Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, June 2) — The Senate sees no reason to extend the discussion on a new “Bayanihan” law beyond this week.
On Tuesday, Senate President Vicente “Tito” Sotto III said, “No need (for a special session). We will pass it by Thursday.”
He made it clear, that Senate Bill 1546 — which was filed by Senator Miguel Zubiri — would be a new law and not merely extend the Bayanihan to Heal as One Act which gave President Rodrigo Duterte additional powers to counter the COVID-19 pandemic.
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Should it be passed, the new law would give Duterte additional powers until September 30, 2020.
Last week, Zubiri said he was given assurance that Duterte would certify SB 1546 as urgent.
In the House of Representatives, Cagayan de Oro Rep. Rufus Rodriguez filed a similar bill on May 26.
“There are still new COVID-19 positive cases being reported every day and the country is not yet fully operating,” Rodriguez said in the explanatory note to House Bill 6811.
Both houses of Congress have only until June 5 to pass the proposed law as they are schduled to adjourn sine die on that date.
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