President Rodrigo Duterte has elucidated on the latest update on budget allotment and cash allocation of the government on measures against COVID-19.
Based on his third report to the Congress, more than Php 132 billion has been released by the government as of April 9. A sum of Php 100 billion has been disbursed as first tranche or initial release in the Social Amelioration Program of the DSWD.
The report stated that Php 1.5 billion has been released for the cash aid programs of DOLE, while almost Php 31 billion have been given as assistance to cities and municipalities.
The report showed the government released additional funds amounting to more than Php 5 billion to the DSWD, DOLE, the DOH, DILG, and DOST.
It also stated the Land Bank of The Philippines has “remitted to the BTr cash balances from various government agencies amounting to a total of Php 63.60 Billion” from April 1 to 8.
Also included in the report is PCSO’s donation of “Php 290 Million to COVID-19 referral hospitals” and its approval of the release of “Php 447 Million worth of financial assistance to 81 government hospitals, chargeable against the Charity Fund of the PCSO.”
Amid the extension of the enhanced community quarantine, President Duterte said the government has implemented various measures to address the status quo and to provide the people “a safe and economically stable society after COVID-19.”
The Chief Executive’ submission of a weekly report to Congress is part of his mandated responsibilities under the Bayanihan to Heal as One Act. – Report from Mela Lesmoras
