Senate working through sine die

By Macon Ramos-Araneta

WHILE Congress adjourned sine die last Wednesday, committee hearings will continue, said Senate Majority Leader Joel Villanueva.

“Our business does not end in the Senate. Our colleagues have expressed to continue conducting hearings during the break,” he added.

Adopted Senate Resolution No. 21 gives full authority to “all regular standing committees oversight committees and special committees of the Senate to conduct hearings, meetings, and consultations during every recess of the

Diokno backs

Maharlika as growth catalyst

By Julito G. Rada

FINANCE Secretary Benjamin Dio - kno supports the immediate passage into law of the proposed Maharlika Investment Fund bill because it will serve as a growth catalyst to strengthen the domestic economy’s resilience against increased global uncertainties.

“The expeditious establishment of the Maharlika Investment Fund will provide the government cushion against external headwinds that now imperil the attainment of our near- and medium-term macroeconomic and fiscal targets,” Diokno said over the weekend.

Diokno cited the April 2023 World Economic Outlook, where the International Monetary Fund downgraded its global growth projection for this year from 2.9 percent to 2.8 percent on account of stubborn inflation, the prolonged war in Europe, a continuation of interest rate hikes in advanced economies, and the emergence of banking sector fragilities.

Diokno said while the Development Budget Coordination Committee decided to retain its growth target for this year at 6 percent to 7 percent, it also acknowledged the challenges brought about by these unfavorable external developments and has emphasized the need for timely policy interventions in order to sustain the high-growth momentum.

Senate to have continuity in the process of passing pending proposed legislations and to conduct investigations on issues of National Interests to aid in crafting relevant legislation.”

Before the adjournment of the First Regular Session of the 19th Congress, the Senate was able to pass landmark legislation such as Villanueva’s pet bill Trabaho Para sa Bayan Act, establish- ing a National Employment Master Plan.

The One Town, One Product (OTOP) Philippines Act, Extension of the Period of Availment of the Estate Tax Amnesty, Rationalizing the Disability Pension of Veterans, Institutionalizing the Shared Service Facilities for MSMEs Act, Kabalikat sa Pagtuturo Act, Regional Specialty Centers Act, Disability Pension for Veterans Act, and the Maharlika Investment Fund Act were also passed.

Villanueva was assigned as the Senate’s caretaker for the next two weeks during the session break.

According to Special Order No.

2023-020 (OSP) signed on June 1, Villanueva was designated by Senate President Juan Miguel Zubiri as Officer-InCharge of the Senate of the Philippines from June 3 to 15 during Zubiri’s absence.

“Part of our role as Majority Leader is to step up when the leadership calls for it,” Villanueva said.

Villanueva’s designation is pursuant to Rule IV of the Rules of the Senate where “in the case of the temporary absence of the Senate President or the Senate President Pro-Tempore, the Majority Leader or in his absence, any of the two Deputy Majority Leaders, or any member designated by the Presi-

Another landmark legislation that saw its passage last March 22 in the recently-concluded regular session was Senate Bill No. 1849, which amends the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) fixed term code and aims to enhance professionalism, ensure policy continuity, and advance modernization initiatives within the military. Macon Ramos-Araneta

Cayetano stresses benefits of sports

SENATOR Pia Cayetano believes that supporting sports activities for the youth helps develop their overall health and well-being.

She said it also teaches discipline and teamwork, which could help them in their future endeavors.

This was emphasized by Cayetano in an interview at the sidelines of the national finals of the Red Bull Half Court 3x3 Basketball Tournament, held in Bagumbayan, Taguig City on Saturday (June 3).

“You can’t go wrong with involving the youth in sports,” said the senator, herself a former champion varsity player for the University of the Philippines Lady Maroons Volleyball Team, and a national volleyball athlete. Macon Ramos-Araneta

‘Set school opening to 1st Monday of June’

AN ILOCOS Sur legislator urged his colleagues to bring back the opening of classes in all schools to June.

House Bill No. 8508, filed by Ilocos Sur 1st District Rep. Ronald Singson, pushes for a modified start of the school year, which will cover all basic institutions in the country, including international schools.

The bill also seeks to establish the first Monday of June of every year as the start of the academic year, thereby harmonizing the opening of the academic year, according to a news release on Sunday.

“More than overhauling, revising, and redesigning the existing curriculum, other issues on education, such as setting a school calendar that is most beneficial to learners, should also be considered,” said Singson. Rio N. Araja