The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) will continue to roll out cash assistance to small rice retailers, who are affected by the rice price cap, amid the spending ban for the upcoming Barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan Election (BSKE).
In a press release on Tuesday, DSWD said the Commission on Election (Comelec) approved its letter requesting for the release, disbursement, and expenditure of funds under the Sustainable Livelihood Program (SLP) for micro rice retailers.
"DSWD Secretary Rex Gatchalian submitted to the COMELEC on September 6 the supplemental request for authorization in the release, disbursement, and expenditure of funds allocated for the cash aid program to benefit micro rice retailers and sellers affected by the imposition of price cap on rice," the agency said.
Based on Comelec's law department notice of approval signed by Comelec chairman George Erwin Garcia, DSWD's financial aid distribution will continue in support of Executive Order No. 39 which mandates the rice price ceiling on regular and well-milled rice.
The poll body reminded that the cash assistance must not influence the conduct of the BSKE 2023, and not involve any distribution of Assistance to Individuals in Crisis Situation (AICS).
In an interview with DZRH, DSWD Secretary Rex Gatchalian said that 300 of the 500 small rice retailers have received cash assistance as of September 12.
He said they are initially targeting to finish the payout by September 14.
"Ngayon hanggang sa [September] 14, sabay-sabay na. Multi-region na. Layunin natin, sana matapos natin ito by the 14th. Pero siyempre may mga konsiderasyon kaming tinitingnan," the DSWD chief said..
