MANILA, Philippines — Both the Senate and the House of Representatives formally resumed their First Regular Session of the 20th Congress on Monday, January 26, 2026, following a month-long legislative break.
The resumption marks the start of a busy legislative calendar, with both chambers expected to fast-track several administration-priority bills and address pressing national issues, ranging from economic reforms to social welfare.
Priority Legislation for 2026 Legislative leaders have signaled that the first quarter of the year will focus on finishing the remaining items on the Legislative-Executive Development Advisory Council (LEDAC) priority list:
- Economic Amendments: Ongoing discussions regarding amendments to the economic provisions of the Constitution are expected to regain momentum in the House.
- E-Governance Act: A push to further digitalize government processes to improve transparency and ease of doing business.
- National Defense Act: Updates to the country’s security framework to address contemporary maritime and internal security challenges.
Addressing “Gut Issues” Lawmakers acknowledged that the session resumes amid significant public concern over the cost of living.
- Wage Hike Petitions: Several bills proposing a legislated nationwide wage increase are expected to be deliberated in committee hearings, following recent survey data showing it as the top concern for Filipinos.
- Food Security: Both chambers are looking into the implementation of the government’s expanded rice subsidy program and exploring measures to stabilize the prices of basic commodities.
Oversight and Inquiries The resumption of session also brings the return of high-profile committee investigations:
- Senate Blue Ribbon: The inquiry into alleged anomalies in flood control projects is set to continue, with several lawmakers calling for more “evidence-based” proceedings.
- Impeachment Rapports: The House is expected to address the procedural status of recently filed impeachment complaints that currently lack lawmaker endorsements.
Speaker and Senate President’s Call In their respective opening remarks, House Speaker Martin Romualdez and Senate President Francis “Chiz” Escudero urged their colleagues to maintain “bipartisan cooperation” to ensure the timely passage of laws that directly benefit the public. “We return to these halls with a clear mandate: to listen to the grievances of our people and to legislate with urgency and compassion,” the Senate President stated.
The session is expected to run until the next scheduled adjournment in late March, providing a narrow window for the passage of several “big-ticket” reforms before the mid-year break.