With 19-1-0 votes, Senate of the Philippines approved on third and final reading the measure granting President Rodrigo Duterte the special authority to address the coronavirus in the country.
Twenty senators casted their votes with 8 via phone call.
Senate Bill (SB) No. 1418 or the Bayanihan to Heal as One Act would authorize Duterte to contain COVID-19 and extend at least P200 billion to over 24 million poor families.
The SB 1418 will allow the President to ‘reprogram, reallocate and realign from savings on other items of appropriations in the 2020 budget.
If signed into law, low income households will receive P5,000-P8,000 worth of cash assistance.
