Senators back emergency powers for Rody

MANILA, Philippines – Senators expressed willingness yesterday to grant emergency powers to President Duterte to deal with the worsening traffic crisis in Metro Manila and other urban areas in the country.

“I believe that extraordinary situations call for extraordinary measures and solutions,” said Sen. Panfilo Lacson.

He said media reports have cited Metro Manila for having the worst traffic condition in the world.

As it is, the provisions of the Government Procurement Act generally favor contractors and suppliers to the disadvantage of government, Lacson said.

He said Duterte and Transportation Secretary Arthur Tugade are known for their integrity and are not likely to abuse the additional powers that may be granted to them by Congress.

Senate Majority Leader Vicente Sotto III said the earlier the extra powers are granted, the sooner motorists and commuters will be relieved of the traffic congestion.

Sen. Franklin Drilon earlier suggested that Duterte certify as urgent the proposal to grant him emergency powers to deal with the traffic crisis.

He said the certification is meant “to project the urgency” of enacting Senate Bill 11 or the proposed “Transportation Crisis Act of 2016,” which he had filed.

He said it would take about a month to organize the 17th Congress, which means hearings on the bill will start in the middle of August or early September, when the concerned committee will have to get the inputs of several resource persons.