bettergovph/raw-philippine-data huggingface dataset:
SEVENTEENTH CONGRESS OF THE REPUBLIC 
)
OF THE PHILIPPINES 
)
First Regular Session 
)
*16 
JUL 20 P4S1
^SENA'JE
S.B. No. 713
kKi !■. '■ r . i n y :
Introduced by: Senator Paolo Benigno "Bam " A. Aquino IV
AN ACT ESTABLISHING THE REGULATORY FRAMEWORK FOR THE SAFE OPERATIONS OF 
THE LIQUEFIED PETROLEUM GAS (LPG) INDUSTRY, DELINEATING THE POWERS AND 
FUNCTIONS OF VARIOUS GOVERNMENT AGENCIES, DEFINING AND PENALIZING CERTAIN
ACTS, AND FOR OTHER PURPOSES
EXPLANATORY NOTE
Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG) stoves are recognized in other countries to provide a 
cleaner, safer, more efficient means of cooking. In India, for example, LPG use is promoted 
and even subsidized by the government.1
Our closer neighbor, Malaysia has doubled its per capita LPG consumption from 
2000 to 2012 while Thailand and Indonesia have tripled their consumption in order to move 
into cleaner cooking fuel.2
Conversely, LPG consumption in the Philippines has simmered in the past 10 years, 
with demand remaining at an average of 1.1 metric tons yearly from 2009 to 2013. 
Moreover, the Bureau of Fire Protection reported 800 fires related to LPGs from 2005 to 
2013.
We must light a fire under our local LPG sector and ensure sector players comply 
with safety standards while motivating them to progress as an industry.
This measure seeks to establish a regulatory framework for the importation, refining, 
refilling, transportation, distribution and marketing of LPG, and the manufacture, 
requalification, exchange, and swapping or improvement of LPG cylinders.
It shall establish the LPG Monitoring and Enforcement Task Force to create standards 
of conduct and codes of practice for LPG businesses to provide Filipino consumers high 
quality LPG for their personal and commercial use.
1 Barnes, Douglas. “Cooking with LPG: Climate and Poverty Issues”.
<http://www.energvfordevelopment.com/2010/02/lpg-cooking-povertv-climate-change.html>
2 Richmond M ercuric. 31 March 2014. Malaya. "LPG use stagnant in past decade". 
<http://www.malaya.com.ph/business-news/business/lpg-use-stagnant-past-decade>
SEVENTEENTH CONGRESS OF THE ) 
REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES 
) 
First Regular Session 
)
SENATE
S. No.
479
'16 
JUL 19 
A ll 3 0
' !:r  i i» b y :
Introduced by Senator Antonio “Sonny” F. Trillanes IV
AN ACT
DEFINING 
“PRIVATE 
ARMIES 
AND 
OTHER 
ARMED 
GROUPS”, 
IMPLEMENTING 
THE 
CONSTITUTIONAL 
PROVISON 
FOR 
THEIR 
DISMANTLING, PRESCRIBING PENALTIES THEREFOR, AND FOR OTHER 
PURPOSES
EXPLANATORY NOTE
Article XVIII, Section 24 of the Constitution declares that private armies and other groups 
not recognized by duly constituted authority shall be dismantled. However, up until now, no 
law has been enacted to penalize private armies and other armed groups. The culture of fear 
still prevails, especially during elections, brought about chiefly by the existence of local 
warlords and their private armies.
Politicians usually hire goons and build up private armies not only to protect themselves but 
also to intimidate political opponents. The Philippine National Police (PNP) estimates that 
there are 3,779 numbers of Private Army Groups (PAGs) in the country with also a total of 
1,110,277 number of loose firearms. A special military task force estimates that these private 
armies are responsible for 68 of the 98 deaths recorded in the 2001 elections. During the 2013 
elections, a reported 67 elections related incidents and 52 casualties were reported. This last 
May 2016 polls, there were 22 reported elections related violence leading to the death of 10 
civilians and 3 others wounded.
Although there have been a number of documented abuses committed by these groups, the 
authorities have failed to suppress them due to the lack of clear-cut government policy 
guidelines. Conversely, their strength has rendered the state weak and unable to protect its 
citizenry.
It is hoped that the passage of this measure shall put a halt to this practice of organizing 
private armies by politicians.
In view of the foregoing, approval of this measure is earnestly sought.
ANTONIO J ^ N N Y  F. TRILLANES IV
/  
Senator
SEVENTEENTH CONGRESS OF THE REPUBLIC 
)
OF THE PHILIPPINES 
)
First Regular Session 
)
^ 5 rf^  (ipffift of l l > ?  
ft.Tr ^
•16 JUL20 P2 54
SENATE
S.B. No. 
