Duterte’s 9th report on use of special powers sent to Congress

President Rodrigo Roa Duterte updates the nation on the government’s efforts in addressing the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) at the Malago Clubhouse in Malacañang on April 27, 2020. KARL NORMAN ALONZO/PRESIDENTIAL PHOTO

MANILA, Philippines — President Rodrigo Duterte submitted to Congress on Monday his ninth weekly report on his use of additional powers granted to him to address the health crisis brought about by the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic.

The weekly report is part of the checks and balances measure under the “Bayanihan to Heal as One Act,” which gave Duterte additional powers including the authority to realign items under the 2020 national budget.

A joint congressional oversight committee will determine whether Duterte’s acts, orders, rules, and regulations are within the restrictions provided.

The coronavirus cases in the Philippines continue to swell on a daily basis although the government claimed that the COVID-19 pandemic curve in the country has begun to flatten.

To date, there are 14,319 confirmed COVID-19 cases nationwide, with 3,323 recoveries and 873 deaths.

In his eighth report last week, the President said nearly 17 million poor families had already received the first tranche of the cash assistance from the government worth P5,000 to P8,000.

Malacañang also formally ordered the inclusion of five million more beneficiaries in the second round of the Social Amelioration Program, bringing the total number of beneficiaries to 23 million families.

Below is a copy of President Duterte’s ninth report made public by Malacañang on Monday evening:

JPV