bettergovph/raw-philippine-data huggingface dataset:
SEVENTEENTH CONGRESS OF THE 
REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES 
First Regular Session
)
SENATE
s. No. 
941
'fiffirt nf the,!’' ‘•i I .-Uni
•16 AU6-1 PI 39
j i i ;
•V-
Introduced by Senator Richard “ Dick” J. Gordon
AN ACT
AMENDING SECTJON 23 OF REPUBLIC ACT 4136, OTHERWISE KNOWN AS THE
TRANSPORTATION AND TRAFFIC CODE
Ly^D
EXPLANATORY NOTE
A driver’s license is an official document authorizing an individual to drive a 
motorized vehicle in the Philippines. The Land Transportation Office (LTO) issues three 
types of driver’s licenses; student permit, non-professional driver’s license, and 
professional driver’s license. Except for student permits, all driver’s licenses are valid for 
five (5) consecutive years reckoned from the issuance by the LTO, and not birthdate of 
the licensee, unless sooner revoked or suspended.
To streamline the application process and make it more convenient for the public, 
this bill seeks to amend Section 23 of Republic Act 4136 otherwise known as the Land 
Transportation and Traffic Code by extending the validity of the licenses from three 
years to five (5) years as regular period for validity for new licenses and renewals 
thereof.
The 10-year period for validity is given as an incentive for disciplined driving 
among professional and nonprofessional drivers who have shown good behavior or 
have not committed any violation during the validity of theii>
RICHAR
“ DICK” J. GORDON
Senator
CT'I
SEVENTEENTH CONGRESS OF THE ) 
REPUBLIC OF THE PHIILIPPINES )
First Regular Session 
)
S. No
SENATE
820
< 0 l(ir* of th fc ^ i’ rrrl.iri;
■16 JUL21 P2:39
K l < !. i \ 
MY:
Introduced by Senator Ralph G. Recto
AN ACT
TO EXPAND THE COVERAGE OF MICRO ENTERPRISES AS BENEFICIARIES OF 
THE MAGNA CARTA FOR MICRO, SMALL AND MEDIUM ENTERPRISES OR 
REPUBLIC ACT NO. 6977, AS AMENDED BY REPUBLIC ACT NO. 8289 AND 
FURTHER AMENDED BY REPUBLIC ACT NO. 9501
Explanatory Note
The State upheld the policy “to promote, support, strengthen and encourage the growth 
and development of small and medium enterprises in all productive sectors of the economy” with 
the enactment of the Republic Act No. 6977 or the Magna Carta for Small Enterprises in 1991. It 
created the Micro Small and Medium Enterprise Development (MSMED) Council and the Small 
Business Finance and Guarantee Corporation to aid in the fulfillment of the Riding principles 
enslirined in the law. The law also established rules in the provision of technical and other forms 
of assistance to MSMEs and required all lending institutions to set aside part of their loan 
portfolio and make it available for small enterprise credit. These interventions were made in 
recognition of the MSME’s potential to generate employment and boost economic growth.
Despite the enactment of the RA 6977 and its subsequent amendments, problems and 
issues hindering the MSMEs from achieving their potentials still persist. One of these 
impediments is the outdated definition of the business activities or enterprises that belong to the 
MSME category. While the Magna Carta for Small Enterprises and its subsequent amendments 
provided the MSMED Council the power to review and adjust the definition of business 
establishments considering inflation and other economic indicators, the definition of MSMEs 
remained unchanged since the enactment of RA 9501 in 2008. This creates an onerous situation 
where a good number of small enterprises are barred from enjoying the benefits, programs and 
plans to improve their productivity and competitiveness.
In order to correct this situation, this bill proposes to redefine the value of the Micro and 
Small Enterprise categories in order to make more privileges and benefits available to more 
enterprises. This bill proposes to amend the definition of micro enterprises as those with total 
assets of not more than P7.5 million instead of P3 million. Consequently, small enterprises will 
now be defined as those with total assets ranging from more than P7.5 million to PI5 million. 
This bill thus reinforces the MSME Development Plan 2011-2016 which seeks to address the key 
challenges and constraints that continue to prevent the MSME sector from realizing its full 
potential and boosting the country’s industrial growth. Redefining the total asset value of MSME 
categories would reinvigorate the business environment, protect critical economic drivers, and 
sustain the Philippine economic momentum in the near future.
In view of the foregoing, approval of this bill is earnestly sought
■'md'.i
SEVENTEENTH CONGRESS 
)
REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES 
)
First Regular Session 
)
JP riT flar^
‘16 JUL19 A10:14
S E N A T E  
S.B. No.
1'’ 
j V ■ ; I i{ V ;
In tro d u ced  by SENATOR LOREN LEXIARDA
AN ACT CREATING THE PHILIPPINE SEAWEED DEVELOPMENT AU­
THORITY AND DEFINING ITS OBJECTIVES, POWERS AND FUNCTIONS
Explanatory Note
This bill aim s to create the Philippines Seaweed Development Authority th at 
will coordinate the prom otion, development and growth of the seaweed 
industry. Through the said authority, research and development devoted to 
improve the quality of seaweed especially in the face of climate and 
environm ental changes shall be institutionalized. Such will m ake the indus­
try more globally competitive while m aintaining sustainable growth.
Through this proposal, the Philippine seaweed industry can reach its full 
potential by being a m ajor producer in the world m arket. This will bring 
greater income for the country, more work for seaweed farm ers and better 
economy.
