Manila: Deputy Speaker Janette Garin on Tuesday emphasized the necessity for Congress to scrutinize agencies' Quick Response Funds (QRFs) within the proposed 2027 national budget. This review aims to ensure the government can promptly deliver essential services during calamities.

According to Philippines News Agency, Garin highlighted the importance of each agency's QRF, stating that Congress plans to examine the allocation and expenditure of these funds. Speaker Faustino 'Bojie' Dy III and Majority Leader Ferdinand Alexander 'Sandro' Marcos are collaborating with national government agencies to identify immediate needs and address funding gaps exacerbated by recent heavy rains and flooding across the country.

The Executive branch is set to present the proposed 2027 National Expenditure Program to Congress, initiating legislative scrutiny of the government's spending plan. Garin pointed out that current calamities have revealed the necessity for agencies and local governments to gain quicker access to resources, especially for health services, clean water, and the swift restoration of damaged infrastructure.

Garin mentioned that QRFs could be utilized for urgent health needs arising from disasters, such as providing medicines and vaccines for individuals affected by health risks in evacuation centers. She also stressed the importance of ensuring the availability of medicines for diseases linked to flooding and the supplies required to offer safe drinking water.

Congress is advised to assess how disaster-response procedures can be enhanced to expedite the delivery of basic services to affected communities. Garin expressed a personal interest in examining the processes necessary for an immediate response to essential services, including clean water provision, infrastructure restoration, and ensuring accessibility.

The budget discussions will allow Congress to evaluate if agencies possess adequate QRFs and if the current mechanisms enable the government to respond swiftly to disasters. Garin emphasized that any review should also focus on the accountability of fund usage, alongside the need for a more efficient disaster response.

Garin concluded that examining how funds are spent is crucial, placing accountability on Cabinet secretaries to ensure transparency and efficiency in disaster response.