6 4 9
i{ I < ; 
; - ’tv-
introduced by: Senator Paolo Benigno "Bam " A. Aquino IV
AN ACT
GRANTING BENEFITS TO NON-REGULAR EMPLOYEES OF THE GOVERNMENT, AMENDING 
FOR THIS PURPOSE REPUBLIC ACT NO. 8291, AND FOR OTHER PURPOSES
EXPLANATORY NOTE
Contractual employment has been a contentious topic for the longest time. The 
general consensus is that Filipino employees whether regular or contractual, must be 
protected against exploitation and given the full benefits of employment as stated by the 
labor code.
Most organizations including government offices require a combination of 
permanent employees, otherwise known as plantilla positions, and short-term or non­
regular workers commonly referred to as job order, since the nature of some services are 
seasonal and would not require a full-time employee.
Still, all Filipino workers' welfare must be protected and government offices ought to 
be the frontrunners in championing the fair treatment of non—regular employees.
This bill seeks to protect non-regular employees in government by mandating all 
government agencies to uphold their right to holiday pay, 13th month pay, multi-purpose 
leave credits, and offering them the right to membership in HDMF (Pag-lbig), GSIS and 
PhilFlealth.
By doing so, non-regular employees of government may enjoy stability in their 
employment and may be able to better plan for their future with the security of these 
benefits.
SEVENTEENTH CONGRESS OF THE ) 
REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES ) 
First Regular Session 
)
f. .-i n.' u
■16
SENATE
s.No. 531
in
9
’‘V;
Introduced by Senator Antonio “Sonny” F. Trillanes IV
AN ACT
TO RESTORE THE PHILIPPINE COAST GUARD (PCG) OF ITS AUTHORITY 
AND RESPONSIBILITY TO PERFORM SHIP SAFETY INSPECTION SERVICES 
AND CARRY OUT OTHER SHIP SAFETY ENFORCEMENT FUNCTIONS, 
AMENDING 
FOR 
THIS 
PURPOSE 
REPUBLIC 
ACT 
NUMBERED 
9993, 
PROVIDING PENALTIES FOR VIOLATIONS THEREOF, AND FOR OTHER 
PURPOSES
EXPLANATORY NOTE
Various factors can provide explanation why accidents at sea are common in the Philippines. 
Apart from storms and typhoons, negligence and unsafe state of passenger vessels play 
crucial role in these accidents.
According to government records, the country has a very poor maritime safety record with an 
average of more than 200 accidents every year. Sea accidents in the past have been blamed 
specifically on overloading and poor maintenance of ships or ferries, lack of warning about 
bad weather and ship's crew incompetence.
In the country, under Republic Act No. 5173, the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) was created 
and mandated particularly to inspect and approve vessels for operation, and enforce 
provisions for the safety of life and property on vessels. The Domestic Shipping 
Development Act of 2004 (R.A. 9295) however, provided for the complete transfer of these 
functions to the Maritime Industry Authority (MARfNA).
Although the recently passed Philippine Coast Guard Law of 2009 or Republic Act No. 9993 
gave the PCG the authority to conduct inspections on all merchant ships and vessels to ensure 
compliance with ship safety standards, the said law did not provide for clear-cut provisions 
regarding ship safety inspection services and penalties concerning the same.
This bill puts the maritime safety administration in the right perspective by giving the 
responsibility of ship safety inspection solely to the PCG, with the end in view of preventing 
the loss of thousands of lives and property caused by sea accidents every year, and putting a 
halt on the blaming game among government agencies.
In view of the foregoing, approval of this bill is highly recommended.
H /)‘^ONNY” F. TRILLANES IV
ANTONII
'  
Senator
SEVENTEENTH CONGRESS OF THE) 
REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES 
) 
FIRST REGULAR SESSION 
)
SENATE
SENATE BILL NO. 156
BILLS
INDEX
INTRODUCED BY SENATOR JOSEPH VICTOR G. EJERCITO
AN ACT
AMENDING REPUBLIC ACT No. 9136, OTHERWISE KNOWN AS 
THE "ELECTRIC POWER INDUSTRY REFORM ACT OF 2001", 
AND FOR OTHER PURPOSES
EXPLANATORY NOTE
Electric power Industry Reform Act of 2001 was enacted for various 
reasons. Among others, EPIRA was made into law to ensure and accelerate 
the total electrification of the country, to ensure transparent and reasonable 
prices of electricity in a regime of free and fair competition and full public 
accountability to achieve greater operational and economic efficiency and 
enhance the competitiveness of Philippine products in the global market, to 
establish a strong and purely independent regulatory body and system to 
ensure consumer protection and enhance the competitive operation of the 
electricity market and to protect the public interest as it is affected by the rates 
and services of electric utilities and other providers of electric power.1
However, over ten years after it was passed the problems with the 
Energy Industry that should have need addressed and resolved by EPIRA 
became worse. Most especially, the cost of electricity in the country is at its 
highest since the enactment of the law. In addition to that, there seems to be 
no true competition with respect to the players in the Energy Industry in our 
country.