In view of the foregoing, the passage of this bill is earnestly sought.
tENLEGARDA
Senator
SEVENTEENTH CONGRESS OF THE 
REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES 
First Regular Session
SENATE 
S. No.
of H ie ,^ rn  <!<ary
■16 
JUL19 P6:03
H i '
Introduced by Senator Antonio “Sonny” F. Trillanes IV
AN ACT
STRENGHTHENING THE RIGHTS OF FOREIGNERS TO LEASE PRIVATE 
LANDS, THEREBY REPEALING REPUBLIC ACT NO. 7652, ENTITLED "AN ACT 
ALLOWING THE LONG-TERM LEASE OF PRIVATE LANDS BY FOREIGN 
INVESTORS," AND PRESIDENTIAL DECREE NO. 471, ENTITLED "FIXING A 
MAXIMUM PERIOD FOR THE DURATION OF LEASES OF PRIVATE LANDS TO 
ALIENS"
EXPLANATORY NOTE
Republic Act No. 7652 otherwise known as the "Foreign Investor Long-Term Lease Act" 
allows the long term lease of private lands by foreign investors of up to a maximum period of 
75 years but requires them to register with the Department of Trade and Industry. Under the 
present laws, foreign investors may lease private lands for 50 years renewable to another 25 
years for the establishment of industrial estates, factories, assembly of processing plants, 
agro-industrial enterprises, land development for industrial or commercial use, tourism, and 
other similar priority productive endeavors, while at the same time protecting agriculture.
However, the aforesaid law covers only foreign investors thereby discouraging other 
foreigners from leasing properties. Moreover, the law still refers to Presidential Decree 
No.471 in fixing the period for the duration of leases of private lands for foreigners. This 
causes confusion and lack of uniformity, making the potential of investing in our real estate 
rather unappealing.
The 1987 Constitution already allows foreigners to enter into long term leases over private 
lands and real estate. There is, however, a pressing need to streamline and simplify the 
existing policy on the lease of these properties to aliens.
This bill is an attempt to simplify leases by foreigners of private lands and real estate and to 
extend the maximum period of lease to 80 years, in order to effectively encourage 
investments in all kinds of private lands and real estate.
In view of the foregoing, the immediate approval of this bill is earnestly sought.
OV-W
A N T O N ^ ‘^ISONN^’ F. TI^ILLANES IV
• 
Senator
.•'I " •r :  .1.
SEVENTEENTH CONGRESS OF THE REPUBLIC 
)
OF THE PHILIPPINES 
)
First Regular Session 
)
'4!i3igir f.S flif* of 
''•■"'li
'16 JUL 20 P2 58
S.B. No.
SENATE
652
nV:
Introduced by: Senator Paolo Benigno "Bam " A. Aquino IV
AN ACT
INSTITUTIONALIZING A PHILIPPINE BAMBOO INDUSTRY DEVELOPMENT PROGRAM
EXPLANATORY NOTE
There is tremendous potential in the bamboo industry. Globally, the value of 
exports of bamboo and bamboo products is estimated to be US$12 billion. Locally 
the reported value of exports of bamboo and bamboo products in 2014 was US$ 10 
million. Bamboo production and processing has provided direct and indirect 
employment to an estimated 190,000 people and these numbers can continue to 
climb, with the right support systems in place for the industry.
However, bamboo is officially classified as a minor forest product by virtue of 
PD No. 705 otherwise known as the Revised Forestry Code. As a consequence of this 
classification, the main considerations and attention of the Department of 
Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) has been focused on timber and timber 
products, which 
is understandable because of timber's sizable economic 
contributions.
But with the destruction of our forests and the diminution of the supply of 
wood and wood products for construction, there are attempts to fill the void with 
suitable substitutes such as bamboo.
Bamboo has always been an important construction material in the rural 
areas. Because of its versatility it has found applications in many uses, from house 
construction, farm implements, kitchen utensils, furniture and handicrafts. Bamboo 
is also relatively cheap given its ubiquity and ready availability in the rural areas. 
However, its low price is also a result of low natural durability against agencies of 
deterioration and its poor reputation as a material for construction.
Fortunately, the research sector has been working on technologies to 
lengthen the service life of bamboo and has developed new bamboo products such 
as engineered bamboo, which can take the place of wood as panel products and for
of 
>  
rt-
SEVENTEENTH CONGRESS OF THE 
)
REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES 
)
First Regular Session 
)
SENATE
S. No. 
5 8 0
■ '16
19 P? 05
•v-
Introduced by Senator Antonio “Sonny” F. Trillanes IV
AN ACT
PROVIDING 
FOR 
THE 
REGULATION, 
SUPERVISION 
PROFESSIONALIZATION 
OF 
THE 
PRACTICE, 
LICENSING, 
REGISTRATION OF SANITARIANS
AND
AND
EXPLANATORY NOTE
Sanitary inspectors or sanitarians play an important role in the prevention and control of 
diseases from spreading in the community. Sanitarians primarily initiate the proper 
implementation of environmental sanitation making their roles with regard to the health of 
the community indispensable.
Since sanitarians work closely with the community, they are in a very crucial position to 
effect change in the sanitary habits and practices of the community. They are also the 
authority when it comes to addressing the health hazards and dangers that may put the 
community at risk. Moreover, sanitarians are the ones to translate sanitary principles and 
theories as well as disseminate and explain health rules to the community. Sadly, there is no 
government agency tasked to regulate the practice of sanitation and hygiene which may put in 
jeopardy the health of the public.
This bill seeks to establish a Board under the Professional Regulation Commission (PRC) 
professionalizing the practice of sanitation and hygiene. Also, this bill shall institute 
mechanisms to guarantee the fitness of individuals engaged with the sanitation profession.
