The Senate will have its hands full in fulfilling its constitutional duties when it resumes the 3rd Regular Session of the 18th Congress on Monday, May 23.
Upon resumption of session, senators will approve a concurrent resolution allowing the Senate and House of Representatives to convene as the National Board of Canvassers (NBOC) starting May 24.
The Senate has been receiving ballot boxes containing Certificates of Canvass (COCs) and Election Returns (ERs) for president and vice president from various parts of the country and abroad since May 9 or after the national and local elections.
The Senate, under Article 7, Section 4 of the Constitution, is mandated to receive the returns of every election for President and Vice President, duly certified by the board of canvassers of each province or city.
According to Senate media personnel, the ballot boxes that were delivered to the Senate would be transferred to the House of Representatives early morning on Monday, May 23.
The Senate contingent to the NBOC are Senators Imee Marcos, Franklin Drilon, Juan Miguel "Migz" Zubiri, Francis Tolentino, Pia Cayetano, Nancy Binay and Grace Poe. Senate President Pro Tempore Ralph Recto, and Senators Sonny Angara, and Cynthia Villar will alternately serve as members to the NBOC.
Also upon resumption, the Senate will continue to work on several measures pending in the chamber.
This include Senate Bill No. 2490, which seeks to strengthen the Office of the Government Corporate Counsel (OGCC) by rationalizing and professionalizing its organization. The bill is now up for third and final reading.
The Senate is also set to approve Senate Bill No. 2450, which provides for the permanent validity of birth, death and marriage certificates which is also up for third reading approval.
Senators are also expected to pass on final reading Senate Bill No. 2484, or the proposed Provincial Science and Technology Office Act; SBN 2455 or the proposed Creative Industries Charter of the Philippines; SBN 2423 or the proposed Private Security Services Industry Act; and SBN 2399 or the proposed Parent Effectiveness Service Program Act.