Anti Discrimination Policies of LGUs

STRENGTHENING
GOVERNMENT’S
COVID-19 RESPONSE
Implementation of anti-discrimination policies
by local governments in the National Capital Region
Photo: Jilson Tiu

AUTHOR
Maria Jennifer Haygood-Guste
CO-AUTHORS
Jan Melchor Rosellon, Lomel Buena, Elbert John Honoria, Irene Chia
PHOTOS
Jilson Tiu, Jen Guste, Lyn Rillon for Lifestyle Inquirer, Bahaghari, Aaron Bonete for
Outrage Magazine
DESIGN & LAYOUT

Archilles Parallon
DISCLAIMER
This publication covers the research period of May to August 2021. Whilst every
effort has been made to ensure accuracy, the possibility of errors or omissions
cannot be excluded. All rights reserved. Any use of information, in full or in part,
should be accompanied by an acknowledgement of UNDP in the Philippines as the
source.
The views expressed in this publication are those of the author(s) and do not
necessarily represent those of the United Nations, including UNDP, donor agencies,
or the UN Member States.
© UNDP Philippines
ABSTRACT
ABSTRACT
The COVID-19 pandemic worsened poverty and hunger as
millions of Filipinos lost their jobs and livelihoods, saw their
incomes collapse, and had difficulty buying basic goods and
services. The government’s pandemic response had human
rights elements but appears to have fallen short in ensuring that
no one is left behind or discriminated against. Numerous policies
aim to eliminate various forms of discrimination that worsen
inequalities. The pandemic response however, highlighted how
vulnerable sectors still suffer from varying forms and patterns
of discrimination – urban poor, Bangsamoro, women, LGBTQ+,
persons with disabilities, youth, and even rights defenders.
Further legislation covering all protected attributes from

discrimination and ensuring basic Constitutional rights and
services for all Filipinos is strongly recommended. The
Comprehensive Anti-Discrimination Bill proposed will help ensure
that the rights and welfare of vulnerable sectors are upheld
– especially with clear guidelines and effective information
dissemination and education on this and related policies and
legislation.
Key words: discrimination, COVID-19 response, human rights,

inequality, social inclusion
CONTENT
Abstract i
Introduction 6
Methodology 7
Human rights and discrmination 11
Human rights 11
Discrimination 12
Social inclusion 13
Relevant studies 14
On policy issuances on discrimination 16
The Philippine Government's pandemic response 19
COVID-19 response 19
Protecting the vulnerable 20
Discriminatory impact of pandemic response 23
Joblessness and hunger 23
Persistent poverty 25
Discrimination in pandemic response 29
Cross-cutting discriminatory impact on vulnerable groups 30
Discriminatory impact and treatment 35
The role of the Commission on Human Rights 43
Urgency of a Comprehensive Anti-Discrimination Law 44
Summary and recommendations 49
Annex 1: List of key informant interviewees 56

Annex 2: Policies to ensure rights of vulnerable sectors 57
Annex 3: Participants’ life stories 60
References 64
FIGURES
Figure 1. Profile of participants 7
Figure 2. Participants' age 7
Figure 3. Conceptual framework 30
Figure 4. Experienced deprivations during lockdowns 31
Figure 5. Access to monetary and food relief 33
Figure 6. Experience on health services 34
Figure 7. Interaction with the local government 35
Table 1. Approximated income loss per decile in the Philippines, 2018 24

Table 2. Approximated income loss per decile in NCR, 2018 24
Table 3. Price comparison of selected food items, 2016 and 2020 25
Chart 1. Trend in inflation rate for all households in the Philippines, 26

January 2018-October 2021 (2012 = 100; in percent)
Chart 2. Trends in poverty incidence, 2009-2018 (in percent) 26
Chart 3. Wage rates in the NCR, January 2016-October 2021 (in Php) 26
Chart 4. Number of unemployed persons, 1979-2020 (in millions) 27
Chart 4a. Unemployment rate, 1979-2020 (in percent) 27
STRENGTHENING
STRENGTHENING
GOVERNMENT'S
GOVERNMENT'S
COVID-19
COVID-19RESPONSE
RESPONSE
Implementation of anti-discrimination policies
by local governments in the National Capital Region
INTRODUCTION
The COVID-19 pandemic has affected the marginalized sectors the most,
especially in underdeveloped countries like the Philippines with weak health and
social protection systems. The pandemic hit the country on top of pre-existing
socioeconomic and governance problems – persistent poverty, structural inequality,
and recent democratic backsliding. There is also the systemically ingrained
discrimination of poor and vulnerable sectors. COVID-19’s impact aggravated these
problems by creating conditions for discrimination to assert itself in the course of
the pandemic response.
This research was done in collaboration with the Commission on Human Rights of the
Philippines (CHR) with support from the United Nations Development Programme
in the Philippines (UNDP Philippines) to probe the extent of discrimination
experienced during the pandemic.
6 STRENGTHENING GOVERNMENT’S COVID-19 RESPONSE Photo: Jilson Tiu

METHODOLOGY
The research documented the participants from 31-50 years old, and
discrimination challenges experienced 22 participants aged 51-70 years old.
by the marginalized and vulnerable
sectors, during the pandemic amid the FIGURE 1. Profile of participants
government’s COVID-19 response since
2020. It used primary and secondary 19 persons with disabilities
data-gathering methods to add to the
growing evidence of discrimination
11 youth
suffered by vulnerable sectors.
Focus group discussions (FGD) and 13 women

key informant interviews (KII) were
undertaken through face-to-face 22 Bangsamoro
and online means from 8 July to 26
August 2021. Participants were drawn 5 sidewalk vendors
from vulnerable sectors, government
agencies and CSOs in three cities in the 6 homeless
National Capital Region (NCR) – Manila
City, Marikina City and Quezon City. 11 LGBTQ+
A total of 14 FGDs were conducted with

87 participants including street dwellers FIGURE 2. Participants’ age
(6), sidewalk vendors (5), LGBTQ+
(11), women (13), youth (11), persons
with disabilities (19) and Bangsamoro 25.3%
people (22). There was: one (1) FGD 28.7%
each for street dwellers and sidewalk
vendors in Manila; two (2) FGDs each
for LGBTQ+, women and youth in Manila
and Quezon City; and three (3) FGDs
each for persons with disabilities and 45.9%
Bangsamoro people in Manila, Marikina,
and Quezon City.
There were 53 female and 34 male

participants, among whom were 14
17 to 30 31 to 50 51 to 70
LGBTQ+. By age group: 25 participants
were aged 17-30 years old, 40
STRENGTHENING GOVERNMENT’S COVID-19 RESPONSE 7

Many of the participants are either The FGDs probed the following areas
engaged in informal work (e.g., sidewalk of concern:
vending, scavenging, gathering, and
selling scrap materials, construction) 1. conditions and experiences during
or unemployed. A few worked in the different levels of community
the health and wellness sector and quarantines (but especially during
business process outsourcing (BPO). the strictest enhanced community
For the youth, the majority are studying quarantines);
online and belong to middle-income 2. access to LGU health response
households or higher. (i.e., tests, quarantine and isolation,
including hospitalization);
The KIIs with civil society were with 3. access to cash and food assistance;
representatives of fifteen (15) national, 4. relationship with their LGUs (i.e.,
NCR-based, and local CSOs (See responsiveness to requests for
Annex 1). The KIIs with government assistance and complaints, being
were with representatives from the properly informed about COVID-19
National Commission for Muslim and aid programs);
Filipinos (NCMF), National Commission 5. perception of the government’s
for Disability Affairs (NCDA), and the pandemic response and suggestions
office of a senator known to champion for improvement;
the CADB and related bills. 6. probing of any experience with
discrimination including awareness
Time constraints, another long of any anti-discrimination laws
lockdown in August, and recurring and ordinances in their localities
uncertainty greatly affected primary and of mechanisms to ensure their
data-gathering. Not all targeted implementation (i.e., women’s desk,
FGDs and KIIs were completed, and persons with disabilities affairs
the number of respondents was office); and
reduced. Also, a planned survey of 7. experience of other violations to
local government units (LGUs) and civil their human rights during the period
society organizations (CSOs) based in in review.
NCR for a more comprehensive view
of pandemic response programs and The KIIs with CSOs probed the
implementation could not be conducted. following:
Secondary data-gathering involved 1. their relief programs and the

reviewing numerous published government’s attitude to these;
government and CSO studies on the 2. any assistance sought from the
impact of COVID-19 on the Philippines, government and the corresponding
analysis of published government government action;
statistical data, and mapping of existing 3. discrimination cases experienced
anti-discrimination policies. by their constituencies and
8 STRENGTHENING GOVERNMENT’S COVID-19 RESPONSE

corresponding actions taken; section ends with the macro situation
4. any experience of discrimination in terms of joblessness, hunger, and
themselves; poverty since the onset of the pandemic
5. participation in implementing the and the lockdowns implemented.
government’s anti-discrimination
policies; The third part presents the results
6. recommendations to improve the of the report’s field research on
government’s pandemic response; discrimination in pandemic response
and organized according to specific
7. views on the comprehensive anti- vulnerable sectors. The section
discrimination bill (CADB) pending in ends with a discussion on the role of
Congress. CHR and why a comprehensive anti-
discrimination bill is urgent.
The KIIs with government
representatives probed the following: The last part summarizes the
report’s main findings and policy
1. government’s pandemic response, recommendations from study
their offices’ part in this, and if participants.
their constituents were adequately
served;
2. their efforts to ensure that policies
were not discriminatory to their
stakeholders;
3. recommendations to improve the
government’s pandemic response;
4. views on the CADB pending in
Congress.
The first part of the report outlines the

conceptual framework of human rights,
discrimination, and social inclusion.
It also includes a review of some
relevant studies on discrimination and
an overview of current policy issuances
on discrimination.
The second part gives a brief overview

of the Philippine government’s
pandemic response. This covers
the main emergency laws passed
and corresponding measures by line
agencies and local government. The

Gusto ko
talaga mag-
hanapbuhay
pero
hinuhuli
naman
kami.
Shirley
street dweller, vendor
10 STRENGTHENING GOVERNMENT’S COVID-19 RESPONSE Photo: Jen Guste

HUMAN RIGHTS
AND DISCRIMINATION
Human rights
The United Nations defines human As parties to international treaties,

rights as inherent to all human beings, States assume obligations and duties
regardless of race, sex, nationality, under international law to respect,
ethnicity, language, religion, or any protect and fulfil human rights. The
other status. Human rights include the obligation to respect means that
right to life and liberty, freedom from States or governments must refrain
slavery and torture, freedom of opinion from interfering with or curtailing the
and expression, the right to work, right enjoyment of human rights of individuals
to education, right to housing, right or groups. The obligation to protect
to health, right to food, among many requires States to protect individuals
others. Every human being is entitled and groups against human rights
to these rights, without discrimination abuses. The obligation to fulfil means
(United Nations). that States must take positive action to
facilitate the enjoyment of basic human
The Universal Declaration of Human rights (United Nations).
Rights (UDHR) provides a common
standard of achievement of human Human rights allow individuals to
rights for all peoples and nations. develop and capacitate themselves
The Declaration spells out basic civil, to become productive members of
political, economic, social, and cultural society. It allows individuals the use
rights that all human beings should enjoy. of their agencies or capacities to
The UDHR serves as the fundamental meaningfully participate in governance,
norms of human rights that everyone in decision making, and in the crafting
should respect and protect. The of development policies and programs
UHDR, together with the International towards effectively contributing to the
Covenant on Civil and Political Rights overall development of the economy
(and its two Optional Protocols) and the and for nation-building. Any unequal
International Covenant on Economic, treatment that deprives individuals and
Social and Cultural Rights, form the groups the enjoyment of their human
so-called International Bill of Human rights is discrimination.
Rights. It lays down obligations which
States are duty bound to respect.

