House to focus oversight on rice prices, cybersecurity and WPS

The House of Representatives will seek to strengthen its oversight functions after completing its legislative priorities when it resumes session on Monday.

According to a media release on Sunday, the House approved all 20 priority measures outlined by President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. and the Legislative Executive Development Advisory Council (LEDAC) before going on a Lenten break in March, three months earlier than the June target.

“Having effectively discharged our legislative duties, the House is positioned to enhance its commitment to oversight functions,” Speaker Martin Romualdez said.

He said the House’s oversight functions will include monitoring and evaluating the implementation of laws and policies, ensuring accountability, transparency, and the protection of the public interest.

"Through rigorous oversight, the House will actively engage in scrutinizing government actions, addressing inefficiencies, and safeguarding the integrity of our democratic institutions,” Romualdez said.

With the resumption of sessions, the House will prioritize three major issues within its oversight functions. These include “the persistent high prices of rice and other essential commodities, the pressing cybersecurity threats confronting government agencies, and contentious issues concerning the West Philippine Sea”.

Romualdez said the House is also deeply concerned about the widening disparity between farmgate and retail prices of essential commodities, particularly rice.—Sherylin Untalan/RF, GMA Integrated News