MANILA – House leaders on Monday welcomed President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.’s call for a special congressional session on June 17, describing it as a timely move to accelerate the passage of major social and economic reform measures.
House Speaker Faustino “Bojie” Dy III said the chamber is prepared to immediately act on the President’s priority agenda, stressing that the House has already completed approval of all measures identified under Proclamation No. 1318.
Dy said these legislative initiatives are aimed at improving education access, strengthening healthcare services, and expanding social protection programs for vulnerable sectors.
The approved measures include the creation of the National Center for Geriatric Health, amendments to education assistance programs such as GASTPE and the Universal Access to Quality Tertiary Education Act, and reforms to feeding programs for children.
Other proposals cover last-mile school development, crisis assistance programs, scholarship expansion through the Presidential Merit Scholarship Program, and the proposed Anti-Political Dynasty bill.
Dy noted that prior to adjournment on June 3, the House had already acted on 26 of 52 priority bills under the LEDAC Common Legislative Agenda.
Legislative progress includes one enacted law, one measure approved by bicameral conference committee, three undergoing bicameral deliberations, and 21 approved on third reading.
In addition, the House passed other priority measures such as the National Land Use Act, Right to Information Act, 4Ps amendments, Department of Water Resources Act, Energy Regulatory Commission reforms, Waste-to-Energy policy, Digital Payments Act, and the Anti-Fake News and Disinformation Act.
Dy said the House remains committed to completing the legislative process in coordination with the Senate and the Executive branch.
“Our goal is to ensure these reforms translate into real improvements in the lives of Filipinos,” he said.
House Majority Leader Sandro Marcos likewise said the special session demonstrates the administration’s urgency in pushing reforms that strengthen social services and expand opportunities.
“The House stands ready to work with all government partners to finalize these measures,” he said.
ia/xf