Based on the effects and observations to the Energy Industry after the 
enactment of EPIRA, only one conclusion can be drawn. The law is flawed 
and needs to btl amended.
1 Section 2, Declaration of Policy, Electric Power Industry Reform Act of 2001, 
R.A. 9136
SEVENTEENTH CONGRESS 
)
REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES 
)
First Regular Session 
)
'16 JUL18 P6 '01
S E N A T E
S.B. NO. 
384
KFt M iVi;i> B Y : _ J C -
In tro d u ced  by SENATOR LOREN LEGARDA
AN ACT STRENGTHENING THE BARANGAY UNIT THROUGH SUPPORT 
FOR BARANGAY OFFICIALS AND BARANGAY VOLUNTEER WORKERS, 
AMENDING REPUBLIC ACT NO. 7160, PROVIDING FUNDS THEREFOR, 
AND FOR OTHER PURPOSES
Explanatory Note
The Barangay, as defined by RA No. 7160, otherwise known as the Local 
Government Code of 1991, is the basic political unit which serves as the 
prim ary planning and im plem enting unit of governm ent policies, plans, 
program s, projects and activities in the comm unity. The said law also considers 
the barangay as a forum wherein the collective views of people may be 
expressed, crystallized and considered, and where disputes may be amicably 
settled.
In view of the m andate of the barangay government, this m easure aim s to ease 
the financial burden of the barangay units by nationalizing the honorarium  of 
the Barangay Health W orkers (BHWs) and Tanods in each barangays in the 
country. This bill also seeks to build the capacities of the barangay officials and 
volunteers, thus, ensuring the proper and continuous im plem entation of the 
social program s and projects in the barangays.
It is the intention of this bill to give the appropriate com pensation due our 
barangay volunteers as a way of our appreciation for their dedication to our 
barangays.
Thus, the approval of this bill is earnestly sought.
Senator
SEVENTEENTH CONGRESS OF THE ) 
REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES ) 
First Regular Session 
)
SENATE
t r o
S. No.
l'°0
Introduced by Senator Antonio “Sonny” F. Trillanes IV
AN ACT
INSTITUTIONALIZING 
PRIVATE 
LAND 
FORESTRY 
REFORESTATION AND ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION 
INCENTIVES THEREOF, AND FOR OTHER PURPOSES
TO 
ENHANCE 
AND PROVIDING
EXPLANATORY NOTE
The failure to proteet the forest lands and forest resources from timber companies' 
obliteration has been leading to the denudation of our forests and the consequent suffering of 
the entire country caused by natural disasters. This scenario demonstrates a serious problem 
related to public goods.
As a response to the problem of denuded forests, the total log ban has been advocated. 
However, a total log ban is clearly not an optimum nor an effective response because it does 
not provide sufficient incentives that are consistent with the preservation of forest resources.
This bill proposes a system of private land forestry, defining special agricultural lands and 
permanent agro-forestry zones, and vesting in private individuals the property rights to such 
lands. Private individuals exercising limited property rights over these lands under the 
supervision of local government units (LGUs) will constitute the more effective enforcers of 
practices that will contribute towards the renewal and preservation of our forest lands and 
resources.
In view of the foregoing, the immediate passage of this bill is earnestly sought.
ANTONI© “SONNY” 
TRI
TRILLANES IV
Senator
'^■wWr^ 'S ifift a( t V , t!‘ ',''’ H.-.ri!
SEVENTEENTH CONGRESS OF THE REPUBLIC 
)
OF THE PHILIPPINES 
)
First Regular Session 
)
SENATE^ .  ty 
S.B. No. 
*
*16 
JUL20 
P2 51
K  I' H- 
• . 
