House vows to pass 20 bills in ’23, including reforms listed by LEDAC

By Jovee Marie N. Dela Cruz @joveemarie

IN order to make the Philippines a more welcoming place for investors, the leadership of the House of Representatives announced on Monday that the 19th Congress will pass 20 measures this year, including numerous economic reforms that were identified by the Legislative Executive Development Advisory Council (LEDAC).

Speaker Ferdinand Martin G. Romualdez made the commitment during the opening of the second regular session of the 19th Congress.

“In our pursuit, we remain steadfast, focusing on the 20 legislative measures approved during the second LEDAC meeting. Our unwavering aim is to realize them before the year ends. We stay committed to spurring economic growth, alleviating poverty, augmenting health-care services, and fostering job opportunities for our fellow countrymen,” the Speaker said.

He said these 20 measures include (1) amendments to the BOT law or PublicPrivate Partnership bill; (2) National Disease Prevention Management Authority; (3) Internet Transactions Act or E-Commerce Law; (4) Health Emergency Auxiliary Reinforcement Team Act, formerly Medical Reserve Corps; (5) Virology Institute of the Philippines; (6) Mandatory ROTC and National Service Training Program; (7) Revitalizing the Salt Industry; (8) Valuation Reform; (9) e-Government and e-Governance;

(10) Ease of Paying Taxes Equally; (11) National Government Rightsizing Program; (12) Unified System of Separation/Retirement and Pension of Military and Other Uniformed Personnel; (13) LGU Income Classification; (14) Wasteto-Energy Bill; (15) New Philippine Passport Act; (16) Magna Carta of Filipino Seafarers; (17) National Employment Action Plan; (18) Amendments to the Anti-Agricultural Smuggling Act; (19) Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas-endorsed Bank Deposit Secrecy; and (20) Anti-Financial Account Scamming Act. We face the remaining bills in the LEDAC priority list with enthusiasm and optimism, steadfast in our determination to transform these initiatives into concrete laws for the benefit of our fellow Filipinos,” said Romualdez.

E leven of these 20 measures have already been approved by the lower chamber.

Romualde z also reassured foreign investors that the House would continue to pursue investor-friendly measures through these priorities.

We will actively engage in discussions and cooperate with the global business community to create an international business environment in our country,” he said.

Romualde z also vowed to look into the problems besetting the agriculture sector to help millions of Filipino farmers and fishermen.

“It is equally imper ative to address the issues confronting our agricultural sector in the soonest possible time. We will redouble our efforts to stop the smuggling of rice, sugar, and onions, which harms our farmers’ competitiveness and disrupts the agricultural value chain,” Romualdez, leader of the 312-member House of Representatives, said.

We shall safeguard our farmers’ interests, ensure equitable market conditions, and foster sustainable farming methods to ensure our nation’s food security,” he added.

E arlier, the House leader promised to closely monitor the implementation of the New Agrarian Emancipation Act, under which P5.7 billion in debt incurred by 610,000 farmers and other agrarian reform beneficiaries is to be written off.

“In addition to our priority measures and in line with President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.’s commitment to sustainable fisheries, we will increase the existing strategic agriculture and fisheries development zones,” Romualdez said.

“ These zones will not only reinforce our fight against illegal, unreported, and unregulated fishing but also promote responsible fishing practices, safeguard our marine resources, and support the livelihoods of our fisherfolk,” he said.

Romualde z said the House would also “upgrade and modernize” by strengthening the Public-Private Partnership program.

“ This powerful tool enables us to harness the expertise, innovation, and resources of the private sector and combine it with the reach, stability, and public purpose of government,” he said.

By leveraging the expertise and resources of the private sector, we can accelerate the development of vital transportation networks, energy systems, and digital infrastructure that are essential for a thriving economy,” he added.

According to the House leader, these partnerships have accelerated economic growth and the development of jobs for Filipino people.

“As we move forward, we have a robust pipeline of reforms designed to propel our nation’s economic development further. We are dedicated to enacting laws that will remove obstacles, foster innovation, and support industries that have the potential to drive sustainable growth and development,” he added.

Romualdez took pride in the achievements the House made during the First Regular Session of Congress, for which he expressed his deep gratitude to his colleagues.

“The First Regular Session’s accomplishments bear testament to our collective will and determination. We have raised the standards, and the expectations are high. Yet, we are not daunted. We are inspired. We are not simply lawmakers but nation builders and champions of the people,” he said.

“ Your relentless devotion and unyielding efforts have launched us toward addressing the urgent challenges of our era and enacting impactful legislation. Now, we must ensure this momentum propels us further. Our solemn pledge is to continue championing the change our beloved nation so earnestly requires,” he said.