MANILA, Philippines — Congress has granted President Rodrigo Duterte special powers as the country faces a health emergency due to the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). ADVERTISEMENTThe House of Representatives adopted early Tuesday morning the approved Senate version of the bill or Bayanihan to Heal as One Act, granting Duterte special powers as the country faces a health emergency. It would also give public and private health workers infected by the virus a compensation of P100,000. Among the powers given to the President is the authority to realign available government funds to the address COVID-19 criis. Duterte may also require businesses to prioritize and accept contracts to deliver necessary materials amid the health emergency and to expedite the procurement of medical equipment.

Source: Philippine Daily Inquirer March 24, 2020 00:11 UTC