In view of the foregoing, immediate approval of this bill is earnestly sought.
ANTONIO ‘SONNY F. TRI
Senator
LANES IV
SEVENTEENTH CONGRESS OF THE ) 
REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES 
)
First Regular Session 
)
jit 1 ( fiftir t of ftii> 
I'l n
•16 JUL 21 
All :38
S E N A T E  
S. B. No. 
S 7
K ! <
*?V;
Introduced by Senator FRANCIS G. ESCUDERO
AN ACT
REGULATING THE PRACTICE OF PHARMACY IN THE PHILIPPINES, 
REPEALING FOR THE PURPOSE REPUBLIC ACT NO. 5921, THE PHARMACY 
LAW, AS AMENDED, AND FOR OTHER PURPOSES
EXPLANATORY NOTE
This bill proposes to professionalize the practice of pharmacy by setting a 
national standard for the profession, likewise creating a professional regulatory board 
to ensure excellent, globally competitive, and accountable practice of the same.
Pharmacy as a health profession links the health sciences with the chemical 
sciences and is charged with ensuring the safe and effective use of pharmaceutical 
drugs. 
The scope of the pharmacy practice involves traditional roles such as 
compounding and dispensing medications, but also includes more modern services 
related to health care, including clinical services, reviewing medications for safety and 
efficacy, and providing drug information. Pharmacists, therefore, are and should be 
experts on drug therapy, and are the primary health professionals who optimize the use 
of medication to provide patients with positive health outcomes. Education and 
experience in the field should therefore be underscored.
This bill seeks to address the competency needs of the profession and also curb 
both unintentional and intentional harm that may be caused by an unregulated practice. 
This proposed measure will fulfill this objective through the:
1. Definition of the scope of nature and regulations of the professional practice of
pharmacy;
2. Creation of the Professional Regulatory Board of Pharmacy;
3. Setting up of criteria or qualifications for the licensure of practitioners; and
4. Imposition of penalties for violators of this Act.
In view of the foregoing, the passage of this bill is earnestly sought.
FRANCIS G. ESCUDERO
(^enatp
of IHCcS^itofkry
SEVENTEENTH CONGRESS OF THE 
)
REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES 
)
First Regular Session 
)
SENATE
S. No. 598
'16 JUL19 P5 24
H i
Introduced by Senator Antonio “Sonny” F. Trillaiies IV
AN ACT
ESTABLISHING 
MARINE 
PROTECTED 
AREAS 
IN 
ALL 
COASTAL 
MUNICIPALITIES AND CITIES AND FOR OTHER PURPOSES
EXPLANATORY NOTE
The Philippine archipelago comprises 7,107 islands spread over 298,170 sq km (115,124 sq 
mi) of land and 1,830 sq km (706.5 sq mi) of water. The archipelago stretches nearly 1,850 
(1,149 mi) from YAmi Island in the north to Sibutu Island in the south. It is approximately 
1,000 (621 mi) wide.
Having one of the world's most abundant marine envirorunent, our marine resources pose as 
primary source of food, minerals, petroleum, hydrocarbon, and energy, among others. 
Though States have sovereign right to exploit their own natural resources, they also have the 
duty to protect and preserve the marine environment within and outside their jurisdiction.
Thus, Article XII, Section 2 of our Constitution mandates the State to protect the nation's 
marine wealth in its archipelagic waters, territorial sea and exclusive economic zone and 
reserve its use and enjoyment exclusively for Filipino citizens.
Given the importance of our marine environment to our country's economy and biodiversity. 
It is important for us to protect our marine resources from indiscriminate exploitation for our 
food security, ecological balance, and sustainable livelihood for our fisherfolks. More 
importantly, the preservation of our marine resources ensures that our children and the 
succeeding generations will inherit a living earth with all of its bountiful natural resources 
and vibrant wildlife.
This bill mandates every coastal municipality to establish, maintain and manage marine 
protected areas (MPAs) in at least 15% of their municipal waters, while preserving those 
MPAs which were previously set up. By making it mandatory, we send a strong signal of 
urgency to preserve our marine resources for our food security, ecological balance, and 
sustainable livelihood for our fisherfolks as well as ensuring that our children and future 
generations will still benefit from our bountiful resources.
In view of the foregoing, immediate passage of this bill is earnestly sought.
ANTONIy “SONNY” F. TIJh Z a NES IV
/  
Senchor
SEVENTEENTH CONGRESS OF THE 
REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES 
First Regular Session
SENATE
S.B.No. 
638
t hi ’,
r ' :l'  li
•16 
JUL 20 
A9:29
Kl 1
Introduced by Senator Antonio “Sonny” F. Trillanes IV
AN ACT
SETTING THE LIMITS ON THE POWER OF THE PRESIDENT TO REAPPOINT 
BYPASSED NOMINEES
EXPLANATORY NOTES
Article VII, Section 16 of the Constitution provides:
President shall nominate and, with the consent of the 
on Appointments, appoint the heads of the executive
"The 
Commission
departments, ambassadors, other public ministers and consuls, or officers of 
the armed forces from the rank of colonel or naval captain, and other officers 
whose appointments are vested in him in this Constitution. He shall also 
appoint all other officers of the Government whose appointments are not 
otherwise provided for by law, and those whom he may be authorized by law 
to appoint. The Congress may, by law, vest the appointment of other officers 
lower in rank in the President alone, in the courts, or in the heads of 
departments, agencies, commissions or boards.
The President shall have the power to make appointments during the recess 
of the Congress, whether voluntary or compulsory, but such appointments 
shall be effective only until disapproval by the Commission on Appointments 
or until the next adjournment of the Congress."
