PWD forced to travel to Imus municipal hall to get aid

A person with disability (PWD) was forced to travel to the municipal hall of Imus in Cavite to receive cash assistance under the social amelioration program for families impacted by COVID-19.

According to Marisol Abdurahman's Thursday report on 24 Oras, the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) did not release the aid to the wife of Royal Moral despite showing proof of his condition.

Moral, a former high-school teacher, is suffering from Ankylosing Spondylitis, an inflammatory disease affecting the spine.

"Hirap po talaga ako. In pain po ako lagi kasi dahil po sa buto ko," Moral said.

He said local authorities were supposed to deliver the financial assistance to PWDs, pregnant women, and senior citizens.

However, after waiting for two weeks, the aid did not come.  Moral's wife, Tet, went to the municipal hall carrying an authorization letter, medical record, prescription, and other documents.  But, she failed to get the cash.

"Kailangan daw po kasi may physical appearance. Talagang ako po talaga," Moral said.

Moral could not go due to his condition. Transportation was also a problem as he had to use an ambulance since his condition requires him to lie down.

Moral pushed through going to the City Welfare and Development Office using an ambulance, and finally received the aid while on a stretcher.

Moral said authorities should be considerate to PWDS like him.

"Dapat hindi ako pinapalabas kasi unang-una may existing ano po ako sakit, pwede po ako mahawa, " Moral said.

GMA News is still trying to get the statement of the Department of Social Welfare and Development. —Joahna Lei Casilao/LDF, GMA News