Aquino lays down Congress agenda in second SONA

President Benigno Aquino III, in his second State of the Nation Address (SONA) on Monday, laid down the bills he wants Congress to prioritize. Aquino said that although the House of Representatives and Senate were off to a good start by passing a number of priority bills, he still needs them to approve other proposed legislation. He particularly thanked the Congress for passing laws on GOCC Governance, ARMM Synchronization, Lifeline Electricity Rates Extension, Joint Congressional Power Commission Extension, Children and Infants’ Mandatory Immunization, and Women Night Workers. “Maganda na po ang ating nasimulan. Pero mahalaga pong maalala natin: simula pa lang ito. Marami pa tayong gagawin," he said. He asked the two chambers of Congress to pass the bill seeking compensation for human rights victims during the martial law period, magna carta for household helpers, and improvement of system on the awarding of pensions for retired soldiers. Aquino said he wanted a law that would support the expansion of the scope of scholarships granted by Department of Science and Technology to outstanding yet underprivileged students; the advancement of universal quality healthcare; the responsible management of the environment; and the formation of facilities that will ensure the safety of our citizens during times of great need and calamity. “Our agenda also includes the development of BuCor (Bureau of Corrections), NBI (National Bureau of Investigation), NEA, and PTV 4, so that, instead of lagging behind the times, they will better fulfill their mandate of public service," he added. - KBK/HS, GMA News