bettergovph/raw-philippine-data huggingface dataset:
SR V K N TR F.N TH  rO N G R R S S  O F T H F  
) 
R EPU B LIC  O F T H E  P H IL IP P IN E S  
)
First Regular Session 
)
SE N A T E
S. B. N o. 217
d a t e JU N 3 0 7/)I^
TIME:
INDEX
BILLS
INTRODUCED BY SENATOR ANA THERESIA “RISA” HONTIVEROS
BARAQUEL
AN ACT
STRENGTHENING T H E  SECURITY OF TEN U RE OF WORKERS IN  TH E 
PRIVATE SECTOR, AMENDING FOR T H E  PURPOSE ARTICLES 248, 279, 280, 281 
AND 288, AND INTRODUCING NEW ARTICLES 106,106-A, 106-B, 106-C, 106-D, 106- 
E. 280-A AND 280-B TO PRESIDENTIAL DECREE NO. 442. AS AMENDED. 
OTHERW ISE KNOWN AS T H E  LABOR CODE OF T H E  PH ILIPPIN ES
Arguably, the gravest threat to our workers’ right of security of tenure comes from the current trend 
towards contractualization and de-regularization. 
Workers settle for intermittent and short-term 
employment affecting not only their ability to earn livelihood but also their productivity and quality of 
work.
Ihe present proposal recognizes subcontracting as a valid business practice but also protects workers 
from unscrupulous and unnecessary subcontracting. Hence, it balances legitimate business interests 
with the need to protect workers from insecure employment conditions. The salient innovations
iiin u u u i.-< ..u  u y  LJ11^ u iii 111 iiiift 
iiiv.iui.i<.. uiv, u  iiio w iiiy ^ . ij p i i i i c i p a i s  i^nii 
a iiia .M iiiiiiii <,>f 20 '
subcontracted employees; 2) violation of contracting rules is made an unfair labor practice; and 3) 
violation of contracting rules is penalized by a fine. I'hc bill includes proposals drawing from these 
executive and judicial pronouncements on security of tenure in order to create a holistic and 
harmonious set of rules regarding classes and rights of employees. In particular, the bill incorporates 
the executive and judicial recognition that all classes of cmolovces are entitled to security of tenure, 
institutionalizes the workers’ right to notice and hearing and clarifies what constitutes regular, casual 
and project employment.
Building on these concepts, the bill seeks to introduce the following innovations:
1) 
employment may be fixed by the term of the proicct. task or work to be nerformed but may not 
be bound to a mere reference to a time;
2) 
the period of probationary employment is fixed at six months when aU the employers shall have 
enough time to ascertain whether a worker is fit for retention or not; and
3) 
deliberate misclassification of employees for the purpose of misleading them as to their rights is 
deemed an unfair labor practice.
With these amendments to the I/abor Code, the proposal seeks to balance the legitimate business 
interests of the employer with the need for protection of workers from the prejudice of non­
regularization. After all, for as long as the employer profits through and by the labor of its employees, 
it is but fair to recognize the workers’ right to remain employed absent any legal cause for his dismissal.
SEVENTEENTH CONGRESS OF THE ) 
REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES 
)
First Regular Session 
)
SENATE
v  '' 
!• • 1 ; . ! '
16 JUlV' P- ' ’A2
S. No.
Introduced by Senator Ralph G. Recto
AN ACT
PROVIDING FOR A COMPREHENSIVE REVISION OF THE CHARTER OF THE 
BANGKO SENTRAL NG PILIPINAS (BSP) BY AMENDING REPUBLIC ACT NO. 7653, 
OTHERWISE KNOWN AS “THE NEW CENTRAL BANK ACT”
Explanatory Note
No less than the 1987 Constitution mandates the establisliment of a central monetary 
authority that shall provide policy direction in the areas of money, banking, and credit, and exercise 
supervision over the operations of banks, finance companies and other institutions performing 
similar functions.
With these in mind. Congress enacted a new Central Bank law or Republic Act No. 7653 in 
1993 to replace the old one, which was in effect as early as 1948. While the old Central Bank law -  
Republic Act No. 265 -  was amended four times during its lifetime, the new law or R.A. No. 7653 
has never been changed in its 23 years of effectivity.
It is therefore imperative that R.A. No. 7653 -  the law that created the present Bangko 
Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) -  be revisited and amended accordingly to respond to the changing 
times. The prevailing situation 23 years ago are not the same as today and there is a need to redefine 
or clarify some concepts in the BSP charter in order to render it more effective.
This bill aims to amend the BSP charter to strengthen the institution and plug the supposed 
gaps and loopholes which the authors of the present law failed to anticipate 23 years ago.
One of the most important amendments of this proposed measure is to incorporate the 
promotion of full employment as one of two primary objectives of the BSP in its fomiulation of 
monetary policy, along with maintaining price stability.
It is the contention of the author that the inclusion of advancing full employment as one of 
the primary objectives of the BSP will have significant and positive effects on the country’s 
economic and financial development. It will also affinn the State’s mandate to make labor a 
primary social economic force.
Other salient provisions of the bill include the following:
• 
Establishing a mechanism for the full payment of the national government’s unpaid 
subscription to the BSP as mandated by R.A. No. 7653.
• 
Expanding the BSP’s supervisory powers to include credit card companies, e-money issuers, 
remittance agents and institutions perfonning similar functions.
• 
Deleting the provision which requires the confinnation of the BSP Governor by the 
Commission on Appointments.
• 
Proposing that no member of the Monetary Board, including the BSP governor and vice 
governors, shall be elected as director, or employed as officer or employee, or hired as
SEVENTEENTH CONGRESS OF THE 
REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES 
First Regular Session
SENATE
s. No. 
