House Speaker Martin Romualdez (Speaker’s office)

Speaker Martin Romualdez has reiterated the top priorities of the House of Representatives one week ahead of the start of the third and final regular session of the 19th Congress. 

In a statement Sunday, July 14, Romualdez said the House was committed to passing the 2025 national budget, the remaining Legislative-Executive Development Advisory Council (LEDAC) priority bills, and possible additional measures to be mentioned by President Marcos in his third State of the Nation Address (SONA). 

The SONA will take place on July 22, which will coincide with the opening of the third regular session.  

"The House is ready to take swift and decisive action to ensure these legislative priorities are met, paving the way for sustained development and progress under the administration of President Bongbong Marcos," Romualdez, leader of the 300-plus strong chamber, said. 

He says the House eagerly awaits the executive branch's proposed P6.352-trillion National Expenditure Program (NEP), which will form the basis for the 2025 General Appropriations Bill (GAB). The solons' aim is to pass it before the end of September this year. 

The Leyte 1st district congressman said the swift and timely passage of next year’s national budget is a top priority. 

"The 2025 national budget is essential for sustaining our nation’s growth and addressing the immediate needs of our citizens, and the House is ready to ensure its swift approval to support our development and progress," the Speaker said. 

"We are ready and determined to work hard to pass the 2025 GAB before we go on break at the end of September. We will ensure the timely transmission of the spending bill to the Senate for their consideration as well." 

The 2025 national budget, which represents a 10-percent increase from this year’s P5.768-trillion allocation, is equivalent to 22 percent of the country’s gross domestic product. 

The Department of Budget and Management (DBM) is expected to submit the 2025 NEP to Congress on July 29, following its review by the full Cabinet. 

Under the 1987 Constitution, the NEP must be submitted to Congress within 30 days after the SONA. Once approved, it becomes the GAB, and then the General Appropriations Act (GAA) when signed into law by the President. 

In addition to the 2025 national budget, Romualdez said the House is ready to pass all the President’s priority measures during the remaining session days of the 19th Congress. 

"We are fully committed to passing all the bills that President Marcos will possibly outline in his SONA. The House is ready and determined to work diligently to ensure these critical measures are enacted swiftly to support our nation's progress and development,” he said. 

It can be recalled that the House of Representatives approved all the SONA measures asked by the President last year. 

In his upcoming SONA, President Marcos is expected to outline key legislative measures aimed at addressing the country’s most urgent issues and driving its growth agenda. 

“These SONA measures are crucial for addressing our nation’s immediate needs and promoting sustainable development,” the House chief said. “We will work closely with the executive branch to ensure their swift and successful passage.” 

Speaker Romualdez said the bigger chamber is also dedicated to passing the remaining three of the 28 LEDAC bills targeted for approval before the end of the 19th Congress. 

These are the amendments to the Electric Power Industry Reform Act (EPIRA), the Agrarian Reform Law, and the Foreign Investors’ Long-Term Lease Act. 

“We are committed to completing the legislative agenda by passing these crucial measures. They are vital for our nation’s progress and prosperity, and we will ensure they are enacted swiftly and effectively,” he said.