The House of the Representatives has adjourned sine die, signaling the end of the third regular session and of the 18th Congress as a whole.
House Concurrent Resolution (HCR) 28, which called for the adjournment of the third regular session of the 18th Congress of the Philippines was introduced by Majority Leader Rep. Martin Romualdez and Minority Leader Rep. Joseph Paduano. It was subsequently adopted by the House during its session Wednesday, June 1.
“We are proud to say that we are leaving the 18th Congress in order. We have improved upon the past and will transition smoothly to the next Congress. We are one Congress,” said Speaker of the House Lord Allan Velasco in his closing remarks.
“Allow me to thank each one of you for all the help and support, particularly to Majority Leader Martin Romualdez and Minority Leader Caraps Paduano, for being my true partners in building this One Congress. To our Deputy Speakers, our Committee Chairpersons, Secretary General Mark Mendoza, the House Secretariat and our congressional staff, all our auxiliaries, thank you,” Velasco said.
“We shall leave the House of the People with hope for the future under the new President, with the satisfaction that we have given our best to serve our people, and trust that the House shall continue what we have started--with unreserved ‘tapang’ (courage) and ‘malasakit’ (concern),” the Speaker concluded.
Romualdez, the top speakership contender in the upcoming 19th Congress, similarly lauded the 18th Congress in its final minutes, describing it as "most productive" despite the Covid-19 pandemic.
“I am in awe of the dedication to service and fortitude displayed by Members of Congress and our House employees. They worked beyond the call of duty, at times of uncertainty and abnormality, to make the 18th Congress one of the most productive ever,” Romualdez said.
“It has been a distinct honor and privilege to have closely worked alongside all of you, the remarkable men and women of the Eighteenth Congress. Indeed, it is the most rewarding experience as a legislator. Having been a witness to your intellect and tenacity, I am proud to have walked these halls with all of you as we have faithfully discharged our duties to our nation and our people,” he said.
“As your majority leader, I am in awe of the fortitude and competence displayed by our collective action towards achieving a fruitful and responsive legislature. I must say that we finished our final year in the Eighteenth Congress with integrity and honor, for the work we have done was a courageous leap amidst a time of uncertainty and abnormality,” he added.