HR01558: A RESOLUTION URGING THE COMMITTEE ON PUBLIC ACCOUNTS TO CONDUCT AN INVESTIGATION, IN AID OF LEGISLATION, ON THE RELEASE AND UTILIZATION OF APPROPRIATIONS AUTHORIZED UNDER REPUBLIC ACT NO. 11494, OTHERWISE KNOWN AS THE BAYANIHAN TO RECOVER AS ONE
This resolution urges the Committee on Public Accounts to investigate the release and utilization of appropriations under Republic Act No. 11494, also known as the Bayanihan to Recover as One Act (Bayanihan 2). The resolution highlights concerns that only 73.74% of the authorized funds had been released by January 6, 2021, and that implementing agencies have not adequately reported on how much of these released funds have actually benefited the public. This delay in fund utilization is seen as hindering economic recovery and exacerbating the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on employment, hunger, and poverty.
The resolution emphasizes the urgency of the situation, noting the country's worst post-war economic performance with a 9.5% GDP decline in 2020 and the continued threat of job losses for millions of Filipinos. It underscores that swift implementation of Bayanihan 2 is crucial for economic recovery and to potentially avoid the need for further deficit-increasing stimulus measures. By calling for an investigation, the House aims to ensure accountability and accelerate the delivery of much-needed relief to the Filipino people.