House opens 19th Congress’ 1st session

The House of Representatives formally opened on Monday morning, July 25, its first regular session for the 19th Congress, with a total of 309 representatives present.

The secretary general presided over the morning session pending the selection of the new House speaker.

With 283 affirmative votes, Leyte Rep. Martin Romualdez as the House Speaker of the 19th Congress following his nomination by Ilocos Rep. Sandro Marcos.

Former president and current Pampanga Rep. Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo was also selected as the Senior Deputy Speaker.

Meanwhile, Vice President and Education Secretary Sara Duterte-Carpio was present in the opening of the 19th Congress, where she was welcomed by lawmakers.

The Lower House and the Senate are expected to be in a joint session this afternoon for the  first State of the Nation Address of President Ferdinand “Bongbong”  R. Marcos. —Report from Daniel Manalastas/KC-ag

Popular

PBBM notes maritime cooperation as key for regional peace, stability

By Brian Campued Citing the ceasefire agreement between Hamas and Israel as well as the ongoing tensions in the West Philippine Sea (WPS) and the...

PBBM champions PH WPS claims in talks with U.S., India at 47th ASEAN Summit

By Dean Aubrey Caratiquet Cognizant of China’s continuing aggression in the West Philippine Sea (WPS), President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. raised such developments in these...

PBBM ready to disclose SALN, reaffirms commitment towards transparency

By Dean Aubrey Caratiquet Cognizant with his earlier directive calling for a “lifestyle check” on government officials as part of a renewed call towards transparency...

PH gets support from Cambodia, Thailand in 2026 ASEAN chairship

By Brian Campued Cambodia and Thailand have conveyed their support for the Philippines’ upcoming chairship of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) next year. During...