Philosophia: International Journal of Philosophy ISSN 2244-1875 Vol. 23, Number 1, January 2022  Volume 23, 1: 2022 RAWLSIAN DISTRIBUTIVE JUSTICE AND THE PHILIPPINE AYUDA PROGRAM DURING THE PANDEMIC Ivan Efreaim A. Gozum Angeles University Foundation, Philippines Jove Jim S. Aguas University of Santo Tomas, Philippines This paper discusses the philosophical concept of John Rawls on distributive justice and how it can be applied as a possible guide in the Philippine ayuda distribution during the COVID-19 pandemic. First, it discusses how the pandemic affected the Philippine economy and the complaints on the ayuda program regarding the ayuda distribution in the country. Second, it explains Rawlsian distributive justice and Rawls’ ideas, such as the veil of ignorance, liberty, and difference principles. Lastly, it discusses Rawls’ notion of distributive justice as a guide in the ayuda distribution to provide a perspective on the equitable and just distribution of benefits given the limited resources. The main point is that the distribution of financial assistance or ayuda can be guided by Rawls’s notion of distributive justice, which prioritizes the well-being of the least well-off or disadvantaged. Keywords: John Rawls, COVID-19 pandemic, ayuda program, distributive justice INTRODUCTION The COVID-19 pandemic has dramatically affected human life around the world. Alarming levels of spread and severity of cases challenged governments regarding their preparedness for a global health crisis. Since its outbreak, many lives were lost around the globe. Millions of confirmed cases and deaths were reported worldwide (World Health Organization, 2020). As of writing, the Philippines has already tallied 3,242,374 confirmed cases (Department of Health Website). While vaccines were already developed, the mutation of the virus into different variants and the hesitancy of many people to get vaccinated compound the problem. Through these figures and the severity of the disease, the Coronavirus caused a great scare and