House committees can continue work despite poll break

House of Representatives. RYAN LEAGOGO/INQUIRER.net

MANILA, Philippines — The campaign season is on but House committees dealing with pending measures can continue to work, Speaker Feliciano Belmonte Jr. said on Tuesday.

In a statement, the House leader said standing and special panels are authorized to conduct public hearings even while the House of Representatives is on break.

“The House in plenary has approved a resolution last February 6 authorizing all committees to, if necessary, conduct their respective public hearings or inquiries, in aid of legislation, during the current break until resumption in June,” he said.

There are several human rights measures pending deliberation by bicameral conference committees such as House Bill No. 4807 or “Prohibiting Racial, Ethnic and Religious Discrimination”, House Bill No. 4643 or “Expanding the Prohibited Act of Discrimination Against Women on Account of Sex, amending Articles 135 and 137 of the Labor Code of the Philippines”, and House Bill No. 6024 or “Strengthening the Juvenile Justice System in the Philippines.”

The 15th Congress went on recess February 7 to make way for the 90-day campaign period.

It will resume on June 3 but will end the third and last regular session by June 7.