The Commission on Appointments is usually reluctant to reject outright the presidential 
nominees, hence, would not confirm the appointment resulting to bypass. Conversely, despite 
being bypassed, the President oftentimes reappoints the same nominees.
This practice of simply reappointing the nominees even after several bypasses subverts the 
principle of confirmation mandated by our Constitution. Further, this situation makes a 
mockery of the constitutional duties of the Commission on Appointments to confirm and 
reject presidential appointees on the basis of the check and balance powers of the legislative 
branch of the government.
SEVENTEENTH CONGRESS OF THE ) 
REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES 
)
First Regular Session 
)
SENATE 
S. No. 
107
f li  TIME;
BILLS h (INDEX
Introduced by Senator Richard “ Dick” J. Gordon
AN ACT REPEALING THE ESTATE TAX UNDER REPUBLIC ACT NO. 8424, OR
THE NATIONAL INTERNAL REVENUE CODE OF 1997, AS AMENDED
EXPLANATORY NOTE
Upon the death of a person, the heirs are usually burdened with the payment of 
the estate tax up to 20% on the decedent’s net estate, which can often reach an 
unconscionable amount. In most cases, the heirs do not have the available cash to pay 
for this and end up either not paying and tying up the estate of the decedent from the 
property market, or losing valuable properties just to raise the needed cash to pay for 
the estate tax.
This bill seeks to repeal the estate tax and abolish its imposition to ease the 
burden of the heirs from the ordeal of paying estate tax, especially after having suffered 
the death of the decedent, mourning the loss of the family, and shouldering many other 
expenses related to the death.
Estate tax is described as a tax on the privilege of the deceased person to 
transmit his or her estate to his or her lawful heirs and beneficiaries at the time of death. 
It is not a tax on property. It is a tax imposed on the privilege of transmitting property 
upon the death of the owner.
Estate tax has a narrow tax base and entails huge administrative costs. Simply 
put, the costs do not justify the expected tax revenue in the imposition of estate tax.
There is a need to revisit the wisdom behind the imposition of the estate tax, as 
estate tax appears to be losing ground around the world because of its poor 
performance in terms of revenue generation. Since the year 2000, eleven (11) countries 
and two (2) tax jurisdictions, including Singapore, Hong Kong, and Norway, have 
already repealed their estate or inheritance tax laws and policies.
DICK” J. GORDON
Senator
SEVENTEENTH CONGRESS OF THE ) 
REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES 
) 
First Regular Session 
)
SENATE 
S. No. 
5 1 0
■16 
JUL 19 
P 2  :10
u i  *
Introduced by Senator Antonio “Sonny” F. Trillanes IV
AN ACT
PRESCRIBING A HIGHER PENALTY FOR PERSONS IN AUTHORITY AS 
ACCESSORIES, WHO DIRECTLY CAUSE OR ORDER THE DESTRUCTION OR 
CONCEALMENT OF VITAL EVIDENCE FOR HEINOUS CRIMES, AMENDING 
FOR THE PURPOSE ARTICLE 19 OF THE REVISED PENAL CODE
EXPLANATORY NOTE
The involvement of certain members of law enforcement agencies in criminal activities has 
greatly diminished our faith and confidence to these people in government. Almost every day 
we hear, read, or see in media the involvement of some of our law enforcers in petty crimes 
to alleged attempt to cover-up heinous crimes.
There seems now a need to address the growing fear and distrust among our people to some 
of these "villains" in uniform by treating those persons in authority, who cause or order the 
destruction or concealment of evidence to a crime, as accomplices to the crime.
This proposed measure seeks to amend Article 19 of the Revised Penal Code by prescribing a 
higher penalty for persons in authority as accessories who directly cause or order the 
destruction or concealment of vital evidence for heinous crimes.
In view of the foregoing, immediate approval of this measure is earnestly sought.
ANTO I
■“SONNY” F. TRILLANES
Senator
a
SEVENTEENTH CONGRESS OF THE 
REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES
First Regular Session
)
” 
*  'fitlirt of III' . ':‘ f ; I I ' M '
'16 
f^ n G -3  
P ? :3 U
SENATE
S.B. No. 9 7 6
Introduced by Senator SONNY ANGARA
AN ACT
TO FURTHER STRENGTHEN THE OFFICE OF THE SOLICITOR GENERAL, AMENDING 
FOR THE PURPOSE REPUBLIC ACT NO. 9417 AND APPROPRIATING FUNDS THEREFOR
EXPLANATORY NOTE
The Office of the Solicitor General (OSG) is the law firm of the Republic of the 
Philippines and the Solicitor General is essentially the nation’s chief attorney. It is tasked to 
represent the People of the Philippines, the Philippine Government, its Agencies and 
Instrumentalities, Officials and Agents in any litigation or matter requiring the services of a 
lawyer. Recently, the OSG was part of the official delegation of the Philippines to the Permanent 
Court of Arbitration in The Hague, Netherlands, in the historic case involving maritime disputes 
over the West Philippine Sea with China.
Given these daunting tasks, it is imperative that OSG be able to continue to attract the 
best to serve the country. For those practitioners of the law who come in professional adversary 
contact with government lawyers, the importance of recruitment and retention of able lawyers in 
the government service should be clear. One can better represent the legitimate interest of his 
or her client when opposing counsel is a well-trained man or woman of ability who has 
confidence in himself or herself. The sensible delineation of real issues in dispute and getting on 
with the matter depend on the intelligence and imagination of both disputants.
