President Rodrigo Duterte in a press briefing. Photo: President’s press office resident Rodrigo Duterte might not need more emergency powers than he already has. Based on our Constitution, Congress must serve as a check on the president. Congress, therefore, must not abdicate its powers unnecessarily. Let Duterte ask Congress for additional power and authority when specific needs arise. If the Filipino people, through their representatives in Congress, agree with the president's request, then Congress should immediately grant the president temporary and specific powers for that particular request. The entire world is facing challenging times today. As Filipinos, we must help one another, as well as other peoples across the globe. We are all in this together. Remember, Congress exists because all presidents are human and not infallible. No president should be given absolute power. The Philippine Congress is there to make sure that presidential actions benefit all Filipinos, not just the president and his people. So in the extraordinary situation, we all find ourselves in today, we must work together and face the challenges ahead. At the same time, we must make sure that we do not inadvertently tear down institutions that will still be needed after this crisis passes. Unlike the much-hated dictator Ferdinand Marcos who needed an iron hand and extraordinarily repressive powers to control the population, Duterte maintains an unusually high approval rating among Filipinos. He can use it to persuade the Filipinos to follow his executive orders—without the need for more coercive presidential powers. Only when there is no other way, should Congress grant him additional powers—and only temporarily. For example, California's highly popular Governor Gavin Newsome told Bay Area Californians to "shelter in place" and stay at home. Compliance with Newsome's order appears to be very high. Californians trust their governor and follow what he says. With Duterte's high favorability rating, he should be able to accomplish the same thing without first asking for more special powers. As president, Duterte already has the persuasive powers of the office. He should be able to get Filipinos to work together and follow the rules by just talking to them. With the right leadership, we can reduce the severity of this pandemic and even end up as a stronger, more resilient, and more united people. Published 3/22/2020 To all our readers, take care, stay healthy, stay safe, and God bless Filipinos everywhere. Published 3/23/2020