bettergovph/raw-philippine-data huggingface dataset:
SEVENTEENTH CONGRESS OF THE ) 
REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES 
)
First Regular Session 
)
SENAT
S. No.
!o o
DATE
f
f
TME
NDEX
BILLS
Introduced by Senator Richard “ D ick” J. G ordon
EXPLANATORY NOTE
The barrage of political advertisements on TV and radio and the obvious 
electioneering or campaigning by many candidates way before the start of the official 
campaign period in the last elections were too much to be ignored.
This would have constituted the election offense of premature campaigning if it 
were not for Penera vs. COMELEC and Andanar, G.R. No. 181613, November 25, 
2009. In interpreting the law, the Supreme Court ruled that a candidate is liable for 
election offenses only upon the start of the campaign period, thus effectively 
decriminalizing premature campaigning.
The unfair repercussions of this rule are far and wide. It propagates political 
inequality as it unduly favors rich or popular candidates over poor or less popular 
candidates. It also negates transparency and accountability as it shamelessly excludes 
such premature campaigning from the regulation of campaign finance and the 
limitations on election campaign and expenditures.
In his dissenting opinion in Penera vs. COMELEC and Andanar, Ibid., Justice 
Abad said that “Congress could not be presumed to have written a ridiculous rule.” This 
bill thus proposes to correct this anomaly by amending the language in Republic Act No. 
9369 to clarify that candidates may indeed be liable for unlawful acts even before the 
campaign period, including premature campaigning.
Premature campaigning is an election offense punishable by imprisonment of not 
less than one year but not more than six years, as well as disqualification to hold public 
office and deprivation of the right of suffrage under Sec. 80 and Sec. 264 of the 
Omnibus Election Code of the Philippines.
DICK” J. GORDON
Senator
SEVENTEENTH CONGRESS OF THE ) 
REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES 
) 
FIRST REGULAR SESSION 
)
^ n i n \ r
of flie> r i T f t i r i
■16 JIJL26 A 9 52
SENATE
s. B. isfo. 
8.97
lii f 
p ,\ :
U
INTRODUCED BY SENATOR JOSEPH VICTOR G. EJERCITO
AN ACT
PROHIBITING THE ESTABLISHMENT OF POLITICAL DYNASTIES
EXPLANATORY NOTE
The 1987 Philippine Constitution under Article II, Section 26 expressly 
provides: "The State shall guarantee equal access to public service and prohibit 
political dynasty as may be defined by law."
Social reform is the evident agenda behind this provision and the objective is 
clear. The extended family system, an otherwise beneficial concept when applied to 
the social aspects of human behavior, has found its pernicious effects in the political 
arena where public office has become the exclusive domain of influential families and 
clans. Such families have become so well-entrenched in Philippine politics they have 
monopolized political power and public resources at all levels of government.
Once a politician is elected to public office, he or she immediately builds a 
strong political base to ensure not only his or her re-election but also that such 
electoral support will extend to one's spouse or descendants or next of kin. These 
elected officials secure and consolidate their economic interest by perpetuating their 
families or clans in public office - indeed, making a dynasty out of public service. This 
situation is characteristic of the patronage system of politics that hinders the 
development of the country.
A report by the United Nations Development Programme written by Temario 
Rivera revealed that of the 77 provinces included in the study, 72 provinces or 94 
percent have political families. Further, the average number of political families per 
province is 2.31, meaning there are at least two political clans in most of the provinces. 
According to Temario, since the restoration of elections in 1987, most dominant 
political families have succeeded in winning gubernatorial and congressional races.
The socio-economic and political inequities prevalent in Philippine society limit 
public office to members of ruling families. In many instances, voters, for convenience
SEVENTEENTH CONGRESS 
REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES
First Regular Session
)
xll?7 (©K.fc of the
•16 JUL 18 P6 «3
S E N A T E  
S. B. No.
KEi KIVI J) BY:
In tro d u ced  by SENATOR LOREN LEGARDA
AN ACT AMENDING SECTION 24 OF THE NATIONAL INTERNAL REVENUE 
CODE OF 1997, AS AMENDED, ADJUSTING THE RATES OF TAXABLE 
INCOME 
OF 
INDIVIDUALS 
AND 
PROVIDING 
FOR 
AUTOMATIC 
ADJUSTMENT OF TAX RATES EVERY THREE (3) YEARS, AND FOR OTHER 
PURPOSES
Explanatory Note
To ensure that the country’s system of taxation remains progressive as 
mandated by the 1987 Constitution, the personal income tax rates needs to be 
adjusted since they are still based on 1998 prices. Due to bracket creep arising 
from the non-indexation of the lower and upper class boundaries of the 
personal income tax brackets, workers who would have qualified for lower 
brackets are now in the higher brackets due to adjustments in their salaiy 
through time. For example, only workers earning PI.2 million every month 
should pay the full top rate of 32% which is equivalent to the top bracket of 
P500,000 in 1998.
Moreover, the continued reliance on revenues from payments of wage and 
salary workers even as income tax revenues from professionals and self- 
employed remains unbelievably low indicates tax leakage which needs to be 
addressed if only to ensure all citizens pay their due in exchange for the public 
services.
As repeatedly emphasized by economists from the academe and international 
organizations, the amendments to the personal income tax rates for wages and 
salary workers be part of a comprehensive tax reform agenda with 
competitiveness, equity, and efficiency as key goals.
In view of the foregoing, the passage of this measure is requested.
