(Eagle News)–President Rodrigo Duterte is calling on Congress to declare a national emergency as the country continues in its bid to contain the spread of the coronavirus disease 2019.
In a letter sent to both Senate President Tito Sotto and Speaker Alan Cayetano, Duterte, through Executive Secretary Salvador Medialdea, also wants Congress to grant him “powers necessary and proper to carry out the declared national policy and for other purposes” but for a “limited period and subject to restrictions.”
Congress is expected to hold a special session tomorrow, March 23, for the passage of a supplemental budget against COVID-19.
The President had called on Congress to do this to ensure adequate response against COVID-19 and those affected.
Sotto had said the budget could be around P200 billion for 16.5 million families affected by the enhanced community quarantine in several areas.
He said a bill to be passed during the special session would allow the President to realign the funds to help address the COVID-19 situation.