282
BILLS
Introduced by Senator Antonio “Sonny” F. Trillanes IV
AN ACT
INCREASING THE COMBAT DUTY PAY OF ALL COMMISSIONED AND NON­
COMMISSIONED PERSONNEL OF THE PHILIPPINE NATIONAL POLICE (PNP) 
FROM THE CURRENT VALUE THEY ARE RECEIVING TO TWENTY-FIVE PER 
CENTUM (25%) OF THEIR BASE PAY AND PROVIDING FUNDS THEREFOR
EXPLANATORY NOTE
The Philippine National Police is tasked primarily to enforce the law. They are here to 
"SERVE AND PROTECT" the people. Our policemen maintain peace and order as well as 
ensure the safety and internal security of our country.
Despite this gargantuan task, not to mention the expectations of everyone, they only receive 
measly salaries, allowances, and benefits in exchange of the dangers they are facing in 
fulfilling their duties. In particular, the Combat Duty Pay that they receive, which amounts to 
P220 to P340 a month depending on the classification of the area that they are assigned, is a 
small amount compared to the risks and perils which they face each day.
This bill seeks to increase the combat duty pay being received by the police from the current 
value that they are receiving to twenty five percent (25%) of their base pay. This is in 
recognition of the vital role they play in keeping the peace and quiet of our community.
In view of the foregoing, immediate approval of this measure is earnestly sought.
>4c
ANTONIy "SONNY" F. TRILLANES IV
Senator
0
SEVENTEENTH CONGRESS OF THE ) 
REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES 
)
First Regular Session 
)
SENATE
s. No. 
269
Introduced by Senator Ralph G. Recto
AN ACT
REQUIRING INTERNET SERVICE PROVIDERS TO DELIVER A MINIMUM 
STANDARD FOR INTERNET CONNECTION SPEED
Explanatory Note
The aceess to a wide range of information in this digital age is reached in a few clicks in 
the Internet. The Human Rights Council of the United Nations General Assembly has, in fact, 
declared that aecess to the Internet is a human right which enables individuals to "exercise their 
right to freedom of opinion and expression."1
The internet has a pivotal role in advancing economic development and improving 
quality of life. Aside from the apparent value of facilitating faster and easier eommunication, the 
benefits reaped from internet connectivity goes on and on.
The internet improves access to education by accelerating knowledge sharing and by 
providing students and teachers with the gateway to a plethora of educational resources online.
In the business seetor, the internet empowers businesses to compete on a global level. 
Small and medium enterprises (SMEs) benefit a lot from aceess to internet by reducing barriers 
to market entry. It is also essential in attaining and providing jobs, accelerating business 
development, and providing new opportunities for innovation and expansion.
The internet also allows the enhancement of disaster relief efforts by disseminating 
information online, implementing early-warning systems, and providing downloadable 
interactive eatastrophe maps to reduee the vulnerability of areas prone to disaster. These types of 
information are extremely useful for preparation due to the disaster-prone nature of our country.
However, access to the internet alone does not guarantee the realization of these benefits 
under poor and sporadie internet speed connections. The world is quickly moving towards digital 
age and, eonsequently, one of the main challenges is to get information fast through high-speed 
connections and bigger bandwidths. Thus, any party that does not connect to high-speed access is 
certainly left behind.
According to a report released by Eriesson, a multinational provider of eommunications 
technology and services, there is a significant correlation between broadband speeds and the 
impact to economic development. The report found that doubling the broadband speed increases 
Gross Domestic Product (GDP) by 0.3%, which is a considerable impact in any economy.2
The Promotion, Protection, and Enjoyment of Human Rights on the Internet - UN General Assembly Resolution 
(2012), http://www.regeringen.Se/content/l/c6/19/64/51/6999c512.pdf. Accessed on May 22. 2014.
2 New Study Quantifies the Impact of Broadband Speed on GDP,
http://www.ericsson.com/thecompanv/press/releases/2011/09/1550Q83. Accessed on May 22, 2014.
SEVENTEENTH CONGRESS OF THE ) 
REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES 
)
First Regular Session 
)
‘ •..v 
(flffirt of 
' i 1 1
*16 
.!UL 21 
A10 5 3
S E N A T E
749
S. B. No.
R I *
.>Y;
Introduced by Senator FRANCIS G. ESCUDERO
AN ACT
REGULATING THE PRACTICE OF PLUMBING ENGINEERING
IN THE PHILIPPINES
EXPLANATORY NOTE
Public Welfare and Proper Plumbing System are the concern of all. These are 
underscored in the plumbing works of buildings. It is necessary that plumbing design 
and installation be undertaken by people with adequate academic and technical 
background in accordance with sound engineering practice and generally accepted 
standards.
Some forty years ago, 1955, Congress enacted R.A. 1378, otherwise known as the 
Plumbing Law, which regulates the trade of master plumbers. High School graduates 
with five years plumbing experience used to dominate the trade. With the advent of 
high rise buildings their numbers are dwindling but sustaining. Master Plumbers with 
engineering expertise are coming about. Since then the law has become outmoded with 
provisions that do not harmonize with the times: To date the practice of plumbing is 
still considered a trade, although the act of plumbing works has become more complex 
with the emergence and expansion of all types of buildings design and construction, 
coupled by the trend of urbanization, the proliferation of urban centers, and the 
subsequent complexity of architectural and engineering works these all the more spell 
out the demand for plumbing engineer.
The burgeoning plumbing industry dramatizes the need for the participation of 
Plumbing Engineers with good academic background in engineering to cope up with 
the new technology required. The time has come, after two scores to upgrade the 
plumbing profession. R.A. 1378 must give way to a new law for Plumbing Engineers. 
Plumbing Engineering must be accorded professional acceptance and recognition.
