Escudero vows for Senate to focus on people’s interests

By Wilnard Bacelonia, Philippine News Agency

FOCUSED. Senate President Francis Escudero bangs the gavel to open the Third Regular Session of the 19th Congress in Pasay City on Monday (July 22, 2024). He assured that the Senate is unaffected by unnecessary political noise and will put the interest of the people over those of political parties or ambitions. (PNA photo by Avito C. Dalan)

MANILA – The Senate leadership assured the public that it would not be affected by “unnecessary political noise” as it resumed on Monday the third regular session of the 19th Congress ahead of President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.’s third State of the Nation Address (SONA).

Leading the opening of the regular session, Senate President Francis “Chiz” Escudero maintained the chamber would only focus on people’s interests, putting the nation before personal or political ambitions.

“The Senate is a chamber of sobriety and prudence. We temper the passions of public opinion and proceed in a rational and deliberate manner. We do not immediately embrace populism that may ultimately harm the people,” Escudero said.

He also emphasized that under his watch, the Senate would prioritize quality over quantity.

“This is not a factory that mass produces laws for the sake of showing them on the scoreboard, yet do not, in any way, improve our people’s lives,” Escudero said.

“The Senate puts the interest of our people over those of political parties or personal ambitions. Bayan muna bago sarili (Country first before self),” he added.

As to matters of foreign relations, Escudero said the Senate would continue to help maintain good ties with other nations while putting national interest as a priority.

“I am confident that we shall overcome whatever disagreements we may have with any of our neighbors, given our centuries-old amicable relations with them, where this point in time in our current history is, to me, a mere speck,” he said.

Escudero led the opening of the third regular session just as the Senate approved and adopted Senate Resolutions 1061 and 1062, House Concurrent Resolution 27, and Senate Concurrent Resolution 19 informing the House of Representatives that it was ready to hold a joint session to hear the third SONA of President Marcos.