The Senate passed “Bayanihan to Heal as One Act of 2020” that seeks to give additional powers to President Rodrigo Duterte and declare national emergency due to rising number of COVID-19 cases in the country.
After Malacanang requested the Senate and Congress to grant the president “emergency powers” as stated in Section 3 of its draft bill, the two chambers have convened to make alterations on the proposed act to sway public criticisms.
Senate President Vicente Sotto prior to the Senate’s special session said that the take-over of private business establishments to respond to the crisis is “questionable”.
The Senate then amended the said section to “directing private sectors” such as privately-owned hospitals, medical facilities, passenger vessels, and other private establishments, instead of take-over which is supported by Art. XII, section 17 of the Constitution.
The act also seeks to give Duterte power to allocate funds for cash assistance for the poor affected by the lockdown in Luzon, and prioritize funding to Department of Health for its hospitals, emergency preparedness and response and quick response funds.
According to Sen. Pia Cayetano, 18 million families will receive 5K to 8K cash assistance amounting to roughly 200 billion in two months.
This will also allow Duterte to procure PPEs, cleaning agents and medicines that will be distributed to referral hospitals, private hospitals, and testing laboratories to combat the spread of the disease.
Meanwhile, under the proposal, public and private transportation, traffic and use of power, fuel, energy, and water will be regulated by the President.
The said ‘additional powers’ granted to the President will be effective for three months or until the State of Calamity is lifted.
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