President Duterte has been authorized by the Congress to realign P200 billion from unused funds in the national budget to help Filipinos who have lost their means of livelihood with the declaration of a lockout or quarantine in COVID-hit areas. The distribution of P5,000 to P8,000 per household per month was rushed after residents in sitio San Roque in barangay Bagong Pag-asa, Quezon City, claiming to be hungry took to the street Wednesday to beg for food. Adding to the complications, President Duterte’s televised “shoot to kill” threat after the San Roque ruckus may have fueled, rather than doused, resentment and future violent protests. Period’,” Duterte said of his outburst after San Roque. Kaya di ka nanalo, kasi kalaki ng ngipin mo, kalahati ng panga mo nakalabas.”* * *Nota Bene: All Postscripts are archived at manilamail.com.

Source: Philippine Star April 04, 2020 15:56 UTC