More than 200 lawmakers show support for Bayanihan 3 bill

Over 200 solons from the House of Representatives are supporting the P420-billion stimulus package under the Bayanihan to Arise As One Act or the Bayanihan 3 that aims to help the economy recuperate from the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Speaker Lord Allan Velasco said in a statement that a total of 224 members from the House supermajority, minority, and independent blocs have joined him either as principal authors or co-authors of House Bill 8628 or Bayanihan to Arise As One Act or the Bayanihan 3, which he filed earlier this month.

Velasco said that he wants to thank his colleagues for rising above party-lines and for always keeping Filipinos first as they unite to provide much-needed help to households and businesses facing hardship as a result of the Covid-19 pandemic.

A P420-billion fund shall be distributed for the COVID-19 response and recovery interventions grounded on economic inclusivity and collective growth.

The proposed bill will give allocations to the following:

· P108 billion for additional social amelioration to impacted households

· P100 billion for capacity-building for impacted sectors

· P52 billion for wage subsidies

· P70 billion for capacity-building for agricultural producers

· P30 billion for internet allowances to students and teachers

· P30 billion for assistance to displaced workers

· P25 billion for Covid-19 treatment and vaccines

· P5 billion for the rehabilitation of areas impacted by recent floods and typhoons.

Under the bill, each household member should receive P1,000 regardless of their economic status while each student and teacher will also receive P1,000. Also, displaced workers will receive P8,000.

"The 18th Congress, in its remaining legislative calendar, will carry out its duty to craft laws that will help our countrymen recover from this pandemic," Velasco said.

"We deemed it necessary to address all fronts in stimulating our economy back to health, and the Bayanihan 3 provides a holistic approach in addressing all our current woes," he added.

Meanwhile, the Bayanihan 3 also permits advance payment not exceeding 50 percent of the contract amount for the obtaining of COVID-19 drugs and vaccines, unless otherwise directed by the President.