LORBN^E^alD^^
Senator
SEVENTEENTH CONGRESS OF THE ) 
REPUBLIC OF THE PHIILIPPINES 
)
First Regular Session 
)
’ 16 
A U G - 1  
A 1 ! : 3 1
SENATE
s. No. 930
K f  '
'»Y;
Introduced by Senator Ralph G. Recto
AN ACT
PROVIDING MEDICAL SCHOLARSHIPS TO QUALIFIED STUDENTS IN ALL 
MUNICIPALITIES ESTABLISHING FOR THIS PURPOSE THE ONE TOWN: ONE 
DOCTOR SCHOLARSHIP PROGRAM, APPROPRIATING FUNDS THEREFOR AND 
FOR OTHER PURPOSES
Explanatory Note
Recent data show that there are only about 70,000 doctors for nearly 100 million 
Filipinos. It is even worst in those rural areas where there are just about 3 public doctors for 
every 100,000 population. For instance, in a third class municipality of Busuanga, Palawan there 
is only one doctor to provide healthcare for its 20,000 population. One doctor should attend to 
only 1,000 patients which is the global standard.1 2
The obstacles faced by health care providers and patients in rural areas are vastly 
different from those in urban areas. People living in the rural areas of the country face a unique 
combination of factors that create inadequacies in health care not found in urban areas. 
Economic factors, cultural and social differences, educational shortcomings, and the sheer 
isolation of living in remote rural areas all conspire to impede the people in their struggle to lead 
a normal, healthy life.
Medical doctors are more enticed to practice in cities than in rural communities, causing 
maldistribution of medical doctors and other allied-medical professionals in the country. 
Hospitals in rural areas, especially in Visayas and Mindanao face crises and even imminent 
closure because of lack of medical doctors.
Doctors are the drivers of the health care system and if there is a shortage of doctors, the 
system can fail. The shortage of doctors is attributed to the migration of healthcare professionals 
to other professions; the high cost of medical studies that is beyond the reach of most Filipino 
families; the urban migration or the transfer of most doctors to urban areas where technology and 
money are present; and the exodus of doctors to other countries for further training or experience 
and for better pay.
This bill then provides a solution to address our medical manpower crisis through a state- 
sponsored scholarship program for those qualified students to become doctors. This bill also 
seeks to achieve the presence of at least one (1) doctor per town to be able to provide dependable
1 2014 Article: PM A warns of worsening shortage of doctors http://www.Dhilstar.com/headlines/2Q 14/01 /31/1285056/pma- 
wams-worsening-shortage-doctors
Where are the health workers? http://www.rappler.com/nation/50267-health-workforce-crisis
SEVENTEENTH CONGRESS OF THE ) 
REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES 
)
First Regular Session 
)
S E N A T E
Senate Bill No. 718
*16 JUL 20 P5:13
RF(.'Lr>;i .!' BY: ¥
Introduced by SENATOR CYNTHIA A. VILLAR
AN ACT
STRENGTHENING 
THE 
GOVERNMENTS 
EFFORTS 
TOWARDS 
THE 
TREATMENT 
AND 
REHABILITATION 
OF 
DRUG 
DEPENDENTS 
BY 
ESTABLISHING 
DRUG 
REHABILITATION CENTERS IN EVERY PROVINCE 
AND CITY IN THE COUNTRY, APPROPRIATING FUNDS THEREFOR AND FOR 
OTHER PURPOSES
EXPLANATORY NOTE
No less than the newly Installed President of the Philippines, His Excellency 
Rodrigo R. Duterte, has acknowledged that one of the problems that bedevils our 
country today and which needs to be addressed with urgency is the proliferation of 
illegal drugs in all strata of Philippine sodety1. True enough and in keeping with his 
campaign promise to eradicate the problem of illegal drugs2, no minute is being 
wasted by his administration to relentlessly pursue all those involved in the illegal 
drug trade in the Philippines.
Changes are unfurling with President Duterte administration’s intensified 
crackdown against illegal drugs; and we are witnessing one of the welcome 
changes— hundreds if not thousands of drug dependents, including a number of 
pushers, all over the country voluntary surrendering to the authorities and promising 
to abandon their illegal activities3. W hile chiefly buoyed by a well-founded fear that 
they will be meted with the full force of the law if they do not surrender, their initiative 
undeniably presents an opportunity for them to be rehabilitated and start anew to live 
orderly and productive lives.
The government should take an active role to fully rehabilitate these drug 
dependents. After all, it is an avowed policy of the State, as enunciated in Republic 
Act 9165 or the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002, to provide effective 
mechanisms or measures to re-integrate into society individuals who have fallen 
victims to drug abuse or dangerous drug dependence through sustainable programs 
of treatment and rehabilitation.
1 1naugural Address of His Excellency Rodrigo R. Duterte dated 30 June 2016
2_ http://cnnphilippines.com/news/2016/01 /21 /rodrigo-duterte-illegal-drugs-elections-2016. html 
http.7/news.abs-cbn.com/news/07/14/16/60000-drug-users-pushers-have-surrendered-palace. 
http://pro8.pnp.gov.ph/2016/07/12/6869-drug-userspushers-voluntarRy-siJiTender-to-pnp-in-eastem-visayas/,
http://www.inquisitr.com/3292186/duterte-drug-war-about-4000-more-druggies-surrender-as-bodies-turrMip-across-philippines/
.^enatf
g( llf tjg f n r la i k
SEVENTEENTH CONGRESS OF THE 
)
REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES 
)
First Regular Session 
)
SENATE
s.NO. 5 6 7
*16 
JUL19 
P4 SO
RKCPIVKii «Yj
Introduced by Senator Antonio “Sonny” F. Trillanes IV
AN ACT
PROTECTING THE ENVIRONMENT THEREBY ESTABLISHING A BASIC 
POLICY FOR NATURE RESTORATION, PROVIDING FUNDS THEREFOR, AND 
FOR OTHER PURPOSES
EXPLANATORY NOTE
Article 11 Section 16 declares that the State shall protect and advance the right of the people 
to a balanced and healthful ecology in accord with the rhythm and harmony of nature. 
