The appropriations panel of the House of Representatives gave its nod to a substitute bill seeking the extension of appropriations under the Bayanihan to Recover as One Act (Bayanihan 2) the validity of which is set to expire this year.
The appropriations will be extended until June 30 next year through the substitute bill without the emergency powers granted to President Rodrigo Duterte.
“Bayanihan 2 was a good bill, so why not just extend the validity and leave everything as is… That was a comprehensive bill,” Northern Samar First District Rep. Paul Daza stated.
The bill will be tacked in the plenary following its passage in the committee level but it is not certain whether it will prosper with only three session days left unless certified urgent by President Duterte.
Department of Budget and Management (DBM) ASec. Rolando Toledo said they have already sent a memorandum to the president “in support of the Bayanihan 2 and even to certify it as an urgent bill.”
It can be recalled that the bicameral conference committee said the funds under Bayanihan 2 will be used for vaccine purchase amounting to ₱10 billion. – Report from Daniel Manalastas
