House to tackle 6 priority measures

Six priority bills on peace and order, economic development and environmental protection will top the House of Representatives' agenda as the 11th Congress resumes sessions today.

Speaker Manuel Villar said the House will work for the speedy passage of the revised Dangerous Drugs Act that aims to put more teeth to the government's war against illegal drugs.

Another measure promoting peace and order tackles car theft.

One of the two bills on economic development is the e-commerce bill that would regulate electronic commerce transactions. The second measure is the Omnibus Investments Act whick seeks to provide more incentives to attract foreign investors.

Adressing the environment are the Solid Waste Management bill and the proposed Clean Water Act.

The Solid Waste Management bill will tackle the country's worsening garbage problem by coming with a recycling-based waste disposal program. The Clean Water Act aims to clean up and preserve the country's inland bodies of water.

"We'll do our best to pass these important measures at the soonest possible time," Villar promised.

Under Villar's leadership, the House passed on final reading 545 bills, including the controversial Omnibus Power Bill which aims to keep power rates down to a minimum, and the Securities Act which is expected to revitalize the stock market.

"I believe this will be a fruitful and productive session where we will be able to once again thresh out and address the various concerns of Filipinos," Villar said.

Congress took a Lenten break April 17. The next break is on June 8. -