Section 1 (B), Item (15) of R.A. 6511, An Act Amending Republic Act 465, An Act 
to Standardize the Examination and Registration Fees charged by the National 
Examining Boards, and the other purposes, provide and lists down the Profession of 
Plumbing Engineers as a preparation for the regulation of the profession. For this 
reason, registered engineers who are holders of Master Plumbers Certificate have 
responded to the call of the times and bonded themselves together under one roof, the 
Philippine Institute of Plumbing Engineers (PIPE). Their move was backed up by 
colleges and universities who recognized the importance of plumbing engineering by
SEVENTEENTH CONGRESS OF THE 
) 
REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES 
)
First Regular Session 
)
S. No
SENATE
644
• • • i nM i
o f  t h r . ; i i - u H n  y
'16 JUL 20 A 9:36
m- (
Introduced by Senator Antonio ‘‘Sonny” F. Trillanes IV
AN ACT
INSTITUTING THE PHILIPPINE RAILWAY AUTHORITY AND FOR OTHER 
PURPOSES
EXPLANATORY NOTE
The mode of transportation has exceedingly improved at present with the introduction of the 
Roll on/Roll off ship or the so-called "Ro-Ro". This has been well-received by businessmen 
and entrepreneurs for it allows them to transport their goods to any part of the country in a 
less costly manner. Similarly, individuals who do not have enough budget to cover fares for 
boats and airplanes find the taking of "Ro-Ro" a good economical alternative.
While the Roll on/Roll off ship program of the government has drawn a lot of patronage from 
the public, to some, taking the "Ro-Ro" could be tiresome. The concept of "Ro-Ro" is 
basically a passenger ferry on short sea routes. Public buses have to go to the nearest port 
where available ferries will carry it to the next port of destination. This being the case, 
passengers have to disembark from the ferries and return to the buses several times so that 
they will be able to continue with the duration of the travel.
This bill intends to provide the public with another mass transport system that is cheaper, 
faster, safer and reliable. It also envisions enhancing agricultural productivity and promoting 
interregional trade and commerce.
With the enactment of this bill, the public will have an opportunity to travel in any part of 
Luzon, Visayas or Mindanao via a railway system that links the three islands of the 
Philippines. Furthermore, this bill will bring about the consolidation of Philippine National 
Railways (PNR), the Light Rail Transit Authority (LRTA), the Panay Railways and the North 
Luzon Railway Corporation (NLRC) including all other rail offices and agencies into one 
entity which will exercise overall authority and management over the general conduct of the 
railway system of the country.
In view of the foregoing, the immediate approval of this bill is earnestly sought.
ANTONI(y“SQNNY’> F. TRILLANES IV
'  
Senator
SEVENTEENTH CONGRESS OF THE ) 
REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES 
)
First Regular Session 
)
SENATE
r.
Senate Bill No.
124
A
Introduced by Senator Juan Miguel F. Zubiri
AN ACT
INCREASING THE ALLOWABLE PERSONAL AND ADDITIONAL EXEMPTIONS 
OF INDIVIDUAL TAXPAYERS, AMENDING FOR THE PURPOSE SECTION 35 (A) 
AND (B) OF REPUBLIC ACT NO. 8424, OTHERWISE KNOWN AS THE 
NATIONAL INTERNAL REVENUE CODE OF 1997, AS AMENDED, AND FOR
OTHER PURPOSES
EXPLANATORY NOTE
By virtue of Republic Act No. 9504, mandatory deductions allowed to individual 
citizens in the Philippines were increased, regardless of status, in the amount of 
P50,000 and additional mandatory deduction of P25,000 for each qualified dependent 
child up to maximum of four (4) qualified dependent children. Citing a Supreme Court 
decision1, "personal exemptions are the theoretical personal, living and family expenses 
of an individual allowed to be deducted from the gross or net income of an individual 
taxpayer. These are arbitrary amounts which have been calculated by our lawmakers to 
be roughly equivalent to the minimum of subsistence, taking into account the personal 
status and additional qualified dependents of the taxpayer."
The same Supreme Court decision said that these allowable deductions "are 
fixed amounts in the sense that the amounts have been predetermined by our 
lawmakers as provided under Section 35 (A) and (B) of the Tax Code. Unless and until 
our lawmakers make new adjustments on these personal exemptions, the amounts 
allowed to be deducted by a taxpayer are fixed as predetermined by Congress."
It is, thus, the duty of Congress to review the levels of these allowable 
deductions and assess whether they still meet the demands of the increase cost of 
living. These exemptions were last adjusted in 2008. Moreover, the Philippines has not 
adjusted its personal income tax system since 1998 even when inflation has eroded the 
income tax brackets. A great deal of the measly income of Filipinos as a result goes to 
tax payments.
This proposed measure seeks to amend Section 35 (A) and (B) of the National 
Internal Revenue Code of 1997, as amended, by Increasing the current levels of 
personal and additional exemptions for individual taxpayers so they can retain 
additional 
portion of their hard earned 
income to spend on food, 
housing, 
transportation, health, education and other basic necessities. 
While this may have 
negative impact on the fiscal position of the government, the additional purchasing 
power is expected to boost consumption spending and consequently, spur economic
1 Carmelino F. Pansacola v. Commissioner o f Internal Revenue, G.R. No. 159991, 16 November 2 0 16
SEVENTEENTH CONGRESS OF THE 
) 
REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES 
)
First Regular Session 
)
S E N A T E  
S.B.No. I l l
2S1S
BILLS
Introduced by Senator Aquilino “Koko” Pimentel III
AN ACT
PROVIDING A FRAMEWORK FOR THE 
RIGHT TO ADEQUATE FOOD
EXPLANATORY NOTE
Numerous studies have established that a large number of our 
countrymen experience hunger. In 2015 alone, it was disclosed that 
approximately 13.4% of Filipino households reported themselves as having 
suffered or are suffering from involuntary hunger.1 While we profess to be an 
agricultural nation, the sad fact remains that we cannot seem to feed our own. 
This glaring inadequacy is further exacerbated by studies which confirm that 
in those situations where food reaches our countrymen, they nevertheless do 
not receive the right amount of nutrition that the human body needs to sustain 
a healthy and balanced life. Along this line, Ms. Hilal Elver, the United 
Nations Special Rapporteur on the right to food, stated during her fact­
finding mission to the Philippines that ''‘accessing adequate and nutritious 
food continues to be a challenge across most of the country both in terms of 
under and over nutrition, with women and children faring worstF Ms. Elver 
likewise remarked that '‘'‘the effects of under-nutrition are irreversible, and 
lack of access to adequate and nutritious food is having a detrimental effect 
on future generations and must be addressed as a matter of urgency^2 
Further, the recent “Kidapawan Incident” may be considered as a sorry 
reflection of our continued inability to provide food security for our people. 
