Duterte okays distribution of Bayanihan 2 funds

By Prince Golez

Malacañang said President Rodrigo Duterte has authorized Budget Secretary Wendel Avisado to approve fund releases under the Bayanihan to Recover as One Act or Republic Act 11949.

Lawmakers earlier expressed frustration over the slow release of Bayanihan 2 stimulus funds allocated for coronavirus pandemic-hit sectors.

“Mas mabuti po ang ginawa ni Presidente. Binigyan niya po ng delegated authority si DBM (Department of Budget and Management) Secretary Avisado para mag-approve na ng release. So hindi na po iyan dadaan sa Office of the Executive Secretary,” Presidential Spokesperson Harry Roque said in a televised briefing.

Here’s a breakdown of each one:

*P100 million for shared service facilities para sa Balik Probinsiya, Bagong Pag-asa Program;

*P5 billion for augmentation of the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management fund;

*P8 billion for adjustment measures program and Tulong Panghanapbuhay Para sa Ating Displaced/Disadvantaged Workers;

*P6 billion for Assistance to Individuals in Crisis Situation and sustainable livelihood program;

*P11.632 billion for initial submission for Plant, Plant, Plant program;

*P20.575 billion for health-related responses such as HRH, augmentation of DOH hospitals, specialist allowance, actual hazard duty pay, free life insurance, accommodation, transportation and meals for health workers, and other compensation for public and private health workers;

*P5.1 billion for Abot Kamay and Pagtulong program; and

*P500 million for funding requirements under the local government support fund

“Lahat po iyan nai-release ng DBM today dahil hindi na po dadaan sa Office of the President. Delegated na po si Secretary Wendel Avisado to approve the release of these amounts,” said Roque.

Source: Latest Politics News Today (Politics.com.ph)