Velasco open for special session to tackle ‘Bayanihan 3’

Speaker Lord Allan Velasco. INQUIRER file photo / NIÑO JESUS ORBETA

MANILA, Philippines — House Speaker Lord Allan Velasco said he is open to conducting a special session to tackle measures that seek to provide additional assistance to those affected by the lockdown due to coronavirus pandemic.

Velasco made the remark after Senate Minority Leader Franklin Drilon said President Rodrigo Duterte should call for a special session of Congress to tackle and authorize the use of funds for another round of assistance to those affected by the extension of the enhanced community quarantine (ECQ) in Metro Manila and four nearby provinces.

“Yes, if need be,” Velasco said in a text message when asked if he is okay with conducting a special session. The two Houses of Congress are currently on break, with regular sessions resuming in May.

One of the measures pending in the House of Representatives that seeks to provide assistance to those affected by the pandemic is the Bayanihan to Arise As One Act, also known as Bayanihan 3, which Velasco authored himself.

Bayanihan 3 seeks to provide P420 billion to help the country recover amid the economic crash triggered by the closure of many businesses and establishment caused by the pandemic.

Among the goals of the measure is to provide each household member P1,000 regardless of their economic status. On top of this, a P1,000 allowance shall likewise be given to each student and teacher while P8,000 shall be granted to every displaced worker.

“Right now, the Bayanihan 3 and related bills are already being studied by the committee on [economic] affairs and social services. By the time the measures are finished at the committee level, we would have resumed session in May,” Velasco said.

“However, if Malacanang certifies the bill as urgent, we will comply,” he added.

Duterte earlier approved a P1,000-worth of in-kind and cash aid per individual affected by the recent re-imposition of the ECQ in Metro Manila, Cavite, Laguna, Rizal, and Bulacan.

Several members of a family can receive the ECQ aid, but only a maximum of P4,000 worth of assistance will be given per family.

JPV