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Duterte issues order detailing powers of Cabinet members under COVID-19 response act


President Rodrigo Duterte has issued an order laying down the responsibilities of each department under the Bayanihan to Heal as One Act, the law that gave him additional powers to fight COVID-19 and its effects on the country.

"I issued an order through Executive Secretary Medialdea clearly laying down the responsibilities of each dept in implementing the Bayanihan to Heal a One Act," Duterte said in a nationally televised address.

"I have given them their marching orders emphasizing the need for sufficient authority to that they do not have to go back to me and ask for clearance for each and every action they have to take," he added.

Last week, Congress passed a measure seeking to grant additional powers to the President to deal with the COVID-19 threat.

The act placed the Philippines under a state of national emergency effective for three months.

The measure also includes provisions for economic and financial assistance for poor families, the health sector, and public order.

Dutrerte also announced last week that the Departments of National Defense and the Interior and Local Government will lead the implementation of the National Action Plan, which will reinforce efforts to contain the spread of COVID-19.

The disease has so far claimed 78 lives and infected over 1,500 people nationwide. -NB, GMA News

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