filbet House ramps up efforts on tackling key issues as 19th Congress nears end

MANILA, Philippines — As the 19th Congress enters its final months, the House of Representatives is ramping up efforts to address key national issues, including rising food and electricity costs and government accountability.

House Senior Deputy Speaker Aurelio Gonzales Jr. said on Sunday that oversight remains a priority as lawmakers investigate issues affecting the public.

big jackpot

“Patuloy nating palalakasin ang kapangyarihan ng oversight ng Kamara para tugisin ang mga iregularidad na gawain na nagpapahirap sa ating mga kababayan,” Gonzales said in a statement on Sunday.

Article continues after this advertisement

(We will continue to strengthen the oversight power of the House to pursue irregular activities that burden our fellow citizens.)

FEATURED STORIES NEWSINFO Gatchalian: INC rally will make pols ‘think twice’ on VP Duterte NEWSINFO ‘Simulated’ drug bust: 30 PNP men charged NEWSINFO Rep. Castro says INC rally a move to shield VP Sara Duterte Probes into key issues

Gonzales highlighted the active role of various House committees in addressing pressing national concerns, such as rising food and electricity costs, and ensuring accountability in the use of public funds.

According to Gonzales, the quinta comm, also known as the Murang Pagkain Super Committee, is probing agricultural smuggling, hoarding, and price manipulation — factors identified as major contributors to food inflation.

Article continues after this advertisement

Meanwhile, the committees on ways and means and legislative franchises are examining the operations of the National Grid Corporation of the Philippines, particularly its compliance with obligations, tax payments, and potential overcharging of consumers.

Article continues after this advertisement

Gonzales also highlighted probes into illegal Philippine offshore gaming operators, money laundering, alleged misuse of confidential funds, and extrajudicial killings during former President Rodrigo Duterte’s administration.

Article continues after this advertisement

“This probe is not just about accountability: It is about upholding human rights and protecting our national interests,” he emphasized.

READ: Decrease in unemployment rate a positive development, says Romualdez

Article continues after this advertisement Legislative progress

The House passed 166 laws during the 19th Congress, including nearly all measures prioritized by the Legislative-Executive Development Advisory Council.

In a statement on Monday, the DA said the newly created Agricultural Cooperative Enterprise Development Services (ACED Services) would streamline efforts and optimize resources allotted for supporting cooperatives.

The corporate watchdog on Monday said its new extension office at the South Cotabato Gymnasium and Cultural Center was built to cater to more Soccsksargen-based firms, as travel time to the nearest SEC office in Davao City took around three hours from Koronadal.

Pending bills aim to address economic and social challenges, according to Gonzales.

These include House Bill No. 9729, which seeks to improve the productivity of micro, small, and medium enterprises, and proposed amendments to the Universal Health Care Act to enhance benefits and adjust premium contributions.

Lawmakers are also working on a National Flood Control Plan to mitigate the impact of recurring floods in disaster-prone areas, he added.

“We need a comprehensive approach to mitigate flooding and help communities recover more quickly,” Gonzales said.

As the 19th Congress ends on June 30, Gonzales stressed the importance of sustaining momentum in delivering reforms that directly benefit Filipinos.

Your subscription could not be saved. Please try again. Your subscription has been successful.

Subscribe to our daily newsletter

SIGN ME UP

By providing an email address. I agree to the Terms of Use and acknowledge that I have read the Privacy Policy.

“Oversight and legislation are two sides of the same coin. Both are essential in ensuring that our people live better livesfilbet,” he stated.

READ NEXT Gov’t work suspended, roads closed in Bacolod due to INC... Lawmakers welcome survey results backing quad comm probe EDITORS' PICK Tolentino backs INC peace rally Eastern Samar town gets first river ambulance Fil-Ams grapple with devastating LA fires: ‘It’s like an apocalypse’ UAAP: Casiey Dongallo, Jelai Gajero leave UE, transfer to UP Legarda honored with PhD, urges students to build resilient future A surreal finish to Donald Trump’s historic criminal trial MOST READ Greenhills Shopping Center stays on US watch list Tolentino backs INC peace rally Rep. Castro says INC rally a move to shield VP Sara Duterte 'Pepsi Paloma' script handed by emissary to Vic Sotto's 'sibling who's a senator' Follow @FMangosingINQ on Twitter --> View comments