THE House of Representatives will resume session on Monday with only four priority bills of the Legislative-Executive Development Advisory Council (Ledac) awaiting its final approval.
"We are almost done with the priority bills agreed upon by Congress and the executive branch. We have approved on final reading all but four of the 57 measures in the Ledac list," Speaker Ferdinand Martin Romualdez said in a statement on Sunday.
Romualdez said another measure on the list would be approved on third and final reading, leaving just three priority bills awaiting final approval.
The measure is House Bill (HB) 9713 or the proposed "Philippine Self-Reliant Defense Posture Program Act," which the House approved on second reading last December 12.
Under Section 2 of HB 9713, the government will "incentivize private sector participation in the Industry, rationalize defense acquisition, and create the Office of the Undersecretary for Defense Technology Research and Industry Development."
Section 4 states that whenever possible, locally made materiel will be preferred "through the partnership between the military and civilian establishments."
Section 6 mandates government financial institutions to support the industry through "financial products that would hasten its development."
Romualdez said the country should have a credible defense program and industry to reduce its reliance on foreign allies and suppliers for its defense needs.
"We have accomplished our mission as lawmakers by acting promptly on the legislative agenda of President [Ferdinand 'Bongbong' Marcos [Jr.], which is focused on sustaining economic growth, helping the poor and vulnerable sectors, creating jobs and income opportunities, and in general, making life better for every Filipino," he said.
The other Ledac priority measures awaiting a final House nod are the amendment of the Electric Power Industry Reform Act, which is being finalized by a technical working group, and the budget modernization bill and the proposed National Defense Act, which are under committee consideration.
HB 9571, or the proposed "Chemical Weapons Prohibition Act," a House priority, is set for the chamber's final approval.
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