Discrimination
In the consolidated version of the (i.e., religious institutions, States) based

Comprehensive Anti-Discrimination Bill on existing structures such as cultures,
(CADB) at the House of Representatives customs, and norms, as well as patterns
of the 18th Congress of the Philippines, of attitudes and behavior practiced in
discrimination is defined as constituting society (Fredman, 2011).
any distinction, exclusion, restriction
or preference or other differential Discrimination may be direct and
treatment that is directly or indirectly indirect. Direct discrimination occurs
based on the protected attributes or when an individual is treated less
characteristics such as ethnicity, race, favorably than another person in a
color, sex, gender, language, religion similar situation for a reason related to a
or belief, political or other opinion, prohibited ground. Direct discrimination
national or social origin, property, birth also includes detrimental acts or
and other status, and other protected omissions on prohibited grounds where
attributes, including disability, age, there is no comparable similar situation
nationality, marital and family status, (Final Substitute Bill CADA, 2021).
sexual orientation, health status, place
of residence, economic and social Indirect discrimination on the other
situation, maternity and pregnancy, hand, refers to laws, policies or
which have the intention or effect of practices which appear neutral at face
nullifying or impairing the recognition, value, but have a disproportionate
enjoyment or exercise, on an equal impact on the exercise of civil, political,
footing, of political, civil, economic, economic, social, and cultural rights as
social, or cultural rights. It also includes distinguished by prohibited grounds
association with a person who has or is of discrimination (Final Substitute Bill
believed to have any of these attributes CADA, 2021).
(Final Substitute Bill CADA, 2021).
According to the UN Department of
Patterns of discrimination may also Economic and Social Affairs (UNDESA),
be determined vis-a-vis employment, discrimination affects people’s
livelihood opportunities, access to opportunities, their well-being, and their
health services and assistance, and sense of agency. A person’s agency
wages; likewise, through behavior, refers to one’s capacity or ability to
treatment, actions especially by duty think, feel, and act independently,
bearers or persons of authority on coherently, and decisively. One’s
individuals or groups based on the agency may be affected variously by
protected attributes or characteristics discrimination which may be inflicted by
enumerated. It may be committed by private individuals, organizations, state
individuals, groups, and institutions actors and influenced by institutional

structures. For example, gender norms attribute (i.e., gender, sexual orientation,
that attribute submissive qualities to age, race, ethnicity, social status,
women and assign them domestic roles disability, religion, political belief, or
influence women’s sense of agency and orientation, etc.). Multiple discrimination
their willingness to exercise it (UNDESA, creates cumulative disadvantage
2018). for individuals and groups. This is
especially true for women who may be
Frequent experiences of discrimination discriminated based on their gender,
can lead individuals to internalize the sexual orientation, age, social status,
prejudice (bias) or stigma directed religion including their political belief
against them. This manifests in shame, (Fredman, 2011).
lack of confidence or low self-esteem,
feeling of fear and stress, and poor Discrimination aggravates prevailing
health. Discrimination is likewise inequalities and existing institutional
associated with negative physical barriers and further inhibits social
and mental health effects, with poor inclusion. Such barriers include
health, psychological distress, feeling behavior, norms and culture, laws, and
of anxiety, depression, hypertension as institutions. However, development
well as potential disease risk factors, frameworks that tend to overly prioritize
such as obesity and substance abuse profits over people’s welfare can also be
(UNDESA, 2018). barriers frustrating social inclusion and
that instead perpetuate social exclusion
People may also suffer from multiple which the majority of the country’s
discrimination because of the multiple vulnerable sectors already suffer
or intersectional layers of their identity structurally from (UNDESA, 2016).
or having more than one protected
Social inclusion
The World Social Situation in 2016 report history, and values are better predictors
of the UN Department of Economic and of tolerance and respect of others than
Social Affairs (UNDESA) asserts that an individual’s level of education or
discrimination remains a fundamental employment. National institutions, both
problem globally. It says that growth can formal and informal, play a large role
only be sustainable if it is inclusive. The in determining and changing attitudes
report examined the linkages between towards specific social groups and on
exclusion, poverty, and employment trends. overall levels of tolerance. Discriminatory
Significantly, it pointed out the country norms and behaviors remain widespread
context as the most important determinant and contributes to social exclusion”
of discrimination - “a country’s institutions, (UNDESA, 2016).

It noted that while formal institutional Changing World”. The report looked
barriers encountered by vulnerable at how recent global trends such
sectors can be easily identified, informal as urbanization, climate change,
barriers such as those pertaining to technological innovations and
protected attributes are often more international migration are worsening
subtle and which makes measuring inequalities. According to UNDESA,
or monitoring discrimination difficult income and wealth are increasingly
(UNDESA, 2016). Much more so with concentrated at the top where the share
multiple discrimination arising from of income accumulated by the richest 1
the intersectionality of characteristics percent of the population increased in
or attributes that elicits discriminatory 59 out of 100 countries between 1990
behavior. and 2015. Meanwhile, the poorest 40
percent earned less than 25 percent of
It is therefore necessary to come up income in all 92 countries with data.
with a policy covering all forms of
discrimination taking into consideration The report pointedly underscores the
its intersectional dimensions. The fact that despite unities by member
proposed Comprehensive Anti- countries in adapting ways to genuinely
Discrimination Act pending in both eliminate poverty and inequality, policies
the House of Representatives and the and programs adopted by states still
Senate of the Philippines could well fail to achieve social inclusion. Recent
fill in the gaps in the existing statutes years have seen increasing concern that
already in effect. overly market-oriented development
frameworks that stress growth, profits
Social inclusion is again the focus and wealth generation tend to further
of UNDESA’s World Social Report in marginalize and disenfranchise poor
2020 themed “Inequality in a Rapidly and vulnerable sectors.
Relevant studies
There have already been many studies One study assessed the gender-sensitivity
on the government’s pandemic of the government’s COVID-19 response,
response with most focusing on the noting that while this was not completely
socioeconomic impacts. ⁽Cho, et.al., gender blind it still neglected some
2020; UNDP, UNICEF, 2020) The CHR’s aspects of gender issues especially from
2020 Annual Report on the Human Rights the intersectionality of women’s concerns
Situation of the Philippines is notable for (Castillo, 2020). It for instance mentioned
reporting on the human rights aspect of how as much as 96 percent of health workers
the COVID-19 pandemic and providing are women and that they are among the
recommendations for government most discriminated against despite being
agencies, including non-state actors. recognized as heroes and frontliners.

Barangay health workers and barangay Civil society organizations have
nutrition scholars are mostly women and documented the impact of the
only get a meager allowance because government’s pandemic response on
they are considered volunteers. This their stakeholders (Amihan, 2020; Katribu,
is despite being part of the Barangay 2020). Indigenous people’s communities
Health Emergency Response Team in far-flung areas were not reached by
(BHERT) carrying out critical COVID-19 emergency relief and health assistance.
management tasks such as contact Mobility restrictions caused hunger and
tracing, among others. They are also food insecurity. For instance, farmers
mothers and caregivers at home. At were prevented from attending to their
the start of the pandemic, many health farms or unable to sell their produce, while
workers reported being harassed, evicted others saw interruptions in their supply of
from their boarding houses, or refused farm inputs. “Food security frontliners” in
rides. rural areas such as the farmers, peasant
women, fisherfolk, indigenous people and
Another study probed the pandemic’s agricultural workers suffered significantly
socioeconomic impact on NCR in being excluded from government and
households with children. The study took non-government relief efforts. Peasant
note of a range of indicators including women also decried the discriminatory
employment, income, food consumption, guidelines of the social amelioration
food security, social protection, mental program (SAP) as implemented by
health, and gender equality. It also took the Department of Social Welfare and
note of the households’ general welfare, Development (DSWD).
access to education, access to essential
health services, and child protection given A social listening report examined the
the government’s efforts to mitigate the online media coverage of human rights
impact of the crisis with emergency social violations and acts of discrimination
assistance (UNDP and UNICEF, 2020). against vulnerable sectors during the
pandemic (Tayco, et. al., 2021a). It noted
Another report focused on the health that while such news was generally
aspect of the pandemic response increasing since the start of the pandemic,
(Quintos, 2020). It pointed to weaknesses with spikes during stricter enhanced
in the country’s public health system community quarantines (ECQ), this was
where privatization and commercialization still disproportionate to the instances of
resulted in underdeveloped public health such rights violations and discrimination
infrastructure especially in the regions and – which bias can affect people’s values,
provinces outside NCR. It recommended attitude, and perception on human rights.
the strengthening of the public health A subsequent report observed people’s
system to make health services affordable attitudes, beliefs, values, and behaviors
and accessible, especially for the poor, towards human rights of the LGBTQ+,
and for the country to better respond to hate crimes, demolition, and clearing
pandemics. operations (Tayco, et. al., 2021b). Using

Twitter as its main data source, it found responses among vulnerable sectors:
that LGBTQ+ related issues dominated access to health, income and livelihoods,
the conversations. food insecurity, education, violence,
abuse, and discrimination.
Another study highlighted the
importance of having a comprehensive Abroad, a study in Nepal looked
understanding of both the impact of at the impact of COVID-19 and the
COVID-19 on marginalized sectors and government’s responses on CSOs
the strategies used by communities to (NGO Federation of Nepal, 2021). It
adapt to and manage these impacts highlighted the contributions of Nepalese
(Impel Consultancy, 2021). It noted that CSOs to response and recovery during
grassroots-based data collection among the pandemic, including the various
communities and CSOs working alongside challenges they had to deal with to
them can increase the visibility of continue serving their stakeholders. The
marginalized and vulnerable sectors and study provided recommendations on how
individuals often overlooked by official governments, CSOs and international
data. This will help improve understanding funding agencies can more effectively
of their situations and coping strategies work together to battle the COVID-19
for more responsive and effective policy pandemic.
responses. The report highlighted five
common issues and impacts of COVID-19
On policy issuances on discrimination
There are many laws, guidelines, Harmonized Gender and Development

ordinances, and orders by the national Guidelines of the Philippines Commission
government and local government units on Women also provides a checklist for
(LGUs) specifically aimed at protecting national government agencies and LGUs
and promoting the rights and welfare to ensure that DRRM plans, and projects
of women and children, of persons with are gender-sensitive and gender-
disabilities, and other vulnerable groups. responsive.
In addition, many laws also have specific
provisions in consideration of vulnerable Existing laws also already require
sectors. the establishment of mechanisms
to implement measures protecting
For instance, the pandemic is a specific vulnerable groups such as violence
type of disaster. The Philippine Disaster against women (VAW) desks in every
Risk Reduction and Management (DRRM) barangay; persons with disability affairs
Act of 2010 (Republic Act or RA 10121) office (PDAO) in every province, city and
recognizes the imperative for gender- municipality, or the designation of a focal
responsive approach in DRRM. The person who shall perform the functions

of a PDAO in fourth, fifth and sixth class as of 2019 June, only 37,686 out of 42,045
municipalities; and Muslim consultative barangays have established VAW desks
councils in all LGUs (Alampay, et.al. 2017, (Philippine Commission on Women).
NCMF 2021, Philippine Commission on Women’s group Gabriela’s Metro Manila
Women). chapter reports that even when there are
VAW desks, the persons assigned do not
The rights of women informal workers are seem to be aware of their responsibilities.
covered by the Magna Carta for Women
and Children and discrimination against Meanwhile, only six out of 10 LGUs had PDAO
them is supposedly among the purview with more than half of the provinces (58
of the women’s welfare desk (Philippine percent) and over two-thirds (68 percent)
Commission on Women, 2019). of higher income municipalities are actually
non-compliant (Alampay, et.al. 2017).
Recent laws passed such as the Anti-
Bullying Law (RA 10627) and the Safe The problem of invisibility also aggravates
Spaces Act of 2019 (RA 11313) covers the discrimination suffered by certain
protection of the LGBTQ+ and mentions sectors. According to the CHR’s report
sexual orientation, gender identity, on the Human Rights Situation in the
and gender expression or SOGIE. If Philippines in 2020, it is hard to track
not in the laws themselves, SOGIE is cases of discrimination and violence
mentioned in the implementing rules against LGBTQ+ because there is no
and regulations (IRR) which includes standardized legal definition of what
persons with diverse SOGIE as people constitutes the LGBTQ+ and there are
who can be victims of harassers. There no formal mechanisms to document
are anti-discrimination ordinances (ADO) relevant statistics, among other factors.
for SOGIE in place in 43 provincial, city, Hate crimes against the LGBTQ+ is also
municipal and barangay LGUs to guard undefined in Philippine laws which makes
against LGBTQ+ discrimination – although it possible that cases against them are
their effectiveness apparently depends unrecorded (CHR, 2020).
heavily on the commitment of the LGUs
implementing them (UPGLPP, 2021). This study’s respondents frequently
expressed frustration with ground
These legal measures are extremely level implementation even when there
valuable even if implementation has are already well-developed laws and
tended to be uneven, with implications guidelines. Often heard were lamentations
even on how pandemic response has about the lack of coordination among lead
played out. agencies, lack of clear guidelines, and
sometimes even lack of understanding
A recent review of several LGU disaster the statutes themselves.
responses noted how DRRM responses
remain gender blind (Castillo, 2021). Many
barangays still do not have VAW desks –

Our right to education was violated. Ang
daming hindi nakapag-aral. Ang gastos ng online
classes. Ang iba sa amin nagtrabaho na lang.
More than 20 of my classmates dropped

out of school.
Aiko
online tutor

THE PHILIPPINE
GOVERNMENT’S
PANDEMIC RESPONSE
COVID-19 response
At the onset of the pandemic, the and that emergency powers should not
United Nations’ Office of the High be abused (United Nations, 2020).
Commissioner on Human Rights
(OHCHR) issued a guidance on how to The guidance recognized existing
respond to the ensuing health and the poverty and inequalities, that these
economic crisis according to a human would worsen with the pandemic, and
rights-based approach (HRBA), keeping that these would be aggravated by
in mind country commitments on the discrimination – which in turn would
17 Sustainable Development Goals make the UN Agenda 2030 even more
(SDGs) aiming to eradicate poverty and unattainable.
inequality by 2030. This was meant for
governments and institutions, including The government’s main measures for
civil society. The guidance reminded COVID-19 response have been through
stakeholders to ensure the welfare of the “Bayanihan to Heal as One” Act
vulnerable sectors are not neglected (RA 11469, also called Bayanihan 1)
(e.g, the homeless and inadequately and the “Bayanihan to Recover as One”
sheltered, workers in the informal Act (RA 11494, Bayanihan 2). These
sector and workers in general, persons laws covered a wide range of fiscal
with disabilities, women, youth, the and monetary measures to enhance
elderly including indigenous peoples) the capacity of the country’s health
and included the welfare of persons care system and reduce the adverse
deprived of liberty (United Nations, socioeconomic impact of the pandemic.
2020). These are aside from any reorientation
of existing programs to also respond to
The COVID-19 guidance recognized COVID-19.
the need for emergency powers to
enable governments to act decisively Bayanihan 1 and Bayanihan 2 had
to contain the pandemic and take the embedded human rights components
necessary public health and economic to ensure no one is discriminated
measures. But it stressed that there against and left behind dealing with the
should be clear information provided to crisis. These include: 1) prioritization
citizens for their informed participation of vulnerable sectors of society, non-

discrimination; 2) rights of the poor The government was able to give a
and social amelioration measures; 3) respectable Php286.3 billion worth of
labor rights, including the rights of emergency assistance in 2020, spanning
health workers; 4) right to property; COVID-19-specific response and using
5) right to food; 6) right to freedom pre-existing regular relief programs,
of contract; 7) right to freedom of but this fell to just Php65.4 billion in
movement; and 8) right to water, 2021 and only a marginally higher Php
sanitation, and hygiene (CHR, 2020). 68.1 billion in 2022 (IBON, 2021b). This
National government agencies and has been widely seen as insufficient to
LGUs issued corresponding guidelines compensate for economic distress due
for implementation. Moreover, LGUs to the protracted lockdowns.
also undertook initiatives within their
mandates to complement national
policies.
Protecting the vulnerable
In response to the call of the UN and homeless families and/or individuals

echoed by the CHR to ensure that the in their respective jurisdiction, provide
rights of vulnerable sectors are upheld appropriate financial assistance,
and protected, various memorandum relief, and other basic services.
circulars (MC) were released. These
include: 2. MC No. 2020-066 also by the DILG
issued on March 31, 2020 ensuring
1. MC No. 2020-068 issued by the that all persons with disabilities will
Department of Interior and Local have access to adequate food taking
Governance (DILG) on April 2, 2020 consideration of their nutritional
directing all Provincial Governors, City needs, medicines, vitamins, and
and Municipal Mayors, DILG Regional access to transportation. MC 2020-
Directors, BARMM Minister of Local 066 provided guidelines on providing
Government, Punong Barangays, and proper welfare of persons with
all other concerned individuals to disabilities during the enhanced
postpone all Administrative Demolition community quarantine due the
and Eviction Activities during the Corona Virus 2019 pandemic. The
Enhanced Community Quarantine MC is directed to guide all DILG
and State of National Emergency. Regional Directors and Field Officers,
Where demolitions may be necessary, Provincial Governors, City/Municipal
the LGUs should provide shelter and Mayors, Punong Barangays, BARMM
assistance to the displaced families. Chief Minister, including all others
This circular also directed LGUs to concerned.
provide interim shelter facilities to all

