cebu city? ecq pa rin kami.

Answer: (June 30, 2020)

Presidential spokesperson Harry Roque told the Inquirer on Tuesday, June 30, 2020, that the government will provide 2nd tranche of cash aid to Cebu City. “They (Cebuanos) will be priority for distribution of the 2nd tranche,” Roque said.

Question from Email: Member po ang mama ko ng 4ps at yung dalawang kapatid ko na nakababata lang ang beneficiaries. May trabaho po ako at nakabukod na. May matatanggap ako galing sa SSS/SBWS, pwede ko po ba itong kunin? May balita kasi na pwedeng makasuhan o matanggal ang mama ko bilang 4ps kung tatanggapin ko ang 8k cash assistance from SSS/SBWS dahil madodoble daw po.

Answer: (May 28, 2020)

Hangga’t ang sender ay hindi kasama sa listahan ng pamilya na nabigyan ng benepisyo ng gobyerno sa ilalim ng Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program o 4Ps, maaari siyang makatanggap ng small business wage subsidy (SWBS) na ibinibigay ng pamahalaan sa pamamagitan ng Social Security System, ayon kay kay Irene Dumlao, spokesperson ng Department of Social Welfare and Development.

Question from Email: Is there a 2nd tranche of financial assistance for GCQ areas?

Answer: (May 26, 2020)

Yes, qualified beneficiaries in areas under the general community quarantine may still be considered for second tranche of the social amelioration program but most beneficiaries would come from those living in enhanced community quarantine areas, said Executive Secretary Salvador Medialde, in a memorandum signed on May 22. The second tranche of the cash aid program will also be expanded to include 5 million more families.

Sources: https://newsinfo.inquirer.net/1279790/iatf-ordered-5m-families-should-be-included-in-sap-2nd-tranche-beneficiaries-in-gcq-areas-may-be-considered and https://newsinfo.inquirer.net/files/2020/05/1590199789944977.mp4.pdf

Question from Email: Hanggang ngayon walang ayuda ang mga private school teachers. hindi kami qualified sa SAP at na late sa DOLE at SBWS ang pag file ng school kaya hindi din na approve. Wala po kaming income hanggang August. Ano po ang pwede naming gawin? Hindi din ako makapag file ng loan dahil one year pa lang akong nagtuturo.

Answer: (May 21, 2020)

Tama po kayo, sa ngayon ay walang ayuda na ibinibigay ang pamahalaan para sa mga pribadong guro na apektado ng lockdown na ipinatupad ng gobyerno laban sa pananalasa ng new coranavirus. Gayunman, tinitingnan na rin ng Senado ang sitwasyon o lagay ng ating mga private teachers. Sa isang panayam noong May 18, 2018 kay Sen. Sherwin Gatchalian, na siyang pinuno ng Senate education committee, sinabi nito na pinag-aarala na ng knayng komite kung paano ang pondo sa ilalim ng General Assistance for Students and Teachers in Private Education (GASTPE) Act ay magagamit bilang subsidy para sa mga private teachers. Sinabi rin ng senador na kinukonsider na ang mga pribadong paaralan ay dapat isama sa small business wage subsidy (SBWS) na ibinibigay sa mga maliliit na negosyo na naapektuhan ng Covid-19 pandemic. Naniniwala rin siya na ang mga private teachers ay dapat bigyan din ng P8,000 na ayuda.

Question from Email: Makakaavail ba sa SBWS kung 1.5 buwan ka pa lang sa isang kumpanya? Yung sss ay hindi nila nahulugan pero dati nang myembro sa sss at nahulugan naman ito sa mga dating company.

Answer: (May 21, 2020)

Opo, kailangan lang na magampanan ang mga criteria na hinihingi, at nasagot ng kanyang employer para sa empleyado. Ang deadline po ng application ay noon pang Mayo 8. Para maging karapat-dapat sa SBWS, kailangan ang mga sumusunod: na ang aplikante ay empleyado ng isang lehitimong maliit na negosyo; aktibong empleyado simula Marso 1, 2020 ngunit hindi makapagtrabaho dahil sa ipinatupad na ECQ; hindi nabayaran ng employer sa loob ng dalawang linggo bunsod ng temporary closure o suspensyon ng trabaho base sa Labor Advisory No. 1, Series of 2020; kahit anong contract status (e.g., regular, probationary, regular seasonal, project-based, fixed-term); sertipikado ng employer na lahat ng criteria ng aplikasyon ay nasunod. Para sa dagdag na impormasyon

Source: https://sites.google.com/dof.gov.ph/small-business-wage-subsidy

Question from Email: I’m a bit confused on the amount and from what program we can get assistance from. They’re saying that you can only get a specific amount from either of the programs/department (dole, sss, dswd). Is that correct and can we get any reference online?

Answer: (May 19, 2020)

The national government rolled out several financial subsidy programs to help alleviate the impact of the community quarantine during this coronavirus pandemic. The social amelioration program (SAP) under Republic Act No. 11469 or the “Bayanihan to Heal as One Act,” provides cash subsidy ranging from P5,000 to P8,000 for two months (depending on prevailing regional minimum wage rates) to low-income families. The granting of the first tranche of SAP ended on May 10. Local government units, tasked to distribute the subsidy, are now preparing the list of beneficiaries for the second tranche with government officials saying low-income families who were “left-out” or did not receive cash assistance from the first tranche would be included. The COVID-19 Adjustment Measure Program (CAMP) from the Department of Labor and Employment is a one-time P5,000 assistance for workers (regardless of status) employed in private establishments, whose operations are affected by the coronavirus situation. As of May 7, however, DOLE said it has concluded its distribution of CAMP. DOLE’s other cash assistance program, called DOLE-AKAP for OFWs, is for displaced landbased and seabased Filipino workers. It is also nearing its completion with about 74 percent of the targeted OFW-beneficiaries already qualified for the release of the one-time P10,000 or $200 cash assistance as of May 7. Another assistance is the Small Business Wage Subsidy Program which aims to benefit workers in micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs) through a subsidy of P5,000 to P8,000 each for two months. Applications, via the Social Security System website, ended last May 8 and were completed by the employer on behalf of their employees. Some LGUs have also implemented their own cash assistance programs. See the links below for further information about the different government subsidies.

