Senate OKs PNoy ‘special powers’

THE Senate on Monday approved on third and final reading a proposed joint resolution authorizing President Benigno Aquino 3rd to address a looming electricity shortage in Luzon this summer by granting him “special powers.”

Voting 16-0, the chamber passed Joint Resolution 12, which allows the executive branch to find ways of fast-tracking the issuance of necessary certifications, permits, licenses and other documents needed for new power-related projects, or that which will facilitate connection, interconnection or transmission of such projects to the grid.