Congress resumes session on May 4

MANILA, Philippines — Congress will resume session on May 4 even if President Duterte decides to extend the Luzon-wide enhanced community quarantine beyond April 30, Speaker Alan Peter Cayetano announced yesterday.

Cayetano said he has discussed the resumption of session with Senate President Vicente Sotto III during a meeting with the President on Monday night.

The Speaker said he and Sotto agreed to convene sessions of the House of Representatives and Senate despite possible extension of the lockdown in Luzon.

“Under the Constitution, we have to convene on May 4. So definitely we will convene,” Cayetano said on Facebook live.

He said both legislative chambers may opt to hold online sessions to comply with quarantine protocols being implemented by the government to curb the transmission of coronavirus disease 2019.

“If the enhanced community quarantine will not be lifted, we can hold online session. We are playing it by ear and waiting for the President’s announcement on April 30,” Cayetano said.

On March 23, the House of Representatives held an online session and lawmakers voted to pass Republic Act 11469 or the Bayanihan to Heal as One Act, which granted Duterte special powers to combat the pandemic. 

Cayetano said lawmakers would act swiftly on additional measures to enable the executive branch to better address the national health crisis, including the proposed economic stimulus program.

“We will fast-track the Philippine Economic Recovery Act. Regardless of the new normal, we commit that Congress will be reliable, relevant and responsive,” he said.