We note the comments of Senator Franklin Drilon on the effect of the sunset clause in Republic Act No. 11469, otherwise known as the Bayanihan to Heal as One Act.

Although the law has lapsed, it is not accurate to state that the government can no longer enforce curfews or any prohibitions on mass gatherings. As we previously articulated, local ordinances that remain in effect may still be enforced.

While the Bayanihan Act may have lapsed, this will not prevent the National Government from addressing the threat of COVID-19. The President continues to exercise all and every means at his disposal to protect public safety and the lives of our citizenry in the state of public health emergency and the state of calamity which unquestionably exist to this day.