Manila: The House of Representatives is on the cusp of advancing 17 out of 52 priority measures under the Legislative-Executive Development Advisory Council (LEDAC) Common Legislative Agenda, aiming for passage by the end of this week. This move comes as the chamber prepares to adjourn for the Holy Week break, with four bills lined up for approval.
According to Philippines News Agency, House Majority Leader Ferdinand Alexander 'Sandro' Marcos of Ilocos Norte emphasized the importance of transforming the administration's priority list into tangible measures. These measures are intended to transition from committee deliberations to the plenary floor, and eventually into law. Marcos highlighted the need for delivering results, stating, "We are right on track to approving LEDAC measures on time. The public does not live on promises alone, they need results."
Marcos attributed the House's progress to Speaker Faustino 'Bojie' Dy III, who has maintained a focus on measures impacting public life, including areas like energy, education, governance, and social protection. He noted that legislative work should resonate beyond the confines of Congress, adding, "The House of Representatives is working hard to pass the LEDAC measures because every member knows that these bills, if they become law, will help every Filipino family."
The four LEDAC bills poised for approval on third reading include the Travel Tax Abolition Act, Digital Payments Act, Amendments to the Universal Access to Quality Tertiary Education Act, and the Presidential Merit Scholarship Program. Additionally, two measures-the National Center for Geriatric Health bill and the measure for resetting the first regular elections in the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM)-are currently under bicameral conference committee review.
Eleven other LEDAC priority measures have already been approved by the House on third reading, demonstrating significant progress. These include amendments to the EPIRA, strengthening the ERC, Waste-to-Energy initiatives, amendments to the Government Assistance to Students and Teachers in Private Education Act, Assistance to Individuals in Crisis Situations Act, and amendments to the National Building Code and Blue Economy Act. Other approved measures address national reintegration, teacher professionalization, estate tax amnesty extension, water resources management, and bank deposits secrecy law amendments.
Three additional measures are in the pipeline for final approval, with the House preparing for action on second reading. These include the Anti-Political Dynasty Bill, National Land Use Act, and amendments to the Biofuels Act. Furthermore, seven LEDAC bills have been approved by relevant committees and await further comments from Appropriations or Ways and Means to determine their readiness for plenary action.
The remaining 25 LEDAC priority measures are undergoing technical working group discussions or committee deliberations. These measures cover a broad spectrum of issues, including amendments to health care, taxation on single-use plastics, rice tariffication, food programs, civil registration, and national development, among others.
Source: Philippines News Agency