’ ^ Y :
Introduced by: Senator Paolo Benigno "Bam " A. Aquino IV
AN ACT
MANDATING THE DEVELOPMENT OF A NATIONAL SUSTAINABLE TRANSPORT NETWORK 
PLAN AND THE CREATION OF A LOCAL BIKEWAYS OFFICE IN ALL LOCAL GOVERNMENT 
UNITS, PROMOTING THE SHIFT TO SUSTAINABLE MODES OF TRANSPORTATION, AND FOR
OTHER PURPOSES
EXPLANATORY NOTE
The development of transportation infrastructure is pivotal to the growth of the 
nation. Wealth and opportunities ply through roads connecting communities, on board 
vehicles that bear the riches of our land. But it's not without its own consequences. The 
development derived from every road built also spurs the demand for more vehicles. And 
when road networks reach their carrying capacities, when they become congested, 
expedient and convenient transportation is stunted and the emission from motorized 
vehicles amplify health and environmental hazards.
The State must endeavor to reverse this trend by balancing the demand for 
transportation and for healthy and livable communities for all. Transportation must be 
made sustainable. The State must endeavor the reduction of emissions, and the 
maximization of alternate modes of transportation with little to no harmful impact on our 
health and the environment.
This measure seeks to develop a National Sustainable Mobility Network Plan through 
the Department of Transportation and Communication that shall guide LGUs in developing a 
local version of this plan in coordination with the Local Bikeways Office to be established in 
all LGUs, creating facilities and programs that shall prioritize and endorse the shift to the use 
of non-motorized vehicles, public transportation, and intermodal transportation involving 
both.
Further, programs contained herein are designed to set the tone of for immediate 
and long-term government support for users of non-motorized transporCation, and 
encourage private sector participation in the goals of this measure.
SEVENTEENTH CONGRESS OF THE
REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES 
I
First R egular Session
S.B. No.
SENATE
990
16 AUG-8 PI :36
■ ■ I
In tro d u ced  by SEN. WIN GATCHALIAN
AN ACT
EXPANDING THE POWERS AND FUNCTIONS OF THE MOVIE AND 
TELEVISION REVIEW AND CLASSIFICATION BOARD TO PROVIDE FOR 
THE REGULATION OF VIDEO GAMES AND OUTDOOR MEDIA, ' 
AMENDING FOR THE PURPOSE PRESIDENTIAL DECREE NO. 1986
EXPLANATORY NOTE
The Movie and Television Review and Classification Board (MTRCB), 
established by Presidential Decree No. 1986 in 1985, serves an im portant role 
in safeguarding our children from violent, obscene,, and otherwise harm ful 
m aterial th at may endanger their safety and wellbeing. The ratings published 
by the MTRCB educate parents about the subject m atter discussed and 
portrayed in these media, empowering them  to m ake informed decisions about 
the kind of m edia to which they wish to expose their children. This is certainly 
a worthy undertaking th at has been duly accom plished by the MTRCB for 
alm ost 30 years now. 
'
However, 
the 
m andate 
of this 
Board, 
delineated 
well 
before 
the 
proliferation of affordable and accessible com puter technology, does not cover 
another potent type of visual m edia - video games. Since the late 19908 m any 
countries have expanded the functions and powers of their respective movie 
and television regulator}7 bodies to include the review fmd classification of video 
games, owing to the increasingly dom inant position of video gam es in visual
SEVENTEENTH CONGRESS OF THE ) 
REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES 
) 
First Regular Session 
)
SENATE
231
S.B. No.
S  oatbIUL 0 4 201fl Z
BILLS t
Introduced by Senator FRANKLIN M. DRILON
AN ACT
REVISING THE CORPORATION CODE OF THE PH ILIPPIN ES
EXPLANAT ORY NOTE
The proposed measure is a product of years of several public and stakeholder 
consultations to amend the two-decade-old Corporation Code. The amendments are 
expected to spur economic growth by making the provisions of the Philippine 
Corporation Code attuned with international best standards and practices.
To contribute to the ease of doing business in the Philippines, the revised 
corporation law streamlines the process of incorporation -  with the name 
verification process simplified, and online registration and other electronic 
submissions institutionalized. In addition thereto, the proposed measure will allow 
companies to perpetually thrive, and permit a juridical and a single natural person 
to incorporate (one-person corporation). It likewise defines and differentiates small 
corporations from the other kinds of corporations.
The revised code also seeks to strengthen the system of corporate governance 
in the country. The pertinent provisions espouse a more transparent system of 
management and provide for more stringent rules on accountability of directors and 
officers to deter corporate abuses and fraud, as well as graft and corrupt practices. 