3. Joint MC No. 2020-001 issued by any of the following documents for
the DILG Council for the Welfare of informal workers – driver’s license,
Children on April 1, 2020 directing certification of membership from the
Provincial Governors, City and organization/association, certificate of
Municipal Mayors, DILG Regional public convenience, certification from
Directors, Regional Committees and the Barangay/Municipality for Tricycle
Sub-Committees for the Welfare of Operators and Drivers Association
Children, BARMM Minister of Local (TODA); employment ID, kasambahay
Government, and all other concerned ID, certificate of employment/
individuals to put special emphasis on separation from or suspension of
following the protocols on reaching work from the employer; proof of
out to children, including those in business; any other proof showing
street situations, in need of special employment/occupation/enterprise.
protection, children at risk, and
children in conflict with the law during The guidelines made special mention
the enhanced community quarantine. of persons with disabilities taking
note that their nutritional needs along
4. DSWD MC 2020-009 or the Omnibus with those of pregnant and lactating
Guidelines in the Implementation of mothers will be attended to. The
the Emergency Subsidy Program of guidelines also specified that should a
the Department of Social Welfare and household comprise several families,
Development issued by the DSWD each of the families will be provided
setting out the guidelines for the a social amelioration card. However,
distribution of the SAP or Emergency in item E of the MC, it stated that “for
Subsidy Program (ESP), Assistance to the purposes of the guidelines and
Individuals in Crisis Situation (AICS) only for the implementation of the
and Livelihood Assistance Grants SAP, the term household referred to
(LAG). MC 2020-009 harmonized in R.A. No. 11469 shall be referred to
earlier MC Nos. 4, 6, and 7. as a ‘family’.
Under this circular, requirements LGUs also implemented mechanisms to

for recognizing the eligibility of help ease the impact of the pandemic on
individuals to receive assistance their constituents (DILG, 2020). The DILG
were enumerated, to wit: barangay documented the various efforts of LGUs
certification or from the provincial, across the country and in the National
municipal, or city social welfare Capital Region (NCR), these include:
and development office (PSWDO/
MSWDO/CSWDO) for homeless 1. Comprehensive Support Services for
families and other vulnerable groups; Local Frontliners (Pasig City)
certification from the NCIP or the 2. Mobile Palengke (Pasig City)
tribal chieftain or council of elders 3. Go Manila! Mobile App: Shifting
for indigent indigenous peoples; and to E-Payment to Flatten the

COVID-19 Curve (Manila City) on mobility and social interactions in
4. Using Monitoring Information System Southeast Asia and the world.
to #BeatCOVID-19 (Makati City)
5. Localized Targeted Mass Testing The NCR and its surrounding regions
(Valenzuela City) contain among the most congested cities
6. Provision of Healthy and Nutritious in the country and correspondingly, have
Food Packs to Fight COVID-19 the greatest risk of COVID-19 spreading.
(Mandaluyong City) In the absence of more systematic mass
7. Mobile Botika, Libreng Gamot: Ensuring testing and contact tracing and of more
Access to Medicines (Caloocan City) targeted quarantines, NCR in particular
8. Marikina Molecular Diagnostics has seen the most frequent and longest
Laboratory (Marikina City) lockdowns in the country whenever
9. Telemedicine: Project that Promotes cases started to surge and threaten to
Health and Wellness of Locals overwhelm health facilities.
in Accordance with Strict Social
Distancing Protocol Amid COVID-19 Quarantine classifications were
Crisis (Taguig City) basically, from least to most restrictive:
modified general community quarantine
The DILG, in collaboration with the (MGCQ), general community quarantine
World Bank, also published a guide for (GCQ), modified enhanced community
rehabilitation and recovery from COVID-19 quarantine (MECQ), and enhanced
for the LGUs’ reference in planning community quarantine (MECQ). There
responses specifically for COVID-19 (DILG was confusion with some permutations
and World Bank, 2021). within these (e.g., “bubble”, GCQ “with
heightened restrictions”) but this is more
These are all on top of existing anti- or less the range.
discrimination policies already in place
to look after the plight of the vulnerable The NCR has been on at least GCQ from
sectors (See Annex 2). the start of the pandemic in March 2020
until data-gathering for the study. Around
Notwithstanding Bayanihan 1, Bayanihan half of that time however has been under
2, and other health and economic much stricter quarantine conditions: ECQ
measures, the Philippine government and MECQ (March 16-May 31, 2020),
most of all relied on protracted community MECQ (August 4-18, 2020), MECQ and
quarantines (colloquially called lockdowns) ECQ (March 22-May 14, 2021), GCQ “with
as a major strategy for containing the heightened restrictions” (May 15-July 31,
spread of COVID-19 pending eventual 2021), ECQ (Aug 6-20, 2021), and MECQ
herd immunity through vaccinations. The (Aug 21-31, 2021). These restrictions
Oxford COVID-19 Government Response lasting for around a year-and-a-half
Tracker (OxCGRT) notes that the already have had significant adverse
Philippines is among the countries with the effects on the mobility, livelihoods, and
most consistently stringent restrictions well-being of the population.

Discriminatory impact of pandemic response
More than COVID-19 itself which has The blunt measure of lockdowns
infected some 2.8 million or around 2.5 to contain the pandemic is itself
percent of the population (and caused discriminatory in nature in being applied
around 42,000 deaths) as of end- haphazardly over populations regardless
October, the lockdowns have arguably of their specific pre-existing conditions
had more far-reaching effects and and vulnerabilities. Higher income
caused significant distress for tens of families and larger formal enterprises, for
millions of Filipinos especially among the instance, have much greater capacities
poorest and most vulnerable groups. This to deal with emerging health problems
considers not just the daily difficulties and to absorb any disruptions to
they faced but also their prospects given economic activity. The resulting indirect
substantial economic scarring. discrimination is considerable.
Joblessness and hunger
As elsewhere in many parts of the jobless (PSA, 2020). Some 99,575 micro,
world, the onset of the pandemic small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs)
in early 2020 was immediately met closed while 458,043 were operating
with strict lockdowns, restrictions on only partially (IBON Foundation, 2021a).
mobility, stay-at-home directives, and
limits on work in non-essential sectors. The disruption to work is particularly
The lockdowns in the Philippines were damaging to livelihoods considering
however among the strictest and that up to 29.3 million or seven out of
longest with correspondingly among ten jobs (69.9 percent) in the economy
the harshest effects on the economy in even before the pandemic, in 2019, was
the world. estimated to be informal consisting of
the self-employed and those in irregular
The -9.6 percent (negative) growth work in private establishments (IBON,
in gross domestic product (GDP) was 2021f). By August 2021, over 19 million
the biggest contraction in recorded jobs, or more than four in ten jobs, were
Philippine economic history, and the in informal self-employment, small
biggest in Asia (IBON, 2021c). The family farms or businesses, domestic
country also had the biggest percentage help, or unpaid family workers aside
point increase in unemployment and the from around 13 million more irregular
highest unemployment rate in at least workers in private establishments
Southeast Asia. Unemployment peaked (IBON, 2021d). Women tend to be
in April with a record 17.7 percent overrepresented in the informal sector.
unemployment rate and 7.2 million

TABLE 1. Approximated income loss per decile in Philippines, 2018
Baseline mean At 10% income At 5% income Approximated
Cumulative Cumulative
Decile monthly income loss for 10 mos loss for 7 mos income loss
families pax (million)
(Php, 2018) Mar-Dec 2020 Jan-Jul 2021 over 17 months
1st 9,109 2,474,717 10.6 9,109 3,188 12,297

2nd 11,458 4,949,435 21.2 11,458 4,010 15,468
3rd 13,253 7,424,152 31.7 13,253 4,639 17,892
4th 15,207 9,898,870 42.3 15,207 5,322 20,529
5th 17,620 12,373,587 52.9 17,620 6,167 23,787
6th 20,095 14,848,304 63.5 20,095 7,033 27,128
7th 24,041 17,323,022 74 24,041 8,414 32,455
8th 28,970 19,797,739 84.6 28,970 10,140 39,110
9th 37,689 22,272,457 95.2 37,689 13,191 50,880
10th 69,365 24,747,174 105.8 69,365 24,278 93,643
SOURCES: IBON calculations on FIES 2018 data from PSA and on household savings data from BSP
The poorest 70 percent of families, or 53,000 (See Table 2). These estimates
about 17.3 million families, is estimated are consistent with Bangko Sentral ng
to have lost an average of Php13,000- Pilipinas’ (BSP) data that households
32,000 since the start of lockdowns without savings and thus completely
(IBON, 2021e) (See Table 1). In the dependent on immediate earnings or debt
National Capital Region, some 2.3 million increased to 74.8 percent (18.7 million)
families lost an average of Php24,000- nationwide in the third quarter of 2021
TABLE 2. Approximated income loss per decile in NCR, 2018

Baseline mean At 10% income At 5% income Approximated
Cumulative Cumulative
Decile monthly income loss for 10 mos loss for 7 mos income loss
families pax (million)
(Php, 2018) Mar-Dec 2020 Jan-Jul 2021 over 17 months
1st 17,610 331,847 1.3 17,610 6,164 23,774

2nd 22,045 663,693 2.7 22,045 7,716 29,761
3rd 25,415 995,540 4 25,415 8,895 34,310
4th 28,049 1,327,386 5.4 28,049 9,817 37,866
5th 31,229 1,659,233 6.7 31,229 10,930 42,159
6th 34,236 1,991,079 8.1 34,236 11,983 46,219
7th 39,285 2,322,926 9.4 39,285 13,750 53,035
8th 43,510 2,654,772 10.8 43,510 15,229 58,739
9th 52,992 2,986,619 12.1 52,992 18,547 71,539
10th 89,285 3,318,465 13.5 89,285 31,250 120,535
SOURCES: IBON calculations on FIES 2018 data from PSA and on household savings data from BSP

(BSP, 2021a). In NCR, almost two out of TABLE 3. Price comparison of
three (65.8 percent) households or some selected food items, 2016 and 2020
two million did not have any savings.
Selected Price in Dec Price in Dec
Supply chain disruptions have been products 2016 (Php) 2020 (Php)
relatively minor and the drastic income
losses have been the major factor in Bangus 120 200
increasing hunger. As it is, a Rapid
Galunggong 140 280
Nutrition Assessment Survey conducted
from 3 November to 3 December in Pork liempo 200 340
2020 found that 62.1 percent of families
(equivalent to 15 million families) Chicken 140 170
experienced having little to no food at
all (FNRI-DOST, 2020 December). Sitao 70 140
Cabbage 100 200

Of the 5,717 households involved in the
survey, more than half or 56.3 percent Tomato 60 160
reported having a problem accessing food
during the community quarantine period Onion 80 180
due to the lack of money, limited public
transportation, the loss of livelihood, and Eggplant 80 180
limited food stores. Food insecurity was
Habitchuelas 80 200
mostly felt in households with children (74.7
percent) and pregnant members (80.8 SOURCE: PSA
percent). About 72 percent of respondents
said they were forced to borrow money Income losses were aggravated by rising
to buy food, while 66.3 percent said they food prices, such as from December
asked food from their relatives, neighbors, 2016 to December 2020 (See Table
and friends. Some 30.2 percent swapped 3). By August 2021, the inflation rate
their possessions for food while 21.1 including for food rose to its highest in
percent adults reduced their food intake to 32 months since December 2018 (BSP,
feed their children more. 2021b) (Chart 1).
Persistent poverty
The lockdown-driven collapse in low poverty threshold. Similarly, seeming

livelihoods came on top of persistent improvements in unemployment have
poverty, low wages, and unemployment. been pointed out as largely due to a
(See Charts 2, 3 and 4) Official figures change in the methodology for counting
showing improvement in poverty has the unemployed since 2005 rather than
been criticized as using an unrealistically actual reductions in jobless Filipinos.

