THE House of Representatives on Wednesday adjourned session to give way to the election period, with Speaker Ferdinand Martin Romualdez grateful for the reforms that the chamber brought about that uplifted the lives of many Filipinos.
The Speaker thanked his fellow lawmakers for the 75 national laws and 112 local laws, including 30 Legislative-Executive Development Advisory Council (LEDAC) priority measures, eight of which were in direct support of President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr.’s vision for the country.
Among the landmark bills passed was the first legislated nationwide wage hike in three decades.
He also cited the high-profile investigations, such as inquiries into the alleged misuse of confidential and intelligence funds under Vice President Sara Duterte; POGOs, illegal drugs and extrajudicial killing; the high prices of rice and other food items; the rising cost of electricity that demanded accountability from the persons and institutions involved.
“Marami na tayong nagawa,” Romualdez said, urging his colleagues to continue fighting for the people’s welfare.
“Hindi pa tapos ang ating misyon. Umaasa pa rin ang ating mga kababayan sa pangakong dala ng Bagong Pilipinas. To those who will offer themselves in service, I say this: campaign not in the pursuit of power but in the pursuit of purpose. Engage not in division but in discourse. Seek not victory for yourselves but vindication for the ideals we have fought for together,” he said.
“Siguruhin natin na ang laban para sa mababang presyo ng bigas ay magpapatuloy. Tiyakin na may serbisyong medikal ang lahat ng pasyente. May sapat na sahod para bumuhay ng pamilya,” Romualdez added.
Before adjournment, the bigger chamber passed on second reading vital measures and ratified 11 bicameral conference committee reports.
Measures approved on second reading were: 1) House Bill 11400, expanding the coverage of senior citizens’ privileges and benefits, further amending Republic Act No. 7432; 2) HB 11430, institutionalizing a mechanism for the declaration of a state of imminent disaster, providing the criteria for its declaration and lifting, and enabling anticipatory measures; 3) HB 11359, providing for a comprehensive and responsive Civil Registration and Vital Statistics System; 4) HB 11429, establishing a National Program for the Malunggay Industry; and 5) bills creating additional branches of Regional Trial Courts and Municipal Trial Courts in the country.
The bicameral conference committee reports the House ratified were those on 1) resetting the first regular elections in Muslim Mindanao; 2) strengthening the Early Childhood Care and Development System; 3) rationalizing the safety measures and penalties relative to the operation of motorcycles; and 4) adjusting the monthly pension benefits of retirees of the Department of Foreign Affairs.
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