bettergovph/raw-philippine-data huggingface dataset:
FOURTEENTH CONGRESS OF THE REPUBLIC) 
8 
S[p 30 
;3 3 :,,;!, 
OF THE PHILIPPINES 
1 
Second Regular Session 
) 
SENATE 
S. No. 
Introduced by Senator Miriam Defensor Santiago 
EXPLANATORY NOTE 
Article 11, Section 16, of the Constitution provides: 
“The State shall protect and advance the right of the people lo a balanced 
and healthfhl ecology in accord with the rhythm and harmony of nature” 
The proximity o€ landfills/garbage dumps to institutions of public or private education 
is a vital concern to the safety and health of students. Prohibiting the issuance of permits for 
landfills within twenty kilometers of educational institutions allows for a safe environment 
essential for learning. 
This bill would ensure that the experience of U.P. Los Baiios as regards a neighboring 
dumpsite will not be replicated elsewhere. The 1-hectare open dumpsite in Los Bafios is located 
at the buffer zone of the Mt. Makiling Forest Reserve between the Saran Creek and a private 
property along the Jamboree site and National Road 


9 
10 
11 
12 
13 
14 
FOURTEENTH CONGRESS OF THE REPUBLIC ) 
OF THE PHILIPPINES 
) 
Second Regular Session 
1 
SENATE 
S.No. 2643 
Introduced by Senator Miriam Defensor Santiago 
AN ACT 
PROHIBITING THE SITING OF LANDFILLS/GARE%AGE DUMPS NEAR 
EDUCATIONAL FACILITIES 
Be it enacted by the Senate and House OjRepresentatives ojthe Philippines in Congress 
assern bled: 
SECTION 1. Prohibition. No permit for a IandfiWgarbage dump shall be issued when 
its premises or portion thereof is located within 20 kilometers of a public or private institution of 
elementary, secondary, or higher education. 
SECTION 2. Repealing Clause. - All laws, decrees, orders, rules and regulations or parts 
thereof inconsistent with the provisions of this Act are hereby repealed, amended or modified 
accordingly. 
SECTION 3. Eflectivity Clause. - This Act shall take effect after fifteen (15) days 
following its publication in the Oflcial Gazette or in two (2) newspapers of general circulation. 
Approved, 
1
Introduced by HON. RAMON BONG REVILLA, JR. 
EXPLANATORY NOTE 
When Republic Act 8187 was enacted, the primary consideration of the framers of 
this law is to enable the husband to effectively render support, care and assistance to the 
wife in her period of recovery and/or in the nursing of the newly born child. 
However, RA 8 187 limits the entitlement of this law to the first four deliveries of 
the wife. This bill seeks to amend the existing law by repealing said provision and thus, 
allowing the husband to avail of the said benefit in all the deliveries of the wife. This is in 
recognition to the vital role of the husband in assisting the wife during her post-delivery 
condition. Moreover, it is just logical that if there are more children the couple begot, the 
wife needs more the helping hand of the husband to take care and look out to the other 
children. 
Approval of this bill is earnestly recommended. 


FOURTEENTH CONGRESS of the 
) 
,*” ,\ 
Second Regular Session 
1 
REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES 
) 
8 ,I& 
-2 
?#lU 
d 
P% ~~~~~i~~~~~ 
BY : .,. 
b$ 
SENATE 
S.B. No. :? 4 2 5 
Introduced by HON. RAMON BONG REVILLA, JR. 
AN ACT 
AMENDING SECTION 2 OF REPUBLIC ACT NO. 8187, 
OTHERWISE KNOWN AS THE “PATERNITY LEAVE ACT OF 1996” 
Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the Philippines 
in Congress assembled: 
SECTION 1. Section 2 of Republic Act No. 8187, otherwise known as the 
Pateinity Leave Act of 1996 is hereby amended to read as follows: 
“Section 2. Notwithstanding any law, rules and regulations to 
the contrary, every married male employee in the private and public 
sectors shall be entitled to a paternity leave of seven (7) days with 
full pay for the [first four (4) deliveries] DELIVERY ofthe 
legitimate spouse with whom he is cohabiting. The male employee 
applying for paternity leave shall notify his employer of the 
pregnancy of his legitimate spouse and the expected date of such 
delivery. 
For purposes, of this Act, delivery shall include childbirth or any 
miscarriage. 
1 


SEC. 2. Separability Clause - If for any reason any section or provision of 
this Act is declared unconstitutional, other provisions hereof which are not 
effected thereby shall continue to be in full force and effect. 
SEC. 3. Repealing Clause. - Any laws, decrees, or rules and regulations 
which are inconsistent with or contray to the provisions of this Act are hereby 
amended or repealed. 
SEC. 4. Effectivity Clause. - This Act shall take effect upon its publication 
in at least two (2) national newspapers of general circulation. 
Approved, 
2
FOURTEENTH CONGRESS OF THE 
) 
REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES 
) 
Second Regular Session 
) 
SENATE 
R 
N[N i i 
Introduced by Senator FRANCIS G. ESCUDERO 
EXPLANATORY NOTE 
Section 16, Article 111 of our Constitution gives each person the right to a speedy 
trial, it provides that: “All persons shall have the right to a speedy disposition of their 
cases before all judicial, quasi-judicial, or administrative bodies.” 
The Judiciary Reorganization Act of 1980 (BP 129) allotted the corresponding 
Twenty seven years have passed since the effectivity of BP 129. 
Because of the increase in our population and the increase in the volume of 
cases filed, our court dockets have been clogged and this has resulted in the delay in 
the resolution of cases. 
number of courts per judicial region based on the exigencies existing at that time. 
In order to improve the disposition and administration of justice and to ensure the 
right to a speedy trial, the number of courts must necessarily be increased. 
In view of the foregoing provisions, the approval of this bill is earnestly 
recommended. 


