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Republic of the Philippines {= DATE _July 18,2022
House of Representatives * TIME 800am *
Quezon City sy Bai Hy
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NINETEENTH CONGRESS
First Regular Session Xo INDE?

House Bill No.__ 2022

Introduced by: REPRESENTATIVE IRENE GAY F. SAULOG
KALINGA PARTY-LIST

EXPLANATORY NOTE

It is 2022 and the pandemic still hovers like a dark cloud in the country. Its ill
effects continue to linger and haunt Filipinos.

Ayuda was a term that became synonymous with the pandemic. It came in
various forms like the emergency subsidy program implemented in 2020 and the
social amelioration program in 2021. These programs gave cash to the recipients
included in the priority lists prepared by the Department of Social Welfare and
Development (DSWD) in coordination with the local government units (LGUs).

While these programs had the noblest of intentions, the implementation was
far from ideal. Many were left out. In fact, millions of families were included in the
second tranche of ayuda in 2020 after their appeal. It only proves that the priority


list prepared was not fully responsive and up-to-date. It did not include all those in
dire need of assistance during the height of the pandemic. It is safe to estimate that
there are millions more who fell through the cracks. Many who lost jobs during the
pandemic simply did not get a chance to be included in the priority list.

Anomalies also hounded the implementation of cash aid to the poor. At least
89 barangay officials were suspended in 2020 due to irregularities in the distribution
of aid. This widespread suspension serves as a confirmation of observations by
barangay residents that palakasan or the use of political connections affected the
inclusion in the list of recipients in their area,

Article II, Section 9 of the Constitution provides that:

“The State shall promote a just and dynamic social order that will ensure the
prosperity and independence of the nation and free the people from poverty through
policies that provide adequate social services, promote full employment, a rising
standard of living, and an improved quality of life for all.”

This encapsulates what this bill intends to accomplish — that no Filipino be
left behind during the pandemic. This bill proposes the provision of ayuda for all
Filipinos. This is in keeping with the State policy to free Filipinos from poverty and
provide adequate social services to all. By giving ayuda to all Filipinos, we will
ensure that all those who suffered and continue to suffer will receive cash aid.

The bill also seeks to implement what the Bayanihan 3 bill in the past
Congress intended to do. Bayanihan 3, which unfortunately did not become a law,
intended to provide a basic universal income to Filipinos. With the continuing surge


in oil prices and basic commodities, the ayuda will offer a reprieve from the rising
cost of living for the ordinary Filipino.

This measure will also be beneficial to the economy. The money that will be
disbursed to the people will flow back and pump prime the economy. The purchase
of goods and services and the accompanying taxes paid will help stimulate the
economy.

In view of the foregoing, the passage of the bill is earnestly sought.

GAY F. SAULOG
Representative
Kalinga Party-list


Republic of the Philippines
House of Representatives
Quezon City

NINETEENTH CONGRESS
First Regular Session

House Bill No. _2022

Iniroduced by: REPRESENTATIVE IRENE GAY F. SAULOG
KALINGA PARTY-LIST

AN ACT PROVIDING CASH AID TO ALL FILIPINOS

Be it enacted by the Senate and the House of Representatives of the Philippines in
Congress assembled:

SECTION 1. Short Title. This Act shall be known as the "Universal Ayuda
Act."

SEC. 2. Declaration of Policy. — It shall be the policy of the State to promote
a just and dynamic social order that will ensure the prosperity and independence of
the nation and free the people from poverty through policies that provide adequate
social services, promote full employment, a rising standard of living, and an
improved quality of life for all.

SEC. 3. One-Time Cash Aid. — \n order to provide relief from the heavy
burden brought about by the ongoing pandemic and the rapid rise of goods and
services, a one-time cash aid of P2,000 will be provided to all Filipinos. This ayuda


for all Filipinos will be an equitable means of providing assistance especially to
those who were neglected in the previous programs of the government.

SEC. 4. Coverage. — The cash aid will be provided to all Filipinos residing in
the Philippines during the implementation of the program.

SEC. 5. Funding. — The amount of P218 billion or so much thereof as may
be necessary, is hereby appropriated for the effective implementation of this Act.

SEC 6. Implementing Rules and Regulations, — The Philippine Statistics
Authority, Department of the Interior and Local Government, and Department of
Information and Communications Technology Education shall promulgate such
tules and regulations necessary to implement the provisions of this Act within a
period of two (2) months from the approval hereof.

SEC 7. Separability Clause. — If, for any reason, any section or provision of
this Act is declared to be unconstitutional or invalid, the other sections or provisions
thereof which are not affected thereby shall continue to be in full force and effect.

SEC. 8. Repealing Clause. — All laws, decrees, executive orders, rules and
regulations which are inconsistent with the provisions of this Act are hereby
repealed, amended or modified accordingly.

SEC. 9. Effectivity Clause. This Act shall take effect fifteen (15) days after
its complete publication in the Official Gazette or in at least two (2) national
newspapers of general circulation.

Approved,