THE Philippine government “has enough fiscal space” to address concerns with respect to calamity funds given the extent of the damage to agriculture products and infrastructure caused by the twin typhoons that hit Central Luzon just recently, Malacañang said Sunday.
Presidential Spokesman Edwin Lacierda issued this statement quoting Finance Secretary Cesar Purisima in response to questions on whether Malacañang mulls asking Congress for a supplemental budget to increase the P8-billion calamity fund that would help address the damages caused by typhoons ‘Pedring’ and ‘Quiel’ which are reportedly pegged at P13.8- billion.
Lacierda, however, said the government will be discussing more issues related to calamity this week, including the recommendation of Defense Secretary Voltaire Gazmin to formally declare a state of calamity in all the areas severely affected by the onslaught of ‘Pedring’ and ‘Quiel’.
But even without the declaration of state of calamity, Lacierda said the government has taken the necessary measures to help ease the plight of the people in the calamity-stricken communities.
He said the Department of Trade and Industry continuously monitors the affected areas and has imposed price freeze in an apparent bid to prevent profiteers from taking advantage of the situation.
When asked whether the government is willing to accept financial aid or any kind of assistance from other countries, Lacierda said: “Wala pong offer ngayon. Right now, may nagtanong na po sa atin tungkol diyan kung kailangan. Ang sagot po ni Secretary [Cesar] Purisima, there’s enough fiscal space to handle the calamity.”
Lacierda, nevertheless, expressed his gratitude on behalf of the government for the message of sympathy extended by the United States through Secretary of State Hillary Clinton to the victims of the calamity in the country. (PCOO)
