Senate opens 2nd regular session of 19th Congress

Transcript

00:00 Senate President Juan Miguel Zubiri expressed assurance the Senate will maintain its independence

00:05 as it undertakes a diligent and comprehensive review of each bill it aims to pass.

00:09 As the Senate session resumes, several questions related to the alleged changes have also been answered.

00:15 Daniel Manalastas has the full report.

00:17 As the Senate opened its second regular session for the 19th Congress,

00:24 the rumors about the leadership change has been proven to be just hearsay,

00:29 as no Senate leadership change happened at the session opening.

00:33 Senate President Juan Miguel Zubiri made sure of one thing,

00:37 that the Senate will remain as an independent body.

00:40 "I cannot promise anything right now, but we'll do our best."

00:57 He said that legislative measures will be under their quality control and scrutiny.

01:02 Zubiri also narrated their accomplishments during the past session, including its power to fiscalize,

01:09 the investigation of the problem on airport flights, the controversial $6.7 billion drug haul,

01:17 the problems in LTO, water, internet, education, and more.

01:22 Zubiri enjoined his fellow senators to pass the bills like the Center for Disease and Control,

01:28 a stronger battle against smuggling, and to ease the burden of taxpayers.

01:33 They also want more laws for seafarers, environment, more jobs, and high salary.

01:40 "So those unpopular but correct, we will defend.

01:43 The plenary's mood should not be dictated by any political weathervane.

01:49 We will respect the collegial nature of our institution,

01:52 and we will seek consensus and compromise whenever possible, or divide the House if needed."

01:58 "Let's concentrate on those which we can work on.

02:02 Let's not have wild proposals."

02:07 Tomorrow, senators are expected to start deliberating

02:11 on the Senate plenary, some bills, and resolutions they aim to pass this regular session.

02:17 Daniel Manolastas for The Nation