Actress Liza Soberano called out the lack of support for the poor amid the pandemic. She questioned the lack of stimulus for Filipinos amid the COVID-19 crisis, adding that it would make the virus mitigation easier.
On her twitter account, Soberano wrote that her heart bleeds for the people who cannot afford to go outside and work, noting that they have to choose between starvation and COVID-19. Then, she questioned the lack of a stimulus package for Filipinos.
My heart bleeds for all the people who cannot afford not to go out and work. They literally have to choose between dying of starvation or dying of covid. Is our country really this poor to no be able to provide stimulus?? Genuine question lang po.
— Liza Soberano (@lizasoberano) March 22, 2021
Then, Soberano listed USA’s action plans for the pandemic, including the 3rd round of stimulus, free COVID-19 testing, and free vaccination. After that, Soberano inquired about the support for the poor in the country, noting that it would be easier to stay at home if Filipinos have the support.
America has received 2 rounds of stimulus already, waiting on the 3rd. Covid testing is free, vaccination is free. Where is the support for the poor in our country? Madali lang naman po mag stay at home if everyone has food on the table and money to pay the bills.
— Liza Soberano (@lizasoberano) March 22, 2021
Soberano is one of the socially aware artists of our time and often uses her platforms to shed light on social issues.
To date, the Philippines has a total of 671 792 total confirmed cases since the pandemic started.
Cases resurged after a year with new confirmed COVID-19 diagnosis reaching up to 8000 daily. As of March 22, 2021, the country has 8019 confirmed new cases per DOH, prompting the re-establishment of strict health guidelines and quarantine zones.
For 2021, the country has a budget of PhP4.506 trillion per the General Appropriations Act (GAA), according to reports from The Department of Budget and Management. Most of the budget allotments focus on education and infrastructure. Education receives PHP 751.7 billion, and The Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) receives PHP 695.7 billion.
On the other hand, those departments that were directly involved with the pandemic and its impact on its citizens received less than PHP 500 billion. The Department of Health (DOH) received PHP 210.2 billion, and The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) received PHP 176.9 billion.
