52 The right to social security of the workers in the informal economy/ sector To provide for a safety net during the March-April 2020 lockdown, the government adopted the SAP to provide cash subsidies for the provision of the basic necessities of the lowincome households as identified or those in subsistence economy or workers in the informal economy, assessed to be the most affected by the declaration given their existing life situation and circumstances.145 All the respondents declared that they received the cash assistance under the 1st and 2nd tranches under SAP. In addition to the SAP, they also receive cash and in-kind assistance from their respective local governments. Private and non-government organizations, like the NTHKC, also extended aid to them. During the implementation of SAP, some issues were also stressed by a few of the respondents. There were allegations that the aid is being distributed only to “kakilala” or those with close ties with the local government officials. There was also a concern where political accommodation is one of the reasons for disqualification.146 Incidence of Indebtedness 41.66 percent of the participants declared that they have outstanding debts before the March-April 2020 lockdown. Despite these outstanding debts, they claimed that their daily income before the March-April 2020 lockdown is sufficient to cover the monthly payment due to their credit.147 However, 27.08 percent borrowed from a credit facility, mostly from “lending”148 to cover their household expenses during the March-April 2020 lockdown. Four (4) respondents claimed that the money borrowed was used as additional capital to their small business. Accordingly, 29.17 percent asserted that their outstanding debts are now higher than that before the March 2020 lockdown. Some of them argued that they no longer borrowed from the loan facilities because of the uncertainty of the flow of income.149 Additionally, the facilities Department of Social Welfare and Development, Special Guidelines on the Provision of Social Amelioration Measures by the Department of Social Welfare and Development to the Most Affected Residents of the Areas Under Community Quarantine and Continuation of the Implementation of the Social Pension for Indigent Senior Citizens and the Supplementary Feeding Programs, Memorandum Circular No. 04, Series of 2020 [Memo Circ. No. 04, s.2020] (March 30, 2020) available at https://www.dswd.gov.ph/issuances/MCs/MC_2020-004.pdf 146 Consultation with the workers in the informal economy/sector, supra note 117. 147 Consultation with the workers in the informal economy/sector, supra note 120. 148 A lending company in the Philippines is a corporation that grants loans with interest to individuals or small businesses. It offers a simple, accessible, and fast way for individuals or small businesses to have working capital. See also Republic Act No. 9474, otherwise known as “An Act Governing the Establishment, Operation, and Regulation of Lending Companies.” 149 Consultation with the workers in the informal economy/sector, supra note 120. 145