Go urges exec to expedite Bayanihan Act implementation

Senator Christopher "Bong" Go urged the Executive Department to expedite the implementation of the Bayanihan to Heal As One Act, emphasizing its limited three-month duration unless extended by Congress.

Go stressed that the emergency powers granted to the President under the law are temporary and subject to constitutional restrictions, assuring that they will not be abused.

He called on the Executive branch to accelerate aid for those affected by the crisis, particularly the 18 million Filipino families under lockdown.

A Technical Working Group, comprising various government agencies like DSWD, DTI, and DOLE, is being formed to operationalize the government's social assistance programs.

Go also advised economic managers to consider a 30-day grace period for loan payments and fee waivers, as allowed by the Bayanihan Act.

The law empowers President Duterte to adopt necessary measures to address the COVID-19 situation, including directing financial institutions to provide a minimum 30-day grace period on all loans.

This grace period, which waives interests, penalties, fees, and other charges, applies to various loans such as salary, personal, housing, and motor vehicle loans, as well as credit card payments.