Duterte may sell state assets for COVID-19 funds

President Rodrigo Duterte considered selling government assets like the Cultural Center of the Philippines and the Philippine International Convention Center as a last resort if funds for the COVID-19 response run out.

However, Senate President Vicente Sotto III believes the government will not reach that point and that Duterte's statement was a form of assurance.

Duterte had previously stated that the initial budget of P275 billion for COVID-19 response might not be enough, and he would sell government properties if the country is "about to sink and really sink."

He also mentioned appointing critics to oversee any asset sales to prevent corruption allegations.

The enhanced community quarantine in Luzon was extended until April 30 to curb COVID-19 transmission.

Around 18 million poor families were to receive aid, with PHP200 billion allocated from the P275 billion budget.

Finance Secretary Carlos Dominguez III assured that the government could generate and borrow more funds to combat COVID-19.

As of April 9, 2020, the Philippines had 3,870 COVID-19 cases, with 182 deaths and 96 recoveries.