Manila: Even as the House of Representatives carried out its constitutional mandate to act on impeachment complaints, the chamber remained fully functional and productive, Deputy Speaker Paolo Ortega V of La Union said Thursday. Ortega credited the leadership of Speaker Faustino 'Bojie' Dy III and Majority Leader Ferdinand Alexander 'Sandro' Marcos for shepherding the passage of priority measures as the House continued to approve key national and local bills, advance reforms, and adopt significant resolutions.
According to Philippines News Agency, Ortega emphasized that the impeachment process is a constitutional duty taken seriously by the House, but it is only one of many responsibilities. The House remained focused on its work, including passing priority measures, protecting public welfare, and ensuring the legislative agenda continues to move forward. Even as the House processed impeachment complaints in accordance with the Constitution and House rules, committees and the plenary continued to deliberate on measures affecting energy security, worker protection, public safety, and national observances.
Foremost among the measures approved on third and final reading last week was House Bill (HB) 6676, or the proposed Energy Systems Storage Act. This bill aims to ensure a stable and continuous electricity supply through the development and commercialization of energy storage systems, seen as crucial for strengthening the country's power resilience. Also approved on third reading was HB 7239, mandating compulsory insurance coverage for electrical and telecommunications line workers, reflecting broad support for additional protection for workers who maintain the country's power and communications networks.
In addition, the House passed on third reading HB 7304, proclaiming the first Monday of August as National Line Workers Appreciation Day; HB 7301 declaring April as Philippine Veterans' Month; HB 7303 declaring Dec. 12 as Feast of Our Lady of Guadalupe Day; HB 7368 declaring Nov. 30 as Jesus Reigns National Day of Worship; and HB 7379 declaring Dec. 19 as National Masonic Day.
On second reading, the House approved HB 7565, mandating the proper installation and maintenance of overhead electric distribution and communication lines for public safety. Additionally, several local holiday bills were approved, affecting areas such as Para±aque, Muntinlupa, Dapa in Surigao del Norte, Lapu-Lapu City, Mendez-Nu±ez in Cavite, the Cordillera region, Rosario, and Taysan in Batangas, and Calamba in Misamis Occidental.
Beyond legislation, the House adopted House Resolution 758, expressing profound condolences to the family of former Speaker Jose C. De Venecia Jr., and additional resolutions honoring former lawmakers Simeon Lucero Kintanar, David Abadiano Ponce De Leon, and Emilio 'Milling' Dela Rosa Espinosa Jr. These activities affirm the chamber's respect for public servants who have shaped legislative history. The chamber also adopted multiple commendatory resolutions recognizing Filipino athletes and institutions.
Ortega noted that the record of approvals on third reading, the steady progress of bills on second reading, and the adoption of numerous resolutions reflect a chamber that remains institutionally disciplined and focused on governance, even while performing its constitutional oversight functions.
