The Speaker and the 15th Congress

AND NOW I AM BACK! :) Hello Philippines and hello world! Did you miss me? Hahaha! The last few weeks were eaten up by work and more work. Though it was really stressful, we managed and emerged victorious. Last week we witnessed the election of Congressman Feliciano "Sonny" R. Belmonte as the new Speaker of the House of Representatives, and Senator Juan Ponce Enrile as the new Senate President. With these new leaderships in place, we are hoping for a legislative agenda that will push for reforms for a better society. I hope they'll be able to partner with the Government and usher in a better Philippines for everyone.

The next few photos were taken during the morning of the State of the Nation Address of President Aquino. As Congress opened that morning of the 4th Monday of July, both the House of Representatives and the Senate elected their respective leaders, as dictated by protocol. After they elect and choose their leader, they would have to transmit to Malacanang that they've already chosen the Speaker of the House and Senate President respectively, and would then invite the President for his/her address.

That morning the majority backing the Speakership of Representative Feliciano R. Belmonte, Jr. had their breakfast and orientation about the conduct of the opening of the 15th Congress, and how they would elect the Speaker. Everything went smoothly. :) Congratulations SB - Speaker Belmonte! :)