Four LEDAC priority bills still for House approval, says Romualdez

Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, January 21) — The House of Representatives is eyeing to pass the remaining four bills that are part of the priority measures of the Legislative-Executive Development Advisory Council (LEDAC) as the chamber resumes its session on Monday, Speaker Martin Romualdez said.

In a statement, Romualdez said House Bill (HB) No. 9713, or “An Act institutionalizing a Philippine self-reliant defense posture program and promoting the development of a national defense industry pursuant thereto,” is set for third reading in the House plenary.

“We are almost done with the priority bills agreed upon by Congress and the executive branch,” he said. “We have approved on final reading all but four of the 57 measures in the LEDAC list.”

Romualdez said the other three priority bills for final approval are amendments to the Electric Power Industry Reform Act, which is under technical working group finalization, as well as the Budget Modernization Bill and National Defense Act, which are under committee consideration.

“We have accomplished our mission as lawmakers by acting promptly on the legislative agenda of President Marcos, which is focused on sustaining economic growth, helping the poor and vulnerable sectors, creating jobs and income opportunities, and in general, making life better for every Filipino,” he said.

“We will await Senate action on proposed laws that we have approved on third and final reading, and we will be ready to sit with senators in bicameral conferences to come up with the final versions,” he added.

Marcos already signed into law 11 LEDAC bills, including the Sim Registration Act, New Agrarian Reform Anticipation Act, and the controversial Maharlika Investment Fund Act.

Romualdez said conference committee reports on four other LEDAC bills, namely the New Passport Act, the Philippine Salt Industry Development Act, the Magna Carta of Filipino Seafarers, and Tatak Pinoy (Proudly Filipino) Act, have been ratified by the House and the Senate.

The House Speaker also said HB No. 9571, or “An Act prohibiting the development, production, stockpiling, and use of chemical weapons, providing for their destruction, and imposing penalties for violations thereof,” is expected to be “finally passed” as it is among the chamber’s priorities.

He said 11 bills that are part of the House’s priorities are in various stages of plenary and committee deliberation.

In September 2023, Romualdez said the House had approved 20 LEDAC priority bills ahead of the December target.