Congress likely to hold special session on March 21 – Sotto

MANILA, Philippines — Congress will hold a special session on March 21 to discuss a possible food subsidy during the month-long enhanced community quarantine across Luzon, Senate President Vicente Sotto III confirmed Friday.

“99% tuloy at 2 p.m. The 1% is because I have not received the official communication from the Palace. But everyone has been notified already,” Sotto told reporters in a message.

President Rodrigo Duterte, through a proclamation, has called for a special session anytime from March 21 to 23, his former aid and Senator Christopher “Bong” Go assured.

“I was informed that the Office of the President will transmit to the legislators the proposed budget being requested, the proposed powers and authority needed for it to be utilized efficiently by the agencies, and other proposals, particularly for granting additional food and cash assistance to affected Filipinos, especially those belonging to the vulnerable sectors,” Go said in a statement.

“According to the Office of the President, the Presidential Proclamation to be released will call for a Special Session anytime from March 21 to 23,” Go added.

Presidential spokesperson Salvador Panelo earlier said the special session is aimed at passing the P1.6 billion budget for the government’s COVID-19 response.

Several lawmakers, led by Senate President Vicente Sotto III, had urged the President to call for a special session to approve additional funding for those affected by the strict quarantine measure.

Luzon has been placed under an enhanced community quarantine to limit the public’s movement as the government addresses the COVID-19 situation.

The government has restricted movement and even businesses in the entire Luzon, with the exemption of workers from essential establishments like hospitals, groceries, banks and the like.

To date, health officials recorded 230 cases of COVID-19, of which 18 people have died.

KGA