PHILIPPINE STAR/MICHAEL VARCAS
A LAWMAKER is calling on two executive departments to begin drafting guidelines for the distribution of cash assistance by local government units to their constituents under the still pending third law on coronavirus response. In a statement on Tuesday, AKO Bicol Rep. Alfredo A. Garbin, Jr. said, “Noting the current sentiment and preference of the House of Representatives to download Bayanihan III funds direct to the barangays, the DBM (Department of Budget and Management) and DILG (Department of the Interior and Local Government) should, as early as now, figure out how the funds transfers can be made swift, reliable, verifiable, and the funds beneficiaries are supposed to receive must be completely intact and accounted for.” House Speaker Lord Allan Jay Q. Velasco, in a separate statement, said Congress will fast-track the approval of the proposed third Bayanihan fund once sessions resume on May 17. Three house committees recently approved House Bill 8628 or the proposed Bayanihan to Arise as One Act, which sets a P405.6-billion fund to revive the economy and assist affected sectors. — Gillian M. Cortez