Senate President Juan Miguel Zubiri announced on Sunday that the upper chamber is working towards passing 20 priority bills of the Marcos administration before the second regular session of the 19th Congress concludes next month. Among these bills is the proposed Mandatory Reserve Officers’ Training Corps (ROTC) measure.
Zubiri stated that four of the 20 measures are close to becoming law, while others are awaiting approval from bicameral committees, second and final reading approval, or committee approval. The proposed Philippine Ecosystem and Natural Capital Accounting System (PENCAS) Act, which accounts for the country’s natural capital and its economic impact, is awaiting the signature of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.
Additionally, the bicameral reports on the Philippine Maritime Zones Act and the bill to establish the Negros Island region have been ratified and are in the enrollment process. The Senate also ratified the bicameral report on the Real Property Valuation and Assessment Reform Act.
Several bills are currently pending approval on the second reading, including the Anti-Financial Accounts Scamming Act, VAT on Digital Services or Transactions Act, and amendments to the Government Procurement Reform Act, among others.
The second regular session of the 19th Congress is scheduled to adjourn on May 24.
