Senate OKs Bayanihan Law 2 version, session extension unlikely

Senate President Vicente Sotto III stated that Congress' session need not be extended if the House of Representatives adopts the Senate's version of the Bayanihan Law 2.

The proposed Bayanihan to Recover as One Act, Senate Bill No. 1564, has been passed on second reading in the Senate and is expected to be enacted before Congress adjourns this week.

The bill proposes a P140 billion standby fund to sustain the government's coronavirus response and grants President Duterte necessary powers until September 30 to efficiently respond to the pandemic's health and economic impacts.

President Rodrigo Duterte will not ask Congress to expedite the passage of the bill seeking to extend the validity of the special powers to address the COVID-19 outbreak for now.

Presidential spokesperson Harry Roque stated that the Palace has received assurances from lawmakers regarding the swift passage of the measure, making a special session unnecessary.

The Bayanihan to Heal as One Act, signed by Duterte on March 24, declared a state of national emergency effective for three months unless extended by the legislature.

A certificate of urgency on the bill would have allowed Congress to skip the three-day rule and pass the measure on third reading immediately after it is passed on second reading.