Senate Sets Focus on Key Legislative Bills
The Senate will resume sessions on Monday, June 2, aiming to fast-track key legislative bills before the 19th Congress officially adjourns on June 14, 2025. This return to regular sessions emphasizes the urgency of passing priority measures. Senate President Francis “Chiz” Escudero confirmed that the Senate’s main focus will be on legislation rather than immediately proceeding with Vice President Sara Duterte’s impeachment trial.
Escudero is scheduled to hold a press briefing Monday morning to outline the Senate’s remaining agenda and to explain his decision to postpone the impeachment proceedings from June 2 to June 11, 2025. He stressed that with only six session days left before sine die adjournment, it is crucial for both chambers to prioritize passing pending bills aligned with the government’s goals and the public’s needs.
Priority Bills Identified by the President
During the recent Legislative-Executive Development Advisory Council meeting, several priority measures were highlighted. These include amendments to the Foreign Investors’ Long-Term Lease Act, the E-Governance Act, and the Open Access in Data Transmission or Konektadong Pinoy Act. Other important bills involve the rationalization of the fiscal mining regime, changes to the Universal Health Care Act, and the establishment of the Virology Institute of the Philippines.
Additional priority legislation includes the Government Optimization Act, amendments to the Right-of-Way Act, setting terms for barangay officials and Sangguniang Kabataan members, judicial fiscal autonomy, the denatured alcohol tax, and the Anti-POGO Act. Escudero expressed confidence that the impeachment trial could continue into the next Congress with a new group of senators serving as judges.
Reactions to Impeachment Trial Postponement
Senate Minority Leader Aquilino “Koko” Pimentel III agreed that the Senate must fulfill its constitutional duty to try impeachment cases. However, he questioned Escudero’s choice to delay the trial, noting that senators were not consulted beforehand. On the other hand, Senators Sherwin Gatchalian and Senate President Pro Tempore Jinggoy Estrada supported prioritizing legislative work before starting the impeachment trial.
Estrada reminded colleagues that lawmaking remains the Senate’s primary role. He emphasized the importance of passing critical legislation to serve the public interest as the Congress nears adjournment.
For more news and updates on Senate legislative priorities, visit Filipinokami.com.