Majority Leader Martin Romualdez
MANILA – The House of Representatives is committed to approving the proposed Bayanihan to Recover As One Act or Bayanihan II to help the government in its fight against the coronavirus disease (Covid-19) pandemic and its economic effects.
In a statement on Thursday, Majority Leader Martin Romualdez said the House is still awaiting official communication from the Palace regarding the call for a special session.
“The House leadership under Speaker Alan Peter Cayetano is committed to approving the Bayanihan to Recover as One bill or the Bayanihan II to help President Rodrigo Duterte kickstart our economy and strengthen government’s fight against the spread of Covid-19,” Romualdez said.
“We have to support the President to ensure the country and Filipinos’ survival from this pandemic. The members of the House Majority are in full agreement that we all have to work for the passage of the Bayanihan II. We will get the job done,” he added.
He said the Congress remains supportive of President Duterte’s legislative agenda.
“Since day one of the 18th Congress, we are supportive of President Duterte and his legislative agenda with vitality, energy, and enthusiasm to continue the progress of his administration and to serve the nation,” he said.
Presidential Spokesperson Harry Roque said the executive branch will call for a special session for the passage of Bayanihan II.
“Noong huling ulat ni Presidente sa taumbayan, nandoon po si (Finance) Secretary Dominguez at sinabi po niya sa akin na, halos nagkasundo na o halos plantsado na yung Bayanihan 2 at magpapatawag na nga po ng special session (During the last report of the President to the nation, Secretary Dominguez was there and he told me that they are nearing a compromise, Bayanihan II is almost ironed out, and we will call for a special session),” Roque said in a media interview.
The House and Senate versions of Bayanihan II have different provisions in the funding aspect of the stimulus package.
The House version specified a PHP162-billion standby fund to support response measures to address the Covid-19 pandemic.
Meanwhile, the Senate version seeks to sustain the government’s efforts against the Covid-19 pandemic and allocate an additional PHP140 billion for response and recovery programs. (PNA)
