Congress has passed Senate Bill No. 1418 or the “Bayanihan to Heal as One Act” which will give President Rodrigo Duterte additional powers to address the Corona Virus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) crisis in the Philippines.
In the approved bill, President Duterte shall be allowed to “reprogram, reallocate, and realign any appropriation” in the 2020 budget to fight against COVID-19.
Provisional aid shall be granted to frontliners such as PhP100, 000 for public health workers in the event of contracting COVID-19, and PhP1 Million shall be given to medical practitioners in case of death caused by COVID-19 in the course of their duties.
The bill also states that marginalized families with incomes affected by the Enhanced Community Quarantine shall be given a monthly allowance of PhP5,000 to PhP8,000 in a span of 2 months.
President Duterte shall be authorized to re-allocate government savings to be used in response to the COVID-19 pandemic, to oversee the operations in any private hospitals, and to oblige property-owners, banks, and other financial institutions to implement a 30-day grace period.
The Chief Executive shall have the power to give directives to private medical facilities, hotels, and other establishments which can be used as quarantine facilities.
Senator Christopher Go has also made an appeal for financial aid to be granted to informal economy workers such as Public Utility Vehicle (PUV) drivers, daily wage earners, and employees under the “No work, no pay” regulation.
According to Senate President Tito Sotto, Senate Bill No. 1418 is scheduled for submission to President Duterte Tuesday for his signature and urgent implementation to reduce the spread of COVID-19.
Report from Eunice Samonte
