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Manila Bulletin devider Philippines devider Senators ready to hold special session to approve supplemental funds for COVID-19 response

Senators ready to hold special session to approve supplemental funds for COVID-19 response

Published Mar 20, 2020 12:00 am
By Vanne Elaine Terrazola  Senators have expressed their willingness to heed President Duterte's call for a special session to approve any additional funds to help in the government's efforts against the coronavirus disease (COVID-19). Senate of the Philippines (MANILA BULLETIN FILE PHOTO) Senate of the Philippines (MANILA BULLETIN FILE PHOTO) Senator Grace Poe supported her colleagues in the Senate in asking President Duterte to call for a special session of Congress during their recess to come up with measures to mitigate the effect of the pandemic. "We support the call for a special session through remote means like teleconferencing or physical presence with the proper safety protocols," Poe said in a statement on Thursday. "While we believe the national government has enough budget to address the immediate needs of the people, the dire impact of this health crisis could go beyond the one-month quarantine period." Poe said the supplemental budget could also be appropriated to expand the capacity of the Department of Health in procuring testing kits and the future cure to COVID-19, as well as in hiring more health workers and personnel to attend to those infected. She also pointed out that additional budget is needed to increase support for workers and families displaced by the enhanced community quarantine imposed on Luzon and other areas of the country. "Through cash assistance, alternative livelihood, and food and supply packs," she noted. Sen. Aquilino "Koko" Pimentel III on Thursday night also said he is "ready" to attend a special session. But he said the Department of Social Welfare and Development "should start moving now." "Calling the attention of the DSWD! Start helping the people as if a strong typhoon just passed by the entire Luzon. That should be the DSWD’s mental image. Kilos na (Act now). Prioritize food," he told reporters in a text message. Sen. Panfilo Lacson earlier expressed his backing for the recommendations to hold a special session. Senate President Vicente Sotto III said "most" of his fellow senators support his call. Minority senators Franklin Drilon, Risa Hontiveros, Leila de Lima, and Francis Pangilinan also issued the same appeal to President Duterte. Duterte, according to Sen. Christopher Go Thursday, will ask Congress to hold a special session to discuss the supplemental budget for the COVID-19 response.
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