House of Representatives Approves Bayanihan III Bill

On Tuesday, the House of Representatives approved the third stimulus package with more than ₱400 billion in funds. These are expected to aid millions of Filipinos as the global pandemic continues.

House Bill 9411 or the Bayanihan to Arise as One Bill was approved with 238-0 votes and one abstention. The approval of Bayanihan III is considered to be a “historical moment in the legislative process in this chamber as this measure has been co-authored by almost all of its members,” said Speaker Lord Allan Velasco.

“Filipinos deserve all these interventions — urgently and immediately,” Velasco added. “Bayanihan III offers a real lifeline for our countrymen struggling to navigate the challenges of COVID-19.”

Among the most notable parts of the legislation is the ₱216 billion funding for two rounds of cash aid to 108 million Filipinos who will receive an amount of ₱2,000 each.

Wage subsidies and emergency assistance have also been reserved for displaced workers and households severely affected by quarantine restrictions. Other aspects of the bill include the following:

Funding for national nutrition, budgets allocated for agri-fishery, medical assistance to indigents, support for local government units, free COVID testing for migrant workers, support for basic and higher education, and a gratuity fund for retired military and police personnel.

On Monday, the Palace expressed that the passing of the bill was not necessarily urgent. The 2021 national budget and previous economic packages should be allowed to run their course before the government passes another stimulus measure, said Presidential Spokesperson Harry Roque.

The bill’s counterpart in the Senate is still pending at the committee level. Senate President Vicente Sotto III earlier said he had reservations regarding the billions of funds reserved for military and police pensions.

This ₱401-billion lifeline is crucial to ensure that Filipinos get direct emergency and social amelioration. It’s also an avenue for them to have sustainable sources of income as well as stable access to affordable food and quality health services during the pandemic, said Velasco.

Source: BusinessWorld