bettergovph/raw-philippine-data huggingface dataset:
SEVENTEENTH CONGRESS 
)
REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES 
)
First Regular Session 
)
Sk'nati*
<^H.rr of »h» >rfTftr.
*16 JUL 18 P6 '33
SE N A T E  
S.B. No. 4 1 .1
»;h*. i-:i\ }• i> liY;.
In tro d u ced  by SENATOR LOREN LEGARDA
AN ACT ENHANCING THE REGULATION OF HEALTH FACILITIES AND 
APPROPRIATING FUNDS THEREFOR
Explanatory Note
Health facilities have emerged and developed in a variety of forms and 
structures. As a result, a num ber of such types of facilities no longer qualify 
under the current regulatory m andate of the D epartm ent of Health (DOH) 
through the B ureau of Health Facilities and Services (BHFS). In other 
words, the m andate th at subjects such types of facilities under the 
regulatory control of the D epartm ent is now outdated.
The new world order has opened up countries to a new level of competition. 
Trade borders are slowly disappearing alongside global development. This 
phenom enon has led industries, such as in the field of health facilities 
m aintenance 
and 
health 
service 
provision, 
to 
expand 
and 
evolve. 
Consequently, the regulation of this field should also be enhanced to 
respond to such changes as it greatly affects the welfare of the people. 
Health regulations should be transform ed in order to m aintain its relevance 
and expand its scope of authority and include the whole industry.
For years, the regulation of health facilities focused on the specific activities 
and objects th at need to be regulated. This proposed m easure introduces a 
paradigm  shift by regulating the industry as opposed to mere regulation of 
individual and specific health facilities. As such, there shall be fewer 
opportunities for circum vention and tighter control on health costs. With 
this m easure, the quality of health facilities and services shall improve as 
well as the competitiveness, efficiency and productivity of the industry.
Through this bill, critical infrastructure and technical upgrading is provided 
to enable the DOH to cope with the challenges of globalization. Thus, aside 
from competitiveness, the high quality of health facilities and services are 
ensured. The creation of a Health Facilities Regulation Fund, which would 
be a new and innovative way of creating and disbursing resources in pursuit 
of a revitalized regulatory m andate, will facilitate access, productivity and 
efficiency. The creation and m anagem ent of a system  of benchm arking 
system would definitely improve quality and efficiency in health regulation 
and ensure accessibility with respect to necessary health facilities especially 
to the poor.
SEVENTEENTH CONGRESS OF THE REPUBLIC 
OF THE PHILIPPINES
First Regular Session
SENATE 
S. No. 
^  5 G
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*16 JUL21 P3 33
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"Y: ~y
Introduced by Senator Ralph G. Recto
AN ACT
MODERNIZING AGRICULTURE, PROVIDING FUNDS FROM THE ANNUAL VALUE- 
ADDED TAX COLLECTIONS, AMENDING FOR THE PURPOSE THE NATIONAL 
INTERNAL REVENUE CODE OF 1997, AS AMENDED
Explanatory Note
Agriculture is the foundation of a rural economy. Aside from providing our basic necessities 
of food and raw materials, the sector employs about 29% of the country’s labor force. However, 
over the years agriculture has continued to remain largely unproductive. Over the past six decades 
its share to GDP decreased from around 30% to just 10% in 2015.1 This is in large part due to poor 
investments, the onslaught of typhoons, droughts, diseases and high cost of inputs such as 
fertilizers, antibiotics, seed treatments, pestieides, (i.e., herbicides, fungicides, plant growth 
regulators and rodenticides). Moreover, the share of agriculture employment to the total labor force 
continues to decline. From around 60% of total employment in the 1950s, this has declined to 29% 
as of 2015.2
Data on yield, production cost, and price of various agricultural commodities show that the 
country lagged behind its neighbors. As a result, the comparative advantage of Philippine 
agriculture continued to decline resulting in our country increasingly becoming a net importer of 
agricultural products since 1994.
These setbacks were mainly due to low public and private investments in the sector, higlier 
cost of farm inputs, high postharvest losses due to inadequate equipment and infrastructure, poor 
postharvest handling practices, and inadequate skills and technical support, among others. 
Investments in agriculture fall below levels at which the sector can meet actual food requirements of 
our increasing population. Thus, ending poverty and inequity have remained serious challenges in 
the countryside.
Funding support for agriculture is necessary because it leads to greater productivity, which 
in turn translates to stable prices of commodities and more affordable food on the table. According 
to a World Bank Report in 2013, support for agriculture from the public sector has been limited and 
is focused on just a few crops. From 2000 to 2012, the budget of agriculture capital outlays was less 
than 0.3 percent of GDP, and was decreasing from 2000 to 2006. As a result, agriculture 
productivity was lower than in other countries such as Indonesia, Malaysia, and Vietnam. This 
situation of low agriculture productivity has led to an increasing gap between the Philippines and 
the world in terms of key food prices, such as rice.3
World Bank (2013) Philippine Development Report: Creating More and Better Jobs.
Philippine Statistics Authority
3 International Rice Research Institute
'm :
SEVENTEENTH CONGRESS OF THE 
REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES 
First Regular Session
)
BILLS S IlllDEX
SENATE
S.B. No. 
3 - t o
Introduced by Senator SONNY ANGARA
AN ACT
INSTITUTIONALIZING THE PANTAWID PAMILYANG PILIPINO PROGRAM (4 PS) TO 
REDUCE POVERTY AND PROMOTE HUMAN CAPITAL DEVELOPMENT
EXPLANATORY NOTE
The Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program (4 Ps) is a human development measure 
that provides conditional cash grants to the poorest of the poor. As of August 2015, there are 
4.4 million active household-beneficiaries, of which 570,056 are indigenous households and 
217,359 have at least one person with disability. With an average of two to three children per 
registered household-beneficiary, the program also covers 10.2 million schoolchildren aged 
Oto 18.
