MANILA, Philippines — The P16-billion calamity fund in the 2021 national budget is “totally inadequate” considering that recent typhoons brought about billions worth of damage in the country, Senate Minority Leader Franklin Drilon said Monday. ADVERTISEMENT“From these three typhoons alone, you’re talking about P34 billion in damages, and next year you’ll only have P16 billion in the calamity fund,” Drilon said in an interview over ABS CBN News Channel. “So again, the P16 billion that is in the budget for calamity funds, is totally totally inadequate,” he added. “We have the calamity fund which is tapped immediately, if and when, or even simultaneously with the quick response funds of the other department,” the senator said. For its part, the House of Representatives will be seeking a P5-billion increase under the proposed 2021 budget’s calamity fund for the rehabilitation of areas devastated by recent typhoons.

Source: Philippine Daily Inquirer November 23, 2020 03:32 UTC