15th Congress’ output noted

THE 15^TH CONGRESS’ output was said to have exceeded expectations given the number of priority measures passed.

“The 15^th Congress has been more productive than the 14th,” said John D. Forbes, senior adviser of the American Chamber of Commerce of the Philippines, Inc.

He noted, however, that legislators — now focused on being re-elected in May — should on their return concentrate on initiatives that will have to go back to square one such as the anti-trust and rationalization of fiscal incentives measures.

Manila Business Club Chairman Ramon R. del Rosario, Jr., meanwhile, cited the “on-time passage of the national budget for 2011, 2012 and 2013” following the delays that marked the previous administration.

Eleven of 36 priority bills listed by the Legislative-Executive Development Advisory Council have been enacted.

Among the notable laws now in effect are Republic Act (RA) 10151 allowing night work for women; RA 10167 that enhanced the Anti-Money Laundering Act; RA 10168 that criminalized terrorist financing;RA 10173 or the Data Privacy Act; RA 10351 that raised excise taxes on alcohol and tobacco products; RA 10354 or the reproductive health bill; and RA 10361 that gave additional benefits to household workers.

Commenting on the legislative result, House Speaker Feliciano R. Belmonte, Jr. said: “Record looks okay. What’s left over can be done in the 16th Congress.”

Last week, Senate President Juan Ponce Enrile said: “We have done the major legislations that we have to do now. We cannot do everything in one Congress.”