Zubiri backs Duterte’s call for special session of Congress to extend Bayanihan law

By JOHN CARLO M. CAHINHINAN

Senate Majority Floor Leader Juan Miguel is open to the idea for Congress to hold a special session to extend the government’s various social amelioration programs under the “Bayanihan to Heat As One Act.”

“I welcome a possible special session for the passage of the Bayanihan to Heal as one extension, as the first law has recently expired,” he said in a statement.

President Rodrigo Duterte on Friday has called on Congress to hold a special session to extend the life shelf of the Republic Act No. 11469 or the Bayanihan Act which is set to expire on June 30.

Prior to its sine die adjournment, the Senate had passed the extension on second reading, with some amendments that the senators thought could help stimulate some needed sectors and the economy.

However, Zubiri stressed that the Finance Sec. Carlos “Sonny” Dominguez III did not recommend its certification at the time.

“Being legislators, we swore an oath to do our job with the best of our abilities, and so if there is a call for a special session to address the problems during these trying times, then so be it. We will be there to heed the call,” said Zubiri.

Zubiri has called on Malacañang’s economic cluster, particularly those agencies under Dominguez to coordinate what they really want, with Congress “to come up with a doable compromise so they won’t waste the President’s time and effort in calling for a special session.”

The House committee of the whole last June 4 approved its version of the proposed extension of the Bayanihan Act but failed to secure its plenary passage since it wasn’t certified as urgent by the Executive Department.

Source: Latest Politics News Today (Politics.com.ph)