The House Committee on Appropriations has approved on Tuesday the Php 1.65 billion supplemental budget for the Department of Health (DOH) in combating COVID-19.
The DOH initially wanted a Php 3.1 billion fund but only Php 1.65 billion was available as per the national treasury.
The health department was satisfied with the budget approval which will be used for the procurement of protective equipment, salary of health personnel, testing kits and more.
The DOH named other sources of funds such as the Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation (PAGCOR), the Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office (PCSO), and the agency’s savings.
The DOH also addressed the need for tests on people with or without symptoms of the virus.
Meanwhile, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has allowed the use of COVID-19 test kits developed by the University of the Philippines National Institute of Health (UP-NIS) to address the lack in test kits nationwide.
House Speaker Alan Cayetano has denied reports of a confirmed COVID-19 case within the House of Representatives, and appealed not to spread fake news.
He added that committee meetings will push through while the session is in recess. – Report from Daniel Manalastas