This is not to say that the Government is not now represented by some of the best 
lawyers in the country or that the great majority of government lawyers are not able and 
dedicated servants of the public interest. But the question also arises, how long will these men 
and women remain where they are today? The likelihood is that many will receive attractive 
offers outside the Government, and some will accept them. There is no doubt that higher 
incomes elsewhere draw off able and experienced men from the government service. Where 
litigation continues over a period of many years, this process deprives the Government of the 
perspective and experience which counsel for the private parties often develop by their 
continued representation of one party to the dispute.
This bill primarily aims to grant State Solicitors and OSG personnel expanded and 
additional benefits in order to address the issue of recruitment and retention in the public service 
of an adequate proportion of the best in the legal profession.
Briefly, the bill seeks to amend the OSG law in the following manner:
1. Clarify the retirement benefits of State Solicitors and place them similarly with their
counterparts in the National Prosecution Service (NPS) and Public Attorney’s Office
(PAO):
SEVENTEENTH CONGRESS OF THE ) 
REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES 
)
First Regular Session 
)
'16 
111 21 All :41
S E N A T E  
S. B. No.
K
 ! •  f
Introduced by Senator FRANCIS G. ESCUDERO
AN ACT
CREATING 
A 
NATIONAL 
CAREER 
ASSESSMENT 
EXAMINATION 
TO 
INSTITUTIONALIZE A CAREER DIRECTION PROGRAM FOR SECONDARY 
GRADUATES, DEFINING ITS SCOPE AND FUNCTIONS AND FOR OTHER 
PURPOSES
EXPLANATORY NOTE
The Philippine educational system has been undergoing innovative 
transformation and restructuring to improve the quality of education and quality of 
graduates in the elementary, secondary and tertiary levels as means to promote national 
development and global competitiveness. Present condition indicates that a small 
percentage of college graduates successfully find appropriate employment perfectly 
suited for their respective courses. This has resulted to unemployment and over supply 
of college graduates in white collar jobs and shortages in skilled manpower. Moreover, 
recent results of professional examinations consistently yielded small percentage of 
successful examinees. This is further aggravated by the continuous exodus and 
migration of our professionals seeking employment and high paying jobs in other 
countries. 
To address this pressing and urgent predicament, there is a need to 
institutionalize a mechanism which will check, screen and monitor the flow of 
secondary graduates to post-secondary learning institutions to promote national 
development and global competitiveness. In this light, the National Career Assessment 
Examination (NCAE) will act as an instrument to maintain a viable balance among the 
number of white collar employees, skilled manpower and entrepreneurs through a 
provision of career direction to secondary graduates.
The bill shall provide a redirection of skills development program in the tertiary 
level specifically aimed at harmonizing and matching the supply coming from post­
secondary institution with that of the demand of the country's employment market. It 
shall address the evident need to institutionalize a career direction program for 
secondary graduates which would assess the individual's potential to; enter a four-year 
degree program, take technical/vocational course or embark into entrepreneurship. 
Finally, it shall answer the pressing and apparent need to prepare high school 
graduates for national development and global competitiveness.
In view of the foregoing reasons, the approval of this bill is earnestly sought.
FRANCIS G. ESCUDERO
SEVENTEENTH CONGRESS OF THE 
REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES
First Regular Session
S.B. No
SENATE
133
Xf) TIME:
Introduced by Senator SONNY ANGARA
AN ACT
PROVIDING FOR A MAGNA CARTA FOR THE PHILIPPINE NATIONAL POLICE
EXPLANATORY NOTE
It is espoused in Art. II, Sec. 4 and 5 of the 1987 Philippine Constitution that, "the prime 
duty of the Government is to serve and protect the people..." and that, "the maintenance of 
peace and order, the protection of life, liberty and property and promotion of the general welfare 
are essential for the enjoyment by all the people of the blessings of democracy.” This duty is 
carried out by the country's premier police force, the Philippine National Police (PNP). This 
proposed Magna Carta for the PNP Uniformed and Non-Uniformed Personnel codifies and 
strengthens existing rights and benefits provided for in various laws, resolutions and other 
circulars concerning PNP.
To attract more qualified and competent law enforcers in the country, the Magna Carta 
seeks to establish a separate salary scale for the PNP, distitict from the other agencies of the 
government, and provides for additional benefits such as cost of living, clothing, quarters and 
subsistence allowances, longevity pay, reasonable leaves and retirement programs.
Uniformed PNP personnel who accepts assignments in remote areas or isolated 
situations, and is exposed to hardship and combat situation or other hazard unusual to 
peacekeeping, crime prevention and investigation activities, will be compensated with a remote 
assignment allowance and special hardship allowance, similar to combat pay of the Armed 
Forces of the Philippines. Meanwhile, families and beneficiaries of members of the PNP, who 
are killed in the line of duty, wiii be granted special financial, scholarship and employment 
assistance.
To foster a highly efficient and competent police force, this bill also aims to develop a 
holistic PNP development program which includes provisions on merit promotions, performance 
evaluation, in-service training, overseas and local scholarships, training grants, incentive award 
system, among others.
This proposed Magna Carta seeks to put dignity into the country's premiere police force 
for their commitment to preserve peace and order and protect the lives of Filipino people.
It is for this reason that the passage of this bill is urgently sought.
y
SONNY ANGARA
SEVENTEENTH CONGRESS OF THE REPUBLIC 
OF THE PHILIPPINES
First Regular Session
!rm
(9 lfir»  of
'16 JIJL26 A 8 54
Kl
yY: f-
Introduced by Senator Poe
AN ACT
PROMOTING INTEGRATED URBAN FARMING TO ADDRESS FOOD SECURITY
CONCERNS AND LIVELIHOOD OPPORTUNITIES AND A PPR O PW A ^G  
FUNDS FOR THE PURPOSE 
ArrKUi*KiA l ING
Explanatory Note
The Philippines is widely considered as an agricultural economy as agriculture is the 
main driver of economic growth. This important sector employs some 30 percent of the 
Filipino workforce.
