The Philippine Congress approves the declaration of a state of emergency

The Philippine Congress on Tuesday approved a bill declaring a national emergency and authorizing the president to launch an enormous aid program for 18 million families and use private hospitals and ships to fight the coronavirus pandemic.

Both the Senate and House of Representatives, dominated by Duterte allies, held emergency sessions on Monday and worked past midnight to contemplate the bill, with most lawmakers participating online for health reasons. Duterte is predicted to sign the bill soon.

Duterte has already closed the primary northern island of Luzon, home to greater than 50 million people, restricting travel to and from the region, including the capital Manila. Most residents were ordered to remain home and work, and activities were suspended in the course of the month-long lockdown.

Opposition senator Francis Pangilinan said the bill accommodates safeguards against potential abuses and blocked a proposal to permit the president to take over private firms if the crisis deepens.

The bill reflects widespread calls for “mass testing, support for those on the front lines and money transfers to the vulnerable,” Pangilinan said.

Amnesty International said the federal government should be sure that all responses to the outbreak comply with international human rights law and bear in mind the vulnerability of the poor.

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“The Covid-19 epidemic is deepening social inequalities,” said the group’s Filipino director Butch Olano. “Government action should aim to reduce or eliminate these inequalities, including ensuring access to necessary health care and preventive goods and services, especially for people living in poverty.”

On Tuesday, Philippine authorities reported a complete of 552 cases of the virus within the country and 35 deaths. Twenty patients recovered.