FOURTEENTH CONGRESS OF THE 
) 
REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES 
) 
Second Regular Session 
1 
S. No. 2752 
Introduced by Senator FRANCIS G. ESCUDERO 
AN ACT 
THE FOURTH JUDICIAL REGION TO BE STATIONED AT GUMACA, QUEZON, 
AMENDING FOR THE PURPOSE BATAS PAMBANSA BILANG 129, 
AS AMENDED, OTHERWISE KNOWN AS THE JUDICIARY REORGANIZATION ACT 
OF 1980 AND APPROPRIATING FUNDS THEREFOR. 
CREATING THREE ADDITIONAL BRANCHES OF THE REGIONAL TRIAL COURT IN 
Be it enacted by the Senate and the House of Representatives of the Philippines in 
Congress assembled: 
SECTION 1. Section 14, Paragraph (e) of Batas Pambansa Big. 129, as amended, 
otherwise known as the Judiciary Reorganization Act of 1980, is hereby amended to 
create three additional branches and shall read as follows: 
"SEC. 14. Regional Trial Courts.-- 
(e) [Eighty-two] Regional Trial Judges shall be commissioned for the Fourth Judicial 
Region AS FOLLOWS. There shall be: 
"x x x FIVE Branches [LXI to LXII] at Gumaca, x x x;" 
x x x  
x x x  
x x x  
SECTION 2. The Supreme Court shall number and assign the additional branches in 
Gumaca, Quezon in accordance with this Act. 
SECTION 3. The Chief Justice of the Supreme Court, in coordination with the Secretary 
of the Department of Justice, shall immediately include in the court's program the 
operationalization of the additional regional trial court branches in Gumaca, Quezon, the 
funding of which shall be included in the annual General Appropriations Act. 
SECTION 4. This Act shall take effect upon its approval. 
Approved,
FOURTEENTH CONGRESS OF THE 
) 
REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES 
) 
Second Regular Session 
1 
SENATE 
S. No. %? 
Introduced by Senator FRANCIS G. ESCUDERO 
EXPLANATORY NOTE 
Section 16, Article 111 of our Constitution gives each person the right to a speedy 
trial, it provides that: "All persons shall have the right to a speedy disposition of their 
cases before all judicial, quasi-judicial, or administrative bodies." 
The Judiciary Reorganization Act of 1980 (BP 129) allotted the corresponding 
Twenty seven years have passed since the effectivity of BP 129 
Because of the increase in our population and the increase in the volume of 
cases filed, our court dockets have been clogged and this has resulted in the delay in 
the resolution of cases. 
number of courts per judicial region based on the exigencies existing at that time. 
In order to improve the disposition and administration of justice and to ensure the 
right to a speedy trial, the number of courts must necessarily be increased. 
In view of the foregoing provisions, the approval of this bill is earnestly 
recommended. 
FRANCIS 5. ESCUDERO 


FOURTEENTH CONGRESS OF THE 
) 
REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES 
1 
Second Regular Session 
1 
Introduced by Senator FRANCIS G. ESCUDERO 
AN ACT 
CREATING ONE ADDITIONAL BRANCH OF THE REGIONAL TRIAL COURT IN THE 
THIRD JUDICIAL REGION TO BE STATIONED AT SAN JOSE CITY, NUEVA ECIJA, 
AMENDING FOR THE PURPOSE BATAS PAMBANSA BILANG 129, 
AS AMENDED, OTHERWISE KNOWN AS THE JUDICIARY REORGANIZATION ACT 
OF 1980 AND APPROPRIATING FUNDS THEREFOR. 
Be it enacted by the Senate and the House of Representatives of the Philippines in 
Congress assembled: 
SECTION 1. Section 14, Paragraph (c) of Batas Pambansa Blg. 129, as amended, 
otherwise known as the Judiciary Reorganization Act of 1980, is hereby amended to 
create one additional branch and shall read as follows: 
"SEC. 14. Regional Trial Courts.-- 
x x x  
(c) [Seventy-five] Regional Trial Judges shall be commissioned for the Third Judicial 
Region AS FOLLOWS. There shall be: 
x x x  
"x x x THREE Branches [XXXVIII and XXXIX] at San Jose CITY;" 
x x x  
SECTION 2. The Supreme Court shall number and assign the additional branch of the 
Regional Trial Court in San Jose City, Nueva Ecija in accordance with this Act. 
SECTION 3. The Chief Justice of the Supreme Court, in coordination with the Secretary 
of the Department of Justice, shall immediately include in the court's program the 
operationalization of the additional regional trial court branch in San Jose City, Nueva 
Ecija, the funding of which shall be included in the annual General Appropriations Act. 
SECTION 4. This Act shall take effect upon its approval. 
Approved,
FOURTEENTH CONGRESS OF THE 
) 
REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES 
) 
Second Regular Session 
1 
SENATE 
S.No. 2855 
Introduced by Senator FRANCIS G. ESCUDERO 
EXPLANATORY NOTE 
Section 16, Article 111 of our Constitution gives each person the right to a speedy 
trial, it provides that: "All persons shall have the right to a speedy disposition of their 
cases before all judicial, quasi-judicial, or administrative bodies." 
The Judiciary Reorganization Act of 1980 (BP 129) allotted the corresponding 
number of courts per judicial region based on the exigencies existing at that time. 
Twenty seven years have passed since the effectivity of BP 129 
Because of the increase in our population and the increase in the volume of 
cases filed, our court dockets have been clogged and this has resulted in the delay in 
the resolution of cases. 
In order to improve the disposition and administration of justice and to ensure the 
In view of the foregoing provisions, the approval of this bill is earnestly 
right to a speedy trial, the number of courts must necessarily be increased. 
recommended. 
FRANCIS 2. ESCUDERO 


