Drilon suggests recalibrating 2021 budget for COVID-19 response over Bayanihan 3

Senate Minority Leader Franklin Drilon proposed recalibrating the 2021 national budget as a more sensible approach than passing a third Bayanihan law for COVID-19 response funding.

Drilon argued that Bayanihan 2 is still in effect until December 19 and has not fully utilized its funds or implemented its programs.

He believes that the 2021 budget, which takes effect on January 1, 2021, should be adjusted to allocate more resources towards COVID-19 vaccines, disaster relief, and social services.

Drilon specifically suggested realigning the P19 billion anti-insurgency fund and approximately P9 billion in intelligence and confidential funds to better address public needs.

Senate President Vicente Sotto III, however, expressed openness to a Bayanihan 3 if the General Appropriations Act proves insufficient for the country's concerns.