Both Speaker Lord Allan Velasco and his nemesis Taguig-Pateros Rep. Alan Peter Cayetano renewed their call for another round of cash aid program from bills they authored separately.
Speaker Velasco is pushing for another round of economic stimulus package under the Bayanihan 3 or House Bill 8628 which he principally authored.
Bayanihan 3 provides a ₱420-billion stimulus to help the economy rise from the ill effects of the pandemic, ₱108 billion of which will be allotted for additional social amelioration to affected households.
Under the proposed bill, each household member will receive ₱1,000 regardless of their economic status.
Velasco renewed his call after more areas were placed under localized lockdowns.
“There are a lot of Filipinos who are suffering financially and are in dire need of help now…. A third economic stimulus package will provide much-needed lifeline to individuals, families and businesses severely affected by the pandemic,” Velasco revealed
Meanwhile, Rep. Cayetano is pressing for Congress to pass his ₱10,000 “Ayuda Bill” or House Bill 8597.
Under the proposed law, each Filipino family will receive ₱10,000 or ₱1,500 per family member, whichever is higher.
“Sana makiramdam ang Congress and we convert into a Committee on the Whole or in any way that we can, kung kailangang humingi ng special session para ipasa ‘to. Ginawa natin noong Bayanihan 1 ‘yan. Ginawa natin noong Bayanihan 2. (I hope that Congress will feel the need and we convert into a Committee on the Whole or in any way that we can, ask for special session if needed to have this passed. We did this in Bayanihan 1. We did this in Bayanihan 2).There’s no reason why we can’t do it again,” Rep. Cayetano said.
The bill, however, has not been discussed by the Lower House and is still pending with the Committee on Social Services. – Daniel Manalastas
