Public service, anti-terror bills face death in 17th Congress

Senate President Vicente “Tito” Sotto III. INQUIRER.NET / CATHY MIRANDA

MANILA, Philippines — The public service and the anti-terrorism bills are among important measures that the Senate might not be able to pass before the 17th Congress adjourns on June 7, Senate President  Vicente “Tito” Sotto said  Wednesday.

The new Congress will open in  July.

“’Yung hindi namin mahabol ngayon hanggang next week, katulad nung Public Service Act, palagay ko yon ang isa sa mga mahalaga,” Sotto said in an interview over dzMM when asked what bills would the Senate prioritize during the last three years of the Duterte administration.

“Tapos yung Anti-Wire tapping, ‘yung Anti-terrorism, hirap na hirap kami, pero ‘yun, kailangan, yung Anti-Terrorism,” he added.

He said the Senate was having difficulties in passing these bills due to the reservations of some senators. He did not specify which senators or what reservations.

“Meron kaming mga kasamang medyo kabado. Hindi masyadong naiintindihan yung sitwasyon, baka magamit, baka (unclear) safeguard, mga ganun,” the Senate President said.

“Lalo na yung Public Service Act, dahil ang pinag-uusapan madadamay pati foreign investments tulad ng mga television, tubig, sa kuryente, transport,” he added.

Sotto said these bills would be prioritized by the incoming 18th Congress senators who would try to pass them during the last three years of President Rodrigo Duterte’s term. (Editor: Cenon B. Bibe Jr.)