Malacañang on Wednesday expressed confidence that Congress would pass President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s priority measures into law, even as only two of the administration-backed bills advanced during the recent special session.
Palace Press Officer Claire Castro said the President remains hopeful that lawmakers will expedite the remaining priority legislation, stressing that the proposed measures are intended to benefit the public.
“Since iyan po naman din ay priority bills ng Pangulo ay umaasa po siya na ito ay mapapabilis kasi ito ay para talaga sa ating mga kababayan,” Castro said.
“So, mas gusto niya po itong maipasa agad,” she added.
According to Castro, only the proposed Last Mile and Geographically Isolated and Disadvantaged and Conflict-Affected Areas Schools Act has completed the legislative process. Its enrolled copy was transmitted to Malacañang on June 25 for the President’s signature.
The proposed Universal Access to Quality Tertiary Education Act has also been approved by Congress and is currently undergoing enrollment.
Meanwhile, three priority measures remain under deliberation by the bicameral conference committee: the National Center for Geriatric Health Act, the proposed amendments to the Government Assistance to Students and Teachers in Private Education Act, and the Assistance to Individuals in Crisis Situations Act.
Castro also said the Anti-Political Dynasty Bill, the Presidential Merit Scholarship Program, and the Higher, Technical and Vocational Education measure have already secured House approval on third reading and are now pending in the Senate.
The proposed amendments to the Masustansyang Pagkain para sa Batang Pilipino Act, meanwhile, have already been sponsored for plenary consideration in the Senate.
Marcos issued Proclamation No. 1318 in June calling for a special session to fast-track the administration’s priority measures aimed at strengthening social protection and improving the lives of Filipinos.
The special session also enabled the Commission on Appointments to deliberate on appointments to the Cabinet, the military, and the foreign service in accordance with the Constitution and existing laws.
Both the Senate and the House of Representatives are currently on adjournment and are scheduled to resume session on July 27, when Marcos is set to deliver his fifth State of the Nation Address.