Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, August 2) — Several lawmakers are in favor of placing the Senate under an enhanced community quarantine to show support to the call of medical frontliners for a “timeout.”
Senator Ping Lacson on Sunday said they might formalize the decision in a session on Monday afternoon. He noted that “there appears to be a consensus” among most senators, including the minority bloc.
“Since we cannot adjourn for more than three session days without the consent of the HOR (House of Representatives) as provided under Art VI, Sec 16 (para 5) of the Constitution, we will have to resolve our way forward in this regard,” Lacson said.
Among those who have expressed support in the possible move are Senator Ralph Recto, Senator Migz Zubiri, and Senator Kiko Pangilinan.
On Saturday, frontline healthcare workers feeling the strain of attending to still-increasing COVID-19 patients urged the government to reimpose strict movement restrictions in Metro Manila and its nearby regions for two weeks.
President Rodrigo Duterte is expected to announce Sunday night his response to the call, following a meeting with key Cabinet officials.
The country’s COVID-19 tally has reached over 103,000, with a death toll over 2,000.
