Press Release
September 30, 2009

REALIGN ECONOMIC STIMULUS TO AID ONDOY VICTIMS - CHIZ

Opposition Sen. Chiz Escudero yesterday called on Malacanang to immediately realign portions of the P330-billion economic stimulus program to help victims of typhoon Ondoy.

"There is an immediate need to put Metro Manila and other typhoon-stricken areas in the country back on their feet. President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo should immediately realign or use unreleased portions of the stimulus fund to help Ondoy victims and concerned local government units cope with this tragedy," Escudero said.

The 39-year old lawmaker said it is especially critical for Metro Manila to get back on its feet soonest since it is the economic center of the country.

"It is important at this point for Metro Manila to immediately return to normalcy. It is also critical for Metro Manilans to regain their confidence especially after this tragedy," Escudero said.

"If concerned LGUs need more resources to help the people, then the national government should immediately get these resources out to them," he added.

Earlier, Escudero called for a three-month moratorium on loan payments to the Government Service Insurance System (GSIS), Social Security System (SSS), and the Home Development Mutual Fund (Pag-Ibig Fund) in Metro Manila and other typhoon-damaged areas.

He also urged the three agencies to expedite the release of multi-purpose loans to members affected by Ondoy.

The Arroyo government's P330-billion economic stimulus program covers mostly infrastructure projects and other job-generation activities. But the program also provides for income tax relief and rebates for electricity bills, among others.

"In light of the devastation brought by Ondoy, the government should take into account survival first before stimulus. This should be the primary consideration in revisiting its stimulus program and see how it can be used to aid our countrymen," Escudero said.

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