The Senate is set to convene a caucus to discuss how to fast-track the approval of a proposed amendment to the Biofuels Act of 2006, following the urgent certification issued by President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.
Senate President Vicente Sotto III confirmed Monday that the caucus was initiated by Senator Pia Cayetano, chairperson of the Senate Committee on Ways and Means, to determine how the chamber can swiftly pass the measure.
“The caucus after the roll call was initiated by Senator Pia Cayetano… She wants to discuss it with the members, kung ano ang puwede naming magawa para maipasa namin ito the soonest possible time. So, we’ll discuss it this afternoon,” Sotto said in an interview.
The Senate received the President’s letter dated March 16 certifying as urgent Senate Bill No. 1965, which seeks to amend Section 5 of Republic Act No. 9367.
According to Marcos, the amendment aims “to mitigate the impact of rising fuel prices amid escalating geopolitical tensions and volatility in global oil markets, as well as to strengthen the country’s resilience against future disruptions to energy supply.”
Asked if the Senate could adopt the House-approved version to avoid a bicameral conference committee, Sotto said the decision would depend on Cayetano’s evaluation of the bill.
“It depends kay Senator (Pia) Cayetano kung ano ang nakita niya, kung pareho lang ‘yan or kung may konting diperensya,” he explained.
Under Senate rules, a presidential certification of urgency allows lawmakers to bypass the constitutional requirement that a bill be printed and distributed three days before final passage.
It also enables approval on second and third reading on the same day.