Duterte signs laws extending validity of Bayanihan 2, 2020 budget

President Rodrigo Duterte has signed laws extending the validity of the measure that provides a multi-billion peso COVID-19 relief package and the 2020 national budget.

Republic Act 11519 extends the validity of the appropriations under the Bayanihan to Recover as One Act or Bayanihan 2 until June 30, 2021. The Bayanihan 2 had been set to expire on December 19 last year.

Under Republic Act 11520, on the other hand, all appropriations authorized under the 2020 national spending plan, including budgetary support for government-owned and -controlled corporations (GOCCs), will be available for release and disbursement until December 31, 2021.

Appropriations for infrastructure capital outlays, including subsidy releases to GOCCs, will be valid for obligation until December 31. The projects must be completed not later than the same date.

Appropriations for maintenance and other operating expenses, as well as other capital outlays, will likewise be extended until December 31, with their delivery, inspection and payment be made not later than the same date.

Duterte signed the two laws last December 29.

The extension of the two appropriation measures would push the spending authority of the government to about P4.8 trillion this year, including the P4.5-trillion budget for 2021.   —KBK, GMA News