Senate President Juan Miguel "Migz" Zubiri on Wednesday said the Senate will tackle the proposed measure seeking the creation of the controversial Maharlika Investment Fund next year, but not as a priority measure.

In a statement, Zubiri disclosed that House Bill No. 6608, or the Maharlika Investment Fund bill, was not included in the list of priority measures in the Senate for next year.

"We also expect to tackle the Maharlika Fund Bill soon, not as a priority measure, but as a measure for deep discussion and careful consideration," he said.

Before adjourning for the Christmas break, the House of Representatives approved the third and final reading of the House Bill No. 6608 after President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., who admitted that the creation of the sovereign wealth fund was his idea, certified the bill as an urgent measure. 

Zubiri said the priority measures of the Senate in 2023  include the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership, the Condonation of Unpaid Amortization and Interest on Loans of Agrarian Reform Beneficiaries, and the AFP Amendment on Fixed Term bill.

Likewise, the upper chamber will tackle a handful of health bills, namely the Medical Reserve Corps Act, the Center for Disease Prevention and Control Act, and the Virology Science and Technology Institute of the Philippines Act.