Gov’t yet to tap Build, Build, Build funds for COVID-19 response — Nograles

The Duterte administration has yet to tap infrastructure funds to augment spending for the government’s COVID-19 response measures, Cabinet Secretary Karlo Nograles said Wednesday.

In a televised briefing, Nograles said Finance Secretary Carlos Dominguez III and Budget Secretary Wendel Avisado are still in the process of identifying other sources of funds.

“We’re not touching ‘yung sa Build, Build, Build yet,” Nograles said in a televised briefing.

“Wala pa tayo doon and the reason for that is that when we jumpstart the economy, malaking bahagi po ng pag-jumpstart ng ekonomiya ang Build, Build, Build. ‘Yun po ang makaka-rev up at jumpstart ng ekonomiya natin.”

On Tuesday, Senator Franklin Drilon suggested to the Executive branch to realign some of the government funds for infrastructure projects to keep up with the country's most pressing needs during the COVID-19 emergency.

The senator said that under the Department of Public Works and Highways’ budget, P113 billion was allotted for road widening and diversion, P90 billion for flood management program, P52 billion for road construction, and P30 billion for bridge construction.

Drilon said due to the health emergency, these projects will unlikely be fully implemented within the year and that the Executive branch should consider realigning the budget for COVID-19 response.

The Bayanihan to Heal as One Act authorized the President to reprogram, reallocate and realign savings on appropriations in the 2020 national budget in the Executive department to fund measures including social amelioration for affected communities and recovery of areas, sectors and industries severely affected by the COVID-19 pandemic.

The President was also empowered to halt appropriated programs, projects or activities under his department and the government-owned or controlled corporations (GOCCs). — RSJ, GMA News