Deputy Speaker La Union 1st district Rep. Paolo Ortega V has credited Majority Leader Ilocos Norte 1st district Rep. Sandro Marcos for keeping the legislative mill up and running at the House of Representatives amid the filing of successive impeachment complaints against the top two officials of the country.

“The impeachment process is a constitutional duty that we take seriously, but it is only one of many responsibilities of the House," Ortega said in a statement.

"Amid a packed legislative agenda, House Majority Leader Marcos took the lead in securing the approval of vital measures, acting on the guidance of Speaker [Faustino] Dy. We remained focused on our work – passing priority measures, protecting public welfare and ensuring that the legislative agenda continues to move forward,” said the Lakas-Christian Muslim Democrats (CMD) member.

Ortega underscored that the constitutional process of impeachment, while a serious and time-bound responsibility, did not derail the chamber’s broader legislative mandate to pass laws and attend to urgent national concerns.

The deputy speaker also credited Marcos for the latter’s twin priority measures aimed at reinforcing accountability in public office and strengthening the country’s tourism sector.

He was referring to Marcos’ House Bill (HB) No. 7432, or the “No Work, No Pay for Members of Congress Act,” which sought to link the salaries and other emoluments of senators and representatives to their attendance and participation in plenary sessions, committee hearings and other official legislative functions.

The second measure, HB No. 7443, proposes the outright abolition of the travel tax imposed on travelers, with the goal of making travel more accessible and enhancing the country’s competitiveness as a tourism destination.

“These measures reflect a strong commitment to public accountability and economic growth. By ensuring that lawmakers are held to clear standards of performance while easing the burden on travelers, Majority Leader Marcos has advanced reforms that benefit both governance and the broader economy,” Ortega said.

He noted that even as the House processed impeachment complaints in accordance with the Constitution and House rules, committees and the plenary continued to deliberate on measures affecting energy security, worker protection, public safety and national observances.

Foremost among the measures approved on third and final reading last week was HB No. 6676, or the proposed Energy Systems Storage Act. It aims to ensure stable and continuous electricity supply through the development and commercialization of energy storage systems, a reform seen as crucial in strengthening the country’s power resilience.

Also approved on third reading was HB No. 7239, which mandated compulsory insurance coverage for electrical and telecommunications line workers. This reflects broad support for additional protection for workers who ensure the country’s power and communications networks remain operational even during calamities.

In addition, the House passed last Wednesday on third reading HB No. 7304, proclaiming the first Monday of August of every year as National Line Workers Appreciation Day; HB No. 7301 declaring April as Philippine Veterans’ Month; HB No. 7303 declaring December 12 as Feast of Our Lady of Guadalupe Day; HB No. 7368 declaring November 30 as Jesus Reigns National Day of Worship; and HB No. 7379 declaring December 19 as National Masonic Day.

On second reading, the House approved last Wednesday HB No. 7565, which mandated the proper installation and maintenance of overhead electric distribution and communication lines for public safety, alongside the omnibus approval of several local holiday bills affecting Parañaque, Muntinlupa, Dapa in Surigao del Norte, Lapu-Lapu City, Mendez-Nuñez in Cavite, the Cordillera Administrative Region (CAR), Rosario and Taysan in Batangas, and Calamba in Misamis Occidental.

Beyond legislation, the House adopted House Resolution (HR) No. 758 expressing profound condolences to the family of former Speaker Jose De Venecia Jr., as well as additional resolutions honoring former lawmakers Simeon Lucero Kintanar, David Abadiano Ponce de Leon, and Emilio “Milling” Dela Rosa Espinosa Jr.

The 300-plus strong chamber also adopted multiple commendatory resolutions that recognized Filipino athletes and institutions such the Philippine Junior Pencak Silat Team, young taekwondo athletes, the Philippine Benchrest Shooting Team, the Philippine National Volleyball Federation, triathlete Kira Ellis, hip hop dance groups Legit Status and VPeepz, the Clark Development Corporation and the Philippine tourism sector.

Marcos has said that he will keep his hands off on any of the impeachment complaints filed against President Marcos and Vice President Sara Duterte at the House of Representatives.