NEW Deputy Speakers were elected during the plenary session of the House of Representatives on Wednesday.
The new House leaders are Pangasinan Rep. Maria Rachel Arenas, Cebu Rep. Vincent Franco “Duke” Frasco and Bacolod Rep. Alfredo “Albee” Benitez.
Deputy Speakers are the second highest-ranking officials of the House of Representatives, presiding over plenary proceedings in the absence of the Speaker. South Cotabato Rep. Ferdinand Hernandez is presently the Senior Deputy Speaker.
Deputy Speakers also monitor, coordinate and facilitate action on measures filed, requests and other concerns of House members representing their respective constituencies.
The other Deputy Speakers are Iloilo 1st District Rep. Janette Garin, Lanao Del Sur Rep. Yasser Alonto Balintong, La Union Rep. Francisco Paolo Ortega V, Zambales Rep. Jefferson Khonghun, Ilocos Sur Rep. Kristine Singson-Meehan, Antipolo Rep. Ronaldo Puno, Iloilo 4th District Rep. Ferjenel Biron, TUCP Partylist Rep. Raymond Democrito Mendoza, Misamis Oriental Rep. Yevgeny Vincente Emano, and Quezon Rep. David “Jayjay” Suarez.
Through their facilitation of plenary discussions, the House of Representatives under the leadership of Speaker Faustino “Bojie” Dy III, was able to pass on third and final reading 17 of the 52 priority measures identified by the Legislative-Executive Development Advisory Council (LEDAC) before going on recess.
These include House Bill (HB) 8418, which seek to empower the President to suspend the collection of excise tax on oil products in cases of emergency; HB 8477, or the Presidential Merit Scholarship program act; HB 8468, which seek to institutionalize the use of digital payments in government transactions; HB 8389, or the anti-political dynasty bill, among others.
The House resumes sessions on May 4, 2026.
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