Sources: https://newsinfo.inquirer.net/1277283/dilg-gives-lgus-deadline-to-submit-list-of-saps-2nd-tranche-beneficiaries; https://newsinfo.inquirer.net/1253647/in-the-know-find-your-way-to-camp-and-sap; https://sites.google.com/dof.gov.ph/small-business-wage-subsidy and https://www.dole.gov.ph/news/over-1m-workers-get-dole-cash-aid/

Question from Email: Kapag po ba nakatanggap ng cash aid sa SBWS ay pwede pang mabigyan din ng SAP cash aid (no work no pay po under small business company)?

Answer: (May 15, 2020)

Hindi maaaring makadoble sa benepisyo. Ayon sa DOF’s Small Business Wage Subsidy (SBWS) measure, merong pobisyon na tumutukoy na hindi maaring mabigyan ng dobleng benepisyo ang isang indibidwal. Una nang nagpahayag si Social Welfare Secretary Rolando Bautista sa mga opisyal ng barangay na tiyakin na masasala nilang mabuti ang mga bibigyan ng benepisyo sa SAP para maiwasan ang duplikasyon at upang sila ay makaiwas sa kaso.

Sources: https://pia.gov.ph/news/articles/1041097; https://sites.google.com/dof.gov.ph/small-business-wage-subsidy and https://www.officialgazette.gov.ph/downloads/2020/03mar/20200328-JOINT-MEMORANDUM-CIRCULAR-NO-1-S-2020.pdf

Question from Email: Totoo bang hindi ka mabibigyan ng kahit anong ayuda kung large tax payer ang company mo?

Answer: (May 14, 2020)

Ang mga malalaking kompanya na nagtanggal ng kanilang mga tauhan o empleyado o nagpatupad ng flexible work arrangements (gaya ng pinaigsing oras ng trabaho, job rotation, at iba pa) na dahilan para mabawasan o mawalan ng kita ay maaaing mag-aplay ng tulong pinansiyal sa ilalim ng Department of Labor and Employment’s COVID-19 Adjustment Measure Program (CAMP). Gayunman, sinabi ng DOLE, na tapos na ang pagpapatupad ng CAMP at ang tanging natitirang programa na lamang nila ay ang tulong para sa mga OFWs sa ilalim ng Abot Kamay ang Pagtulong (AKAP) program, na gaya ng CAMP, ay malapit na ring magtapos.

Source: https://newsinfo.inquirer.net/1259565/dole-stops-accepting-camp-applications-as-dof-starts-wage-subsidy-program and https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1102147

Question from Facebook: Makakaavail ba ng SAP kung may Senior Citizen at PWD sa pamilya at panandaliang nag operate yung negosyo? Napilitan lang kasi kami magsara dahil di makapasok ang mga panel na sumusuplay samin dahil may nagpositibo sa lugar namin. Burauen, Leyte ang location namin.

Answer: (May 14, 2020)

Hinihintay pa ang pagpapalabas ng guidelines ng Inter-Agency Task Force for the Management of Emerging Infectious Diseases para sa ikalawang bugso ng cash aid distribution sa ilalim ng social amelioration program (SAP).
Dahil sa ngayon lang nasuspinde ang inyong negosyo, masasabi na hindi kaya nakapag-aplay sa unang bugso ng pamamahagi ng SAP, na sa kasamaang palad ay nagtapos na nitong Mayo 10. Ayon kay Interior Secretary Eduardo Año, ang mga naiwan o hindi nakakuha ng tulong sa unang bugso ng SAP ay maaaring makakuha sa pangalawang bugso nito na ipamamahagi ngayong buwan
Gayunman, sinabi ni Presidential spokesperson Harry Roque, tintingnan ng pamahalaan na hindi na isali sa bibigyan ng SAP ang mga pamilya na nasa ilalim ng general community quarantine, kung saan ang bayan ng Burauen ay nabibilang simula pa noong Marso 28.

Source: https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1101565 and https://newsinfo.inquirer.net/1269233/palace-families-initially-rejected-under-sap-may-be-included-as-more-beneficiaries-added

Question from Email: Ask ko lang po sana kung ok lang po na nag qualified ka sa SAP at naka receive ka ng cash aid from SAP, at the same time nakatanggap ka rin ng ayuda from SBWS/SSS? Totoo po ba na kakasuhan pag nakakuha ka na sa SAP tapos nakakuha ka rin SSS? at paano naman po ung 2nd wave na sinasabi or yung 2nd tranche? hindi na po ba dapat kunin? ang dami po kasi naglalabasan na kakasuhan daw po, naguguluhan na po ang mga tao. Panu po kung nag Qualified ka both sa SAP at SBWS?

Answer: (May 13, 2020)

Ayon kay Social Welfare Secretary Rolando Bautista na kung ikaw ay nakatanggap na ng ayudang pinansiyal mula sa Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) o ng social amelioration program (SAP) bukod sa tulong na galing naman sa Social Security System (SSS), makatwiran lang na ibalik ang SAP na iyong natanggap sa inyong lokal na pamahalaan.

Source: https://www.facebook.com/pcoogov/videos/165611261462581/

Question from Email: What if you’ve already received the SAP cash aid and then biglang may pumasok sa payroll ATM mo na SBWS from SSS without knowing na nag apply pala si company? Are there penalties if you received both aids in good faith? Pwede ba na hindi na nila kunin yung second tranche from both agencies? Or if ever pumasok yung second tranche from SBWS pwede ba na isauli nila yun sa barangay officials?

Answer: (May 12, 2020)

There are no penalties to beneficiaries who got cash aid from multiple emergency assistance programs of the government as it is not your fault that you qualified for two programs. There have been reports that social amelioration program (SAP) beneficiaries returned the cash aid they got after learning that they do not really qualify or after being eligible for another program already. Social Welfare Secretary Rolando Bautista has reminded local and barangay officials to screen SAP beneficiaries properly to avoid further duplication as they may be held liable.

