The Philippine Senate is preparing for an intensified workload as it resumes regular sessions on Monday, May 4, following a month-long break. The chamber faces the dual challenge of passing key priority measures while readying itself for the potential impeachment trial of Vice President Sara Duterte.
Senate President Vicente Sotto III confirmed the Upper Chamber’s readiness to handle the impeachment process as soon as the House of Representatives transmits the Articles of Impeachment, which is expected this week.
“We will act on it with dispatch…Definitely, forthwith,” Sotto stated.
The Senate President explained that upon receipt, the matter will be referred to the Senate Committee on Rules to establish the formal procedures and timeline for the trial.
RESUMPTION OF FLOOD CONTROL PROBE
Simultaneously, Senate President Pro Tempore Panfilo Lacson announced he will release a “Chairman’s Progress Report” regarding the Senate Blue Ribbon Committee’s investigation into flood control anomalies.
Lacson emphasized the need for transparency to counter misinformation.
”As Blue Ribbon Chairman I owe it to the Filipino people to update them on what happened after seven to eight hearings. This is because many are not updated and especially because there are false narratives being spread that we are covering up for some persons and targeting others,” Lacson said.
“And another compelling reason is that the partial committee report’s contents have been overtaken by events.”
Lacson plans to deliver a privilege speech on May 4 or 5, potentially introducing new evidence. The panel intends to summon high-profile figures, including former House Speaker Martin Romualdez, and whistleblowers involved in the alleged cash deliveries for anomalous projects.
To manage the schedule, Lacson suggested holding committee hearings in the mornings should the impeachment trial occupy the regular afternoon sessions.
LEGISLATIVE PRIORITIES
Beyond investigations and the impeachment, the Senate has identified a robust list of priority bills for the remainder of the first regular session, which adjourns sine die on June 6:
Governance and Political Reform:
- Anti-Political Dynasty Law: Regulating family succession in elective posts.
- Party-List Reform Act: Refining representation in the House of Representatives.
- Right to Information Act: Enhancing government transparency.
Economic and Fiscal Measures:
- Bank Secrecy Law Amendments: Strengthening financial oversight.
- Estate Tax Amnesty: Boosting revenue collection and taxpayer compliance.
- EPIRA and Rice Tariffication Law Amendments: Addressing energy and agricultural concerns.
The Senate also aims to deliberate on the creation of a Department of Water Resources, a Waste-to-Energy bill, and expanded 4Ps (Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program) benefits before the June deadline.