FOURTEENTH CONGRESS OF THE 
) 
REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES 
) 
Second Regular Session 
1 
SENATE 
S. No. 2855 
Introduced by Senator FRANCIS G. ESCUDERO 
AN ACT 
CREATING SIX ADDITIONAL BRANCHES OF THE MUNICIPAL TRIAL COURT AT 
DANAO CITY, CEBU AMENDING FOR THE PURPOSE BATAS PAMBANSA BILANG 
129, AS AMENDED, OTHERWISE KNOWN AS THE JUDICIARY REORGANIZATION 
ACT OF 1980 AND APPROPRIATING FUNDS THEREFOR. 
Be it enacted by the Senate and the House of Representatives of the Philippines in 
Congress assembled: 
SECTION 1. Section 29 of Batas Pambansa Blg. 129, as amended, otherwise known as 
the Judiciary Reorganization Act of 1980, is hereby amended to create six additional 
branches and shall read as follows: 
Sec. 29. Municipal Trial Courts in cities. - In every city which does not form part of a 
metropolitan area, there shall be a Municipal Trial Court with one branch, except as 
hereunder provided: 
x x x  
" SEVEN BRANCHES FOR DANAO CITY; 
x x x  
SECTION 2. The Supreme Court shall number and assign the additional branches of 
the Municipal Trial Court in Danao City, in accordance with this Act. 
SECTION 3. The Chief Justice of the Supreme Court, in coordination with the Secretary 
of the Department of Justice, shall immediately include in the court's program the 
operationalization of the additional Municipal trial court branches in Danao City, the 
funding of which shall be included in the annual General Appropriations Act. 
SECTION 4. This Act shall take effect upon its approval 
Approved,
FOURTEENTH CONGRESS OF THE 
REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES 
Second Regular Session 
SENATE 
S .  No. 
.__ -. 
. .. -. 
..___. 
Introduced by Senator FRANCIS G. ESCUDERO 
. 
EXPLANATORY NOTE 
Section 16, Article 111 of our Constitution gives each person the right to a speedy 
trial, it provides that: "All persons shall have the right to a speedy disposition of their 
cases before all judicial, quasi-judicial, or administrative bodies." 
The Judiciary Reorganization Act of 1980 (BP 129) allotted the corresponding 
Twenty seven years have passed since the effectivity of BP 129. 
Because of the increase in our population and the increase in the volume of 
cases filed, our court dockets have been clogged and this has resulted in the delay in 
the resolution of cases. 
number of courts per judicial region based on the exigencies existing at that time. 
In order to improve the disposition and administration of justice and to ensure the 
right to a speedy trial, the number of courts must necessarily be increased. 
In view of the foregoing provisions, the approval of this bill is earnestly 
recommended. 
FRANCIS G. ESCUDERO 


FOURTEENTH CONGRESS OF THE 
) 
REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES 
1 
Second Regular Session 
) 
S. No. 276 
Introduced bv Senator FRANCIS G. ESCUDERO 
AN ACT 
CREATING ONE ADDITIONAL BRANCH OF THE REGIONAL TRIAL COURT IN THE 
FIFTH JUDICIAL REGION TO BE STATIONED AT LABO, CAMARINES NORTE, 
AMENDING FOR THE PURPOSE BATAS PAMBANSA BILANG 129, AS AMENDED, 
OTHERWISE KNOWN AS THE JUDICIARY REORGANIZATION ACT OF 1980 AND 
APPROPRIATING FUNDS THEREFOR. 
Be it enacted by the Senate and the House of Representatives of the Philippines in 
Congress assembled: 
SECTION 1. Section 14, Paragraph (f) of Batas Pambansa Blg. 129, as amended, 
otherwise known as the Judiciary Reorganization Act of 1980, is hereby amended to 
create one additional branch and shall read as follows: 
“SEC. 14. Regional Trial Courts.-- 
(f) [Fifty-five] Regional Trial Judges shall be commissioned for the Fifth Judicial Region 
AS FOLLOWS. There shall be: 
x x x  
x x x  
“x x x TWO BRANCHES FOR LABO, CAMARINES NORTE;” 
x x x  
SECTION 2. The Supreme Court shall number and assign the additional branch in 
Labo, Camarines Norte in accordance with this Act. 
SECTION 3. The Chief Justice of the Supreme Court, in coordination with the Secretary 
of the Department of Justice, shall immediately include in the court‘s program the 
operationalization of the additional regional trial court branch in Labo, Camarines Norte, 
the funding of which shall be included in the annual General Appropriations Act. 
SECTION 4. This Act shall take effect upon its approval 
Approved,
FOURTEENTH CONGRESS OF THE 
) 
REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES 
) 
Second Regular Session 
1 
SENATE 
Introduced by Senator FRANCIS G. ESCUDERO 
EXPLANATORY NOTE 
Section 16, Article 111 of our Constitution gives each person the right to a speedy 
trial, it provides that: "All persons shall have the right to a speedy disposition of their 
cases before all judicial, quasi-judicial, or administrative bodies." 
The Judiciary Reorganization Act of 1980 (BP 129) allotted the corresponding 
number of courts per judicial region based on the exigencies existing at that time. 
Twenty seven years have passed since the effectivity of BP 129 
Because of the increase in our population and the increase in the volume of 
cases filed, our court dockets have been clogged and this has resulted in the delay in 
the resolution of cases. 
In order to improve the disposition and administration of justice and to ensure the 
right to a speedy trial, the number of courts must necessarily be increased. 
In view of the foregoing provisions, the approval of this bill is earnestly 
recommended. 
FRANCIS& ESCUDERO 


