Senate President Juan Miguel “Migz” Zubiri on Thursday said the upper chamber will approve its own version of the controversial Maharlika Investment Fund bill by next week.

“The plan is to approve it by second and third reading next week. We are accommodating the last few members who want to interpellate on Monday then we can open the period of amendments immediately after,” Zubiri said in a text message to reporters.

“As a certified measure, we can close and approve the bill on that same week,” he added.

He made the remarks a day after President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. certified Senate Bill No. 2020, its own version of the proposed Maharlika Investment Fund, as a priority legislative measure.

Its counterpart, the House of Representatives approved the third and final reading of House Bill No. 6608, or the proposed MIF bill, before adjourning for the Christmas break last year.

The Senate is still discussing the proposed measure, more than a week before the sine die adjournment on 2 June.

Zubiri also called on the House of Representatives to adopt its version of the proposed MIF bill, saying it has “more safeguards.”

“Hopefully, the House can adopt our version, which we improved with more safeguards in place to avoid possible misuse,” he added.

Should the lower chamber agree to adopt the Senate version of the proposed measure by next week, the bill would be enrolled automatically for the President’s approval.