MANILA – The House of Representatives remains on course to deliver key legislation despite the ongoing impeachment case against Vice President Sara Duterte, a senior lawmaker said Thursday.
Deputy Speaker Paolo Ortega V stressed that the chamber continues to focus on measures addressing inflation, fuel prices, and economic stability while fulfilling its constitutional duty to conduct impeachment proceedings.
He said the leadership of Speaker Faustino Dy III and Majority Leader Ferdinand Alexander Marcos has ensured that legislative work continues at full pace.
“The House is fully capable of carrying out its responsibilities on two fronts—crafting laws that benefit Filipinos and ensuring public officials remain accountable,” Ortega said.
He maintained that the impeachment case against Vice President Sara Duterte has not disrupted the chamber’s legislative agenda.
Among the initiatives being advanced are measures designed to cushion the impact of rising fuel costs, including proposals granting the President authority to temporarily suspend or reduce excise taxes on petroleum products.
Lawmakers are also working on legislation aimed at easing inflation, strengthening food security, and improving social protection programs.
Other reforms moving forward include the proposed Digital Payments Act, the removal of travel taxes to reduce expenses for travelers, and measures intended to enhance education and public service delivery.
The House has also concluded plenary deliberations on the Anti-Political Dynasty bill.
Ortega noted that progress has also been made on the administration’s priority legislation, with 18 out of 52 key measures endorsed by the Legislative-Executive Development Advisory Council already passed or elevated to the bicameral conference committee stage before the Holy Week break.
These include bills related to the elections in the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao, amendments to the Electric Power Industry Reform Act, the Digital Payments Act, the Travel Tax Abolition bill, and the proposed Department of Water Resources.
According to Ortega, addressing economic concerns and upholding accountability are not mutually exclusive responsibilities.
“The same institution handling impeachment is also working on economic relief measures for the public,” he said.
He added that the impeachment process will proceed according to constitutional procedures regardless of political developments.
“Our institutions are designed to function even during difficult circumstances. The work of the House continues,” Ortega said.
ia/xf
