The House’s failure to muster a quorum has led to the non-passage on third and final reading of bicameral conference committee reports on bills seeking a R10-billion compensation for 10,000 martial law human rights victims, the proposed Lemon Act, revised University of the Philippines (UP) Charter, and cheap medicines.

Senate Majority Leader Francis Pangilinan said the inability of Congress to pass these measures means sponsors would have to refile them in the 14th Congress which would go through the sluggish legislative process of committee hearings and lengthy floor debates, he said.

But the Senate has ratified the four bicameral reports containing these bills, he said.

Pangilinan explained that the House, even without the consent of the Senate, can adjourn "in the next two days."

Senate President Manuel Villar said the Senate has remained "faithful to its solemn mandate and covenant with the nation" as it displayed independence and significance, amid the most trying times during the 13th Congress.

"Much was done to prevent us from carrying out our oversight functions, and even abolish the Senate. We were an endangered institution on the verge of singing our swan song. On both occasions, the Supreme Court served as the forum for our vindication," he said.

"That the nation stood with us during those trying times is highly gratifying. That the people rallied behind us is very reassuring. That they elected a new set of senators in the just concluded elections is undeniable testimony of the high esteem our people hold for this august chamber," he added.

Villar also led his colleagues in expressing their thanks to the efforts of outgoing Senators Franklin M. Drilon, Dr. Luisa "Loi" Ejercito Estrada, Juan Flavier, Ramon B. Magsaysay Jr., Sergio Osmeña III, Ralph G. Recto, and Alfredo Lim.

While he expressed sadness over the failure of the House to ratify the bicameral conference committee reports, Pangilinan also said he would miss the presence of the outgoing senators because the Senate is like a classroom.

He stressed that the Senate, despite the crisis it underwent when there were moves to abolish the Upper Chamber, was able to put in place key measures, particularly economic and reform matters.

At least 16 opposition senators will now compose the majority bloc in the 24member Senate.

Sen. Manuel A. Roxas II, chairman of the Senate Trade and Commerce and Economic Affairs committees, expressed confidence that the next Congress will be more productive and cohesive.

"I strongly urge the administration not to equate politics with obstruction, or all opposing views with attempts to destabilize those in power. Rather, let us begin a national dialogue on how politics can scale up our modest economic gains, how we can spread out our still limited progress, how we can deepen and sustain our competitive advantages as a nation," Roxas said.