The bill adds more grounds for disqualifying directors and independent directors. It 
also provides for a seamless exercise of stockholder rights and remedies against 
oppressive acts of the corporations.
To incorporate global best practices, the new Corporation Code introduces 
amendments on the rules of dissolution of corporations, de facto mergers, and 
redemption, repurchase and reacquisition of shares. In the corporate boardroom, 
attendance at meetings by remote communication and voting in absentia will now 
be allowed.
The bill likewise defines, reinforces, and expands the investigatory, 
prosecutorial and regulatory powers of the Securities and Exchange Commission.
KLIN M. DRILON
Senator
SEVENTEENTH CONGRESS OF TH E 
) 
REPUBLIC OF TH E PHILIPPINES 
)
First Regular Session 
)
SENATE
S. B. No. 21.6
DATE
INDEX ;
INTRODUCED BY SENATOR ANA THERESIA “RISA” HONTIVEROS
BARAQUEL
AN ACT INCREASING T H E  PENALTIES FO R  T H E  REFUSAL OF 
HOSPITALS AND M EDICAL CLINICS TO  A D M IN ISTER
APPROPRIATE IN ITIA L M EDICAL TR EA TM EN T AND SUPPORT 
IN  EM ERGENCY O R  SERIOUS CASES, A M EN D IN G  FO R  T H E  
PURPOSE BATAS PAMBANSA BILANG 702, 
OTHERW ISE KNOW N AS "AN ACT PR O H IB ITIN G  T H E  
DEM AND O F DEPOSITS O R ADVANCE PAYMENTS FO R  T H E  
C O N FIN E M E N T  O R TR EA TM EN T O F PATIENTS IN  
HOSPITALS AND M EDICAL CLINICS IN  CERTAIN CASES" AS 
A M EN D ED  BY REPUBLIC ACT N O . 8344, AND FO R  O TH E R
PURPOSES.
EXPLANATORY N O T E
Seven out of ten Filipinos die without ever having seen a doctor, and more than 
50% of barangays in the Philippines do not have a barangay health station. The 
Philippine Health Insurance Corporation (Philhealth) provides ‘no balance billing’ to 
indigent in public health facilities, but the number of private hospitals outnumber the 
number of public hospitals and the trend towards privatization will further widen that 
gap. Despite inroads being made towards advancing universal health in the past 
decade, health care in the Philippines largely remains inaccessible to the poor. This 
reality hits the hardest when confronted with an emergency medical situation.
While there is a law prohibiting hospitals and medical clinics from denying 
treatment and services to indigents in need of emergency care. Republic Act No. 
8344, the news is still replete with accounts of those who were turned away by private 
medical facihties for inability to pay a sum of money as deposit. In some cases, 
patients have died or have miscarried because urgent medical care was deprived of 
them.
It is this dire situation that this measures hopes to correct. By increasing the 
penalties for violation of the Anti-Hospital Deposit Law, expanding the definition of 
emergency care to include women in active labor and at risk of miscarriage or fetal 
distress, and providing incentives for health facilities that provide emergency medical 
services, we create a framework where preservation of human life is the paramount 
consideration.
SEVENTEENTH CONGRESS OF THE ) 
REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES 
)
First Regular Session 
)
SENATE
SENATE BILL No. 370
datcJUL
NDEX
Introduced by SENATOR LEILA M. DE LIMA
AN ACT
PROMOTING THE REHABILITATION AND REVITALIZATION OF THE 
PHILIPPINE NATIONAL RAILWAYS, AMENDING FOR THE PURPOSE 
REPUBLIC ACT NO. 4156, AS AMENDED, ENTITLED “AN ACT 
CREATING THE PHILIPPINE NATIONAL RAILWAYS, PRESCRIBING 
ITS POWERS, FUNCTIONS AND DUTIES, AND PROVIDING FOR THE 
NECESSARY FUNDS FOR ITS OPERATION”
EXPLANATORY NOTE
In its early years, the Philippine National Railways (PNR), popularly referred 
to as the “Bicol Express”, had proven to be the primary, reliable and steadfast means 
of land transportation from Manila to CALABARZON and the Bicol Region. It also 
paved the way for the economic development of these regions, delivering people, 
goods and services via its trains.
Formerly known as the Manila Railroad Company during the American 
period, the PNR was later institutionalized by virtue of Republic Act No. 4156. This 
law has undergone amendments, the most recent was Republic Act No. 10638 which 
extended the corporate life of PNR for another fifty (50) years.
