Philippines’ Duterte seeks more powers in fight against Covid-19
THE Philippines is upping the ante in the fight against the fastspreading coronavirus, calling Congress to a special session on Monday to declare a national emergency and grant President Rodrigo Duterte broadpowers, like taking over private businesses, busin including utilities and hotels, realigning re public funds and tapping government gove savings.
Duterte has ha certified as urgent the proposed “Bayanihan “B Act of 2020”, a copy of which whic was widely circulated on social m media on Sunday afternoon, as th the Department of Health recorded 73 new cases of coronavirus infections, bringing b the total number to 380 with 252 deaths.
The takeover takeo of hotels is meant to house health healt workers and serve as quarantine centres or medical relief and aid distribution dist locations. Public transportation tran can be taken over ove to ferry health, emergency g and front-line personnel. s
Albay Representative Joey Salceda, chair of the House ways and means committee, said the measure would have a v a l i d i t y o f “t w o months, or throughout t the state of calamity, wh whichever comes later.” Salceda Sal expressed support for specific p provisions in the draft bill, including those exempting the purchase of necessary medical supplies and other essential goods from the procurement law, as well as support for front-liners.
“Subsistence allowances will also be given to poor families affected by the enhanced quarantine through these powers,” he said.
Over 7.5 million low-income families in Luzon must be supported by the government as many have been forced out of their jobs due the lockdown, according to the Ibon Foundation. Lacson said however that the bill was more political than fiscal as it would provide extra “powers and muscle” to Duterte in responding to the economic strain caused by pandemic.
For one, Lacson said the bill did not provide specific provisions on handing out financial aid to about 16.5 million Filipino families adversely affected by the state-imposed travel restrictions.
Lagman noted that provisions in the bill calling for the “cancellation” and “reallocation” of appropriated funds could constitute “transfer of funds” prohibited under the Constitution.