Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, July 19) — Senators want to include financial assistance for Filipinos and industries gravely affected by the COVID-19 pandemic in next year’s national budget, Senate Majority Leader Juan Miguel “Migz” Zubiri said.
“Parating na kasi po ang ating national budget. At excited na rin po ang mga senador na i-take up sa committee level ang ating panukala for the General Appropriations Act,” bared the lawmaker in a virtual briefing on Monday.
[Translation: Our national budget (for 2022) is coming up. And the senators are excited to take up at the committee level our proposals for the General Appropriations Act.]
“Gusto na naming ilagay po doon ‘yung mga pangangailangan ng ating taumbayan [We want to include there our countrymen’s needs] when it comes to ayuda [cash aid] and of course, assistance to the different industries,” added Zubiri, referring to tourism, the hotel and restaurant industry, and micro, small and medium enterprise (MSME) sectors.
Zubiri said they will be discussing the 2022 national budget this August and September, where they will be conducting hearings to increase the government’s funding for financial assistance packages for industries severely hit by the health crisis.
The lawmaker bared they’re also discussing the proposed Bayanihan 3, noting that “it’s on the table.” He added that they are still consulting with the Cabinet and the executive whether there are enough funds for it.
