House of Representatives opens first session of 19th Congress

The House of Representatives preparing for the opening of the first session of the 19th Congress on Monday.  (Gabriel Lalu / INQUIRER.net)

MANILA, Philippines — The House of Representatives opened its first session of the 19th Congress on Monday, July 25, ahead of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s first State of the Nation Address (Sona).

The House opened its session at 10:00 a.m., similar to the Senate of the Philippines.  Both are expected to elect their leaders for the 19th Congress.

In the House, observers expect Leyte 1st District Rep. Ferdinand Martin Romualdez to be installed as Speaker, while reelected Senator Juan Miguel Zubiri is believed to have the votes needed to get the Senate presidency.

Both Romualdez and Zubiri are Majority Floor Leaders of their respective chambers during the 18th Congress.

309 members were present.

Later, President Marcos is scheduled to deliver his first Sona.

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