CHART 1. Trend in inflation rate for all households in the Philippines,
January 2018-October 2021 (2012=100; in percent)
10
6
Food inflation
4
Inflation rate
2018 2019 2020 2021

SOURCE: PSA
CHART 2. Trends in poverty CHART 3. Wage rates in the NCR,

incidence, 2009-2018 (in percent) January 2016-October 2021 (in Php)
30 1,000
800
20
600
400
10
200
2016 2017 2018 2019 2020 2021
2009 2012 2015 2018 Nominal value Real value

SOURCE: PSA SOURCES: NWPC, PSA

CHART 4. Number of unemployed persons, 1979-2020* (in millions)
1980 1990 2000 2010 2020
Unemployed (in millions) Unemployed, old definition (in millions)
SOURCE: PSA LFS
CHART 4a. Unemployment rate, 1979-2020* (in percent)
15
10
1980 1990 2000 2010 2020
SOURCE: PSA LFS

Kaming
mga nanay
ang nagkakarga
ng pasanin sa
pag-iisip ng
pang-araw-araw
na badyet.
Apektado ang
kalusugan ng
utak namin.
a mother from
Tondo, Manila

DISCRIMINATION IN
PANDEMIC RESPONSE
The responses from the focus group laws by duty bearers and intended
discussions (FGDs) and key informant beneficiaries. Taken together, they
interviews (KIIs) were overwhelmingly are crucial in upholding the rights and
consistent with and supported welfare of vulnerable sectors especially
the aggregate statistical data that during economic crisis and pandemics.
considerable indirect discrimination
is taking place in the government’s The study specifically looked into
pandemic response. the impact of COVID-19 response
measures contained in the Bayanihan 1
The schematic diagram (see Figure 3) and Bayanihan 2 laws and various DILG
presents the concepts and issues taken and DSWD memorandum circulars. In
up in the succeeding discussion. There particular, their impact on the vulnerable
is structural discrimination from the sectors in the context of structural
prevailing culture, norms, and religious discrimination and existing institutional
beliefs which affects how vulnerable mechanisms was investigated.
and discriminated populations are Discriminatory impact was observed
treated. The sectors covered in the in terms of the coverage, content,
study were the urban poor (especially appropriateness, and responsiveness
homeless/street dwellers and informal of relief measures as well as instances
workers particularly street vendors), of abuse and human rights violations.
Bangsamoro people, women, LGBTQ+,
persons with disabilities, and youth. The narratives of the vulnerable sectors
Rights defenders, not normally treated about their experiences are provided
as a discriminated sector, were also to help the national government,
included because of the observation LGUs, policy makers and duty bearers
of specific instances of discrimination enhance understanding of the specific
against them. vulnerabilities of the poor during
the pandemic and identify key areas
The relevant institutional mechanisms for improvement in terms of policy
which can be seen to be modified responses.
to steadily correct structural
discrimination consist of 1) existing
laws upholding human rights and
against discrimination; and 2) the
knowledge and understanding of these

FIGURE 3. Conceputal framework
INSTITUTIONAL MECHANISMS
EXISTING LAWS upholding human KNOWLEDGE AND UNDERSTANDING by

rights and against discrimination duty bearers and intended beneficiaries
DISCRIMINATORY IMPACT
Bayanihan 1 and Bayanihan 2 Not covered as beneficiaries
DILG memorandum circulars Not provided or only partially provided
DSWD memorandum circulars Not sensitive to specific needs
(content of relief and modes of delivery)
Verbal or physical abuse
Poor information and responsiveness
Human rights violations
Cross-cutting discriminatory
impact on vulnerable groups
Conditions of the vulnerable sectors having to pay fines for alleged violation
unanimously worsened during the of health protocols.
lockdown. The majority had interrupted
or lost livelihoods – including being Some students had to stop schooling
laid off – and fell into debt. A number with a number forced to work to help
used up all their savings with some pay for their families’ accumulating
even driven out of their rented houses. debts incurred to pay bills and for
Many reported experiencing hunger. their daily sustenance. The homeless
Many also reported falling ill and having and sidewalk vendors suffered greatly
mental health issues, with a number from demolitions and street clearing
contracting COVID-19. All had difficulty operations, having been given no
in mobility and a few experienced alternatives after being displaced.

Disproportionate burdens. The of their families going bankrupt and
experiences of respondents confirmed having to sell their appliances to be able
the structural bias where poor and to buy food and basic necessities.
vulnerable groups face specific
difficulties that higher income and well- Sidewalk vendors complained of having
off groups do not. to leave their rented houses and either
transferred to other makeshift houses
Women respondents reported difficulty in urban poor settlements where rent
finding ways to feed their children and is cheaper or slept in the streets from
families under lockdown conditions. not being able to afford rent. Some of
The loss of income, meager cash the LGBTQ+ respondents went back
assistance and sparse food relief from to live with their families because they
LGUs combined with high prices of can no longer afford to rent their own
food and insecure tenure (e.g., threats place. Some experienced being forced
of demolition and clearing operations) by their landlords to move out of their
weigh heavily on poor households. rented apartments because they could
These in turn affected their mental no longer pay rent.
health.
The street dwellers had it worst wherein
Limited mobility caused anxiety and their push carts or karitons, which also
depression to persons with disabilities serve as their homes in the streets,
and the youth. Persons with disabilities were confiscated by LGU clearing
had difficulty accessing medication and operations even during the pandemic.
therapy because of the lockdown. Many Many respondents complained about
Bangsamoro respondents complained being reprimanded by the authorities,
of having experienced hunger and made to sit under the scorching heat of
FIGURE 4. Word cloud on experienced deprivations during lockdowns

the sun, being fined Php300-500, and individuals were reportedly accosted
having to spend the night in cramped by the police from March 17 to August
prison cells. 10, 2020. This contrasts with officials
caught openly and blatantly violating
The pandemic underscored the housing quarantine protocols but who are left
problem in the country. There are some unpunished (Casilao, 2020; Panti, 2020;
16.3 million informal settler Filipinos or San Juan, 2021).
3.7 million informal settler families as of
May 2021, according to data from the Insufficient emergency assistance.
Department of Human Settlement and Respondents were thankful for whatever
Urban Development or DHSUD. The cash and food relief assistance was
number includes families which require given but the majority still lamented that
land tenurial upgrading, homeless this was not enough and could only be
families, displaced households, and stretched so far. The government cash
those occupying both public and private assistance was mainly under its social
buildings (Cureg, et.al., 2021). amelioration program (SAP).
It also underscored the vulnerability Not everyone received the full amount
of informal workers and the homeless. of SAP and many reported getting
Their lack of security of tenure and only one of two tranches. The same
access to social protection normally is true for promised food relief packs.
offered by formal employment makes Some did not receive assistance at
them doubly vulnerable to health and all which LGUs explained was due
economic shocks. Making things worse to the fact they are not registered
is the institutional discrimination they voters, not considered head of the
experience with LGUs continuing with family, not listed as a family because
demolitions and clearing operations they are living alone, or because there
amid the pandemic. These aggravate was not enough to give to everyone in
their health and security vulnerabilities. need. In some instances, the barangay
or Municipal Social Welfare and
A daycare teacher and health worker Development Office or the DSWD did
recounted how police mistreated the not give any reason at all.
youth – hitting them on their heads
and kicking them. Many were accosted Many respondents complained that the
when trying to work during the lockdown SAP was being unequally distributed
period to buy food for their families. and biased in favor of friends, relatives,
Urban poor participants said that the and political allies of barangay officials.
police have a quota of the number of Several respondents also suspected
persons to be accosted only after which incidences of corruption. Reports by
will they stop apprehending alleged the Commission on Audit (COA) on
violators. According to the Joint Task mismanagement of COVID-19 funds
Force COVID-Shield, some 308,859 gives credence to these concerns.

FIGURE 5. Access to monetary and food relief YES NO
Did you receive monetary 85.7%

assistance offered by
the government?
50.0%
Did you receive food 100.0%

relief packs offered by
the government?
42.9%
Do you think the items

0.0%
you received are sensitive
to your culture or belief?
7.1%
Do you think the items

0.0%
you received meet your
basic needs?
35.7%
The COA has also reported that Most of the participants opted to self-
the Department of Health (DOH) isolate and self-quarantine in their homes.
mismanaged Php67.3 billion COVID-19 For many, this was because of limited
funds while the DSWD returned quarantine and isolation facilities with
Php780.71 million in undistributed funds none in their barangays and only in LGU
(Commission on Audit, 2020). designated areas. Others also said that
they are afraid to report their sickness
Volunteer teachers in day care fearing further infection in hospitals or
centers and health workers moreover being stigmatized. A few reported being
complained of insufficient allowances. turned away by hospitals.
Volunteer health workers who are also
part of the BHERT said that they were Many participants raised how non-COVID-19
not included in the special risk allowance health concerns have been neglected,
or health risk allowance distribution in such as managing mental health. Many
their barangay. respondents, especially women and youth,
were vulnerable to mental distress from
Inadequate health support. Respondents various pandemic- and lockdown-related
reported inadequate services across many stressors – unemployment, low incomes,
aspects of the health system. hunger, disconnectedness, and lack of
socialization. This is consistent with many
Most reported that free COVID-19 swab previous studies (Cho, Yoonyoung et.al.
tests and antigen testing was unavailable 2020; Castillo, 2020; Tomacruz, 2018). A
in their LGUs. These were usually provided DoH National Mental Health Program survey
by expensive private providers. Testing reported some 3.6 million Filipinos suffering
on a wide scale was only mentioned to from mental disorders amid the pandemic
have been done in Marikina. while the National Center for Mental Health

FIGURE 6. Experience on health services
PWDs Youth Women Bangsamoro Vendors Homeless LGBTQ+
Antigen
po g
s
ne
testing
Free swab
testing
BARANGAY COVID-19
QUARANTINE FACILITY
Barangay
quarantine
House
quarantine
Hospital
admission
Hospital
refusal
also noted a 50 percent increase in calls in not acted on and they were still unable to
2020 from the year before (Esguerra, 2020). get relief or health assistance. The right to
correct information especially during the
One mother lost her youngest child because pandemic was underscored by the United
hospitals refused to admit her one-year-old. Nations and the CHR in their guidance for
They were rejected four times and when governments in their pandemic response.
admitted on the fifth try, the child’s condition
was already critical, and it was too late for Respondents with disabilities also
the child. A pregnant woman was likewise strongly felt against not being consulted
turned away by several hospitals. Some in the planning and implementation of
women complained about having a hard the pandemic response in their areas and
time getting an appointment for their pre- blamed this for the inadequate response
natal check-ups. to their specific needs.
Poor information and responsiveness. Youth respondents noted that while

Many respondents mentioned the lack of government assistance was limited,
information on COVID-19 including on the uniformed and armed military and police
assistance available, which they expected were however very visible especially at
from their LGUs. Those who made requests the height of lockdowns which caused
or complained formally said these were them anxiety.

FIGURE 7. Interaction with the local government YES NO
Information 7.1%
dissemination
92.9%
Addressing 7.1%
concerns
Was the local government unit
able to address your complaints
and concerns?
85.7%
Health 7.1%
assistance
57.1%
Discriminatory impact and treatment
People are in different circumstances. The orientation, gender, age, having COVID-19,
study found that the pandemic response and even political belief or orientation.
has not been thorough in addressing the
impact of the lockdowns on different On other human rights violations. The
groups given their specificities (with majority of the respondents felt that their
vulnerabilities particularly among lower rights to information, work and livelihoods,
income families as opposed to higher food, health, education and housing were
income families). In many instances, it violated. Many said that they did not feel
has been actively discriminatory against that they were consulted and so their
certain groups. right to participate in development and
governance was violated. Some also said
On Discrimination. Respondents were that their rights to freedom of speech,
unanimous in feeling discriminated assembly, movement, privacy, and due
against in the government’s pandemic process were violated.
response in terms of the cash and food
relief being given. They felt discriminated The respondents also expressed a lack of
against in not being able to operate their knowledge on policies at the LGU down
micro-businesses (e.g., sari-sari stores, to barangay level against discrimination.
vending food or whatever goods) and Only a few said they were aware of anti-
in their access to livelihood assistance, discrimination policies to uphold their
health services, and education. They rights. Awareness of LGU policies against
expressed being discriminated against for discrimination and for protecting women’s
their disabilities, religion, SOGIE or sexual and children’s rights was relatively highest

among the women, youth and LGBTQ+ biases by barangay officials on who to
participants; similarly for the persons with give and not give relief assistance to.
disabilities and Bangsamoro people.
Respondents also mentioned that it was
While some acknowledged the existence very difficult to see their families go hungry
of supposed desks for women’s and due to their unemployment and not finding
Muslim concerns, they said that these are alternative means of livelihood due to
not really functioning as they should. This lockdown restrictions. Many were driven
could be due to a lack of understanding to borrow from usurious informal lenders.
and appreciation of relevant policies by This is on top of how the homeless are
local officials including the police. exposed to typhoons, intense heat of the
sun, are vulnerable to petty crimes, and
Street dwellers, informal workers, risk abuse on women and their daughters.
and urban poor. Quezon City, Marikina,
and Manila street dwellers and sidewalk Kariton Coalition, a group of individuals
vendors became emotional as they from various churches, civil society, and
recalled the hardships they experienced faith-based organizations advocating for
during the lockdowns, including their the rights of homeless street dwellers,
ordeal of countless clearing operations lamented how local officials are not
by LGUs wherein their means of sensitive in communicating with the
livelihood (e.g., karitons, pedicabs) and homeless. There is also a lack of gender
personal belongings were confiscated sensitivity and the layout of tents in
or destroyed. The karitons of street temporary shelter facilities do not make
dwellers, for instance, cost Php1,500- safe spaces for women and children.
3,000 pesos each.
Respondents from Manila strongly felt that
the government is denying them their right
to incomes and livelihoods. Some related
how they were prevented from setting up
stalls only to find that the LGU had allowed
others to do so instead of them. They
said that they tried filing complaints but
there were no concrete action on these.
Some complainants of harsh treatment
by demolition teams did not pursue
their grievances because authorities
warned them against this during clearing
Many respondents lamented not being operations.
able to access assistance from LGUs
because according to the latter, they were Families involved in informal work (e.g.,
not in qualified lists or registered voters. sari-sari stores, junk shops, small eateries
Some also observed arbitrariness and or karinderya) felt that the government

