Bayanihan to Recover as One Act

The Bayanihan to Recover as One Act, also known as Bayanihan 2, and officially designated as Republic Act No. 11494, is a law in the Philippines that was enacted in September 2020 granting the President additional authority to combat the COVID-19 pandemic in the Philippines.

Background
Prior to the expiration of the Bayanihan to Heal as One Act, Congress has already been deliberating proposals to either amend the existing law or legislate a new law that would handle the economic impact of the pandemic in the country.

Legislative history
In the Senate, the bill was introduced as Senate Bill No. 1564 with Senators Imee Marcos, Sonny Angara, Ralph Recto, Migz Zubiri, Pia Cayetano, Cynthia Villar and Senate President Tito Sotto as its principal sponsors.

On June 3, the House of Representatives adapted the Senate's version of the bill and was introduced as House Bill No. 6953 with Deputy Speaker Luis Raymund Villafuerte of Camarines Sur's 2nd district and Martin Romualdez of Leyte's 2nd district as its principal sponsors.

The final draft of the bill is a consolidation of bills filed by the bicameral Congress.

Provisions
The act will provide government funds to stimulate the economy while strengthening the health sector and the government's pandemic responses.

Supreme Court decision
The Supreme Court, in a decision dated December 7, 2021 and only publicized in September 2022, declared unconstitutional two subsections which imposed new taxes on Philippine Offshore Gaming Operator licensees: Section 11(f) (5% franchise tax on gaming operations) and Section 11(g) (taxes on non-gaming operations, including income and VAT). The court noted that POGOs are not liable for taxes prior to the enactment of Republic Act No. 11590 in September 2021.