Duterte extends validity of Bayanihan 2, 2020 budget

President Rodrigo Roa Duterte. ALBERTO ALCAIN / PRESIDENTIAL FILE PHOTO

MANILA, Philippines — President Rodrigo Duterte has extended the validity of appropriations under the country’s 2020 national budget and the Bayanihan to Recover As One Act or “Bayanihan 2.”

Duterte signed Republic Act No. 11519 last Dec. 29 which allows appropriations under the Bayanihan 2 available for release, obligation and disbursement until June 30, 2021.

The President also signed Republic Act No. 11520, extending the availability of appropriations under the 2020 General Appropriations Act until December 31, 2021.

Copies of both laws were only sent to the media on Wednesday, Jan. 6.

Duterte earlier certified both measures as urgent.

A total of P148 billion in appropriations under the Bayanihan 2 and the 2020 budget has yet to be spent.

Of this figure, P38 billion came from Bayanihan 2 and P110 billion came from the 2020 budget.

READ: Amid still unused P148B, Senate extends validity of 2020 budget, Bayanihan 2 

The 2020 budget expired on Dec. 31, 2020, while the Bayanihan 2 lapsed on Dec. 19, 2020.

JPV