Sources: https://cebudailynews.inquirer.net/306438/some-uct-beneficiaries-return-cash-aid-so-others-can-benefit-from-it and https://pia.gov.ph/news/articles/1041097

Question from Email: Nakalista ang asawa ko sa bibigyan ng SAP since kabilang siya sa “no-work, no-pay” at hindi kasama ang company niya sa bibigyan ng DOLE. Qualified ba talaga kami kahit ako ay isang public school teacher na may sweldo? Ako rin ay currently lactating mother.

Answer: (May 11, 2020)

Maaring kwalipikado ang iyong pamilya sa social amelioration program (SAP) ng inyong lokal na pamahalaan kung kayo ay nakapagpalista. Ang mga LGUs ang tinukoy ng Department of Social Welfare and Development na magdetermina ng mga mahihirap na pamilya o kabilang sa low-income households na silang dapat bigyan ng SAP. Ang mga target beneficiaries ay kabilang sa mga nakalista sa Pantawid Pamilya Pilipino Program, informal economy workers (o silang may sariling pinagkakakitaan, maliliit na pinagkakitaan na may kaugnayan sa pagdedeliber ng pagkain at serbisyo) at iba pang pamilya na may mga miyembrong senior citizen o persons with disability, buntis at nagpapasusong ina.

Sources: https://newsinfo.inquirer.net/1253647/in-the-know-find-your-way-to-camp-and-sap and https://www.dswd.gov.ph/issuances/MCs/MC_2020-004.pdf

Question from Email: Is it okay sa isang household na makatanggap ang dalawang miyembro ng pamilya ng SAP at SBWS na kabilang sa “no-work, no-pay”? Ang ama ay qualified o nakatanggap ng SAP at yung anak nakatanggap ng SBWS. Pareho daw po kasi silang no-work, no-pay.

Answer: (May 11, 2020)

program (SAP) financial assistance at maging small business wage subsidy (SBWS). Magkaiba naman po kasi ang SAP at SBWS. Ang SAP ay ayuda para sa mga low-income families na ipinadaraan sa Department of Social Welfare and Development, habang ang SBWS naman ay ayuda para sa mga apektadong maliliit na negosyo at kaniyang mga empleyado at ipinadaraan naman ito sa pamamagitan ng Social Security System.

Ang mga employers ang nag-aaplay ng SBWS para sa kanyang mga empleyado. Kung ang isang miyembro ng pamilya ay empleyado ng isang maliit na negosyo, maaari siyang makatanggap ng ayuda sa sandaling kwalipikado ang negosyong kanyang pinapasukan. Ang tinutukoy na maliliit na negosyo — korporasyon man iyan, partnership o solong negosyo—ay kinakailangang hindi kasama sa listahan ng BIR’s Large Taxpayer Service; at kabilang sa mga negosyong pwersahang nagsara o natigil ang operasyon o limitado sa skeleton workforce dahil sa ipinaiiral na community qurantine. Para naman sa SAP, ang lokal na pamahalaan ang tutukoy kung sinong pamilya ang kwalipikado rito.

Sources: https://business.inquirer.net/296864/1-2m-displaced-sme-workers-get-govt-aid;
https://sites.google.com/dof.gov.ph/small-business-wage-subsidy and
https://newsinfo.inquirer.net/1253647/in-the-know-find-your-way-to-camp-and-sap

Question from Email: Hi. I’m a medical technologist in the private health sector, specifically in a diagnostic clinic (not a hospital currently handling COVID cases). Would I be included in the Bayanihan Heal As One Act (Section 4, subsection e and f) for full coverage of medical bills if I were to contract COVID 19 from work? Would I be included in the P100,000 in case of severe infection/P1,000,000 for my family in case of death? How would I apply for these benefits? These are morbid questions, but thank you for helping me find the answers.

Answer: (May 4, 2020)

Under Republic Act No. 11469 or the Bayanihan to Heal as One Act, the Philippine Health Insurance Corp. (PhilHealth) shall shoulder all medical expenses of public and private healthcare workers during the enhanced community quarantine. Application requirements include an accomplished Claim Form 2 and certified true copy of Case Investigation Form as prescribed by the Department of Health. You can find other relevant info here: https://www.philhealth.gov.ph/circulars/2020/circ2020-0010.pdf A P100,000 compensation will also be given to you if you are infected with COVID-19 and another P1 million to those who died fighting the COVID-19. Since you are a healthcare worker in the private sector, you may raise your other life insurance coverage and benefits with your company’s healthcare provider or human resources department. The Bayanihan Fund for Frontliners (BFF) recently approved by the Government Service Insurance System is only for government hospital workers. The BFF entitles the legal heirs of the public healthcare workers to an additional P500,000 on top of the 150 percent of the member’s annual salary and the P1-million death benefit under the Bayanihan to Heal as One Act.

Sources: https://www.officialgazette.gov.ph/downloads/2020/03mar/20200324-RA-11469-RRD.pdf; https://www.philhealth.gov.ph/circulars/2020/circ2020-0010.pdf and https://newsinfo.inquirer.net/1267244/gsis-to-release-p12-9-m-benefits-to-kin-of-8-govt-frontliners-who-died-of-covid-19

Question from Email: Is there further government assistance for employees who are no-work-no-pay, whose company is not eligible for the P5,000 assistance from the government? I work for a BPO but since we are officially business as usual, the company did not qualify for assistance. However, some of our employees have reduced hours or no work at all because equipment are blocked when attempting to transport to them. What other programs are there?

Answer: (April 28, 2020)

Aware of the problem of BPO companies being unable to install the necessary work-from-home equipment due to the limited travel being observed in Luzon, the Inter-Agency Task Force for the Management of Emerging Infectious Disease has issued a new resolution responding to this problem now that the government further extended the enhanced community quarantine until April 30. Under IATF resolution no. 22 allows BPO firms and their support services to install the necessary equipment for their employees. The Department of Trade and Industry issued also a memorandum circular last April 11 to reiterate the IATF resolution. It further stated that BPO companies and their support services will be allowed delivery or installation of telecommunication services by telcos. So by now, your problem would have been addressed.

Source: https://www.dti.gov.ph/advisories/mc2014

Question from Facebook: Ang SSS website, offline pa din. Hindi kami makapag log in at until April 30 ang deadline. Meron bang extension para sa application for wage subsidy?

