Several leaders of the House of Representatives and some major political blocs of the Lower House gathered on Monday to discuss the Bayanihan 3 bill and other COVID-19 mitigating measures.
The meeting was led by House Speaker Lord Allan Velasco.
“Our economic managers see Bayanihan 3 as a lifeline for many Filipinos facing economic hardship during this crisis, and I’m very glad that we are aligned on this,” Velasco said.
According to Deputy Speaker Mikee Romero, they will ask President Rodrigo Roa Duterte to certify the bill as urgent once the figures are settled.
“Once finalized, Bayanihan 3 will be filed as urgent and special session will be called,” Romero added.
Presidential Spokesperson Harry Roque in his briefing on Tuesday said Finance Secretary Sonny Dominguez clarified that President Duterte has not yet asked for the Bayanihan 3 bill from Congress.
“No. We told Congress that together, we should identify sources of additional funds for Bayanihan 3 so our fiscal deficit will not exceed the estimates of 8.9% for 2021,” Sec. Roque quoted Dominguez.
Report from Daniel Manalastas/AG-jbb
