MANILA -- The Senate and the House of Representatives convened in special sessions Monday, on President Rodrigo Duterte's request, to draft measures against the COVID-19 pandemic.

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The Senate measure seeks to authorize Duterte to use funds from government corporations to augment budgets for the fight against coronavirus, Senate President Vicente Sotto III told DZMM.

The House proposal includes granting powers to the President to "direct" business when necessary and cash assistance of P5,000 to P8,000 to out of work families, Speaker Alan Peter Cayetano earlier said.

Only a few lawmakers were physically present in the House of Representatives, to observe social distancing.

The Senate banned the media from entering the premises and advised that coverage be done through video livestreaming.

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