THE House of Representatives, under the leadership of Speaker Ferdinand Martin G. Romualdez, on Wednesday night authorized all standing and special committees to conduct hearings during the five-week Lenten break.

In a formal motion presented to the plenary, Deputy Majority Leader and Isabela 6th District Rep. Faustino “Inno” Dy called for the continuation of committee proceedings throughout the break from March 21 to April 28.

“I move to authorize all committees to conduct meetings and/or public hearings, if deemed necessary, during the House recess from March 21, 2024 to April 28, 2024,” Dy said.

House Deputy Speaker and TUCP Party-list Rep. Raymond Democrito Mendoza swiftly approved the motion.

“Is there any objection? The chair hears none, motion is approved,” Mendoza declared.

The decision to allow committee hearings during the congressional break highlights the House’s commitment to prioritizing legislative responsibilities and addressing pressing issues facing the nation.

It reflects a proactive approach to governance, ensuring that important legislation is not delayed due to scheduled recess periods.

Speaker Romualdez, the leader of the 300 plus-strong chamber, underscored the importance of maintaining momentum in legislative efforts.

“The House remains steadfast in its commitment to serve the Filipino people. Allowing committee hearings during the break demonstrates our dedication to fulfilling our duties as legislators and addressing the needs of our constituents,” he said.

In his adjournment speech, the Speaker highlighted the House’s notable achievements, including its impressive 100-percent accomplishment in approving SONA and LEDAC priority measures ahead of time.

Moreover, he emphasized the crucial role played by the House in exercising its oversight function through inquiries in aid of legislation, describing them as “pivotal in safeguarding the integrity of government institutions and the welfare of our people.”

“These inquiries are the bedrock of accountability and transparency within our government,” he said.

He highlighted a joint inquiry conducted by the Committee on Ways and Means, Committee on Senior Citizens, and Special Committee on Persons with Disabilities regarding gaps in the implementation of laws and policies providing discounts, incentives, and tax exemptions for senior citizens and persons with disabilities (PWDs).

Among other recommendations, the three committees have endorsed the harmonization of PWDs and senior citizen benefits, discount eligibility during promotional sales, and senior citizen and PWD programs and projects using the national tax allotment.

“Dahil sa aksyong ito ng mga komite at pagbabantay ng Kongreso, naitaas natin ang discount sa grocery ng ating mga senior citizen at person with disability. Sa mga susunod na araw, itataas ang kanilang discount mula P260 tungo sa P500 kada buwan,” Speaker Romualdez said.

Furthermore, he mentioned the efforts of the Committee on Health to urge PhilHealth to provide more meaningful benefits to Filipinos under the Universal Health Care Act.

“Naitaas natin ang benefit package para sa breast cancer patients mula P100,000 tungo sa P1.4 million. Nagawa rin nating mai-libre ang mammogram at ultrasound exam para sa lahat ng kababaihang Pilipino para mai-ligtas sila sa sakit na kanser,” the Speaker said.

“Moreover, we have taken the lead in constructing the Philippine Cancer Center, an advanced facility designed to serve as a place of healing and optimism. This center seeks to revolutionize cancer care in the country by incorporating the latest medical innovations and promoting collaboration among specialists to offer a top-tier setting for individuals battling cancer,” he added.

The House chief also cited a successful example of a House inquiry: the request by the Committee on Transportation to extend the deadline for jeepney consolidation, which expired on December 31, 2023, until concrete plans to address the program’s major issues are formulated.

“Pinagbigyan naman tayo ng Pangulong Ferdinand Marcos Jr. sa pakiusap na ito at nagpapasalamat tayo sa kanya sa pagdinig sa ating hiling. Umaasa tayo na magiging sapat ang extension na naibigay para masigurong hindi mawawalan ng trabaho ang libo-libong jeepney drivers na naapektuhan ng programang ito,” he said.

The Speaker likewise defended the hearings conducted by the Committee on Legislative Franchises regarding alleged violations by Sonshine Media Network International of the broadcasting privilege granted by Congress, and the panel’s recommendation to revoke it.

“This decisive action underscores our commitment to uphold the integrity of broadcasting standards and the public’s trust…Tinutupad lamang po natin ang mandatong ini-atang sa atin ng Konstitusyon at ng taongbayan. Walang personalan dito. Trabaho lang,” he said.