For three days from March 30, 2016, thousands of farmers and their 
supporters made a blockade along the Davao-Cotabato Highway in 
Kidapawan, North Cotabato. The demonstration ended violently with deaths 
on the side of protesters and injuries on both sides of the protesters and the 
police.
Certainly, the foregoing should not only impress upon us the growing 
problem of food security and the dangers it poses on our populace but also 
impel us to take immediate and decisive action to arrest this trend. Indeed,
’ 2015 Social Weather Station Report
2 http://www.ohchr.org/EN/NewsEvents/Pages/DisplayNews.aspx?NewsID=15619&LangID=E.
SEVENTEENTH CONGRESS OF THE ) 
REPUBLIC OF THE PHIILIPPINES )
First Regular Session 
)
1 i-
ot t
1 ’’t 
n
'16 
JUL21 
P2 59
SENATE
s. No. 
831
K t » i , 
''V:
Introduced by Senator Ralph G. Recto
AN ACT
TO GUARANTEE THE HEALTH AND NUTRITION OF CHILDREN PROTECTING 
THEM 
FROM 
MALNUTRITION 
BY ESTABLISHING A COMPREHENSIVE 
CHILDREN’S HEALTH AND NUTRITION PROGRAM, PROVIDING FUNDS 
THEREFOR AND FOR OTHER PURPOSES
Explanatory Note
Our children are considered as this nation’s best investment. It is also said time and 
again, that the future of this country shall be shaped hy the children of today. It is therefore 
important that our ehildren are provided with the best kind of eare, protection and support that 
will guarantee their health, nutrition and well-being.
The recent report of the Food and Nutrition Research Institute (FNRI) of the Department 
of Science and Technology (DOST), however, stated that Filipino children are more 
malnourished today than ever.1 The same report indicated that 26.2% of Filipino children aged 
zero (0) to two (2) are suffering from chronic malnutrition, a rate highest in the last 10 years. 
Stunting rate among children under five (5) years old was at 33.5%, higher than that of last year 
at 30.5%. Ten percent (10%) of children with cases of stunted growth also grew at an average of 
40% in just a span of two years, from 2013 to 2015.2
Malnutrition and under-nutrition among pregnant women was also high at 25% in 2013.3 
This means that even before the children comes out from their mother’s womb, they are already 
malnourished or undernourished. The chances are, they will also suffer from chronic 
malnutrition and stunted growth as they grow up and will face greater risk of getting ill in the 
future.
This bill aims to address the problem of malnutrition and under-nutrition among our 
Filipino children by establishing a comprehensive children’s health and nutrition program. It will 
institute a First 1000 Days Program at the barangay level to cater to the health and nutrition of 
mothers and their children from conception up to 1000 days or (2) years of age, extendable to 
another year until the children reached the age of three (3) by providing counselling and 
instructions to mothers and feeding in the form of milk and food for their children.
1 See “National Survey: Chronic Malnutrition in PH Worst in 10 Years”, Rappler, April 21,2016. Accessed at
http://www.rappler.com/move-ph/issues/hunger/l30046-philippines-chronic-malnutrition on July 11 2016
2 Ibid.
See “ Latest PH Nutntion Survey Reveals Little Progress in Beating Hunger", Rappler, September 1,2015. Accessed at
http://www.rappler.com/move-ph/issues/hunger/61824-20l3-national-nutrition-survey on July 11,2016.
6 ^
diiu* •( tt|e ^rrrif»*i tl
SEVENTEENTH CONGRESS OF THE 
)
REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES 
)
First Regular Session 
)
SENATE
S.NO. 555
'16 J8L19 P4 4l'
.’’Y;
Introduced by Senator Antonio “Sonny” F. Trillanes IV
AN ACT
TO PROVIDE FOR A FRAMEWORK IN THE CARE AND TREATMENT OF 
DIABETES, 
APPROPRIATING 
FUNDS 
THEREFOR, 
AND 
FOR 
OTHER 
PURPOSES
EXPLANATORY NOTE
Article II Section 15 of the 1987 Constitution provides that the State shall protect and 
promote the right to health of the people and instill health consciousness among them. 
Despite such policy, efforts on the part of the government remain inadequate espeeially in 
light of the soaring number of Filipinos afflicted with disabling and costly diseases such as 
diabetes. Dubbed as a silent killer, diabetes ranks 8th among the leading causes of mortality 
in the Philippines. Over time, diabetes can lead to heart and blood vessel disease, blindness, 
kidney failure, and foot ulcers among other conditions. It is expected that over seven (7) 
million Filipinos will have diabetes by 2030. Furthermore, diabetes awareness is low among 
the public.
It is in this light that this bill seeks to promote a different approach in responding to this 
illness. This measure requires the Department of Health (DOH) to establish an advisory 
group to examine and recommend best practices of diabetes and chronic illness employee 
wellness incentivization and disease management programs; to prepare, biennially, a diabetes 
report card for the nation that: (1) is adaptable by state and local agencies in order to rate or 
report local diabetes care, costs, and prevalence; and (2) includes trend analysis in order to 
track progress in meeting established national goals and objectives and to inform policy and 
program development; to conduct, support, and promote the collection, analysis, and 
publication of data on the prevalence and incidence of type 1 and 2 diabetes and of pre­
diabetes; and to improve diabetes mortality data collection.
It is hoped that the passage of this measure shall put a halt to this fast-growing pandemic and 
shall bring about a healthier diabetes-free population.
In view of the foregoing, approval of this measure is earnestly sought.
