MANILA, Philippines – The House of Representatives opened its first regular session of the 18th Congress at 10:00 a.m. Monday, ahead of President Rodrigo Duterte’s fourth State of the Nation Address (Sona). ADVERTISEMENTIn accordance with the rules of the 17th Congress, House Acting Secretary General Dante Roberto Maling would preside over the inaugural session until the new House leader is elected. At 4:00 p.m., the Senate and the House will convene in a joint session to hear the President’s annual Sona. ADVERTISEMENT17th CongressIn the past Congress or from July 25, 2016 to June 4, 2019, the House of Representatives processed 4,682 measures, 1,399 of which were approved during the chamber’s 236 session days. The House was under the leadership of Speaker Pantaleon Alvarez during the first and second regular sessions while former president Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo was speaker and led the third regular session.

Source: Philippine Daily Inquirer July 22, 2019 02:03 UTC