Despite 71 vetoes, House did well, says Speaker Belmonte

Speaker Feliciano Belmonte: We did well. INQUIRER FILE PHOTO

MANILA, Philippines—Despite the President rejecting 71 bills from the 15th Congress, Speaker Feliciano Belmonte said the legislature was still able to help the administration’s push for reform.

From June 2010 to May 2013, the 15th Congress, which was to adjourn for the last time Wednesday night, was able to pass 392 bills that were enacted into law, and 104 of these were of national significance, according to the House of Representatives.

Belmonte, in a statement, said that even if the legislature was unable to pass all the bills it wanted, “collective determination to institute reforms promoting transparent and responsive governance never fell short.”

“Under challenging circumstances and finite resources, we have laid the foundations of genuine societal reformation,” he said.

Crucial laws

“Crucial laws were enacted to adapt to demands of these changing times in those vital areas of development. We must have sustainable development in mind as we consider our future policies to ensure consistent growth,” he added.

Among the economic bills that hurdled the legislature and became laws were the “sin tax” and Anti-Money Laundering Act amendment bills, as well as the bills rationalizing the taxes on international air carriers and amending the Electric Power Industry Reform Act to extend the implementation of the lifeline rate.

On the human rights front, the new laws were the Anti-Enforced or Involuntary Disappearance Act, and the law providing compensation to human rights violations victims during martial law.

Be more vigilant

Also enacted were the laws providing for a national policy on responsible parenthood and reproductive health; rationalizing the nightwork prohibition on women workers; strengthening and propagating foster care for abandoned and neglected children and children with special needs; expanding the law against trafficking in persons, especially women and children; and declaring Nov. 25 as National Consciousness Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women.

Belmonte earlier said the Presidential Legislative Liaison Office should be more vigilant in monitoring the bills in Congress. Better coordination would result in fewer vetoed bills, he added.

President Aquino has also directed his cabinet members to attend congressional hearings in order to reduce the number of rejected legislation.