Senate President Francis Escudero leads the resumption of session on Nov. 4, 2024. In a statement Friday (Dec. 27), he highlighted the Senate’s focus on advancing key legislative priorities for the Marcos administration’s development goals, Philippine sovereignty, investments and better lives of Filipinos. (PNA photo by Avito Dalan)
The Senate has set a benchmark for legislative efficiency during the third regular session of the 19th Congress. Senate President Francis Escudero highlights the chamber’s critical role in advancing the Marcos administration’s development goals and addressing national priorities.
Halfway through the session, 72 bills have been signed into law, including 11 priority measures identified by the Legislative-Executive Development Advisory Council (LEDAC). The Senate has passed 108 bills in total during this period.
“We maximized every session day, advancing measures to uplift the lives of Filipinos, safeguard our sovereignty, and promote economic growth,” Escudero said in a statement.
Notable legislative achievements
Key laws enacted include:
- Archipelagic Sea Lanes Act
- CREATE MORE Act
- Amendments to the Rice Tariffication Law
- Anti-Agricultural Economic Sabotage Act
- Anti-Financial Accounts Scamming Act
- Self-Reliant Defense Posture Revitalization Act
- Philippine Maritime Zones Act
- Academic Recovery and Accessible Learning Program Act
- Enterprise-Based Education and Training Framework Act
- Blue Economy Act
- New Government Procurement Act
These measures address critical areas such as national security, economic stability, education, and governance reform.
Escudero emphasized the importance of Senate inquiries in shaping impactful legislation. “Our hearings and probes were more than public forums—they became catalysts for laws that will benefit Filipinos for generations,” he noted.
The Senate President also acknowledged the collective effort of his colleagues and staff, attributing the chamber’s success to their dedication. “Our time and effort are for the country. I hope this dedication is remembered,” he said.
Rising above challenges
Despite natural disasters and political turbulence, the Senate maintained unity and focus. Escudero highlighted the diversity of the 23 senators, stating, “We are stronger together.”
The third regular session, which ran from July 23 to December 18, saw a sevenfold increase in legislative productivity compared to the first two sessions. Of the 108 bills passed, 44, including the 2025 General Appropriations Bill, have been forwarded to President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr., while seven measures remain in conference committees.
The chamber also adopted 106 simple resolutions and nine concurrent resolutions, ensuring that legislative outputs met the highest standards of constitutionality and relevance.
As sessions are set to resume in January, Escudero pledged to continue advancing pending measures despite the challenges posed by the upcoming 2025 election campaign. “Our commitment to quality legislation remains steadfast. We will work tirelessly for the Filipino people,” he said.
With the Senate’s robust legislative accomplishments, the chamber reinforces its pivotal role in shaping the nation’s progress under the Marcos administration.