Legarda: Utilize 56B Unconditional Cash Transfer for people in need during Covid-19 crisis

Deputy Speaker and Antique Lone District Representative Loren Legarda revealed that there is total amount of Php56 billion budget for the unconditional cash transfer under the TRAIN Law to provide the poor Filipinos much needed assistance amid the enhanced community quarantine due to Covid-19 crisis.

According to the National Economic Development Authority, there is an unspent funds of Php18.7 billion from the 2019 General Appropriations Act for the unconditional cash transfer and an allocation of Php36.4 billion for the same under the 2020 GAA. In addition, there is still Php1.7 billion UCT to be distributed under the 2018 GAA, a total of Php56 billion funds are available.

“These funds can be expeditiously given out now, especially the 2018 and 2019 budget which should have been done by now. The 2020 budget can be given out soon to avert hunger amid the crisis,” Legarda stated.

“These are doable. The available UCT funds for release are already legislated, appropriated, and partly unused. I am calling on DBM and DSWD to give the needed assistance to the poor in need during this time of crisis within the next few days,” Legarda concluded.#