Nograles says goodbye to 14th Congress

Speaker Prospero Nograles on Wednesday bade the 14th Congress goodbye, laying claim to a host of accomplishments that he said the next batch of lawmakers should continue pursuing.

“Our time has come to an end. I think we did our part in the task of nation-building. I have no personal regrets. But all good things must come to pass,” he said.

“The 15th Congress will build from where we left off and our hope is that the new House members will respond to the challenges facing the nation and the new administration. I wish them all and the new Speaker of the House all the best and I pray they will have a successful House of the people,” Nograles said in a text message when asked for his parting message.

Nograles said improvements in the physical structure of the chamber have “restored the dignity of the House.” He cited as among the accomplishment of the 14th Congress the infrastructure projects such as the construction of a new building, “most extensive rehabilitation of the complex in 33 years,” provision of new facilities, scholarship grants to deserving staff, and additional compensation and benefits to employees.

Notwithstanding the flak he got from some colleagues and various groups when the chamber failed to ratify the Freedom of Information bill, Nograles said the House has made headway in passing bills to empower women, improve the banking system, and exempting minimum wage earners from paying income tax.

He also took pride in the passage of the cheaper medicines bill that cut by half the prices of some medicines, the extended rent control bill, additional retirement benefits to members of the judiciary and prosecutors, and the senior citizens bill.

“(The) most extensive upgrading and rehabilitation of buildings and facilities in 33 years, (the) highest record in legislative performance both in quantity and quality, brought the House closer to the people,” he said.

Nograles ran for the mayoralty race in Davao City but lost in the May 10 elections.

In the running for the next Speaker of the House are Quezon City Representative Feliciano “Sonny” Belmonte Jr. and Albay Representative Edcel Lagman.