FOURTEENTH CONGRESS OF THE 
) 
REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES 
) 
Second Regular Session 
) 
Introduced bv Senator FRANCIS G. ESCUDERO 
AN ACT 
SIXTH JUDICIAL REGION TO BE STATIONED AT KABANKALAN CITY, NEGROS 
OCCIDENTAL, AMENDING FOR THE PURPOSE BATAS PAMBANSA BILANG 129, 
AS AMENDED, OTHERWISE KNOWN AS THE JUDICIARY REORGANIZATION ACT 
OF 1980 AND APPROPRIATING FUNDS THEREFOR. 
CREATING ONE ADDITIONAL BRANCH OF THE REGIONAL TRIAL COURT IN THE 
Be it enacted by the Senate and the House of Representatives of the Philippines in 
Congress assembled: 
SECTION I. 
Section 14, Paragraph (9) of Batas Pambansa Blg. 129, as amended, 
otherwise known as the Judiciary Reorganization Act of 1980, is hereby amended to 
create one additional branch and shall read as follows: 
"SEC. 14, Regional Trial Courts.-- 
(9) [Sixty-three] Regional Trial Judges shall be commissioned for the Sixth Judicial 
Region AS FOLLOWS. There shall be: 
x x x  
x x x  
"x x x TWO Branches [LVII to LIX] at Kabankalan CITY, x x x;" 
x x x  
SECTION 2. The Supreme Court shall number and assign the additional branch in 
Kabankalan City, Negros Occidental in accordance with this Act. 
SECTION 3. The Chief Justice of the Supreme Court, in coordination with the Secretary 
of the Department of Justice, shall immediately include in the court's program the 
operationalization of the additional regional trial court branch in Kabankalan City, 
Negros Occidental the funding of which shall be included in the annual General 
Appropriations Act. 
SECTION 4. This Act shall take effect upon its approval 
Approved,
FOURTEENTH CONGRESS OF THE 
Republic of the Philippines 
First Regular Session 
Senate Bill No. 
i 
Introduced by Honorable JINGGOY EJERCITO ESTRADA 
EXPLAN AT0 RY NOTE 
Under the existing laws, judges from the first level courts (Metropolitan 
Trial Court, Municipal Trial Court, Municipal Circuit Trial Court and Shari’a Circuit 
Court) and the second level courts (Regional Trial Courts, Shari’a District Courts 
and Family Courts) have dissimilar number of days of leave credits earned in a 
year, to wit: judges of the second level courts earn sixty (60) days leave credits 
(Section 271, Revised Administrative Code as amended by Republic Act No. 1802 
and Republic Act No. 4307) while judges of the first level courts earn thirty (30) 
days leave credits (Sec. 98-A, Republic Act No. 296 as amended by Republic Act 
No. 3086). These judges, regardless of level and station perform similar judicial 
functions. 
Section 1, Article I11 (Bill of Rights) provides, “No person shall be deprived 
of life, liberty or property without due process of law, nor shall any person be 
denied the equal protection of the laws.” Inconsistency in the grant of benefit 
such as the grant of leave credits among the judges violate their right to equal 
protection of law. 
The Honorable Judges from the first level courts clamor for equal sixty 
(60) day credit similar to those judges in the second level courts to cure the 
apparent inconsistent treatment of judges in the grant of leave credits. 
Thus, the urgent passage of this bill is earnestly sought. 
7 
ERCITO ESTRA 


FOURTEENTH CONGRESS OF THE 
Republic of the Philippines 
First Regular Session 
Introduced by Honorable JINGGOY EJERCITO ESTRADA 
AN ACT TO AMEND SECTION TWO HUNDRED AND SEVENTY ONE OF 
THE REVISED ADMINISTRATIVE CODE, AS LAST AMENDED BY 
REPUBLIC ACT NUMBERED FOUR THOUSAND THREE HUNDRED SEVEN, 
RELATIVE TO VACATION LEAVE OF JUDGES OF FIRST INSTANCE 
Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the Phihppines in 
Congress assembled: 
Section 1. Section Two hundred seventy one of Act Numbered Two Thousand 
Seven Hundred Eleven, as last amended by Republic Act Numbered Four 
Thousand Three Hundred Seven, is hereby further amended to read as follows: 
“Sec. 271. Leave of Absence of Judges I N  ALL LEVELS. 
- During the yearly court vacation, the judges I N  ALL 
LEVELS, not specially assigned to vacation duty shall be 
ASSIGNED upon vacation leave. In case of those who are 
assigned to vacation duty, they shall be entitled to vacation 
leave at any subsequent time for the same number of days 
that they spend on vacation duty but not exceeding SIXTY 
(60) DAYS per year, THIRTY (30) DAYS of said leave being 
cumulative.” 
Section 2. Eflatiw’v. - This Act shall take effect after fifteen (15) days following 
completion of its publication in at least two (2) newspapers of general 
circulation. 
Approved
FOURTEENTH CONGRESS OF THE 
) 
REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES 
1 
Second Regular Session 
1 
SENATE 
S. No. 
Introduced by Senator FRANCIS G. ESCUDERO 
EXPLANATORY NOTE 
Section 16, Article 111 of our Constitution gives each person the right to a speedy 
trial, it provides that: "All persons shall have the right to a speedy disposition of their 
cases before all judicial, quasi-judicial, or administrative bodies." 
The Judiciary Reorganization Act of 1980 (BP 129) allotted the corresponding 
number of courts per judicial region based on the exigencies existing at that time. 
Twenty seven years have passed since the effectivity of BP 129 
Because of the increase in our population and the increase in the volume of 
cases filed, our court dockets have been clogged and this has resulted in the delay in 
the resolution of cases. 
In order to improve the disposition and administration of justice and to ensure the 
right to a speedy trial, the number of courts must necessarily be increased. 
In view of the foregoing provisions, the approval of this bill is earnestly 
recommended. 
FRANCIS 5. 
ESCUDERO 


FOURTEENTH CONGRESS OF THE 
) 
REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES 
1 
Second Regular Session 
) 
SENATE 
S. No. 
5 
Introduced by Senator FRANCIS G. ESCUDERO 
AN ACT 
CREATING ONE ADDITIONAL BRANCH OF THE REGIONAL TRIAL COURT IN THE 
FIFTH JUDICIAL REGION TO BE STATIONED AT IRIGA CITY, CAMARINES SUR, 
AMENDING FOR THE PURPOSE BATAS PAMBANSA BILANG 129, AS AMENDED, 
OTHERWISE KNOWN AS THE JUDICIARY REORGANIZATION ACT OF 1980 AND 
APPROPRIATING FUNDS THEREFOR. 
Be it enacted by the Senate and the House of Representatives of the Philippines in 
Congress assembled: 
SECTION 1. Section 14, Paragraph (f) of Batas Pambansa Blg. 129, as amended, 
otherwise known as the Judiciary Reorganization Act of 1980, is hereby amended to 
create one additional branch and shall read as follows: 
"SEC. 14. Regional Trial Courts.-- 
(f) [Fifty-five] Regional Trial Judges shall be commissioned for the Fifth Judicial Region 
AS FOLLOWS. There shall be: 
x x x  
x x x  
"x x x SEVEN Branches [XXXlV to XXXVII] at lriga City;" 
x x x  
SECTION 2. The Supreme Court shall number and assign the additional branch in lriga 
City, Camarines Sur in accordance with this Act. 
SECTION 3. The Chief Justice of the Supreme Court, in coordination with the Secretary 
of the Department of Justice, shall immediately include in the court's program the 
operationalization of the additional regional trial court branch in lriga City, Camarines 
Sur, the funding of which shall be included in the annual General Appropriations Act. 
SECTION 4. This Act shall take effect upon its approval 
Approved,
FOURTEENTH CONGRESS OF THE 
) 
REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES 
1 
Second Regular Session 
) 
SENATE 
Introduced bv Senator FRANCIS G. ESCUDERO 
EXPLANATORY NOTE 
Section 16, Article Ill of our Constitution gives each person the right to a speedy 
trial, it provides that: "All persons shall have the right to a speedy disposition of their 
cases before all judicial, quasi-judicial, or administrative bodies." 
number of courts per judicial region based on the exigencies existing at that time. 
The Judiciary Reorganization Act of 1980 (BP 129) allotted the corresponding 
Twenty seven years have passed since the effectivity of BP 129 
Because of the increase in our population and the increase in the volume of 
cases filed, our court dockets have been clogged and this has resulted in the delay in 
the resolution of cases. 
In order to improve the disposition and administration of justice and to ensure the 
In view of the foregoing provisions, the approval of this bill is earnestly 
right to a speedy trial, the number of courts must necessarily be increased. 
recommended. 
FRANCIS 5. ESCUDERO 


