CLARK FREEPORT The Commission on Human Rights (CHR) has lauded the release of some P4.1 billion intended
to assist Filipinos affected by the COVID 19 pandemic and fuel crisis.
The commission said the inflation rate has accelerated to 6.4% in July from 6.1% in June due to these crises.
This is the highest inflation rate in three years, according to the CHR.
CHR executive director Jacqueline de Guia stated that many families and individuals struggle to meet their
basic needs due to the escalating prices of basic goods and services.
The government has the responsibility to provide adequate social and economic assistance to those in need, e
specially in times of economic difficulties, de Guia said.
She stressed the agency welcomes the recent decision of the Department of Budget and Management
(DBM) to approve the release of the P4.1 billion special aid to help the disadvantaged sectors stave off
the effect of rising costs in the country.
The DBM-approved Special Allotment Release Order to the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD)
for cash aid is expected to benefit over 4 million beneficiaries of the Targeted Cash Transfer (TCT),
according to de Guia.
Under the TCT program, each beneficiary identified by the DSWD will receive P500 per month for two months.
De Guia said the TCT program endeavors to reach struggling individuals and sectors that have not met the
criteria to be included in the Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program (4Ps).
She added the program seeks to close the gap between the non-recipients of the 4Ps but are gravely affected
by the impact of rising cost of basic commodities and services.
"CHR hopes that this economic intervention will enable the vulnerable sectors to achieve a decent standard of
living and sustain their essential needs. It is crucial for the government to ensure the transparent,
efficient, and timely roll-out of the aid to truly benefit those who urgently need it," de Guia said.
"To sustain poor families in the long term, we equally urge the government to strengthen complementary
efforts to stabilize the economy and to provide gainful job and livelihood opportunities," she added.