Congress Pledges Progress on Priority Bills
Lawmakers have assured President Marcos that four key priority bills will advance in Congress this session. This commitment came amid the Senate’s decision to postpone the presentation of Articles of Impeachment against Vice President Sara Duterte from June 2 to June 12.
During a briefing on May 30, a government spokesperson confirmed that both the House of Representatives and the Senate pledged to prioritize pending legislation at the recent meeting of the Legislative-Executive Development Advisory Council (LEDAC).
“Yes, opo,” the official said when asked if Congress promised to focus on the bills. “May apat na priority bills na napag-usapan sa LEDAC (Four priority bills were discussed during the LEDAC).”
Four Priority Bills Under Focus
The four priority bills include the National Government Resizing Program, Amendments to the Right of Way Act, Amendments to the Cooperative Code, and the proposal to establish a National Disease Prevention and Management Authority.
National Government Resizing Program
The National Government Resizing Program bill has passed the House and is now awaiting Senate approval. It aims to streamline government functions by removing redundant roles and reallocating resources toward essential programs. This measure is seen as vital to improving public service delivery.
“Kapag po ito ay maisabatas, mas magiging maganda po ang serbisyong maibibigay sa taong bayan (Once this is passed, it will improve the quality of services for the public),” the spokesperson emphasized.
Amendments to the Right of Way Act
The proposed amendments seek to ease delays in major infrastructure projects caused by right-of-way acquisition issues. Addressing these bottlenecks is expected to accelerate project implementation and boost development.
Amendments to the Cooperative Code
Revisions to the Cooperative Code aim to enhance the competitiveness and sustainability of cooperatives. The changes will improve governance, auditing practices, and promote the use of technology and innovation, especially benefiting rural and micro-cooperatives.
National Disease Prevention and Management Authority
This proposed agency will focus on strengthening disease surveillance, coordinating vaccination programs, and preparing the country for future health emergencies. It intends to institutionalize proactive health policies and emergency response systems to ensure long-term public health readiness.
Impeachment Trial Postponed
Meanwhile, the Senate’s decision to delay the impeachment trial presentation against Vice President Duterte was not part of the LEDAC discussions.
“Wala pong nabanggit (Nothing was mentioned),” the spokesperson confirmed.
The Vice President faces impeachment over allegations of misusing confidential funds and making public statements interpreted as threats toward President Marcos and other officials. The Senate is still finalizing the procedures for the trial, with the House acting as prosecutors.
President Marcos has expressed his disapproval of the impeachment proceedings and has instructed his Cabinet to focus on governance rather than political distractions.
For more news and updates on congressional priority bills, visit Filipinokami.com.