Duterte to call special session once consensus is reached after expiration of Bayanihan Act – Palace

June 25, 2020

President Rodrigo Duterte would call for a special session once both the Senate and the House of Representatives reached a consensus on the proposed Bayanihan to Recover As One Act.

Presidential Spokesperson Harry Roque made the statement after the Bayanihan to Heal As One Act expired on June 24.

"The President will call for a special session once there is a concensus reached as to how much is the stimulus package," he said in a virtual press briefing.

In the proposed Bayanihan 2, the Senate is pushing for a P140 billion standby fund for coronavirus response, while the House is seeking for P162 billion.

Prior to the expiration of the first Bayanihan Act, the Palace was pushing for its three-month extension.

However, Congress adjourned without passing the supposed extension of the law. Duterte did not certify it as an urgent bill. Instead, what he certified as urgent was the passage of the anti-terrorism bill, which is now in Malacañang awaiting for the President's action on whether to sign, veto or allow it to lapse into law after 30 days. Celerina Monte/DMS