By Vanne Elaine Terrazola Senate leaders said on Tuesday said they are open to extending the validity of President Duterte's special powers under the Bayanihan to Heal as One Act for three months. Sen. Vicente Sotto III
(Senate of the Philippines / MANILA BULLETIN) In the House of Representatives, Cagayan de Oro City 2nd District Representatives Rufus Rodriguez proposed to extend the effectivity of Republic Act No. 11469 until September due to the persisting COVID-19 pandemic. "Yes," Senate President Vicente Sotto III said when asked via text message if he is in favor of Rodriguez' suggestion. Senate President Pro Tempore Ralph Recto also said he is amenable to the proposed extension of the Bayanihan Act, but with amendments. Sotto had earlier said that senators are inclined to extend the Bayanihan law's effectivity to give Duterte more time to exercise the necessary authority to implement programs in fighting the COVID-19 outbreak and mitigate its social impacts. On the proposed three-month additional term, Sotto said he will consult his colleagues. The Bayanihan to Heal as One Act, signed by Duterte last March 24, is valid for three months, or until June 24. Among others, it authorized the President to discontinue programs in the executive department under the 2019 and 2020 national budgets and realign and utilize funds to support the programs responding to the national health emergency, including social amelioration for affected communities, and the recovery of areas, sectors, and industries severely affected by the pandemic. Congress, however, only has until June 3 to tackle measures before its sine die adjournment. "We can easily pass an extension if there are no controversial provisions included. If it's a mere extension, then we can simply adopt," Sotto told the Manila Bulletin in a separate text message.