MANILA – The House of Representatives on Tuesday approved on second reading the proposed third Bayanihan measure that aims to cushion the impact of the coronavirus pandemic on the lives of Filipinos.
Via voice voting, the lower chamber passed the Bayanihan 3 law, formally known as the Bayanihan To Arise As One Act.
Bayanihan 3 includes the provision of P2,000 cash aid per Filipino, regardless of social status. This cash assistance will be given in two installments or P1,000 per tranche.
The measure likewise seeks to provide wage subsidies, assistance to displaced workers, housing relief, assistance to the agri-fishery sector, medical assistance, and support to basic education, among others.
It also intends to help pandemic-affected households through a one-time cash subsidy program worth P5,000 to P10,000, which will be dispensed by the Department of Social Welfare and Development.
AAMBIS-Owa Party-list Rep. Sharon Garin, chair of the House committee on economic affairs, underscored the importance of the direct assistance that the Bayanihan 3 bill will provide amid the pandemic.
“Ito ‘yung immediate need. We do recognize that is more direct, kasi ito talaga ang pangangailangan. People are desperate. I think if we announce another quarantine, people will revolt na. It’s very difficult for them kaya direct na yung assistance na naisip,” she noted.
The proposed Bayanihan 3 is among the lower chamber’s top priorities before it adjourns sine die on June 5.(©Philippine Daily Inquirer 2021)