Despite the government's good intentions, rapid population growth, urbanization and 
industrialization have far outstripped urban environment services and weak natural resource 
management systems have led to rapid degradation of those environments too.
Rapid conversion of forestlands and grasslands to urban use is depleting these natural 
systems. Agricultural yields in lowland areas are stagnating and population pressures are 
stimulating cultivation of fragile upland areas, causing serious soil erosion. While estimates 
of deforestation differ, forest cover in the Philippines has certainly been significantly reduced 
over the last forty years due to increasing urbanization, illegal logging, and forest fires. 
Reforestation efforts by the government have been erratic, with low tree survival rates. 
Marine resources are heavily stressed by over-exploitation and pollution. While we cannot 
totally undo this environmental upheaval, we can to some extent reverse the severity of the 
damage, accordingly cushioning its inevitable impact.
It is in this light that this bill seeks to establish a basic policy for nature restoration in the 
country. Ecological restoration, the attempt to guide damaged ecosystems back to a previous, 
usually healthier or more natural condition, is rapidly gaining recognition as one of the most 
promising approaches to conservation. It is hoped that with the passage of this bill, we shall 
be able to redeem our troubled relationship with nature and sustain the God-given finite 
resources of this country for the subsequent generations of Filipinos to come.
In view of the foregoing, the immediate passage of this bill is earnestly sought.
ANT05(ieu“S0N ^Y ” F. TpILLANES IV
Senenor
SEVENTEENTH CONGRESS OF THE ) 
REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES 
)
First Regular Session 
)
SENATE
i f i  TIME:
BILLS & IWEX ,<
Senate Bill No. 321
Introduced by Senator Cynthia A. Villar
AN ACT ESTABLISHING A NATIONAL PROGRAM FOR THE COFFEE INDUSTRY 
PROVIDING FUNDS THEREFOR AND FOR OTHER PURPOSES
EXPLANATORY NOTE
The Philippines is one of the few countries that produces the four varieties of 
commercially-viable coffee: Arabica, Liberica (Barako), Excelsa and Robusta. Climatic 
and soil conditions in the Philippines - from the lowland to mountain regions - make 
the country suitable for all four varieties. Coffee can only be grown in the band 
surrounding the equator between the Tropics of Cancer and Capricorn—known as the 
“Coffee Belt”. Coffee has become one of the three most imbibed drinks across the 
globe. Coffee’s popularity is also largely due to the fact that it is a soothing, flavorful 
drink that has become very easy to obtain.
Coffee farming in the country is dominated by small farmers. The average size is 1-2 
hectares (ha), with most of the farms being owned by the farmers themselves. Most of 
the farms are intercropped, such as with vegetables, coconut, fruit trees and even 
forest trees (especially in the case of Arabica coffee). There are very limited 
commercial scale plantations in the country.
Philippine imports of coffee raw, ground and unground, roasted and unroasted, 
extracts, preparations, primarily single-serve sachets) posted substantial increases 
over the past 20 years. Imports in 2011 were dominated by unroasted green Robusta, 
at 39 percent, and concentrates at 34 percent, while coffee preparations followed with 
20 percent and unroasted green Arabica with six percent.
i
SEVENTEENTH CONGRESS OF THE ) 
REPUBLIC OF THE PHHLIPPINES 
)
First Regular Session 
)
SENATE
s.No. 265
T he a>:
/JfRECEIVED"^^
(Z°r..TpJUL
DATE!’.
TIME:
—L i ®  ml
BY;
BILLS * jlio B C
t
Introduced by Senator Ralph G. Recto
AN ACT
CREATING 
THE 
PHILIPPINE 
MEDICAL 
ACADEMY, 
ESTABLISHING 
THE PHILIPPINE MEDICAL SCHOLARSHIP PROGRAM AND APPROPRIATING 
FUNDS THEREFOR
Explanatory Note
Section 12, Article XII (Social Justice and Human Rights) of the Constitution provides 
that. The State shall establish and maintain an effective food and drug regulatory system and
undertake appropriate health manpower development and research, responsive to the country's 
health needs and problems.
Various health advocate organizations claim that hospitals in rural areas in Visayas and 
Mindanao face a crisis and even imminent closure because of the lack of doctors. Even 
prestigious medical institutions find it difficult to attract fresh graduates to fill up slots for 
doctors. The government has acknowledged the reality that, indeed, the country is facing an 
alarming shortage of medical doctors and other medical professionals.
The cost of medical studies has become so prohibitive that it has become beyond the 
reach of Filipino families even those belonging to the upper middle class. In the past few years, 
the situation has been aggravated by doctors taking up nursing and leaving the country for more 
lucrative jobs abroad.
Since medical doctors constitute the core of a country's public health service system, the 
shortage of doctors severely prejudices the capacity of the government to deliver timely, 
adequate, competent and affordable medical and health care services to our people. This affects 
especially the poor who need such services but can hardly afford them.
Thus, there is an urgent need to create a steadily expanding pool of medical doctors to 
strengthen the core of our public health service system. This should be done through institutional 
mechanisms and programs that will enable a greater number of qualified and public-service 
onented young people to pursue medical education, while at the same time, effectively 
integrating them into the public health service system. In such manner, their talents would be 
harnessed within an optimum time for the benefit of our country and people.
This bill seeks to address that need by creating a Philippine Medical Academy and 
establishing a Philippine Medical Scholarship and Service Program.
