CAGAYAN de Oro City Second District Representative Rufus Rodriguez has urged fellow lawmakers to convene in "virtual session" to tackle matters related to Covid-19 pandemic and approve measures to contain the spread of the virus and help affected sectors.
Rodriguez said a special session can be done through a call from the President, who can exercise such power whenever Congress is on recess or adjournment.
"I am suggesting that the House and the Senate meet in special session through video-teleconferencing and other technological means since President Duterte has prohibited mass gatherings and banned travel from the provinces to Metro Manila," Rodriguez said.
The Kagay-anon lawmaker emphasized that an assembly of 300 congressmen at the House plenary hall is considered a "mass gathering" which is not permitted under the President's order.
Rodriguez explained that lawmakers cannot wait until May 4, when they reconvene under their legislative calendar, to pass urgent measures like the proposed P1.7 billion fund augmentation that would allow the Department of Health to procure needed protective equipment for health workers and other supplies.
He said Congress also has to tackle proposed stimulus packages for workers affected by the community quarantine in Metro Manila and other local government units, and for all businesses suffering from dwindling number of patrons.
"If we wait for May 4 to consider these measures, it might be too late to help the affected sectors," Rodriguez said.