But throughout the years, the PNR has fallen into disrepair and neglect. The 
government needs to address with urgency the continuous deterioration of the PNR.
This bill proposes the rehabilitation of the PNR through a joint venture with 
the private sector. With this laudable partnership, the maintenance and upkeep of 
the PNR trains can be undertaken expeditiously and efficiently.
This bill was originally filed by Vice President Maria Leonor Robredo when 
she was the Representative of the 3rd District of Camarines Sur in the 16th Congress. 
Likewise, a related measure on the revitalization, rehabilitation and modernization of 
the PNR was filed in the Senate by Senator Joseph Victor Ejercito.
A vehicle toward economic progress, the PNR does not only serve as a railroad 
and transportation system. An indispensable element to infrastructure connectivity, 
its rehabilitation will impact not only the daily lives of Filipino commuters, but also 
the whole country.
SEVENTEENTH CONGRESS OF THE 
]
REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES 
F irst R egular Session
]
S. No.
SENATE
200
,(/) TIME;
DILLS khHDEK
In tro d u ced  by SEN. SHERWIN T. GATCHALIAN
AN ACT
TO RE-INSTITUTIONALIZE THE MANDATORY MILITARY AND CIVIC
RESERVE OFFICERS’ TRAINING CORPS (ROTC) FOR STUDENTS IN
ALLCOLLEGES, UNIVERSITIES AND TECHNICAL OR VOCATIONAL
SCHOOLS
EXPLANATORY NOTE
As in m ost countries like Taiwan, South Korea, Canada, United 
Kingdom, and Russia, the Reserved Officers Training Corps (ROTC) is 
m andatory upon its male citizens. It behooves upon these nations to tap their 
youth to be trained and developed in military training and exercises for civic 
and defense preparedness.
On Ju n e 25, the Association of Generals and Flag Officers, Inc. (AGFO) 
has issued a Board Resolution calling for the revival of the ROTC. They 
resolved “that the present National Service Training Program (NSTP) that 
became the alternative program  for the ROTC, are deem ed insufficient to
SEVENTEENTH CONGRESS OF THE 
)
REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES 
)
First Regular Session 
)
SENATE
Senate Bill No. 
377
L tl>  
T IM E :
B I L L S  &  IN D E X
INTRODUCED BY SEN. ANA THERESIA “RISA” HONTIVEROS BARAQUEL
AN ACT PROVIDING FOR MANDATORY PHILHEALTH COVERAGE FOR ALL 
PERSONS WITH DISABILITIES (PWDS), AMENDING FOR THE PURPOSE 
REPUBLIC ACT NO. 7277, AS AMENDED BY REPUBLIC ACT NO. 9442, 
OTHERWISE KNOWN AS THE “MAGNA CARTA FOR DISABLED PERSONS”,
AND FOR OTHER PURPOSES
EXPLANATORY NOTE
Article XIII, Section 11 of the 1987 Constitution holds that the needs of the differendy-abled 
should be prioritized as part of an “integrated and comprehensive approach to healtli 
development”. Likewise, Section 13 underscores the need to integrate the differendy-abled in 
society.
The United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities, of which the 
Philippines is a signatory, defines Persons with Disability (PWD) as those who have long-term 
physical, mental, intellectual or sensory impairments which may hinder their full and effective 
participation in the society on an equal basis with others. The same convention calls on all UN 
member-states to ensure that PWDs enjoy their rights, freedom and dignity. Republic Act No. 
7227 or the “Magna Carta for Persons with Disability” prohibits any form of discriminatory 
practices against PWDs. Subsequent to the amendment introduced by Republic Act No. 9442, it 
also extended privileges and incentives to PWDs, similar to those enjoyed by senior citizens.
However, PWDs are still burdened by the high cost of medical services. Given their condition, 
their likelihood to need medical assistance is greater. The 2010 Census showed that there are 
approjdmately 1,442,586 PWDs in the country representing 1.53% of the entire Filipino 
population. Majority of them are poor and cannot afford the rising costs of medical care.
1 his bill is envisaged to ameliorate the financial burden that attend medical care by providing all 
PWDs with automatic health insurance coverage under the Philippine Health Insurance 
Corporation (Philhealth). Once enacted into law, aU PWDs shaU be able to enjoy the benefits of 
Philhealth. Premium payments shall be sourced from sin tax collections in accordance with
Republic Act No. 10351, otherwise known as “An Act Restructuring the Excise Tax on Alcohol 
and Tobacco Products”.
The passage of this biU is earnestiy sought.
