MANILA, Philippines – The passage of economic measures and the proposed Bangsamoro Basic Law (BBL) remain the top priority of the House of Representatives when the 16th Congress opens its third regular session on July 27, according to Speaker Feliciano Belmonte Jr.

Belmonte said “efforts for a lasting and genuine peace in the country with the end goal of achieving sustained and inclusive growth continue to top the agenda” of the House.

“We want to ensure a more meaningful autonomy while likewise paving the way towards a more effective provision of vital services to our people. We want a peace that is lasting and sustainable,” Belmonte said of the BBL.

The BBL, which seeks to create a new autonomous region in Mindanao run by a parliamentary government, is being deliberated in plenary.

He said the list of priorities includes bills related to economic development and trade; national security, public order and safety; good governance; education; social protection; health; land productivity; sustainable energy and climate change adaptation.

He said Congress has transmitted to President Aquino for his signature the proposed amendments to the Cabotage Law and the long awaited Philippine Fair Competition Act or the Anti-Trust Bill.

Belmonte’s pet initiative to ease the restrictive economic provisions in the Constitution under Resolution of Both Houses No. 1 is awaiting final passage.

The proposed amendments to the Build-Operate-Transfer Law have been approved by the committee on public works and highways and referred to the appropriations panel for its funding provision.

The proposed Rationalization of Fiscal Incentives is undergoing refinement by a technical working group, like the proposed grant of broader protection to consumers by amending the Consumer Act.

The proposed amendments to the Customs Modernization and Tariff Act are undergoing the period of interpellation in plenary as the proposed Rationalization of the Mining Revenue or Excise Tax on Mining awaits approval at the committee level.

The proposed Archipelagic Sea Lanes in Philippines Waters to rationalize the passage of ships and ensure the safety and security of navigation within these waters has been approved and transmitted to the Senate.

Approved at committee level are the proposed Whistle Blowers Protection Act; amendments to the Witness Protection Act; and the measure seeking to introduce structural and institutional reforms in the 74-year old Immigration Act.

Also approved at the committee level are the proposed Land Administration Reform bill; the Regulation of Water Utilities; National Food Authority Reform Act; and the creation of the Department of Information and Communications Technology.

The committee on energy is deliberating on the proposed amendments to the Electric Power Industry Reform Act and the proposed Energy Efficiency and Conservation Policy, among other energy-related bills pending with the panel.

Also in the legislative pipeline is the enactment of amendments to the country’s Fisheries Code that focus on issues related to climate change adaptation.

FOI bill

Ifugao Rep. Teddy Baguilat, one of the authors of the controversial Freedom of Information (FOI) Bill, expressed apprehension yesterday that Congress may not be able to pass the measure during its remaining session.

Baguilat said the window of opportunity for approving the bill “is rapidly closing and it would require an express instruction from President Aquino for it to be passed before the end of his administration in 2016.”

“I am seriously worried that the FOI bill will again not be passed by the current Congress. Considering that there are other important legislation pending before both chambers,” he said. – With Jess Diaz