The House of Representatives, led by Speaker Ferdinand Martin Romualdez, will continue to exercise its oversight functions to address the causes of soaring food and electricity costs and ensure accountability in the use of public funds.
Senior deputy speaker Aurelio Gonzales Jr. said this as Congress resumed its session Jan. 13 following the Christmas break.
The Quinta Comm, also known as the Murang Pagkain Super Committee, is actively investigating agricultural smuggling, hoarding, and price manipulation, which have been identified as key factors driving food inflation.
The House committees on Ways and Means and Legislative Franchises have been scrutinizing the National Grid Corporation of the Philippines to ensure that it meets its obligations, pays the proper taxes and refrains from passing undue charges to consumers.
The Quad Comm, meanwhile, has been tackling critical issues, including illegal Philippine Offshore Gaming Operators, their links to money laundering, and extrajudicial killings during the previous administration.
Another key investigation, led by the Blue Ribbon Committee, has zeroed in on the alleged misuse of P612.5 million in confidential funds by the Office of the Vice President and the Department of Education.
He also called attention to the alarming proliferation of vloggers and internet trolls maligning innocent people through fake news.
On the legislative front, Gonzales lauded the House’s achievements under Romualdez’s leadership.
“With 166 laws enacted, including 27 out of 28 LEDAC priority measures and 61 out of 64 priority measures under the CLA for the 19th Congress, the House has proven its ability to deliver results that directly benefit Filipinos,” Gonzales said in a House press release.
Pending measures are also geared toward strengthening the economy and public welfare. Among these is House Bill 9729, which aims to enhance MSME productivity through shared-use equipment and resources.
Another key proposal seeks to provide incentives for barangay micro-businesses, encouraging them to register formally and gain access to government support. Gonzales called this an important step in boosting grassroots entrepreneurship.
In health, an amendment to the Universal Health Care Act is in the works to improve benefit packages and adjust premium contribution schemes.
The House is also deliberating on a National Flood Control Plan to address recurring flooding in disaster-prone areas.
Education remains a top priority, with several pending bills seeking to improve access and quality. These include measures creating a Private Basic Education Voucher Program, establishing a Bureau of Private Education, and granting free assessment fees for senior high school students in technical-vocational tracks.
As the 19th Congress enters its final stretch, Gonzales reaffirmed the House’s commitment to serving the Filipino people. “Oversight and legislation are two sides of the same coin. Both are essential in ensuring that our people live better lives.” ||
