House backs ‘unity agenda’

Inquirer file photo/Niño Jesus Orbeta

MANILA, Philippines — President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. will likely highlight in his third State of the Nation Address (Sona) today the importance of collective effort toward national progress and the urgent delivery of essential social services, as well as building on the successes of various administration programs, Speaker Martin Romualdez said on Sunday.

“I expect the President to emphasize the importance of unity among all Filipinos, highlighting how collective efforts can lead to national progress,” said the head of the 316-member chamber. “Furthermore, I anticipate a focus on the continued and immediate delivery of essential social services to ensure that the needs of the people are met promptly and effectively.”

READ: Marcos ‘fine tuning’ Sona 2024 speech

“We’re also looking forward to another year of follow-up on the successes and further build-ups on what we still have to continue in many programs of the Marcos administration, specifically ones that cover social amelioration benefits,” he said.

The Speaker assured the public that the House is ready to receive and act on the legislative agenda outlined in the Sona, including policies the President would incorporate in the 2025 national budget.

“The President is expected to propose new laws aimed at simplifying and improving the daily lives of our citizens, addressing issues such as economic development, healthcare, education and infrastructure,” Romualdez said. “These initiatives will be crucial in driving our country forward and enhancing the overall quality of life for all Filipinos.”

He assured the public that members of the House were prepared to receive and act on the legislative agenda laid out in the Sona. “The President’s Sona will provide a clear roadmap, and the House is prepared to translate this vision into tangible legislative outcomes.”

Lawmaking for the people

“We are prepared to hit the ground running and deliver on our promises to the public. The Sona will set the tone for our legislative agenda, and we are more than ready to take the necessary actions to achieve our shared vision for a better Philippines,” he added.

Romualdez further reminded House members that it was their duty to work together, “transcending political differences,” to enact laws that uplifting Filipinos’ lives.

Apart from placing priority on measures outlined in the Sona, the Speaker assured the public that the House would prioritize the passage of the P6.352-trillion proposed national budget for 2025 and the remaining three of 28 Legislative-Executive Development Advisory Council priority bills.

The three remaining urgent measures include amendments to Republic Act No. 7652, or the Foreign Investor’s Long-Term Lease Act; Republic Act No. 6657, or the Agrarian Reform Law; and Republic Act No. 9136, or the Electric Power Industry Reform Act of 2001.