- Presidential spokesperson Harry Roque announced that the executive branch will call for a special session to pass the Bayanihan 2
- Roque explained that it is the first time that the finance secretary said that the Bayanihan 2 is almost polished
- The special session is expected to happen anytime before the Philippine President gives his State of the Nation Address
During a virtual press briefing, presidential spokesperson Harry Roque announced on July 02, 2020 that the executive branch will call for a special session to pass the Bayanihan 2 or the Bayanihan to Recover as One Act.
Roque explained that it is the first time that Finance Secretary Carlos Dominguez III said that the Bayanihan 2 is almost polished, and the executive branch is ready to ask congress for a special session. He also added that the call for this special session is going to happen anytime before President Rodrigo Duterte give the state of the nation address (SONA) on July 27 of the current year.
“Magpapatawag po ng special session ngayon pong mukhang plantsado na ‘yung magiging laman ng Bayanihan 2 legislation” –Presidential Spokesperson Harry Roque
Bayanihan 2 must first be enacted before the second tranche of SAP is issued – DSWD
It can be recalled that the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) who is in charge for the SAP distribution said that Bayanihan 2 must first be enacted before they can distribute the second tranche of the cash assistance.
However, it can also be recalled that Malacañang, through the statement given by Roque that the benefits stated in the Bayanihan Act will still be given to its beneficiaries despite the expiration issues of the previous law.
Meanwhile, House Majority Leader Martin Romualdez said that they are just waiting for the official request from Malacañang to hold the special session, so they can finally pass the Bayanihan 2.