The Academy shall provide the institutional mechanism for the envisioned sustained 
human resource development for the Philippine public health care system. The scholarship 
program shall provide the financial and other educational resource support mechanisms for the 
pursuit of studies in the field of medicine by deserving and qualified young people. The 
University of the Philippines, through its College of Medicine, shall serve as the institutional
SEVENTEENTH CONGRESS OF THE ) 
REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES 
)
First Regular Session 
)
"’' . ' ■
u '9tUtt n\ th .- .
’16 JIIL 21 P 3 -03
SENATE
833
S. No.
Introduced by Senator Ralph G. Recto
AN ACT
REQUIRING ALL PUBLIC ELEMENTARY AND SECONDARY SCHOOLS TO PREPARE 
AND IMPLEMENT A LAND USE DEVELOPMENT AND INFRASTRUCTURE PLAN FOR 
THE OPTIMUM UTILIZATION OF ITS RESOURCES IN ADDRESSING BASIC 
EDUCATION FACILITY SHORTAGES
Explanatory Note
A conducive physical learning environment in the classroom and the school will help 
contribute to the attainment of the goal of quality basic education for all. Thus, a suitable school site 
should be one that best serves educational activities, enables the optimum utilization of resources, 
and thus, shall meet the requirements on location, accessibility, topography, soil condition, size, and 
disaster/risk reduction measures.
This proposed bill addresses the Constitutional mandate of the State to give priority to 
education in order to accelerate social progress and promote human development by providing for the 
preparation of an effective land use and development plan that public elementary and secondary 
schools nationwide will implement to optimize utilization of resources and address the shortages and 
foresee the needs of the public education sector. Lands owned by educational institutions must not be 
allowed to remain idle especially when these can be developed into that which can best serve the 
needs of the students and faculty.
The aim of site development planning for any school is to contribute toward the creation of a 
proper teaching-learning environment. It shows improvements in the school site including the 
position of existing and proposed buildings, the arrangement of circulation elements, and the 
utilization of open areas. It will also aid school officials in making informed decisions regarding 
educational facilities management. It shall be regarded as a flexible framework which allows 
modifications dictated by changing situations.
A school site must be easily accessible to the greatest number of pupils it intends to serve. For 
instance, the Educational Facilities Manual issued by the Department of Education in 2010 prescribes 
that the maximum distance for a pupil to walk from residence to school is 2 to 3 kilometers, while the 
maximum time from residence to school on board public transportation is thirty (30) minutes.
However, at certain times, complying with the prescribed standards can be hard to achieve 
due to the lack of funding for the needed physical resources. The site development plan can thus serve 
as a “wishlist" for future developments of the school. It can also serve as the initial blueprint in the 
possible conversion of the public educational institution into an integrated school to substantially 
address the community’s infrastructure needs for both the elementary and secondary levels.
In view of the foregoing, immediate passage of this hill is earnestly sought.
..
'CJCV
ILPH & ^ECTO
SEVENTEENTH CONGRESS OF THE REPUBLIC 
OF THE PHILIPPINES
First Regular Session
S E N A T E
SB.  
161
Introduced by Senator Poe
AN ACT
TO PROTECT FILIPINO MOTHERS AND CHILDREN FROM MALNUTRITION BY 
ESTABLISHING A MATERNAL AND CHILD HEALTH CARE PROGRAM AND 
APPROPRIATING FUNDS FOR THE PURPOSE
Explanatory Note
The first 1,000 days of a child’s life is most critical for growth and development; 
consequently, hunger and poor nutrition during this period can have irreversible consequences.
The first 1,000 days refers to the period that begins with day one of a woman’s pregnancy 
until her child’s 2nd birthday. The braiq and nervous system development begins early in 
pregnancy and is largely complete by the time the child reaches the age of 2. The damage to 
health, physical growth and brain development of infants affected by chronic under-nutrition can 
cause “stunting.” Smaller than their non-stunted peers, stunted children are more susceptible to 
sickness and have lower chances of finishing school. They enter adulthood more prone to non- 
communicable disease and are less productive.
Malnutrition is responsible for almost half of all deaths of children under age 5; virtually 
all of these deaths are preventable. Nearly 170 million children have had the growth of their 
young bodies and brains stunted by chronic malnutrition. Women who are poorly nourished 
throughout their lives are at greater risk of complications during pregnancy and death during 
childbirth. The damage caused by poor nutrition early in life can be irreversible1.
Malnutrition during this critical period of development for a child has not been 
adequately addressed in the Philippines. Although there are supplementary feeding programs 
which are undertaken by the DSWD and the DepED, these programs target children of two years 
and older, when children are already in either Day Care or Elementary school. It is obvious that 
poverty is one of the driving causes for this situation. Hence, what is needed is a program to 
combat malnutrition during the first 1,000 days, specifically targeting the vulnerable sectors. The 
World Health Organization of the United Nations strongly recommends proper health care on the 
first 1,000 days of a child. The right nutrition during this 1,000 days has a profound impact on 
the ability of the child to grow, learn and lead a long-term healthy and stable life.
Under-nutrition in the Philippines remains a serious problem. Available data show large 
numbers of Filipino children are undernourished: 3.6 million of children 0-59 months are 
underweight; and 4 million are stunted.2 The latest National Nutrition Survey showed that overall 
malnutrition or stunting rate for Filipino children aged 0 to 2 was at its worst in the last 10 years
1 http://w w w .hm hb.org/2014/03/1000-days-m atter/
2Unicef http://w w w .unicef.org/philippines/health nutrition.htm l#.VUhem 46aako.
SEVENTEENTH CONGRESS OF THE ) 
REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES 
)
First Regular Session 
}
SENATE
S.B. No. 
