House panel approves P1.65B supplemental fund for DOH

The House committee on appropriations approved a supplemental funding package of PHP1.65 billion to support the government’s response to the coronavirus outbreak.

Representative Ruwel Peter S. Gonzaga moved for approval and removed the provision setting a Dec. 31 deadline for spending, making funds available until fully spent.

The panel consolidated House Bills 6166 and 6177 which originally sought PHP2 billion but only PHP1.65 billion was available in excess funds according to Deputy Treasurer Sharon P. Almanza.

Health Secretary Francisco Duque requested a total of PHP3 billion for personal protective equipment, test kits, and salaries for the Bureau of Quarantine.

The approved amount is less than what DOH needs but will be used to procure personal protective equipment for about 5,000 healthcare workers expected on the frontlines.