Philippine News Agency
Go pushes for special session to tackle add’l Covid-19 budget
Senator Christopher Lawrence "Bong" Go favors a special session to approve a supplemental budget for the COVID-19 response, echoing the Senate minority bloc's call.
This proposed budget aims to increase resources for the government's response, including the ongoing community quarantine in Metro Manila.
The minority bloc specifically highlighted the need for funds to procure more test kits, provide relief goods for vulnerable sectors, and acquire essential medical equipment.
Funds are also proposed for financial support to daily wage earners and the unemployed, as well as subsidies or loans for businesses.
While the House Appropriations Committee approved a P1.6-billion supplemental budget for the DOH, Presidential Spokesperson Salvador Panelo assured that the government has sufficient funds.
In addition, Pagcor and PCSO have collectively provided PHP2.42 billion to acquire COVID-19 test kits.
Topics in this story
Explore more stories about these topics.
🤖
This story was generated by AI to help you understand the key points. For more detailed coverage, please see the news articles from trusted media outlets below.
News Sources
See how different news organizations are covering this story. Below are the original articles from various Philippine news sources that contributed to this summary.
Congress will hold a special session on Monday, March 23, to pass a bill allowing President Rodrigo Duterte to realign available national budget funds to address the COVID-19 situation.
+1
Read more →
The House of Representatives is on standby for a special session to approve a P1.6 billion supplemental budget for the Department of Health's (DOH) COVID-19 response.
Read more →
Albay Representative Edcel Lagman believes a special congressional session is not needed to approve a supplemental budget for COVID-19 response, as existing funds can be utilized.
Read more →
A House panel has approved a P1.65 billion supplemental budget to support the government's response to the COVID-19 outbreak.
+1
Read more →
Lawmakers will convene a special session on Monday, March 23, to discuss a bill that would grant President Duterte authority to realign funds for the COVID-19 response.
Read more →