Robredo says Bayanihan 2 funds not enough

The proposed P165-billion fund in the newly-ratified Bayanihan to Recover As One bill is not enough to address the problems brought by the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic, Vice President Leni Robredo said Monday.

In a recorded speech, Robredo stressed only the government has the resources to salvage the economy.

“Walang ibang kayang mag-abot ng salbabida sa ekonomiya ngayon kundi ang gobyerno; gobyerno lang ang may pondo at makinarya para magparating ng sapat at ibayong saklolo,” Robredo said.

“Hindi sapat ang mga probisyong nakatala at perang inilaan sa Bayanihan 2. Government must spend more, spend efficiently, and spend quickly, with the utmost sense of urgency, as if our economic survival depends on it—because it does. And yet, heto tayo, nakasandal pa rin sa isang pre-COVID budget,” she added.

With this, Robredo laid down suggestions on how to improve the national economy amid the pandemic.

Robredo stressed the importance of addressing the health crisis first before setting in motion “the gears of the economy.”

“Hindi magkatunggali ang mga suliranin ng kalusugan at ekonomiya,” she said.

Robredo proposed for more help for medical workers, hospitals and also called for the strengthening of the country’s health care system.

She also recommended efficient and fast data gathering and decision-making involving COVID-19.

“Malawakan, mabisa, at agarang turnover ng mga COVID-19 test—sapat para makatulong sa pagbaba ng pinakahuli nating positivity rate na 10.5 percent, na malayo sa less than five percent na itinakdang standard ng World Health Organization,” she said.

Robredo also stressed the need for a clear and efficient standard operating procedure when it comes to admitting COVID-19 patients in hospitals.

According to the Department of Health, only 48% of the severe and critical COVID-19 cases in the country are currently admitted in hospitals.

“Sa mga namatay, singkuwenta porsyento ang hindi man lamang na-admit sa ospital. Ibig sabihin, marami sa mga kababayan natin, nagdurusa o namamatay nang hindi man lang nakakatuntong sa ospital,” she said.

“Kailangan din ng isang sistema para hanapin ang mga may malubhang sintomas, at dalhin sila sa mga ospital para mabawasan ang mga namamatay,” she added.

In terms of contract tracing, Robredo said efficient applications are already available for public use.

“May mga mabisang tracing app na available para dito; kailangang i-standardize ang mga ito para hindi nagkakanya-kanya ang mga (local government units),” she said.

Continuous cash aid

Robredo said the 10 million poorest families should continue to receive cash aid of P5,000 monthly in a span of four months to fight hunger amid the pandemic.

“[A]abutin ito ng P200 billion. Maliit na halaga ito para mailigtas sila mula sa gutom. Dalawang beses nang nakapagbigay ng ayudang pinansyal ang pambansang pamahalaan. Sang-ayon ang maraming eksperto na dapat pang maglaan ng dagdag na pondo para mai-extend ito,” she said.

Robredo also stressed the need to harmonize cash-for-work programs for COVID-19 needs.

She suggested hiring individuals registered in the Department of Social Welfare and Development’s list to help in contact tracing efforts.

“May mahigit 15 million na katao sa listahanan ng DSWD; maaaring i-hire ang marami sa kanila, through the LGU, para makatulong sa contact tracing. Kung magagawa ito, tataas ang kapasidad natin for contact tracing at maaampat ang pagkalat ng COVID-19,” she said.

Moreover, she suggested building a system for unemployment insurance for those who lost their jobs amid the pandemic.

“Maaaring makita ang balangkas nito sa batas tulad ng Unemployment Insurance Bill ni Congresswoman Stella Quimbo: Magbigay ng kahit bahagi lang ng pasahod sa mga newly unemployed, at magsagawa ng counseling, retraining, at job matching para sa kanila,” Robredo said.

She also suggested getting funds for wage subsidies for micro, small and medium enterprises who will commit to not layoff employees.

Robredo called for reintegration and livelihood programs for overseas Filipino workers who lost their jobs due to the health crisis.

Robredo also said to support the country’s farmers and fisherfolk and make sure that there is enough supply for agricultural needs.

Lastly, she called for more cell sites in far-flung areas as the country transitions to blended learning. —LDF, GMA News