Solon seeks better quorum to fast-track approval of priority bills

MANILA, Philippines – A senior member of the House Minority Block over the weekend urged his colleagues to attend the House of Representative sessions in the comings weeks to fast-track passage of several priority bills.

Isabela Rep. Rodolfo “Rodito” Albano III expressed hopes that the quorum will further improve and asked for his fellow lawmakers’ cooperation to ensure the passage of vital legislative measures on time.

 “We are the representatives of the people and we have to show our constituents that we fulfill religiously our constitutional duties by diligently attending plenary sessions and committee hearings of the House of Representatives,” Albano said.

House contingent head for the Minority Bloc of the Commission on Appointments Albano expressed his hopes following quorum problems which delay the approval of pending measures.

Albano said the quorum is plaguing the House leadership in the past weeks and it hinders the lawmakers from transacting official business in the plenary.

With Speaker Feliciano Belmonte Jr. and House Majority Leader Mandaluyong Rep. Neptali Gonzales Jr’s new idea to hold sessions from Monday to Friday starting next week, Albano is hopeful that the quorum will improve.

Albono hopes the House can effectively fast-track and secure the passage of priority bills which are identified urgent by Senate and House leaders in their recent meeting.

The Congress is scheduled to take a break from October 10 to November 2 for the filing of candidacy and observation of All Saints Day.