Senate urges DSWD to release P83B unused funds

The Senate, through Senate Resolution No. 574, is urging the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) to release P83 billion in unused funds.

These funds are intended to assist families affected by the COVID-19 pandemic and recent typhoons, as well as displaced workers.

Senator Juan Miguel Zubiri highlighted that P75 billion is from the DSWD's regular 2020 budget and P6.7 billion is from Bayanihan laws 1 and 2.

Zubiri expressed concern over the unspent money, calling it a waste of public funds while deliberations for the next year's budget are ongoing.

Senator Imee Marcos clarified that a significant portion of the undisbursed funds, approximately P70.6 billion, is already programmed for the Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program (4Ps).

Additional programmed funds include P2.1 billion for supplemental feeding, P2.6 billion for livelihood, P3.9 billion for social pensions for the aged, and P13.7 billion for Assistance to Individuals in Crisis Situation (AICS).