Priority bills in special session address pressing concerns – Dy

MANILA, Philippines — The priority bills that President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. identified when he called for a special session of Congress for June 17 will tackle pressing concerns of ordinary Filipinos, Speaker Faustino “Bojie” G. Dy III said in a statement on Monday

According to Dy, these bills focus on social protection, education, healthcare, and economic opportunity.

“These proposals will have a direct effect on the lives of our countrymen. When we have widened access to education, strengthened our aid system for those in need, and improved health services, more Filipino families will have the opportunity to prosper and have a better future,” Dy said in Filipino.

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READ: Dy on special session call: House ready to act on priority bills

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Among the measures identified by the president are amendments to the Government Assistance to Students and Teachers in Private Education (GASTPE) Act and the Universal Access to Quality Tertiary Education Act, which seek to expand educational opportunities for Filipino students.

Also included are the proposed National Center for Geriatric Health Act, which aims to improve specialized healthcare services for senior citizens, and the Assistance to Individuals in Crisis Situation (AICS) Act, which seeks to institutionalize assistance for Filipinos facing medical, financial, and other emergencies.

The president also identified the proposed Last Mile and Geographically Isolated and Disadvantaged and Conflict-Affected Areas (GIDA) Schools Act, which seeks to improve educational access in underserved communities, as well as amendments to the Masustansyang Pagkain para sa Batang Pilipino Act to strengthen nutrition programs for children.

According to Dy, these measures reflect a common objective — ensuring that government services reach those who need them most.

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“These measures aim to put within reach government help for each Filipino, especially in sectors most in need of support,” he said.

READ: Gatchalian urges colleagues to participate in special session

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Dy pointed out that the House had already approved all of the bills identified by the president for the special session, allowing the Senate an opportunity to complete action on the proposals.

“Our people have waited long enough for many of these reforms. The House has already done its part, and we are hopeful that the legislative process can move forward so these measures can become law and begin delivering benefits to our constituents,” Dy said.

Before adjourning sine die on June 3, the House had already acted on 26 measures under the Legislative-Executive Development Advisory Council (Ledac) Common Legislative Agenda, or half of the administration’s 52 priority measures.

Beyond the measures identified for the special session, the House has also approved major reforms such as the following:

National Land Use Act

Right to Information Act

Amendments to the Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program (4Ps

Department of Water Resources Act

Restructuring of the Energy Regulatory Commission

Waste-to-Energy Act

Digital Payments Act

Anti-Fake News and Disinformation Act

Dy said these demonstrate the commitment of the House to translating legislation into tangible improvements in the lives of Filipinos.

“The true measure of how effective our proposals are is how they can lighten and improve the lives of our countrymen,” he said.

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“If more students can study, more senior citizens can get care, more families can be helped in times of need, and more Filipinos will be given the opportunity to prosper, then we will have properly done our duty,” he added. /atm