Recto, Drilon frustrated over slow release of Bayanihan 2 fund

Some senators on Tuesday expressed frustration over the slow release of funds provided by the Bayanihan to Recover as One Act which was meant to catalyze economic recovery among various affected sectors amid the COVID-19 pandemic.

This was after government leaders from the agriculture and tourism sectors said the Department of Budget and Management has yet to release the allocations intended for their stakeholders from this 165-billion economic recovery package.

Senate President Pro Tempore Ralph Recto said it was "unfortunate" because the lawmakers burned the midnight oil to craft this measure.

"Surely not only will it delay the assistance needed by families and businesses but will also delay economic recovery," he said in a message.

"We probably will have to extend [the] validity of Bayanihan 2," he added.

Senate Minority Leader Franklin Drilon shared the same dismay, saying the snail-paced release of funds was "deplorable and inexcusable."

"When we were crafting Bayanihan 2, we stayed within the budget ceiling imposed by the DOF (Department of Finance). So why are there no releases? Are the funds to back up the appropriations under Bayanihan 2 not available?" he said in a separate message

Unlike Recto, the opposition senator said he will not support the extension of the Bayanihan 2.

"I will oppose any extension of Bayanihan 2. Note that this is an emergency measure granting the President extra powers which, under the Constitution, will expire upon the next adjournment of Congress on December 19.  Any extension can be questioned as being contrary to the Constitution," Drilon said.

"After Bayanihan's expiration on Dec 19, 2020, the 2021 General Appropriations Act becomes effective 12 days after. So why extend it? DBM should release the funds appropriated before Dec 19," he added.

Congress ratified Bayanihan 2 on August 24 and was signed 18 days later by President Rodrigo Duterte.

This law succeeded the Bayanihan to Heal as One Act which also gave emergency powers to the President to effectively respond to the COVID-19 pandemic in the earlier part of the year. The first Bayanihan law expired last June. — RSJ, GMA News