Palace sees ‘pro-active cooperation’ with Senate, House

MANILA, Philippines - With leaders of the Senate and House of Representatives coming from Mindanao, Malacañang is optimistic that President Duterte’s legislative agenda would be passed without much objection in both chambers.

Presidential Communications Secretary Martin Andanar yesterday said Malacañang is hopeful that there will be a “pro-active cooperation” between the executive and legislative branches following the assumption to office of two of the President’s allies – Senate President Aquilino Pimentel III and Speaker Pantaleon Alvarez.

“We hope that this would expeditiously address issues and concerns regarding President Rodrigo Duterte’s priority legislative measures for the Filipino people, particularly the reinstatement of the death penalty to fight drugs and heinous crimes, amendments to the Constitution to pave the way for federalism and reforms to achieve his 10-point economic agenda,” Andanar said.

In his acceptance speech upon assumption as Senate President, Pimentel echoed Duterte’s call for change by focusing on the search for peace and moving for the adoption of a federal system of government, among others.

Alvarez also outlined his legislative agenda including federalism, restoration of the death penalty, changes in the mining industry and amending the government procurement law. 

“We congratulate the election of Sen. Aquilino Pimentel III as Senate president and Davao del Norte first district Rep. Pantaleon Alvarez as House speaker of the 17th Congress,” Andanar said. “Their election is auspicious and timely. Three of the country’s top leaders are from Mindanao.”

Duterte is the country’s first president from Mindanao.