The House of Representatives still has time to approve the proposed Basic Law on the Bangsamoro Region, amendments to the economic provisions of the Constitution, and the measure strengthening Public-Private Partnerships  during the remaining working days of the 16^th Congress, Speaker Feliciano Belmonte Jr. said.

He said the House will remain "united and focused on serving the highest welfare and interests of the Filipino people” and  “will never renege on our constitutional mandate to promote good governance.”

Belmonte, named as chairman emeritus of the National Unity Party (NUP), said the House was able to process 2,934 measures during its  182 session days before it adjourned for its traditional Christmas break.  These include the following:

-- Republic Act 10667, Providing for a National Competition Policy and  Prohibiting Anti-Competitive Agreements, Abuse of Dominant Position and Anti-Competitive Mergers and Acquisitions:

-- RA 1668, Allowing Foreign Vessels to Transport and Co-load Foreign Cargoes for Domestic Transshipment;

-- RA 10708, Instituting the Tax Incentives Management and Transparency Act (TIMTA);

-- RA 10659, Promoting and Supporting the Competitiveness of the Sugarcane Industry;

-- RA 10697, Preventing the Proliferation of Weapons of Mass Destruction by Managing the Trade of Strategic Goods, the Provision of Related Services, and for other purposes.

To help create more job opportunities, make Filipino professionals and workers more competitive and increase their take-home pay, the following were enacted:

-- RA 10691, Defining the Role of the Department of Labor and Employment, the Local Government Units and Accredited Non-Government Organizations in the establishment and operation of the Public Employment Service Office (PESO) and Job Placement Offices;

-- RA 10665, Establishing the Open High School System in the Philippines;

-- Laws regulating the practice  of Chemistry, Metallurgical Engineering, Naval Architecture and Forestry

-- RA 10706, Protecting Seafarers Against Ambulance Chasing and Imposition of Excessive Fees;

-- RA 10699, Expanding the Coverage of Incentives to National Athletes and Coaches

--R,A. 10953, Adjusting the 13th Month Pay and other Benefits Ceiling for purposes of Income Taxation.