In partnership with the Commission on Higher Education, the Department of Labor 
and Employment, and the Philippine Association of State Universities and Colleges, 4 Ps 
has enrolled 36,003 beneficiaries in state universities and colleges as of June 2015. 
Additionally, in partnership with PhilHealth, 4 Ps has covered 4.4 million beneficiaries under 
the National Health Insurance Program.1
Recent studies show that the program has reduced the total poverty and food poverty 
among conditional cash transfer (CCT) beneficiaries by up to 6.7 percentage points. At the 
national level, estimates show the program reduced both total poverty and food poverty by 
up to 1.4 percentage points in 2013. According to World Bank, the Philippines’ CCT program 
has grown into one of the largest and best-targeted social safety net programs in the world, 
with majority of the benefits going to the bottom 40 percent of the country’s population.2
The program, however, may be subject to discontinuance by future administrations, 
despite its promising results in reducing poverty and promoting human capital development. 
It is thus imperative to institutionalize the 4 Ps through legislation to sustain its success, 
particularly in addressing the needs of the poor.
In light of the foregoing, the approval of this bill is earnestly sought.
S O N N Y ^G A R A
1 http://www.gov.ph/program s/conditional-cash-transfer/
2 http://www.wot1dbank.org/en/news/press-release/2016/02/19/worid-bank-approves-new-funding-for-philippines-
social-safety-net
SEVENTEENTH CONGRESS OF THE ) 
REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES 
)
First Regular Session 
)
SENATE
S. N o.___106
THE
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BY:
BILLS f  INDEX
Introduced by Senator Richard “ D ick” J. G ordon
AN ACT PUNISHING THE W ILLFUL FAILURE TO PAY CHILD SUPPORT
EXPLANATORY NOTE
It is the primary responsibility of the State to promote the best interests of 
children and protect their well-being. 
The payment of child support should be an 
important priority of the State. Unpaid child support is something that the State should 
not tolerate, for this threatens the health, education and survival of our children.
The acts punished in Republic Act No. 7610, as amended, otherwise known as 
the Special Protection of Children Against Child Abuse. Exploitation and Discrimination 
Act, and Presidential Decree No. 603, as amended, otherwise known as the Child and 
Youth Welfare Code, do not include the willful failure to pay child support.
The State must protect and defend the right of children to child support. Parents 
must likewise be responsible for their children. A law punishing the willful failure to pay 
child support must therefore be enacted.
RIJSHAR
DICK” J. GORDON
Senator
SEVENTEENTH CONGRESS OF THE ) 
REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES 
)
First Regular Session 
)
S E N A T E  
S. No. 
119
dateJUN
BILLS
Introduced by Senator Aquilino “Koko” Pimentel III
AN ACT
TO REGULATE THE PRACTICE OF PROFESSIONAL 
BUILDING OFFICIALS IN THE PHILIPPINES, 
APPROPRIATING FUNDS THEREFOR AND FOR
OTHER PURPOSES
EXPLANATORY NOTE
th
In the 16 
Congress, this representation was designated as the 
Chairman of the Blue Ribbon Subcommittee that investigated, in aid of 
legislation, the alleged PI.601 Billion overpricing of the 11-Storey New 
Makati City Hall II Parking Building as embodied in Proposed Senate 
Resolution No. 826 filed by Senator Antonio “Sonny” F. Trillanes IV.1
We found out, among others, that the Building Permit of the 
Makati City Hall II Parking Building did not contain a declaration of the 
estimated cost of the project, which is a violation of Section 302 of the 
National Building Code of the Philippines, Republic Act No. 6541, as 
amended by Presidential Decree No. 1096. This omission allowed the 
local government unit concerned to construct a building practically 
without a cap as to the construction cost. 
Thus, one of our 
recommendations was the amendment of the National Building Code, 
particularly, on the penalties to ensure compliance by all parties.
1 Titled, l'l‘Resolution Directing the Committee on Accountability of Public Officials and 
Investigations of the Senate o f the Philippines to Investigate, in Aid of Legislation, the Alleged 
P I.601 Billion Overpricing of the 11-Storey New Makati City Hall II Parking Building, the 
Reported Overpricing of the 22-Storey Makati City Hall Building at the Average Cost of 
P240,000.00 per Square Meter and Related Anomalies Purportedly Committed by Former and 
Current Local Government Officials and for Other Related Purposes.'"
SEVENTEENTH CONGRESS OF THE 
REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES
First Regular Session
)
*16 f\U6-l 
PI 144
SENATE
S.B. No. 947
\\V
'Y;
Introduced by Senator SONNY ANGARA
AN ACT PROVIDING FOR RURAL EMPLOYMENT ASSISTANCE PROGRAM 
AND APPROPRIATING FUNDS THEREFOR
EXPLANATORY NOTE
Unemployment remains a persistent problem in the country despite rapid economic 
growth in recent years. Results of the latest Labor Force Survey (LFS) of the Philippine 
Statistics Authority (PSA) showed that unemployment rate reached 6.1 percent or 2.594 million 
unemployed persons in April this year, from 5.8 percent or 2.469 million in January. 1
Moreover, progress in the country has been uneven, with poverty gap between the 
urban and rural areas widening. According to the International Fund for Agricultural 
Development (IFAD), a specialized agency of the United Nations, poverty in the Philippines is 
most severe and widespread in rural areas, where almost 80 percent of the country’s poor 
population live.2
The lack of significant economic growth in rural areas has resulted to shortage of 
employment opportunities for residents, contributing to poverty incidence in these areas. The 
Rural Employment Assistance Program (REAP), which is a temporary work-for-aid initiative for 
qualified heads of family or unmarried adults, will not only help address the unemployment 
problem but will also spur agricultural and infrastructure development in the rural areas.
