Senate opens first session of 19th Congress

MANILA, Philippines — The Senate opened the first regular session of the 19th Congress on Monday.

Senate President Pro Tempore Juan Miguel Zubiri banged the gavel, symbolizing the opening of session at the upper chamber’s Plenary Hall.

The Senate welcomed the 12 newly elected senators, who later took their oath.

The election for Senate President, Senate President Pro Tempore, Senate committee on rules chair, secretary, and sergeant-at-arms will then follow.

Zubiri is poised to be the 24th Senate President.

Earlier, Zubiri said that the Senate will focus on passing a national budget that will include funding to assist industries and sectors affected by the COVID-19 pandemic and current economic issues.

Also among the Senate’s priorities are the passage of legislative measures to address increasing inflation and prices of basic commodities, economy, and education policies.

After the session, the senators will proceed to the House of Representatives in Quezon City for a joint session to witness President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s first State of the Nation Address.

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