A few hours before the President’s third State of the Nation Address (SONA) was the opening of the session of the 19th Congress.
In the Senate, 23 senators were present, and one less lawmaker after then Senator Sonny Angara resigned for his appointment as the new Secretary of the Department of Education.
But what really caught their attention was Senator Imee Marcos’ opening prayer where she mentioned of those whom she described as selfish individuals surrounding her brother, Bongbong Marcos.
‘’Grant success to the good intentions of my brother, President Bongbong Marcos, to prevail over the selfish individuals surrounding him,’’ Sen. Imee Marcos said.
The new Senate President, Francis “Chiz” Escudero, also delivered a message for the first time.
Escudero urged his fellow lawmakers to set aside bills that dampen enthusiasm and cause public disunity – He declared that Charter Change is not a priority in the Senate.
“For this same reason, pending bills on Charter Change will be placed on the back-burner and will follow the ordinary and regular process of legislation, if at all. In its stead, bills which can achieve the same result, but without the needless political noise and bickering, will be prioritized,” Sen. Francis “Chiz” Escudero said.
To recall at the beginning of 2024, there was tension between the House and the Senate due to Charter Change.
All senators criticized the House for the wrong way of pushing for the People’s Initiative where signatures were bought from ordinary citizens in exchange for aid.
In his speech, Escudero emphasized three questions that he said would be the basis for the Senate’s priorities under his leadership.
‘’First, will it make the lives of our people easier? Will this help to ease the lives of our countrymen? 2. Will it help us move faster? Will this speed up the achievement of our goals, dreams, and aspirations in life not only for ourselves but also for our loved ones, communities, and country? 3. Will it make our people’s burdens lighter? Will this lighten the load of Juan de la Cruz, who currently bears a very heavy burden? Escudero asked.
Aside from Charter Change, Escudero also declared that the Senate will remain firm in defending the freedom and sovereignty of the Philippines.
However, he emphasized the importance of diplomacy and strong relations with neighboring countries.
“I am confident that we shall overcome whatever disagreements we may have with any of our neighbors, given our centuries-old amicable relations with them, where this point in time in our current history, to me, is a mere speck,” he added.
