Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte is poised to capitalize on his popularity to push for pandemic recovery measures that could bolster his candidate in next year s election.
In his last annual address to Congress on Monday, Duterte is expected to urge lawmakers to pass bills to complete his tax agenda. Legislators will await Duterte s directives on any further stimulus for pandemic recovery and on pending revenue bills, including proposed taxes on online casinos, House ways and means committee chairperson Joey Salceda said.
Senators will prioritize measures to further open the economy to foreign investors, Senate President Vicente Sotto said at a briefing Monday. Meanwhile, the House will focus on next year s budget that will aid in the nation s pandemic fight, Speaker Lord Allan Velasco said in a speech.
By ANNA FELICIA BAJO, GMA News
Published July 26, 2021 9:57am Speaker Lord Allan Velasco on Monday said he sees no problem with a possible Duterte-Duterte tandem in the 2022 elections, adding it is up to voters if they will support such partnership. In a television interview, Velasco said he believes the tandem is not garapal (shameless). Velasco has been vocal that he would support Davao City Mayor Sara Duterte and her father, President Rodrigo Duterte, if they decide to run for the highest national posts next year, regardless if they hail from different political parties. I don t think naman na garapal yan. It s still up to the voters whether they ll vote for a Duterte-Duterte tandem. So as to the dynasty, we ve seen a lot of dynasties in each and every legislative district, Velasco told ANC.
By ANNA FELICIA BAJO, GMA News
Published July 26, 2021 8:48am Speaker Lord Allan Velasco on Monday said he would seek reelection in the May 2022 elections. In a television interview, Velasco, the representative for the lone district of Marinduque, said he still has a lot to finish for the province. Yes, I m running for reelection. I still have last term, people are speculating that I may go to a higher position but definitely, I still have a lot to finish in my province so I would want to finish first and work for my province of Marinduque, Velasco said in an interview on ANC.
Lower House leadership to pass P5 024-T nat l budget when political season starts mb.com.ph - get the latest breaking news, showbiz & celebrity photos, sport news & rumours, viral videos and top stories from mb.com.ph Daily Mail and Mail on Sunday newspapers.
By TED CORDERO, GMA News
Published July 24, 2021 12:55pm The House of Representatives (HRep) on Saturday cited several of its legislative accomplishments during the 18th Congress, despite the limitations and challenges brought by the COVID-19 pandemic. In its Legislative Performance Report titled “Paving the Nation’s Path to Recovery,” the chamber led by Speaker Lord Allan Velasco said it has been “consistent in pursuing a legislative agenda anchored on saving lives, sustaining economic growth, and spearheading a public policy that is responsive and effective to the health crisis.” The House said its priorities are two-fold: to help all Filipinos impacted by the pandemic, and to revive and rebuild the country’s economy.