The COVID-19 pandemic is still with us, as it is with the whole world but Filipinos will overcome.

‘’Yes, the appearance of the Delta variant is a looming cause of concern. But I share the belief of many scientific minds that, with the vaccine roll out, it will just be a matter of time and resources before the coronavirus enters its endemic stage,’’ Senate President Vicente C. Sotto III said in his speech after formally opening the third and last regular session of the 18^th Congress at the Senate building in Pasay city this morning.

‘’Scientists foresee that as more people get immunized, there will be less transmissions. A decreased transmission rate will result in arresting the development of deadlier variants. And soon—they predict—our communities will develop herd immunity. When that happens, the Corona virus will just be another kind of seasonal flu that will be part of many of life’s minor medical inconveniences,’’ he said.

Sotto emphasized that Senate would first support all efforts to keep Philippine population Covid-resistant.

Second, the Senate aims to assist families, industries or sectors that generate income , he added.

Third, the Senate will not abandon the Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs). Fourth, Senate commits to disaster preparedness and the protection of the environment.

‘’This august body will not only focus on the foregoing legislative measures. Since freedom and justice have their sanctuary here, and free speech is our weapon of choice; the Senate has always been known and expected to provide the forum to debate on public issues and promote the public welfare. We will continuously seek to expose corruption in public service and direct the searchlight of one of our committees towards the dark corners of our bureaucracy where corruption and injustice thrive unnoticed. We will also unceasingly address the usual concerns of the common man for food, shelter, education, and medical help,’’ Sotto said.

‘’I, as Senate President, together with my colleagues, owe it to the Filipino people to build on the gains of the Second Regular Session. And to continue to forge a path for our country’s recovery. Our nation has been through many challenges for centuries,’’ he pointed out.

‘’Let us continue to serve our people through legislations and guide the course of our public discourse towards rational and effective solutions to the country’s problems and the promotion of the general welfare,’’ he added.

.