Over P3.55 billion was released by the Department of Budget and Management (DBM) for the implementation the Bayanihan to Recover as One Act (Bayanihan 2).
In his 21-page report to Congress, President Rodrigo Duterte said DBM started releasing the P3,545,776,436 fund last Thursday to help in the government’s response against the novel coronavirus disease (Covid-19).
The bulk or P2.52 billion of the released amount, which came from unprogrammed appropriations of the 2020 national budget, was allocated to the Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG) so it could start hiring additional contact tracers.
DILG earlier said it is targeting to hire 50,000 contact tracers to augment the government’s existing 97,400 contact tracer nationwide.
Duterte said over P994.75 million of the released amount, which came from the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management (NDRRM) Fund, was given to the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) to replenish its “quick response fund.”
The remaining P28.37 million was allocated to the Office of the Presidential Adviser on the Peace Process (OPAPP) “to support the role and engagement” of its secretary, Carlito Galvez.
Aside from his role in OPAPP, Galvez is also the Chief implementer of the government’s national policy.
President Rodrigo R. Duterte signed the P165.5-billion Bayanihan 2 law last Sept. 11.
Of the said budget for Bayanihan 2, P140 billion will be taken from regular appropriations, while the remaining P25.5 billion, will come from stand-by funds.
Under the Bayanihan 2, Duterte is required to submit a report to Congress on its implementation every first Monday of the month.
The law will remain in effect until the next adjournment of the 18th Congress on Dec. 19, 2020.