58
JUN 3 0 2016
LU 
DA Tf
BY:-- Tj—
V BILLS 
I iiaE X
Introduced by Senator Francis N. Pangilinan
AN ACT PROVIDING FREE WI-FI INTERNET ACCESS IN PUBLIC 
BUILDINGS, TRANSPORT TERMINALS AND PARKS, AND FOR OTHER
PURPOSES
EXPLANATORY NOTE
The number of people who have access to the Internet worldwide has dramatically 
increased in the past decade. Almost three billion people are reported to have access to 
the Internet in 2014 from 910 million in 2004. Internet penetration is highest in the 
developed world with almost 90 percent of the population gaining access to the internet. 
Also in the past decade, remarkable growth in the information and communications 
technology (ICT) sector was observed in the developing world, specifically on mobile 
telephone subscription and usage. Yet, most developing countries such as the 
Philippines are trailing behind in terms of adoption and Internet penetration rates.
According to the United Nations Broadband Commission’s Report on the State of 
Broadband (2015 edition), only 39.7% of the Philippine population was able to use the 
internet in 2014, placing the country at 106th out of the 191 countries evaluated in the 
report. This means that a huge portion of the population lacks access to reliable and 
high speed Internet connection. Therefore, there is a crucial need to accelerate the shift 
from basic connectivity to a more fully-interconnected digital economy to bridge the 
digital divide by providing free public wireless internet access.
SEVENTEENTH CONGRESS OF THE ) 
REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES 
) 
First Regular Session 
)
SENATE 
s. No. 4 7 8
■]6 JUL19 AH :29
> > :
Introduced by Senator Antonio “Sonny” F. Trillanes IV
AN ACT
TO ENHANCE TRANSPARENCY AND ETHICS IN THE JUDICIARY BY 
ESTABLISHING AN OFFICE OF INSPECTOR GENERAL FOR THE JUDICIAL 
BRANCH, DEFINING ITS POWERS AND FUNCTIONS, APPROPRIATING FUNDS 
THEREFOR, AND FOR OTHER PURPOSES
EXPLANATORY NOTE
Article VIII, Section 3 of the 1987 Constitution articulates that a member of the Judiciary 
must be a person of proven competence, integrity, probity, and independence. Furthermore, 
Article II Seetion 27 of the same provides that the State shall maintain honesty and integrity 
in the public service and take positive and effective measures against graft and corruption. 
However, recent surveys show the growing salience of members of the judiciary who 
circumvent the aforementioned law, thus, compromising the integrity and reputation of the 
country's judicial system.
Aceording to Transparency International's Bribe Payers Index 2008, companies' confidence 
in the judieial system in the Philippines is low due to allegations of graft and corruption, as 
well as incompetence within the judiciary. The US Department of State in 2012 also shares 
the same view, where many foreign investors cite the judieial system in the Philippines as 
insufficient and uncertain, due to corruption and understaffmg, significantly hindering 
investment. Further, bribery allegations reflected in different newspapers in the country in 
2009 involving the so called "Alabang Boys" wherein P50 Million in bribes were allegedly 
paid to prosecutors and' officials in the Department of Justice (DOJ) for the release of the 3 
drug suspects strengthens the above observations of corruption in the Judiciary.
There is therefore an exigency for the government to swiftly pursue appropriate judicial 
refomis, and mere out appropriate penalties against erring magistrates. "A perception of 
corruption within the judiciary undermines its ability to enforce and maintain the legitimaey 
of the rule of law, which subsequently undermines the stability and effectiveness of the 
government and prevents economie development of the State.
In this light, this measure seeks to establish meehanisms for the detection and prevention of 
(1) inappropriate judicial conduct, (2) illegal activity, (3) actions that undennine the judicial 
machinery, and (4) violations of the Code of Ethies. This measure shall create an Offiee of 
the Inspector General and shall require the Offiee to: (I) conduct investigations of alleged
SEVENTEENTH CONGRESS OF THE 
)
REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES 
)
First Regular Session 
)
■ 
(Qilif t of t l ? < : > I
'16 
AUG-1 
P 1 : 4 3
SENATE
S.B. No. 
946
'W :
Introduced by Senator SONNY ANGARA
AN ACT
MANDATING HIGHER EDUCATION INSTITUTIONS AND TECHNICAL- 
VOCATIONAL INSTITUTIONS TO ENSURE THE SAFETY AND SECURITY OF THE 
ACADEMIC COMMUNITY FROM INTERNAL AND EXTERNAL THREATS, THEREBY 
CREATING A CRIME PREVENTION COMMITTEE FOR THIS PURPOSE AND FOR
OTHER PURPOSES
EXPLANATORY NOTE
Art. XIV Sec. 4(1) of the Constitution mandates the State to exercise reasonable 
supemsion and regulation of all educational institutions. Included in this mandate is the 
State s responsibility to ensure a safe and secure environment for students to pursue 
their studies within these institutions without any fear for their physical well-being.
There has been a steady increase in the crime rate in campuses all over the 
country. Thus, it is necessary for students, their parents and/or their guardians to have 
access to information with regard to campus crime statistics, as well as crime 
prevention plans in these campuses to equip them in making an informed choice as to 
which school to go to or send their children.
At the same time, students currently enrolled in their respective universities need 
to know the measures undertaken by their institution, as well as courses of action in 
cases of emergency to guarantee security and expedient assistance, if need be. To 
formulate such policies and strategies applicable for each campus, the bill provides for 
an establishment of a Crime Prevention Committee in every higher education institution 
and technical-vocational institutions.
sought.
