MANILA – Authorities cannot anymore implement arrests for violation of the Bayanihan To Heal As One Act as it has already expired last Friday, Senate Minority Leader Franklin Drilon said.
The Ilonggo senator cited Article VI, Section 23 of the 1987 Constitution, which states that unless sooner withdrawn through a resolution by Congress, the powers given by Congress to the President during a national emergency “shall cease upon the next adjournment thereof.”
“Sa ngayon, expired na ang batas. Iyan ay nakalagay sa Saligang Batas at maliwanag na ‘yung Bayanihan ay emergency powers,” Drilon said in an interview with DZBB on Sunday.
“Hindi na pwedeng manghuli dahil sa fake news, hindi na pwedeng manghuli dahil sa lumabag sa curfew. Hindi na pwedeng manghuli ang police dahilan sa prohibition against mass gathering. Iyan ay hindi na pwedeng gamitin dahil nag-expire na ang batas,” he added.
On Saturday, the Malacañang insisted that the Bayanihan to Heal As One Act remains effective as it will expire on June 25, or three months after its effectivity in accordance to the law itself.
“We maintain that the effectivity of the Bayanihan Act is governed by [the] sunset clause of the law. It is effective until June 25, 2020,” Presidential spokesperson Harry Roque said.
Under the Bayanihan to Heal As One Act, around 18 million low-income households belonging to the informal sector will be targeted to receive monthly emergency subsidies amounting to P5,000 to P8,000 for two months.
Drilon, however, clarified that even with the expiration of the special powers given to President Rodrigo Duterte as the country faces the coronavirus disease 2019 crisis, the President the power to realign funds for measures to respond to a national emergency.
Drilon also said that, if the Department of Social Welfare and Development is already short of funds for the emergency cash subsidies, realignments in the national budget may be made from other departments./PN
