SENATE President Francis Escudero on Tuesday expressed confidence that the chamber will sustain its legislative momentum under the 20th Congress which is set to open on July 28.
“In the third regular session alone, we were able to surpass the combined output for the first and second regular sessions,” Escudero said.
“We could have done even more if not for the close to four-month period that we were adjourned because of the mid-term elections,” he added.
Escudero cited record legislative output and a renewed commitment to responsive law-making as key achievements since assuming the Senate presidency in May 2024.
During the third regular session of the 19th Congress, the Senate approved 105 bills on third reading.
A total of 213 measures were signed into law during that same period, while 39 more are currently awaiting the signature of President Marcos.
Escudero said the Senate under his leadership made progress in reducing its backlog of pending measures while maintaining oversight duties to promote government transparency and accountability.
He expressed optimism that the 20th Congress will be even more productive as lawmakers pursue both administration-backed priorities and personal advocacies.
Despite the added responsibility of presiding over the impending impeachment trial of Vice President Sara Duterte, Escudero said the Senate will remain focused on making laws.
“We owe it to our people to legislate with urgency and purpose. The 20th Congress marks a renewed commitment to champion inclusive progress and institutional integrity,” he said.
