The Senate has resumed its session on Monday amid the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic where 15 senators were present while some attended online.
Under Senate Resolution No. 372, Senate rules have been amended to allow the use of teleconference for legislators.
Senate President Vicente Sotto III disclosed their main priorities now include provisions for the new normal and the possible improvements on the Bayanihan to Heal as One Act.
Senate Majority Leader Juan Miguel Zubiri shared they are now studying the second part of the Bayanihan Act which will include fiscal financial incentives for some industries such as small and medium enterprises, and those in the travel and transportation industry.
Zubiri added they will discuss if there would be any addition on the SAP but will first look into the efficiency of the distribution to ensure that 100 percent have been delivered before releasing funds anew.
The possibility of extending subsidy from poorest of the poor to lower income families and the likelihood of drivers to resume operations with strict social distancing observance are also currently being looked into.
Zubiri said there has also been a proposal to change the school calendar of the Department of Education (DepEd). The DepEd can be given a leeway if the situation worsens.
Meanwhile, 14 Senate personnel tested positive in the rapid testing conducted on Monday. – Report from Eunice Samonte
