The “We Heal as One Act of 2020” is necessary given the unprecedented effect of the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) on the country, Rizal 2nd District Rep. Fidel Nograles said on Monday as members of Congress met in a special session to tackle the proposal.
“We have to be blunt about this. Kulang tayo sa paghahanda. Inaasahan natin na ang panukalang batas na ito ay makakatulong para matugunan natin nang maayos ang krisis na ito,” the neophyte lawmaker said.
House Bill 6616 or “We Heal as One Act of 2020” seeks to declare a state of national emergency and grant certain special powers to President Rodrigo Duterte in order to contain the spread of the coronavirus.
Nograles allayed fears that the emergency powers could be prone to abuse.
“At this point what is of vital importance is giving the Executive branch the means to act decisively particularly in redirecting unutilized programs and savings from the national budget and pouring these into our COVID-19 response,” Nograles said.
The President would also be granted the power to direct the operation of privately-owned hospitals, medical and health facilities, hotels and other similar establishments to house health workers, serve as quarantine areas, medical relief and aid distribution centers; as well as public transportation to ferry frontline personnel.
Nograles allayed fears that the emergency powers granted to the President could be prone to abuse.
“I believe that both Houses of Congress are ensuring that the measure is Constitutionally sound, has no legal infirmities, and will not impinge on the rights of others. Naglagay din tayo ng mekanismo na magsisilbing garantiya laban dito sa porma ng Oversight Committee,” said the Harvard-trained lawyer.
The proposed measure provides for the creation of an Oversight Committee to whom the President would submit a monthly report within the first ten days of every month. The Oversight Committee would determine whether acts, orders, rules and regulations comply with the provisions of the law.
He added that widespread use of social media has also ensured that the people themselves can exact accountability on government.
The lawmaker pointed out that social media “has ensured that all forms of abuse do not escape the eyes of the people. Mas madali nang mag-report, mas madaling maipaalam sa taumbayan.”