The Senate has been considering the extension of the Bayanihan to Heal as One Act as there is no vaccine yet for COVID-19.
The change in school opening is one of the plans to be passed before the Senate break next week.
“Kasi ‘pag hindi natin ipinasa ‘yan at hindi tayo nag-open ng August, ang Presidente at ang DepEd will be violating the law. So kailangan amyendahan natin ‘yan (If we do not pass it and we do not open in August, the President and DepEd will be violating the law. So we need to amend it),” Senate President Vicente Sotto III explained.
Although the Department of Health (DOH) assured lawmakers that it is possible for students to return to school, the Senate has given the President and the Department of Education the power to decide on the matter.
One of the priorities to be included in the second version of the Bayanihan to Heal as One Act are the benefits for workers affected by the pandemic, especially those in the business, construction, and transportation sector. The DOLE estimated the number of said individuals around at 10 million.
“We plan to request for additional funding in order to extend the implementation of this expanded TUPAD Program,” DOLE Secretary Silvestre Bello III said.
“Sa House of Representatives, your honor, 40 billion ang hiningi namin (We asked 40 billion from the House of Representatives, your honor),” Bello disclosed.
Although not all of the 10 million affected workers will be given jobs, Senate Bill 1542 or the Economic Stimulus Strategy being proposed is expected to help the said individuals and aid in the country’s economic recovery.
The bill covers giving wage subsidies to self-employed individuals, repatriated OFWs, and the speeding up of loans for those who lost their jobs and want to start anew.
