“We ask members of the public and the media to dismiss or ignore these reports about DSWD stopping the release of assistance. We reiterate what we said before the closure of Boracay: We have enough funds to use for the emergency transportation needs of workers leaving Boracay,” Letco stressed. “We are operating on our existing budget for 2018, and we are utilizing the resources we have to help people affected by the island closure to tourists,” he added.

De Vera-Ruiz, E. (2018, May 6). Boracay workers' aid fund sufficient - DSWD. Manila Bulletin, p. 11.