An official has called for the immediate transmittal to Malacañang of the bill granting President Rodrigo Duterte anti-red-tape powers during national emergencies like the coronavirus pandemic.
Deputy Majority Leader and Bagong Henerasyon Rep. Bernadette Herrera, the bill’s co-author, says the bill will no longer have to go through a bicameral conference committee because the versions passed by the Senate and the House of Representatives are the same.
“Since the Senate and the House versions are identical, the bill may be sent directly to Malacañang for President Duterte’s signature,” Herrera said.
Like the Senate version, House Bill 7884 would empower the President to expedite the processing and issuance of national and local permits, licenses and certifications when a national emergency is declared in the country.
Voting 267-6 with no abstentions, the House approved HB 7884 on third and final reading on Oct. 16. Maricel V. Cruz
It was the first legislative measure passed by the lower chamber under the leadership of Speaker Lord Allan Velasco, who also happens to be among the bill’s authors in the House.
The Senate approved its own version of the bill on Oct. 14.
Herrera expressed hope the President would sign the bill into law before Christmas.
“I’m hopeful the President will sign into law the final enrolled version of the bill before Christmas,” Herrera said.
“This will be the most fitting Christmas gift the Congress and the President can give to the Filipino people.”
The anti-red tape bill would allow Duterte to accelerate regulatory processes for the applications and renewals of permits, licenses, clearances, certifications or authorizations.
It would also give him the power to suspend the requirements in securing such government documents and establish a more streamlined regulatory process for government offices.
The bill would also authorize the President to suspend or remove any government official or employee that would violate any provisions of the measure.