House opens first regular session of 18th Congress

The House of Representatives opened its first regular session under the 18th Congress on Monday, July 22, the day President Duterte is also set to deliver his fourth State of the Nation Address (SONA).

A total of 297 out of the 306 lawmakers are present during their first day of work.

House Secretary General Dante Roberto Maling initially presided over the session as the congressmen have yet to formally elect the next Speaker.

President Rodrigo Duterte has earlier chosen Taguig City Representative Alan Peter Cayetano as his bet for the speakership, although the lawmakers would still have to conduct an election to determine their leader.

In the past Congress, the House of Representatives processed a total of 4,682 measures—383 of which were enacted into law.

The lower chamber processed an average of 20 measures per day during their 236 session days.

By 4 p.m. Monday, House lawmakers will be joined by senators to convene a joint session at the Batasang Pambansa Complex for Duterte’s fourth SONA. —VDS, GMA News