MANILA, Philippines — The Senate is looking to convene itself into a committee of the whole for a “full-blown” hearing where officials from the executive department can update senators on the government’s response to the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic, which has so far killed over 600 nationwide. It was Senate President Pro Tempore Ralph Recto who broached the idea during Tuesday’s “hybrid” session. Recto proposed that the hearing of the committee of the whole could tackle one coronavirus-affected sector per day. Senate Minority Leader Franklin Drilon and Senator Joel Villanueva, who also attended the session through video conference, backed Recto’s proposal. Officials from various government agencies could be invited to the hearing, he added.

Source: Philippine Daily Inquirer May 05, 2020 15:22 UTC