House leaders cite gains

The failure of Congress to pass the Bangsamoro Basic Law (BBL) does not diminish the gains of the House of Representatives under the Aquino administration, House leaders said on Saturday.

Speaker Feliciano Belmonte, Jr. and Rep. Rodel Batocabe of Ako Bicol party-list noted that the non-passage of the BBL should not be used as a gauge of the chamber’s success because it was able to pass “ground¬breaking bills.” These include bills that increased the prices of cigarettes and liquor, grants Philhealth coverage for all senior citizens, excludes 13th month pay worth P82,000 and below from taxes, as well as the Reproductive Health bill and the Fair Competition law that outlaws monopoly.