In a productive year marked by legislative achievements, the Senate, under the leadership of Senate President Francis Escudero, has made significant strides in advancing the Marcos administration’s development agenda. During the third regular session of the 19th Congress, the Senate passed a total of 108 bills, with 72 of them being signed into law, showcasing a commitment to enhancing Philippine sovereignty, boosting investments, and improving the quality of life for Filipinos.
Escudero emphasized the Senate’s dedication to key legislative priorities, including the enactment of crucial laws such as the Archipelagic Sea Lanes Act, CREATE MORE Act, and amendments to the Rice Tariffication Law. Other notable legislations include the Anti-Agricultural Economic Sabotage Act, Anti-Financial Accounts Scamming Act, and the Self-Reliant Defense Posture Revitalization Act, among others.
The Senate’s efforts were not limited to passing bills; it also conducted impactful inquiries that led to the creation of laws designed to benefit future generations. Escudero praised the collective efforts of his colleagues and the Senate staff, highlighting their dedication to the nation’s progress.
Despite facing challenges such as natural disasters and political turbulence, the Senate maintained unity and a shared vision, resulting in a sevenfold increase in bills passed compared to the first two sessions. Of the bills passed, 44 were sent to President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr., including the 2025 General Appropriations Bill, while seven are still under review in conference committees.
The Senate also adopted 106 simple resolutions and nine concurrent resolutions, ensuring that each piece of legislation met high standards of constitutionality and relevance. As the Senate prepares to resume sessions in January, Escudero remains committed to pushing forward pending measures, even amidst the challenges of the upcoming 2025 election campaign.