House okays 15 bills

The House of Representatives approved on Wednesday night 15 bills, including 12 priority measures, before going on a break for the Holy Week.

Speaker Feliciano Belmonte Jr. said despite the attention and work devoted to the impeachment trial of Chief Justice Renato Corona “across town,” the chamber continued to act with dispatch on pending measures.

“Our primary function of lawmaking did not take a backseat,” Belmonte told reporters.

“Like our common folks who carry pails of water on their shoulders, this House – since the resumption of session on Jan. 16, 2012 – has had to lift a dual burden which the Constitution imposes upon it – that of enacting laws for the greater good, and of enforcing public accountability among a select group of government officers removable only by impeachment,” the Speaker said in his adjournment message to lawmakers.

House Majority Leader and Mandaluyong Rep. Neptali Gonzales said except for some contentious measures, the chamber was on track in approving remaining priority bills listed by the Legislative-executive Development Advisory Council (LEDAC) before Congress adjourns sine die in June.

At the same time, Belmonte commended the panel prosecuting Chief Justice Renato Corona in his Senate impeachment trial, its spokespersons and its secretariat.

“To the 188 members, plus the additional 13, not a single one of whom wavered as the proceedings unfolded, maraming salamat sa inyo,” he said.

He was referring to the 188 House members who signed the impeachment complaint against Corona last Dec. 12.