HOUSE Speaker Martin Romualdez and Senate President Francis Escudero on Thursday vowed to work more closely together in passing the Marcos administration's priority bills.

It was the first official meeting between the two congressional leaders since Escudero became Senate president in May.

"This meeting symbolizes a renewed and reinvigorated partnership between the House of Representatives and the Senate under the leadership of Senate President Escudero," Romualdez said.

"Together, we are committed to working hand-in-hand to pass key legislation that will significantly benefit the Filipino people," he said.

The meeting was held at the Aguado residence in Malacañang.

Among those who attended were Senate Majority Leader Francis Tolentino, House Majority Leader Manuel Jose Dalipe, House Senior Deputy Speaker Aurelio Gonzales Jr., Deputy Speaker David Suarez, and House Committee on Appropriations Chairman Elizaldy Co.

"With Senate President Escudero's dynamic leadership, I am confident that we can expedite the legislative process, ensuring that the benefits reach our people without delay," Romualdez said.

The meeting focused on the proposed amendments to the Rice Tariffication Law, a press statement from Romualdez's office said.

"Amending the Rice Tariffication Law is a crucial step towards ensuring food security and economic stability for our farmers," he said.

Romualdez said that the progress of priority measures were reviewed.

"The focus remains on the twenty Ledac (Legislative-Executive Development Advisory Council) priority measures targeted for approval by June 2024, with significant advancements already made, including ten measures approved by both Houses, one enacted into law, and several others in various stages of the legislative process," he said.

Also discussed were the 2023 State of the Nation Address priority measures and the Common Legislative Agenda (CLA).

Of the 59 priority measures in the CLA, the House of Representatives has approved 56.

Under consideration by the House were the proposed amendment of the Electric Power Industry Reform Act; proposed national defense law; and proposed budget modernization law.

"The prioritization of legislative measures for the adjournments of October and December 2024 was also addressed, along with the proposal of nineteen other priority measures for inclusion in the Ledac," Romualdez said.

"This partnership between the House and Senate is not just about passing laws; it's about making a tangible difference in the lives of Filipinos," he said.

There will be a full Ledac meeting on June 25.