The 1987 Philippine Constitution for this purpose laid down some principles that 
accord relevance to Philippine agriculture (direct and indirect):
The State shall promote a just and dynamic social order that will ensure the 
prosperity and independence of the nation and free the people from poverty 
through policies that provide adequate social services, promote full 
employment, a rising standard of living, and an improved quality of life for 
all.” (Article II, Section 9);
The goals of the national economy are a more equitable distribution of 
opportunities, income, and wealth; a sustained increase in the amount of goods 
and services produced by the nation for the benefit of the people; and an 
expanding productivity as the key to raising the quality of life for all, 
especially the underprivileged.” (Article XII, Section 1), and 
“The State shall promote industrialization and full employment based on 
sound agricultural development and agrarian reform, through industries that 
make full of efficient use of human and natural resources, and which are
SEVENTEENTH CONGRESS OF THE REPUBLIC 
)
OF THE PHILIPPINES 
)
First Regular Session 
)
of IhtjlSrftBtjrii
'16 JUL20 P4 33
SENATl 
S.B. No.
^01
RFrs;;iV :: ?W:
____________ Introduced by: Senator Paolo Benigno "Bam " A. Aquino IV
AN ACT
PROVIDING FOR PENALTIES OR FINES AGAINST ERRING PUBLIC 
TELECOMMUNICATIONS ENTITIES FOR VIOLATION OF THE TERMS OR CONDITIONS 
OF ANY CERTIFICATE, AUTHORITY, ORDER, DECISION, RESOLUTION OR 
REGULATION OF THE NATIONAL TELECOMMUNICATIONS COMMISSION (NTC), 
AMENDING FOR THE PURPOSE SECTIONS 21 AND 23 OF COMMONWEALTH ACT
NO. 146
Explanatory Note
For years, Filipinos have been suffering from slow and expensive Internet as 
they struggle to communicate with loved ones living abroad, forge deals with 
potential business partners and clients around the world, or simply get work done 
and sent quickly and efficiently.
Our collective frustrations over our country's Internet quality has been justified 
by studies on Internet speed and cost per country, putting the Philippines as slowest 
and most expensive in the region.
Being the fastest growing economy in the ASEAN, this is clearly unacceptable 
and measures to improve our Internet quality while driving down its cost must be 
prioritized.
One of the many steps we must take is to update current policies to ensure that 
Internet providers are held accountable for their activities.
Thus, this measure seeks to empower the National Telecommunications 
Commission (NTC) by increasing the penalties and fines for violations against the 
authority of the NTC and its released certificates, orders, decisions, resolutions, or 
regulations. With heavier penalties, NTC can expect greater compliance from 
Internet providers to standards and regulations that have been set to advance 
Internet quality in the Philippines.
Now, with the promise and potential of innovations coming from all corners of 
the world, we must band together to create a framework for the constant
SEVENTEENTH CONGRESS OF THE ) 
REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES 
)
First Regular Session 
)
SENATE
Senate Bill No.
126
Introduced by Senator Juan Miguel F. Zubiri
AN ACT
CLASSIFYING THE SALE OR IMPORTATION OF PETROLEUM PRODUCTS 
AND RAW MATERIALS IN THE MANUFACTURE THEREOF AS VALUE-ADDED 
TAX EXEMPT TRANSACTIONS, AMENDING FOR THE PURPOSE SECTION 109 
(1) OF REPUBLIC ACT NO. 8424, OTHERWISE KNOWN AS THE TAX REFORM 
ACT OF 1997, AS AMENDED BY REPUBLIC ACT NO. 9337, AND FOR OTHER
PURPOSES
EXPLANATORY NOTE
Republic Act No. 9337 otherwise known as the RVAT Law was im plem ented in 
2004 as part o f the governm ent's fiscal program. The law lifted the value-added tax 
exem ption o f power and oil products to help shore up governm ent collections in the 
face o f a iooming fiscal crisis. In 2004, about 86 percent o f governm ent revenues were 
used for servicing debt and oniy about 11 percent was allocated to infrastructure and 
other capitai expenditures. However, as a percentage o f gross dom estic product (GDP), 
pubiic debt has since deciined from  78 percent in 2004 to 45 percent in 2015, a marked 
im provem ent from  when VAT was imposed.
Petroieum products are characterized as sociaily sensitive products highly used in 
the power generation, commercial, transport, m anufacturing and agriculturai sectors. 
Diesei for instance is used by public transport. Kerosene is used for iighting. Fuel oil is 
used for power generation and iiquified petroleum  gas is used in most househoids.
We also need to consider th a t the Phiiippines is also prim arily an oil im porter and 
the unpredictability o f geopoliticai tensions in oil producing countries and fluctuations in 
the international m arket leave us vulnerable to price changes.
As a a key input to production and as household necessity, any increase in the 
prices o f petroleum products and the additional burden o f VAT will have an im pact on 
the lives o f every Filipino as it also puts upward pressure on the prices o f basic goods 
and services, transportation and energy cost.
We m ust be m indfui th a t in the ASEAN region, the Philippines has the highest 
individual income tax rate which has remained unadjusted since 1998. On top o f that, 
Fiiipinos are made to pay VAT higher than its ASEAN neighbors. Hardiy any money is 
left from  their income to keep up w ith the increasing cost o f living.
