Speaker Ferdinand Martin Romualdez has authorized all standing and special committees to hold hearings even during the congressional break.
In her formal motion in the plenary, House deputy majority leader and Pangasinan 6th District Rep. Marlyn Primicias-Agabas, moved to allow all committees to continue with their work of producing important pieces of legislation during the break, from Sept. 28 to Nov. 5.
“I move that we authorize all committees to conduct meetings and/or public hearings, if deemed necessary, during the House recess from Sept. 28 to Nov. 5,” Primicias-Agabas told her colleagues.
“Is there any objection? The chair hears none, motion is approved,” House deputy speaker and Ilocos Sur 2nd District Rep. Kristine Singson-Meehan responded in granting the motion of Primicias-Agabas.
Speaker Romualdez, the head of the 310-strong House of Representatives, said he instructed House leaders to hold committee hearings during the break to ensure the expeditious passage of noteworthy and meaningful legislative measures, including those aimed at addressing high prices of basic commodities.
“While we already passed almost all of our priority bills listed under the LEDAC (Legislative-Executive Development Advisory Council) and SONA (State of the Nation Address), we want to accelerate the passage of other House priority legislations,” Romualdez said.
“We still have a lot on our legislative table and other urgent measures are in various stages of deliberation,” he added in his speech before adjourning the session Sept. 27.
Romualdez said that under his leadership, the House will continue to work hard and focus on shepherding the priority legislations of President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. to address and serve the needs of the people during these challenging and difficult times.
He said in a statement that House members “have been diligent in our parliamentary duties not only because it is expected of us, but also because we continue to be a faithful and dependable partner of the Executive department in bringing about policies that enhance the wellbeing of our fellow Filipinos and strengthen the capacities of both the national and local governments.”
“I am confident that with our steady and stable pace, driven by our eagerness to fulfill our duties, the rest of our targets are achievable. Let us do our best and prove that through our solid efforts, the nation is in good hands. Let us continue working to fulfill our obligation and tackle the lawmaking process with greater fervor,” he said.
Romualdez on Wednesday night took pride in the record accomplishments of the House of Representatives, passing all 20 LEDAC priority bills targeted for approval by both chambers of Congress by the end of December 2023.
“We are three months ahead of target…Salamat sa tulong ninyong lahat. Mission accomplished po tayo – tatlong buwan bago matapos ang deadline na napagkasunduan ng Senate, House of Representatives, at Executive department,” he said.
He lauded the secretariat and congressional staff for their hard work, resulting in the record-breaking accomplishments of the House of Representatives. “Again, I thank all of you, including our hardworking secretariat and congressional staff, for a commendable job. Congratulations on the hard work, support, and efficiency.”
The Speaker also expressed his “heartfelt appreciation and profound gratitude” to his colleagues, including members of the minority for the chamber’s achievement. ||
