DSWD Sec. Gatchalian, nagpasalamat matapos payagan ng Comelec na i-exempt ang pamamahagi ng ayuda sa BSKE spending ban

Transcript

00:00 A large number of rice retailers have received assistance from the whole country.

00:05 DSWD is thankful to Comelec because of their fulfillment of their request

00:11 to exempt the distribution of assistance to the Comelec Spending Ban.

00:15 This is what Ryan Leziguez reported.

00:18 Alex has already lined up early in Marulas Public Market for assistance

00:25 to rice retailers like him who were initiated by DSWD and DTI in Valenzuela.

00:31 Alex said that he has been selling rice for two years

00:35 and his income was affected by the DTI's price cap on rice prices.

00:41 It's a huge effect. It's a huge gain. The sales are high.

00:46 He will use the additional money he received.

00:50 This will help. So this 15,000, almost 10, 25, 10 sacks of 20,

00:57 this is a big help to rice sellers, as an additional payment.

01:00 But I hope that the rice we sell will decrease so that other customers can survive.

01:07 DSWD Secretary Rex Gatchalian is very thankful

01:12 for Comelec's approval of their supplemental request

01:16 to exempt their distribution of assistance in Section 261 of the Omnibus Election Code

01:22 that prohibits the distribution and disbursement of public funds during the election period.

01:28 The September 14 payout deadline has been lifted.

01:32 So the payout to affected rice retailers continues.

01:35 We know that it's hard to find them all.

01:38 And the President's intention is that no one should be left behind.

01:41 So this new exemption that was given to us means that we will have more opportunities

01:46 to find the micro rice retailers.

01:49 DSWD also said that a large number of rice retailers have received cash assistance from the whole country.

01:58 The data as of yesterday, that's not included today,

02:01 we already have 1,000 paid out nationwide.

02:05 It will be faster today and tomorrow because our payouts are simultaneous.

02:09 So far, on the first day, the turnout was lower because it was only 50%.

02:16 But now, we're reaching 80-90% because we're more in line with the process.

02:20 More than 100 rice retailers were given cash assistance this morning in Valenzuela City.

02:27 Ryan Lizigues, for the country.