Published by Bayan Metro Manila
The government’s emergency Social Amelioration Program might end up as a cash transfer scheme from consumers to big corporations if bills continue to be collected during the pandemic
The cash aid is supposed to give immediate relief to displaced workers, the jobless, and those who belong to the informal economy. But the money handed out to the public might be used instead to pay utility bills as power, water, and phone companies have resumed their collection operations.
Many consumers were shocked to discover that their bills included unclear charges even if there was an earlier advisory that payment of bills will be postponed.
For many Metro Manila consumers, even the 8,000 pesos cash assistance might be insufficient to cover their two-month utility bills.
The SAP was not designed to allow affected residents to pay utility bills on time because there was an understanding that due dates will be extended. The SAP is a lifeline support intended to enable beneficiaries to buy essential goods like food and medicine.
But because of the delay and bureaucratic mess in the distribution of money, the SAP arrived at a time when many households also started receiving bills from utility companies.
The SAP might end up as a ‘bailout package’ for big corporations as consumers are advised to settle their obligations once the ECQ is lifted next month. It could even mutate into a people’s ‘ambagan’ to ensure the profitability of big corporations.
Last April, we asked utility companies to pledge their Corporate Social Responsibility this year by charging zero to consumers while the ECQ is in effect. It is a humanitarian response during a public health crisis.
We reiterate this demand as we call the government to promote consumer welfare by working with utility corporations on how emergency funds can be tapped to provide a big discount to the public.
Making ‘zero bill’ possible is a concrete measure that the government can negotiate with big corporations. This is the least it can do after prolonging the lockdown suffering of the public and its failure to provide a comprehensive medical and social reform program to deal with COVID-19.
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