FOURTEENTH CONGRESS OF THE 
) 
REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES 
) 
Second Regular Session 
) 
S.No. 284% 
Introduced by Senator FRANCIS G. ESCUDERO 
AN ACT 
CAINTA, RIZAL AMENDING FOR THE PURPOSE BATAS PAMBANSA BllANG 129, 
AS AMENDED, OTHERWISE KNOWN AS THE JUDICIARY REORGANIZATION ACT 
OF 1980 AND APPROPRIATING FUNDS THEREFOR. 
CREATING ONE ADDITIONAL BRANCH OF THE MUNICIPAL TRIAL COURT AT 
Be it enacted by the Senate and the House of Representatives of the Philippines in 
Congress assembled: 
SECTION 1. Section 30 of Batas Pambansa 519. 129, as amended, otherwise known as 
the Judiciary Reorganization Act of 1980, is hereby amended to create one additional 
branch and shall read as follows: 
Sec. 30. Municipal Trial Courts. - In each of the municipalities that are not comprised 
within a metropolitan area and a municipal circuit there shall be a Municipal Trial Court 
which shall have one branch, except as hereunder provided: 
x x x  
"TWO BRANCHES FOR CAINTA, RIZAL; 
x x x  
SECTION 2. The Supreme Court shall number and assign the additional branch of the 
Municipal Trial Court in Cainta, Rizal in accordance with this Act. 
SECTION 3. The Chief Justice of the Supreme Court, in coordination with the Secretary 
of the Department of Justice, shall immediately include in the court's program the 
operationalization of the additional Municipal trial court branch in Cainta, Rizal the 
funding of which shall be included in the annual General Appropriations Act. 
SECTION 4. This Act shall take effect upon its approval. 
Approved,
FOURTEENTH CONGRESS OF THE 
) 
REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES 
) 
Second Regular Session 
) 
SENATE 
Introduced by Senator FRANCIS G. ESCUDERO 
EXPLANATORY NOTE 
Section 16, Article 111 of our Constitution gives each person the right to a speedy 
trial, it provides that: "All persons shall have the right to a speedy disposition of their 
cases before all judicial, quasi-judicial, or administrative bodies." 
The Judiciary Reorganization Act of 1980 (BP 129) allotted the corresponding 
number of courts per judicial region based on the exigencies existing at that time. 
Twenty seven years have passed since the effectivity of BP 129 
Because of the increase in our population and the increase in the volume of 
cases filed, our court dockets have been clogged and this has resulted in the delay in 
the resolution of cases. 
In order to improve the disposition and administration of justice and to ensure the 
right to a speedy trial, the number of courts must necessarily be increased. 
In view of the foregoing provisions, the approval of this bill is earnestly 
recommended. 
FRANCIS 5. ESCUDERO 


