Manila: Senate President Francis Escudero on Tuesday expressed confidence that the upper chamber would carry its legislative momentum into the 20th Congress, citing record gains in bill approvals. Escudero said the Senate, under his leadership since May 2024, made significant strides in clearing the chamber's backlog of pending measures while maintaining strong oversight of government agencies.
According to Philippines News Agency, Escudero noted that during the third regular session alone, the Senate surpassed the combined output of the first and second regular sessions. "We could have done even more if not for the almost four-month adjournment due to the midterm elections," he stated, highlighting the Senate's ability to approve 105 bills on third reading during the third regular session of the 19th Congress. Out of these, 213 were signed into law, while 39 are currently awaiting President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.'s signature. In contrast, only 14 bills were approved on third reading during the first and second sessions of the same Congress, with 73 signed into law.
Escudero attributed the improved performance to the 'long hours of work' put in by senators and their staff. He hopes to build on these gains when the 20th Congress opens on July 28, assuring the public that the chamber will be ready to tackle both administration-priority measures and individual legislative proposals. "Bawat isang miyembro ng Senado, buo ang aking tiwala na nasa isip at nasa puso niya ang mataas na interes ng ating bansa at maganda at maayos na kapakanan para sa ating mga kababayan (I have full trust that each member of the Senate has in mind and heart the best interests of our nation and the well-being of our people)," he expressed.
Even as the Senate is expected to convene as an impeachment court for Vice President Sara Duterte, Escudero emphasized that the chamber would not lose focus on its primary legislative duties. He mentioned his preference for holding the impeachment proceedings in the morning to allow the Senate to continue its lawmaking activities in the afternoon.
