Sen. Bong Go, vice chairman of the Senate Committee on Finance, reminded government agencies to ensure the prudent use of the funds appropriated under Republic Act No. 11494, the Bayanihan to Recover as One Act.
(OFFICE OF SEN. BONG GO / FILE PHOTO / MANILA BULLETIN)
“Especially in times of crises, every peso counts. To the implementing agencies, make sure you properly spend public funds and implement programs that will benefit the poor and vulnerable sectors,” Go said.
He urged concerned agencies to efficiently carry out the provisions of the act and ensure that financial assistance is brought and felt by poor and vulnerable sectors who have been most affected by the COVID-19 pandemic.
“Siguraduhin natin na magagamit ang pera ng bayan ng tama. Siguraduhin natin na makakarating ang tulong sa pinaka-nangangailangan at pinaka-apektado nating mga kababayan. At siguraduhin natin na walang pinipiling oras ang ating pagtulong at pagserbisyo sa bayan,’’ he said.
(Let us ensure that taxpayers’ money is spent correctly. Let us ensure that the assistance will reach the most in need and the most affected among our countrymen. Let us also ensure that there will be no delays in the delivery of assistance and services to the nation)
The Bayanihan 2 was signed into law by President Duterte last Sept. 11 to facilitate the country's recovery from the pandemic and its economic effects by financing various government programs and interventions, including the improvement of the healthcare system, procurement of COVID-19 vaccines, and delivery of aid to industries affected by the pandemic.
The measure allocates P165.5 billion to the COVID-19 recovery fund, with P140 billion for regular appropriation and another P25.5 billion as standby funds.
Go, chairman of the Senate Committee on Health, implored the Department of Health to ensure that the necessary funds go to the various health-related responses to the crisis; the purchase of personal protective equipment as well as equipment and infrastructure to increase the capacity of government hospitals; and the research fund of the Health and Technology Assessment Council which advises government on the technologies it could acquire.
“Pera ng taumbayan ito kaya siguraduhin natin na magastos ito ng wasto at ni piso ay hindi masasayang. Huwag rin natin sayangin ang oras lalo na pagdating sa pangangailangang pangkalusugan. Umaksyon tayo agad dahil bawat minuto, buhay ng kapwa nating Pilipino ang nakasalalay,’’ he said.
(This is the money of the people, so, we have to ensure that this will be spent properly and not a peso will be wasted. Let us not also waste time especially when it comes to health needs. Let us act immediately because every minute counts, the life of our fellow Filipinos are stake)
“Bilang mambabatas, sinigurado namin maipasa ang Bayanihan 2. Kaya dapat lang na madaliin rin ng mga ahensya ang pag-implementa nito para matulungan ang mga dapat matulungan.’’
(As a legislator, we ensured the passage of Bayanihan 2. Hence, the agencies must be swift in implementing this so we could help those who needed help)