Legarda: Unprogrammed 1.6B funds may be used for social programs

Deputy Speaker and Antique Lone District Representative Loren Legarda stated that there are Php1.6 billion unprogrammed funds that may be used for social programs to aid the Filipino people affected by the covid-19 crisis, which led to enhanced community quarantine in the entire Luzon and declaration of state of calamity in the whole country.

“The unprogrammed fund for social programs may be used up to Php1.6 billion. This can be released by DBM to DSWD for immediate cash payout for food subsidy and medicines for the poor,” Legarda revealed.

Based on the 2020 General Appropriations Act, a special provision in the Availment of the Unprogrammed Appropriations states that if an item in the non-tax revenues exceeds its target, this will trigger the release of the unprogrammed fund.

Last January, Php1.6billion from dividends exceeded targets, which may be used for social programs, like DOLE TUPAD or cash for work but at home, DSWD AICS or asistance to indigents, especially PUM and PUI, and DOH’s medical assistance program or the MAIP. It can be an outright cash subsidy too, concluded Legarda.