The agency where the House of Representatives wants to lodge P10 billion for infrastructure projects wants the money placed somewhere else, as tourism stakeholders clamor for direct assistance for businesses affected by the COVID-19 pandemic.
In a letter dated August 10, 2020, a copy of which was obtained by Politiko, Tourism Infrastructure and Enterprise Zone Authority (TIEZA) Chief Operating Officer Pocholo Paragas asked House Speaker Alan Peter Cayetano that the allocation for the tourism industry in the proposed Bayanihan to Recover as One Act (House Bill 6953) be used for financial assistance.
The House’s version of the bill placed the P10-billion tourism recovery fund in TIEZA for infrastructure projects.
“On behalf of tourism stakeholders, we would like to appeal to our lawmakers to prioritize the financial support and assistance to our tourism workers, travel agencies, resort and accommodation facilities and other tourism-related establishments to allow them to rebuild their businesses once the travel restrictions have been lifted,” Paragas said.
The TIEZA chief said micro, small and medium tourism enterprises (MSMEs) will be unable to recover unless they receive direct financial assistance from the government.
Paragas said the Department of Tourism (DOT) already prepared a recovery plan to help tourism stakeholders get back on their feet.
“They can also be accountable in managing the finance programs that will assist the recovery of the entire industry,” he said.
Politiko earlier reported that Cayetano pushed for the placement of P10-billion tourism recovery fund in the Bayanihan 2 under TIEZA as “pabaon” or parting gift for his allies. Infrastructure projects are a known source of pork barrel funds, with enterprising politikos getting a cut from winning contractors.
No less than Foreign Affairs Secretary Teodoro “Teddyboy” Locsin Jr. said that spending P10 billion on infrastructure projects is a “recipe for stealing.”
Meanwhile, Philippine Star columnist Boo Chanco said congressmen “obviously” realigned the P10 billion for DOT so they can have access to pork barrel funds.
“There is no need for additional tourism infrastructure at this time. The tourism industry asked for loans to be administered by GFIs to help them keep their businesses going. Obviously, the congressmen are eyeing potential pork funds embedded in TIEZA infrastructure projects,” Chanco said in his August 13 column.
The Tourism Congress of the Philippines has appealed to the House to reconsider its amendment to the Bayanihan 2 bill, and instead stick to the Senate’s version of the measure proposing direct assistance for tourism stakeholders.
The bicameral conference committee is meeting to iron out conflicting provisions in the Bayanihan 2 bill.
Source: Latest Politics News Today (Politics.com.ph)
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