Three-month extension of Bayanihan to Heal as One law 'ideal' –Palace

Malacañang is open to a three-month extension of the law giving President Rodrigo Duterte additional powers to curb the spread of the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19).

Duterte’s spokesperson Harry Roque told ANC on Wednesday that a three-month extension will be “ideal.”

“I think it, definitely, is necessary to give us at least 90 days and we’ll see from there if at the end of 90 days, there’s a need for emergency powers still, then it can be extended until December,” he said.

Senate President Vicente Sotto III and Senator Panfilo Lacson have voiced support for the extension to allow Duterte to continue exercising the special powers under the Bayanihan to Heal as One Act (Republic Act 11469).

Cagayan de Oro City Representative Rufus Rodriguez said the pandemic would not be over by June 24 when the three-month validity of the law expires.

“[T]he important thing is if Congress gives us three months, 90 days, they will still be in session when the emergency powers ceases because they are still in session in September and they can give the emergency powers anew if they wish to, and if Malacañang would request,” Roque said.

Passed by Congress following a marathon special session on March 23, the Bayanihan to Heal as One Act declared a state of national emergency effective for three months unless extended by the legislature.

The powers granted to Duterte under the measure may also be withdrawn sooner through a concurrent resolution of Congress or ended by a presidential proclamation.

Duterte signed the measure on March 24, paving the way for the President to realign funds for COVID-19 response, provide emergency subsidy to 18 million low income families in the country and facilitate prompt testing of suspected cases.

The law also spelled out penalties for various offenses including hoarding and profiteering, local government officials disobeying national government policies or directives in imposing quarantines and spreading false information regarding the COVID-19 crisis.

Duterte was also mandated to give weekly updates to Congress on the implementation of the law. --KBK, GMA News