SEVEN measures, including one that seeks to modernize the National Bureau of Investigation, are expected to be tackled and approved by the bicameral conference committees once House of Representatives resumes its session on January 21.

The 15th Congress only has three session weeks for it to pass the measures before it goes on a three-month break to give way for the 2013-midterm elections.

The other bills that have been approved by the Senate but are pending in the conference committee are measures amending the People’s Television Network Inc.; the proposed law authorizing wiretapping and interception and recording of communications and surveillance of drug pushers and manufacturers; and a bill providing for the reparation and recognition of martial law victims.

Also pending before the bicameral committees are bills reorganizing and modernizing the Investigation bureau; strengthening the Bureau of Corrections; extending the life of the Land Bank of the Philippines; and a bill granting income tax exemptions to international carriers on the basis of reciprocity.

The bills were before the lawmakers went on a month-long Christmas break.

The Senate is also set to approve other important legislations like the proposed amendment on the anti-money laundering act and the act institutionalizing the extended 12-year Basic Education Curriculum.

The senators, according to Senate President Juan Ponce Enrile, have been working hard to pass urgent measures designed to address the country’s economic difficulties and respond to the prevailing challenges in health, education, environmental protection, public safety and consumer protection.

Since the start of the third regular session in July 2012, the Senate approved 87 of its own bills and 234 bills from the lower house.

Among the major bills approved by the Senate and already signed by President Benigno Aquino
3rd were the P2.006-trillion national budget for 2013, the sin tax reform bill and the controversial reproductive health bill.

Based on the records, the President have yet to sign 28 other bills that have been ratified by both houses of Congress, including the absentee voting for media bill; the kasambahay bill, which provides additional protection and benefits for house helpers; the bill amending the act to eliminate trafficking in persons especially women and children; the proposed law requiring all registered voters without biometric data; and the bill defining and penalizing the crime of enforced or involuntary disappearance.

There are 179 national and local bills that have been signed into law since the start of the last regular session of the 15th congress.