The inflation rate has accelerated to 6.4% in July from 6.1% in June due to the ongoing pandemic and the Russian invasion of Ukraine, coupled with strong consumer demand for oil and energy. This is the highest inflation rate in three years. Consequently, many families and individuals struggle to meet their basic needs due to the escalating prices of basic goods and services.

As the duty-bearer, the government has the responsibility to provide adequate social and economic assistance to those in need, especially in times of economic difficulties. The Commission on Human Rights (CHR) welcomes the recent decision of the Department of Budget and Management (DBM) to approve the release of the PhP4.1 billion special aid to help the disadvantaged sectors stave off the effect of rising costs in the country.

The DBM-approved Special Allotment Release Order to the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) for cash aid is expected to benefit over 4 million beneficiaries of the Targeted Cash Transfer (TCT). Under the TCT program, each beneficiary identified by the DSWD will receive P500 per month for 2 months.

The TCT program endeavors to reach struggling individuals and sectors that have not met the criteria to be included in the Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program (4Ps). It seeks to close the gap between the non-recipients of the 4Ps but are gravely affected by the impact of rising cost of basic commodities and services.

CHR hopes that this economic intervention will enable the vulnerable sectors to achieve a decent standard of living and sustain their essential needs. It is crucial for the government to ensure the transparent, efficient, and timely roll-out of the aid to truly benefit those who urgently need it. To sustain poor families in the long term, we equally urge the government to strengthen complementary efforts to stabilize the economy and to provide gainful job and livelihood opportunities. ###