Minority bloc skips special session due to quarantine

Senate Minority Leader Franklin Drilon clarified that the minority bloc's absence from the special session was not a boycott but due to self-quarantine measures after exposure to Senator Juan Miguel Zubiri, who tested positive for COVID-19.

Drilon cited his age and the presence of a pacemaker as reasons for taking extra precautions, adhering to medical advice.

The minority bloc requested to participate in the special session via teleconferencing, but Senate President Vicente Sotto III informed them that the Senate reportedly lacks the necessary facilities for such a setup.

Senator Francis Pangilinan confirmed he is on his 13th day of self-quarantine and is experiencing a dry cough, though he has no fever.

Senator Risa Hontiveros is also in self-quarantine until March 25 and stated that Malacañang does not need additional powers to effectively respond to COVID-19.

Senators Nancy Binay is on an extended quarantine due to being exposed twice to COVID-19 positive individuals and has a pre-existing condition.

Senator Imee Marcos also opted not to attend the Special Session due to having a cough, following her doctor's advice.