How ironic that we celebrate Labor Day today when so many Filipino workers are without work due to the pandemic-induced Enhanced Community Quarantine (ECQ). At the same time however, it is apt that we now remember the important economic and social contributions of workers as we make plans to restart our economy in our new normal. After all, our country’s social and economic re-growth will only be made possible by the dedication and hard work of laborers that serve as the life blood of our service-based economy.
Over the last two months, millions of Filipinos have lost their jobs or income due to the global coronavirus pandemic. Many of these Filipinos are from low-income families and have no choice but to rely on financial assistance from the national government’s Social Amelioration Program (SAP). Unfortunately, as of April 25, only 7.3 million out of the 18 million low-income families have received government aide. This despite the P200 billion allocated to the SAP in the Bayanihan to Heal as One Act and the fact that the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) has already downloaded these funds to LGUs for distribution.
With billions of pesos from the national budget being re-allocated and disbursed to respond to the COVID19 pandemic, it is important that we strengthen transparency in government spending. It is equally important that we hold public officials accountable for their management of the government’s response programs and for crafting policies that will shape our lives in the new normal.
It is true that during times of crisis, we often worry about the risks we and our loved ones face. However, we should not forget that in a crisis, when funds must be re-allocated and mobilized quickly, there is increased risk that government funds may be lost to corruption or be diverted by some to support their political agendas.
With millions of Filipinos dependent on government for financial aid, there is increased risk of corruption during times of crisis. It important that we uphold the democratic values of transparency and accountability.
We must be vigilant not only for the hardworking Filipinos who rely on government aide to make it through this labor-less lockdown but also for society as a whole. We must emerge from this crisis with our resources and our policies in order. We must be ready to work towards building our new normal.
Paco A. Pangalangan
Lead Convenor, Democracy Watch Philippines
Executive Director, Stratbase ADR Institute