Duterte may also comment on the Office of the Ombudsman’s investigation into alleged anomalies committed by Department of Health officials, including Health Secretary Francisco Duque III, in their handling of the COVID-19 crisis.
The 13th report will most likely be released on the same day, giving the most recent updates on how the Duterte administration has responded to the challenges of the crisis.
The Bayanihan to Heal as One Act gives the president the power to reallocate funds from the 2020 national budget as he deems necessary in the country’s fight against the pandemic, although some lawmakers hold the view that the law itself has already expired.
In his last report, President Duterte said P99,827,981,800 has been distributed to qualified families under the government’s cash aid program.
He is expected to provide an update on the second tranche of the social amelioration program which rolled out last week.
Labor groups and businessmen meanwhile await the President’s word regarding relief for workers and business owners affected by the economic crunch due to the pandemic.
In his last public address last Monday, Duterte extended the general community quarantine status in Metro Manila until the end of the month upon the recommendation of the COVID-19 national task force, while reverting Cebu City’s status to enhanced community quarantine.
The President may also touch on the government’s program to help people return home, after reports that a large number of workers were unable to travel back to their respective provinces due to quarantine restrictions.
READ: SWS says 4.1 million working-age Filipinos stranded due to community quarantines
Another development that could be taken up is the easing of public transportation restrictions, with the government allowing several modes of transport on Monday in a bid to provide workers with more options in getting to and from work.
Apart from the 13th report to Congress, President Dutere is also expected to address the nation on Monday to discuss other topics regarding the COVID-19 crisis and how key government agencies are responding to the challenge.
Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, June 21) — President Rodrigo Duterte is expected to submit his latest report on the government’s efforts in fighting COVID-19 on Monday, June 22.
