Sotto clarifies COVID-19 bill does not grant emergency powers to Duterte

Senate President Vicente Sotto III clarified that the proposed bill to combat COVID-19 does not grant President Duterte emergency powers, despite claims that a letter from Malacañang sought such.

Sotto emphasized that the President is not asking for emergency powers and nothing in the draft bill mentions it.

Congress is scheduled for a special session to pass a bill allowing President Duterte to realign funds to mitigate the economic impact of COVID-19 and assist affected families and workers.

While a provision regarding the takeover of hotels and other privately-owned public utilities was discussed, Sotto stated the Senate will not approve this part.

Sotto mentioned he was instrumental in calling for the special session to give the President the authority to distribute cash to needy people affected by the enhanced community quarantine (ECQ).