FOURTEENTH CONGRESS OF THE 
) 
REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES 
1 
Second Regular Session 
) 
Introduced by Senator FRANCIS G. ESCUDERO 
AN ACT 
CREATING ONE ADDITIONAL BRANCH OF THE REGIONAL TRIAL COURT IN THE 
ELEVENTH JUDICIAL REGION TO BE STATIONED AT SURALLAH, SOUTH 
COTABATO, AMENDING FOR THE PURPOSE BATAS PAMBANSA BILANG 129, AS 
AMENDED, OTHERWISE KNOWN AS THE JUDICIARY REORGANIZATION ACT OF 
1980 AND APPROPRIATING FUNDS THEREFOR. 
Be it enacted by the Senate and the House of Representatives of the Philippines in 
Congress assembled: 
SECTION 1. Section 14, Paragraph (I) of Batas Pambansa.Blg. 129, as amended, 
otherwise known as the Judiciary Reorganization Act of 1980, is hereby amended to 
create one additional branch and shall read as follows: 
"SEC. 14. Regional Trial Courts.-- 
(I) [Twenty-nine] Regional Trial Judges shall be commissioned for the Eleventh Judicial 
Region AS FOLLOWS. There shall be: 
x x x  
x x x  
"x x x TWO BranchES [XXVl] at Surallah;" 
x x x  
SECTION 2. The Supreme Court shall number and assign the additional branch in 
Surallah in accordance with this Act. 
SECTION 3. The Chief Justice of the Supreme Court, in coordination with the Secretary 
of the Department of Justice, shall immediately include in the court's program the 
operationalization of the additional regional trial court branch in Surallah the funding of 
which shall be included in the annual General Appropriations Act. 
SECTION 4. This Act shall take effect upon its approval. 
Approved,
FOURTEENTH CONGRESS OF THE ) 
REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES 
) 
Second Regular Session 
1 
SENATE 
Introduced by Senator Antonio “Sonny” F. Trillanes N 
EXPLANATORY NOTE 
The involvement of certain members of law enforcement agencies in criminal activities 
has greatly diminished our faith and confidence to these people in government. Almost 
everyday we hear, read, or see in media the involvement of some of our law enforcers in 
petty crimes to alleged attempt to cover-up heinous crimes. 
There seems now a need to address the growing fear and distrust among our people to 
some of these “villains” in unifonn by treating those persons in authority who cause or 
order the destruction or concealment of evidence to a crime as accomplices to the crime. 
This proposed measure seeks to amend Article 19 of the Revised Penal Code by 
prescribing a higher penalty for persons in authority as accessories who directly cause or 
order the destruction or concealment of vital evidence for heinous crimes. 
In view of the foregoing, immediate approval of this measure is earnestly sought. 
AN +S+tL!-- 
0 0“SON ”F. RILLANESIV 
Senator 
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j’ ! 
FOURTEENTH CONGRESS OF THE ) 
REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES 
) 
S e c d  Regular %ssk 
SENATE 
Introduced by Senator Antonio “Sonny” F. Trillanes IV 
AN ACT 
PRESCRIBING A HXGHER PENALTY FOR PERSONS IN AUTHORITY AS 
ACCESSORIES, WHO DIRECTLY CAUSE OR ORDER THE DESTRUCTION 
OR CONCEALMENT OF \‘?TAL 
EV?DENk‘E FOR ME&KNJS CREMES, 
AMENDING FOR THE PURPOSE ARTICLE 19 OF THE REVISED PENAL 
CODE 
Be it enucted by the Senute und the House of Representutives of the Philippines in 
Congress assembled. 
Section 1. Article 19 of the Penal Code is hereby amended by adding another 
paragraph 
“WHERE THE OFFENSZIS A HElNOUS CRLME UNDER EXlSTING LAWS 
AND IS COMMITTED BY PERSONS IN AUTHORITY, THEY SHALL SUFFER 
THE PENALTY ONE DEGREE HIGHER THAN THAT PRESCRIBED BY LAW FOR 
TI-% CONSU?”mATsD FELONY 
Sec. 2. SqJnrabil@ Clause. - If any provision or part thereof, is held invalid or 
uncor,stit.;tionai, the remair,der ef the iaw 8: the jmvisior, not o?he:vme zffected shall 
remain valid and subsisting. 
SCC. 3. Repedhg Ctause. - Any h v ,  i.xesidei%ial decree or issumce, exea:ive 
order, letter of instruction, administrative order, rule or regulation contrary to, or 
inconsistent with the provisions of this Act is hereby repealed, modified or amended 
accor6:figly. 
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1 
2 
Sec. 4. Esfectlvaly Clnuse. - This Act shall take effect fifteen (15) days after its 
publication in at least two (2) newspapers of general circulation. 
Approved, 
2
FOURTEENTH CONGRESS OF THE 
) 
REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES 
) 
Second Regular Session 
) 
SENATE 
Introduced bv Senator FRANCIS G. ESCUDERO 
EXPLANATORY NOTE 
Section 16, Article 111 of our Constitution gives each person the right to a speedy 
trial, it provides that: "All persons shall have the right to a speedy disposition of their 
cases before all judicial, quasi-judicial, or administrative bodies." 
The Judiciary Reorganization Act of 1980 (BP 129) allotted the corresponding 
Twenty seven years have passed since the effectivity of BP 129 
Because of the increase in our population and the increase in the volume of 
cases filed, our court dockets have been clogged and this has resulted in the delay in 
the resolution of cases. 
number of courts per judicial region based on the exigencies existing at that time. 
In order to improve the disposition and administration of justice and to ensure the 
right to a speedy trial, the number of courts must necessarily be increased. 
recommended. 
In view of the foregoing provisions, the approval of this bill is earnestly 
FRANCIS 5. 
ESCUDERO 


FOURTEENTH CONGRESS OF THE 
) 
REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES 
) 
Second Regular Session 
) 
8 idiiv I I 
, 
Introduced by Senator FRANCIS G. ESCUDERO 
AN ACT 
CREATING SEVEN ADDITIONAL BRANCHES OF THE REGIONAL TRIAL COURT IN 
THE FOURTH JUDICIAL REGION TO BE STATIONED AT CALAMBA CITY, LAGUNA, 
AMENDING FOR THE PURPOSE BATAS PAMBANSA BILANG 129, 
AS AMENDED, OTHERWISE KNOWN AS THE JUDICIARY REORGANIZATION ACT 
OF 1980 AND APPROPRIATING FUNDS THEREFOR. 
Be it enacted by the Senate and the House of Representatives of the Philippines in 
Congress assembled: 
SECTION 1. Section 14, Paragraph (e) of Batas Pambansa Blg. 129, as amended, 
otherwise known as the Judiciary Reorganization Act of 1980, is hereby amended to 
create seven additional branches and shall read as follows: 
“SEC. 14. Regional Trial Courts.-- 
(e) [Eighty-two] Regional Trial Judges shall be commissioned for the Fourth Judicial 
Region AS FOLLOWS. There shall be: 
x x x  
x x x  
‘‘x x x TWELVE Branches [XXXIV to XXXVII] at Calamba CITY;” 
x x x  
SECTION 2. The Supreme Court shall assign the additional branches in Calamba City, 
Laguna in accordance with this Act. 
SECTION 3. The Chief Justice of the Supreme Court, in coordination with the Secretary 
of the Department of Justice, shall immediately include in the court‘s program the 
operationalization of the additional regional trial court branches in Calamba City, 
Laguna, the funding of which shall be included in the annual General Appropriations 
Act. 
SECTION 4. This Act shall take effect upon its approval 
Approved,
FOURTEENTH CONGRESS OF THE 
) 
REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES ) 
First Regular Session 
) 
SENATE 
Introduced by Senator JUAN MIGUEL F. ZUBlRl 
.
.
 