The Program shall provide temporary employment for qualified members of poor 
households in rural areas, as identified by the National Household Targeting System for Poverty 
Reduction (NHTS-PR) of the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD), who 
volunteers to do unskilled manual work for a minimum of forty-five (45) days but not more than 
ninety (90) days in every calendar year.
Projects and activities to be identified and undertaken under the REAP may include the 
following: (a) Development, rebuilding and rehabilitation of agri-based livelihood assets 
destroyed or lost due to natural disasters; (b) Rehabilitation or development of common service 
facilities which are being shared and used by poor families as production or consolidation 
centers such as post-harvest facilities and public markets; and (c) Development or rehabilitation 
of farm-to-market roads and bridges necessary to bring the products of poor families to the 
market.
In light of the foregoing, the approval of this bill is earnestly sought.
SONNY ANGARA
1 https;//psa.gov.ph/statistics/survey/labor-force
2 http://www.ruralpovertyportal.org/country/home/tags/philippines
SEVENTEENTH CONGRESS OF THE
REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES
First R egular Session
SENATE
S.B. No.
372
I
dateJUL
BILLS
In tro d u ced  by SEN. WIN GATCHALIAN
AN ACT
PROVIDING PROTECTION TO THE ELDERLY AGAINST ABUSE, NEGLECT, AND 
EXPLOITATION, AND PRESCRIBING PENALTIES FOR VIOLATIONS THEREOF
EXPLANATORY NOTE
»
Each year, more and more senior citizens are abused, exploited, and 
neglected. The usual victims are seniors who are older, frail, vulnerable, and 
unable to help them selves and who depend on others to m eet their m ost basic 
needs. Abusers of senior citizens may be m en and women, family m em bers, friends, or 
caregivers. In general, elder abuse is a term  referring to any knowing, intentional, or 
negligent act by a caregiver or any other person th a t causes harm  or a serious risk of 
harm  to a vulnerable adult.
From a young age, our culture has taught u s to honor and respect our 
elders. Filipino values dictate th at we have a m oral duty to m aintain and care 
for our elders. Although generally speaking, Filipino society cherishes, respects, 
and cares for our elders more com pared to w estern societies, we cannot deny 
the fact th at a num ber of our senior citizens have become victims of physical, 
emotional, and economic abuse at the hands of people who are entrusted with 
their care. Their advanced age and fragile condition are taken advantage of by 
persons in charge of them  and even by m em bers of their in. m ediate family.
Scuati?
SEVENTEENTH CONGRESS OF THE REPUBLIC 
)
OF THE PHILIPPINES 
)
First Regular Session 
)
SENATJ
S.B. No.
^12
•16 J120 P4S0
Kl
TW:
Introduced by: S enator Paolo Benigno "B am " A. A q uin o  IV
AN A a  PROVIDING A  FRAMEWORK FOR THE RIGHT TO ADEQUATE FOOD
EXPLANATORY NOTE
In this day and age of technology, economic development, and social consciousness, 
it is inexcusable to allow our countrymen to grow hungry.
It is our duty to enhance the welfare of our citizens and ensure that every Filipino is 
given regular, permanent, and unrestricted access to sufficient food and nutrition.
The Adequate Food Framework Bill holds at its center this duty and responsibility, 
targeting the eradication of hunger across the Philippine islands in the next ten years.
In order to achieve this in a sustainable manner, this legislation will ensure that land 
devoted to food production shall be increased to 50% of all prime agricultural land in every 
region.
This measure also increases the coverage of school feeding programs, the public 
budget allocation for the marginalized and disadvantaged Filipinos who are unable to feed 
themselves, as well as research on agriculture, irrigation, and rural development.
To exercise due diligence, this measure proposes periodic reviews of compliance of set 
targets as well as the establishment of the Commission on the Right to Adequate Food, 
attached to the Commission on Human Rights, to ensure the proactive and efficient 
implementation of plans to achieve zero-hunger in the Philippines.
The least we can do for our poor countrymen is to actively pursue the eradication of 
hunger in the Philippines. I urge my colleagues to vote for the passing of this measure.
In view of the foregoing, the approval of this bill is earnestly sought.
S enator Pablo Benigno "B ar "  A. A q uino IV
SEVENTEENTH CONGRESS OF THE ) 
REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES )
First Regular Session 
)
' • ' ■x h 9 '  
(it thf,r: •!•
’16 
AUG -1 
All :26
SENATE
s.No. 925
Introduced by Senator Ralph G. Recto
AN ACT
EXEMPTING GREEN VEHICLES FROM THE MOTOR VEHICLES USER’S 
CHARGE AMENDING FOR THE PURPOSE SECTION 2 OF REPUBLIC ACT 
NO. 8794, OTHERWISE KNOWN AS THE “MOTOR VEHICLE USER’S 
CHARGE ACT OF 2000”
Explanatory Note
Even with an increasing number of Filipino drivers becoming more 
environmentally conscious and with green vehicles (i.e. electric and hybrid cars) gaining 
in popularity over the past few years, the latter still make up a very small share of overall 
car sales. The top deterrent is the pricing, as green vehicles are imposed a number of 
taxes, including import duty, value-added tax, as well as excise tax -  which already 
comprise about a third of the selling price. On top of these taxes is the Motor Vehicle 
User’s Charge (MVUC) which range from PI,400 to PI2,000 depending on the weight 
and age of the vehicle.
More than 500,000 diesel-fueled jeepneys, buses, trucks and other vehicles in our 
urban areas are responsible for about 80% of the total black carbon emissions in our 
country. The economic cost of the health impacts of air pollution from road transport is 
estimated at US$325 million per year1 or about 88% of the total MVUC collection as of 
June 2016.2
In the Global Climate Risk of 2016, the Philippines ranked fifth with respect to 
Countries most affected by extreme weather events for the period 1995-2014.3
Alarming death rates, pollution and climate change effects call for the promotion 
of green vehicles to achieve a healthy environment.
