House Speaker Martin Romualdez raised hope before the local business community that Congress would be able to pass key commerce and industry-related measures--particularly those mentioned by the President in his State of the Nation Address (SONA)--before the end of 2022.
Romualdez--during a speaking engagement with members of the Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry (PCCI) Thursday afternoon, Aug. 4 at Makati Diamond Residences, Makati City--vowed that the House of Representatives would act immediately on these measures.
“Majority of the priority measures spelled out by President Marcos in his SONA are principally authored by no less than your House Speaker so I expect my fellow legislators to act on these bills with dispatch. In fact, I am hopeful that we can approve most of these measures before the year ends,” Romualdez said.
He was referring to these priority measures: 1) The Government Financial Institutions Unified Initiatives to Distressed Enterprises for Economic Recovery (GUIDE) Act, 2) Valuation Reform Bill, 3) Passive Income and Financial Intermediary Taxation Act or PIFITA, 4) E-Government Act, 5) Internet Transaction Act or E-Commerce Law, 6) National Land Use Act, 7) Enactment of an Enabling Law for the Natural Gas Industry, 8) Amendments to the Electric Power Industry Reform Act (EPIRA), and 9) Amendments to the Build Operate-Transfer (BOT) Law.
The Leyte 1st district congressman's plan for the House to pass most of these bills before year's end is somewhat bold, given that the solons must also prioritize the passage of the 2023 General Appropriations Bill (GAB) or national budget. They aren't expected to get their hands on the National Expenditure Program (NEP)--the basis of the GAB--until the third week of August.
The legislative calendar also shows a lengthy recess between Oct.1 to Nov. 6, when the lower chamber won't be having any sessions.
But then again, the Marcos administration commands a supermajority in Congress like no other, with Romualdez also being the most likable speaker in recent memory. This would theoretically make consensus-building an easier task.
The House leader also committed to consult with the PCCI regarding the priority legislative measures of the administration.
“One thing I assure you, though. As stakeholders, you will be consulted in every measure that we tackle especially those involving commerce and industry. Please make your positions very clear on the issues I mentioned earlier as I want all stakeholders to be heard before we pass these measures,” he added.
The PCCI, according to its site, is “a non-stock, non-profit, non-government business organization comprised of small, medium, and large enterprises, local chambers and industry associations representing various sectors of business, all working together to foster a healthier Philippine economy and improve the viability of business in the community".