Govt assures sufficient funds for COVID-19 crisis

Government leaders assure the public that there are sufficient funds to combat the COVID-19 crisis, alleviating fears of financial inadequacy.

Deputy Speaker Loren Legarda highlighted the availability of P1.6 billion in unprogrammed funds that can be allocated for social programs to aid affected Filipinos.

These funds can support initiatives like the Department of Labor and Employment's TUPAD program, DSWD's assistance to indigents, and DOH's medical aid.

Deputy Minority Leader Carlos Isagani Zarate urged the executive department to utilize the billions of pesos in Quick Response Funds (QRF) from various government departments.

Zarate pointed out that departments like Agriculture, Education, DOH, DND-OCD, DPWH, and DSWD have substantial QRF allocations that can be immediately deployed.

He also noted that local government units, particularly barangays, can request replenishment of their Local Disaster Risk Reduction Management Fund from the NDRRM Council.

House Majority Leader Martin Romualdez confirmed that the Lower House is preparing for a special session to pass a supplemental budget for the anti-COVID-19 efforts.