By Katrina Gracia Consebido
The Senate opened the first regular sessions of the 19th Congress on Monday, July 25.
Senate President Juan Miguel Zubiri spearheaded the opening of the 19th Congress and took his oath as its 24th Senate President.
According to Zubiri, the Senate will prioritize passing a national budget that benefits the “distressed industries and sectors affected by the pandemic and current economic issues.”
Zubiri added that the legislators will also pass measures to “combat” the rising inflation, ramp up the economy, lower the prices of basic commodities and strengthen education policies.”
The Senate also welcomed the 12 newly elected senators from the May 9 national elections including three neophyte senators, five returning senators, and four senators continuing their second consecutive term in the Senate.
After its morning session, the senators will proceed to the House of the Representatives for a joint session of Congress to attend the first State of the Nation Address of President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. – gb
