Belmonte cites accomplishments of House of Representatives

MANILA, Philippines - Speaker Feliciano Belmonte Jr. cited yesterday the accomplishments of the House of Representatives since July when Congress opened its second regular session.

He said his chamber has approved on third and final reading the proposed P1.8-trillion 2012 national budget in record time and has sent the measure to the Senate.

“The timely passage of our national budget should engender stability amidst the great uncertainty brought about by developments outside the country,” he said.

He said the House has also passed on third reading the proposed Hazardous and Radioactive Waste Management Act and a bill banning the use of thin plastic bags.

The fourth measure approved by the House seeks to promote open learning through distance education.

He said his chamber likewise passed the bill defining the country’s maritime zone and the measure giving the chief of staff of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) a fixed term of three years.

He said the latter proposed law would “put a lid on the revolving door policy (in the appointment of the AFP chief), which rendered insecure our national security.”

Before Congress went on its month-long break on Wednesday, the House approved on second reading amendments to the Anti-Money Laundering Law.

The proposed changes would make it easier for the Anti-Money Laundering Council to freeze accounts of persons suspected of amassing wealth from illegal activities.