ANTON
I -
fONNV” F. TRILLANES IV
e m ito r
SEVENTEENTH CONGRESS OF THE REPUBLIC 
OF THE PHILIPPINES
First Regular Session
S E N A T E
SB._34a
DATE
BILLS
Introduced by Senator Poe
AN ACT
PROVIDING 
ASSISTANCE 
TO 
FRESH 
GRADUATES 
BY 
WAIVING 
GOVERNMENT FEES AND CHARGES COLLECTED IN CONNECTION WITH 
DOCUMENTARY REQUIREMENTS FOR EMPLOYMENT
Explanatory Note
It is not surprising that a young person, fresh out of college and aspiring to have a 
decent opportunity and livelihood, finds himself at a loss on how to pay for various pre­
employment documents, clearances and applications required of him or her by a prospective 
employer. The requirements include Police or National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) 
Clearance, identification card or number from Social Security System (SSS), certification or 
community tax certificate from the local government, tax identification number (or TIN) and 
other fees to be paid, among others.
The situation is somewhat difficult and at times oppressive considering that the new 
graduates are usually seeking employment precisely to obtain a regular income for the first 
time and that by the time a student graduates, the family resources are often severely depleted 
because of the high costs of a college education.
This bill seeks to address the situation illustrated above not by means of a dole-out but 
by a reasonable waiver of the fees collected by government for various clearances.
SEVENTEENTH CONGRESS OF THE 
]
REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES 
]
First R egular Session 
]
SENATE
905
•16 
II !L 2 8  
A11 -02
n y .
S.B. No.
In tro d u ced  by SEN. WIN GATCHAl IAN
AN ACT
BANNING THE CATCHING, SALE, PURCHASE, POSSESSION, 
TRANSPORTATION, IMPORTATION, AND EXPORTATION OF ALL SHARKS AND 
RAYS OR ANY PART THEREOF IN THE COUNTRY
EXPLANATORY NOTE
The Philippines is known as the center of m arine biodiversity, having 
about tw o-thirds of the known m arine species of the Pacific living in its coastal 
w aters. Sharks, as predators of the sea, play a vital role in regulating 
the ecological balance-, particularly the health of im portant commercial fish species, 
population balance, and protection of coral reefs. As such, our country plays a 
crucial role in protecting these m arine species.
Despite their im portance, these sea creatures hav< been hunted by hum ans 
for their m eat and fins. CNN and a conservation group called Shark Savers state 
that, “up to 100 million sharks are killed annually, -with some shark populations 
declining by as m uch as 90 percent.”
Num erous laws ha\ e been put in place to protect our environm ent apd its 
flora and fauna. The 1987 Constitution provides that, “[tine State shall protect and 
advance the right of the people to a balanced and healt' ijuI ecology in accord with 
the rhythm  and harm ony cf n ature.”
Similarly, Republic Act 9146 or the Wildlife Recources Conservation and 
Protection Act states, th at “it shall be the policy of tire State to conserve the 
country’s -wildlife resources, their habitats and sustainability,” and shall work
SEVENTEENTH CONGRESS OF THE ) 
REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES 
) 
First Regular Session 
)
•''ivy 
'7
'9 f(ir»  of H ie ji’- n .- r i i t u
16 
,illU 9  
P? 14
S. No.
SENATE
515
Introduced by Senator Antonio “Sonny” F. Trillancs IV
AN ACT
CREATING 
THE 
GOVERNMENT 
ASSET 
MANAGEMENT 
AUTHORITY, 
DEFINING 
ITS 
POWERS 
AND 
FUNCTIONS, 
APPROPRIATING 
FUNDS 
THEREFOR, AND FOR OTHER PURPOSES
EXPLANATORY NOTE
Proclamation No. 50, issued on 08 December 1986, launched a program for the disposition of 
non-performing assets of government financial institutions and government corporations that 
have been found unnecessary and inappropriate for the public sector to maintain. It created 
the Committee on Privatization (COP) and the Asset Privatization Trust (APT). These were 
replaced, however, by the Privatization Council (PrC) and the Privatization and Management 
Office (PMO) by virtue of Executive Order No. 323 issued on 06 December 2001.
Considering that there are still a number of government assets to be subsequently divested to 
the private sector, a specialized corporate body should therefore be organized.
This bill seeks to create the Government Asset Management Authority (GAMA), which shall 
pursue a coordinated and efficient program for the disposition and liquidation of non-relevant 
and non-perfonning government assets, including surrendered assets of the Presidential 
Commission on Good Government (PCGG). Consequently, it proposes to abolish the PC, 
PMO and the Board of Liquidators, and their respective properties, assets and liabilities, 
fund, and personnel immediately transferred to the GAMA.
The GAMA shall remit to the National Treasury any and all proceeds from the sale and 
disposition of government assets, in which 60% shall go to the special account of the 
Agrarian Refonn Fund and 40% to the General Fund.
In view of the foregoing, the immediate approval of this bill is earnestly sought.
ANT
JNY” FVTRILLANES
Senator
SEVENTEETH CONGRESS OF THE } 
REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES 
} 
First Regular Session 
]
-I1 Hi 
,'rrirtnry
'16 
JI.1N 30 PI2 -44
Ki v.n !• n r.v
S E N A T E  
S.B. No. 
8
In tro d u ce d  by SENATOR VICENTE C. SOTTO III
AN ACT
PROVIDING FOR AFFORDABLE DRUG REHABILITATION TREATMENT 
FOR PHILIPPINE HEALTH INSURANCE CORPORATION (PHIC) 
BENEFICIARIES, FURTHER AMENDING REPUBLIC ACT 7 8 7 5 , AS
AMENDED
EXPLANATORY NOTE
One of the pervading social ills at present is rampant drug addiction. 
Various laws have been passed to prevent and control this drug menace. 
What has been overlooked however and has not been properly addressed is 
the rehabilitation of drug dependents, providing for such facilities and 
medical treatment to ensure their complete recovery and eventual social 
reintegration.
