Cayetano urges release of infra funds despite pandemic

Speaker Alan Peter Cayetano urged the Department of Budget and Management (DBM) to release infrastructure funds despite the ongoing pandemic.

Cayetano argued that infrastructure projects drive economic activity, especially in remote areas.

Meanwhile, DBM Secretary Wendel Avisado reported that P352.7 billion has been spent on COVID-19 response, using up most of the readily-accessible funding from this year’s budget.

Avisado noted there is only a small amount left for reallocation and warned that more funds may be needed if a second wave of infections occurs.

To preserve funds, DBM issued National Budget Circular No. 580 ordering agencies to defer non-essential spending.