MANILA -- The House of Representatives adjourned sine die Thursday night after it tackled and approved several measures left in its agenda.
The 15th Congress was set for adjournment Wednesday afternoon but it was moved a day later in deference to the Senate's request as valedictory speeches of outgoing members took much of the chamber's time.
The House ratified on its last session day the bicameral conference committee report broadening the coverage of the Science and Technology Scholarship Program.
It also adopted the Senate version on a proposed law strengthening the Animal Welfare Act. With this, the two chambers no longer need to meet in a bicameral conference committee and the measure will be submitted straight to Malacañang for President Benigno Aquino III's signature.
The bill re-organizing the Philippine Statistical System will also go straight to Malacañang after the House concurred with the amendments proposed by the Senate.
However, the House did not act on the controversial Nueva Camarines bill, a measure that seeks to carve a new province out of Camarines Sur, and Pag-asa modernization bill before it adjourned sine die.
Some congressmen did not show up during the last session day as most of them already attended the culminating activity dubbed "Pagpupugay sa mga Kinatawan ng Ika-labinlimang Kongreso," which was held a day earlier as tribute to the outgoing members of the chamber.
From July 26, 2010 until mid-May 2013, data from the House Committee on Rules shows that some 392 vital measures were enacted into law, 104 of which are of national significance and 283 cover local concerns.
Of the 104 statutes, some of the vital laws include the 2011, 2012 and 2013 General Appropriations Act; Further Strengthening the Anti-Money Laundering Act; Restructuring the Excise Tax on Alcohol and Tobacco Products; Rationalizing the Taxes on International Air Carriers in the Philippines; and the Extension of the Implementation of the Lifeline Rate under the Electric Power Industry Reform Act of 2001.
Also approved are the Reproductive Health Law, the GOCC Governance Act of 2011, Amendments to the AFP Modernization Act; and the Strengthening of the National Electrification Administration.
"Crucial laws were enacted to adapt to demands of these changing times in those vital areas of development. We must have sustainable development in mind as we consider our future policies to ensure consistent growth," Belmonte said.
Belmonte is expected to keep his post in the incoming 16th Congress as 108 of the congressmen are member of the ruling Liberal Party.
In a resolution passed Thursday, Belmonte was commended by his colleagues for his "dynamic and inspired leadership" in the House of Representatives. (Kathrina Alvarez/Sunnex)