Expedite ‘Bayanihan’ implementation – Go

SEN. Christopher Lawrence “Bong” Go on Thursday appealed to the Executive department to hasten the implementation of Republic Act (RA) 11469, or the “Bayanihan to Heal as One Act,” stressing that the government only has three months to roll out the programs aimed to help those severely affected by the enhanced community quarantine.

“The authority granted to the President (Rodrigo Duterte) during this state of emergency is for a limited period only and is subject to restrictions, as stated in the law and in the Constitution,” he said.

“hindi poi to ma a a bu so. Gaga mi tin limited time ... at kung kai lang an po ay ma a a ring pal a wig in rin po itong bawiin ng Kongreso kung sakaling hindi na po kailangan (This emergency power will not be abused. It will be used for a limited period only and, if needed, it could be extended by Congress. This could also be recalled if there is no longer a need for it),” he added.

Go called on the executive branch to accelerate the help needed by those affected by the crisis, particularly the 18 million Filipino families under lockdown.

The senator, chairman of the Senate health and Demography Committee, served as the special assistant to the President before becoming a senator.

he explained that a technical working group in the executive branch to operationalize the social program of the government was being formed.

The Inter- Agency Task Force will be composed of the head of the Department of Social Welfare and Development as chairman, with the heads of the Departments of Trade and Industry, Labor and Employment, Agriculture, Finance, and Budget and Management, as well as the Presidential Legislative Liaison Office as members.

Go also urged economic managers and concerned agencies to study if a 30-day grace period for payment of loans and waiving of fees could be considered if necessary, in line with the provisions of the law.

The new law authorizes President Duterte to exercise powers necessary in addressing the crisis triggered by the coronavirus pandemic.

One of the temporary emergency measures that the President may adopt is to direct financial institutions to implement a grace period of at least 30 days for the payment of all loans without incurring interest, penalties, fees and other charges.

The covered loans include salary, personal, housing and motor vehicle loans, as well as credit card payments falling due within the period of the enhanced community quarantine. Interests, penalties, fees or other charges will be waived and persons with multiple loans shall also be given the minimum 30-day grace period for every loan.