In view of the foregoing, early and immediate passage of this bill is earnestly
SONNY ANGARA
SEVENTEENTH CONGRESS OF THE ) 
REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES 
)
First Regular Session 
)
S E N A T E
278
S. B. No.
BILLS Wk INDEX
Introduced by Senator FRANCIS G. ESCUDERO
AN ACT
TO STRENGTHEN THE OFFICE OF THE GOVERNMENT CORPORATE 
COUNSEL, BY RE-DEFINING, EXPANDING, STRENGTHENING, 
RATIONALIZING AND FURTHER PROFESSIONALIZING ITS ORGANIZATION, 
UPGRADING EMPLOYEE BENEFITS AND APPROPRIATING FUNDS THEREFOR
EXPLANATORY NOTE
It shall be the policy of the State to protect and promote the welfare, rights and 
interests of government-owned and -controlled corporations, their subsidiaries, other 
corporate off springs, including govermnent acquired asset corporations, government 
corporate entities and government instrumentalities with corporate powers, 
government financial institutions, and other government entities, agencies and offices 
hereafter referred to as "government corporations".
Executive Order No. 292, otherwise known as the Administrative Code of 1987, 
has defined the mandate of the Office of the Government Corporate Counsel (OGCC) as 
the premier law office of government-owned and controlled corporations (GOCCs), 
their subsidiaries, other corporate offspring and government-acquired asset 
corporations. As such, it is mandated to safeguard their legal intei'ests in a competent, 
speedy and adequate legal service in its commitment to uphold justice under the rule of 
law.
Every year, an increasing number of requests for legal advice and cases is being 
responded to and handled by the OGCC, in addition to the performance of its 
adjudicatory and other functions.
To efficiently and effectively address the expanding needs of these government 
corporations, this proposed bill seeks to strengthen the OGCC by re-defining, 
expanding, strengthening, rationalizing and further professionalizing the OGCC as an 
organization and upgrading the employee benefits.
In view thereof, the approval of this proposed bill is earnestly sought.
FRANCIS G. ESCUDERO
SEVENTEENTH CONGRESS OF THE ) 
REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES 
)
First Regular Session 
)
SENATE 
Senate Bill No.
4*
DATE
BILLS
144
Introduced by SENATOR CYNTHIA A. VILLAR
AN ACT
PROMOTING THE SCIENTIFIC PROPAGATION, PROCESSING, UTILIZATION 
AND DEVELOPMENT OF PHILIPPINE NATIVE ANIMALS, HEREBY CREATING 
THE PHILIPPINE NATIVE ANIMAL DEVELOPMENT CENTER
EXPLANATORY NOTE
The Philippines is considered a mega-diversity country rivaled only by a few countries in 
the world when it comes to variety of ecosystems, species and genetic resources. Many 
of the islands comprising the archipelago are believed to have a very high degree of land 
and animal endemism. The country hosts more than 52,177 described species of which 
more than half is found nowhere else in the world. On a per unit area basis, the Philippines 
probably harbors more diversity of life than any other country on the planet.
Philippine biodiversity is alarmingly endangered, making it a biodiversity hotspot as well. 
This is because of their habitat loss due to overexploitation, deforestation, land 
degradation, climate change, and pollution (including biological pollution), among others. 
Extinction may occur due to natural causes. However the actions of people and the growth 
of human population have created a threat to the well-being of our native animals. The 
need for preservation is necessary.
Benefits of Natural Diversity
All living things are part of a complex, balanced network called the biosphere. The earth’s 
biosphere, in turn, is composed of countless ecosystems, which include plants and 
animals and their physical environments. No one knows how the extinction of organisms 
will affect the other members of its ecosystem, but the removal of a single species can 
set off a chain reaction affecting many others. The loss can transform or undermine the 
ecological processes or fundamentally change the species composition in community.
SEVENTEENTH CONGRESS OF THE ) 
REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES 
)
First Regular Session 
)
' § : f i r e o
n u * f
f It^r
•16 .Hi 21 AlO :45
S E N A T E
S. B. No. 742
Introduced by Senator FRANCIS G. ESCUDERO
AN ACT
AMENDING SECTION 6 OF REPUBLIC ACT NO. 1379, OTHERWISE KNOWN AS 
THE FORFEITURE LAW, TO PROVIDE A FIXED PERCENTAGE OF THE VALUE 
OF FORFEITED PROPERTIES IN CORRUPTION CASES AS ADDITIONAL 
FUNDING FOR THE OFFICE OF THE OMBUDSMAN AND FOR OTHER
PURPOSES
EXPLANATORY NOTE
Funding is a major limitation to the Office of the Ombudsman when fulfilling its 
mandate of combating corruption. The budget of the Office of the Ombudsman pales in 
comparison with those allocated to its international counterparts. Consequently, 
corruption goes unhampered eventually leading to massive losses in government 
revenues and further draining our coffers.
This bill thus intends to augment the financial resources of the Ombudsman by 
giving it a share in any property forfeited in favor of the State under Republic Act No. 
1379, otherwise known as the Forfeiture Law; and thus increase its funding. This bill 
provides a mechanism wherein 30% of the value of forfeited assets shall be used as 
funding for the Ombudsman which will assist the continued progress of cases. This 
method therefore ensures additional funding to the Ombudsman, and eliminates the 
need to reallocate funding from a stretched national budget.
The passage of this bill therefore is earnestly sought.