EXPLANATORY NOTE 
This bill seeks to convert the existing Antequera-San Isidro-Libertad (Tubigon) 
Provincial Road to a national road, which links the fertile agricultural farmlands of the 
Municipalities of Antequera, San lsidro and Tubigon all in the Province of Bohol. 
Once classified as national road, this road will improve the present income of 
farmers, thereby empowering them to regularly provide for the basic needs of their 
families and children. This will pave the way for an efficient delivery of fresh farm 
products to the market where they will be sold in large quantities at reasonable prices. 
The commuting public can be assured of a faster and safer service by various 
transportation systems plying along this route. This will also impact on other livelihood 
industries in Antequera and San Jsidro towns. Both foreign and local visitor arrival may 
also increase, since this road passes through scenic and tourist attractions overlooking 
the breathtaking panoramic Bohol Strait. 
Hence, approval of this bill is earnestly requested. 
\ 
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FOURTEENTH.CONGRESS OF THE 
) 
REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES ) 
First Regular Session 
) 
SENATE 
S.No. 2075 
Introduced by Senator JUAN MIGUEL F. ZUBlRl 
AN ACT 
PROVINCIAL ROAD TRAVERSING THE MUNICIPALITIES OF ANTEQUERA, SAN 
ISIDRO AND TUBIGON. PROVINCE OF BOHOL INTO A NATIONAL ROAD 
CONVERTING THE ANTEQUERA-SAN ISIDRO-LIBERTAD (TUBIGON) 
Be it enacted by the Senate and the House of Representatives of the Philippines in 
Congress assembled: 
SECTION 1. The Antequera-San Isidro-Libertad (Tubigon) Provincial Road 
traversing the Municipalities of Antequera, San lsidro and Tubigon, Province of Bohol, is 
hereby converted into a national road. 
SEC. 2. The Secretary of the Department of Public Works and Highways shall 
issue the necessary rules, orders and circulars to implement the provisions of this Act. 
SEC. 3. This Act shall take effect upon its approval. 
Approved,
FOURTEENTH CONGRESS OF THE 
REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES 
First Regular Session 
Senate Bill No. __ 
11 
INTRODUCED BY SEN. MANNY VILLAR 
EXPLANATORY NOTE 
This Bill seeks to upgrade the retirement benefits now found in various 
retirement laws for Members of the Constitutional Commissions, and the 
Ombudsman, by adding survivorship benefits for the surviving legitimate spouse 
of the said retirees equivalent to the monthly pension of the decreased retiree's 
lifetime pension. 
Survivorship pension originally was an integral part of the retirement 
system for the Armed Forces of the Philippines. But this feature has been 
included in the revised general retirement system for civilian personnel 
administered by the GSlS by P.D. 1146 since 1977 or more than 18 years ago. 
The enactment of this bill into law would be in consonance with the 1987 
Constitution provision on the upgrading of retirement benefits (Art .XVI, section 
8). It is also in keeping with the public purpose or rationale of the legislative grant 
of old age retirement pensions to qualified civil servants: To entice capable 
men/women of proven probity, integrity and independence to enter and remain in 
the government service, especially in highly sensitive offices, discharging their 
duties faithfully and efficiently. Liberal retirement benefits would assure them of 
retirement with relative security after rendering almost a lifetime of public service, 
when they have lost their vigor or are already old or incapacitated by illness or 
other disability. 
Accordingly, the immediate approval of this bill is urged. 
\ \ 


FOURTEENTH CONGRESS OF THE 
REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES 
First Regular Session 
S E N A T E  
Senate Bill No. 2 x 5  
INTRODUCED BY SEN. MANNY VILLAR 
AN ACT 
PROVIDING FOR THE PAYMENT OF SURVIVORSHIP BENEFITS TO THE 
SURVIVING LEGITIMATE SPOUSES OF A DECEASED RETIRED MEMBER 
OF THE COMMISSION ON AUDIT, CIVIL SERVICE COMMISSION, 
COMMISSION ON ELECTIONS, AND THE OMBUDSMAN AND FOR OTHER 
PURPOSES. 
SECTION 1. In case of death of a retired Chairman or Commissioner of 
the Commission on Audit, the Commission on Elections, the Civil Service 
Commission, and the Ombudsman, the surviving legitimate spouse of said 
deceased retiree shall be entitled to receive on a monthly basis all the retirement 
benefits that the said deceased retiree was receiving at the time of hidher 
demise under the provisions of applicable retirement laws then in force. The said 
surviving legitimate spouse shall continue to receive such retirement benefits 
during hidher lifetime or until helshe remarries. 
SEC 2. Funds for the initial implementation of this Act shall be taken out of 
the current appropriations for the retirement benefits of the Chairman and 
Commissioners of the Constitutional Commissions and the Ombudsman. 
Thereafter, such sums as may be necessary for the continued implementation 
hereof shall be included in the annual General Appropriation Act. 
SEC.3 This Act shall take effect after thirty (30) days following the 
completion of its publication in the Official Gazette or in two (2) newspapers of 
general circulation. 
Approved,
FOURTEENTH CONGRESS OF THE 
) 
REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES 
) 
Second Regular Session 
1 
S. NO. 25 
I 
Introduced by Senator Antonio "Sonny" F. Trillanes IV 
Explanatory Note 
Section 1 of Article XIV of the Constitution provides that the State shall protect and promote the 
right of all citizens to quality education at all levels and take appropriate steps to make education 
accessible to all. Further, section 2(1) of the same article provides that the State shall establish 
and maintain a system of free public education in the elementary and high school levels. 
However, there are school fees which under certain laws can he lawfully collected from the 
students to wit: 
a. membership fees in the Girl Scouts of the Philippines and the Boy Scouts of the 
Philippines under Republic Act No. 5546; and 
b. fees related to membership in the school community such as identification cards, 
student organizations and publications under Republic Act No. 6655. 
The abovementioned fees are still burdensome on the part of the students and the parents. Hence, 
this bill aims to really help alleviate the financial burden of the students and parents by declaring 
the above fees free to be subsidized by the government. 
In view of the foregoing, immediate approval of this hill is earnestly sought. 
Senator 
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FOURTEENTH CONGRESS OF THE 
) 
1 
8 
SEI’ -3 
REPUBLIC OF THE? PHILIPPINES 
Second Regular Session 
) 
SENATE 
S. NO. 
Introduced by Senator Antonio “Sonny” F. Trillanes N 
AN ACT 
TO SUBSlDIZE SCHOOL FEES IN ALL PUBLIC ELEMENTARY AND HIGH 
SCHOOLS 
Be it enacted by the Senate and the House of Representatives of the Philippines in 
Congress assembled: 
SECTION 1. Declaration of Policy. It is hereby declared policy of the State to establish 
and maintain a system of free public education in the elementary and high school levels. 
SEC. 2. School Fees’ Subsidies. In addition to school fees declared to be free in other 
laws, the following school fees shall likewise be free to be subsidized by the government. 
a. membership fees in the Girl Scouts of the Philippines; 
b. membership fees in the Boy Scouts of the Philippines; 
c. identification card fee; 
d. student organization fee, and 
e. publication fee. 
SEC. 3. Separability Clause. The provisions of this Act are hereby declared to be 
separable, and in the event any part, section or provision of this Act is held invalid or 
unconstitutional, no other part, section or provision thereof shall be affected thereby. 
1 


