Poe’s panel holds third hearing on emergency powers

Sen. Grace Poe presides over the Senate hearing on proposed emergency powers. MAILA AGER/INQUIRER.net

The Senate committee on public services chaired by Senator Grace Poe has resumed its hearing on the proposed emergency powers being sought for President Rodrigo Duterte to address the worsening traffic problem in the country.

The third hearing of the committee on Thursday was attended by Transport Secretary Arthur Tugade, Metropolitan Manila Development Authority General Manager Thomas Orbos and other heads of concerned government agencies.

Mayors from various local government units in Metro Manila and other urban areas were also invited as resource persons.

READ: Mayors invited at Senate hearing on emergency powers vs traffic

The proposed emergency powers bill is being sought to address, among others, the traffic crisis by expediting procurement processes to roll out transportation projects and establishing a single and central traffic authority to manage traffic.

Poe said the expected duration of the emergency powers that may be granted to the President could be for a period of at least two years “depending on the plans and programs needed to be carried out to address the traffic mess, unless sooner withdrawn by Congress.”

A congressional oversight committee, she said, will also be established to be composed of five members each from the Senate and the House of Representatives.

Poe earlier expressed hope to pass the measure at the Senate before the year ends. CDG/rga

READ: Poe hopes Senate will pass Duterte crisis powers before October break