‘Strong synergy’ produced record House bill output

By Rio N. Araja

THE "strong synergy" between the House of Representatives under the leadership of Speaker Ferdinand Martin Romualdez and the administration of President Ferdinand Romualdez Marcos Jr. is the keyto the chamber’s record number of bills and resolutions passed during the first regular session of the 19th Congress.

Quezon Rep. Mark Enverga on Sunday thus urged his colleagues to emulate the example of Romualdez and focus on their mandate of passing legislation that will benefit the Filipino people.

“Speaker Romualdez is taking the high road. He is even urging us to be more productive as the 2nd Regular Session of Congress draws near. And I fully agree — we have to focus our eyes on the prize,which is working for the welfare of our constituents, the Filipino people,” he cited.

“And the House, under the guidance of Speaker Romualdez, has a strong synergy with President Marcos and his administration. I hope we could maintain that and continue to be effective in our objectives, such as passing priority legislation of the President,” Enverga, who spearheaded the probe on the onion issue that uncovered the cartel responsible for manipulating the supply and price of onion in the country,” he added.

Romualdez as well as Enverga warned that apart from the cartel and their cohorts, all other profiteers, including local traders and other players in the onion industry, who will continue to take advantage of the consumers will face certain prosecution.

Romualdez called for a congressional probe in December last year when prices of onion surged to over P700 a kilo to address the issue and protect the consumers. (See full story online at manilastandard.net)

First Lady posts new photo with Imelda, PBBM

FIRST Lady Marie Louise "Liza" Araneta-Marcos on Sunday posted a photo showing her and her husband, President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., standing and smiling behind her mother-in-law, the former First Lady Imelda RomualdezMarcos.

On her social media accounts, the First Lady greeted Filipinos in the country and abroad with a simple "Happy Sunday" as they showed the public another glimpse of their regular weekend family gathering.

Imelda Marcos, who turns 93 on July 2, is seen holding a bouquet of white flowers while seated in a wheelchair, with the President dressed casually in a white striped shirt and pants and the First Lady in a peach Sunday dress.

The photo is new proof that that the former First Lady is in good shape after her recent angioplasty surgery, which was posted on social media by her eldest daughter, Senator Imee Marcos.

“Happy to see you getting stronger and better, mommy. Healthier days are definitely ahead,” the First Lady wrote. Last March, rumors about the passing of the Marcos matriarch were quickly debunked by Sen. Marcos and the former First Lady’s niece, Eliza RomualdezValtos. Vince Lopez

‘Chedeng’...

From A1

Gibo,...

From A1

Armed Forces of the Philippines chief Gen. Andres Centino said the military is one with the public for a peaceful celebration of Independence Day.

"With our combined strength and knowledge, we can easily achieve the desire for a peaceful and prosperous community," Centino said, also speaking in Filipino. "Success is certain if we are united and worktogether to take the path to a better future.”

Ahead of the celebration, the AFP and the National HistoricalCommission of the Philippines serenaded the public through its "Musikalayaan 2023" at the Rizal Park, Luneta, Manila on Sunday night.

The AFP's Civil Relations' Service Media and Civil Affairs Group (MCAG) hosted the event with the theme "Kalay- no greater shoulder to cry on than my coach, Vitaliy. Couldn’t have done it without you,” added Obiena.

KC Lightfoot of the United States, whose highest jump is 6.07 meters, also leaped to a 6-meter height, but settled for silver via countback, having done it in two tries.

Tokyo Olympics silver medalist Chris Nilsen of the USA, another six-meter specialist on a good day, snared the bronze at 5.88m. Obiena, the third pole vaulter in this aan. Kinabukasan. Kasaysayan" (Freedom. Future. History).

"(The activity) aims to commemorate the 125th anniversary of Independence Day with military talent. It will be completely free from admission fees and can catch the live stream through DWDD 1134 kHz AFP Radio simulcast at AFP Radio DWDD," MCAG commander Maj. Ceno Pancito III said in a statement.

He added that the concert allows defense agencies to promote national pride in a country with a heritage of valor and bravery.

Bands that joined "Musikalayaan 2023" include the 2nd Infantry Division (2ID) Jungle Fighter Band, Bureau of Fire Protection Band, Jeck Pilpil & Peacepipe, and East Side Band.

Pancito said representatives of various uniformed services would also do solo, duet, ensemble, quartet, and dance performances. Charles Dantes (See full story online at manilastandard.net) outdoor season to make the 6-meter height, had daydreamed of reaching the mark when he first went to Formia to train under Petrov in 2016. Duplantis, who holds the world record at 6.27 meters, took the height of 6.11 meters last June 4 in Hengelo.

Lightfoot went up to 6.07 last June 2 in Nashville, improving from his personal best of 6.05. Obiena overcame a bad start after he rains) while Metro Manila, Abra, Benguet, the rest of Central Luzon, Calabarzon, Occidental Mindoro and Northern Palawan, including Calamian and Cuyo Islands,could experience cloudy skies with scattered rain showers and thunderstorms.

PAGASA said the effect of Chedeng on habagat would decrease as it moved further away from the country.

On social media, netizens shared how the historic San Agustin Churchin Paoay, Ilocos Norte was barely visible amid a midday thunderstorm,its grounds drenched.

In the city of Manila, motorists and pedestrians dealt with gutter-deep floods along Taft and Rizal Avenues, while residents of Quezon City along Valencia St. suffered the same. Charles Dantes and Rio Araja fouled on his first attempt at 5.53 meters before he went perfect by hurdling 5.76m, 5.82m, 5.94m, and ultimately, 6m, all in single attempts.

Earlier, Obiena went home with the bronze medal with his 5.72-meter performance at the Irena Szewinska Memorial in Poland.

There, Nilsen took the gold at 5.92 meters, with Piotr Lisek of Poland taking the silver at 5.82 meters.