Senate assures passage of Bayanihan Act extension

Senate President Vicente Sotto III assured the passage of the Bayanihan to Heal as One Act's extension, with Senate Majority Leader Juan Miguel Zubiri filing Senate Bill No. 1546 to extend Republic Act No. 11469 until September 30, 2020.

The extension seeks to continue granting President Duterte special authorities to effectively respond to the COVID-19 pandemic, including realigning national budget items, supporting vulnerable groups, expanding medical resources, and financing initiatives.

The Bayanihan Act, initially valid until June 24, 2020, granted the President authority to discontinue executive department programs and realign funds for the COVID-19 response.

Key provisions of the law included a two-month emergency subsidy for around 18 million low-income households, with an additional five million identified for the second tranche of the P5,000 to P8,000 cash aid.

Zubiri cited the continuing national emergency due to the health situation as a reason for the extension, a sentiment echoed by presidential spokesperson Harry Roque who welcomed the proposed 90-day extension.

Similar measures seeking to extend the law until September have been proposed in the House of Representatives.