THE House of Representatives posted a record high average of 247 lawmakers present per session day from the opening of the 18th Congress on July 22 until September 10 or a total of 18 session days.
Deputy Speaker Neptali Gonzales II, a former majority leader in the 16th Congress, commended his colleagues in the House for their dedication to their legislative duties.
“I have been a member of several Congresses, and I am truly elated by the record attendance of House members of the 18th Congress led by Speaker (Alan Peter) Cayetano. The high attendance of our colleagues reflects their discipline, hard work, deep passion and great interest to serve the people and enact priority laws that will give them a safe and comfortable life,” Gonzales said in a statement.
Gonzales said that despite the string of holidays last month, congressmen chose to attend to their congressional work instead of going on extended break.
For instance, the House recorded a high of 266 attendees during the roll call last August 13, the day after the observance of Eid al-Adha Day, and 259 attendees on August 27, a day after the celebration of National Heroes Day.
The House was also able to finish the hearings on the P4.1 trillion national budget for 2020 after only two weeks through simultaneous hearings held daily.
Lawmakers are also on pace to beat their self-imposed deadline for the approval of the General Appropriations Bill (GAB) before Congress goes on recess on October 4.
Gonzales credited Speaker Cayetano’s strong and competent leadership for keeping the House of Representatives on track in achieving its legislative agenda and priorities.