On the possibility of passing a supplemental budget for COVID-19:

If a supplemental budget is needed I'm sure both houses of Congress will hear and pass that to authorize the President and the Executive branch to spend more or to realign from existing budgetary items. This is to meet the challenges posed by the virus which were unknown when we passed the 2020 budget and we acknowledge that the President may need some flexibility to react to future contingencies.

On the extension of the ECQ for another 15 days:

Tama naman government and PRRD are just exercising the required caution and diligence of a good father of a family, to borrow a legal phrase. The decision was based on consultations with several experts and department heads based on the data on cases as well as the experience of other countries I’m sure. Countries which relaxed their quarantines too early saw early gains being erased by virus outbreaks. Between now and the 30th, the government, hopefully aided by media, should advise LGUs, especially barangay officials on the dos and don’ts of this new animal called the GCQ or general community quarantine. Otherwise baka hapi hapi ulit and magkahawaan. Important to remember that we are only as strong as our weakest links.

Given the low distribution rate of 20% for cash assistance, perhaps government can also focus on how to speed this up going forward.