P76.22B in Bayanihan 2 funds released for COVID-19 response, DBM says

The Department of Budget and Management has released more than half of the P140 billion allocated for COVID-19 response under the Bayanihan to Recover as One Act or Bayanihan 2.

The DBM so disclosed amid criticisms on the slow release of funds in the implementation of Bayanihan 2.

“With the President’s authority, the DBM has released P76.22 billion out of the P140.0 billion allocation under RA No. 11494,” the Budget department said.

This came after President Rodrigo Duterte delegated to the Budget Secretary the authority to approve budget requests under Bayanihan 2 in order to “facilitate the immediate release of funds, among others.”

Below is the breakdown of Bayanihan 2 fund release to respective departments and agencies: