Senate to tackle priority bills, impeachment when Congress resumes

By Wilnard Bacelonia, Philippine News Agency

Asked why the Senate often lags behind, Escudero pointed to its limited manpower. (File Photo: Senate of the Philippines/Facebook)

MANILA – As the 19th Congress prepares to resume on June 2, Senate President Francis Escudero said the Senate’s top priorities will be completing key legislative measures and laying the groundwork for the potential impeachment trial of Vice President Sara Duterte.

“Pangunahin muna ‘yong trabaho namin sa larangan ng lehislasyon,” Escudero said Wednesday during the Kapihan sa Manila Bay briefing.

Among the bills the upper chamber will tackle include the proposed Right of Way law, the 99-year lease measure for foreign investors, and the charter extensions for the National Housing Authority, Development Bank of the Philippines, and the National Economic and Develpment Authority, all of which are set to expire this year.

“These are part of our legislative priorities. We hope to finish them within the two weeks before adjournment,” Escudero said, adding that the Senate is playing catch-up to the House of Representatives, which has already passed most of these measures.

Asked why the Senate often lags behind, Escudero pointed to its limited manpower.

“Parehong trabaho (ang) ginagampanan [ng Senado at Kamara], pero mahigit 300 ang miyembro ng Kamara. Kami, 23 lang. Given the manhours involved, talagang mahuhuli madalas ang Senado ([The Senate and House] do the same job, but the House has over 300 members. We, only 23. Given the manhours involved, the Senate will definitely be late often),” he said.

In addition to legislation, Escudero said the Senate is preparing to convene as an impeachment court following the Feb. 5 complaint against Duterte, and will finalize its rules for the impeachment process.

Escudero also highlighted the packed confirmation schedule of the Commission on Appointments (CA), which he chairs.

The CA will need to confirm Cabinet appointees from the Department of Information and Communications Technology, Department of Transportation, Presidential Communications Office, Commission on Elections, Civil Service Commission, Armed Forces of the Philippines and the Department of Foreign Affairs.

“Kaya naman ‘yon. Kakayanin namin ‘yon (It can be done. We can handle it)” Escudero said, expressing confidence the Senate can manage the workload without sacrificing quality.