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SEN. Francis Pangilinan said that the slow release of Bayanihan’s remaining funds of 70 billion pesetas will not only delay aid to people and sectors affected by the pandemic, but will also delay economic recovery.
Pangilinan was reacting to the Department of Budget and Management (DBM) report that it has so far released only P92.3 billion from the P165.5 billion stimulus fund under the Bayanihan to Recover As One Act or Bayanihan 2.
“This is unfortunate because while the funds are available, people reeling from the impact of the Covid-19 pandemic cannot immediately feel it,” he said Sunday.
“The urgency of the need for the Filipinos does not seem to match the slow movement of the government,” he said in a statement.
Congress approved Bayanihan 2 and funded it with P165 billion for social improvements, credit facilities, and aid to displaced workers, including drivers of public utility vehicles, among others.
“If our people can recover economically, our country will also be able to recover economically,” Pangilinan said.
He urged the DBM to release all funds under Bayanihan 2 as the appropriation authority under the law expires on December 19.
Pangilinan doubted that DBM could spend nearly 70 billion pesos in just one month.
He said the programs being implemented under Bayanihan 2 should be scrutinized to determine if they are yielding optimal results.
Government agencies and local government units must also have the absorptive capacity to carry out important programs and distribute money efficiently, Pangilinan said.
Bernadette E. Tamayo
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