Answer: (April 27, 2020)

Opo, pinalawig po ito dahilan sa hindi gumagana ang website ng Social Security System (SSS). Maaari kayong mag-file ng inyong application para sa wage subsidy hanggang Mayo 8.

Question from Facebook: Pano po kami na bago lang sa isang lugar at hindi pa “resident”? Kasama po ba sa assistance ng LGU?

Answer: (April 27, 2020)

Opo. Maaari po kayong maging benepisyaryo. Ayon sa Department of Interior and Local Government Memorandum Circular No. 2020-065, hindi kinakailangang maging botante muna sa nasabing lugar bago maging benepisyaryo. Ang mga hindi residente ng lugar na stranded dahil sa ipinatutupad na community quarantine ay maaaring maging benepisyaryo basta pasok sila sa mga kwalipikasyon na tinutukoy sa Joint Memorandum Circular (JMC) No. 1.”

Ang mga target beneficiary ng nasabing programa ay ang mga senior citizens; persons with disability; buntis at mga nagpapasusong ina; solo parents; overseas Filipinos in distress; indigent Indigenous Peoples; underprivileged sector and homeless citizens; and informal economy workers na kailangang makatanggap ng ayuda mula sa social amelioration programs ng pamahalaan.

Sa mga hindi pasok sa nasabing kwalipikasyon, sinabi ng DILG maaari pa rin makatanggap ng ibang uri ng ayuda mula sa kanilang mga lokal na pamahalaan sa panahon ng krisis.

Bukod ditto, ang DOLE’s COVID Adjustment Measures Program (CAMP) ay magpapatupad ng cash subsidy sa mga manggagawa mula sa formal economy na maapaektuhan ng krisis, habang ang TUPAD program naman ay magbibigay ng temporary employment sa mga natanggal sa trabaho. Umapela na rin ang pamahalaan sa mga employers mula sa pribadong sector na tulungan ang kanilang mga empleyado, at marami naman ang tumugon ditto. Meron ding mga programa ang pamahalaan na nagbibigay ng karagdang tulong gaya ng pagbibigay ng diskwento sa bayarin sa Real Property Taxes at iba pang local taxes and fees.

Question from Email: I am a Beach Resort owner in Batangas and our business has been greatly affected by the ECQ and the COVID-19 crisis. I would like to know if there is any program in the government that can offer assistance to medium-sized beach resort owners like me who had to stop operations, aid our employees, with obligations to pay for and would not be able to earn in 1 year even after the ECQ has been lifted. We have in our employ 26 persons who will end up jobless and we also have an existing loan and might end up losing our property and our business.

Answer: (April 23, 2020)

Your employees may be entitled to the Small Business Wage Subsidy Program, which involves a P5,000 to 8,000 cash assistance in two tranches to be paid out in May to employees of small businesses. The subsidy program, which was approved by President Duterte on April 13, aims to benefit workers in the micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs). In the Philippines, MSMEs are defined as businesses with an asset size of P3 million to P100 million, excluding land assets, and with less than 200 employees. The money will be disbursed through the SSS UMID card, or through the employee’s bank account. It may also be released through a quick card, Paymaya, or e-wallet schemes, or even through money remittance. Finance Secretary Carlos Dominguez III said that the two other components of the relief program are a proposed credit guarantee to enable MSMEs to access bank financing more easily as well as a proposed legislation for a longer net operating loss carryover, where small businesses can claim losses during the quarantine in their tax filings for a period of five years. Full instructions on availing of the program may be found on this page on the SSS website: bit.ly/SmallBusinessWageSubsidyProgram. Applicants may also view the instructions on the official Facebook pages of the Department of Finance (DOF), SSS and BIR. The DOF has also provided a downloadable file on its website detailing the step-by-step process on applying for the SBWS.

Sources: https://newsinfo.inquirer.net/1258777/p50-b-pay-subsidy-okd-for-middle-income-workers  and https://www.dof.gov.ph/85-out-of-100-filipino-families-covered-by-govt-subsidies-for-low-income-households-small-business-workers/

Question from Facebook: Will freelancers be included in any of the government financial assistance programs? Like project-based individuals whose income comes from seasonal projects and projects this year that have been cancelled due to COVID.

Answer: (April 23, 2020)

You may be entitled to either the Small Business Wage Subsidy Program (SBWS) or the Social Amelioration Program (SAP), depending on the nature of your job. The Small Business Wage Subsidy Program aims to benefit micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs) workers through a P5,000-P8,000 cash aid to be given in two tranches in May. Requirements for eligible employees include being employed and active as of March 1, 2020 but unable to work because of the ECQ; did not get paid by their employer for at least two weeks during the temporary closure or suspension of work in accordance with Labor Advisory No. 1, Series of 2020; can be of any contract status (including project-based workers); be certified by the employer in the application as having met all the above criteria. Full instructions on availing of the program may be found on this page on the SSS website: bit.ly/SmallBusinessWageSubsidyProgram. Applicants may also view the instructions on the official Facebook pages of the Department of Finance (DOF), SSS and BIR. However, if you are from a low-income family at risk of not earning a living during the enhanced community quarantine, then you are entitled to the SAP. Beneficiaries under the SAP include informal sector workers or those that are “independent and self-employed,” such as occasional workers whose salary is completely dependent upon the completion of the work for which he or she was hired.

Sources: https://pcoo.gov.ph/press-briefing/inter-agency-task-force-virtual-presser-with-cabinet-secretary-karlo-nograles-4/; https://www.officialgazette.gov.ph/downloads/2020/03mar/20200328-JOINT-MEMORANDUM-CIRCULAR-NO-1-S-2020.pdf and https://www.dof.gov.ph/85-out-of-100-filipino-families-covered-by-govt-subsidies-for-low-income-households-small-business-workers/

Question from Facebook: Totoo po ba na ang mga senior citizens na may pension ay hindi kasama sa SAP?

Answer: (April 23, 2020)

Bagamat ang mga pangunahing target na benepisyaryo ng social amelioration program ay mga senior citizen, sinabi ni IATF national spokesperson at Cabinet Secretary Karlo Nograles na tanging mga mahihirap na senior citizen lang o silang mula sa low-income families ang maaaring mabigyan ng ayuda. Ang mga senior citizen na tumatanggap na ng pensyon ay hindi na kasali sa programa, maaliban na lamang kung ang pensyon ay mula sa Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD).

