Monday, July 27, 2009 | MANILA, PHILIPPINES [ BusinessWorld Online ]
THE 14TH CONGRESS opens its third and last regular session today with leaders of the Senate and House of Representatives indicating a common commitment to pass two major bills — a new agrarian reform law and next year’s budget.
The two measures, Senate President Juan Ponce Enrile and House Speaker Prospero C. Nograles yesterday said, are expected to be passed before legislators turn their attention to the 2010 elections.
"Top priority measure is the general appropriations bill of 2010. We will also ratify CARP (Comprehensive Agrarian Reform Program)," Mr. Enrile said in a radio interview.
Mr. Nograles, in a text message, said, "We expect to ratify a new CARP a few days after the opening of session. As for the budget, we promise to work on it early in December so we could get it passed immediately."
A bicameral conference committee report on the proposed agrarian reform bill is awaiting ratification by both chambers. The Palace has said it expects immediate approval of the CARP law, the previous version of which lapsed last year.
For their part, House Majority Leader and Iloilo Rep. Arthur D. Defensor, Sr. and Senate Majority Leader Juan Miguel F. Zubiri said late last week that both chambers would work on the swift passage of the CARP and budget measures.
"It is mandatory that we pass the 2010 budget early — on or before January — so as not to have a reenacted budget," Mr. Defensor said.
Malacañang usually submits its proposal for the budget shortly after the president delivers her annual State of the Nation Address at the opening of Congress’ regular sessions.
Insofar as the chamber is concerned, Mr. Defensor said the House leadership would not let legislators’ 2010 campaign plans to get in the way of passing priority bills.
"We will make sure that all these measures are passed before the 90-day campaign period because right before that time Congress will adjourn sessions. We would make use of our session days effectively."
The Commission on Elections has scheduled November 20-30, 2009 for the filing of certificates of candidacy, to be followed by a February 9-May 8, 2010 campaign period. Elections will be held on May 10.
Sessions will be suspended during the campaign, resuming in June for the vote canvass and the proclamation of the winning presidential and vice-presidential candidates, who will assume office on June 30.
Business leaders, for their part, expressed supported for Congress’ common agenda.
"I agree with the priorities. The CARP initiative is good, although we hope that farmers are really provided the services that the government has promised to them this time," Makati Business Club Executive Director Alberto A. Lim said.
Edgardo G. Lacson, Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry president, said "They have good priorities but I hope they will also have time to act on bills that we have suggested they pass in order for the country to improve on becoming economically stable."
The business sector last week announced its wishlist for Congress, which stressed the need for increased infrastructure spending. — Jhoanna Frances S. Valdez and Bernard U. Allauigan
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