Senate passes record 166 bills in single day

Senate Majority Leader Juan Miguel Zubiri

MANILA, Philippines — The Senate passed the most number of bills in a single day in its recent history with a record 166 bills approved on third and final reading on Monday, Senate Majority Leader Juan Miguel Zubiri said.

Most of the bills approved were of local application, including measures creating state universities and colleges, primary and secondary schools, hospitals, and marine hatcheries.

Bills on the establishment of provincial offices for the Commission on Higher Education, the Land Transportation Office, and the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board were also approved on Monday.

“We hope our colleagues in the House of Representatives appreciate our effort to pass these local bills. Having been a congressman myself, I know how hard they work to deliver the necessary legislation for their respective constituents, and so I am very glad that we have all been able to efficiently work together for our people,” Zubiri said in a statement Tuesday.

Meanwhile, nine bills were of national application, such as the proposed Marawi Siege Victims Compensation Act, the COVID-19 Benefits and Allowances for Health Workers Act, the Expanded Anti-Trafficking Act, the Foundling Recognition and Protection Act, amendments to the Philippine Deposit Insurance Corporation Charter, the Vintage Vehicles Regulation Act, the Second Congressional Commission on Education Act, the Extended Producer Responsibility Act, and the measure declaring August 30 as National Press Freedom Day.

“I am glad that everyone has been amenable to working overtime, so we can pass these important bills before adjournment,” Zubiri said.

Congress is set to go on break starting Feb. 5 and will resume sessions after the May elections.

“I thank our presiding officer, Senate President Vicente Sotto III, for his guidance and leadership, allowing us to become incredibly productive. And I thank all our colleagues for diligently studying and voting on each and every measure,” Zubiri said.

“I can say without a doubt that this Senate body has been one of the most hardworking groups in Senate history,” he added.

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