by Jenelyn Bautista
Image source: https://www.rappler.com/nation/dilg-filipinos-receive-cash-aid-twice-need-return-money-government
Missing ayuda is nowhere to be found; worst case scenario: there will be no more additional cash assistance regardless of quarantine extension.
An unidentified Caviteno reports a series of kidnappings, which are followed by thousands of witnesses and their numerous facts. Who do you think is the culprit, who was last seen posing as a food pack subsidy and cash aid?
As the number of active and new cases of Covid-19 grows by leaps and bounds, social interaction precautions are being tightened in an attempt to stem the surge of cases. It also emphasizes that quarantine is the only feasible way to escape this unknown combatant. As if spinning a wheel, ECQ transforms into MECQ, then GCQ, which turns into MGCQ, and then back to ECQ in an endless loop of staying at home.
Staying at home means no jobs and therefore no money for most people, so the easiest option has been to tighten the belt. The government seems to be listening to the vulgar pleas for financial assistance. Ayuda is a helping hand given by the national government in coordination with local government units to people who have been affected by a series of quarantines. Assured by Gov. Remulla's Facebook page, a total of P3.4 billion in financial assistance to Social Amelioration Program (SAP) beneficiaries in Cavite under Local Budget Circular No. 136 would be equivalent to P1,000 per individual or P4,000 per household.
A sigh of relief has visited each household. Gratefully, some received the Ayuda, decency for their LGU’s service but down in the mouth, some received nothing. The missing Ayuda is nowhere to be found, the worst-case scenario regardless of quarantine extension, there will be no more additional cash assistance.
Even if the evidence is shown, the suspect(s) in this missing case cannot be imprisoned, therefore the explanation for this cannot be revealed. Little did we know that the lack of “ayuda” in times of pandemic, when people are struggling for survival every day, isn't the most pressing issue - it's the gradual collapse of the Filipinos’ faith in justice and equality.
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