The House of Representatives (HoR) opened the regular session of the 18th Congress hours ahead of President Rodrigo Duterte’s final State of the Nation Address (SONA) today (July 26).
House Speaker Lord Allan Velasco and Deputy Speaker Mikee Romero presided over the session with a hybrid setup, wherein several lawmakers attended physically and others through video conferencing.
n his speech, Velasco commended President Duterte for implementing laws on peace, security, and anti-corruption. He also described developments under Duterte’s administration as a legacy that will also benefit Filipinos in the years ahead.
Last push
With Duterte’s term having less than a year to go, Velasco urged other lawmakers to pass all remaining priority bills, particularly measures to mitigate the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Included in the Lower House’s top agenda are amendments to the Retail Trade Liberalization Act, the Foreign Investments Act, and the Public Service Act. The 2022 National Expenditure Program (NEP), the last budget under Duterte, is also set to undergo deliberation.
The speaker also expressed support for the Ease of Paying Taxes bill.
Velasco said measures on COVID-19 recovery and public health are being reviewed, including bills establishing the Virology Institute of the Philippines and the Center for Disease Control and Prevention.
“We are set to approve the Medical Stockpiling bill to allow the Department of Health to stockpile, conserve, and facilitate the supply and distribution of pharmaceuticals and vaccines for public health emergencies,” he said in his speech.
“To assist in our economic recovery, we are pushing for the taxation of Philippine offshore gaming operators and e-sabong betting activities,” he added.
Meanwhile, the House lauded athletes representing the country at the Tokyo Olympics. – Report from Daniel Manalastas/AG- jlo
