Frankie Pangilinan is known as a funny and outspoken young woman on her social media platforms, especially when it comes to politics. During the hearing to grant Pres. Rodrigo Duterte “emergency powers,” she shared a conversation with her dad Sen. Francis Pangilinan about the Senate bill.
“Hope this eases your heart as it did mine tonight,” said Frankie in a tweet. Attached is a screenshot of a text conversation where Sen. Pangilinan explained that they’ve “removed a lot of the controversial provisions” such as the takeover of public utilities and limiting Duterte’s emergency powers to three months, as well as directing focus to financial aid to health workers and providing testing kits.
“What’s the worst that could happen though?” asked Frankie. Her dad answered, “That they don’t deliver.”
Last night (Mar. 23) until early Tuesday (Mar. 24), the House of Representatives and Senate approved the Bayanihan to Heal as One Act (Senate Bill no. 1418). This gives Duterte “necessary and proper” powers to adapt “temporary emergency measures” to deal with the COVID-19 outbreak in the country. Many citizens are against this move, noting that the government should focus on medical solutions and not give the president more power during a public health crisis.
Here’s hoping that the president does deliver on his promise and doesn’t abuse the additional powers given to him.
Photo courtesy of Frankie Pangilinan’s Instagram account
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