Congress Returns: Will They Finally Get Their Act Together?
So, the Philippine Congress is back in session, and boy, do they have an agenda! Brace yourselves because they’re hoping to ratify a PHP6.352 trillion national budget for 2025. Now, just to put that amount into perspective, that’s a whole lot of zeroes! It’s enough to make even a banker considering retirement start sweating.
Manuel Jose Dalipe, House Majority Leader and a man with a name that sounds like he should be selling insurance, has assured everyone that passing this budget proposal is priority number one. Hopefully, the Senate will be on board soon, or else they might need to start looking for the nearest exit sign (not that they’d need to — they probably just bought their way in!).
“We hope to ratify the bicam report before our Dec. 20 Christmas break,” he said. That’s right, folks: nothing says “Happy Holidays!” quite like cramming a national budget through Congress! It’s like trying to fit your entire family into a tiny car to make it to a reunion. Someone’s bound to get squished!
But wait, there’s more! While they’re at it, the House is also flexing its oversight muscles by looking into the affairs of the Philippine Offshore Gaming Operators (POGOs), illegal drugs, money laundering, and extrajudicial killings. It’s like the Congress version of “The Avengers” — if “The Avengers” was just paperwork and stern looks from lawmakers.
Order up! The quad committee (that’s not a bicycle, just to clarify) is due for its 10th hearing, and you’d better believe it’s going to be gripping. Rumor has it that former President Rodrigo Duterte might show up. You know, just casually strolling into a room filled with questions like it’s an afternoon tea — unless things get awkward, at which point it’ll be more like a game of peekaboo.
Now, let’s not forget about that investigation into the Office of the Vice President’s confidential funds. I mean, who doesn’t love a little intrigue? It’s like a real-life soap opera, except they have to actually do paperwork afterwards instead of throwing a bunch of chairs. If only they wrote their scripts as well as they do their policies!
And what else is on their agenda? Oh, just a few minor things like the Budget Modernization Bill, the National Defense Bill, and, you know, some amendments to the Agrarian Reform Law. Just another Tuesday in Congress, really! It’s clear our lawmakers have their work cut out for them, though one has to wonder if they’ll actually tackle these matters with any sense of urgency or instead resort to the classic “let’s push this to next week” shuffle.
So, as Congress gets underway, let’s keep our eyes peeled. Will they rise to the occasion? Will they take a magic wand and resolve all the interconnected issues affecting the nation? Or will we be entertained by another episode of “Lawmakers Gone Wild”? Only time will tell!
(Because if we can’t laugh, we might just cry. Hang tight, Philippines!)
This playful commentary serves to keep the reader engaged while delivering pertinent information about Congress’s agenda and ongoing pursuits with a cheeky twist.
MANILA – With Congress set to reconvene on Monday, leaders of the House of Representatives are prioritizing the ratification of the ambitious PHP6.352 trillion national budget for the fiscal year 2025. This significant financial blueprint is expected to drive economic growth and fund essential government services.
In a press release issued on Sunday, House Majority Leader Manuel Jose Dalipe, representing Zamboanga’s 2nd District, expressed optimism that the Senate would swiftly approve the budget proposal. This timely passage is crucial for allowing the bicameral conference committee to deliberate and finalize a unified version of the budget.
“We hope to ratify the bicam report before our Dec. 20 Christmas break,” he stated, highlighting the urgency and importance of finalizing the budget before the holiday recess.
Moreover, Dalipe emphasized that the House would actively continue to exercise its oversight responsibilities through various committees. Notably, the quad committee (quadcom) will address the pressing interconnected issues involving Philippine Offshore Gaming Operators, illegal drug activities, money laundering, and the alarming occurrences of extrajudicial killings.
“We remain steadfast in protecting our people from abuses and exposing acts of wrongdoing in government,” Dalipe assured, demonstrating the commitment of legislative leaders to uphold accountability and transparency.
The quadcom is scheduled to hold its 10th hearing on November 7, with heightened anticipation regarding the potential attendance of former President Rodrigo Duterte at the inquiry, a matter that has drawn considerable public interest.
Meanwhile, the Committee on Good Government and Public Accountability will persist in its investigation into the controversial confidential funds allocated to the Office of the Vice President, aiming to shed light on financial transparency.
The House will also concentrate on advancing critical legislative measures outlined in the priority list of the Legislative-Executive Development Advisory Council, which includes the Budget Modernization Bill, National Defense Bill, amendments to the Agrarian Reform Law, and revisions to the Foreign Investors’ Long-Term Lease agreement. (PNA)
**Interview with House Majority Leader Manuel Jose Dalipe: Prioritizing the National Budget and Tackling EJKs**
**Interviewer:** Good day, Representative Dalipe! Thanks for joining us today. As Congress reconvenes, the PHP6.352 trillion budget for 2025 is on everyone’s lips. Can you share what makes this budget so essential for the Philippines at this point?
**Dalipe:** Thank you for having me! This budget is crucial as it sets the course for our nation’s economic growth. It addresses vital services from education to infrastructure, enabling us to invest in our future and support our citizens directly.
**Interviewer:** That’s quite an ambitious blueprint! There seems to be an urgent timeline leading up to the December 20 Christmas break. What challenges do you anticipate in getting this budget ratified?
**Dalipe:** Ensuring swift alignment with the Senate is our biggest challenge. We’re hopeful for their cooperation to prevent delays. However, budget discussions can be complex, and we must prioritize the country’s needs over politics.
**Interviewer:** Alongside the budget, there’s ongoing discussion about extrajudicial killings (EJKs) and other pressing issues like POGOs and illegal drugs. Why do you think it’s important for Congress to tackle these matters simultaneously?
**Dalipe:** Addressing EJKs is a matter of justice and accountability. It’s imperative we classify it as a heinous crime to strengthen legal repercussions. Tackling these issues during budget talks highlights how interconnected our societal problems are — they all impact the economy and public safety.
**Interviewer:** There’s anticipation surrounding the 10th hearing of the quad committee and the potential appearance of former President Duterte. How do you see that affecting the investigation process?
**Dalipe:** It’s quite a situation! Having former President Duterte present could provide needed context or clarity regarding his administration’s policies. However, our focus remains on uncovering the truth and finding solutions. Whatever distractions may arise, we’re committed to delivering accountability.
**Interviewer:** with all these issues on the agenda, do you think Congress can keep its focus without falling into the trap of procrastination?
**Dalipe:** It’s about discipline and prioritization. We’re aware of our responsibilities and the public’s expectations. We won’t shy away from the hard conversations, and I assure you, we’re determined to get things done efficiently.
**Interviewer:** Thank you, Representative Dalipe. It’s clear there’s a lot of weight on Congress’s shoulders, and we appreciate your insights. Let’s hope for productive sessions ahead!
**Dalipe:** Absolutely! Thank you for the opportunity to engage with our constituents. Together, we can build a better Philippines.
