House Leaders Prioritize Budget Ratification as Congress Reconvenes
The House of Representatives is gearing up for a busy session as it reconvenes on Monday. At the top of the agenda is the ratification of the proposed PHP6.352 trillion national budget for 2025.
House Majority Leader Manuel Jose Dalipe expressed optimism that the Senate will pass the budget proposal soon, allowing the bicameral conference committee to work on the final version.
"We hope to ratify the bicam report before our Dec. 20 Christmas break,” said Dalipe.
Beyond the Budget: Oversight and Policy Priorities
In addition to the budget, the House will continue its oversight functions through various committees. This includes the quad committee (quadcom), which focuses on the interconnected issues of Philippine Offshore Gaming Operators (POGOs), illegal drugs, money laundering, and extrajudicial killings.
The quadcom is scheduled to hold its 10th hearing on November 7, with former President Rodrigo Duterte expected to attend.
Several other key priorities will be tackled by the House:
- Probe into VP’s Confidential Funds: The Committee on Good Government and Public Accountability will investigate the confidential funds of the Office of the Vice President.
- Legislative-Executive Development Advisory Council (LEDAC) Priorities: The House aims to pass several remaining measures on the LEDAC priority list, including:
- Budget Modernization Bill
- National Defense Bill
- Amendments to the Agrarian Reform Law
- Amendments to the Foreign Investors’ Long-Term Lease
PNP Praises Manila POGO Raid
Philippine National Police (PNP) Chief Gen. Rommel Francisco Marbil lauded the Anti-Cybercrime Group (ACG) for its successful operation that dismantled a major online scam hub in Manila on October 29.
The raid on Century Peak Tower, a 40-story building in Ermita, Manila, resulted in the arrest of 69 foreign nationals. Marbil called the operation "a testament to the dedication of our PNP-ACG personnel, whose relentless pursuit of justice has exposed and disrupted a significant hub of criminal activity linked to online scams, illegal gambling, and human trafficking.”
Stay Informed:
Follow us for the latest updates on Philippine politics, news, and developments.