Quezon City Mayor Joy Belmonte on Friday clarified that the PHP 20,000 livelihood assistance is part of their two-month-old "Pangkabuhayan QC" project which aims to assist those constituents who want to start their business amid the COVID-19 pandemic.
"Hindi po ito ayuda at wala pong [cash] payout ngayon, walang schedule for payout. At ngayon po ay pangkaraniwang pagsusumite lang ng application forms nila," Belmonte said in an interview with dzRH's Metro Manila Ngayon.
[This is not ayuda and there's no cash payout today, we don't have a schedule for payout. Today is supposed to be the submission of the application form of those interested.]
In a report from RH Val Gonzales, hundreds of people were seen flocking the QC City Hall from last night up to earlier this morning, hoping that they will be included in those who will receive cash assistance or 'ayuda.'
Rannie Ludovica, head of the Quezon City Task Force Disiplina, said it's 'fake news' and noted that only those listed in the recipients posted on Qc's official website will receive the livelihood assistance.
According to Belmonte, the livelihood project has been going on in the city for two months and this is the first time that people crowded in the city hall.
"We posted a deadline of submission for the applications on our official website and dahil Pinoy, nung nalaman na may deadline naghahabol halos lahat," she stated.
Although the application form can be sent online, Belmonte noted that many of the applicants need to complete their requirements which can only be done in the city hall.
Belmonte also slammed those who spread fake news over their program, reiterating that it is livelihood assistance, not ayuda.
"Ico-correct natiun ang mga problema na ito at lilinawin," she said.
The QC mayor also vowed to seek help from different barangays to assist those who want to submit their application to do it online via their website.