Thus, this biil seeks to restore the VAT exem pt status o f petroleum  and 
petroleum products to increase the purchasing power o f Filipinos. Moreover, given the
SEVENTEENTH CONGRESS OF THE REPUBLIC 
OF THE PHILIPPINES 
First Regular Session
S.B. No.
SENATE356
BILLS
Introduced by: Senator Paolo Benigno "Bam " A. Aquino IV
AN ACT PROVIDING FOR THE MANDATORY PHILHEALTH COVERAGE 
FOR ALL PERSONS WITH DISABILITIES, FURTHER AMENDING FOR THE PURPOSE REPUBLIC 
ACT 7277, OTHERWISE KNOWN AS THE MAGNA CARTA FOR DISABLED PERSONS
EXPLANATORY NOTE
We dream of a Philippines where quality government services are available to every 
Filipino.
We hope for a nation where health services are delivered to everyone, especially 
those that need it most.
Many of our hopes and dreams for the country can only come to fruition by planting 
seeds through legislation.
Our laws and policies are starting points to programs and systems that push our 
country forward and improve the living conditions of every Filipino.
The Mandatory Philhealth for PWDs bill is a straightforward measure to support our 
disadvantaged countrymen -  our persons with disabilities.
First and foremost, social services should be provided to those with the least in 
society. Health services should be provided to those who need it the most.
Let's grant our PWDs mandatory Philhealth coverage and move closer to our dream 
creating a nation where the needs of all our countrymen are provided for.
In view of the foregoing, the approval of this bill is earnestly sought.
Senator Paolo Benigno "Bam " A. Aquino IV
SEVENTEENTH CONGRESS OF THE 
) 
REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES 
)
First Regular Session 
)
S E N A T E
S. B.No. 
241
i(P  
TIM E:
INDEX
Introduced by SENATOR GREGORIO B. HONASAN II
AN ACT
PROVIDING 
FOR 
THE 
DIRECT 
REMITTANCE 
TO 
THE 
HOST 
LOCAL 
GOVERNMENT UNIT OF ITS FORTY PERCENT (40%) SHARE OF THE GROSS 
COLLECTION DERIVED BY THE NATIONAL GOVERNMENT FROM NATIONAL 
WEALTH TAXES, AMENDING FOR THE PURPOSE SECTION 293 OF REPUBLIC 
ACT NO. 7160, OTHERWISE KNOWN AS THE LOCAL GOVERNMENT CODE OF 
1991
EXPLANATORY NOTE
Section 7, Article X of the 1987 Constitution provides that “Local governments shall be entitled 
to an equitable share in the proceeds of the utilization and development of the national wealth 
within their respective areas, in the manner provided by law, including sharing the same with 
the inhabitants by way of direct benefits. ”
The enactment of the Local Government Code (LGC) of 1991 with its concept of local autonomy 
has empowered each local government unit (LGU) to chart its own destiny. Such empowerment 
carries with it enormous responsibilities especially on the devolved functions of agriculture, health 
care, social services and environmental management.
In pursuit of a true local autonomy, the LGC of 1991, in accordance with the Constitution, 
endeavors to ensure the fiscal autonomy of LGUs by allocating to them, in addition to their revenue 
generating powers, just shares in the Internal Revenue collections and in the proceeds of the 
utilization and development of the national wealth within their respective jurisdictions. These 
equitable shares are designed to correct the imbalance in revenue-raising capacities and 
expenditure needs of the governing provinces, cities, municipalities and barangays. However, 
although Sections 286 and 293 of the LGC of 1991 mandate that the share of the LGUs in the 
proceeds of the utilization and development of the national wealth be released to the concerned 
LGUs within five (5) days after the end of each quarter, LGUs are complaining that under the 
present system, the National Government either fails to remit or fully remit the said share to the 
host LGUs, or takes a long time before the LGUs receive the said share. This difficult situation is 
prejudicial to the efforts of LGUs to effectively program their priorities and deliver basic services 
to their constituents.
This bill proposes the amendment of Section 293 of the LGC of 1991 by mandating any person, 
natural or juridical, including government agency or government-owned of -controlled corporation 
engaged in the utilization and development of the national wealth to directly remit to the host 
government unit its forty percent (40%) share from national wealth taxes under Sections 290 and 
291 of the LGC of 1991. This system will ensure direct, prompt and full receipt of the LGUs’ just 
share in the proceeds of the utilization and development of th ^  national wealth, thereby 
strengthening further the autonomy of the LGUs.
Thus, the early passage of this bill is earnestly requested.
GREGORIO B. HONASAN II
SEVENTEENTH CONGRESS OF THE 
)
REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES 
)
First Regular Session 
)
SENATE 
s.No. 6 2 0
*16 JUL 19 P6 *12
KF,n:i\ ■ ; nv;
Introduced by Sen. Antonio “Sonny” F. Trillanes IV
AN ACT
ESTABLISHING A PERFORMANCE-BASED ACCOUNTABILITY SYSTEM FOR 
PUBLIC EDUCATION AND FOR OTHER PURPOSES
EXPLANATORY NOTE
Once one of the best in Asia, the quality of education in the Philippines has deteriorated in 
recent years (USAID, 2007). Results of different assessment exams have proven this. The 
2010-2011 National Achievement Test (NAT), which was given to determine the extent of 
improvement among grade six students in Math, Science, and reading comprehension in 
English, showed a national mean of 68.14%. This suggested that grade six examinees did not 
master the competencies in the said areas necessary for their transition into secondary 
education.
