Duterte to certify as urgent bill extending Bayanihan law — Zubiri

MANILA, Philippines — Malacañang is set to certify as urgent a measure that seeks to extend the validity of the Bayanihan to Heal As One Act for three months, or until September 30, 2020.

Senate Majority Leader Migz Zubiri, who filed the bill, said on Friday that the President will certify the bill as urgent once it receives the Senate’s committee report on the matter.

Zubiri made the pronouncement after Senate Minority Leader Franklin Drilon pointed out that Congress only has three more session days before it adjourns sine die next week.

“I was told they (Malacañang) will issue a certification of the measure,” he said during a joint committee hearing on Friday.

“They’re just waiting for the committee report. They wait for the committee report before they issue the certification,” he added.

The Bayanihan law, which is set to expire in June, gives Duterte additional powers to address the coronavirus pandemic.

Zubiri said the extension will allow the President to “continue to exercise the realignment of items in the national budget and other powers granted to him.”

The measure seeks to amend the sunset provision of the law limiting its effectivity to only three months.

A similar bill has been filed at the House of Representatives.

EDV