All over the Philippines, across the regions are private and 
government-run rehabilitation centers. However, based on a 2009 survey, 
there are 1.7 million drug dependents. Of this, only 2000 underwent 
treatment and rehabilitation. The cost of treatment and rehabilitation 
discourages families of drug dependents to avail of the same.
This bill therefore proposes that Philippine Health Insurance 
Corporation (PHIC) beneficiaries who are drug dependents and who submit 
to treatment and rehabilitation to an accredited health care provider shall be 
at an affordable cost. This is pursuant to the constitutional mandate, "that 
the State shall adopt an Integrated and comprehensive approach to health 
development which shall endeavor to make essential goods, health and other 
social services available to all the people at affordable cost."
SEVENTEENTH CONGRESS OF THE ) 
REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES 
)
First Regular Session 
)
S E N A T E  
S.B. No. 
2 B3-
O AH
4
Introduced by Senator Aquilino “Koko” Pimentel HI
AN ACT
DECLARING A ONE-TIME AMNESTY ON ESTATE TAX, 
INCLUSIVE OF FINES, INTEREST, AND SURCHARGE 
PENALTIES, AND OTHER ADDITIONS THERETO, AND FOR
OTHER PURPOSES
EXPLANATORY NOTE
Statistics from the Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR) indicate that 
there has been a wide mismatch between the number of estate tax returns 
filed in the past years and the total number of reported deaths, to wit;
Year
Number of Deaths 
recorded1
Estate Tax Returns 
Filed2
2011
498,486 
1
35,972
2012
514,745
39,893
2013
531,280
40,325
The abovementioned numbers reveal that a substantial number of 
the Filipinos may not be familiar with this type of tax as shown by the 
dismal rate of tax compliance. Besides, death in the family is marked by 
a prolonged period of grief that any mention of estate tax obligation is 
not usually observed nor commonly practiced.
1 Philippine Statistics Authority
Retrieved from: https://psa.gov.ph/content/deaths-philippines, on June 29, 2016.
2Bureau of Internal Revenue.
Retrieved from: http://www.bir.gov.ph/images/bir-files/annual_reports/
-
‘ 
. ',*1
^  V M i <■
( f t i f . c r  t '* t i i :  '"rcrr'.'irti
SEVENTEENTH CONGRESS OF THE } 
REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES 
}
First Regular Session 
}
16 JUN 30 H7:43
S E N A T E  
S.B. N o .___• _
In tro d u ce d  by SENATOR VICENTE C. SOTTO III
AN ACT
TO ERADICATE MOBILE PHONE-AIDED TERRORISM  
AND CRIMINAL ACTIVITES MANDATING FOR THIS PURPOSE 
OWNERSHIP REGISTRATION OF ALL PRE-PAID SIM CARDS FOR
CELLULAR PHONES
EXPLANATORY NOTE
Mobile phone technology evolved over the years since its inception 
using analogue system that started wireless telephony until it turned digital. 
Such revolution in the technology continues to advance with the emergence 
of smart phones that brings out not only the delivery of better services for 
telecommunication producing crisp voice reception, real time SMS delivery, 
but countless of other digital services like Long Term Evolution (LTE) or 4G 
capable of handling and transferring large size of data making remote access 
to bank accounts, pa5mient facilities and countless of other remote 
technological innovations, integrated into a digital SIM card utilized by 
mobile phones, at everyone's fingertips. 
✓
The benefits of having this kind of technology however, do not always 
work for the betterment of the society. It has become a common practice for 
modern-day criminals and terrorists to take advantage of the mobile phone 
technology in carrying out their illegal activities, particularly phones using 
pre-paid SIM cards due to their nature of being unregistered and 
untraceable.
, 
r *®flire tif iltf ^  prtpi.ii*!
SEVENTEENTH CONGRESS OF THE REPUBLIC 
OF THE PHILIPPINES
First Regular Session
S E N A T E
s.B. 877
'16 
IIIL 26 A 9 :04
H I- • ' r- ; ■' PY;
Introduced by Senator Poe
AN ACT
ESTABLISHING AN INFORMATION AND COMMUNICATIONS TECHNOLOGY 
(ICT) HUB IN EVERY LEGISLATIVE DISTRICT OF THE PHILIPPINES AND 
FOR OTHER PURPOSES
Explanatory Note
The archipelagic nature of the Philippines has always proved to be a challenge to our 
government. The more than 7,000 islands and various bodies of water surrounding these 
islands bogged down many government development projects to the detriment of our people. 
With the advent of information and commimications technology, however, bringing programs 
and services to the remotest of barangays has now become doable and feasible.
The deregulation of the telecommunications industry which began in 1987 brought 
tremendous changes in the way we communicate with each other and with the world. This 
enabled universal access to information and communications technology thereby allowing the 
development of cyber services. This allowed the country to participate in the Global Off­
shoring and Outsourcing (Global O & O) Industry. Consequently, niche markets emerged in 
animation, customer contact, back office, software development and other cyber services. As 
of 2010, the Information and Communications Technology (ICT) sector generated USD5.7 
Billion in revenues and has been employing around half a million jobs and has been offering 
countless opportunities for the Philippines.
IT-related industries, BPO/contact centers, and tourism are among the priority 
investment areas in the Investment Priority Plan. With more investment in these industries, 
especially in information and technology, we should be able to create more ICT Hubs in 
every legislative district of the country. Said creation of ICT Hubs should allow the country 
to become more competitive and aggressive towards future progress and development.
SEVENTEENTH CONGRESS OF THE 
REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES
First Regular Session
S.B. No.
