THE president and chairman of the board of the CebuDoc Group of Hospitals has backed the decision of the Congress to grant President Rodrigo Duterte extra powers to address Covid-19 crisis.
In a text message sent to SunStar Cebu, Wednesday, March 25, 2020, Dr. Potenciano "Yong" Larrazabal said they will be very keen in making sure that they are one with the government in making sure that their doctors, nurses and healthcare workers are safe.
Larrazabal said they will also be proactive in making sure to provide Duterte and his representatives with the crucial and necessary data and information for the president to make informed decisions "for the best interest of the people especially the Cebuanos."
"We believe that the President only think what's best for our country thus we will make sure we will be actively involved in this whole process especially that we are more familiar with the local status quo," he added.
Last Tuesday, March 24, as requested, both chambers of Congress have approved similar measures declaring a state of national emergency and granting Duterte special powers for two to three months to respond to this emergency.
The president is given the legal authority to reprogram, reallocate, and realign any unutilized or unreleased funds as well as savings and investments held by any national government agency, including government-owned and controlled operations, to raise the estimated P200 billion needed for a monthly emergency subsidy of P5,000 to P8,000 for two months to 18 million low-income families.
Under the measure, Duterte may also direct the operation of privately owned hospitals, medical facilities, passenger vessels and other establishments to house health workers, serve as quarantine areas, become quarantine centers, aid and medical centers or as temporary health facilities, and serve as tranaportation for health workers. (WBS)