Extension of Bayanihan 2 unlikely, says lawmaker

House Majority Leader and Leyte Rep. Martin Romualdez. INQUIRER FILE PHOTO

The extension of the availability of funds under the Bayanihan 2 is already unlikely as the law is set to expire on June 30.

House Majority Leader Martin Romualdez told reporters in an online briefing on Thursday that there was no call from Malacañang for Congress to hold a special session to extend the Bayanihan to Recover As One Act or Bayanihan 2.

“As you know, the Bayanihan 2 will expire on June 30 so it’s looking quite tight and the likelihood of an extension is becoming dimmer at this point,” Romualdez said.

He said there was “no clarity moving forward” because President Duterte has not issued a proclamation calling for a special session to extend Bayanihan 2.

Malacañang earlier confirmed that at least P18 billion under the Bayanihan 2 remained unobligated.

The House of Representatives on June 3 passed on second reading a bill to further extend the validity of the law but failed to pass it on third reading before it adjourned.

Sen. Francis Pangilinan also earlier filed a bill in the Senate to extend the availability of COVID-19 funds under the Bayanihan 2 until Dec. 31.

Congress has adjourned sine die until July 25.

Despite the slim chance of extension with a few days left before its expiration, Deputy Speaker Rufus Rodriguez still urged Mr. Duterte to call for a special session. INQ