Congress needs no special session on COVID-19, says Lagman

MANILA, Philippines — Albay Rep. Edcel Lagman, on Saturday, said that there would be no need for a special session that would discuss funding efforts to prevent the spread of COVID-19.

Lagman said dealing with the virus is a scientific issue and no amount legislation would stop its spread.

“The Congress of the Philippines cannot defeat or subdue the deadly COVID-19 pandemic by legislation even if it holds a special session upon the call of the President purportedly to stop the virus’ escalation as part of the agenda,” said Lagman in a statement.

“Controlling the spread of the novel coronavirus and treating the infected patients are within the realm of medical science; in the domain of public health authorities and medical professionals; and under the jurisdiction of the Executive.”

Lagman argues that the 2020 General Appropriations Act (GAA) has adequate funds to address the health crisis.

Congress, Lagman said, can start the process of enacting a supplemental budget to fund an economic stimulus to affected citizens, workers, and businesses when it resumes its sessions on May 4 after the Lenten break.

Replenishments of disbursed funds from the GAA can also be tackled once Congress resumes.

Lagman argues that funds available in the GAA include the P13 billion President’s Contingency Fund that still has a balance of “not less than P12 billion.”

Containing COVID-19 and attending to patients are within the purview of the Contingent Fund that “shall cover the funding requirements of new or urgent projects and activities,” said Lagman.

There’s also the P16 billion National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Fund (NDRRMF), formerly known as the Calamity Fund, that can be used for “aid, relief and rehabilitation services to communities/areas affected by human-induced and natural calamities.”

According to Lagman, the COVID-19 pandemic falls into the category.

“While some rehabilitation projects have been earmarked for funding support from the NDRRMF, the corresponding funds have not been released and can be put on hold to prioritize response to the pandemic.

“Only the President’s approval is required for the utilization of both the Contingent Fund and NDRRMF.

Lagman added that the Department of Health, Department of Labor and Employment, Department of Social Welfare and Development, Department of Trade and Industry, and Department of Agriculture have their own funds under the GAA that can be used in this crisis.

The quick response funds from those agencies, Lagman said, amounts to roughly a total of P13.7 billion.

The Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corp. and Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office have also committed a combined P3 billion for the anti-COVID-19 campaign.

“The scrapping of the projected special session, which is not of critical immediacy, will foreclose lengthy debates on suspending or amending the Rules of the House even without a quorum to “legitimize” a virtual plenary session and long-distance voting,” said Lagman.

/atm