House opens 2nd regular session amid pandemic

The House of Representatives commenced its second regular session of the 18th Congress on Monday, July 27, 2020, prior to President Rodrigo Duterte's fifth State of the Nation Address.

Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the session was held in a hybrid format, with 21 representatives physically present and 280 participating virtually.

Speaker Alan Peter Cayetano acknowledged the pandemic's impact and urged lawmakers to address the challenges facing Filipinos with honesty and unity.

He emphasized the need for faith, sacrifice, and hard work from leaders and citizens alike to overcome the crisis.

Cayetano stressed that the government's priority is to ensure the safety and health of Filipinos while supporting their return to work.

The opening of the session adheres to the constitutional mandate for Congress to convene annually on the fourth Monday of July.