Jose Cielito Reganit

“We hope to close the deal with these companies this month. At ito po ay nakikita po natin na kapag nagkaroon po tayo ng very effective na negotiation ay mayroon po tayong mahigit na 148 [million] na magkakaroon po ng doses,” Galvez said in Laging Handa Public Briefing on Wednesday, January 6.

The measure sets aside PHP140 billion for the coronavirus pandemic response with allotments for various government programs to help affected Filipinos and sectors, plus an additional PHP25.5-billion standby appropriations.

In pushing for the passage of Senate Bill (SB) 1543, Lacson cited the devastating social and economic impacts of Covid-19, especially on the poor.

The measure, which is a consolidation of Senate Bill No. 1086 and House Bill No. 6312, eyes the establishment of the academy’s main campus at the existing New Clark City Sports Complex in Capas, Tarlac.

Senate Bill No. 1418, titled "Bayanihan to Heal as One Act," was approved by all 12 senators who were physically present in the plenary.

In an ambush interview, the chair of the Senate Committee on Basic Education, Arts and Culture pointed out that overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) tend to return for the graduation rite of their children or relatives, increasing their risk of exposure to the disease and spreading it in the country.