The Philippines submitted its Intended Nationally Determined Contribution to the 
United Nations in October 2015 which states that the Philippines intends to undertake 
GHG (C02e) emissions reduction of about 70% by 2030 which will come from energy, 
transport, waste, forestry and industry sectors.4
Thus, this bill seeks to amend Republic Act No. 8794, otherwise known as the 
“Motor Vehicle User’s Charge Act of 2000”, by exempting green vehicles from the 
MVUC in order to encourage motorists to shift to clean energy sources of fuel.
1 Pollution-free advocacy: Adopt an E-jeepney program.http://iamesdeakin.Dh/pollution-free- 
advocacv-adopt-an-eieepnev-program/
2 Road Board. Status of Collections and Releases: MVUC as of June 6, 2016.
3 Sonke Kreft, David Eckstein, Lukas Dorsch & Livia Fischer. Global Climate Risk Index 2016. 
http://germanwatch.org/fr/download/1350-l.pdf
Republic of the Philippines. Intended Nationally Determined Contribution.
http://www4.unfccc.int/Submissions/INDC/Published%20Documents/Philippines/l/Philippines%20-
%20Final%20INDC%20submission.ndf.
m '
SEVENTEENTH CONGRESS OF THE 
REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES
First Regular Session
S.B. No
SENATE
134
XP TIME:
Bias & «lDEX
Introduced by Senator SONNY ANGARA
AN ACT
GRANTING DISCOUNTS ON BASIC AND EDUCATION SERVICES TO UNDERPRIVILEGED
STUDENTS IN ALL LEVELS, INCLUDING THOSE ENROLLED IN TECHNICAL- 
VOCATIONAL (TECH-VOC) INSTITUTIONS
EXPLANATORY NOTE
The 1987 Constitution provides that the State shall establish and maintain a system of 
scholarship grants, student loan programs, and provide other incentives which shall be made 
available to deserving students, especially to the underprivileged, enrolled in both public and 
private higher education institutions and technical-vocational institutes.
Even with the system of scholarship grants and student loan programs provided by the 
government, not all deserving and underprivileged students get to finish their education because 
they lack the financial capacity to spend for their basic needs and other expenses related to 
their schooling.
To ease the financial burden of underprivileged students and help them cope with the 
high cost of education as well as daily school expenses, this measure proposes to grant 
discounts on basic services, such as food and medicine. Moreover, it also seeks to give them 
discounts on educational expenses, such as tuition, miscellaneous and other school fees, 
including books and school supplies.
Considering that we now have a law giving discounts to senior citizens, it is high time 
that we consider the plight of our underprivileged students who are our nation's future.
In view of the foregoing reasons, immediate approval of this measure is earnestly
sought.
SONNY ANGARA
SEVENTEENTH CONGRESS OF THE ) 
REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES 
) 
First Regular Session 
)
tan,,, , t 
.......
'16 
1*1: 19 
p :  m
S. No.
SENATE
S'! 2
"V:
Introduced by Senator Antonio “Sonny” F. Trillanes IV
AN ACT
PENALIZING FALSE OR FRAUDULENT ADVERTISING AND FOR OTHER 
PURPOSES
EXPLANATORY NOTE
Many times has this nation been rocked by large-scale fraud of endemic proportions, 
affecting the poor sectors of society.
The number of victims which runs to hundreds and even thousands, has obviously been the 
result of well-advertised and effective sales propaganda and other promotional shows 
circulated in newspapers, aired in radio stations and televisions, and other media for long 
periods of time.
Meantime, unaware that the promoted products, goods or services are non-existent or are 
incapable of being performed but are in fact, doomed to failure, the hapless victims continue 
to shell out whatever small amounts they have hoping that they will in the future achieve or 
acquire the much propagated ventures or plans.
Enough is enough of the so-called flopping or failed pre-need plans, unfinished subdivision 
or condominiums, pyramiding schemes and similar artifices and deceptive schemes that had 
victimized thousands and thousands of our countrymen.
It is pathetic to note that until now, victims of these frauds had found themselves helpless in 
bailing themselves out from the financial woes wrought by those who have enriched 
themselves.
Hence, the bill's purpose is to stop the propagation of false or fraudulent advertising of 
products, goods and services which cannot be delivered or perfonned and save our poor 
people from being victimized by the professional charlatans whose obvious motive is to milk 
their victims.
In view of the foregoing, immediate approval of this measure is earnestly sought.
A N T O ^a“‘SONNY” F. TRILLANES
Senator
SEVENTEENTH CONGRESS OF THE 
REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES 
First R egular Session
SENATE 
S.B. No. 
9 8 5
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’16 
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lu
In tro d u ced  by SEN. WIN GATCHALIAN
AN ACT
ALLOWING THE IMPOSITION OF THE DEATH PENALTY FOR HEINOUS CRIMES 
INVOLVING CHILD TRAFFICKING, EXPLOITATION, PROSTITUTION,
PORNOGRAPHY, AND RAPE
EXPLANATORY NOTE
The debate on the m erits of the death penalty has gone back and forth since the 
ratification of the 1987 Constitution effectively abrogated laws then in force and effect 
imposing the death penalty. However, Section 19(1) of Article 111 of the 1987 C onstitution 
expressly authorizes Congress to institute the death penalty “for compelling reasons 
involving heinous crimes. Thus, the Constitution does not prohibit the death penalty 
per se; it merely provides for a strict standard against which the m erits of any law 
providing for the death penalty shall be judged. In fact. Congress once again approved 
the imposition of the death penalty in 1993 by passing Republic Act No. 7659, only to 
reverse course and once again prohibit its im position through the prom ulgation of 
Republic Act No. 9346, thirteen years later.
