MANILA, Philippines — The Senate is preparing to file a bill for Bayanihan 3 in case the Middle East conflict worsens despite US President Donald Trump’s two-week ceasefire with Iran, according to Sen. Sherwin Gatchalian. A possible third Bayanihan law is under study to brace the country for impact of the volatile situation, Gatchalian said of the bill filed by Sen. Loren Legarda. There is no definite direction yet but we are preparing in case there is a need for Bayanihan 3. We are studying if it will be needed,” said Gatchalian, who is also Senate ways and means committee chair. The two previous Bayanihan laws were passed during the COVID-19 pandemic to strengthen the government’s health response and boost economic recovery.

Source: Philippine Star April 09, 2026 17:31 UTC