Photo: Jilson Tiu
discriminated against their right to lengthen the latter’s incarceration. Some
earn a living because they were not experienced being discriminated against
allowed to operate even as other larger in job interviews based merely on their
establishments like restaurants, salons, name.
and malls were allowed.
The Bangsamoro respondents from
The urban poor’s right to housing is also Quezon City recalled that when they
violated as demolitions and clearing picketed the local government to allow
operations continued amid the pandemic. them to start selling their wares again,
Respondents from Manila narrated how officials accused them of being terrorists.
they were among 1,760 to as much as A family said their right to privacy was also
5,000 families that will be forced to violated by state authorities when, at the
relocate to give way to the construction start of the lockdowns in March 2020,
of three 19–storey housing buildings with members of the Quezon City Task Force
770 residential units. Women respondents Disiplina forcefully broke down the barriers
lamented the lack of assurance that they they set up around their compound to
would be given space in the new buildings prevent their children from going out when
or relocated properly. the elders are busy with their work.
Bangsamoro people. The Bangsamoro

respondents felt discriminated against
because of their religion in the delivery
of services. For instance, food relief
assistance in Marikina and Manila often
still contains non-halal food which they
are forced to accept for lack of options.
Manila and Quezon City respondents
also recounted how they were not
always informed of schedules for relief
distribution. They were also disregarded
in the distribution of relief goods by a
nearby church because they were neither Women. The adverse effects of gender
Christians nor churchgoers. norms on women have become heightened
under pandemic conditions – loss of
They also lamented the stereotyping of incomes and livelihoods, greater domestic
Bangsamoro people as criminals and drug work, and pressures, increasing incidence
addicts. They said they were afraid to of gender-based violence, and reduced
complain, however, fearing that retaliatory access to sexual and reproductive health
cases might be filed against them no services.
matter how baseless or unfounded. They
also worried that complaining about The mothers complained that their
a relative unjustly put in jail might just barangays do not act on the concerns
Photo: Jilson Tiu

of women such as not assisting victims bread was picked up by the police chasing
of domestic violence or on complaints of suspected criminals in their community.
child molestation. These are dismissed She had to run and followed the police to
as domestic problems to be resolved get her son back.
within the families. They also recounted
the ordeal of a young mother accosted LBGTQ+. The prevailing conservative
by the police for not wearing a face mask culture on gender discriminates against
and then threatened to be raped if they the LGBTQ+ and perpetuates homophobia.
ever catch her violating health protocols Respondents related experiences of how
again. They also related how adolescents LGBTQ+ breadwinners and LGBTQ+
are physically abused whenever they are households are discriminated against
caught and while in detention. and not included in beneficiary lists for
relief assistance, despite also suffering
The women respondents said they feel the economic consequences of the
belittled with the contents of LGU food lockdowns.
relief packs. Containing the usual canned
goods and instant noodles, they said
that these are insensitive to the needs
of nursing mothers and their infants,
including toddlers who need milk formula.
These also do not meet the needed dietary
requirements to keep families healthy or
boost their immune system.
In Manila, the women complained of

being profiled by state forces because
of their active involvement in their local
organizations. Police took photos of the
women leaders without their permission Some narrated how the elderly women
and asked them about their activities. in charge of distribution in their LGUs did
They are also asked if certain barangay not include LGBTQ+ in the list of qualified
councilors are members of the women’s beneficiaries because of their conservative
organization, Gabriela. view on gender. An LGBTQ+ couple with
adopted children also said that they did
Women respondents in another barangay not get assistance because they were not
in Quezon City complained that their considered a family; they attribute this to
right to privacy was violated when non- how the DSWD’s household surveys do
uniformed police forcefully barged into not include questions for LGBTQ+.
their homes in the dead of the night and
brought their husbands to jail without any The transgender woman spokesperson of
warrant of arrest. A mother complained LGBTQ+ group Bahaghari lamented how
that her son whom she requested to buy attacks against the LGBTQ+ community

Photo: Bahaghari
persists. She told of how members of by the assistance provided to the family
Bahaghari, Metro Manila Pride, children’s or household they belong to. On the other
and women’s organizations were illegally hand, there are also households that did
arrested by Manila police during their pride not receive SAP because their family
march in June 2020 despite observing member with disability already received
health protocols. They were detained for his/her cash assistance.
five days and suffered mental torture and
sexual harassment. She says that she
and her family are under surveillance by
state forces. Other LGBTQ+ members
complained that their right to peaceful
assembly and right to express grievance
and seek redress and right to freedom of
expression were violated.
LGBTQ+ especially transgenders, women,

and young women are cat-called even by
police officers. Transgenders are regarded
as sex objects and being preoccupied
with sexual thoughts. Some LGBTQ+ They also lament not being prioritized in
students are forced to enroll in alternative the same manner that senior citizens are
learning schools (ALS) because they got given due assistance. Accessibility is a
kicked out of their previous schools which special concern for PWDs as they are also
disallow cross-dressing. required to wait in long lines to avail of the
SAP and food relief instead of the goods
Persons with disabilities (PWD). being brought to their residence. PWDs
Respondents complained of a systematic also noted how LGU food relief packs
insensitivity to their specific circumstances are insensitive to their specific nutritional
across many aspects of the pandemic needs.
response. They feel that the LGU and
barangay officials are insensitive to their KAINAKAP Manila (Kaisahan ng Nag
plight. Aaruga at may Kapansanan) also narrated
how they felt when they were discriminated
Parents and under-parents (referring to against, as PWDs, in availing spaces at
guardians or caretakers of persons with the local market to sell their goods. Their
disabilities who may also be their parents) barangay also did not provide them
of PWDs complained about the latter not assistance during the group’s food relief
being counted as eligible or legitimate distribution and did not provide tents and
beneficiaries for special assistance. chairs that were requested.
Children with disabilities have also been
excluded from beneficiary lists because Youth and students. Youth respondents
their needs are supposedly already met strongly felt that the government is
Photo: Lyn Rillon for Lifestyle Inquirer

impeding their right to education. They Some respondents shared their anxiety
complained about being confined to their and discomfort from being avoided by
homes and forced to attend school through their neighbors for months afterwards.
distance education and blended learning
arrangements. They also narrated how
they suffered from mental health problems
due to the imposition of blended learning,
with some accounts of student suicides.
Respondents also divulged how many

of them were forced out of school to
find work to help their families who lost
incomes and livelihoods because of the
lockdowns. Pleas to resume face-to-face
classes were unheeded. The students felt
that there were no consultations on the
actual needs of students and teachers. Dr. Joshua San Pedro, co-convener
of the Coalition for People’s Right to
Additionally, assistance for their online Health or CPRH, said that their urban
education needs has not been enough. poor stakeholders are stigmatized by
For instance, while the Quezon City LGU the national government whenever
provided a tablet and gives monthly statements are made, blaming them
internet allowance of Php150 per student, and their supposed misbehavior for the
there is no provision for the repair of tablets spread of COVID-19. CPRH also related
and the load allowance is not enough such how some urban poor residents lived with
as when they need to watch videos for the fear that their settlements would be
school. The Manila City LGU meanwhile demolished if they were found to have the
provides monthly cash assistance of COVID-19 virus.
Php1,000 for students enrolled in state
colleges (i.e., Pamantasan ng Lungsod ng CSOs and rights defenders. Civil society
Maynila and Unibersidad ng Maynila). organizations, private groups and individuals
have tried to bridge perceived gaps in the
COVID-19 patients. Respondents also government’s pandemic response as well
pointed out discrimination against patients as press for reforms and improvements in
infected with COVID. They mentioned that implementation. These included organizing
the practice of placing a marker on a house feeding programs, community kitchens,
with a COVID patient to warn people has distributing food relief and health packs,
a stigmatizing effect. Likewise, recovered giving cash assistance, providing PPEs,
residents returning home from a long setting up hotlines for pandemic concerns,
hospital confinement are sometimes still and other efforts helping many thousands
treated by neighbors as having the virus daily. Many of these mobilized assistance
despite already being COVID-19-negative. come from among their respective

Photo: Jilson Tiu
communities themselves such as the by state security forces because they
National Commission for Muslim Filipinos also called for more government aid and
(NCMF) getting support from Muslim mass testing. A number of organizers
business groups, community pantries were jailed and, although released after a
tapping solidarity from residents rich and few days, the trauma from the experience
poor, and more. haunts them (Umil, 2020). They also
shared having anxieties from how false
Respondents said that many LGUs information about youth organizations
welcomed such initiatives but also that critical of government policies is being
the controversial red-tagging campaign spread to discredit their efforts.
of the national government including
against organized relief assistance often Disaster relief organizations like the
overrides this. Citizens’ Disaster Response Center (CDRC)
also said that explicit national directives
Respondents also said they felt that the against “unauthorized” humanitarian
right of the people to development and assistance from CSOs, private groups
humanitarian assistance is violated from and even individuals have interfered with
discriminatory restrictions against their their relief work. They narrated how even
efforts to help left out in the government’s otherwise supportive LGUs were forced
response. They expressed how they felt to stop some of their food distribution
discriminated against in participating and other efforts in the provinces. In NCR,
in development work because of their community pantries set up were profiled
political beliefs. Respondents shared by the police and publicly vilified.
how the call for mass testing was even
criticized by the national government as Manila-based St. Arnold Janssen
merely instigating the people to question KALINGA Center (AJKC) told of how their
the government and its pandemic efforts to feed some 1,000 homeless
response. people daily has been harassed and
was even threatened for closure on the
Youth respondents related how a student- pretext of not following social distancing
organized community kitchen set up in health protocols. The homeless were also
Quezon City in May 2020 was harassed stigmatized as spreaders of the virus.

THE ROLE OF THE COMMISSION
ON HUMAN RIGHTS
As the country’s National Human Rights specific needs of the poor and vulnerable
Institution (NHRI), the Commission sectors. Policies, memorandum circulars,
on Human Rights (CHR) monitors the and ordinances appear to take CHR human
government’s performance on its obligations rights guidelines into consideration but
under domestic law and international their implementation depends on how well
treaty obligations. The CHR provides legal implementing agencies and LGUs ensure
assistance, advice to Filipino citizens who that policies are understood at every level
seek their assistance, and how to proceed of response. The study also noted how
with complaints. CHR offices also give existing structural biases on gender, religion,
trainings on sexual orientations, gender political beliefs, and opinions contributes to
identities, gender expressions and sex discriminatory allocation of assistance and
characteristics or SOGIESC and the Safe even specific instances of abuses. Greater
Spaces Act, among others. access to correct information as well as
wider participation in policy making and
In terms of policies, the CHR support the implementation will provide checks and
anti-discrimination bills and the passage of balances and help prevent prejudice in
ADOs. It also submits reports to international access to goods and services.
bodies if the government fails to perform
its duty under the law and under its treaty The rights and well-being of vulnerable
obligations. The CHR has been facing sectors still not covered by legislation
challenges given Pres. Rodrigo Duterte’s are also more likely to be compromised
vocal antagonism to human rights but especially while existing laws and policies
remains undeterred and committed to lack strength to cover all rights abuses
performing its mandate to promote and and acts of discrimination that may be
uphold the Filipino people’s rights and committed whether by duty bearers and
welfare (UPGLPP, 2021; CHR, August 16, non-duty bearers.
2020).
The CHR, CSOs, and many policy makers and
The CHR also documents cases reported church people are pushing for the passage
to their regional units but says not all rights of a comprehensive anti-discrimination law
violations and discrimination are being to cover acts of discrimination and rights
reported. still not covered in existing laws. The need
for such a law especially during the extreme
The foregoing observations show how the economic and health crisis is ever more
government’s pandemic response has fallen urgent.
short of meeting the basic and, especially,

Urgency of a Comprehensive
Anti-Discrimination Law
A Comprehensive Anti-Discrimination equality and fight discrimination;

Bill (CADB) is currently pending in transcending mere penal legislation and
Congress. The CHR is among those takes a more holistic approach to truly
strongly supporting this. In a position reshaping societal attitudes” (CHR,
paper, they stressed the importance 2020b).
of the measure and said that: “[it]
will help enforce the constitutional The CHR further explained: “Equality
guarantee against discrimination by and non-discrimination are basic
defining specific acts or omissions that principles that underpin the rule of
constitute discrimination as well as by law and the human rights framework.
defining positive acts by which both the These two principles are embedded
State and non-state actors may promote in the international human rights
44 STRENGTHENING GOVERNMENT’S COVID-19 RESPONSE Photo: Aaron Bonette for Outrage Magazine
obligations of the Philippines as discriminatory acts committed against
a State-Party to the International homeless during the pandemic, the
Covenant on Civil and Political Rights CHR issued an advisory on the rights
(ICCPR), the International Covenant on of the street dwellers emphasizing the
Economic, Social, and Cultural Rights need for humane treatment.
(ICESCR), the International Convention
on the Elimination of All Forms of The No Eviction Unity (NEU) and United
Racial Discrimination (ICERD), the Vendors Alliance (UVA) in Manila,
Convention on the Elimination of All Quezon City, and Caloocan City also
Forms of Discrimination against Women adds that such recognition can pave
(CEDAW), the Convention on the Rights the way to a deeper understanding of
of the Child (CRC), the International how development policies adopted by
Convention on the Protection of the the government are unable to create
Rights of all Migrant Workers and sufficient regular and decent-paying
Members of their Families (ICMW), the work for the majority of Filipinos. Thus,
International Convention on the Rights we have a vast number of informal
of Persons with Disabilities (CRPD), workers who actually make up majority
and other international human rights of the country’s employed.
laws. These principles are also at the
core of the Universal Declaration of The Moro and Christian People’s
Human Rights (UDHR) and the 1987 Alliance (MCPA) recommends that
Constitution” (CHR, 2020b). the NCMF be included as one of the
agencies that can submit complaints of
Unfortunately, many vulnerable discrimination against the Bangsamoro
groups do not have specific or Muslim Filipinos. MCPA also suggests
legislation protecting them against improving the definition of “stigma”
discrimination – informal workers, particularly to take account of how the
sidewalk vendors, homeless people, government and its security forces are
and LGBTQ+ – which contributes often implicated. They argue that such
to more pronounced discrimination discrimination backed by the force of
against them (CHR, 2020b). the state is exceptionally systematic
and cruel.
The CSOs and government
representatives interviewed by the The NCMF regards the CADB as a
study fully support the CADB. good initiative to end discrimination.
The NCMF representative noted
Kariton Coalition proposes that the bill how divisions between Muslims and
explicitly define the homeless/street Christians persist especially today
dwellers towards greater recognition with terrorism being associated with
as a sector of Philippine society to be Muslims. The legislation can contribute
accorded social protection and support. to correcting historical biases and
For its part, in response to reports of erroneous anti-terrorist sentiments.

