With the enactment of R.A 11469 or the “Bayanihan to Heal as One Act” constitutional law scholar Prof. Dante Gatmaytan’s opinion was sought by Rappler editor-at-large, Marites Vitug, in an interview on 30 March .  The law passed by Congress on 24 March grants the President limited emergency powers for a period of three months, to oversee the COVID-19  health crisis.

The trakeaway from the interview was that the law should help the President facilitate the procurement of all health related needs to combat the COVID-19  crisis.  Professor Gatmaytan explained that the Constitution has provided for such emergency powers, RA 11332 being one such law. He also discussed the “takeover power of the President” and said that one should guard against “tempting the limits of the constitution.” Thus the original draft Bill granting the President broader takeover powers  now limits the power – under RA 11469 – to the health related industry, including private hospitals, and transportation services, where necessary.

The full discussion can be accessed at https://rappler.com/video/interview-constitutional-lawyer-dan-gatmaytan-duterte-special-powers-coronavirus.

Please view the UP LAW COVID-19 RESPONSE page for all pertinent information on how we are managing our academic and administrative support during the pandemic.