Funding for anti-poverty bill opposed

In Manila Philippines, the department of finance has opposed proposals to tap into different government funds for the execution of a draft bill called the “Magna Carta of the Poor.” The bill aims towards antipoverty efforts through the implementation of a variety of programs and projects to relieve the plight of the poor.

Under the bill, the government would distribute 20 percent of its share to Pagcor, 20 percent of its share to the Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office, 50 percent of proceeds from the sale of sequestered assets, and 50 percent of proceeds from the sale of goods auctioned by the Bureau of Customs to the "Magna Carta of the Poor." The bill also seeks to grant tax incentives to private sector entities, such as the establishment of socialized housing projects.

The bill pushes the governments prioritization of investing in antipoverty programs to empower the poor and participate responsibly in the country’s growth and development.

The government opposed the bill because they cannot afford to delve into their savings for these programs. They also said that the 50 percent of the proceeds from sale of sequestered assets would conflict with an existing law that says 100 percent of the same funds should go to the agrarian reform fund, as stated under the Agrarian Reform law. I this situation is very unfortunate, especially since places like the Philippines are in dire need programs and projects such as this.