Source: https://newsinfo.inquirer.net/1254627/senior-citizens-with-pension-excluded-from-social-amelioration-program#ixzz6KJw7UijA

Question from Facebook: Makakatanggap din po ba ng tulong galing sa gobyerno ang mga katulong/kasambahay?

Answer: (April 23, 2020)

Opo, pero hindi po lahat. Ilan sa mga tinutukoy na benepisyaryo ng social amelioration program ay silang mga kasamabahay (kabilang ang househelp, nursemaid o yaya, hardinero, labandera, family driver na tinutukoy sa R.A. 10361 o ang Domestic Workers Act) na hindi nakatatanggap ng kanilang sweldo, o sila na hindi nakakapasok sa trabaho dahil sa ipinaiiral na community quarantine.

Sources: https://www.officialgazette.gov.ph/downloads/2020/03mar/20200328-JOINT-MEMORANDUM-CIRCULAR-NO-1-S-2020.pdf

Question from Facebook: Paano ba dinedetermine ang middle class family?

Answer: (April 23, 2020)

The middle-income class has a monthly family income of P18,200 to 109,200 for a family of five members, according to a 2018 Philippine Institute for Development Studies (PIDS) study. The said monthly family income range was based on 2015 prices. But PIDS estimated that the 2015 income range for middle-class families would translate to between P20,000 and P120,000 in 2018 prices. On April 15, President Duterte approved a P5,000-P8,000 wage subsidy in two tranches for micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs) workers. But Finance Secretary Carlos Dominguez said the cash assistance to MSME workers was not for the middle class because those belonging to the middle class were already benefiting from loan moratorium, extension of tax filing and payment deadlines, and disallowing banks to charge interest on housing and credit card debts.

Sources: https://psa.gov.ph/sites/default/files/1.1.3%20Unmasking%20the%20Middle%20Class%20in%20the%20Philippines%20-%20Aspirations%2C%20Lifestyles%2C%20and%20Prospects%20for%20Sustainable%20Consumption.pdf;  https://psa.gov.ph/sites/default/files/1.1.3%20Unmasking%20the%20Middle%20Class%20in%20the%20Philippines%20Aspirations%2C%20Lifestyles%2C%20and%20Prospects%20for%20Sustainable%20Consumption.pdf and https://newsinfo.inquirer.net/1258777/p50-b-pay-subsidy-okd-for-middle-income-workers

Question from Email: I’m a student stranded in Manila, currently staying in a dormitory. The president announced that students like me should be able to receive financial support from our respective barangays, but the barangay told us that they have nothing to give. Is this true? Mayor Moreno also announced that there MUST be financial support to stranded students like us.

Answer: (April 21, 2020)

Commission on Higher Education (CHED) chairman Prospero De Vera III told the Inquirer that the stranded student should inform his or her school about her situation. De Vera said he had previously advised higher education institutions (HEIs) to help students who get stranded due to the enhanced community quarantine in Luzon that has since been extended until April 30.

Question from Email: Since Oct 2019 ay nakaprolonged leave ako dahil maselan ang aking pagbubuntis. Nanganak ako ng December 17, 2019. Babalik na sana ako sa trabaho nitong March 16, 2020 kaso naabutan ako ng lockdown. Entitled parin po ba ako mabigyan ng DOLE ng 5k since hindi naman po ako nagresign sa company? Nakaleave lang ako. Ang sabi kasi sa akin ng kumpanya ay hindi.

Answer: (April 21, 2020)

If your employer applied for the assistance or the Covid-19 Adjustment Measures Program (Camp) for its employees last March, then you are entitled to it. Labor Advisory no. 12 issued last March 19, 2020 said the assistance which is a one-time P5,000 cash aid will be granted to workers in private establishments whose operations are affected due to the Covid-19 pandemic. But if the employer will just apply for the assistance now, this cannot be done anymore since the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) has suspended the acceptance of the application for assistance last April 15.  

Sources: https://www.dole.gov.ph/php_assets/uploads/2020/03/labor-advisory-np.-12-1.pdf; https://www.dole.gov.ph/php_assets/uploads/2020/03/labor-advisory-no.-12-1.pdf and https://www.dole.gov.ph/news/statement-department-of-labor-and-employment-april-16-2020/

Question from Viber: How can someone be eligible for the SAP for middle class? I have been unemployed since Jan 2020. How does one avail?

Answer: (April 18, 2020)

To date, the middle class subsidy is to be done through the Small Business Wage Subsidy (SBWS) program launched by the government on April 16 for the 3.4 million employees who are unable to work as a result of the Enhanced Community Quarantine (ECQ). However, a requirement for an employee to qualify is that he must be employed and active as of March 1, 2020 but is unable to work due to the ECQ.

Source: https://www.dof.gov.ph/small-business-wage-subsidy-program/#eligibility-criteria-for-employees

Question from Facebook: Are government employees qualified in the said middle class subsidy?

Answer: (April 18, 2020)

No. The subsidy for the middle class through the Small Business Wage Subsidy (SBWS) program launched by the government on April 16 does not cover families whose members are working for large businesses, in particular the top 2,745 firms, and families whose members are working for the government, both national and local.

Source: https://www.dof.gov.ph/85-out-of-100-filipino-families-covered-by-govt-subsidies-for-low-income-households-small-business-workers/

Question from FB Live: How do we apply for the calamity loan since there is no government office open? Can we file it online?

Answer: (April 16, 2020)

According to the Government Service Insurance System (GSIS), its members are allowed to borrow P20,000 in emergency loan each, payable over 3 years at 6 percent interest per annum. Monthly amortization is around P655 a month. Application forms are available on GSIS’ website at gsis.gov.ph. On the other hand, the Social Security System (SSS) would launch a nationwide calamity loan program for Covid-19 on April 24 where members could borrow up to P20,000 or equivalent to a one-month-salary credit. This loan will be made available to all members from March to May this year. The loan is payable in 27 months, inclusive of the three-month moratorium period, and will be charged a 10 percent interest per annum starting in the fourth month and will be computed “on a diminishing principle balance.” The SSS said loan applications will be accepted through the SSS website or its mobile app as members can file using their My.SSS account.

