The House of Representatives has recently appointed Camarines Sur 2nd District Rep. Luis Raymund “LRay” Villafuerte Jr. as the chairman of the ad hoc committee responsible for studying the potential transfer of the House offices to Bonifacio Global City (BGC) from Batasan Hills, Quezon City.
Explaining the rationale behind this plan, Villafuerte stated, “The goal is to enhance communication and coordination among lawmakers from both chambers, facilitating their legislative work.” This move aims to bring the House and the Senate closer to each other.
On November 13, 2023, the House adopted a resolution to establish the committee. The resolution highlighted that the New Senate Building in BGC is nearing completion.
Currently, the House is situated at the Batasang Pambansa complex in Quezon City, while the Senate is located at the Government Service Insurance System complex in Pasay City.
The resolution also mentioned that both the House and Senate used to operate in the Legislative Building, where the House session hall was on the ground floor and the Senate session hall was on the second floor. This arrangement gave rise to the terms “upper house” and “lower house.”
The old legislative building, which was previously located along Padre Burgos Drive in Ermita, Manila, adjacent to the city hall, now serves as the National Museum of Fine Arts.
Villafuerte, who is also the president of the National Unity Party, has emphasized that the committee will address “all matters directly and principally related to the relocation of the House of Representatives complex, including the study and planning of a new House of Representatives building.”
According to the resolution, the accessibility of public transport, such as buses, shuttles, and the Metro Rail Transit (MRT) system, as well as excellent connectivity to major thoroughfares, airports, and other key areas in Metro Manila, should be key considerations for the legislators, employees, and guests of the House.
The resolution also highlighted the importance of proximity to other government agencies, multinational corporations, leading local businesses, and tech startups, ensuring access for Filipinos from all walks of life.
Furthermore, the resolution emphasized the need to consider the availability of funds for the proposed site and building construction.
Filed on October 17, 2023, the resolution was co-authored by Villafuerte, Senior Deputy Speaker and Pampanga 3rd District Rep. Aurelio “Dong” Gonzales Jr., and House Deputy Majority Leader and Quezon 2nd District Rep. David “Jay-Jay” Suarez, who both serve as vice persons of the ad hoc committee.
This committee’s formation and the subsequent study of the potential relocation of the House of Representatives complex demonstrate the House’s commitment to improving legislative efficiency and fostering better communication among lawmakers. By considering factors such as accessibility, connectivity, and proximity to various entities, the House aims to ensure that the new location will cater to the needs of both legislators and the Filipino people.
Source: The Manila Times
