Duterte to discuss Bayanihan 2, Bayanihan 3 with lawmakers

MANILA, Philippines — President Rodrigo Duterte will meet with “leading members” of the House of Representatives and the Senate on Thursday to discuss Bayanihan 2 and the proposed Bayanihan 3 law.

Presidential spokesperson Harry Roque confirmed the meeting which will happen after Duterte’s ceremonial signing of several bills at Malacañang.

“I can only confirm that there will be a meeting today to discuss both Bayanihan 2 and Bayanihan 3, with leading members of both houses of Congress,” Roque said in a Palace briefing.

“This will occur after the ceremonial signing of several bills again and I know they will be discussing Bayanihan 2 and 3, beyond that I have no further information,” he added.

Several officials and civil society groups are calling to extend the validity of the Bayanihan 2 law, which is set to expire on June 30.

Bayanihan 2 was already extended six months prior to its original expiry on Dec. 31, 2020.

The House of Representatives on Tuesday approved on final reading the proposed third Bayanihan measure that aims to cushion the impact of the coronavirus pandemic on the lives of Filipinos.

/MUF