Drilon said, “Let us walk a mile more. We are racing against time. We must set aside political interest and think of solutions to the nation’s pressing problems.”
Drilon’s cites legislative reforms passed by the Senate for the economy, public health, education, employment, and good governance.
On top of the Senate’s agenda for the third regular session are the proposed Bangsamoro Basic Law and modernizing the PAG-ASA weather bureau.
They’re also looking at more legislation related to economic reforms, peace and order, and improving public services.
A Senate committee report on the proposed Bangsamoro Basic Law is expected to be submitted on August 3 and will pave the way for debates in the Senate.
Drilon also promises to pass the proposed 2016 budget on time.
He said, “The challenge that is thrown to us and to the people who’ll be elected in 2016 is to ensure the continuity of these reforms.”
Three senators – Juan Ponce Enrile, Jinggoy Estrada, and Bong Reviilla – are currently detained on graft charges.
Miriam Defensor-Santiago and Sergio Osmeña III did not attend the opening session.
Meanwhile, Lower House Speaker Sonny Belmonte’s opening speech recalled acomplishments of the lower house, including passage of the Government Owned and Controlled Corporations Governance Act and the Sin Tax Reform Law.
Belmonte said these measures significantly cut smoking among the poor and raised revenues for government health care programs.
He also mentioned the Sandiganbayan Law and the Kto12 Act.
Belmonte also said the Chamber has ended the practice of reenacted budget as the House has consistently passed the government’s annual budget on time.
he said, “The 16th Congress has already passed 40 other laws. We managed to accomplish this because we acted collectively and responsibly, prompted only by pulic interest.”
The House Speaker also spoke about the priority bills he hopes would be passed in the remaining months.
