The Senate on Monday, October 12, approved on 2nd reading a bill granting the President special powers to expedite doing business during national emergencies such as the COVID-19 pandemic.

This brings the proposed measure a step away from passage by the chamber.

During a Senate committee hearing on the proposed 2021 budget of the Office of the President, Senate Majority Leader Juan Miguel Zubiri asked Executive Secretary Salvador Medialdea to ask President Rodrigo Duterte to certify the bill as urgent.

This would waive the requirement for a 3-day interim between the bill’s 2nd and 3rd readings. If the bill is put up for 3rd and final reading within the week, the measure may be passed before Congress takes a monthlong break starting next week.

Senate Bill (SB) no. 1844 authorizes the President to expedite the processing and issuance of national and local government permits, licenses, and certifications to businesses in times of national emergency.

It gives the chief executive power to “accelerate and streamline” regulatory processes and procedures for new and pending applications from businesses for government permits, licenses, clearances, certifications, or authorizations.

Under the proposed measure, the President may fix or shorten the periods for the processing and release of these documents. The President may also suspend or waive the requirements for securing them.

During plenary discussions on the bill, Zubiri said this does not mean an automatic “yes” to businesses applying for government clearances. Instead, the proposed legislation shortens the time within which government agencies are to grant or deny applications.

SB 1844 was authored by Zubiri, Senate President Vicente Sotto III, Senate President Pro Tempore Ralph Recto, Senate Minority Leader Franklin Drilon, and Senator Panfilo Lacson. – Rappler.com