Archbishop Jose Cardinal Advincula of the Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Manila, together with bishops and priests, joins a group photo with House Members led by Leyte 1st District Rep. Ferdinand Martin G. Romualdez and Ilocos Norte Rep. Sandro Marcos following the Thanksgiving Mass to mark the convening of the 20th Congress at Minor Basilica and Metropolitan Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception in Intramuros, Manila Sunday, July 27, 2025.
LAWMAKERS attended a Thanksgiving Mass at the Manila Cathedral on Sunday in preparation for the start of the 20th Congress on July 28, 2025.
TINGOG Party-list Rep. Jude Acidre said the Mass was not just ceremonial, but a gesture of faith as Congress faces the start of a new three-year term.
“With all the challenges we’re facing, with all the problems that we have to deal with, it would be a good thing for members of Congress to begin everything with a prayer,” Acidre added.
According to Acidre, the prayers offered through the mass go beyond the opening and the orderly conduct of the fourth State of the Nation Address (SONA) of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., “(we are) praying for … really a productive year ahead of us.”
He also lauded the move to forego the red carpet ceremonies so that focus could be more on the substantive directions that President Marcos will give in the SONA.
“Mas mabuting talakayin natin kung ano po ang dapat gawin at dapat tuparin ng mga halal na kinatawan ng ating bansa,” Acidre said.
Bicol Saro Party-list Rep. Terry Ridon agreed, “It is important po na mag-focus po talaga tayo doon sa mga gut issues at this point.”
He cited the impact of the Rice Tarrification Law as one of the basic economic needs that Congress should tackle.
“Mahalagang mahalaga mapag-usapan ho natin ang presyo ng pagkain, presyo ng bigas, presyo ng mga pangangailangan,” Ridon said.
Acidre identified education reform, MSME (micro, small and medium enterprises) support, a fair wage increase, and improved disaster management as additional House priorities aside from food security.
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