Despite its daunting task, House Speaker Faustino “Bojie” Dy III expressed confidence that the Senate can simultaneously fulfill its constitutional duty as an impeachment court while continuing its legislative responsibilities.

Dy had this say over the weekend, as lawmakers from both legislative chambers anticpate the opening of the second regular session of the 20th Congress on Monday, July 27, the same day as President Marcos' fifth State of the Nation Address (SONA).

The Speaker from Isabela's 6th district said the House was prepared to work closely with the Senate under the leadership of Senate President Sherwin Gatchalian to complete the remaining priority legislation, particularly those identified by the Legislative-Executive Development Advisory Council (LEDAC).

“May kumpiyansa po kami na may kakayahan ang Senado na pagsabayin ang kanilang constitutional duty bilang impeachment court at ang kanilang tungkulin bilang mga mambabatas,” Dy said.

(We are confident that the Senate has the capacity to fulfill its constitutional duty as an impeachment court while also carrying out its role as legislators.)

He added that both chambers can continue refining measures through bicameral conference committees and technical working groups.

“Handa po ang Kongreso na makipagtulungan sa Senado sa pamumuno ni Senate President Sherwin Gatchalian... nang sa gayon ay makagawa tayo ng mga batas na napapanahon at tutugon sa pangangailangan ng ating mga kababayan.”

(Congress is ready to work with the Senate under the leadership of Senate President Sherwin Gatchalian… so that we can craft laws that are timely and responsive to the needs of our people.)

Vice President Sara Duterte's impeachment trial--where senators serve as senator-judges--began last July 6. Gatchalian had earlier estimated that the proceedings could last seven to eight months.

The House has a part in the trial too, as it has sent a team of 11 solon-prosecutors to gain a conviction from the respondent, Duterte.

Dy said the focus in the second regular session should remain on delivering meaningful legislation. “Inaasahan po nating magkakaisa ang dalawang Kapulungan upang mapanatili ang momentum ng ating legislative agenda.”

(We expect both Chambers to unite in order to sustain the momentum of our legislative agenda.)

“Sa dulo ng lahat ng ito, hindi naman ito tungkol sa Kamara o Senado. Ang mahalaga ay magkaroon tayo ng mga batas na magpapagaan ng buhay ng ating mga kababayan at magpapaunlad sa ating bansa," the House leader said.

(In the end, this is not about the House or the Senate.What matters is that we enact laws that will ease the lives of our people and advance our nation.)

During the first regular session, the House managed to pass 26 out of the 52 LEDAC measures.

Among the measures are the landmark Right to Information Act, the Anti-Political Dynasty Act, reforms to the Bank Deposits Secrecy Law, and the law resetting the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM) parliamentary elections.