MANILA – Senator Grace Poe on Wednesday said she does not fear the granting of emergency powers to President Rodrigo Duterte to address the country’s transport woes as long as there are safeguards.
“I am not afraid to grant emergency powers if I feel that we have the safeguards there,” Poe said in a weekly presscon in Ermita, Manila.
Poe, Chair of the Committee on Public Service, also said that she had no fear because Congress had the power to withdraw it noting that the 1987 Constitution had the power to prevent possible abuse.
“…Unless you go the revolutionary route, you can always invoke it. So in my case, my conscience will be clear in granting it as long as I know that we have the safeguards there,” she added.
The Senate is set to resume its hearings on the proposed emergency powers on Thursday (Aug 25).
Invited on Thursday’s hearing are officials from the Department of Transportation (DOTr), Metropolitan Manila Development Authority and Philippine National Police-Highway Patrol Group, and stakeholders.
She earlier asked the DOTr to present detailed plans and projects to solve the transportation crisis gripping the metropolis and other urban areas.
The senator, meanwhile agreed on the DOTr’s move to take over the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) traffic management in Metro Manila.
“There should be a central person in charge who actually has the power to wield. The problem with MMDA before is you cannot identify if they handle traffic, relief operations or beautification in Metro Manila,” Poe said.
“During my conversation with DOTr Secretary Art Tugade, I can see that he has leadership style. The important thing is to have a person that is directly responsible,” she added.