19th Congress adjourns first regular session
Credit to Author: Sheila Crisostomo| Date: Fri, 2 Jun 2023 00:00:00 +0800
MANILA, Philippines — The House of Representatives and the Senate adjourned sine die on Wednesday night the First Regular Session of the 19th Congress.
At the House, Speaker Martin Romualdez declared the closing of session after the chamber had adopted the Senate version of the controversial Maharlika Investment Fund.
Sine die adjournment is the annual mandatory break before the next regular session.
Romualdez had thanked the House members for their “hard work” and “fidelity to their job” that resulted in the “record-breaking accomplishments of the House of Representatives during the First Regular Session of the 19th Congress.”
“Each and every member of this august body truly deserves commendation for a job well done,” he said. “Congratulations to all of us! When I assumed the post as your Speaker, I invited each one of you to support and join me in fulfilling the aspirations of the Filipino people. For readily heeding this call, I express my sincerest gratitude to everyone.
“Thank you for the hard work you showed our countrymen,” the Speaker noted.
The Speaker underscored it was evident that “democracy is alive in Congress” by the way they went through each and every measure that they passed.
He also went back to his long-running message of unity, which has become the foundation of the Marcos administration.
“The unity that we have shown in the performance of duty, and our relentless action in keeping the legislative mill grinding to full efficiency, are now reaping fruits for our beloved institution. Public opinion on the performance rating of the House is fast reaching an all-time high,” he added.
Romualdez underscored that aside from doing its legislative duties, the House also performed its oversight function to find solutions to the country’s pressing problems, like the recent unwarranted increase in the price of onions.
He also thanked the other leaders of the House, including its senior deputy speaker, deputy speakers, Majority Leader Manuel Jose Dalipe, committee chairpersons and vice chairpersons, the secretariat, and all employees for the chamber’s record accomplishments.
“As we close the First Regular Session, I wish that you will remain steadfast in your duty. Let us take this time to reenergize, reflect and reinvigorate our passion for public service,” he said.
He also expressed gratitude to the political parties in the House for their “commitment and cooperation in the approval of priority bills of President Marcos and the Legislative-Executive Development Advisory Council.”
Just a few days ago, the Romualdez-led Lakas-Christian Muslim Democrats signed alliance agreements with each of seven national, local and sectoral political groups in the House.
“I must also emphasize the importance of unity and cooperation among all our political parties. Pursuant to our shared vision of a strong republic, leaders of major political parties in this august halls have expressed their unwavering commitment to work together for the passage of the pro-people legislative agenda of President Marcos,” he added.