1 
2 
3 
amended or modified accordingly. 
4 
5 
6 
7 
circulation. 
SEC. 4. Repealing Clause. All laws, parts of laws, executive orders, ordinances, rules 
and regulations which are inconsistent with the provisions of this Act are hereby repealed, 
SEC. 5. Effectivity. This Act shall take effect fifteen (15) days following the 
completion of its publication in the Official Gazette or in a national newspaper of general 
Approved 
2
FOURTEENTH CONGRESS OF THE REPUBLIC) 
OF THE PHILIPPINES 
1 
Second Regular Session 
1 
Introduced by Senator Miriam Defensor Santiago 
EXPLANATORY NOTE 
ARTICLE XIII. Section 11 of the 1987 Constitution states : 
“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. There shall be priority for the needs of the under-privileged, sick, 
elderly, disabled, women, and children. The State shall endeavor to provide free medical care to 
paupers.” 
According to Department of Education, health problems are among the leading causes of 
poor learning outcomes and drop-outs among pupils. Common ailments found among Grade 1-3 
pupils included dental caries (82%0), AURI (20%), pediculosis (1 7%), undernutrition (14%), iron 
deficiency anemia (7%), impacted cerumen (6%), among others. Requiring schools that fall 
under the conditions specified in this bill to employ a health care practitioner will help decrease 
the number of health-related problems among our students. 


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FOURTEENTH CONGRESS OF THE REPUBLIC) 
OF THE PHILIPPINES 
) 
8 JUL 10 /'% 3 4  
Second Regular Session 
1 
Introduced by Senator Miriam Defensor Santiago 
AN ACT REQUIRING SCHOOL HEALTH SERVICE PRACTITIONERS IN SCHOOLS 
WITHIN A CITY WITH A POPULATION OF ONE MILLION OR MORE 
Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the Philippines in Congress 
assembled: 
SECTION 1. Purpose - To improve the provision of medical care and services to 
school children many of whom would otherwise not have access to such services. 
SECTION 2. Coverage - In Cities with a population of one million or more, at least 
one full-time school health practitioner shall be employed in each public elementary and 
secondary school. 
SECTION 3 Repealing Clause. - All laws, decrees, orders, rules and regulations or parts 
thereoi inconsistent with the provisions of this Act are hereby repealed, amended or modified 
accordingly. 
SECTION 4 Separability Clause. - If, for any reason, any provision of this Act is 
declared to be unconstitutional or invalid, the other sections or provisions hereof which are not 
affected thereby shall continue to be in full force and effect. 
SECTION 5 Effectivity Clause. - This Act shall take effect after fifteen (1.5) days 
following its publication in the Ofjcial Gazette or in two (2) newspapers of general circulation. 
Approved, 
19 
1
FOURTEENTH CONGRESS OF THE 
) 
REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES 
) 
Second Regular Session 
1 
SENATE 
~ 
~ 
Introduced by Senator FRANCIS G. ESCUDERO 
EXPLANATORY NOTE 
Section 16, Article 111 of our Constitution gives each person the right to a speedy 
trial, it provides that: “All persons shall have the right to a speedy disposition of their 
cases before all judicial, quasi-judicial, or administrative bodies.” 
The Judiciary Reorganization Act of 1980 (BP 129) allotted the corresponding 
number of courts per judicial region based on the exigencies existing at that time. 
Twenty seven years have passed since the effectivity of BP 129. 
Because of the increase in our population and the increase in the volume of 
cases filed, our court dockets have been clogged and this has resulted in the delay in 
the resolution of cases. 
In order to improve the disposition and administration of justice and to ensure the 
right to a speedy trial, the number of courts must necessarily be increased. 
In view of the foregoing provisions, the approval of this bill is earnestly 
recommended. 
FRANCIS E. ESCUDERO 


.- . . I , >  
, I, 
FOURTEENTH CONGRESS OF THE 
) 
REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES 
) 
8 
MOii 11 
.. ."~ 
Second Regular Session 
1 
~
~
~
~
~
~
~
~
.
+x< 
SENATE 
Introdiiced bv Senator FRANCIS G. ESCUDERO 
AN ACT 
THE SEVENTH JUDICIAL REGION TO BE STATIONED AT ARGAO, CEBU, 
AMENDING FOR THE PURPOSE BATAS PAMBANSA BILANG 129, AS AMENDED, 
OTHERWISE KNOWN AS THE JUDICIARY REORGANIZATION ACT OF 1980 AND 
APPROPRIATING FUNDS THEREFOR. 
CREATING TWO ADDITIONAL BRANCHES OF THE REGIONAL TRIAL COURT IN 
Be it enacted by the Senate and the House of Representatives of the Philippines in 
Congress assembled: 
SECTION 1. Section 14, Paragraph (h) of Batas Pambansa Blg. 129, as amended, 
otherwise known as the Judiciary Reorganization Act of 1980, is hereby amended to 
create two additional branches and shall read as follows: 
"SEC. 14. Regional Trial Courts.-- 
(h) [Forty-six] Regional Trial Judges shall be commissioned for the Seventh Judicial 
Region AS FOLLOWS. There shall be: 
x x x  
x x x  
"x x x THREE BranchES [XXVI] at Argao, x x x;" 
x x x  
SECTION 2. The Supreme Court shall number and assign the additional branches in 
Argao, Cebu in accordance with this Act. 
SECTION 3. The Chief Justice of the Supreme Court, in coordination with the Secretary 
of the Department of Justice, shall immediately include in the court's program the 
operationalization of the additional regional trial court branches in Argao, Cebu the 
funding of which shall be included in the annual General Appropriations Act. 
SECTION 4. This Act shall take effect upon its approval 
Approved,