With ‘hands full,’ Senate resumes session ahead of prexy, VP vote canvassing

The Senate building at the GSIS Complex in Pasay City. (Photo by LYN RILLON / Philippine Daily Inquirer)

MANILA, Philippines — The Senate on Monday resumed its session to act on pending legislative measures and prepare for Congress’ canvassing of presidential and vice presidential votes.

 “The Senate will have its hands full in fulfilling its constitutional duties when it resumes the 3rd Regular Session of the 18th Congress,” the Senate Public Relations and Information Bureau (PRIB) said in a previous statement.

Fifteen senators were physically present while six others joined the session online.

Upon the resumption of session at 10 a.m., senators adopted Concurrent Resolution No. 18, allowing the Senate and the House of Representatives to convene as the National Board of Canvassers on May 24 to canvass the votes and later proclaim the country’s next president and vice president.

The Senate has so far delivered to the House over 150 certificates of canvass containing votes cast for the presidential and vice presidential races.

 Under the 1987 Constitution, the Senate is mandated to receive the returns of every election for president and vice president, duly certified by the board of canvassers of each province or city.

The Senate will “continue its work on several legislative measures pending in the chamber,” the Senate PRIB said.

 Among these measures include Senate Bill No. 2490, which seeks to strengthen the Office of the Government Corporate Counsel (OGCC) by rationalizing and professionalizing its organization, as well as Senate Bill No. 2450, which provides for the permanent validity of birth, death and marriage certificates.

 Both measures are up for third and final reading.

Senators are also expected to pass on final reading the proposed Provincial Science and Technology Office Act; the proposed Creative Industries Charter of the Philippines; the proposed Private Security Services Industry Act; and the proposed Parent Effectiveness Service Program Act. 

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