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Solon urges declaration of state of calamity in Odette-hit regions to freeze prices, tap funds
House Ways and Means Chair Joey Salceda urged the NDRRMC to recommend a declaration of a state of calamity for regions devastated by Typhoon Odette in Visayas and Mindanao.
A state of calamity declaration would enable measures such as price controls on basic necessities, the reprogramming of funds for infrastructure repair, and the granting of no-interest loans by government financial institutions.
Salceda cited Republic Act 10121, the National DRR Act, which mandates the NDRRMC to recommend such a declaration.
If declared, a price freeze on basic goods in the affected areas would be activated under Republic Act 7581, or the Price Act.
He noted that sufficient government funds are available for immediate mobilization, including the NDRRM Fund and the President's Contingent Fund, with approximately PHP6.5 billion in available fund balances from both the 2020 and 2021 budgets.
Additionally, the off-budget Presidential Social Fund, which received P2 billion from PAGCOR this year, can also be immediately mobilized by the President.
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President Rodrigo Duterte has declared a state of calamity in regions severely affected by Typhoon Odette to expedite relief and rehabilitation efforts.
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Malacañang defended President Rodrigo Duterte's declaration of a state of calamity in areas hit by Typhoon Odette, stating it was done at the appropriate time.
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Philippine National Police (PNP) chief Gen. Dionardo Carlos has alerted police units nationwide to monitor for traders exploiting the situation by increasing prices.
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President Rodrigo Duterte called for the repeal of the Philippine Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Act of 2010, also known as Republic Act No. 10121, citing that it hinders immediate disaster relief efforts.
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Iloilo City has been placed under a state of calamity following the devastation caused by Typhoon Odette, allowing access to more national government aid.
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