SENATE
13G
ms
Introduced by Senator SONNY ANGARA
AN ACT
TO PROTECT FILIPINO MOTHERS AND CHILDREN FROM MALNUTRITION BY 
ESTABLISHING A MATERNAL AND CHILD HEALTH CARE PROGRAM 
APPROPRIATING FUNDS FOR THE PURPOSE
A child's first 1,000 days-the period covering the 9 months of a mother's pregnancy and 
her child's first two years-has been dubbed a "window of opportunity." This period is extremely 
crucial to a child's fair start in life. As a 2015 Philippine Legislators Committee on Population 
and Development (PLCPD) policy brief emphasized:
".../The first 1,000 days] is when nutrition trumps genetics and a person's 
potential is maximized. Getting proper nutrition in the first 1,000 days is crucial 
for physical growth of children, a pathway out of poverty for poor households, 
and a driver of growth for countries. It prevents more than one-third of child 
deaths per year, improves school attainment by at least one year, increases 
wages by 5 to 50 percent, reduces poverty because well-nourished children are 
33 percent more likely to escape poverty as adults, empowers women to be 10 
percent more likely to run their own business and break the intergenerational 
cycle of poverty."
Unfortunately, many are unaware of this. Programs for antenatal and postnatal care-as 
well as for newborn health and nutrition-may be in place, but more priority and policy focus 
must be dedicated to ensuring that our pregnant mothers and newborns receive proper nutrition. 
Thus, a more comprehensive policy regime is needed.
According to UNICEF, such a policy regime should -  1) ensure the nutrition of pregnant 
mothers and adolescent girls; 2) mainstream improved breastfeeding practices and 3) improved 
complementary feeding practices; 4) provide improved protection against undernutrition and 
disease to children between 6 and 24 months; and 5) ensure proper feeding of children who are 
sick and undernourished. Support to barangay health volunteers including training courses are 
likewise sought to be put in place to help ensure the effective implementation the interventions 
during the child's first 1,000 days.
The foregoing measure outlines and aims to establish a First 1,000 Days Program in 
every barangay. Such program lays the proper foundation for the country's future growth and 
development.
Hence, its swift passage is earnestly sought.
/
SONNYANGARA
SEVENTEENTH CONGRESS OF THE 
REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES
First Regular Session
S E N A T 
S. B.No. 1 1 7
datbIUN
id
BILLS
Introduced by Senator Aquilino “Koko99 Pimentel HI
AN ACT
STRENGTHENING THE PROHIBITION AGAINST LABOR-ONLY 
CONTRACTING, AMENDING FOR THIS PURPOSE 
PRESIDENTIAL DECREE NO. 442, OTHERWISE KNOWN AS 
THE LABOR CODE OF THE PHILIPPINES, AS AMENDED
EXPLANATORY NOTE
Article II, Section 18 of the 1987 Constitution provides that “[t]he 
State affirms labor as a primary social economic force. It shall protect the 
rights of workers and promote their welfare.” Article XllI, Section 3 also 
states that “[t]he State shall afford full protection to labor, local and 
overseas, organized and unorganized, and promote full employment and 
equality of employment opportunities for all.” The same provision further 
mandates the right of all workers to security of tenure, humane conditions 
of work, and a living wage.
To implement these constitutional guarantees. Presidential Decree 
No. 442, otherwise known as The Labor Code of the Philippines, as 
amended, was enforced. P.D. No. 442 construes security of tenure to mean 
that in cases of regular employment, the employer shall not terminate the 
services of an employee without just or authorized cause.
Despite the rights of the workers under constitutional and labor laws, 
there are employers who wantonly circumvent labor laws through a system 
that is designed to prevent workers from attaining regular employment and 
security of tenure, such as by terminating employment every five months 
and thereafter rehiring the same workers for the same duration, or by 
denying the existence of employer-employee relationship by engaging the
SEVENTEENTH CONGRESS OF THE REPUBLIC 
)
OF THE PHILIPPINES 
)
First Regular Session 
)
(Cflirt of lhel>crTft,ir
'16 JUL20 P3 -11
SENATE
S.B, No. 663
K K r i - i S  i ,1! « Y : _ ^ p L
Introduced by: Senator Paolo Benigno "Bam " A. Aquino IV
AN ACT
ASSIGNING ONE REGISTERED NURSE FOR EVERY PUBLIC SCHOOL IN THE PHILIPPINES
EXPLANATORY NOTE
Delivering quality education isn't just a matter of delivering instructional modules 
inside the classroom. Quality education, that every Filipino child deserves, is holistic in 
nature. It is concerned with the whole self- physical, mental and spiritual.
With a fifth of the Filipino populace under the poverty line, health-related issues of 
school children abound, thus hampering their ability to learn and retain lessons and skills. 
Some students might even be forced to skip school days due to sickness, further impeding 
their ability to learn.
Thus, this measure proposes that students' access to basic health care services in 
schools be assured by requiring every public school to employ at least one registered nurse 
to look after the health and nutritional needs of its students.
Nurses are as important as other support personnel in the school system. 1 They 
attend to the physical and mental-health needs of students. They can even spearhead 
programs to promote nutrition and contribute health-related content in the curriculum.
Having a nurse in every school emphasizes the value of health, nutrition and well­
being as part of the formation of our Filipino children.
In view of the foregoing, immediate approval of this bill is earnestly sought.
Senator ^ablo Benigno "^ a m " A. Aquino IV
S c m lll'J 'T Cn (S.CptC,;lbcr 
201 I )• “ A Nurse in Fvc,-y School? Not in Florida ^  Not I-ven Close ” Orlando
20 I o S s  
T
r  Via htt0://artlc cs’° rlantioscn,inel.com/201 I -09-26/lnisincss/os-rewcr-school-nurses-norida- 
092. 
l_school-nurscs-practical-nurses-studcnts-with-chronic-illncsscs last August 18. 2014.
