Courtesy: House of Representatives
SPEAKER Faustino “Bojie” G. Dy III on Wednesday touted the legislative accomplishments of the House of Representatives during the First Regular Session of the 20th Congress, saying lawmakers remained focused on delivering reforms despite economic, political and global challenges facing the country.
In his closing speech before the adjournment of session, Speaker Dy said the House maintained a clear direction throughout the year 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,” he said.
The Speaker from Isabela said the House consistently put the interests of the Filipino people at the center of its work.
“Mula sa unang araw ng sesyon, iisa ang ating naging direksyon: unahin ang interes ng sambayanang Pilipino,” said Dy.
“Pinili nating magtrabaho, magkaisa, at sama-sama nating isinulong ang kapakanan ng sambayanang Pilipino—ang pangunahing layunin ng ating Kapulungan.”
As proof of the House’s legislative momentum, Dy said more than 160 measures have already been transmitted to the Senate, while half, or 26, of the 52 priority measures endorsed by the Legislative-Executive Development Advisory Council (LEDAC) have been approved on third and final reading, with more key proposals awaiting final approval and bicameral deliberations.
Among the measures cited by the Speaker were the proposed National Land Use Act, Digital Payments Act, Department of Water Resources bill, strengthening of the Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program (4Ps), energy and education reforms, the KALINGA Act, Right to Information Act, Anti-Political Dynasty Act, Anti-Fake News and Disinformation Act, and measures aimed at protecting children from online abuse and exploitation.
Dy said the House also continued to tackle issues involving Universal Health Care, cybersecurity, anti-corruption measures, rice tariffication reforms and party-list reforms.
He stressed that every bill approved by the House carries the hopes of millions of Filipinos seeking a better future.
“Sa likod ng bawat panukalang batas na naipasa ng Kamara ay maraming Pilipinong umaasang gagaan ang kanilang buhay—sa hanay mga manggagawa na bumubuhay sa kanilang mga pamilya, ang ating masisipag na magsasaka at mangingisda, ang mga walang kapagurang guro, mga negosyanteng bumubuhay sa ating ekonomiya, mga kabataan na nagbibigay sa atin ng sigla, at ating mga minamahal na senior citizens na hinahangad ang mas maayos na kinabukasan,” he said.
The House chief said the reforms advanced by the chamber seek to make government services more efficient, strengthen institutions and improve opportunities for future generations.
“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.
Dy thanked Majority Leader Ferdinand Alexander “Sandro” A. Marcos, Minority Leader Marcelino Libanan, the deputy speakers, committee chairpersons and members of the House for their commitment and hard work throughout the first regular session.
“We have shown that our work does not end when we bang the gavel at the end of each plenary session. Ang trabaho ng House of Representatives ay nagpapatuloy sa ating mga committee hearings, consultations, technical working groups, deliberations, at ganoon din sa ating mga distrito,” Dy said.
The House adjourned its First Regular Session on Wednesday and will reconvene on July 27 for the opening of the Second Regular Session of the 20th Congress, which will coincide with the State of the Nation Address of President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. before a joint session of Congress.
