Before the 20th Congress officially convenes, Tingog Partylist Representative Jude Acidre assured that they would prioritize the repeal of the Oil Deregulation Law and legislated wage hike.
Responding to the comments that the House of Representatives delayed its passage, Acidre said it would be “very unfair” for the public to think that the House members did that on purpose.
“Kung makikita niyo yung bersyon natin sa legislated wage hike kung saan isa tayo sa pangunahing may akda. And nagpapakita ng stronger commitment ng members ng House na posible ang P200 legislated wage increase,” he explained.
“I think it would be unfair to say kasi inupuan or pinatagal ng House. In the end, tayo po ang nakapag-justify ng mas mataas na legislated wage hike; which only warrants and also justifies the delay, as may be perceived the longer time required for us to be able to arrive at the decision,” he added.
RH Milky Rigonan reported that Acidre emphasized the importance of coordination and proactive action for the advancement of the important bills.
The lawmaker mentioned that it was a decision that was “carefully studied by the proponents of the legislated wage hike,” and that he expects the same amount of diligence in the 20th Congress.
“May mga bagay kasi na pwedeng madaliin, may mga bagay din na it would take time for us to build consensus. And we know naman sa usapin ng legislated wage hikes, sa usapin ng oil deregulation, naandon pa rin ang pangangailangan nating magkaroon ng consensus,” Acidre explained.
“It does not in any way, yung kagustuhan natin magkaroon ng consensus, mean that we will not give our best to ensure its passage, but nonetheless—at least ngayon, a significant part of the work, of the research, of the debates, have already been made at the 19th Congress,” he added.
“We expect also at this time around, we would be able to push for these bills more efficiently,” he continued.
The members of the 20th Congress began the filing of bills on Monday, June 30, weeks before they convene on July 28.