Sources: https://newsinfo.inquirer.net/1258520/fwd-covid-crisis-gsis-offers-emergency-loan-increases-insurance-of-frontliners and https://business.inquirer.net/294830/sss-to-launch-covid-19-calamity-loan-program-on-april-24

Question from Viber: Can workers on forced vacation leave but are still getting their full pay and have retained their jobs apply for CAMP?

Answer: (April 15, 2020)

No. Under the COVID-19 Adjustment Measures Program (CAMP) guidelines, affected workers targeted for the assistance are workers who were suspended or retained workers who could not receive their regular wage or their wage was reduced due to the mitigating measures enforced by their employers.

Source: https://www.dole.gov.ph/wp-content/uploads/2020/03/a.department-order-no.-209.pdf

Question from Email: Lahat po ba ng healthcare workers working in a government hospital ay makakatanggap ng hazard pay? Or ano po ang criteria para sa hazard pay? Kasi sa hospital namin, pili lang ang binigyan ng hazard pay.

Answer: (April 14, 2020)

No, not all public health workers will receive additional special hazard pay on top of the usual hazard pay granted under Republic Act No. 7305. As stated in Republic Act No. 11469 or the Bayanihan to Heal as One Act approved on March 24, it is an “actual hazard pay” for the Human Resources for Health or those serving in the front line during the state of calamity due to COVID-19. As further defined by Administrative Order No. 28, signed on April 6, the actual hazard pay or special risk allowance of up to 25 percent of their monthly basic pay will be given to public health workers (PHWs) who rendered work during the period of the enhanced community quarantine (ECQ). These include medical, allied medical and other necessary personnel assigned in hospitals and healthcare facilities “directly catering to or in contact with COVID-19 patients, persons under investigation or persons under monitoring.” Civilian employees occupying regular, contractual, casual or part-time positions; workers engaged through contract of service (COS) or job order (JO); and barangay health workers assigned in hospitals are also covered in the AO. Among those excluded from the grant of special risk allowance are consultants, those paid on the basis of job contracts and piecework basis, and student workers. The AO also states that the grant of the COVID-19 SRA shall be pro-rated based on the number of days that PHWs physically report for work during the period of the ECQ in their respective places of assignment, reckoned not earlier than 17 March 2020,” the order stated. Those physically reporting for work for more than 18 days will get the full incentive; while those who reported for 13 to 17 days will get 75-percent of the amount; eight to 12 days will receive 50%; while, those present for three to seven days will get 25% of the incentive.

Sources: https://pia.gov.ph/news/articles/1038252; https://www.officialgazette.gov.ph/downloads/2020/03mar/20200324-RA-11469-RRD.pdf; https://www.officialgazette.gov.ph/downloads/2020/03mar/20200323-AO-26-RRD.pdf; https://www.officialgazette.gov.ph/downloads/1992/03mar/19920326-RA-07305-FVR.pdf and https://www.officialgazette.gov.ph/downloads/1992/03mar/19920326-RA-07305-FVR.pdf

Question from Email: Magandang tanghali po. Anak po ako ng Isa sa pamilyang hindi nabigyan ng 5k to 8k cash assistance. Ang dahilan po nila ay mag sasaka po ang aking tatay. Hindi daw po kasi napa hinto ang kanyang trabaho. Is that a valid reason PO? Tsaka both of my parents are senior na po. Tsaka gusto ko lang pong sabihin na after 6 months pa po nag kaka pera ang aking magulang dahil 6 months po bago mag anihan. Hindi rin po namin makuha yung padala ng ate ko. Tanong ko lang po kung may exemptions po ba kung sino lang ang mabibigyan ng 5k to 8k cash assistance?

Answer: (April 14, 2020)

Base sa social amelioration program, lahat ng low-income families ay siguradong makatatanggap ng cash assistance. Ang mga benepisyaryong tinutukoy na low-income families ay silang mag-anak na nanganganib na mawalan ng kabuhayan o pagkakakitaan habang ipinatutupad ang enhanced community quarantine; o sila na may kapamilya o kaanak na isang senior citizen, magsasaka, mangingisda, nagtatrabaho sa sektor pang-agrikultural, at iba pa. At dahil ang iyong ama ay isang magbubukid, at kapwa pang mga senior citizen ang iyong mga magulang na walang matatatag na pinagkakakitaan ngayong ECQ, nangangahulugan na dapat kayong makatanggap ng cash assistance mula sa pamahalaan. Maaari kayong makipag-ugnayan sa inyong barangay o sa lokal na tanggapan ng social welfare. Kinakailangang sagutan ninyo ang social amelioration card (SAC) na ibibigay sa inyo ng barangay o ng inyong lokal na pamahalaan para matukoy at maberipika ang profile ng inyong pamilya.

Sources: https://newsinfo.inquirer.net/1253647/in-the-know-find-your-way-to-camp-and-sap and https://www.officialgazette.gov.ph/downloads/2020/03mar/20200328-JOINT-MEMORANDUM-CIRCULAR-NO-1-S-2020.pdf

Question from Email: I am currently in Pasay and can’t go back to QC because of ECQ. I am not a listed resident of Pasay city. Can I still claim the money assistance from DSWD here in Pasay?

Answer: (April 14, 2020)

Nonresidents who were stranded can be listed as beneficiaries of the social amelioration program, according to the Department of Interior and Local Government. Among those covered by the cash aid are persons with disabilities, seniors, pregnant women, solo parents, indigenous people, informal sector workers, among others. You are required to fill out a free social amelioration card (SAC) being issued by the local government to identify the family’s profile.

Sources: https://dilg.gov.ph/news/DILG-to-LGUs-barangays-Move-fast-to-come-up-with-master-list-of-target-beneficiaries-of-Social-Amelioration-Program-vs-COVID-19/NC-2020-1076 and https://www.officialgazette.gov.ph/downloads/2020/03mar/20200328-JOINT-MEMORANDUM-CIRCULAR-NO-1-S-2020.pdf

Question from Viber: What are the requirements needed in getting the P5000-8000 support of the government to the people?

Answer: (April 7, 2020)

Fill out the Social Amelioration Card that will distributed by the local government in your area. The SAC is a form that will serve as guide and record in the distribution of assistance.

