Senate President Francis Escudero on Wednesday said lawmakers are prioritizing legislative work as the 19th Congress nears its adjournment.
“We still have a few bills we are pushing to complete before the 19th Congress ends. Among these is the Right of Way Law to speed up the implementation of infrastructure projects,” he said.
Escudero also highlighted the 99-year lease bill, which seeks to address foreign land ownership concerns by allowing long-term leases.
Other key measures include extensions for the charters of the National Housing Authority (NHA), Development Bank of the Philippines (DBP), and National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA), which are set to expire this year.
He expressed hope these bills would pass before Congress adjourns in two weeks.
“The other proposals being pushed by individual lawmakers will, of course, also be considered. I am fully confident that we can handle it, after all, we’re paid to do the work,” he said.
Escudero said the Senate still needs to confirm several key officials, including nominees for the Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT), Department of Transportation (DOTr), and Presidential Communications Office (PCO).
The list also includes two Commission on Elections commissioners, two Civil Service Commission appointees, and around 300 Armed Forces of the Philippines and Department of Foreign Affairs officials.
“The CA, during this recess, conducts all the investigations related to the requirements submitted by the President’s nominees and appointees so that the process will basically be ministerial if there are no issues during the Commission on Appointments plenary proper,” the senate chief assured.
The Senate is also preparing to convene as an impeachment court following the complaint filed against Vice President Sara Duterte on February 5.
If the majority supports it, the process will continue during recess, with the trial starting in the next Congress.
“That’s where we will see the Senate’s approval of the rules, determining what form, structure, and process it will take,” he said.