The Life Haven Independent Living Disabilities and created the Multi-Partner
Center (LHI) stresses the discrimination Trust Fund (MPTF) to help accelerate
against persons with disabilities when the implementation of the 2006 UN
support services and reasonable CRPD by governments. It identified six
accommodation are not accessible. preconditions for disability inclusion to
While there are laws such as Batas ensure that persons with disabilities
Pambansa 344 of 1982 requiring certain can access services necessary for their
buildings, institutions, establishments, development and well-being: equality
and public utilities to install appropriate and non-discrimination; service
facilities and other devices, accessibility delivery; accessibility; participation in
for persons with disabilities remain a governance and development, CRPD-
big issue. compliant budgeting and financial
management; and accountability and
Accessibility is however just one of governance. Particular to accountability
many issues concerning persons with and governance is the importance of
disabilities. Other issues are their right systematized collection of relevant
to access basic social services such information including statistical and
as education, health, transportation research data to inform policies,
and fare subsidies, auxiliary aid and national implementation and monitoring
services, participation in development systems, and for effective coordination
and governance. The 1992 Magna across sectors (UNPRPD).
Carta for Persons with Disabilities
(R.A. 7277) promotes a barrier-free The CPRH meanwhile underscores
society framework covering all social, how comprehensive anti-discrimination
cultural, economic, environmental, and legislation can go far in making the public
attitudinal barriers that are prejudicial health system more responsive. The
to persons with disabilities. The law pandemic highlighted how the health
ensures that the rights of persons with system can still work against lower
disabilities not to be discriminated income and the various discriminated
against are ensured by guaranteeing groups in terms of affordability and
their rehabilitation, self-development, accessibility, aside from exacerbating
and self-reliance, and by developing pre-existing biases. Anti-discrimination
their skills and potentials to compete legislation astride strengthening
favorably for available opportunities. the public health system is seen as
Yet many of the law’s provisions are significantly advancing the people’s
still to be fully implemented and right to health.
enjoyed by the country’s growing
number of persons with disabilities The representative of Gabriela-Metro
(R.A. 7277, 1992). Manila also supports the CADB while
also strongly recommending a reform
In 2011, the UN established the of the country’s justice system. It was
Partnership for the Rights of Persons with pointed out that there is already a vast

legal regime of potentially beneficial recommendations of the various
human rights-based measures yet, vulnerable sectors covered in this study
aside from non-implementation, even (Talabong, 2021; Mercado, 2021; CHR,
outright violations can go unpunished. 2020b).
Bahaghari pointed out that various bills In the Senate, the Comprehensive Anti-
on LGBTQ+ rights have been filed in Discrimination Act of 2020 (Senate
Congress which have been lobbied for Bill 1675) is currently pending with
tirelessly by the LGBTQ+ community and the Senate Committee on Cultural
advocates. Given the intersectionality Communities. The Committee already
and multiplicity of discrimination that conducted a hearing on 29 July 2020
individuals may suffer especially and three technical working groups
among women and the LGBTQ+ a (TWGs) regarding the CADB and similar
comprehensive anti-discrimination law bills were already held on 29 September
should be passed. 2020, 28 October 2020, and 19 January
2021. There is also the consolidated
During the 18th Congress of the SOGIESC bill sponsored by eight (8)
Philippines, the House of Representatives senators.
(HOR) Committee on Human Rights
approved the consolidated version of Urgent policy reforms upholding
the Comprehensive Anti-Discrimination people’s rights and welfare such as
Bill which is now awaiting debates and the CADB have been set aside for
further refinements. The bill includes years. Several bills have even lain idle
discrimination based on SOGIE as well in Congress for decades and are just
as age, racial or ethnic origin, religious routinely refiled. The CADB is still far
belief or activity, political inclination from being legislated despite being an
or conviction, social class, marital important step to addressing structural
or relationship status, disability, HIV barriers to achieving equality and
status, health status or medical history, inclusion. Other factors contributing
language, and physical features – all to inequality and discrimination should
of which are in the International Bill also be addressed. The passage of the
of Rights. Correspondingly, the law CADB and other recommendations for
covers all rights enshrined in the policy action can help resolve these
Philippine Constitution. Refinements barriers.
will still be proposed based on the

SUMMARY AND
RECOMMENDATIONS
The study contributes to qualitative mechanisms can go far in modifying this
evidence on discriminatory tendencies in behavior and perceptions such as, but not
the impact of the government’s pandemic only, during exceptionally large government
response policies and mechanisms. programs like the unprecedented pandemic
It is also one of the first studies on response since 2020. Indications however
discrimination against vulnerable sectors say that these institutional mechanisms
during the pandemic in the context of the have not only fallen short of attending to
developing world. the needs of vulnerable groups but have
also in many instances even reinforced pre-
The various FGDs and KIIs surfaced existing biases.
narratives that can hopefully contribute to
post-pandemic development strategies The many laws, policies, memorandum
to ensure social inclusion. The importance circulars, ordinances, and other issuances
of ensuring genuine people’s and CSO by national and local government agencies
participation in crafting and implementing upholding the rights of informal dwellers
economic policies and programs to and workers, women, youth and children,
ensure that nobody is left behind – and persons with disabilities, Bangsamoro,
of genuine partnership in development LGBTQ+ and other vulnerable groups are
to eradicate poverty and inequality – are very important. This consciousness has
emphasized. clearly also informed the Bayanihan 1 and
Bayanihan 2 COVID-19 response including
The study’s data-gathering from FGDs, that of LGUs. The framework for ensuring
KIIs, and review of various other reports that people’s rights and welfare are upheld
clearly establishes that the poor and especially among the vulnerable sectors
vulnerable sectors have experienced already exists even if there are still many
discrimination in varying forms and evident areas for improvement.
degrees during the government’s
pandemic response. This despite existing The problem of inconsistent policies and,
policies meant to ensure their rights in many instances, even inconsistent
and welfare. There are many layers of implementation from the national to the
challenges. Existing structures in the local government levels, especially at the
sense of the prevailing culture, norms, barangay level, however persists. Even
religious beliefs, and convictions strongly granting pre-existing biases and gaps
influence behavior and perceptions in current laws, it appears that much
resulting in discrimination. Institutional clearer guidelines on implementation and

stronger mechanisms for accountability accountable for any violations of the law.
and redress will go far in improving The respondents from organized civil
implementation and services provided to society organizations in particular,
vulnerable groups. articulated frustrations with the non-
inclusiveness of pandemic response
Guidelines and mechanisms are also decision-making and implementation.
presumed to function better if informal They pointed to how the country’s Inter-
workers (especially street or sidewalk Agency Task Force for COVID-19 Response
vendors) and street dwellers, persons (IATF) did not have any representation
with disabilities, elderly, and LGBTQ+ from civil society – whether as observers
were not so invisible in official recording or much less as members – aside from
and statistical systems. Many government how the composition under-represents
services including social protection are health expertise and over-represents
premised on reasonably systematic officials with mainly military and police
recognition and quantification. backgrounds or narrow economic
perspectives. Greater involvement of civil
There also appears to be a lack of basic society is seen to help ensure a more
understanding and appreciation of laws people-centered and human rights-based
and ordinances. For instance, the setting pandemic response.
up of welfare desks for women and
children, persons with disabilities, senior Community and expert respondents all
citizens, including ADOs in several LGUs affirmed the need for legislation providing
and at the barangay level are concrete comprehensive coverage of all protected
expressions. However, respondents noted attributes against discrimination and
unevenness in how these function with human rights identified in the International
many proving ineffective or unresponsive Bill of Rights. This should cover the rights
during the pandemic. of all vulnerable sectors, including rights
defenders, not covered under existing
Many respondents also felt that patronage laws. The consolidated Comprehensive
politics and corruption are persistent Anti-Discrimination Bill recently
at the level of their barangays up to the approved for debates at the House of
national level. This was frequently blamed Representatives and whose counterpart
for the inadequacy of financial assistance bill at the Senate of the Philippines is
and relief packages and for the perceived awaiting deliberations is recommended.
selectivity in beneficiaries. It has been
raised how application of the Civil Service The discussions with study participants
Commission’s code of ethics for public surfaced a number of recommendations
servants and penalties for violations for improving current COVID-19 response
thereof can be strengthened to ensure – some of which may become less
that the country’s duty-bearers (from relevant as the brunt of the pandemic
the barangay up to the highest levels of winds down and the country transitions
public service) are consistently made to the so-called new normal – but also for

improving the government infrastructure registry to include barriers to
for upholding the rights especially of poor development of persons with
and marginalized groups: disability through a disability
data management system.
1. Improving social protection • Ensure that vulnerable older
mechanisms persons particularly older
a. Improving response during women are included
pandemic • Incorporate LGBTQ indicators
i. Restore and raise livelihoods in DSWD’s Listahanan survey
• Provide livelihood support (e.g., towards including them in the list
start-up capital for sidewalk of beneficiaries of government
vendors and micro-enterprises) assistance
• Provide sidewalk vendors with • More rigorously include street
spaces to sell their goods dwellers as beneficiaries of
ii. Ensure essential goods and government assistance
services for all ii. Provide assistance per family
• Provide cash assistance and rather than per household as
food relief before lockdowns households may comprise more
start to mitigate any sudden loss than one family
of income and prevent hunger c. Improving relief packages
• Provide adequate cash and food i. For LGUs to check the actual needs
assistance especially during of families especially those with
strict lockdowns special needs such as persons
• Regulate prices of basic goods, with disabilities and households
especially food with infants (e.g., include infant
iii. Pass key pending legislation milk and vitamin supplements for
• House Bill 9089, Php10,000 weaning mothers).
Ayuda Bill ii. Improve content of food relief
• House Bill 8220, An Act packs – apart from canned goods
Providing for the Universal and instant noodles, also include
Disability Support Allowance vegetables, fruits, and other
for Persons with Disabilities and agricultural products sourced from
Appropriating Funds Therefor farmers (to also support farming
b. Improving relief program coverage communities)
i. Identification of beneficiaries (by d. Improving accessibility of relief
national agencies and LGUs) services
• Develop a unified database with i. Train health providers to be able
gender-, age-, and disability- to assist persons with disabilities
disaggregated data (e.g., communicate with the deaf)
• Use disability data/registry to ii. Make web-based services
locate persons with disabilities. accessible for persons with
Also improve existing data disabilities (especially the deaf and

blind) while ensuring privacy and b. Increase the number of health
confidentiality of health-related workers (e.g., doctors, nurses,
information technicians)
e. Pass key pending legislation c. Build more health facilities to
i. House Bill 3806, Anti-Elder improve the delivery of affordable
Abuse Bill or An Act Instituting and accessible health services
Mechanisms to Protect the Elderly d. Pass key pending legislation
Against Abuse, Exploitation i. House Bill 7909, Paid Pandemic
and Abandonment or Neglect, Leave Bill
Establishing A Home for the
Elderly In Every Region, Providing 3. Ensuring the right to education
Penalties For Any Violation Thereof a. Improving response during
and Appropriating Funds Therefor pandemic
i. Increase assistance to students
2. Strengthening the public health (e.g., Php10,000 cash assistance)
system (Government should prioritize ii. Allow face-to-face classes in areas
health response by increasing with low COVID-19 infections
budgetary support to develop the b. Pass key pending legislation
country’s public health system) i. House Bill 9494, An Act Providing
a. Improving response during Financial Assistance to Subsidize
pandemic Education Costs and Providing
i. Ensure a more wholistic approach Other Forms of Relief During
to pandemic response with health Times of National Emergencies
as primary focus and Crises and Appropriating
ii. Conduct targeted mass testing and Funds Therefor
more systematic contact tracing to
enable selective quarantines least 4. Improving conditions of informal
disruptive to mobility, livelihoods, workers
and schooling a. Provide street dwellers with
iii. Make self-quarantines easier alternative places to stay
for close contacts and infected b. Pass key pending legislation
persons (e.g., income support, i. Various House Bills filed at the
more accommodating enterprises, House of Representatives for
better quarantine facilities) the Magna Carta for Informal
iv. Provide PPEs to patients in hospitals Workers
v. Prioritize persons with disabilities
and under-parents, caregivers and 5. Improving government capacity
personal assistants in the national and responsiveness
immunization programs a. Improving response during
vi. Ensure that health services for pandemic
non-COVID 19 patients are not i. Set up a one-stop assistance
compromised center for COVID-19 response