For more detailed information on filling out of the SAC: https://newsinfo.inquirer.net/1253647/in-the-know-find-your-way-to-camp-and-sap

The priority targets of the cash subsidy are low-income families with at least one member belonging to vulnerable and disadvantaged sectors such as senior citizens, persons with disability, pregnant and lactating women, solo parents, overseas Filipinos in distress, indigent indigenous peoples, underprivileged sector and homeless citizens, and informal economy workers.

Question from Email: Meron po bang financial assistance sa mga PWD tulad po ng brother ko? Kung meron po pano po i avail?

Answer: (April 7, 2020)

PWDs who belong to poor families at risk of not earning a living during the enhanced community quarantine are entitled to the social amelioration program (SAP). The family of the PWD shall receive P8,000 if from Metro Manila, or P5,000 to P6,000 if from other regions, depending on the minimum wage rate per region. A “social amelioration card” will be distributed by barangay officials to identify the profile of the family qualified to access the assistance program. A PWD ID or a certificate of separation from or suspension of work is required to avail of the cash aid for PWDs. Barangays are tasked to facilitate the issuance of barangay clearance, free of charge, for PWDs and other target beneficiaries. The cash assistance will be distributed to barangays in your city once the local government unit complies with the requirements.

Sources: https://newsinfo.inquirer.net/1253647/in-the-know-find-your-way-to-camp-and-sap and https://www.officialgazette.gov.ph/downloads/2020/03mar/20200328-JOINT-MEMORANDUM-CIRCULAR-NO-1-S-2020.pdf

Question from Email: Pwede bang tumanggap ang senior citizen ng SAP kahit permanent siya sa work niya? Sinabi kasi ng kapitan namin na hindi daw pwede dahil may permanent work siya.

Answer: (April 7, 2020)

Among those covered by the social amelioration program (SAP) are families that belong to either the poor or informal sector at risk of not earning a living during the enhanced community quarantine, according to the joint memorandum circular outlining the emergency assistance program. So senior citizens who are able to receive income during the quarantine are not entitled to the SAP.

Sources: https://newsinfo.inquirer.net/1253647/in-the-know-find-your-way-to-camp-and-sap and https://www.officialgazette.gov.ph/downloads/2020/03mar/20200328-JOINT-MEMORANDUM-CIRCULAR-NO-1-S-2020.pdf

Question from Facebook: Kung hindi ka myembro ng 4Ps, mabibigyan ka rin ba ng 5k assistance? Mahirap kami pero wala kami sa 4Ps.

Answer: (April 6, 2020)

Yes, you may qualify for the social amelioration cash assistance even if you are not a Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program (4Ps) beneficiary. The program seeks to cover not only 4Ps beneficiary but also families who belong to the poor or informal sector who are at risk of not earning a living during the enhanced community quarantine. However, families who need the financial support the most will be prioritized in the distribution of the cash assistance. You may want to check with your barangay for your inclusion in the list of beneficiaries as LGUs are tasked to assist the DSWdisctribution of the Social Amelioration Card (SAC) https://www.dilg.gov.ph/news/DILG-to-LGUs-barangays-Move-fast-to-come-up-with-master-list-of-target-beneficiaries-of-Social-Amelioration-Program-vs-COVID-19/NC-2020-1076

Sources: https://newsinfo.inquirer.net/1253647/in-the-know-find-your-way-to-camp-and-sap; https://www.dswd.gov.ph/dswd-releases-emergency-subsidy-of-4ps-beneficiaries/ and https://www.dilg.gov.ph/news/DILG-to-LGUs-barangays-Move-fast-to-come-up-with-master-list-of-target-beneficiaries-of-Social-Amelioration-Program-vs-COVID-19/NC-2020-1076

Question from Facebook: Iyong mga naka maternity leave, makakatanggap din po kaya ng binibigay ng DOLE?

Answer: (April 3, 2020)

Those employees now on maternity leave under the enhanced community quarantine are not qualified to receive the Deparment of Labor’s Covid-19 adjustment measure program (CAMP). This is because as per department order no. 209 dated March 28, 2020 which spells out the guidelines on CAMP, they are not qualified to avail of the financial support of P5,000 to P8,000. According to the order, CAMP “shall cover workers in private establishments affected by the COVID-19 pandemic from its onset in January 2020 until the lifting of the Stringent Social Distancing Measures in the National Capital Region on 14 April 2020, unless extended by the Inter-Agency Task Force for the Management of Emerging Infectious Diseases.”

Source: https://newsinfo.inquirer.net/1251716/over-8000-workers-displaced-by-covid-19-receive-cash-aid-from-dole#ixzz6ISBmOW3f

Question from Email: Meron po bang assistance ang mga dating OFW? Isang taon na po ako dito sa Pilipinas.

Answer: (April 2, 2020)

Source: https://www.dilg.gov.ph/issuances/jc/Special-Guidelines-on-the-Provision-of-Social-Amelioeation-measures-by-the-DSWD-DOLE-DTI-DA-DOF-DBM-and-DILG-to-the-most-affected-residents-of-the-areas-under-Enhanced-Community-Quarantine-127

Question from Email: How would a person be qualified for the amelioration program if they don’t have a job? What proof do they need to present?

Answer: (April 2, 2020)

Those who are jobless, together with low-income households, are the target beneficiaries of the social amelioration program. For specific details and more information, contact DSWD at 8951-2803. Further, local government units will provide DSWD a list with the complete documentary requirements for verification. A Social Amelioration Card (SAC) that captures the profile of the family beneficiary will be distributed to the LGUs to enable beneficiaries to access the assistance. For more information, contact DSWD at 8951-2803.

Source: https://newsinfo.inquirer.net/1251108/vulnerable-sectors-affected-by-quarantine-to-receive-aid-dswd and https://www.officialgazette.gov.ph/downloads/2020/03mar/20200328-JOINT-MEMORANDUM-CIRCULAR-NO-1-S-2020.pdf

Question from Facebook: Paano makaka avail ng assistance ang isang PWD in this time of covid crisis?

