Bill seeks regulation on International donations

By: Jude Sulit

Lawmakers filed a bill that would allow Commission on Audit (CoA) to review and examine all international aids provided to the Philippines during disasters.  

House Bill 6438, authored by Representatives Rufus Rodriguez (2^nd District, Cagayan de Oro City) and Maximo Rodriguez Jr. (Party-list Representative, Abante Mindanao), seeks to set procedures, roles and responsibilities related to the facilitation and regulation of international relief assistance received by the country.

To be known as “International Disaster Relief and Initial Recovery Assistance Act,” the measure further aims to address legal and regulatory issues that commonly arise concerning international donations in the event of a disaster.

Rodriguez said the country must be prepared before, during and after natural hazards.

“If such an event occurs, global experience shows that an affected state will benefit from a clear legal framework for the entry and coordination of international humanitarian assistance, which balances safeguards for public security and safety against the urgent needs of those affected by disasters,” Rodriguez said in a press release.

Through HB 6438, the speedy transition of humanitarian aid destined for other states affected by disasters is easier to be facilitated as the legal frameworks are already in place.

The proponents of the bill said the immediate admission of humanitarian personnel, good and equipment is often delayed due to the requirements in customs and immigration laws which are not adapted to a situation of urgency.

“Some of the problems are the imposition of duties, tolls and taxes on relief items and activities, granting legal recognition of foreign qualifications for specialized professional personnel and difficulties in granting legal recognition for foreign humanitarian organization, which means that they may not be able to open bank accounts, hire local staff, lease premises, or other legal actions necessary for efficient in-country assistance,” Rodriguez added.

According to the Cagayan de Oro Representative, “the quality and coordination of international relief which may include the importation of unnecessary or inappropriate relief items, failure to coordinate with domestic authorities and other relief providers, use of inadequately trained personnel and failure to consult with beneficiaries and culturally unacceptable behavior” are other issues needed to be addressed.

As defined in the bill, the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC) which is responsible for attending to the needs of affected persons during and after the disaster shall serve as the link between the Philippine government and assisting international actors.

International donations given to the Philippines during disaster and initial recovery assistance shall be subjected to audit by the CoA sooner than six months after the termination of the international disaster relief period or the international recovery period. The result of these audits shall be made available to the public.