LGUs can still use calamity funds vs COVID-19

MANILA, Philippines — Local government units can continue using calamity funds to fight the COVID-19 pandemic, Malacañang said yesterday.

“Since the President has signed the proclamation that extends the state of calamity for one year effective Sept. 13, 2020 until Sept. 12 of 2021… since we are still in a state of calamity, the local government units can utilize their respective calamity funds,” presidential spokesman Harry Roque Jr. said yesterday.

He pointed out that the extension of the state of calamity would complement the provisions under Bayanihan 1 and 2 laws, which have been passed by Congress to enable the government to address the pandemic.

“The Bayanihan 2 is a stimulus package. This will provide P13 billion (in) funds for those who lost their jobs. The balance of P140 billion is allocated for those who need capital to start their businesses,” he said, adding that the Departments of Labor and Employment, of Trade and Industry and of Agriculture will spearhead the implementation.

Under the Bayanihan 2 law, Roque explained, consumers with loans in private and government institutions are given a second round of leeway in terms of payments for their monthly mortgages. This is equivalent to two months moratorium.

Last Wednesday, President Duterte signed Proclamation 1021 which extends the period of state of calamity throughout the Philippines due to COVID-19. Duterte invoked the authority under the Constitution on the state’s policy to protect and promote the right to health of the people.

Duterte said the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council had recommended the extension.

“Whereas, this extension, will, among others, effectively afford the National Government, as well as the local government units, ample latitude to continue utilizing appropriate funds, including the Quick Response Fund, in their disaster preparedness and response efforts to contain the spread of COVID-19, monitor and control prices of basic necessities and prime commodities and provide basic services to the affected populations,” Duterte said in the proclamation.