Duterte thanks Senate, House for additional powers vs. COVID-19

President Rodrigo Duterte on Tuesday night thanked Congress after convened in a special session and pproved a measure granting him additional powers to address the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19).

“I particularly thank Senate President Vicente Sotto III and House Speaker Alan Peter Cayetano for strong and decisive and leadership you have demonstrated in shepherding this measure during this critical time in our national history,” Duterte said in his address to the nation.

Duterte, in particular, recognized the efforts of Senate President Vicente Sotto III and House Speaker Alan Peter Cayeteno for the “strong and decisive” leadership they demonstrated to pass the measure.

“To the members of both houses of Congress who sponsored and voted for this measure, I express my sincerest gratitude to all of you for granting our most urgent requests,” he said.

“Finally, the Executive Department can move, decide and act freely for the best interest of the Filipino people during this health crisis,” Duterte added.

Both the Senate and the House of Representatives have passed House Bill 6616 or the proposed “Bayanihan to Heal as One Act” late Monday.

The bill seeks to declare a national emergency amid the threat from COVID-19 and which authorizes the President to exercise powers in dealing with the health situation "for a limited time and subject to restrictions."

Once enacted into law, the measure will come into full effect but for only three months, unless extended by Congress.

The powers granted to Duterte under the measure may likewise be withdrawn sooner through a concurrent resolution of Congress or ended by presidential proclamation. -NB/MDM, GMA News