Validity of Bayanihan 2 funds extended anew

MANILA, Philippines — The House appropriations panel has approved another extension of the validity of funds under the Republic Act No. 11494, or the Bayanihan to Recover as One Act.

The committee, presided by vice chair and Zamboanga City Rep. Manuel Jose Dalipe, approved a substitute measure consolidating House Bill No. 9196 and HB 9356. The two measures sought to extend the “release, obligation and disbursement of appropriations or funds” under the Bayanihan 2 law.

The law was supposed to expire on Dec. 20, 2020, but President Rodrigo Duterte extended its funds’ availability to June 30, 2021.

The extended validity of the Bayanihan 2 funds until the end of the year means the government will have more budget to tap for its COVID-19 response. But it is unlikely that the House will finish its legislative actions on the Bayanihan 2 extension with three session days left before its sine die adjournment on June 5.

—Julie M. Aurelio