The number of committees in the House of Representatives and their members will be significantly reduced, Majority Leader Arthur Defensor said yesterday.
“The appropriations committee, from a high (membership) of 185 will be reduced to 115, the accounts from 75 to 55 and the rules from 55 to 25,” he told reporters.
“We will be collapsing some of the committees, but at this point we cannot tell you yet how many because nothing is final or definite. As you know, we have been hampered by the dynamics or the realities in the House.”
Defensor said Speaker Jose de Venecia Jr. along with Deputy Speaker for Luzon Eric Singson and himself will set provisional rules for organizing the House.
“As soon as we are organized, we will fast-track everything and draft rules for the 14th Congress,” he said.
“As soon as the dust is settled, we will buckle down to work. Hopefully, we can implement (the changes) by next week.”
De Venecia said the number of House committees will be reduced by 20, from 80 to 60 to lessen unnecessary costs and give way to a more efficient process in its investigative and oversight functions.
“We will be streamlining the committees so that we’ll have a more lean, tight and dynamic system,” he said.
“Right now, there are around 80 committees. Maybe, if we can bring it down to 60 it’s okay with me.”
Meanwhile, De Venecia said the emerging contender for deputy speaker for women is Occidental Mindoro Rep. Ma. Amelita Villarosa.
“Girlie Villarosa is the nominee of Kampi (Kabalikat ng Malayang Pilipino),” he said, referring to the second largest party in the House. – Delon Porcalla