Vice President Leni Robredo expressed her support to the P1.3-trillion Accelerated Recovery and Investments Stimulus for the Economy (ARISE) bill that would help to jumpstart the country’s economy amid the COVID-19 crisis.
According to Robredo, the ARISE bill is inclusive and well-thought-out.
“Nailatag na naman ng mga ekspertong ekonomista sa Kamara sa anyo ng ARISE Bill. Kung maisasabatas ito, magkakaroon ng dagdag at tiyak na pondo para sa mga mga programa tulad ng wage subsidies ng DOLE at cash-for-work ng TUPAD,” Robredo said in an address on Wednesday afternoon.
(Expert economists in the House once again laid out the form of the ARISE Bill. If enacted, there will be additional and specific funding for programs such as DOLE wage subsidies and TUPAD cash-for-work.)
“Malinaw na mas nakatuon sa pinaka nangangailangan ang ARISE; mas inclusive ito, at mas pro-poor. Gamitin sana ang puwersa ng mayorya upang ipasa ang batas sa lalong madaling panahon,” she added.
(ARISE is clearly more focused on the needy; it is more inclusive and more pro-poor. Please use the force of the majority to pass the law as soon as possible.)
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The ARISE bill would give P688 billion funds for the economic recovery for the first year and another P650 million for the enhanced “Build, Build, Build” project in the next three years that is expected to create 1.5 million jobs.
The bill also aims to create three million short-term jobs, assist 15.7 million workers, and help 5.57 million micro, small, and medium enterprises get back on their feet.
Vice President Leni Robredo also suggested the giving of tax incentives for private companies that aid those affected by the pandemic.
“Sayang ang kaalaman kung isasantabi lang din natin. Kung alam na natin kung alin ang mataas ang peligro, tiyakin nang ieenforce ang mga karagdagang patakaran sa kanila, kung hindi man isususpinde ang pagbubukas,” Robredo said.
(It would be a waste of knowledge if we just put it aside. If we already know which one is at high risk, be sure to enforce additional policies on them; otherwise, the opening will be suspended.)