Extension of Bayanihan Act may be passed next week –Sen. Angara

Senator Sonny Angara on Sunday said the extension of the Bayanihan to Heal As One Act (RA 11469), which gives President Rodrigo Duterte more powers, might be passed next week.

“Possibly if it is certified,” Angara said.

The senator added that the Senate was not allowed to conduct a special session during the sine die adjournment.

Last Thursday, Senate Majority Leader Juan Miguel Zubiri filed a bill in the upper chamber extending the effectivity of the Bayanihan Act for three more months to help sectors affected by the COVID-19 pandemic.

Senate Bill No. 1546, filed on May 26, acknowledges the existence of a continuing national emergency arising from the health situation.

The bill seeks to continue giving Duterte special authorities to effectively respond to the COVID-19 pandemic until September 30, 2020.

Nonetheless, the powers granted under the Bayanihan law may also be withdrawn sooner by means of a concurrent resolution of Congress or ended by a presidential proclamation.

Malacañang, meanwhile, welcomed the filing of the bill.

“We welcome a 90-day extension of the special powers granted by the Bayanihan Act,” Presidential Spokesperson Harry Roque said in a televised briefing.

The Bayanihan law was approved in a marathon session that lasted until the early morning of March 24. It was signed by Duterte into law on March 25 and was given an initial effectivity until June. — DVM, GMA News