House Bill 6953 or the Bayanihan 2 that is now with the Congress bicameral committee will cater to all sectors, Baguio Rep. Marquez Go said Monday.
Go said the proposed P162 billion fund under the program will pump up activities in all sectors of the community to recover from the effects of the Covid-19 pandemic.
“Lahat ng sector sa komunidad kasama dito at mabibigyan ng tulong kapag naipasa na ang batas),” Go said.
He said the House of Representatives proposed P162B while the Senate version proposed P140B. The bicameral committee is considering the Lower House version.
“Bayanihan 2 is aimed at addressing economic recovery efforts amid the continuing Covid-19 crisis with the P162B fund serving as an economic stimulus,” Go said.
He said the bill provides for a distribution of the amount to different government agencies catering to different sectors.
The PhilHealth has an allocation of P10B; P10.5B for the Department of Health which also finances the emergency hiring and the P10,000 monthly risk allowance for health workers; P4B for the Department of Public Works and Highways in setting up of quarantine facilities; P20B for the Department of Labor and Employment’s Cash for Work program for the displaced workers; P51B for affected businesses; and P20B to assist farmers and fishermen.
The Department of Transportation has a P10B allocation for the livelihood of the transportation sector; P10B assistance for the tourism industry; P3B for state universities and colleges; P1B for Technical Education and Skills Development Authority’s continuing online skills training; P12B for the Department of Social Welfare and Development’s assistance to individuals in crisis; and P4B for the Department of Education’s implementation of the digital education and alternative modality.
An amount of P1B is also allocated for local government units; P820 million for the Department of Foreign Affairs repatriation program; P600M subsidy for qualified students; P300M subsidy for teachers and non-teaching personnel; and P180M assistance to national athletes and coaches.
Go said Filipinos in all sectors will have recourse where to ask for a recovery aid, which when approved will be effective Dec. 31.
The congressman said there are seven sources of money where the government will get the fund for programs – the un-programmed funds and savings from the 2020 national budget, savings from Bayanihan to Heal as One law, excess revenue collection in 2020, general fund, loans, and foreign borrowing, government-owned and controlled corporation cash funds and investments, and the five percent taxes collected from gaming. – PNA
April 26, 2024
