Solons warn vs. using Bayanihan 3 funds for poll campaign

Leaders of the House of Representatives said safeguards must be in place in the proposed Bayanihan 3 law to ensure funds will not be used for campaigning in the 2022 elections.

During the interpellation period of the bill, Deputy Speaker Rufus Rodriguez warned that some people could use the money for their political agenda as the election season nears. 

"There should be safeguards because sometimes local governments, we use all the funds... next year is an election year..."  he said.

AAMBIS-OWA party-list Representative Sharon Garin agreed with Rodriguez saying "safeguards are needed in case of abuse."

She said the authors of the bill welcome any mechanisms that will be suggested to prevent this abuse.

Rodriguez also said there must be criminal liability if digital payment schemes would be used illegally or for political purposes.

The House of Representatives started its plenary deliberations on Bayanihan 3, which aims to help Filipinos to recover from COVID-19.—LDF, GMA News