In upholding the constitutionality of the death penalty and the right of Congress 
to impose it, the Suprem e Court looked favourably upon the definition of heinous crimes 
found in the pream ble of RA No. 7659:
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SEVENTEENTH CONGRESS OF TH E 
)
REPUBLIC OF TH E PH ILIPPIN ES 
)
First Regular Session 
)
SENATE
s.No. 575
% JU(. 19 P.1 59
Introduced by Senator Antonio “Sonny” F. Trillanes IV
AN ACT
TO PROVIDE TIM E O FF W ITH PAY FOR EM PLOYEES W HO DONATE ORGAN, 
BONE M ARROW , BLOOD, O R BLOOD PLATELETS
EXPLANATORY NOTE
Diseases are inevitable part of the lives of the people. For this. Article II Section 15 of the 
Philippine Constitution declares that, "The State shall protect and promote the right to health 
of the people and instill health consciousness among them".
However, it is known to everyone that a healthy physical condition of every individual is not 
always at a guarantee especially these days. In most cases, those who cannot afford to finance 
themselves are the ones usually hit by worst kinds of illnesses such as organ failure. In most 
cases, organ transplantation is the only treatment for end state organ failure. Hence, organ 
donation has become a necessity in this changing world.
According to the World Health Organization, human material for transplantation is mostly 
obtained from a deceased donor. Yet, despite the frequent use of materials donated from 
deceased donors, the donation of materials from living donors is necessary for some types of 
transplants to compensate for the limited supply of material available from deceased donors 
in order to meet patient needs. Living donation is thus practiced despite the fact that it 
involves risks for the donor that may not be negligible.
This bill seeks to acknowledge the donor employees who willingly offer organ, bone marrow, 
blood, or blood platelets through entitling them to an organ donation leave with pay.
In view of the foregoing, the immediate approval of this bill is earnestly sought.
ANTONI
F. TRIL
ator
SEVENTEENTH CONGRESS O F TH E REPUBLIC 
OF TH E PH IL IPPIN ES
First Regular Session
S E N A T E
SB. 
882
;'S. t
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of the S r ,.,
'16 
JIJL 2 6  
A 9  :1 1
R l  < 
!
?V:
Introduced by Senator Poe
AN ACT
PRESCRIBING 
EL EC TR O N IC  
O R  
ONLINE 
M O D A LITIES 
FO R  
TH E 
PROM ULGATION O F LAW S, RESOLUTIONS, RULES AND O TH E R  ISSUANCES, 
AMENDING FO R  TH E  PU R PO SE SECTIO N  18, 24 AND 25 C H A PTER  5, BOOK 1 
OF 
EXECUTIVE 
O R D ER  
NO. 
292 
O TH ER W ISE 
KNOW N 
AS 
TH E 
ADM INISTRATIVE CO DE O F 1987
Explanatory Note
The 1987 Philippine Constitution recognizes the right of the people to information on 
matters of public concern.1 Moreover, the same provision in the Constitution affords access 
to official records and to documents and papers pertaining to official acts, transactions, or 
decisions, as well as to government research date used as basis for policy development, 
subject to such limitations as may be provided by law.2
Republic Act No. 386, otherwise known as the Civil Code of the Philippines, sets the 
effectivity of laws to fifteen days following the completion of their publication in the Official 
Gazette, unless otherwise provided.3 With the legal maxim of “Ignorance of the law excuses 
no one,” notice and publication of laws have become necessary.
However, limited access to and knowledge of the Official Gazette denies the public of 
their Constitutional right to information. Thus, Executive Order No. 292, otherwise known as 
the Administrative Code of 1987, mandated the publication of laws in at least two 
newspapers of general circulation as an alternative to their publication in the Official Gazette.
1 Section 7, Article III, 1987 Philippine Constitution.
2 Ibid.
3 Section 2, Civil Code of the Philippines.
SEVENTEENTH CONGRESS OF THE ) 
REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES ) 
First Regular Session 
)
SENATE
S. No. 541
•94’ c *5,};r
1 
o f  (t,,, y .  
,
11IL 19 
P2 :43
' • V .
Introduced by Senator Antonio “Sonny” F. Trillanes IV
AN ACT
GRANTING RETIREMENT, HEALTH CARE AND DEATH BENEFITS TO 
PROFESSIONAL FILIPINO ATHLETES WHO WIN WORLD CHAMPIOSHIP 
TITLES IN INTERNATIONAL PROFESSIONAL SPORTS COMPETITIONS OR IN 
OTHER EQUALLY PRESTIGIOUS INTERNATIONAL GAMES AND PROVIDING 
FUNDS THEREFOR
EXPLANATORY NOTE
This bill seeks to extend benefits and other privileges to our professional athletes who have 
brought honor and glory to the country by becoming world champions and/or winning 
international sports competitions.
Our professional athletes risk lives and limbs in order to give honor and glory to the 
motherland. They often forego employment opportunities to practice and perfect their craft in 
the hope that they can one day win that coveted Championship on international sports 
competition and make us proud to be Filipinos. When they win, they receive our praise, 
exultation and collective adulation at least while they remain champions and winners. When 
their reign is over, they often find themselves alone, abandoned and without any viable means 
to support themselves and their families.
The cases of former Filipino world boxing champions Rolando Navarette and Luisito 
Espinosa are cases in point. Navarette has been reduced to the life of a pauper; dependent on 
charitable gestures from his countrymen for his sustenance and for his medical expenses. 
Luisito Espinosa has been forced to continue fighting and to struggle financially so he could 
survive in a faraway land (the United States).
It is a sad reality but we often see Filipino world champions and sporting heroes suffer and 
even die penniless after their heydays. Clearly, something has to be done to help those who 
have brought us honor and glory to at least have a decent life after their glory days. 
