Gatchalian Clarifies Bayanihan 3 Aid: Limited to Qualified Beneficiaries Only
Not all Filipinos will receive cash assistance under the proposed Bayanihan 3 Act, according to Senator Sherwin Gatchalian. The senator emphasized that the government will allocate between P98 billion and P406 billion for this initiative, which aims to help those severely affected by rising oil prices. However, Gatchalian clarified that only selected beneficiaries from the most vulnerable sectors will qualify for the program.
Targeted Sectors for Assistance
The aid will primarily target specific groups deemed most at risk. These include farmers, fishermen, and the so-called "bottom 30 percent"—the poorest segment of society—as well as the transportation sector. Gatchalian stated that qualified beneficiaries are expected to receive amounts ranging from P1,500 to P3,000 or P4,000, depending on their income levels.
Legarda's Bayanihan Power to the People Act
Meanwhile, Senator Loren Legarda has filed the Bayanihan Power to the People Act, also known as Bayanihan 3. This proposal seeks to establish concrete government measures to address the impact of the global oil crisis on households and the national economy. Legarda noted that while Executive Order No. 110 has declared a national energy emergency, it still lacks immediate relief for Filipinos.
Three Key Components of the Proposal
Gatchalian outlined three main components of the Bayanihan 3 proposal. First, identifying funding sources, which may include the possible reallocation of government savings, similar to actions taken during the pandemic. Second, implementing "pump priming" or preparing funds in case the economy weakens or stagflation occurs. Third, providing subsidies or direct aid to qualified beneficiaries.
Additional Relief Measures Under Consideration
The senator added that the possibility of offering further relief is being studied. This could include a temporary moratorium on payment obligations to agencies such as the Social Security System and Government Service Insurance System, as well as other government financial institutions.