FRANCIS G. ESCUDERO
SEVENTEENTH CONGRESS OF THE 
REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES 
First Regular Session
SENATE 
S. No. 6 1 9
^enatr
» of 
j
■■■ 
' T V
Introduced by Sen. Antonio ‘‘Sonny” F. Trillanes IV
AN ACT
REGULATING THE 
PRACTICE 
OF 
FISHERIES 
PROFESSION 
IN 
THE 
PHILIPPINES, 
CREATING 
FOR 
THE 
PURPOSE 
A 
PROFESSIONAL 
REGULATORY 
BOARD 
OF 
FISHERIES 
AND 
APPROPRIATING 
FUNDS 
THEREFOR
EXPLANATORY NOTE
This measure seeks to professionalize and regulate the practice of fisheries professionals and 
upgrade the standard of fisheries education in the country through the licensure examination 
being administered by the Professional Regulatory Commission (PRC). This intent is 
provided for in Republic Act 8550 (Fisheries Code of 1998) and Republic Act 8435 
(Agriculture and Fisheries Modernization Act of 1997) -  that, it is the policy of the state to 
provide priority attention and support to professionalize the practice of fisheries profession in 
the Philippines which will be beneficial to sustain food security and economic development 
of the country, and to upgrade the standard of fisheries education. Through its licensure 
examination, the PRC is complimenting the effort of the CHED in upgrading the standard of 
fisheries education.
The bill provides for the following: the scope of the practice of the fisheries profession; 
mandates continuing professional education and development of fisheries professionals for 
global competitiveness; provides penal provisions for violation of its mandatory provisions; 
encourages the hiring of licensed fisheries professionals; determines the composition, tenure 
and qualifications of the fisheries regulatory board; and empowers the board of fisheries to 
regulate compliance by private and public institutions to the provisions of this Act.
Throughout the country, candidates for the licensure examination of the PRC come from 
more than 80 fishery schools. These schools vary widely in terms of their resources (faculty 
and facilities), curricular offerings, and amounts of budget support from the government. 
Many of these schools started as high schools and were later converted to college. They 
continued offering fisheries courses without upgrading their facilities and employed 
practically the same faculty, many of whom were not trained for college teaching.
SEVENTEENTH CONGRESS OF THE ) 
REPUBLIC OF THE PHIILIPPINES )
First Regular Session 
)
i.§litre  of ih ’ .lT r-irlK B
•16 
JUL21 
P2-.17
SENATE
804
S. No.
KI ■t '
” V;
Introduced by Senator Ralph G. Recto
AN ACT
AUGMENTING THE PHILHEALTH FUND FOR UNIVERSAL HEALTH CARE 
COVERAGE 
AND 
IMPROVING 
PHILHEALTH 
BENEFIT 
PACKAGES 
BY 
EARMARKING THE PHILIPPINE CHARITY SWEEPSTAKES OFFICE CHARITY 
FUND FOR SUCH PURPOSE, THEREBY AMENDING REPUBLIC ACT NO. 1169, AS 
AMENDED BY BATAS PAMBANSA BLG. 42
Explanatory Note
The p e so  has previously been mired in controversies over the alleged misuse of its 
Charity Fund - a billion pesos fund utilized to undertake medical and other social welfare 
program and projects of the PCSO and implemented tlirough the services of Non-Govemment 
Organizations (NGOs), the Church and other program partners as conduits of funds for charity 
projects to the people.
Given the discretionary nature of the Charity Fund and the lack of clear accountability 
provided in the PCSO charter, the disbursement of the Charity Fund has not been in accordance 
with specific standards and is only subject to the approval of the PCSO board.
Furthermore, the public is left in the dark as to the magnitude and allocation of the PCSO 
Charity Fund. There is no transparency in the use of the fund because it does not go through the 
usual budget scrutiny as it is considered an off-budget item and, therefore, not discussed in the 
congressional public hearings on the General Appropriations Bill.
For as long as we leave the disbursement of the Charity Fund in the hands of the PCSO 
board, allegations of abuse in its utilization will continue to be a thorny problem for the 
institution.
This bill intends to amend the charter of the PCSO. The Charity Fund which constitutes 
30% of the net receipts of the PCSO, under the bill, shall be used for the National Health 
Insurance Program administered by the PhilHealth for universal coverage as well as improving 
its benefit packages. The existing revenue share of the local government units and other 
government agencies in the PCSO charity fund shall be respected nevertheless.
The equivalent amount shall be included in the General Appropriations Act (GAA) as a 
Special Purpose Fund for the counterpart shares of the national and local government in the 
National Health Insurance Program under the PhilHealth. Thus, "What you see is what you get” 
as reflected in the GAA and no more "pork barrel ” for the PCSO board.
Hence, instead of the PCSO tunneling the funds to its various government hospital 
beneficiaries, PCSO’s Charity Fund would now be directly infused to PhilHealth that will allow 
indigents to seek treatment in government and private hospitals as well.
Given such set-up, indigents no longer need to suffer the long queues of patients in the 
PCSO for financial assistance before they can line up in the hospitals for the medical services.
SEVENTEENTH CONGRESS OF THE } 
REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES 
}
F irst R egular Session 
}
S E N A T E  
S.B. No. 
2 P .3
DATE
In tro d u ce d  by SENATOR VICENTE C. SOTTO III
AN ACT
AMENDING SECTION 4  OF REPUBLIC ACT No. 8 0 4 9 , OTHERWISE 
KNOWN AS AN ACT REGULATING HAZING AND OTHER FORMS OF 
INITIATION RITES IN FRATERNITIES, SORORITIES, AND OTHER 
ORGANIZATIONS AND PROVIDING PENALTIES THEREFOR
EXPLANATORY NOTE
While the Constitution mandates that an educational institution shall 
teach the rights and duties of citizenship, strengthen ethical and spiritual 
values, develop moral character and personal discipline, students on the 
other hand, shall have the duty and responsibility to promote and maintain 
the peace and tranquility of the school by observing the rules of discipline. 
