House Speaker Faustino “Bojie” Dy on Monday urged lawmakers to set aside political differences, practice patience and remain accountable as Congress opened the second regular session of the 20th Congress and entered the crucial phase of having to pass the Marcos administration’s remaining priority measures.

In his opening remarks at the start of the session, Dy reminded House members that effective lawmaking begins with listening, mutual respect, and putting the welfare of the people above partisan interests.

“It is a big threat when we allow ourselves to lose our appreciation and care for one another. When we stop caring for our fellow Filipinos,” Dy said, describing compassion and unity as among the country’s greatest strengths.

RHe said lawmakers must embrace differing views during legislative deliberations, stressing that meaningful laws are measured not by the number passed but by their ability to address the daily struggles of ordinary Filipinos.

“Amid the many problems and challenges, we become firm as a country because we know how to help one another. This is who we are. These are the traits that describe us as Filipinos,” he said.

Dy also reminded the members of Congress that public office demands accountability, urging the legislators to lead by example as public confidence in government institutions remains under scrutiny.

“We are all accountable — to ourselves and to each other. Change begins with us,” he said.

Push for priority bills

With only about half of the Legislative-Executive Development Advisory Council’s priority measures enacted during the previous session, Dy vowed that the House would intensify efforts to pass the remaining administration-backed bills.

He said the chamber would focus on measures that directly address the country’s pressing concerns while ensuring that laws already enacted are effectively implemented.

“Our responsibility does not end with passing laws,” Dy said. “We must ensure these are translated into programs that genuinely improve the lives of our countrymen.”