Affected MSME workers entitled to cash aid under Bayanihan 2

The DOLE has also relaxed the documentary requirements particularly the Social Security System (SSS) certification for displaced and temporarily laid-off workers who have submitted CAMP applications individually. (File Photo: shankar s./Flickr, CC BY 2.0)

MANILA – The Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) on Wednesday said workers of companies that have implemented Flexible Work Arrangements (FWAs) or Alternative Work Scheme (AWS) and have yet to receive financial aid are covered by Covid-19 Adjustment Measures Program (CAMP) under Bayanihan 2 or Bayanihan to Recover as One.

In Labor Advisory No. 2 signed by Secretary Silvestre Bello III, the DOLE said affected workers of micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs) who applied for CAMP on or before April 15, are entitled to the cash assistance.

“The spirit of the Bayanihan 2 is to be inclusive in terms of coverage. Hence, affected workers of micro, small and medium establishments that implemented Flexible Work Arrangements (FWAs) or Alternative Work Scheme (AWS) who applied for CAMP on or before 15 April but did not receive any financial assistance under Bayanihan 1 shall be covered by CAMP-Bayanihan 2,” it said.

The DOLE has also relaxed the documentary requirements particularly the Social Security System (SSS) certification for displaced and temporarily laid-off workers who have submitted CAMP applications individually.

It added that they are entering into a data sharing agreement with the SSS to facilitate the cross checking and verification of beneficiaries under the Small Business Wage Subsidy (SBWS) program and the SSS unemployment benefit.

“Hence, the submission of SSS Certification by individual applicants is hereby waived,” the DOLE said.

Under CAMP, formal sector workers will be getting a one-time PHP5,000 cash subsidy.

The cash aid program has an allocation of PHP5 billion under the Bayanihan to Recover as One Act.