The State should not be proscribed from interfering with the social 
development of students, particularly when life is at stake.
The enactment of Republic Act No. 8049, otherwise known as an Anti- 
Hazing Law serves to address the rampant violence happening in various 
fraternities, sororities and organizations. Despite its enactment in 1995, 
there are still numerous reports of death and injuries in various parts of our 
country. It only shows that there is a need to strengthen the law, by 
providing a higher penalty thereto.
This bill seeks to amend SECTION 4 of Republic Act No. 8049 in order 
to fully thwart the continuous violation of the law by imposing stiffer 
penalties.
In view thereof, earnest approval of this bil| s hereby requested.
\
CENT!
OTTO III
SEVENTEENTH CONGRESS OF THE 
REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES
First Regular Session
S E N A T E  
S.B.No. 297
DATE;
Xfi TIME:
BULLS »  INI^X
Introduced by Senator Aquilino “Koko” Pimentel HI
AN ACT
CREATING THREE ADDITIONAL BRANCHES OF THE 
REGIONAL TRIAL COURT WITH SEATS AT CALAMBA, 
LAGUNA IN THE FOURTH JUDICIAL REGION, AMENDING 
FOR THE PURPOSE SECTION 14 (E) OF BATAS PAMBANSA 
BLG. 129, OTHERWISE KNOWN AS THE JUDICIARY 
REORGANIZATION ACT OF 1980, AS AMENDED, AND 
APPROPRIATING FUNDS THEREFOR
EXPLANATORY NOTE
One perennial problem in our justice system is the clogging of 
our court’s dockets. This may worsen and the backlog may continue to 
grow unless we increase the number of courts in proportion to 
corresponding demographic increases. New courts will help speed up 
the administration of justice in areas where the overload of cases had 
become more than double of their manageable caseload.
The Regional Trial Court in Calamba City, Laguna, for which 
there are five (5) branches, has a total combined caseload of 4,380 as of 
March 2015. This equates to an average caseload of 876 per branch per 
year, which is more than double of the manageable caseload of 300 per 
branch.1 It is therefore imperative for Congress to extend a helping a 
helping hand to the Judiciary by creating more courts in affected areas 
like Calamba.
With the passage of this bill, it is my hope that soon, no Filipino 
will be denied justice simply due to the delay in the disposition of their 
cases.
AQUILINO “KOKO” PIMENTEL HI
Office of the Court Administrator, Supreme Court
SEVENTEENTH CONGRESS 
REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES
First Regular Session
)
SENATE 
S.B. No. 
^ 4 3
B I L L S  *  IN D E X
In tro d u ced  by SENATOR LOREN LEGARDA
AN ACT AMENDING REPUBLIC ACT NO. 8972, OTHERWISE KNOWN AS 
THE SOLO 
PARENTS’ 
WELFARE ACT OF 2010, 
PROVIDING FOR 
ADDITIONAL BENEFITS ON BASIC COMMODITIES, AND FOR OTHER 
PURPOSES
Explanatory Note
Republic Act No. 8972, otherwise known as the Solo Parents’ Welfare Act, 
provides for the remuneration and privileges of a solo parent. Said law 
mandates the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) to assist 
solo parents through social development and welfare services such as 
livelihood development services, counseling services, parent effectiveness 
services, critical incidence stress debriefing and other special projects for 
individuals in need of protection.
Even with these privileges, double hardship still saddles solo parents. They 
perform parental duties single-handedly In the face of economic turmoil 
characterized by skyrocketing prices, poverty and massive unemployment. As 
such, there is a necessity to amend the existing law to address the financial 
concerns of solo parents amidst the economic difficulties that the country is 
experiencing.
This bill aims to provide additional support and benefits to solo parents. Such 
benefits include:
1. Ten percent (10%) discount from all purchases of clothing and clothing 
materials for the child for two (2) years from child birth;
2. Fifteen (15%) discount from all purchases of baby's milk, food and food 
supplements;
3. Fifteen (15%) percent discount from all purchases of medicines and other 
medical supplements/ supplies for the child; and
4. Basic personal exemption from individual income tax.
The enactment of this proposed measure will help lessen the financial burden 
carried by solo parents by affording them additional remuneration. Through 
this, we are assisting the solo parents to be able to provide a better future for 
their children. In view of the aforementioned, the passage of this bill is sought.
l o Re n l e g a r d a
Senator
SEVENTEENTH CONGRESS OF THE ) 
REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES 
)
First Regular Session 
)
of thf 
i -ii-i
*16 
JUL 21 
All 0 9
S E N A T E  
S. B. No. 
7 8 8
HI
Introduced by Senator FRANCIS G. ESCUDERO
AN ACT
AMENDING SECTION 220, CHAPTER II, TITLE VIII 
OF REPUBLIC ACT NO. 8424, OTHERWISE KNOWN AS AN ACT AMENDING 
THE NATIONAL INTERNAL REVENUE CODE, AS AMENDED, AND FOR
OTHER PURPOSES
EXPLANATORY NOTE
This bill mandates the Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR) to acquire and have 
exclusive jurisdiction over all tax-related cases, thereby doing away with the 
participation of the Department of Justice (DOJ) in the prosecution of said cases.
This proposed measure is but apt considering the allegations of fraud in the 
National Prosecution Service of the DOJ. Moreover, it hastens delineation of 
responsibilities in the tax collections efforts of the government, making accountability 
solely in the hands of the BIR.
Lastly, it complements Republic Act No. 9282 which expands the jurisdiction of 
the Court of Tax Appeals, by mandating all civil and criminal actions in tax related 
cases cognizable by said court.
In view of the foregoing, passage of this bill with dispatch is sought.
FRANCIS G. ESCUDERO