towards avoiding patronage- i. For agencies on special concerns
driven and patriarchal delivery of so they can respond more
services effectively to the needs of their
ii. Set up a centralized feedback stakeholders especially during
mechanism to act on citizen crisis periods (e.g., NCMF)
complaints about pandemic ii. For the proper implementation of
response relevant laws and issuances
iii. Ensure compassionate treatment
of all especially the poorest and 6. Improving community capacity and
most marginalized who are most responsiveness
prone to abuse or denial of service a. Establish community-based
b. Make process more inclusive disaster/crisis management
i. Recognize CSOs as rights holders to capacitate communities to
and development partners, stop respond and to help in the delivery
harassment and attacks according of the government’s disaster/crisis
to political orientation response
ii. Ensure a consultative process
including all stakeholders 7. Promoting public awareness on
especially from vulnerable sectors human rights and discrimination
for a well-planned and more issues
effectively implemented human a. Include courses and subjects on
rights-based crisis response gender equality, human rights, and
c. Ensure effective implementation anti-discrimination in curriculums
of laws, policies, ordinances, at the primary, secondary, and
and other relevant issuances on tertiary levels to ensure Filipino
gender equality, human rights and citizens are educated and
anti-discrimination aware of their rights as well as
i. Give all national level and of institutional mechanisms to
local government officials and uphold these rights
employees regular trainings and
capacity-building on these laws 8. Protecting rights and improving
and policies accountability
ii. Ensure penalties for violations of a. Pass Senate Bill 179 on the Human
laws and non-compliance with Rights Defenders Bill
laws and policies b. Pass House Bills 15, 161 and 240
iii. Inform and orient civil society and on Human Rights Defenders Bill
communities on these laws and c. Reform the country’s justice
policies, including on guidelines system and hold erring government
for their involvement officials accountable for violating
d. Ensure adequate budget allocations the country’s laws and policies
promoting equal protection and the
welfare of all citizens

ANNEXES
ANNEXES
ANNEX 1
List of key informant interviewees
CSOs
Name Organizational Affiliation
Ms. Hanna Fiel Deputy Executive Director, Citizen’s Disaster Response Center
Co-Convenor, Coalition for People’s Right to Health; Community Physician of the Council
Dr. Joshua San Pedro, M.D.
for Health and Development
Ms. Amirah Ali Lidasan Secretary General, Moro-Christian People’s Alliance
Ms. Rose Bihag Vice Chairperson, Gabriela Metro Manila Chapter
Student Aid Network; National Union of Students in the Philippines; National Congress
Mr. John Louis Gonzales
of VetMed Students
Ms. Rey Kristoffer Valmores-Salinas Spokesperson, Bahaghari National
Chairperson, Kadamay – NCR; Convenor, No Eviction Unity Convenor; United Vendors

Mr. Jose M. Miralpes, Jr.
Alliance in Manila, Quezon City and Caloocan
Ms. Mimi Esguerra President, Kaisahan ng Nag Aaruga at may Kapansanan (KAINAKAP-Manila)
Council Member for NCR. National Anti-Poverty Council Persons with Disabilities Sector;
Mr. Abner Manlapaz
President, Life Haven’s Center for Independent Living based in Valenzuela City
Mr. Ericzon Dy Life Haven’s Center for Independent Living based in Valenzuela City
Mr. Timothy Pasicolan Martha’s Hot Kitchen; Member, Kariton Coalition
Mr. Lemuel David Salvo Martha’s Hot Kitchen; KMBI Development Foundation Inc.; Member, Kariton Coalition
Mr. Tim Ngo Street Believers; Member, Kariton Coalition
Mr. Ed Billones Tres Maria Seminaries; Member, Kariton Coalition
Mr. Vincent Eugenio Member, Kariton Coalition
Fr. Flavie Villanueva, SVD Founder, Project Paghilom of the Arnold Janssen Kalinga Center
Government
Name Organizational Affiliation
Engr. Emerito L. Rojas Executive Director, National Council on Disability Affairs
Director, Bureau of Peace and Conflict Resolution; Cooperation and Quick Reaction Team
Mr. Cosanie Decorongan
Lead, National Commission for Muslim Filipinos Inter-Agency Task Force on COVID-19
Office of Sen. Juan Edgardo

Legislator, 18th Congress of the Philippines
"Sonny" M. Angara

ANNEX 2
Policies to ensure rights and welfare of vulnerable sectors
Women, Children, Youth

Year Policy No. Title / Description
An Act Strengthening the Prohibition on Discrimination Against Women with Respect to Terms and
1989 R.A. 6725
Conditions of Employment
An Act to Declare March Eight of Every Year as A Working Special Holiday to Be Known as National
R.A. 6949
Women's Day
Anti-Mail Order Bride Law, outlaws the practice of matching Filipino women for marriage to foreign
1990 R.A. 6955
nationals on a mail-order basis
Barangay-Level Total Development and Protection of Children Act. Mandates the establishment of day
R.A. 6972
care centers in every barangay
Local Government Code of 1991, introduced a mechanism for women's participation at the local
1991 R.A. 7160
government level
Women in Development and Nation Building Act, provided the legal basis for equal opportunities for
1992 R.A. 7192 women and men in political and civic life. It specifically mandated the formulation of a Philippine Plan for
Gender-Responsive Development (PPGD) 1995-2025
1994 R.A. 7688 An Act giving representation to women in the Social Security Commission
The Anti-Sexual Harassment Act. Declared all forms of sexual harassment in the employment environment
R.A. 7877
1995 as well as in the education and training environment as unlawful
R.A. 7941 Paty-list System Act
Anti-Rape Law of 1997, broadened the definition of rape which may be committed by having carnal
1997 R.A. 8353
knowledge of a woman under certain circumstances or by committing acts of sexual assault
An Act Providing Assistance and Protection for Rape Victims, Establishing for the Purpose A Rape Crisis
R.A. 8505
Center in Every Province and City
Solo Parents' Welfare Act, aims to develop a comprehensive program of social development and welfare
R.A. 8972
services for solo parents and their children
Amended Anti-Trafficking in Persons Act, strengthens the power of the authority to prosecute pre-
R.A. 9208 empted acts of trafficking; eliminates the privacy clause previously enjoyed by traffickers; penalizes the
1998 confiscation of travel documents such as passports and working permits from trafficked persons
Anti-Violence Against Women and Their Children Act. Penalizes the commission of violence against
R.A. 9262
women and their children (VAWC) in the context of domestic violence or violence in intimate relationships
R.A. 9344 Juvenile Justice Welfare Act
Magna Carta of Women. comprehensive women's rights law that seeks to eliminate discrimination against
R.A. 9710 women by recognizing, protecting, fulfilling, and promoting the rights of Filipino women, especially those
in the marginalized sectors
The Responsible Parenthood and Reproductive Health Act or the Reproductive Health Law. Provides for a
R.A. 10354
national policy on responsible parenthood and reproductive health
2012
The Domestic Workers Act or Batas Kasambahay, institutes policies for the protection and welfare of
R.A. 10361
domestic workers
Declaring November 25 of every year as 'National Consciousness Day for the Elimination of Violence
2013 R.A. 10398
Against Women and Children
An Act Strengthening Compliance with Occupational Safety and Health Standards and Providing Penalties
2018 R.A. 11058
for Violations Thereof

Safe Spaces Act or “Bawal Bastos” Act addresses gender-based sexual harassment in public areas such
as streets, privately-owned places open to the public, and public utility vehicles, among others. It also
R.A. 11313
extends the protection even to cyberspace and provides for prohibited acts and their corresponding
penalties.
Expanded Maternity Leave Law or An Act Increasing the Maternity Leave Period to One Hundred Five
2019
R.A. 11210 (105) Days for Female Workers With an Option to Extend for an Additional Thirty (30) Days Without Pay,
and Granting an Additional Fifteen (15) Days for Solo Mothers, and for Other Purposes
Juvenile Justice Welfare Act, Comprehensive Juvenile Justice and Welfare System, Creating The Juvenile
R.A. 9344 Justice and Welfare Council Under the Department of Justice, Appropriating Funds Therefor and for Other
Purposes
Persons With Disabilities

Year Policy No Title / Description
An Act to Provide for the Promotion of Vocational Rehabilitation of the Blind and Other Handicapped
1954 R.A. 1179 Persons and Their Return to Civil Employment. Creation of vocational and rehabilitation office for the blind
and persons with disabilities
1982 B.P. 344 Accessibility Law. Ensures the accessibility of private and public infrastructure for persons with disabilities
An Act Providing for the Rehabilitation, Self-Development and Self-Reliance of Disabled Person and Their
R.A. 7277 Integration or the Philippine Magna Carta for Disabled Persons. Stipulates the rights of persons with
1992 disabilities, auxiliary social services, accessibility, and anti-discriminatory provisions.
Amendments to R.A. 7277. Adds other privileges and incentives for persons with disabilities and
R.A. 9442
prohibitions on verbal, non-verbal ridicule and vilification against persons with disabilities
Establishing Institutional Mechanism to Ensure the Implementation of Programs and Services for Persons
with Disabilities in Every Province, City and Municipality, Amending Republic Act No. 7277, Otherwise
2010 R.A. 10070
Known as The Magna Carta for Disabled Persons, As Amended, and for Other Purposes. Provided for the
establishment of Persons with Disability Affairs Office or PDAO
Amendments to R.A. 7277. Further expanded the benefits and privileges of persons with disabilities.
2016 R.A. 10754 Specifically, the 20 percent discount and exemption from the value-added tax (VAT), if applicable, on the
sale of certain goods and services.
LGBTQ+
2013 R.A. 10627 Anti-Bullying Act. Although not mentioned in the law itself, SOGIE is included in the IRR
2019 R.A. 11313 Safe Spaces Act
Institutionalizing The Diversity and Inclusion Program, Creating an Inter-Agency Committee on

Diversity, and Inclusion, and For Other Purposes. Establishes the DIP as a national program of the
government to consolidate all efforts and implement existing laws, rules, and issuances against
2019 E.O. 100
the discrimination of persons based on protected attributes enshrined in the International Bill
of Rights towards the identification and adoption of best practices in the promotion of diversity
and inclusion.
Various Anti-Discrimination
For the protection and promotion of rights and welfare of the LGBTQ community
years Ordinance (ADO)
Indigenous Peoples
Indigenous Peoples Rights Act, recognizes, protects, and promotes the rights of indigenous cultural
communities/indigenous peoples, creating National Commission on Indigenous Peoples, establishing
2017 R.A. 8371
implementing mechanisms, appropriating funds therefor, and for other purposes. An important part of
this law is the free, informed, and prior consent or FPIC.

Senior Citizens
An Act to Maximize the Contribution of Senior Citizens to Nation-Building, Grant Benefits and Special
Privileges and for Other Purposes provides for the granting of a 20-percent discount for senior citizens
on fares for domestic transportation, and the availment of services from hotels, lodging houses,
1991 R.A. 7432
restaurants, theaters, recreation centers, and purchase of drugs and medicines anywhere in the country.
It also exempts senior citizens from payment of individual income tax and establishes the Office of Senior
Citizens Affairs (OSCA) at the city or municipal mayor’s office.
Approved and directed the implementation of the program providing for group homes and foster homes
E.O. 105
for the neglected, abandoned, abused, detached and poor older persons and persons with disabilities
Expanded Senior Citizens Act of 2003, expands the coverage of the benefits and privileges for senior
2003 citizens by making it mandatory for business establishments to grant the 20-percent discount on goods
R.A. 9257 and services. It also installs a process for organizing the OOSCA and the selection of the OSCA head.
But, more important, it provides for a comprehensive system for senior citizens to foster their capacity to
attain a more meaningful and productive aging
Further expanded to laws on privileges and benefits for senior citizens, including 20 percent discount and
12-percent value-added tax exemption, free services and/or training fees; Discount on “essential medical
supplies, accessories, equipment,” free flu and pneumonia vaccines; Additional government assistance,
2010 R.A. 9994 i.e., social pension, mandatory PhilHealth coverage, social-safety nets, death benefit assistance; The
Department of Trade and Industry now part of the National Coordinating and Monitoring Board (NCMB);
Clearer and “stricter” appointment procedure and requirements for OSCA Heads; and Honoraria for
OSCA head equal to SG10.
National Commission of Senior Citizens Act establishes the National Commission of Senior Citizens to
ensure the full implementation of laws, policies, and programs of the government pertaining to senior
2019 R.A. 11350 citizens." It is also supposed to make policies that will promote and protect the rights of senior citizens. It
transferred the functions, activities, and programs of the DSWD for poor, vulnerable, and disadvantaged
senior citizens

ANNEX 3
Participants’ life stories
Shirley Orosa (not her real name), a senior citizen and street vendor aged 70, currently lives
on the street banks of Maria Orosa St. in Manila. For her, being a street vendor is her only
means of providing for her everyday needs, something that the COVID-19 pandemic took
away from her starting with the first hard lockdown back in March 2020. She recalls struggling
so much during this time. Aside from the pandemic halting their operations, any chance they
get to finally start earning again is being met by Manila LGU officials trying to enforce the
Mayor’s zero-vendors policy. She shares countless moments of being captured by Moreno’s
authorities, running away from them, or them destroying and confiscating whatever kariton and
goods she has. “Gusto ko talagang mag hanapbuhay pero hinuhuli naman kami” (I really want
to earn a living, but they keep on apprehending us.) said Shirley as she recalls her experiences
in frustration.
Like other sidewalk vendors, Shirley is no stranger to these kinds of operations but since Moreno
assumed office as the Mayor of Manila City, these clearing operations became more frequent
and intense. Back in February this year, while she was just stepping out of the Barangay Hall
after getting food packs, one of her friends told her that her kariton was confiscated and
destroyed by the Dept. of Engineering and Public Works of the LGU and was taken to Harrison
Plaza. She was not the only victim that day., She recalls that there were other sidewalk vendors
who suffered the same fate as hers. Frustration, anger, and tiredness resonates with her eyes
as she says “Kahit umiyak ako anong gagawin ko, sira na” (Even if I cry there is nothing I can do,
it’s already broken.). Shirley got her kariton from a DOLE program and after the incident, she
did not complain to the LGU or even to DOLE for fear that no one will listen to her complaints.
Now, whenever an authority figure scolds her, she talks to them carefully because she is afraid
that something might happen to her while she is trying to escape and run away from them.
With her main source of income gone for the most part of the pandemic and Moreno’s forces
trying to extinguish whatever chance vendors like her get to start selling on the streets of
Manila again, eating became less and less for Shirley. She recalls just eating bread and coffee
for the day just to have something to eat or “panlaman tiyan” (something to fill your stomach)
as she calls it. She feels dejected as she is denied ayuda or aid from the government. Since the
pandemic started, she has only received three food packs that came from the LGU. She did
not receive any aid in the form of cash and was not a beneficiary of SAP from Bayanihan 1 due
to their Barangay Hall not giving them any form and classifying them as homeless. At times,
she couldn’t help but feel envy over her friends who have received cash aid. “Parang may
pinipili lang” (it seems they are only choosing whom to give assistance to), was how Shirley
describes the pandemic response of the government and those who are giving aid.
Right now, Shirley sells umbrellas from time to time, but she does not own one so whenever it
rains or during a storm, she seeks shelter at the fast-food joint across the street. Shirley is just
one among the many faces who have been failed by the government’s pandemic response.

