DEC.

31, 2012

NR # 2970B

Speaker Belmontes Statement on the Year 2012 for the House of Representatives
The past year 2012 was a colorful and historic year for the House as well as for the entire nation. Indeed controversies arose while Congress fulfilled its mandate to pursue the changes and reforms that our people have been longing for far too long. Best remembered was the impeachment of then Chief Justice Renato Corona which was an endeavor that entailed a lot of challenges. But it bore fruit and signified to our people that this government is serious about instituting reforms. The House was at the forefront of this historic move to end corruption in the country. It was a year where the House also stood up and fought for the passage of the Reproductive Health Bill in fulfillment of the needs of the marginalized sectors of our society and of numerous women who wanted their concerns addressed. With resolve, and through countless debates, it was realized after 14 long years of waiting. The SIN Tax Bill was also passed as essentially a means to fund the government's health programs -- again paying heed to the social welfare concerns of our countrymen. A total of 972 vital measures have been passed, many of which are truly significant and directly address matters close to the heart of each sector. The passage of the Kasambahay bill, benefiting our household helpers is but one of these. 2012 was also a year where committees were busy not only with matters concerning lawmaking but on oversight functions and investigations in aid of legislation that dealt with exposes, alleged anomalies and the like. Natural disasters in various areas also occurred such as flash floods caused by the Southwest Monsoon or Habagat and the recent disaster in the south from typhoon Pablo all of which, I am proud to say, lawmakers responded to quickly not just by way of financial and relief assistance but through bills and resolutions filed in an effort to prevent casualties and damage from such disasters should they occur again in the future. Through all the controversies and challenges, this 15th Congress has left a legacy and laid the groundwork for reforms and responding to the more urgent concerns of majority of our people. It has left a significant legacy which, I am happy to say, has been recognized by our people through the consistent highs in our approval ratings as indicated in various survey results -- another first in the entire history of the lower house. We welcome 2013 with optimism as we move towards closing the 15th congress proud of the work of the 287 statesmen that comprise it, including our dear colleagues who have passed on -- each of whom have made tremendous contributions to the output of the House. We intend to maximize our chambers efforts for the rest of our term and hope to leave a mark as a most responsive congress -- one that has heeded and effectively represented the voice of our people from all sectors of our constituencies. (30)