By Brian Campued
Hours before President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. delivers his 5th State of the Nation Address (SONA), the 20th Congress opened its 2nd regular session on Monday with a renewed pledge to pass measures aimed at uplifting the lives of the Filipino people and addressing the impacts of global uncertainties on the country.
With 21 senators present in attendance, Senate President Sherwin Gatchalian opened the session by laying down the upper chamber’s priority legislation, particularly those aimed at getting the Philippine economy “back on track.”
To achieve this, Gatchalian underscored the need to pass the proposed 2027 national budget on time, noting its role as the “most powerful tool” to reinvigorate the economy.
“It’s timely passage allows funding to reach critical services and ensures that new projects can begin as scheduled and meet their deadlines,” he said, adding that reforms already introduced in the 2026 budget season will continue to be implemented, such as making the bicameral budget deliberations and related documents open to the public.
Gatchalian also emphasized that the Senate will focus on lowering the cost of living, increasing workers’ take-home pay, addressing higher energy costs, boosting infrastructure, and ensuring Filipinos’ access to quality jobs.
“Handa ang inyong Senado na harapin ang mga hamon ng ating bayan nang may [malinaw] na layunin at agarang pagkilos,” he said.
House Speaker Faustino “Bojie” Dy III assured the public that the lower chamber remains focused on responding to the daily concerns of ordinary Filipinos through legislation.
He highlighted the House of Representatives’ timely passage of measures aimed at easing the economic burden on Filipino families.
“Dahil sa pagtutulungan at pagkakaisa ng inyong mga kinatawan at ng ating mga kawani, nakapagpasa tayo ng 163 bills, kabilang ang 26 LEDAC (Legislative-Executive Development Advisory Council) priority bills,” Dy said in his opening remarks.
Among the measures approved during the 20th Congress’ 1st regular session were reforms strengthening the National Nutrition Program, amendments to the Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program (4Ps), education reforms expanding Government Assistance to Students and Teachers in Private Education (GASTPE), amendments to the Universal Access to Quality Tertiary Education Act, Presidential Merit Scholarship Program, Digital Media Anti-False Information Act, and the Child Online Safety and Protection Act of 2026.
“Sa ating second regular session, itutuloy natin ang pagtatrabaho para maisulong ang mga repormang direktang tutugon sa mga pang-araw-araw na suliranin ng ating mga kababayan,” Speaker Dy said.
Among the priority measures the House lawmakers aim to pass include the Rice Industry and Consumer Empowerment Act, amendments to the Universal Health Care Act, Citizen Access and Disclosure of Expenditures for National Accountability (CADENA) Act, and the Cybersecurity Act.
“Ngunit alam nating hindi rito nagtatapos ang ating tungkulin. Let us make sure that these laws are translated into programs that are effectively implemented so they truly improve the lives of our countrymen,” Dy said. (with reports from Bernard Ferrer and Vel Custodio / PTV News)
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