Quezon City hits fake news over financial distribution

MANILA, Philippines — The Quezon City government debunked false claims regarding financial distribution that resulted in the influx of people at the city hall yesterday.

Mayor Joy Belmonte said crowds flocked to the city hall grounds after getting information from unverified and fake news sources that they would receive money just by falling in line.

“It was the fake news that led to the influx of people today. From the investigation of our team, people lined up as early as last night with the idea that they can receive P10,000 just by falling in line,” she said.

“An estimated 85 percent of the people who went to city hall were not interested in starting a business but were there to get the alleged ayuda.  They do not have application forms and the necessary documents to support any business plans for the program,” she added.

The local government was accepting applications for the Pangkabuhayang QC program, a livelihood training and financial assistance program for those who have lost their jobs or whose businesses suffered due to the pandemic.

With the application period set to end, Belmonte said they were prepared for an increase among those who want to submit requirements up to the last minute.

“However, we were surprised to learn that people were falling in line without proper information about what the lines are for,” she added.

The Small Business and Cooperatives Development  and Promotions Office said it has received more than 10,000 applications for start-up capital financial assistance, completing the target number of applicants for the first phase of the initiative.

No applications will be accepted on Nov. 2, the supposed last day of filing. Instead, interested applicants are encouraged to wait for the announcement for Phase 2 of the program.

The city government has allotted P150 million for the program’s first phase, with successful applicants expected to receive from P5,000 to 20,000, depending on their choice of business.