House passes 12 LEDAC priority bills before Christmas break
SESSION EXTENDED The House of Representatives further amends the previously adopted calendar, extending the initial adjournment from 20 to 23 December and subsequently to 30 December to make room for the ratification of the proposed 2026 budget. The Senate is expected to similarly extend its legislative calendar.
House of Representatives
The House of Representatives on Monday passed on third and final reading 12 priority measures endorsed by the Legislative Executive Development Advisory Council (LEDAC) before adjourning for the Christmas break.
Among the measures approved were bills aimed at strengthening social protection for vulnerable sectors, including individuals in crisis situations, senior citizens, and Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs).
The Assistance to Individuals in Crisis Situation (AICS) bill seeks to institutionalize the program of the Department of Social Welfare and Development, while the proposed National Center for Geriatric Health bill aims to improve access to specialized medical care for the elderly. Meanwhile, the National Reintegration bill focuses on providing support mechanisms for returning OFWs.
Education-related measures were also approved, including the Government Assistance to Students and Teachers in Private Education Act and the Teachers Professionalization Act.
Other measures that cleared third and final reading include the Blue Economy Act; a bill strengthening the Energy Regulatory Commission (ERC); legislation promoting waste-to-energy technologies; the proposed establishment of a Department of Water Resources; and amendments to the National Building Code and the Bank Secrecy Law.
House Speaker Bojie Dy III urged lawmakers to continue prioritizing people-centered legislation, stressing that public service should be measured by its impact on lives rather than titles or positions.
“True joy in public service does not come from position, title, or power. It comes from the knowledge that a child has graduated, a patient has healed, or a family has found hope because we chose to serve with truth and sincerity,” Dy said.