Result of 2011-2012 NAT, moreover, revealed that elementary students averaged an overall 
achievement rate of 66.79%, equivalent only to near mastery level, while high school 
students were worse off with only 48.9%, or a low mastery of the subjects.
This bill, hence, seeks to establish a performance based accountability system for public 
education which focuses on improving teaching and learning so that students are equipped 
with a strong academic foundation. Accountability, as used in this bill, means acceptance of 
the responsibility for improving student performance and taking actions to improve 
classroom practice and school performance.
This accountability system aims to:
1. use academic achievement standards to push schools and students toward higher 
performance by aligning the national assessment to those standards, linking policies, 
and criteria for performance standards, reporting, school rewards, and targeted 
assistance;
2. provide a school annual report card with a performance indicator system that is 
logical, reasonable, fair, challenging, and technically defensible which furnishes clear 
and specific information about school and district academic performance and other 
performance to parents and the public;
3. require all districts to establish local accountability systems to stimulate quality 
teaching, learning practices, and target assistance to low performing schools;
4. provide resources to strengthen the process of teaching and learning in the classroom 
to improve student performance and reduce gaps in performance; and
SEVENTEENTH CONGRESS OF THE ) 
REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES 
)
First Regular Session 
)
S E N A T E
S. B.No. 274
RECEIVED
mi 
0 4
DATE
IN D EX
B ILLS
Introduced by Senator FRANCIS G. ESCUDERO
AN ACT
AMENDING REPUBLIC ACT NO. 9184, OTHERWISE KNOWN AS THE 
GOVERNMENT PROCUREMENT REFORM ACT
EXPLANATORY NOTE
This bill basically seeks to address three (3) points in the currently existing government 
procurement system embodied in Republic Act No. 9184 in view of the anomalous contracts 
such as the ZTE and Cyber-Ed projects favored and concluded by the government.
Firstly, it puts under the coverage of RA No. 9184 the procurement of infrastructure 
projects, goods and consulting services funded by loan or credit under the Offieial Development 
Assistance (ODA) Act, RA No. 8182, as amended.
This is in light of the interpretation that the procurement of certain infrastrueture projects, 
goods and services can be made exempt from the operation of RA No. 9184 on the basis of 
Section 4 of said law which mandates the observation of treaties or international or exeeutive 
agreements affecting procurement in relation to Section 1 of RA No. 8555 which on the other 
hand empowers the President of the Republic to waive the applieation of any law in deference to 
the contracting of a loan or credit with a lending institution.
Secondly, it also proposes to strengthen and advance transparency by mandating the 
posting of the decisions of the BAG (or the Bids and Awards Committee) relative to criteria, 
ratings and calculations of bids as well as all other bids, responsive or otherwise, on the 
proeuring agency's website or that of the GPPB (or the Government Procurement Policy Board). 
This is envisioned to bolster and reinforce aceountability of publie officials by making public 
how BAG members decide and why. Thus, if there be any anomaly in the bidding the responsible 
BAG member/s may be identified.
And thirdly, it lessens the discretion of proeuring agencies, specifically in the 
consideration of single caleulated/rated and responsive bid submission, and the use of observers.
On the consideration of single ealculated/rated and responsive bid submission, a 
procuring agency can only do so by, in addition to the current requisites provided for in RA 
No.9184, subjecting it to the approval of the GPPB. It is submitted that in this manner the 
procuring agency will have the inability to rig biddings through a consensus amongst competing 
contractors or bidders in that agency.
And on the use of observers, the invitation of observers is made strict by limiting the 
number of times an observer can be invited by a procuring agency. This is being proposed in 
consideration of the fact that observers, who become regulars of the BAG become fnendly, if 
not, even eohorts in anomalous biddings and transactions.
SEVENTEENTH CONGRESS OF THE REPUBLIC 
OF THE PHILIPPINES 
First Regular Session
ig ffttt of 
t - »*••«» ii
•16 JUL20 P2 56
SENATE
S.B. No. 
6 5 1
H I ' ' ' S '
?»Y;
Introduced by: Senator Paolo Benigno "Bam " A, Aquino IV
AN ACT ESTABLISHING THE NATIONAL COASTAL GREENBELT PROGRAM, 
PROVIDING FUNDS THEREFOR, AND FOR OTHER PURPOSES
Explanatory Note
In 2013, super-typhoon Yolanda (Haiyan) hit Eastern Visayas and left 
thousands of people dead. Millions more became homeless and now, are struggling 
to cope with the loss of loved ones, life savings and livelihood.
Previous storms, Ondoy, Pablo and Sendong have wrought havoc to other 
cities and provinces in the past half-decade, crippling the economic and social 
development of the Filipino people. The Philippines is battered by more than 20 
typhoons a year, with an increasing number in the super-typhoon category. These 
could bring as much damage as Yolanda. The losses attributed were caused by storm 
surges and strong winds coming from the open ocean. In the age of global climate 
change, this has unfortunately become the new normal.
The poor coastal communities' natural exposure to storm surges and lack of 
resources for preparation and recovery make them most vulnerable.
It is imperative to think of innovative, sustainable and cost-efficient ways for 
Filipinos to protect themselves, their properties and communities from the 
devastating impacts of natural disasters.
The Philippines is taking great strides in disaster preparedness. Recent laws 
created the Climate Change Commission (R.A. No. 9729) and strengthened the 
National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (R.A. No. 10121). 
In 
addition, the People's Survival Fund (R.A. No. 10174) was created to support 
adaptation activities of local governments and communities to increase their 
resilience.
Disaster preparedness comprises a whole suite of items, such as early 
warning systems, elevated shelters, hard engineering (e.g., breakwaters) and green 
engineering/infrastructure.