SEVENTEENTH CONGRESS OF THE REPUBLIC 
OF THE PHILIPPINES
First Regular Session
S E N A T E  
S- B.___
r>
RECEIVED
datbIUN
d
BILLS
Introduced by Senator Poe
AN ACT
INSTITUTING A FREE NUTRI-MEALS PROGRAM TO CHILDREN ENROLLED IN 
ALL ELEMENTARY SCHOOLS INCLUDING KINDERGARTEN AND HIGH 
SCHOOLS IN THE K-12 PUBLIC EDUCATION SECTOR, PROVIDING 
FRAMEWORK FOR ITS MEANINGFUL IMPLEMENTATION, APPROPRIATING 
FUNDS THEREFOR, AND FOR OTHER PURPOSES
Explanatory Note
Philippines has been reported as one of the countries in the world that account for the 
bulk of malnutrition worldwide.1 The Philippines has 3.6 million stunted children which made it 
rank 9th in terms of countries with the highest burden of stunting.2 It ranked 10th among the 
countries with the highest burden of wasting.3 Moderate or severe wasting in the Philippines was 
estimated at 8 percent in 2013. This translates to about 769,000 children suffering from either 
moderate or severe wasting.4 National nutrition surveys also revealed that there are specific areas 
in the country that are more vulnerable to malnutrition.5 Provinces in the Autonomous Region of 
Muslim Mindanao (ARMM) have consistently exhibited critical levels of stunting and wasting.6 
The volatile peace and order situation adds to the vulnerability brought about by less than ideal 
socioeconomic situation that characterized the region.7
Though official statistics and reports on the economic situation of the Philippines portray 
it to have grown by leaps and bounds in the past three decades, said economic gains did not 
trickle down to poor households.8 4 in 10 households in the Philippines are unable to provide 
their children nutritionally adequate meals, resulting to food security in a significant proportion 
(23%) of children under 10 years.9 The Philippine Government must ensure that economic gains 
must reach every nook and cranny especially those who need help the most.
1 United Nations System in the Philippines. 2011. Supporting inclusive, sustainable and resilient development: The 
United Nations Development Assistance for the Philippines. In
http://www.un.org.ph/UNDAF%201aunch_FlNAL%20printing.pdf. Accessed 28 August 2015.
2 https://www.savethechildren.org.ph/__data/assets/pdf_file/0007/109834/Save-the-Children-LahatDapat-Sizing- 
Up-the-stunting-and-child-malnutrition-problem-in-the-Philippines-Report-September-2015.pdf
3 Ibid.
4 UNICEF. 2013. Improving Child Nutrition: The achievable imperative for global progress. New York. UNICEF.
5 https://www.savethechildren.org.ph/__data/assets/pdf_file/0007/109834/Save-the-Children-LahatDapat-Sizing- 
Up-the-stunting-and-child-malnutrition-problem-in-the-Philippines-Report-September-2015.pdf
6 Ibid.
1 Ibid.
8 Ibid.
9 Ibid.
SEVENTEENTH CONGRESS OF THE 
]
REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES 
First R egular Session
]
SENATE 
S. No. 
2 0 2
BILLS &
In tro d u ced  by SEN. SHERWIN T. GATCHALIAN
AN ACT
REQUIRING BUSINESS ESTABLISHMENTS, PUBLIC AND PRIVATE 
BUILDINGS AND OFFICES, PARKS, PUBLIC AND PRIVATE SCHOOLS, 
STREETS OR ALLEYS, AND OTHER PLACES OF PUBLIC 
CONGREGATION TO INSTALL CLOSED-CIRCUIT TELEVISION (CCTV) 
CAMERAS AS A MEANS TO DETER THE COMMISSION OF CRIMES
EXPLANATORY NOTE
The prevalence of crime continues to be unabated. As much as law 
enforcement has intensified its campaign to rid the communities of crime 
habitues, its efforts are sometimes inadequate, because criminals have 
likewise become resourceful and adept at avoiding capture. The public has 
become wary and have tried innovative m eans to guard themselves and 
their property. The emergence of the CCTV has been most helpful to the 
public in general because of its usefulness in detecting crimes, solving 
unresolved offenses, finding lost or misplaced items, and simply guarding 
the premises. Its roving surveillance, captures images in the most 
unguarded moments, take the perfect example of the Vhong Navarro 
incident. Without corroborative evidence of the events, captured in the 
CCTV footage of the condominium lobby and elevator, the veracity of the
SEVENTEENTH CONGRESS 
)
REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES 
)
First Regular Session 
)
S E N A T E
S.B. fro. 449
D
DATE
TIME:
y
BILLS
In tro d u ced  by SENATOR LOREN LEGARDA
AN ACT PROVIDING FOR THE MANNER AND DATE OF ELECTION OF 
SECTORAL REPRESENTATIVES TO THE LOCAL SANGGUNIAN
Explanatory Note
This bill seeks to provide the enabling law for the im plem entation of the 
provision on local sectoral representation as provided for under Republic Act 
No. 7160 otherwise knows as the “Local Government Code of 1991”.
The 
C onstitution 
encourages non-governm ental, 
com m unity-based 
or 
sectoral organizations th at prom ote the welfare of the nation (Article II, 
Section 23). It also respects the role of independent people’s organizations to 
enable the people to pursue and protect, within the dem ocratic framework, 
their legitimate and collective interests and aspirations through peaceful 
and lawful m eans. C onsistent with these State policies. Article X, Section 9 
provides th at legislative bodies of local governm ents shall have sectoral 
representation as m ay be prescribed by law, which essentially provides a 
venue for com m unity-based organizations to participate in formal local 
governance processes.
Local sectoral representation is an im portant step tow ards advancing the 
decentralization in the Philippine governm ental system. Decentralization, 
am ong others, seeks to bring the governm ent closer to the people, to m ake it 
more responsive to local needs, and to harness the participation of 
grassroots com m unities in public policymaking. Participation of local 
sectoral groups in the local legislative bodies will help ensure th at the 
interests of the m arginalized sectors are articulated and these will allow 
them  to contribute in m aking decisions th at directly affect their social, 
political and economic concerns.
Section 41, par. C of R.A. No. 7160 sought to pursue the Constitutional 
provisions on local sectoral representation. This bill addresses the need for 
an enabling law to allow broader representation and participation of 
com m unity-based and people’s organizations in local governance.
In view of the foregoing, the imm ediate passage of this bill is earnestly 
sought.
LOREN^jE
enator