PASAY CITY—The Senate resumed plenary sessions with a decisive burst of legislative activity on Monday, May 4. Led by Senate President Vicente C. Sotto III, lawmakers hit a streak of productivity immediately upon their return, successfully passing two landmark measures on third reading and advancing two additional priority bills through second reading. 

The session underscored a unified front, with members moving efficiently through a heavy legislative agenda to address transparency and education reform.

Transparency took center stage as senators voted unanimously, 22-0-0, to pass Senate Bill No. 1432, the "People’s Right to Information Act." A centerpiece of the Marcos administration’s priority list, the bill mandates full public disclosure and enforces honesty within public service. 

In a simultaneous win for the education sector, the chamber also gave its final nod to SBN 1981. This measure establishes the Private Basic Education Voucher Program, effectively repealing the aging Republic Act No. 6728 to modernize government assistance for students and teachers in private institutions.

The momentum continued into the afternoon as the Senate secured approval on second reading for two more high-impact bills. SBN 1894, the proposed Universal Access to Quality Tertiary Education Act, moved closer to enactment alongside SBN 1966, known as the Assistance to Individuals in Crisis Situations (AICS) Act. 

By advancing these measures, the Senate has signaled an aggressive push toward strengthening social safety nets and expanding academic opportunities for Filipinos nationwide.