MANILA, Jan. 17 (PNA) — Amid petitions by some 10, 000 victims of typhoon Yolanda to be given immediate financial assistance worth P40, 000, Malacanang on Friday said there might be limitations to their request.
Deputy Presidential Spokesperson Abigail Valte said in a Palace briefing that despite President Benigno Aquino III possibly aware of the petition already, he will still have to discuss the matter with the Cabinet.
“I understand it has not been discussed with the President although Secretary Lacson may have already informed the President that the petition exists,” Valte said.
“At least in the cash component they are asking for, there may be limitations on that,” she added.
However, Valte said that for now, Malacanang was trying to make do with the attendant benefit–“meaning socialized housing, other programs that try to address their needs apart from relief.”
“It will have to be discussed by the relevant agencies with the President on how feasible that would be,” she said.
The typhoon victims, said to be in desperate need, have asked Malacanang to provide them with the financial assistance on or before Feb. 14.
As for the issue on violations of price freeze in calamity-hit areas, Valte said that the national government has directed the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) to correct it.
“When we receive reports of violations of the price freeze or control (what) we do pass (is) it on to DTI to make sure they go there and they check,” Valte said.
“That is the mechanism we do in addressing reports for this,” she added. (PNA)