The House of Representatives approved the extension of President Rodrigo Duterte’s special powers under Republic Act 11469 or the Bayanihan to Heal as One Law up to September 30.
Under the RA 11469, signed on March 24, 2020, the special powers granted to the President to respond to the coronavirus pandemic is only valid for three months, unless extended by a legislation from Congress.
An additional PHP162-billion standby fund is one of the provisions of the proposed bill extending the Bayanihan law.
This includes PHP12 billion for the procurement of polymerase chain reaction (PCR) testing and extraction kits; PHP18 billion for the implementation of the cash-for-work program; PHP5 billion for the implementation of the Assistance to Individuals in Crisis Situation Program; PHP21 billion for the unemployment or involuntary separation assistance for displaced workers; and PHP50 billion for the infusion of capital to government financial institutions.
