“Ortega credited Marcos for the latter’s twin priority measures aimed at reinforcing accountability in public office and strengthening the country’s tourism sector”
YOU would think the House of Representatives is too busy in carrying out its Constitutional mandate to act on impeachment complaints to the detriment of its duty to pass priority legislation.
But nothing can be further from the truth, according to Deputy Speaker Paolo Ortega V of La Union.
In fact, Ortega said, Majority Leader Sandro Marcos of Ilocos Norte is making sure the chamber remains fully functional and productive by shepherding the passage of priority measures in line with the legislative direction set by Speaker Faustino “Bojie” G. Dy III and continues to approve key national and local bills, advance reforms, and adopt significant resolutions.
The La Union lawmaker pointed out the Constitutional process of impeachment, while a serious and time-bound responsibility, did not derail the chamber’s broader legislative mandate to pass laws and attend to urgent national concerns.
“The impeachment process is a Constitutional duty that we take seriously, but it is only one of many responsibilities of the House. Amid a packed legislative agenda, Majority Leader Marcos took the lead in securing the approval of vital measures, acting on the guidance of Speaker Dy. We remained focused on our work—passing priority measures, protecting public welfare and ensuring that the legislative agenda continues to move forward,” said Ortega, a stalwart of the ruling Lakas-Christian Muslim Democrats.
Ortega also credited Marcos for the latter’s twin priority measures aimed at reinforcing accountability in public office and strengthening the country’s tourism sector.
He was referring to Marcos’ House Bill 7432, or the “No Work, No Pay for Members of Congress Act,” which seeks to link the salaries and other emoluments of senators and representatives to their attendance and participation in plenary sessions, committee hearings and other official legislative functions.
The second measure, HB 7443, proposes the outright abolition of the travel tax imposed on travelers, with the goal of making travel more accessible and enhancing the country’s competitiveness as a tourism destination.
“These measures reflect a strong commitment to public accountability and economic growth. By ensuring that lawmakers are held to clear standards of performance while easing the burden on travelers, Majority Leader Marcos has advanced reforms that benefit both governance and the broader economy,” Ortega said.
He noted even as the House processed impeachment complaints in accordance with the Constitution and House rules—a political exercise rooted in accountability and due process—committees and the plenary continued to deliberate on measures affecting energy security, worker protection, public safety and national observances.
Among the measures recently approved on third and final reading is HB 6676, or the proposed Energy Systems Storage Act, which seeks to ensure stable and continuous electricity supply through the development and commercialization of energy storage systems, seen as crucial in strengthening the country’s power resilience.
Also approved on third reading was HB 7239, mandating compulsory insurance coverage for electrical and telecommunications line workers, reflecting broad support for additional protection for workers who ensure the country’s power and communications networks remain operational even during calamities.
The House also recently approved on second reading HB 7565 mandating the proper installation and maintenance of overhead electric distribution and communication lines for public safety, alongside the omnibus approval of several local holiday bills affecting Parañaque, Muntinlupa, Dapa in Surigao del Norte, Lapu-Lapu City, Mendez-Nuñez in Cavite, the Cordillera Administrative Region, Rosario and Taysan in Batangas, and Calamba in Misamis Occidental.
Beyond legislation, the House adopted House Resolution 758 expressing profound condolences to the family of former Speaker Jose C. De Venecia Jr., as well as additional resolutions honoring four former lawmakers, affirming the chamber’s institutional memory and respect for public servants who shaped legislative history.
The chamber also adopted multiple commendatory resolutions recognizing outstanding Filipino athletes, Clark Development Corporation, and the Philippine tourism sector.
Ortega emphasized that the record of approvals on third reading, the steady progress of bills on second reading and the adoption of numerous resolutions reflect a chamber that remains institutionally disciplined and focused on governance, even while performing its constitutional oversight functions.
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