DILG welcomes NCR Plus LGUs’ digital ‘ayuda’ payout

MANILA – The Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) on Sunday lauded local government units (LGUs) that use electronic financial aid distribution systems to prevent crowding and ensure that physical distancing is observed.

DILG spokesperson Undersecretary Jonathan Malaya commended the municipality of Pateros for contracting a financial services company to deliver the “ayuda” (assistance) payout electronically.

Pasig City will also use digital cash transfer for a select batch of recipients.

The national government directed the National Capital Region Plus, which has been under enhanced community quarantine since March 29, to distribute PHP1,000 per individual or a maximum of PHP4,000 per family to tide them over.

LGUs are also required to make public the list of beneficiaries.

Malaya, however, advised LGUs to shoulder the service fees charged by digital service providers.

“I was told this morning that Pateros Mayor Miguel Ponce III is reconsidering his decision upon the advice of the DILG. We asked him to charge the service fee to local funds similar to what other LGUs are doing,” Malaya said in a text message.

Ponce, in a radio interview, said they use the cash transfer system because they lack personnel to do personal distribution.

“We decided to partner with a payment outfit for faster transaction. Besides, some of our staff are down with Covid-19. We also want to avoid crowding,” he said

Local officials who will refuse to follow the mandated guidelines in the distribution of assistance will be charged with dereliction of duty and may face administrative cases, Malaya warned.

LGUs are also directed to establish a Grievance and Appeals Committee to address complaints.