President Moon Emphasizes 'Convenience and Speed' for Disaster Relief Funds... Payments to Low-Income Groups Planned from the 4th
[Asia Economy Reporter Son Sunhee] The Blue House stated on the 24th regarding the emergency disaster relief fund payment due to the novel coronavirus infection (COVID-19) situation, "We are preparing to accept applications from the 7th of next month and to start payments from the 13th," adding, "However, all of this schedule depends on the passage of the supplementary budget bill in the National Assembly, so we earnestly request the prompt review and approval of the supplementary budget bill."
Kang Min-seok, the Blue House spokesperson, held a briefing at the press center in the afternoon and said, "President Moon Jae-in emphasized 'convenience for the people' and 'speed' regarding the emergency disaster relief fund payment today," adding, "It means that a simple method should be devised so that the public can conveniently receive the support funds, and payments should be made as quickly as possible."
He also added that for low-income groups such as basic livelihood security recipients, who are expected to face immediate difficulties in their livelihoods, preparations are underway to enable 'cash payments' from the 4th of next month, earlier than the general schedule.
Spokesperson Kang said, "The government has been accelerating efforts to quickly provide the disaster relief funds," and added, "The Democratic Party of Korea holds the position that the supplementary budget bill must be passed by the 29th," repeatedly urging the opposition parties to review and approve the supplementary budget bill.
The disaster relief fund payment plan announced by the Blue House on this day is all premised on the 'passage of the supplementary budget bill in the National Assembly by the 29th.' A senior Blue House official said, "Since it is an 'emergency' disaster relief fund, it should be paid within May to be considered urgent," and added, "If the National Assembly does not pass it, we are preparing 'various methods' to address the situation."
This was interpreted to include the possibility of invoking the president's exclusive authority to issue an emergency financial order. However, the official explained, "The emergency financial order is not something the president can just issue overnight," adding, "Several procedures such as a Cabinet meeting resolution are required. We are considering various methods."
Regarding the recent rumors about Hong Nam-ki, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Economy and Finance, resigning amid disagreements between the ruling party and the government over the scale of the emergency disaster relief fund payment, a senior Blue House official said, "There is nothing to confirm regarding Minister Hong's position," but dismissed the rumors, saying, "It is just a natural debate in the policy decision process, and there is no reason for personnel issues to arise. It is an unfounded rumor."
Regarding the payment methods, it was explained, "Four methods will be used: cash, card, gift certificates, and consumption coupons," and "Applications will be accepted both online and offline, and recipients will be able to choose their preferred method." However, for the low-income groups who are planned to receive payments earlier, it was added, "The intention is to provide cash more urgently."
In response to criticism from some quarters that the method of providing support funds to all citizens and then partially recovering them through 'voluntary donations' is a form of 'government-controlled donation,' a key Blue House official said, "We absolutely do not agree," and questioned, "Donations will be made voluntarily, so I wonder if those who donate sincerely will be accused of being mobilized for 'government-controlled donations.'"
© The Asia Business Daily(www.asiae.co.kr). All rights reserved.
