© Provided by GMA News Online House Speaker Pantaleon Alvarez
As 17th Congress adjourns for its first regular session, Speaker Pantaleon Alvarez took pride in key pieces of legislation that the House of Representatives was able to pass during the past year.
Speaking before his colleagues at the end of Wednesday’s session, Alvarez said they “can proudly say to the Filipino people that the laws (they) passed will address the problems they face every day.”
He noted the following key measures approved by the lower chamber:
- extending the validity of Philippine passport to 10 years;
- extending the validity of driver’s license to five years;
- strengthening protection for Filipinos in need of emergency health care;
- amendments to the Revised Penal Code;
- free WiFi in public places;
- free tuition in state universities and colleges; and
- the Comprehensive Tax Reform Bill that was approved on the same night.
Alvarez, however, did not mention the controversial death penalty bill, which he earlier tagged as one of the big wins of the majority in the House.
“Within just one year from being convened last July 2016, and despite one of the most divisive and partisan elections to date, we can proudly tell the Filipino people that we have delivered legislation that will affect their daily lives in a positive way,” he said.
“Let what we have accomplished remind us that we have the power to determine the frontiers of what is possible, that we can exercise the virtue of resilience and embody the value of hard work, as we forge forward,” he added.
Amid their “victories,” Alvarez urged his colleagues to give a “final push” for other measures “of equal or greater importance” that they were not able to address before the adjournment.
The Speaker, who represents the first district of Davao del Norte, also reminded his fellow lawmakers that they “have to do (their) part in sharing the heavy burden of what happened in Marawi City,” which saw attacks from the Maute terror group—a situation that pushed President Rodrigo Duterte to declare martial law.
He noted that the House “has taken the initiative to create a trust fund to aid in this mission.”
“This will be our concerted answer to the challenge that extremists present. They seek to sow terror, but we will show them our courageous resolve. They seek to destroy, but we shall defend and rebuild. With our unified efforts, they will never win,” he said.
During the session, Minority Leader Danilo Suarez was given the customary chance to preside over the final proceedings. Here, he addressed his fellow representatives, whom he praised for working together despite “inevitable” conflicts and differences.
With budget deliberations expected when Congress comes back for its second regular session in July, the veteran lawmaker urged his colleagues to “fight for (their) right” in determining where the government funds are allotted.
“‘Di na puwede ngayon na isasalang lang sa atin. ‘Wag na ho tayong pumayag this time. We will ask the executive where and why it should be there. It’s the right of the congressman to assert what we feel should be applied to those funds, especially those that would affect our districts,” he said.
“And for that, I believe we have the support of the President, our Majority Leader, and the Speaker. Kaya inaasahan ko po after this break, mga kasama, tayo ay congressman … Let us do what’s supposed to be done,” he added.
House lauds Speaker
During Suarez’ turn at the rostrum, the House adopted Resolution 1045, to commend Alvarez “for his competent and effective stewardship” of the lower chamber over the first regular session.
Majority Leader Rodolfo Fariñas himself sponsored the said resolution, saying, “I’ve heard a lot of accolades from you, saying, ‘Ang galing mo, Majo. Ang galing mo. ‘Di po ako ang magaling. Ang magaling po ang Speaker na pumili ng majority leader.”
He said Alvarez showed dynamism in his leadership, as well as an appreciation for “discourse and variety of perspectives,” which he credits for the unity of political blocs that form the House supermajority.
“With his leadership, the House is indeed headed towards a new era of government service. It continues to enjoy a relatively popular support from the 100 Filipinos. We should express our appreciation and recognition to the Speaker for his strong and compassionate leadership. He deserves a profound ovation and acclaim from this august chamber,” he said.
The House adjourned for the first regular session at 7:35 p.m., after which lawmakers took their time to pose for photos together.
Congress will return for the second regular session in July. — BAP, GMA News