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Manila Bulletin devider Philippines devider National devider Atienza moves for congressional 'time out' after passing COVID-19 measures

Atienza moves for congressional 'time out' after passing COVID-19 measures

Published Aug 6, 2020 07:10 pm

BUHAY Party-list Rep. Lito Atienza on Thursday called for a long “timeout” in the conduct of legislative proceedings in the House of Representatives, saying that the move will protect people from the COVID-19 pandemic and at the same time, pave the way for more exhaustive deliberation on important legislative measures, such as the planned restoration of the death penalty.

BUHAY Party-list Rep. Lito Atienza

In a letter to Speaker Alan Peter Cayetano, Atienza said the Lower House may act immediately on all legislative priorities aimed at addressing the COVID-19 crisis but suspend sessions as soon as the measures have been acted upon by the chamber.

Atienza pointed out that since the Lower House has resorted to virtual sessions in discussing legislative measures, this has prevented lawmakers from conducting exhaustive floor deliberations on vital measures.

He said contentious and objectionable measures such as the proposed restoration of the death penalty and Charter change amendments should be subjected to exhaustive floor debates.

Atienza aired the appeal also as a precautionary measure to protect House employees and officials from COVID-19 infection.

COVID-19 cases in the Lower House have reached 36. 

Three congressmen, namely Deputy Speaker and Surigao del Sur Rep. Johnny Pimentel, Reps. Henry Villarica (PDP-Laban, Bulacan) and Shamier Tan (PDP-Laban, Sulu), were among those who tested positive for COVID-19. Meanwhile, three employees have already succumbed to the dreaded disease.

On Thursday, officials announced the closure of the media center “to prevent potential spread of the virus and ensure the safety of the members of the media." The media center is located in an area adjacent to the plenary hall.

 “After passing these urgent anti-COVID-19 measures, we urge the leadership of Congress to consider calling a break from our emergency sessions being held through the internet via Zoom, while COVID-19 still rages in the country,” said Atienza.

“Even some of our fellow lawmakers have sadly also been infected by this virus. Discussing these controversial issues via Zoom greatly deprives us of the opportunity to fully participate in the debates,” Atienza added.

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