SEVENTEENTH CONGRESS OF THE 
REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES 
First Regular Session
S. No.
))
)
607
^ c n a tp
of fhr,2^»TT*<.’ir j
•16 
JUL19 
P5:30
_______________ Introduced by Sen. Antonio “Sonny” F. Trillanes^^yt > 
j' - 
>!V;
AN ACT
DECLARING 
THE 
CONFERMENT 
OF 
A 
DOCTORATE 
DEGREE 
AS 
EQUIVALENT TO ENTRY LEVEL CAREER EXECUTIVE SERVICE OFFICER 
ELIGIBILITY IN THE CIVIL SERVICE
EXPLANATORY NOTE
Section 12 (2), Chapter 3, Subtitle A, Title 1, Book V of the Revised Administration Code of 
1987 states that among the powers and functions of the Civil Service Commission, the 
Commission shall prescribe, amend, and enforce rules and regulations for carrying into effect 
the provisions of the Civil Service Law and other pertinent laws.
One of the major functions of the Commission is the granting of civil service eligibility under 
special laws upon meeting the qualifications and fulfilling of documentary requirements 
without taking the regular civil service examinations.
By virtue of Republic Act No. 1080, the bar examinations and the examinations given by the 
various boards of examiners of the Government are declared as civil service examinations. 
Hence, those who passed these examinations may be appointed into the civil service without 
the necessity of passing the civil service examinations, except those positions requiring 
highly specialized knowledge not covered by the ordinary board examinations.
This bill seeks to grant holders of doctorate degrees recognizing their educational competence 
and fitness for appointment or promotion to executive positions in the civil service by reason 
of their having completed post graduate studies. It aims to provide the same privilege given to 
those who passed the bar or board examinations to holders of doctorate degrees which is 
equivalent to, if not more than the bar or board examinations.
In view of the foregoing, early passage of this bill is earnestly sought.
ANTONyo “SONNY” F. TKILLANES 1 
Senator
ILLANES IV
SEVENTEENTH CONGRESS
REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES 
First Regular Session
SENATE 
S. No. 6 2 6
(Sfftte of 
.
*16 JUL19 P6:19
KK( i; ' 
! r.Y:
Introduced by Senator Antonio “Sonny” F. Trillanes IV
AN ACT
REVERTING TO THE NATIONAL GOVERNMENT THE DISCHARGE OF BASIC 
HEALTH SERVICES DEVOLVED TO LOCAL GOVERNMENT UNITS (LGUs) 
AND REPEALING FOR THE PURPOSE PERTINENT SECTIONS OF REPUBLIC 
ACT NO. 7160, OTHERWISE KNOWN AS THE LOCAL GOVERNMENT CODE OF 
1991
EXPLANATORY NOTE
Section 15, Article II of the 1987 Constitution declares that the State shall protect and 
promote the right to health of the people and instill health consciousness among them. 
Apparently pursuant to the aforementioned State policy, the Local Government Code of 1991 
was enacted to introduce, among others, the devolution of the country's health care system 
from the national government to local government units (LGUs). This was based on the 
postulate that with decentralization, citizens would have better access to health services 
because presumably, the local government executives would know where the need for such 
services is dire and would be able to prioritize such needs. Hence, the responsibility for the 
maintenance of public health, including the operation and maintenance of local health 
facilities, was transferred from the Department of Health (DOH) to the Governors of 
concerned provinces or Mayors of host municipalities and cities.
More than twenty years since its implementation, however, the actual results of this 
devolution experiment have run counter to previous expectations. Assessments of the quality 
of health services since the advent of devolution conducted by independent experts have 
confirmed the "slow decay" in the delivery of health services in some areas of the country 
(Grundy, et al. 2003). Among the problems that hound the devolution of health services 
include: the low priority given by LGUs to health concerns, corruption in the procurement of 
medicines, and denial of benefits of health workers due to inability of LGUs to bear the 
financial costs of increased salaries.
It is against this backdrop that this measure seeks to repeal certain sections of the Local 
Government Code of the Philippines to revert to the national government the duty to ensure 
delivery of health services to the citizenry.
In view of the foregoing, immediate approval of this measure is earnestly sought.
k -
ANTONJO'^ONN^” F. TIRILLANES IV
Senator'
SEVENTEENTH CONGRESS OF THE )
REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES
)
First Regular Session
)
’16
SENATE
S.B. No.
