House ‘working closely’ with executive dep’t to push for Bayanihan 3

Speaker Lord Allan Velasco/PHOTO from the Office of the Speaker, House of Representatives

MANILA, Philippines—Speaker Lord Allan Velasco assured the public Wednesday that the lower chamber is working with the executive department for the passage of the third Bayanihan measure, which seeks to cushion the impact of the coronavirus pandemic through the provision of financial assistance to all Filipinos.

Velasco said this as the House adjourned the second regular session of the 18th Congress. The lower chamber would be on a break until President Rodrigo Duterte’s final State of the Nation Address (Sona) on July 26.

“Allow me to underscore that we are working closely with the executive to push for our ‘Ayuda Bill,’ the Bayanihan 3. This emergency lifeline measure is urgent and imperative for the simple reason that our people still need help,” Velasco said in his adjournment speech.

“As such, our collective resolve to pass a third relief package for our kababayans is apparent,” he added.

In his speech, Velasco likewise laid out the accomplishments of the lower chamber, such as the passage of the Resolution of Both Houses No. 2, which proposes amendments to the “restrictive” economic provisions of the 34-year-old Constitution.

Velasco said the move would allow future Congresses to pass laws lifting current restrictions on foreign investors, “which we believe would greatly help spur investments that would, in turn, help our economy recover faster.”

The House likewise called on his colleagues to support the national government’s vaccination program.

In terms of measures passed, Velasco said as of June 1, the House has enacted 91 laws, approved 665 bills on third reading, and adopted 192 resolutions.

“With our people’s interest foremost in mind, this House has not let the prevailing health crisis distract from the work that had to be done,” Velasco said.

“Our priorities today are two-fold: One, to help struggling Filipinos shoulder the brunt of the pandemic, especially those who were afflicted–families left behind and those whose livelihoods were severely affected. And two, to revive and hasten the recovery of our country’s economy,” he added.

The Senate is also set to adjourn its second regular session on Thursday.