MALACAÑANG on Wednesday expressed optimism that legislation tagged as a priority by President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. would be passed and enacted within the year.
Presidential Communications Office Undersecretary Claire Castro urged lawmakers to conduct deliberations and approve the bills that aim to uplift the lives of Filipinos.
“He hopes this can be expedited because it is truly for our fellow citizens — so, he would prefer for it to be passed immediately,” Castro said in Filipino, adding that the administration is monitoring the progress of the eight priority measures identified under Proclamation 1318.
The proclamation listed several measures — the National Center for Geriatric Health Act, amendments to the Government Assistance to Students and Teachers in Private Education Act, and the Assistance to Individuals in Crisis Situations Act which remain pending at the bicameral conference committee.
The proposed Last Mile and Geographically Isolated and Disadvantaged and Conflict-Affected Areas Schools Act was transmitted to Malacañang on June 25 for the president’s signature.
Meanwhile, the amendments to the Masustansyang Pagkain para sa Batang Pilipino Act have been sponsored in the Senate plenary, while the Anti-Political Dynasty bill has secured approval on third reading in the House of Representatives and is now under interpellation in the Senate.
The proposed Presidential Merit Scholarship Program has also passed third reading in the House and is pending review by the Senate Committee on Higher, Technical and Vocational Education.
The priority measures were included in the Legislative-Executive Development Advisory Council’s agenda to accelerate reforms in key areas such as education, health care, social protection and governance.
