House passes 12 priority bills before Christmas

The House of Representatives on Monday passed 12 priority Legislative-Executive Development Advisory Council measures on third and final reading before going on Christmas break.

The bills cover a range of issues — from social welfare and education to energy and the environment. Key measures include the Assistance to Individuals in Crisis Situation (AICS) to strengthen DSWD programs, the National Center for Geriatric Health Bill for better elderly care, and the National Reintegration Bill to support OFWs. Education-focused bills such as the Government Assistance to Students and Teachers in Private Education Act and the Teachers Professionalization Act were also approved.

Other measures greenlit include the Blue Economy Act, Waste-to-Energy Technologies bill, stronger Energy Regulatory Commission, the establishment of the Department of Water Resources, and amendments to the National Building Code and Banks Secrecy Law.

House Speaker Bojie Dy III urged lawmakers to prioritize people-centered bills, saying public service is measured not by titles, but by the positive impact on communities. “True joy in public service does not come from position, title, or power. It comes from knowing 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.