MECQ residents to get cash subsidy 

Poor families in areas under the modified enhanced community quarantine (MECQ) will receive emergency cash assistance from the government. 

“Kasama sa second tranche ang MECQ [areas],” Presidential spokesperson Harry Roque said during the Laging Handa public briefing on Saturday.

Questions arose when Malacañang earlier said that only qualified families residing in areas under enhanced community quarantine (ECQ) will get the second tranche of the cash subsidy stemming from the COVID-19 health crisis, while those from general community quarantine will no longer covered.

Metro Manila, Laguna, Bataan, Bulacan, Nueva Ecija, Pampanga, and Zambales are placed under MECQ effective May 16 to last until May 31.

Meanwhile, Cebu City and Mandaue City have been placed under ECQ until the end of the month.

“Paunang ilalabas ay ‘yung mga ayuda sa mga lugar na nanatili sa ECQ,” Roque said.

“Hinihintay pa ang memo galing sa office Executive Secretary para sa second tranche,” he added.

Under the Bayanihan to Heal As One Act, around 18 million low-income households belonging to the informal sector will be targeted to receive monthly emergency subsidies amounting to P5,000 to P8,000 for April and May.