Palace: Bayanihan 3 proposal premature

Malacañang considers proposals for a third Bayanihan law to be premature, pending an assessment of the 2021 national budget's sufficiency for disaster relief.

Presidential Spokesperson Harry Roque stated that the government is still evaluating if the proposed 2021 national budget will adequately cover expenses for recent typhoon victims.

Senate President Pro Tempore Ralph Recto and Marikina City Rep. Stella Luz Quimbo had previously suggested a Bayanihan 3.

Recto's proposal was aimed at aiding provinces affected by recent typhoons, while Quimbo's focused on mitigating the economic effects of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Roque cited Finance Secretary Carlos Dominguez III in advising to wait for the 2021 budget before proceeding with further legislative measures.

However, Roque acknowledged that Bayanihan 3 could be considered if the 2021 budget proves to be insufficient for disaster response.