Champions are champions. They deserve something better than a mere pat in the back or the 
short-lived adulation of his countrymen.
The prestige that boxing great Manny Pacquiao, our 8-Division World Champion has brought 
to the country in the international arena cannot be overemphasized. Undoubtedly, he has 
restored the Philippines in the world boxing map, earning the adulation and respect not only 
of his countrymen but of boxing aficionados and even ordinary folks the world over. We not 
only excel in boxing but in other sports as well Lydia de Vega, Elma Muros-Posadas, the
.^pnatr
(9ff»re of
SEVENTEENTH CONGRESS OF THE 
)
REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES 
)
First Regular Session 
)
SENATE
S. No. 
6 0 1
*t6 JUL 19 P5:26
in:r fv
______________ Introduced by Senator Antonio “Sonny” F. Trillancs IV______________
AN ACT
PROVIDING FOR TAX EXEMPTIONS AND SUBSIDIES FOR THE LOCAL MUSIC 
INDUSTRY, AMENDING FOR THIS PURPOSE CERTAIN SECTIONS OF THE 
LOCAL GOVERNMENT CODE OF 1991
EXPLANATORY NOTE
Still in an indeterminate state, the Filipino music industry agonize with piracy levels reaching 
as high as 83 percent based on Philippine Association of the Record Industry (PARI). Given 
the failing record industry, artists relying on live performances to make a living is just as 
challenging as being confronted with the threat of foreign production and high production 
cost. It is also worthy to note that producers and artists are further burdened by multiple 
taxes, from Value Added-Tax (VAT) paid for services and materials and amusement tax paid 
to the local govenunent1. Just as important is the fact that the International Intellectual 
Property Alliance also ranked music piracy in the country, the fifth strongest in the world and 
the second largest in Asia2
In light of encouraging and promoting the creation of original Filipino music and providing 
support to make the industry intemationally-competitive, this bill ensures that the music 
industry provides cultural opportunists to all Filipinos. Under this bill, the holding of operas, 
concerts, dramas, recitals, painting and art exhibitions, flower shows, musical programs, 
literary and oratorical presentations, including pop rock, or similar concerts as long as they 
feature mainly Filipino artists and Filipino compositions shall be exempt from the payment of 
amusement tax.
Furthermore, the proceeds from amusement tax from concerts and other music related 
presentation may be earmarked for subsidizing workshops of local theater musicals and/or 
training and workshops for local artists and composers. The remaining proceeds shall be 
shared equally by the province and the municipality where such amusement places are 
located.
In view of the foregoing, immediately passage of this bill is earnestly sought.
ANTONI
LANES IV
S e n a to r
1
SEVENTEENTH CONGRESS OF THE 
) 
REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES 
) 
First Regular Session 
)
S E N A T E  
S.B. No. 
228
fr f  RECEIVED^*?
S  
d a t e jJUL 0/ 4 201jBt z
TIME: 
Ga
DILLS & INDEX
Introduced by Senator FRANKLIN M. DRILON
AN ACT
INSTITUTIONALIZING AND STRENGTHENING PUBLIC- 
PRIVATE PARTNERSHIPS, AND APPROPRIATING FUNDS
THEREFOR
EXPLANATORY NOTE
The PPP Act seeks not only incorporation of the lessons learned from the 
past and adoption of the best practices in Public-Private Partnerships, but it also 
aims to accelerate infrastructure development in the country.
The proposed measure adopts a policy of full disclosure of PPP projects 
and contracts. Under the proposed measure, the PPP Center is also made directly 
responsible for giving the public and Congress with adequate and timely 
information about PPP projects.
The bill addresses the impact of local taxes to PPP projects of national 
significance. The uncertainty of imposition of local taxes particularly real 
property taxes make the project costly and less attractive to the private sector. ■ 
Hence, the bill provides for an exemption of projects of national significance from 
payment of real property tax.
Another purpose of the bill is to foster competitiveness and transparency 
in unsolicited proposals. The sixty-working-day challenge period under the 
existing BOT Law is too short for interested challengers to submit their counter­
proposals in an unsolicited project. Thus, the PPP Act proposes to extend the 
challenge period to a maximum period of six months. Additional option is also 
being proposed under the Act wherein the implementing agencies may be 
allowed to convert unsolicited proposal into a solicited project and offer it as 
basis for competitive bidding, subject to reimbursement of project development 
cost in an amount not to exceed 3% of the project cost. This way, the government 
will realize the full benefits of competitive bidding.
The other salient features are as follows:
SEVENTEENTH CONGRESS OF THE 
)
REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES 
)
First Regular Session 
)
' i  f *  
o f I'll 
' f 1 2 ’Hj
*16 
JIJL21 
P2:19
S. No.
SENATE
805
K l  >:
■n ’
Introduced by Senator Ralph G. Recto
AN ACT
PROVIDING FOR THE CONSTRUCTION OF A MULTIPURPOSE GYM IN ALL 
MUNICIPALITIES AND CITIES TO SERVE AS EVACUATION CENTER DURING 
TIMES OF CALAMITY OR DISASTER AND APPROPRIATING FUNDS THEREFOR
Explanatory Note
Schools have traditionally been utilized as default evacuation centers in times of 
calamities, disasters, conflicts, and emergencies. Schools however, are not well equipped to 
aceommodate evacuees since these lack the necessary facilities for displaced families.
The use of schools as evacuation centers for displaced families also gives rise to another 
group of displaced individuals: the students. The education of children is severely affected when 
families cannot immediately vacate sehool premises because their houses have not yet been 
repaired or reconstructed. This relegates students to makeshift classrooms that may not be 
condueive to learning. Moreover, its cost can take away from the meager budget what could be 
better utilized for more permanent solutions to problems brought about by disasters.