From afar, Alma Quinabano’s sidecar seems like a typical pizza cart but at night it transforms into
a sleeping place for her and her kids if they need to sleep on the streets of Kalaw, Manila City at
night. Alma is a 42 year-old single mother who is desperately trying to raise her two kids during
the pandemic one pizza box at a time. Like many informal vendors who are heavily hit by the
lockdown-centric response of the Philippine Government to the COVID-19 pandemic, Alma has
her fair share of feeling confused and hopeless as to how they will survive a lockdown with no
source of income. She recalls facing several struggles before the lockdown happened due to the
eruption of Taal Volcano that made her lose customers to her small sari-sari store business on a
side car in Kalaw; and the February 3, 2020 clearing last year where her side car, store equipment,
money, and even the goods that she’s selling were confiscated by authorities as part of clearing
operations under Manila Mayor Isko Moreno’s zero-vendors policy. These two predicaments put
her at a greater disadvantage when the first hard lockdown was imposed back in March 2020.
“Nitong lockdown walang wala talaga kami ni singkong duling” (We don’t have anything, not even
a single cent during the lockdown). That’s how Alma described their situation during the lockdown
while trying hard to fight back her tears. As a street vendor, Alma’s livelihood depends so much
on being in public spaces but the enforcement of the first lockdown was a curve ball to their
livelihood that they have no idea how to handle. The lockdown prevented sidewalk vendors like
Alma from going out to operate and their usual passerby customers are stuck in their homes too.
It was around the first week of May last year when she was finally able to go out of her house and
this is when she started operating a pizza cart where she earns on a percentage basis. Per box
of pizza, Alma earns Php 17 pesos and before, she used to sell these pizza in Divisoria and sells
around 10-12 boxes of pizza per day. However, the authorities became strict in Divisoria so she
had to go back to Kalaw.
Alma is no stranger to clearing operations but since Moreno’s announcement of his zero-vendor
policy, the number of clearings, harassment, and repulsion they get from Moreno’s authorities
(Hawkers, DPS, Engineering, and police force) have increased significantly. There are instances
that even after they are being demolished by authorities in Kalaw, they would still follow be
followed by members of the demolition teams and chase them for several minutes as they try to
run or pedal away. For vendors like Alma, the biggest question for them is “where do they fit in
Moreno’s version of Manila? Zero vendors pero saan kami pwede magtinda? Willing naman kami
kung saan niya kami pwedeng ilagay para makapagtinda”. She offers Moreno a piece of her mind
by suggesting he should have alternative programs on where he will place vendors.
The details of the everyday struggles of Alma and her two children during the lockdown is painful
and depressing. With tears running down her cheeks, Alma shares that she and her kids ate
survived days on lugaw (rice porridge) from the rice and salt she asks from her neighbors. They
stayed in the small unventilated room a kindly landlady allowed her to rent on deferred payment.
Alma is one of the many Filipinos who were not reached by the government’s relief assistance
from the Bayanihan 1. She was not given any food packs from Brgy. Delpan since she is not a
registered voter there and she doesn’t have a quarantine pass. Desperation to have something to
eat even drove her to violate quarantine restrictions to go back to Brgy 66 where she is registered

as a voter to ask for rice and food packs. “Habang kumakain kami ng lugaw tumutulo ang luha ko.
Hindi ko alam kung saan ako pupunta para humingi ng tulong, magreklamo kung bakit di ako nasali
sa SAP na sinasabi ay para sa pamilya. Pero bakit ako, di nila ako napapansin” (Tears stream down
my face as we're eating porridge. I don't know where to go to ask for help, to ask why I wasn't
included in the SAP that was supposed to be for families. But me, I'm being ignored) recalls Alma
as she wipes away her tears. Right now, they turn to the feeding program of the priests at the
Adamson University to cover their lunch.
Aside from being a street vendor, Alma also had to juggle her duties as a mother to her two kids
ages 7 and 10. The lockdown forced her not to enroll her 10 years old son while here 7 years old
daughter is currently enrolled in an elementary school in Montalban, Rizal under a modular type of
learning. Alma has to travel from Manila to Montalban and back again to Manila every two weeks
just to submit her daughter’s modules to her school and get a new set. The commute for these
travels costs her Php300.00 all in all which is a significant amount deducted to her already very
small income from selling pizzas. On top of this, she has to assume the role of being the teacher
to her daughter whenever she needs help on her modules.
Alma’s story is one of the many faces of struggle made worst by this pandemic and how it was
handled. It’s a classic story of a mother desperately trying to make ends meet and survive as she
tries to struggle against two enemies, one of them is visible while the other one is invisible.
“Tatlong beses akong nawalan ng sidecar. Yung dalawang insidenteng nakuha ang sidecar ko,
napalitan ko pa. Yung una Php1,500.00 at yung pangalawa Php1,800.00. Sa patatlong sidecar na
nakuha, di ko kinayang mapalitan dahil wala na akong pampuhunan pa, nawala lahat ng paninda
ko pati mga kagamitan. Sinubukan kong kunin, nagmakaawa ako pero binantaan akong kukunin
nila ang anak ko at kakasuhan akong ‘nanlaban’ kapag nagpumilit ako. KInuha kasi nila ang bread
knife na gamit ko sa pagtitinda ng tinapay at palaman nito.” (The two times I lost my sidecar to
clearing operations, I was able to buy a replacement. The first replacement cost Php1,500.00 and
the second cost Php1,800.00. But the third time they took my sidecar, I can no longer afford to buy
another. I lost all the goods. I tried to retrieve my sidecar and goods for selling but they threatened
to take my son away if I insisted. They said they will file charges against me. They took the bread
knife which I use for selling sandwiches, as evidence that I fought back).
Artemio Tamse hails from Cagayan de Oro. He is a skilled carpenter and used to earn Php650.00
a day when he migrated to Paranaque three years ago. Back in Cagayan De Oro he was only
paid Php300.00 for his carpentry skills. He left home because he felt he has become a burden
to his nephew’s household when his contract ended. During the lockdowns, he along with other
street dwellers were rounded up and brought to the nearby DSWD center in Paco, Manila.
He stayed there for three months to see if they would help him with his respiratory illness.
When nothing seems to be happening while his illness worsened, he asked if he could go to the
hospital. The front desk staff just gave him water and did not offer to bring him to the hospital
nor refer him to a doctor.

Joey Eriga de Leon, 36, was born with cerebral palsy, a brain disorder developed at an early
age that affects muscular strength, movement and functioning of other body parts. Joey is
wheelchair-bound, is unable to speak and utilize his fingers. To communicate, Joey uses his
mobile phone by tapping his toes on the keyboard.

Despite his disability, Joey is team captain of the Philippine boccia (pronounced “bosha”) team.
Boccia is a sport developed for wheelchair-bound players. The sport develops the players’
concentration, control, and coordination which, consequently, enhances their motor skills. Wth
boccia, Joey discovered he can achieve something despite his disability, and his engagement
with the sport boosted his self-esteem.
Luisa, Joey’s mother, says her son has been playing boccia for only about five years. He went
to a tryout organized by the Cerebral Palsy Association of the Philippines and Joey has since
been joining boccia tournaments organized during National Cerebral Palsy Awareness and
Protection Week, held every Sept. 16-22. Joey’s first international competition was the ASEAN
Para Games 2017 in Malaysia where he beat the Thai athlete who was ranked no. 14 in the
world in the BC1 category.

The Philippines was scheduled to host the 10th ASEAN Para Games at the New Clark City
Athletics Stadium in Tarlac last March 2020. This biennial multisport event for athletes with
disabilities includes swimming, athletics, target sports, aquatics and ball and racquet sports,
and will introduce triathlon and cerebral palsy football.

But the COVID-19 pandemic happened. The restrictions on people’s mobility imposed by the
long lockdowns and the threat of contracting the virus kept Joey inside the confines of their
home. He cannot go out to get the morning sun, exercise, and practice boccia with his friends.
He became sickly because of lack of exercise. Anxiety and depression aggravated his sickness.
But with his mother’s assistance herself suffering from disability, together with the support of
his father, friends and supporters Joey still struggles to keep a positive disposition. The family
hopes the government will provide better assistance to persons with disabilities and improve
its pandemic response by considering the recommendations put forward by their sector.

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STRENGTHENING

Photo: Jilson Tiu

DESIGN & LAYOUT

Further legislation covering all protected attributes from

Key words: discrimination, COVID-19 response, human rights,

Annex 1: List of key informant interviewees 56

Table 1. Approximated income loss per decile in the Philippines, 2018 24

Chart 1. Trend in inflation rate for all households in the Philippines, 26

6 STRENGTHENING GOVERNMENT’S COVID-19 RESPONSE Photo: Jilson Tiu

Focus group discussions (FGD) and 13 women

A total of 14 FGDs were conducted with

There were 53 female and 34 male

STRENGTHENING GOVERNMENT’S COVID-19 RESPONSE 7

Secondary data-gathering involved 1. their relief programs and the

8 STRENGTHENING GOVERNMENT’S COVID-19 RESPONSE

The first part of the report outlines the

The second part gives a brief overview

STRENGTHENING GOVERNMENT’S COVID-19 RESPONSE 9

10 STRENGTHENING GOVERNMENT’S COVID-19 RESPONSE Photo: Jen Guste

The United Nations defines human As parties to international treaties,

STRENGTHENING GOVERNMENT’S COVID-19 RESPONSE 11

In the consolidated version of the (i.e., religious institutions, States) based

12 STRENGTHENING GOVERNMENT’S COVID-19 RESPONSE

STRENGTHENING GOVERNMENT’S COVID-19 RESPONSE 13

14 STRENGTHENING GOVERNMENT’S COVID-19 RESPONSE

STRENGTHENING GOVERNMENT’S COVID-19 RESPONSE 15

On policy issuances on discrimination

There are many laws, guidelines, Harmonized Gender and Development

16 STRENGTHENING GOVERNMENT’S COVID-19 RESPONSE

STRENGTHENING GOVERNMENT’S COVID-19 RESPONSE 17

More than 20 of my classmates dropped

18 STRENGTHENING GOVERNMENT’S COVID-19 RESPONSE Photo: Jilson Tiu

STRENGTHENING GOVERNMENT’S COVID-19 RESPONSE 19

Protecting the vulnerable

In response to the call of the UN and homeless families and/or individuals

20 STRENGTHENING GOVERNMENT’S COVID-19 RESPONSE

Under this circular, requirements LGUs also implemented mechanisms to

STRENGTHENING GOVERNMENT’S COVID-19 RESPONSE 21

22 STRENGTHENING GOVERNMENT’S COVID-19 RESPONSE

Joblessness and hunger

STRENGTHENING GOVERNMENT’S COVID-19 RESPONSE 23

1st 9,109 2,474,717 10.6 9,109 3,188 12,297

TABLE 2. Approximated income loss per decile in NCR, 2018

1st 17,610 331,847 1.3 17,610 6,164 23,774

24 STRENGTHENING GOVERNMENT’S COVID-19 RESPONSE

Cabbage 100 200

The lockdown-driven collapse in low poverty threshold. Similarly, seeming

STRENGTHENING GOVERNMENT’S COVID-19 RESPONSE 25

2018 2019 2020 2021

CHART 2. Trends in poverty CHART 3. Wage rates in the NCR,

2016 2017 2018 2019 2020 2021

2009 2012 2015 2018 Nominal value Real value

26 STRENGTHENING GOVERNMENT’S COVID-19 RESPONSE

1980 1990 2000 2010 2020

Unemployed (in millions) Unemployed, old definition (in millions)

SOURCE: PSA LFS

CHART 4a. Unemployment rate, 1979-2020* (in percent)

1980 1990 2000 2010 2020

SOURCE: PSA LFS

STRENGTHENING GOVERNMENT’S COVID-19 RESPONSE 27