Senate opens 2nd regular session of 20th Congress

The Senate on Monday formally opened the second regular session of the 20th Congress, hours ahead of the penultimate State of the Nation Address (SONA) of President Ferdinand "Bongbong" Marcos Jr.

Senate President Sherwin Gatchalian opened the session by pounding the gavel at the Senate plenary hall at 10:06 a.m, with 21 senators in attendance.

Absent from the opening session were Senators Jinggoy Estrada, Rodante Marcoleta, and Ronald “Bato” dela Rosa.

Estrada and Marcoleta were detained over separate corruption charges while Dela Rosa has stayed out of public view following the issuance of an International Criminal Court (ICC) arrest warrant against him over his alleged role in the Duterte administration’s bloody drug war.

In his speech, Gatchalian said the upper chamber will prioritize the timely passage of proposed 2027 national budget as well as proposed legislation aimed at invigorating the country’s economy.

Gatchalian also said the Senate will focus on resolving five issues: rising prices of basic commodities, workers’ low take-home pay, high electricity prices, lack of infrastructure and transportation, and lack of livelihood security for Filipinos.

“The five aspects we have discussed are closely interconnected. Reforms in one area have effects that ripple into others. Strong coordination is therefore essential to ensure that the laws we pass are relevant, coherent, and effective,” the lawmaker said.

He likewise proposed the creation of an ad hoc committee “tasked with helping drive economic growth, create jobs, and make the cost of living more affordable for every Filipino”.

“Strengthening our economy requires a concerted effort, proactive action, and reforms that will endure beyond a single administration,” Gatchalian added.

Aside from the spouses, relatives, and staff of the senators, several Cabinet members and foreign dignitaries were also present at the Senate plenary hall.

The Senate and the House of Representatives would later convene in a joint session at the Batasang Pambansa Complex in Quezon City for Marcos’ SONA. —AOL/KG, GMA News