Speaker Faustino “Bojie” Dy III reported the legislative accomplishments of the House of Representatives as the First Regular Session of the 20th Congress adjourned, saying lawmakers remained focused on passing reforms despite major economic, political and global challenges.
In his closing speech, Dy said the House kept a clear direction throughout the session by prioritizing measures aimed at improving the lives of ordinary Filipinos.
“Hinarap ng ating bansa ang samu’t saring hamon: ang krisis sa Middle East, mataas na presyo ng bilihin, usapin sa enerhiya, trabaho, edukasyon, kalusugan, at maging ang patuloy na hamon ng pagpapanumbalik ng tiwala sa ating mga institusyon. Ngunit sa gitna ng lahat ng ito, nanatiling klaro ang direksyon ng Kapulungan ng mga Kinatawan,” Dy said.
The Speaker said lawmakers consistently placed public welfare at the center of the chamber’s work.
“Mula sa unang araw ng sesyon, iisa ang ating naging direksyon: unahin ang interes ng sambayanang Pilipino,” he said.
“Pinili nating magtrabaho, magkaisa, at sama-sama nating isinulong ang kapakanan ng sambayanang Pilipino, ang pangunahing layunin ng ating Kapulungan,” he added.
Dy said the House transmitted more than 160 measures to the Senate during the first regular session. He also reported that 26 of the 52 priority measures endorsed by the Legislative-Executive Development Advisory Council, or half of the LEDAC agenda, have been approved on third and final reading.
Several other priority measures are awaiting final approval or bicameral conference committee deliberations.
Among the key bills cited by Dy were the proposed National Land Use Act, Digital Payments Act, Department of Water Resources Act, Right to Information Act, Anti-Political Dynasty Act, Anti-Fake News and Disinformation Act, and measures protecting children from online abuse and exploitation.
He also cited proposed reforms strengthening the Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program, energy and education measures, the KALINGA Act, Universal Health Care-related initiatives, cybersecurity bills, anti-corruption measures, rice tariffication reforms and party-list reforms.
Dy said every measure passed by the House carries the hopes of Filipinos seeking better services, stronger institutions and more opportunities.
“Because of the measures we have advanced, government services can become faster and more transparent; long-delayed political reforms will finally move forward; the internet will be safer for our countrymen, especially our children; our institutions will become more responsive to the needs of the people; quality, accessible education will become a reality for our youth; and positive strides will be made toward building an economy that is not only dynamic and future-ready, but one that genuinely improves the lives of ordinary Filipinos,” Dy said.
The Speaker thanked Majority Leader Ferdinand Alexander “Sandro” Marcos, Minority Leader Marcelino Libanan, deputy speakers, committee chairpersons and House members for their work throughout the session.
The House adjourned its First Regular Session on Wednesday. It will reconvene on July 27 for the opening of the Second Regular Session of the 20th Congress, which will coincide with President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s State of the Nation Address before a joint session of Congress.