INSISTING on the need to consider the short- and long-term solutions for the victims of calamities that hit the country recently, Senator Francis Escudero assured that rehabilitation and reconstruction will be included in the proposed P2.268-trillion national budget for 2014.
In a radio interview Monday, Escudero said Congress must give weight to the present situation of the devastated areas as he explained that he wants to include in the budget proposal specific and a distinct funding for rehabilitation of Visayas.
He added that the large-scale devastation that Typhoon Yolanda left has highlighted the need for a separate rehabilitation fund in the budget.
Escudero said the committee report will propose the creation and establishment of a P20-billion reconstruction and rehabilitation fund for the areas devastated by calamities like cyclones Yolanda, Labuyo, Pablo, Santi, the magnitude 7.2 earthquake, and the Zamboanga seige.
The senator explained that the funds will be broken down per program, per activity and per department and implementing agencies.
He further said that this will be taken from the appropriation from the Miscellaneous Personnel Benefits Fund (MPBF) of each department tapped.
The primary implementing agencies for these are the Department of Public Works and Highways, Department of Social Welfare and Development, Department of Agriculture, Department of Science and Technology, National Housing Authority and the local government units concerned, Escudero said.
Escudero also said under this provision, there will be strict implementation on transparency and accountability on the use of not only the calamity funds proposal but all funds appropriated.
"We have to buckle down to work and address this issue right away," Escudero said.
The 2014 budget proposal will also include P74-billion disaster risk reduction and climate change funds, he added.
Meanwhile, Escudero said that the proposal for the Senate to postpone resumption of sessions for a week to allow the departments involved in relief operations will delay the approval of the budget.
The senator said that the passing of the budget is important to avoid any reenactment. The previous year's budget for programs, activities and projects, is automatically reenacted once Congress fails to approve the budget bill before the fiscal year starts.
The proposal to postpone the Senate session will be tackled in caucus among senators on Tuesday. (Camille P. Balagtas/Sunnex)