The unfolding output of the one-day special session in the House of Representatives is the grant of more emergency powers to President Rodrigo Duterte to combat COVID-19 as he requested in the Malacañang-crafted H.B. No. 6616, even as the validity of the virtual session and electronic voting of the House of Representatives is in legal limbo as no prior amendment was properly effected under the existing Rules of the House.
- Press Statements
The draft bill, which is presumably crafted by Malacañang, for consideration by the special session, clearly indicates the following:
- Press Statements
Reading the statements of Senate President Vicente “Tito” Sotto III and Sen. Christopher “Bong” Go, the special session on Monday, 23 March 2020, will not after all approve a supplemental budget but will only empower President Rodrigo Duterte in a bill to realign funds in the Executive Department and offices which are already provided for in the 2020 General Appropriations Act (GAA).
The following overriding and critical questions about the COVID-19 pandemic afflicting the country need immediate candid answers from the Duterte administration:
- Press Statements
The Congress of the Philippines cannot defeat or subdue the deadly COVID-19 pandemic by legislation even if it holds a special session upon the call of the President purportedly to stop the virus’ escalation as part of the agenda.
Controlling the spread of the novel coronavirus and treating the infected patients are within the realm of medical science; in the domain of public health authorities and medical professionals; and under the jurisdiction of the Executive.
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