Two powers granted under Bayanihan law reserved to President Duterte’s office, others delegated

(Eagle News) — President Rodrigo Duterte has reserved only two additional powers granted to him by Congress to address the coronavirus disease 2019 health emergency.

According to Presidential Spokesperson Salvador Panelo, reserved by the President from the Bayanihan We Heal As One law were the power to direct the operation of private establishments, and the  power to require businesses to prioritize contracts for materials and services needed for the health crisis.

He said these powers will only be exercised by the President “when absolutely necessary.”

The rest of the powers specified under the law were delegated.

“(President Duterte) stated that he issued marching orders to various departments giving them sufficient authority for the swift and effective implementation of the Bayanihan To Heal As One Act, and that all actions taken therefrom will be submitted in a report to Congress,”  Panelo said.

“Caring and protecting one another will be our nation’s finest hour,” Panelo added.

The Bayanihan We Heal As One law was passed by the Senate in a special session on Monday, March 23.

It was adopted by the House of Representatives subsequently.

The Philippines has so far recorded over 1500 COVID-19 cases.