By Sammy F. Martin
MANILA, Nov. 27 (PNA) — The House of Representatives on Wednesday passed on 3rd and final reading the supplemental budget derive from the unreleased P14.6 billion Priority Development Assistance Fund (PDAF) in the 2013 General Appropriations Act.
The supplemental budget will be used to augment the depleting rehabilitation funds because of the magnitude of damage brought by super typhoon Yolanda and the 7.2 intensity earthquake.
House committee on Appropriations Chairman Isidro Ungab praised his colleagues for the swift passage of House Bill 3423 that aims to buy needed construction materials for shelter and other needs to rebuild the damaged provinces in the three regions of the Visayas and the damaged wrought by the 7.2 intensity earthquake in the province of Bohol.
“The immediate release of funds for the aid, relief, rehabilitation and support to calamity stricken areas will go a long, long way and is expected to fast track rehabilitation efforts of the government,” Ungab told reporters after the passage of the measure.
The supplemental budget was passed after the overwhelming support of members of the House of Representatives as some of them decided to cancel their Christmas party and donate whatever expenses they intent to spend to the victims of calamities. (PNA)