By Ellson Quismorio  House Committee on Ways and Means chairman, Albay second district Rep. Joey Salceda said he would author a bill granting President Duterte emergency powers to contain the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic, and expand the government’s capacity to respond faster and more effectively to the public health emergency. Albay Representative Joey Salceda (ALI VICOY / FILE PHOTO / MANILA BULLETIN) “It’s absolutely necessary at this point. That’s why I asked Congressional leaders to call for a virtual session of Congress last week. The country needs it,” Salceda said in a statement Sunday afternoon. The 302-member House of Representatives will hold a special session at 10 a.m. Monday amid the ongoing lawmakers' recess and the Palace-ordered enhanced community quarantine (ECQ) in Luzon. The solons will be using digital technology to convene in the "virtual session." “I will especially support provisions to exempt the purchase of necessary medical supplies and other essential goods from the procurement law, as well as support for our frontliners. Subsistence allowances will also be given to poor families affected by the enhanced quarantine through these powers. I already proposed that a few days ago, so I am thankful that the government is adopting the approach.” Salceda said. In an interview with state television network PTV-4, Salceda expressed confidence that the House will achieve quorum to enact the emergency powers measure. “I think we can muster some 250 members, at least, in some form, either physically present or virtually," the Bicolano said. “We are in the right direction, but I am glad that we are in session, because we can beef up some areas where the Executive needs congressional support.” Salceda added. He said a key provision in the draft emergency powers bill will be the authority to be granted to the President to reprogram, reallocate, and realign any appropriation in the General Appropriations Act (GAA) of 2020 for whatever purpose the President may deem necessary and desirable to fund measures to address and respond to the COVID-19 emergency, including the recovery and rehabilitation therefrom. It will also give the Chief Executive power to allocate cash, funds, and investments held by any government-owned or controlled corporation (GOCC) or any national government agency for whatever purpose deemed necessary and desirable to address the COVID-19 crisis. It shall also authorize the President to temporarily take over or direct the operation of any privately-owned public utility or business affected with public interest to be used in addressing the needs of the public during the CoVID-19 emergency. Under the measure, the President will gain regulatory powers over energy supply, operation of public and private transportation, as well as traffic on all roads and thoroughfares. Salceda said the proposed Act will be effective for two months, or throughout the state of calamity, whichever comes later.