Answer: (April 2, 2020)

Persons with disabilities (PWDs) are among those covered by the government’s emergency assistance package. The cash aid depends on the minimum wage rates per region. The family of the PWD shall receive P8,000 if from Metro Manila, or P5,000 to P6,000 if from other regions. A “social amelioration card” is to be distributed at the barangay level to identify the profile of the family qualified to access the assistance program. A PWD ID or a certificate of separation from or suspension of work is required to avail of the cash aid for PWDs. Barangays are tasked to facilitate the issuance of barangay clearance, free of charge, for PWDs and other target beneficiaries.

Sources: https://newsinfo.inquirer.net/1252020/cash-aid-for-poor-p-8000-in-metro-p-5000-in-regions and https://www.officialgazette.gov.ph/downloads/2020/03mar/20200328-JOINT-MEMORANDUM-CIRCULAR-NO-1-S-2020.pdf

Question from Email: Does the Social Amelioration Program include solo parents even if we live in a condominium, or to the disadvantage areas only?

Answer: (April 1, 2020)

According to joint memorandum order circular no. 1, social amelioration measures of key government agencies will be given to the most affected sectors of the Luzon-wide enhanced community quarantine. This included the provision of cash or non-cash subsidy per month for two months to the target beneficiaries or “families that belong to either the poor or informal sector which are at risk of not earning a living during the enhanced community quarantine, who may have at least one member belonging to vulnerable or disadvantaged sectors. These included solo parents and persons with disability, among others. So the DSWD subsidy will be given to poor families who have members that are solo parents.

Source: https://www.dilg.gov.ph/PDF_File/issuances/joint_circulars/dilg-joincircular-2020330_ed9e8ec836.pdf

Question from Facebook: If nakakuha na po ang isang empleyado ng Financial assistance from DOLE(CAMP), entitled pa din po ba siya makakuha ng Financial aid from DSWD(BAYANIHAN TO HEAL AS ONE ACT)? NO WORK NO PAY PO ANG NASABING EMPLEYADO.

Answer: (April 1, 2020)

In his statement today, April 1, 2020, Labor Secretary Silvestre Bello III said the cash aid given by his department under the Covid-19 Adjustment Measures Program, is different from the cash allocation of between P5,000-P8,000 in subsidy that the Department of Social Welfare and Development and other agencies are providing under the Bayanihan to Heal As One law. While the new law provides a cash and non-cash emergency subsidy program for two months based on the prevailing regional wage rates, DOLE’s cash aid is a one-time quarantine assistance. So if you fall under the criteria of the DSWD assistannce as a beneficiary, then it follows you can get the DSWD subsidy. Under the DSWD guidelines, the target beneficiaries for the subsidy are families that belong to either the poor or informal sector which are at risk of not earning a living during the enhanced community quarantine who may have one member belonging to any of the following vulnerable or disadvantaged sectors — senior citizens, persons with disability, pregnant and lactating women, solo parents, overseas Filipinos in distress, indigent indigenous peoples, underprivileged sector and homeless citizens and informal economy workers.

Sources: https://www.dole.gov.ph/news/statement-of-secretary-silvestre-h-bello-iii/ and https://ww.dilg.gov.ph/PDF_File/issuances/joint_circulars/dilg-joincircular-20202330_ed9e8ec836.pdf

Question from Email: Meron po bang financial assistance sa mga PWD tulad po ng brother ko? Kung meron po pano po i avail?

Answer: (March 31, 2020)

Persons with disability are among the beneficiaries of the government’s social ameliorization fund, according to Cabinet Secretary Karlo Nograles. Nograles was asked in the Palace’s Laging Handa briefing tto enumerate those who will benefit from the cash subsidy ranging from P5,000-P8,000 that will be released by government to those most affected by the Luzon-wide enhanced community quarantine.

Source: https://www.facebook.com/pcoogov/videos/1109951266023598=e&d=n

Question from Facebook: Sa mga katulad po naming wala pang cash card, pwede po ba maka-avail ng cash grant? Kasali kami sa 4Ps.

Answer: (March 28, 2020)

The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) in a statement on March 25 said that the cash grants of over 140,000 beneficiaries of the 4Ps’ modified conditional cash transfer (MCCT) have been credited to their accounts. You may check your 4Ps account. DSWD also said it is still exploring other ways to distribute the cash grants to those who have not yet received their cash cards.

Source: https://newsinfo.inquirer.net/1248485/dswd-says-cash-grants-released-to-beneficiaries-of-4ps-conditional-cash-transfer#ixzz6Hrq91whW

Question from Facebook: How can vendors access the Emergency Employment Program? Anong requirements?

Answer: (March 19, 2020)

Labor Secretary Bello said that they are utilizing P180 million emergency employment program for around 16,000 members of the informal sector through the Tulong Pangkabuhayan sa Disadvantaged/Displaced Workers (TUPAD) program, wherein barangay workers would be paid to disinfect communities. Another P1.3 billion will be released for the COVID-19 Adjustment Measures Program (CAMP) for around 250,000 workers affected by the community quarantine.

Source: https://newsinfo.inquirer.net/1243694/dole-asks-big-firms-to-shoulder-needs-of-workers-as-it-focuses-on-informal-sector.

Please refer to Guidelines for TUPAD at https://www.dole.gov.ph/wp-content/uploads/2020/03/DO-210v2.pdf and refer to guidelines for CAMP at https://www.dole.gov.ph/wp-content/uploads/2020/03/labor-advisory-no.-12-1.pdf.

Question from FB Live: How about the barangay officials na walang any kind of support na pinapamigay sa nasasakupan nila? What can we do? Saan pwede tumawag?

Answer: (March 21, 2020)

As stated in the Barangay Primer 2018 Edition, any person may file a verified complaint against an elected barangay official before the Sangguniang Panlunsod/Bayan to which the barangay belongs (Sec. 61 of the Local Government Code). But in the midst of the expanded community quarantine, it may be quicker to report to the mayor on issues regarding food distribution as most mayors like those of Pasig, Taguig, Makati, Quezon City, and Manila have funds for food distribution, or to report to the DILG. The DILG has activated an Emergency Operations Center to monitor the implementation of the directives and measures against COVID-19 in LGUs, with hotline numbers at (02) 8876-3454 local 8806 or 8810. The DILG PACC also remains operational at (02) 8925-0343.

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