Enough safeguards for Duterte’s emergency powers

by Rita Salonga | (Photo by Milky Rigonan of RH News)

  

Manila, Philippines - Senators want to make sure that there are enough safeguards, just in case President-elect Rodrigo Duterte will be given emergency powers.

According to Senate President Franklin Drilon, they support the suggestion of giving the incoming President emergency powers but they want to see first the provisions of the said bill, including its safeguards.

Meanwhile, Senator JV Ejercito said that the traffic situation in the country can be considered as a crisis, as this is not only being experienced in Metro Manila but also in other urban areas like Cebu and Davao.

Senator-elect Sherwin Gatchalian on the other hand said that it is better to not be hasty in deciding regarding the said issue. He made a reminder when former President Fidel Ramos was given the said power in order to solve the power crisis.

Ramos then allowed independent power producers which up to now, Filipinos continue to pay for the said services.