Speaker: 'Congress will do more for Filipino people'

Speaker Martin Romualdez on Monday opened the Third Regular Session of the 19th Congress by vowing the passage the three priority measures of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.

"The House of Representatives will approve the remaining three of the 28 LEDAC (Legislative Executive Development Advisory Council)bills before the end of the 19th Congress. These are: amendments to the Foreign Investors’ Long-Term Lease Act; amendments to the Agrarian Reform Law and amendments to the EPIRA (Electric Power Industry Reform Act)," Romualdez said.

"We will work diligently to review, deliberate, and enact these proposed laws, recognizing their importance in advancing the President's legislative agenda and addressing the critical needs of our nation," Romualdez added.

Romualdez also cited the recent enactment of the New Government Procurement Act which seeks to foster a more competitive and fair procurement environment; and the Anti-financial accounts scamming act (afasa), which strengthens our financial system by preventing fraud and promoting trust among consumers, businesses, and investors.

"We have done our homework by passing these much-needed legislation," he added.

Romualdez said the proposed P6.35 trillion budget for 2025 will also fund affordable housing, education, agriculture, welfare programs, and employment generation.

“We have to continue building roads, highways, ports, school buildings, and climate change-proof structures to maintain and expand economic growth. Progress has to reach the remotest communities,” he said.

“We are ready and equally determined to ensure that these critical measures are enacted to support our nation’s progress and development,” he added.

Likewise, Romualdez said that the House will remain committed to delivering timely and effective legislation even as the filing of candidacy for the May 2025 polls is already set for the first week of October. 

"We are committed to maintaining legislative momentum despite the approaching national elections. Our priority is to ensure that critical bills are passed and that the legislative process continues to serve the people's needs effectively," he said. 

"We must prove ourselves for another term. [And] we will navigate the political landscape with a focus on stability and progress. Let us give the Filipinos what they deserve, and they deserve more," he added.

–VAL/RSJ, GMA Integrated News