MANILA -- The House of Representatives on Tuesday commended former President and outgoing House Speaker Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo for her remarkable and efficient leadership during the Third Regular Session of the 17th Congress.
The commendation was conveyed through House Resolution 2600 jointly authored by Majority Leader Fredenil Castro and Minority Leader Danilo Suarez that was unanimously adopted by the House in plenary before 17th Congress adjourned sine die.
The resolution noted that through sheer hard work, efficiency and professionalism, Arroyo steered the House to fully realize President Rodrigo Duterte's change and development agenda that will make a positive impact on the lives of Filipinos.
"Speaker Arroyo directed the House to work tirelessly, thus successfully passing all the priority measures enumerated by the President in his 2018 State of the Nation Address," the resolution read.
The resolution cited several vital socio-economic measures that were initiated under her stewardship which are now landmark laws.
These included Republic Act 11054 or the "Organic Law for the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao"; RA 11055 or the "Philippine Identification System Act"; RA 11210 or the "105-Day Expanded Maternity Leave Law"; RA 1223 (Universal Health Care Act); RA 11291 or the "Magna Carta of the Poor"; and RA 11310 or the "Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program (4Ps) Act", among others.
It added that several bills of national importance were also ratified by both chambers of Congress during bicameral conferences.
These included House Bill 8719 and Senate Bill 1843 or the "Seal of Local Good Governance Act of 2018"; HB 8734 and SB 1534 or "An Act Increasing the Benefits Granted to Science and Technology (S&T) Personnel of the Government, amending for the Purpose Republic Act No. 8349, otherwise known as the 'Magna Carta for Scientists, Researchers, and Other S&T Personnel in the Government'"; HB 8862 and SB 1532 or the "Innovative Startup Act of the Philippines"; and HB 8885 and SB 1597 or the " Student Fare Discount Act".
”Under the Speakership of Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo, the Members of the House, regardless of their political beliefs, persuasion and direction, have successfully forged a harmonious working relationship with the Senate and the Executive Department,” HR 2600 said.
“The Members of the Seventeenth Congress express their full support and gratitude for the dedication, wisdom and exemplary service of Speaker Macapagal-Arroyo," the resolution said. (PNA)
