(ACE MORANDANTE/PRESIDENTIAL PHOTO/ MANILA BULLETIN FILE PHOTO)
MANILA, Philippines– President Rodrigo Duterte is looking into selling government properties to raise funds for the 2nd tranche of the Social Amelioration Program (SAP) for families in need, Presidential Spokesperson Harry Roque said last friday, May 15, 2020.
Nabanggit pa nga niya na magsisimula na siyang magbenta ng mga propriyedad ng gobyerno at mayroon pa siyang isang nasabing property, ayaw ko munang isapubliko, ‘no. Pero sabi niya, iyon siguro ang sisimulan nating ibenta para maibigay sa ayuda”
Presidential spokesperson harry roque
(He mentioned that he will start selling government properties and he is eyeing a certain property, although I can’t make it public yet. But he said we will probably start selling it to augment the relief aid.)
The President admitted the depletion of funds for coronavirus response. In efforts to boost government fundraising efforts, he has raised the possibility of putting the Cultural Center of the Philippines, Philippine International Convention Center and other properties along Manila Bay up for sale.
Roque also said that the President has also tasked Budget Sec. Wendel Avisado to redirect funds from some budget items into the financial aid program for the less fortunate families still under coronavirus lockdown. An additional P50 billion will be needed to cover 23 million poor beneficiaries by the second tranche this month.
He also said that the President will also ask the Congress to assist in raising funds for the second tranche of the Social Amelioration Program for low-income families.