2 The construction of multipurpose gyms in the country’s 1,489 municipalities' and 145 
cities nationwide will be a permanent recourse for evacuation in times of calamities and natural 
or man-made disasters. The gym must be able to withstand typhoons, earthquakes and other 
disasters. It must be designed to have space that can be used flexibly for social activities, 
sporting events, and as sleeping quarters during the evacuation. The multipurpose gym must be 
well-ventilated, able to accommodate large groups of people, and must have ample bathing and 
sanitation facilities. When not in use as a refuge center, the multipurpose gym, which should be 
in a location where people and emergency rescue personnel can easily aecess, can be a 
storehouse for disaster rescue equipment and emergency supplies.
With the reality of stronger typhoons brought about by climate change and the 
geographical location of the country making it the second most disaster-prone country3, seeking 
temporary solutions to the displacement of families by using schools as evacuation centers must 
be stopped. There should be no tradeoff between protecting lives and the education of students. 
A better and more permanent facility must be made available to people in times of emergencies.
In the light of the foregoing, the approval of this bill is earnestly sought.
'finnp
As of 31 March 2016. http://nap.psa.gov.ph/
2 Ibid.
United Nations University World Risk Report 2014 http://ehs.unu.edu/news/news/world-risk-report-2014.html
SEVENTEENTH CONGRESS OF THE ) 
REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES 
)
First Regular Session 
)
.Remits
•16 JUL 20 P5:19
SENATE
S.B. No. 
7 2 2
Introduced by SENATOR CYNTHIA A. VILLAR
AN ACT
PENALIZING THE IMPOSITION OF A  “ NO PERMIT, NO EXAM”  POLICY OR ANY 
SUCH POLICY THAT PROHIBITS STUDENTS OF POST-SECONDARY AND 
HIGHER 
EDUCATION 
FROM 
TAKING 
THEIR 
MIDTERM 
OR 
FINAL 
EXAMINATION OR OTHER SIMILAR ASSESSMENTS DUE TO UNPAID TUITION 
AND OTHER SCHOOL FEES
EXPLANATORY NOTE
To most Filipino parents, education is the most precious inheritance they can 
pass on to their children. Even to the poorest of families, they consider it imperative 
to send their children to school, and this comes with hope that the educated children 
can help in improving their quality of life to a level that is comfortable. 
In the 
Philippine setting, it is not peculiar that families mortgage a piece of their land or 
homes, and even sell a few of their possessions in order that their children could 
pursue college or tertiary education. In short, it is typical for Filipino parents to 
sacrifice so much so that their children could get education.
Unfortunately for students and their parents, schools can be quite exacting 
when it comes to tuition, and this could not be any more apparent than during 
examinations. While families understand that tuition and other fees are necessary for 
schools to provide the service required of them, they encounter unavoidable 
circumstances at times when they could not meet the obligation to pay the tuition fee 
on time. And while CHED has issued a Memorandum Order requiring colleges and 
universities to provide a Student Affairs and Services (SAS) office that will provide its 
students a package of services, including guidance and counseling, career and job 
placement, 
economic enterprise development and scholarship and financial 
assistance, it does not categorically prohibit the “no permit, no exam policy” and so 
this does not effectively stop schools from practicing it.
Not too long ago, in 2013, we were quite distressed when we heard the news 
about a promising student in a premier state university who allegedly committed 
suicide because she was not allowed to take her college examination due to her 
inability to pay the school fees. 
To my mind, this could have been avoided, if only 
we have in place a more considerate policy towards students undergoing financial 
difficulties.
SEVENTEENTH CONGRESS OF THE ) 
REPUBLIC OF THE PH ILIPPIN ES 
)
F irst Regular Session 
)
SENATE
S. B. No.
78
y
, ,  kecbvedVS
Od a t bJ U N 3 0  9nic
lui
\<A TIME: 
BY:
4^
0)i
BILLS (& INDEX ^
INTRODUCED BY SENATOR ALAN PETER "COMPANERO" S. CAYETANO
AN ACT
PROVIDING FOR A SU PPO RT MECHANISM FOR THE PROGRAMS OF THE DEPARTM ENT OF 
EDUCATION GEARED TOW ARDS THE ADVANCEMENT OF THE INTERESTS OF CHILDREN 
W ITH  SPECIAL NEEDS
EXPLANATORY NOTE
A UNICEF survey, cited by the Department of Education (DepEd), found that 13% of Filipino 
children have some disabilities in one form or another. This is slightly higher than the World Health 
Organization (WHO) estimate that ten percent (10%) of any given population shall have some 
disabilities. Given these conditions, proactive measures need to be instituted to cater to their 
educational needs.
According to figures from DepEd, there are 155 special education centers throughout the 
189 divisions of the DepEd with 1,176 SPED teachers to address the needs of these children. For 
school year 2008 - 2009, these centers catered to only 162,858 students or just around three 
percent (3%) of the expected children with special needs. Among the many reasons for this 
situation is the limited financial resources available to DepEd. The present facilities and programs 
of the DepEdis insufficient to meet the current requirements of children with special needs. 
Inasmuch as there is an unwavering effort to increase the budget of DepEd every year, exploring 
alternative sources of funding on top of the current effort may be a reasonable and practicable 
route.
The Special Education Fund (SEF) which is an additional 1% tax on of the Real Property 
Tax levied by local government units, may be a viable source. This bill seeks to set aside 10% of the 
SEF of every local government unit for the purpose of supporting their programs, as well as those of 
DepEd, for children with special needs. This bill further encourages local government units the 
authority to allot a portion of their general fund in support of these programs.
