Malacañang on Monday said there was no reason to criticize President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. for distributing cash assistance to families affected by recent typhoons, noting the amounts were consistent with previous government aid programs.
The President earlier announced ₱5,000 for families with partially damaged homes and ₱10,000 for those whose houses were totally destroyed.
“Hindi po kailangang batikusin dahil noong nakaraang administrasyon, ganyan din po ang halaga na ibinigay na paunang tulong,” said Presidential Communications Office (PCO) Undersecretary Claire Castro. She added that Marcos has already allocated ₱760 million for areas hit by Typhoon Tino.
Castro clarified that the aid was a temporary relief measure, separate from the funds provided to local governments for rehabilitation and recovery efforts.
“So ‘yon po ay agarang pagtulong po. Ibig sabihin, ang binibigay na cash assistance po ay pagtulong po sa pamilya. Iba po ‘yong binibigay mismong tulong ng Pangulo, ang pondo mismo sa mga LGUs,” she explained.
The Palace assured that assistance from the Marcos administration is “continuing” and will not end with the initial cash distribution.