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MANILA, Philippines – Senators on Saturday welcomed the signing of the Bayanihan to Recover As One Act or Bayanihan 2 into law, as this will ensure the continuity of the government’s response to the current health crisis caused by the coronavirus disease pandemic. (COVID-19). .
“The enactment of the Bayanihan 2 bill will ensure that the government’s response to the health crisis our country is experiencing continues uninterrupted,” said Senator Sonny Angara, one of the sponsors of the Bayanihan 2 bill in the Senate. in a sentence.
“This will provide much-needed support to our healthcare sector, which is on the front lines of this battle against COVID-19,” he added. “It will help sectors that have fallen to their knees due to the lack of economic activity.”
He added that the law “will close the gap between now and January 2021 when the new general appropriations law is enacted.”
Angara also said that Congress will continue to “closely monitor” the implementation of the law through its oversight committee.
Bayanihan 2 foresees a stimulus package of P140 billion in regular allocations and P25 billion as reserve funds.
Most of the budget will go to loans for sectors affected by the pandemic such as micro, small and medium enterprises, transport, tourism and agriculture.
30-day grace period for bill payment
Senator Sherwin Gatchalian, in a separate statement, assured consumers that the recently enacted law establishes a 30-day moratorium on paying bills.
Gatchalian said a provision in the law states that payment of bills covering those within the Enhanced Community Quarantine (ECQ) or Modified Enhanced Community Quarantine (MECQ) period will have a 30-day grace period.
Iligan City, Bacolod City and Lanao del are currently under MECQ until September 30.
The senator added that interest, penalties and other fees will also be waived during the covered period.
“This provision in the bill will reduce the financial strain on already overburdened Filipino families living in areas under ECQ or MECQ. For most of them, paying utility bills consumes a large percentage of their monthly income and this is a relief for those who have problems making payments due to financial difficulties caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. ” , said.
/ MUF
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