This bill is in line with the mandate of Section 1, Article XIV of the Constitution provides 
that, "[t]he State shall protect and promote the right of all citizens to quality education at all levels 
and shall take appropriate steps to make such education accessible to all”, and Section 1, Article 
XIII also provides that: "[t]he Congress shall give highest priority to the enactment of measures that 
protect and enhance the right of all people to human dignity," and "reduce social, economic, and 
political inequalities, and remove cultural inequities”.
All Filipino children should have an opportunity and access to free and quality education. 
There is no reason to leave any child educationally deprived especially those who are in most need 
of the support of government. A proper environment must be provided those special children so as 
not to take away from them the opportunity to succeed. Thus, it is the intention of this bill to ensure
SEVENTEENTH CONGRESS OF THE REPUBLIC 
OF THE PHILIPPINES 
First Regular Session
iPJ
i § t U l t  o f  
f i  r 
J,
'16 JUL 20 P4 :35
SENAT^02
S.B. No.
RI- * i: V 
; 
?>V;
Introduced by: Senator Paolo Benigno "Bam " A. Aquino IV
AN ACT
GRANTING PERMANENT RESIDENCY TO QUALIFIED RELIGIOUS WORKERS 
AMENDING FOR THE PURPOSE SECTIONS 9 AND 13 OF COMMONWEALTH ACT NO. 
613, OTHERWISE KNOWN AS THE PHILIPPINE IMMIGRATION ACT OF 1940 AND FOR
OTHER PURPOSES
EXPLANATORY NOTE
Foreign religious workers and missionaries have played an important role not 
only in the faith life of Filipino communities, but also in promoting the welfare of the 
poor through outreach work and social missions. They have sacrificed and left the 
comfort of their homes to live away from their families without expecting or asking 
for anything in return. They have chosen not just to share their talents and skills but 
also intend to live the rest of their lives and die serving the Filipino people. We are 
honored to have their experiences one with the people whose life we welcome in 
our country.
This bill seeks to amend Commonwealth Act No. 613, otherwise known as the 
Philippine Immigration Act of 1940. It is our intent to relieve foreign religious 
workers of the burdensome requirements and procedures for staying in the country 
and performing their chosen vocation here that benefits our communities. This bill 
seeks to assist the many religious workers who have already dedicated long years of 
their lives to their missionary work and vocation in the country.
This measure is also part of the proposed reforms to update our antiquated 
immigration law to better address the changing needs and demands of the 
Philippines, as a member of an increasingly globalized and interconnected 
international community.
In view of the foregoing, the approval of this bill is earnestly sought.
Senator Paolo Benigno "Bam l' A. Aquino IV
SEVENTEENTH CONGRESS OF THE ) 
REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES 
)
First Regular Session 
)
S. B. No.
S E N A T E
760
0M
*16 JUL 21 W1 ;04
K
!
 
‘  
» '
n y :
Introduced by Senator FRANCIS G. ESCUDERO
AN ACT 
t
ESTABLISHING A SYSTEM OF REGISTRATION FOR LEASE ON REGISTERED
LANDS
EXPLANATORY NOTE
Real property right is unique because there are multiple "rights" associated with 
each piece of property. In our jurisdiction, the following rights, among others, are 
accorded by law to an owner of a land: right to sell, right to lease, right to use, right to 
possess and right to acquire mineral.
Our system of property registration as embodied in Presidential Decree (PD) No. 
1529, as amended, covers this bundle of rights under real property right. However, the 
system of registration, especially on lease on registered property is limited only to 
registration by annotation, which is the inscription of a memorandum on the original 
certificate title of property and the owner's duplicate.
This bill proposes to expand this system of registration, especially on lease on 
registered lands by authorizing the issuance of certificates of lease. It is by virtue of this 
certificate that a lessee, like a certificate of title to an owner, may be able to prove the 
existence of the lease. True, Section 52, PD No. 1529 provides that a registration of lease 
in the Register of Deeds is a constructive notice to all persons from the time of such 
filing or registering. However, with this proposal it is not only notice but with an 
indefeasible proof of lease as well that are provided for to safeguard the right of a 
lessee.
Passage of this bill is thus submitted for deliberation.
FRANCIS G. ESCUDERO
■11.,-,
SEVENTEENTH CONGRESS 
)
REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES 
)
First Regular Session 
)
V,-'/ 
1' i i ! 
- - r r t . K i !
•16 
JUL18 P 6 n 9
SENATE
S.B. No. 
399
UK( KIVU) BY:
In tro d u ced  by SENATOR LOREN LEGARDA
AN 
ACT 
RECOGNIZING 
THE 
BRITISH 
SCHOOL 
MANILA 
AS 
AN 
EDUCATIONAL INSTITUTION OF INTERNATIONAL CHARACTER
Explanatory Note
The British School Manila (BSM) is an education institution established in 
1976. Beginning with ju st two (2) classroom s and thirty-six (36) students, and 
a vision of delivering the highest standards of education in the country for 
British children and for English speaking children of other nationalities, the 
institution now caters to more than 930 students, representing 33 nationalities 
with Filipinos included.
The BSM has been fully accredited by the Council of International Schools 
(CIS), which is the prem ier accreditation agency for international schools 
worldwide. The school follows an adopted form of the English National 
Curriculum  and the International B accalaureate Diploma. Classes at BSM are 
relatively small with a size of 16 to 22 students per class to encourage children 
to learn at their own rate. All teachers are UK or Commonwealth trained. Based 
on assessm ents, students from BSM perform well above UK and international 
expectations. The BSM is proud to uphold the high standard of the British 
education system  while taking advantage of the school’s m ulti-cultural setting.
This bill seeks to extend the Philippine Governm ent’s formal recognition to the 
British 
School 
of Manila as 
a distinguished 
education 
institution 
of 
international character by granting certain prerogatives conducive to its 
growth.
In view of the foregoing, early passage of this bill is requested.
LOREN LEGARDA
Senator