MANILA – President Rodrigo Duterte is expected to sign the proposed Bayanihan to Recover as One Act (Bayanihan 2), which will provide a P165-billion COVID-19 relief package, in the coming days.
During Monday’s virtual press conference, Presidential spokesperson Harry Roque said the President is currently in talks with various agencies on the contents of the bill.
“[The President will sign the bill into law] as soon as possible. I don’t think the first two weeks of September will pass without the bill being signed,” Roque said. “I think they are aiming [that] the bill should be signed this week [or] next week at the latest.”
The measure, which was ratified by the Senate and House of Representatives last month, indicates that a P50-billion fund will go to government financial institutions to provide soft loans to COVID-hit sectors.
Cash subsidies ranging from P5,000 to P8,000 will also be given to low-income households in areas under granular lockdown and those with recently returned overseas Filipino workers, as well as to displaced workers.
Around P13.5 billion was also allotted for health-related response, including the payment of P10,000 special risk allowance to both public and private medical frontliners; P3 billion for the procurement of face masks, face shields and personal protective equipment; and P4.5 billion for the construction of temporary medical isolation and quarantine facilities.
A total of P4 billion has also been earmarked for the tourism industry, of which P1 billion is for Tourism Road Infrastructure Programs, and P3 billion is for cash-for-work programs and assistance to retrenched workers./PN
