By Vanne Elaine Terrazola Senate President Vicente Sotto III concluded the Senate’s last session under the 17th Congress on Tuesday night by highlighting the Upper Chamber's performance and independence. Sen. Vicente Sotto III
(Senate of the Philippines / MANILA BULLETIN) The 17th Congress, which opened on July 25, 2016, will go on a sine die adjournment on June 7, Friday. In his closing speech, Sotto said the Senate, in the last three years, was able to pass 592 bills that were signed into law. He mentioned the Bangsamoro Organic Law, National Identification System Act, Universal Health Care Act, and the Mental Health Law, as among the landmark laws. "These are some of the proofs that we delivered on our promise when this representation accepted this post -- to continue in helping the passage of laws that will be beneficial to the country and to every Filipino," Sotto said. He also recognized the leadership of his predecessor, former Senate President Aquilino Pimentel III, who held the post from July 2016 until May 21, 2018. Sotto also took pride in the way the Senate maintained its independence. He recalled the Senate's decision not to allow the arrest of opposition Senator Antonio Trillanes IV within its premises when the latter's amnesty was declared void by President Duterte in September last year. "Did we preserve the doctrine of separation of the great powers of government -- Executive, Legislative and Judiciary? I think we did," he said. He also recalled the recent impasse with the House of Representatives over the 2019 national budget. "We contended that no amendments may be made after the bicameral conference committee had terminated its proceedings and the report ratified and adopted in each House of Congress. In those two months of stalemate, we insisted on our position, and made known our stand when the budget was submitted to the Office of the President." "Though we eventually signed, we made known our observations, and the Executive Department sustained our position," Sotto said. The Senate, according to Sotto, had been vigilant in scrutinizing the "performance of public duties' and "ferreting out acts of corruption in the bureaucracy." He cited the Senate inquiries on shabu smuggling involving the Bureau of Customs, and the recent water crisis in Metro Manila and nearby areas. Sotto also mentioned the Senate's record-high performance ratings, particularly, the 72 percent satisfaction rating in the Social Weather Stations (SWS) survey for the first quarter of 2019. "This has been the highest rating since August 2012, according to SWS," he noted. Sotto attributed the Senate's achievements to each of his 22 colleagues. "With this in mind, we have sought to provide the legal framework for an independent and progressive Philippines in the span of three years," "We wish the coming Senate to carry on the task we are passing on to them. Let us remain cooperative but independent, balanced, transparent, and sincere," Sotto said. On the last session day of the Senate, outgoing Senators Gregorio "Gringo" Honasan II, Paolo "Bam" Aquino IV, Joseph Victor "JV" Ejercito, Francis "Chiz" Escudero, Loren Legarda took turns in thanking their staff, supporters, and colleagues. Sen. Antonio "Sonny" Trillanes IV was opted not to speak in their final session. The Upper Chamber passed resolutions in recognition of the graduating senators. Senate President Pro Tempore Ralph Recto, Majority Leader Juan Miguel Zubiri, and Minority Leader Franklin Drilon were also recognized for their work in the chamber. The Senate adjourned its session sine die at about 8:15 p.m.