By Darryl John Esguerra | Philippine News Agency
Malacañang on Wednesday expressed optimism that Congress would fast-track the passage of President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.’s priority legislative measures, saying the proposed laws are intended to deliver immediate benefits to Filipinos.
Palace Press Officer and Undersecretary Claire Castro said the administration remains hopeful that lawmakers would approve the remaining priority bills despite the approaching budget season and the ongoing impeachment proceedings in the Senate.
“Umaasa po siya na ito ay mapapabilis kasi ito ay para talaga sa ating mga kababayan – so, mas gusto niya po itong maipasa agad,” Usec. Castro said during press briefing.
Both the Senate and the House of Representatives are on adjournment until the Second Regular Session begins on July 27, when Marcos delivers his penultimate State of the Nation Address (SONA).
Usec. Castro also provided an update on the eight priority measures identified by President Marcos Jr. under Proclamation 1318.
She said the proposed National Center for Geriatric Health Act, amendments to the Government Assistance to Students and Teachers in Private Education Act, and the Assistance to Individuals in Crisis Situations Act remain pending before the bicameral conference committee.
The proposed amendments to the Universal Access to Quality Tertiary Education Act are likewise awaiting further legislative action.
Meanwhile, the proposed Last Mile and Geographically Isolated and Disadvantaged and Conflict-Affected Areas Schools Act has already been enrolled and transmitted to Malacañang on June 25 for the President’s signature.
Usec. Castro said the proposed amendments to the Masustansyang Pagkain para sa Batang Pilipino Act have already been sponsored in plenary in the Senate.
She added that the anti-political dynasty bill has been approved on third reading by the House and is now under the Senate’s period of interpellation.
The proposed Presidential Merit Scholarship Program has likewise cleared third reading in the House and is pending before the Senate Committee on Higher, Technical and Vocational Education.
Marcos Jr. placed the measures under the Legislative-Executive Development Advisory Council’s priority agenda to accelerate congressional action on reforms covering education, healthcare, social protection, and governance.
