Lawmakers from both administration and opposition blocs filed Wednesday a bill which seeks to empower Congress to take the reign of the government, and allow its members to hold over in office in the event that regular elections fail or no election scenario takes place.

In anticipation of failed elections or no-election scenario this May, Reps. Edul pardo Nonato Joson (1st district, Nueva Ecija), Carlos Garcia (Lone district, Nueva Vizcaya), and Jeci Lapus (3rd distict, Tarlac) filed House Bill 7108 for purpose of allowing the holdover, and empowering Congress to assume executive functions during the period of holdover.

Under Section 6 of the bill, the civil service, local government units, the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) and the Philippine National Police (PNP) “shall be under the command and/or direct control and supervision of Congress” during the duration of the hold over.

It provides that the hold over would have “to cease upon the assumption into office of the new members of Congress and/or a new Congress is duly constituted, whichever is earlier.”

If passed into law, the bill will enable Congress to exercise some functions and duties in the event that election fails or is not held. (Gabriel Mabutas)