957
1 ‘
A*
16 
f'JJG -1 
Pr-52
'•»V:
Introduced by Senator SONNY ANGARA
AN ACT
PROVIDING FOR INVESTMENT INCENTIVES TO ACCELERATE DEVELOPMENT IN
MINDANAO, CREATING THE MINDANAO INCENTIVES DEVELOPMENT 
AUTHORITY FOR THIS PURPOSE. AND FOR OTHER PURPOSES
EXPLANATORY NOTE
There is a need to promote and accelerate the overall growth and development 
of the Mindanao region, considering its huge potential as a driver of the country’s future 
prosperity.
Unfortunately, government alone cannot provide adequate financing for the total 
development and rehabilitation of Mindanao. Recent hostilities have also scared away 
numerous private investors, fearful of the peace and order situation in certain areas of 
Mindanao. As efforts are underway to stabilize the region, there is a crucial need to 
make the region more attractive to investments.
Our approach to developing Mindanao is two-pronged—first, by providing the 
Executive enough powers to expedite the region’s development, and second by, 
attracting private investors through a series of incentives over and above the existing 
incentives provided to other areas of the country and under existing laws.
This measure aims to fulfill both, enabling a proposed Mindanao Incentives 
Development Authority (MIDA) to provide the following incentives and bestowing the 
President with foregoing powers;
1. 
Fiscal Incentives
II.
iii.
iv.
V.
vi.
Duty-free importation of raw materials and capital equipment, as well as 
exemption from value added tax;
5% tax in lieu of all taxes except real property tax;
Tax credit of 200% of value of labor training expenses, and 300% in the 
case of labor training expenses for Muslims and other ethnic minorities; 
Tax credit of 200% of research and development expense;
Allowance to carry over net operating loss for ten ( I 0) years; 
Reimbursement of cost for feasibility studies in areas deemed in critical 
need of investments;
SEVENTEENTH CONGRESS OF THE ) 
REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES 
)
First Regular Session 
)
S E N A T E
Senate Bill No.
324
BILLS A INDEX
Introduced by SENATOR CYNTHIA A. VILLAR
AN ACT
EXTENDING THE VALIDITY OF THE REGULAR PHILIPPINE PASSPORT 
ISSUED TO ADULT APPLICANTS TO TEN (10) YEARS, AMENDING FOR THIS 
PURPOSE REPUBLIC ACT NO. 8239 OR THE PHILIPPINE PASSPORT ACT OF 
1996
EXPLANATORY NOTE
The 1987 Philippine Constitution guarantees that our right to travel shall not 
be impaired except in the interest of national security, public safety, or public health, 
as may be provided by law.1
Accordingly, the government has the duty to issue passport or any travel 
document to any citizen of the Philippines or individual who complies with the 
requirements under Republic Act No. 8239 or the Philippine Passport Act of 1996, 
which established the guidelines for the application and issuance of passports. The 
Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) is the government agency that enforces the 
guidelines.
Long queues for passport application and/or renewal at the DFA Office have 
been a common sight. Given that there has been a steady increase of the number of 
Filipinos desiring to travel abroad, due to the increase in the deployment of our 
Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs) and to the increasing affordability of foreign 
travel, we foresee not only longer queues but also a backlog of passport applications 
that will take weeks and even months to process. The resulting delay amounts to an 
impairment of our countrymen’s right to travel unless effective measures are 
immediately undertaken.
To be fair, DFA has been constantly adopting measures to address the long 
queues and ease the backlogs and delays in both application and release of 
passports. Recently, DFA has provided additional frontline personnel, changed the
Article III, Section 6 of the 1987 PhilippineConstitution
SEVENTEENTH CONGRESS OF THE ) 
REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES 
)
First Regular Session 
)
SENATE
s. No. 
65
ThF'p' ,
o»THE
DATE:
( /)  
TIME;
BILLS
%
Introduced by Senator Ralph G. Recto
AN ACT
INSTITUTIONALIZING 
A 
CONDITIONAL 
CASH 
TRANSFER 
PROGRAM, 
PROVIDING FOR THE AUTOMATIC INDEXATION OF CASH GRANTS AND FOR 
OTHER PURPOSES
Explanatory Note
The Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program (4Ps), a form of conditional cash transfer 
(CCT), is now on its 8th year of implementation. Operating in 17 regions in the Philippines, 
spanning 79 provinces, 143 cities, and 1,484 municipalities, the number of families who benefit 
from the said program has now reached 4,436,732; including 10,888,887 school children aged 0
to 18.
The program provides financial support to poor families, on condition that there will be 
investments in the education and health of children aged 0 to 18. It has been the mission of the 
government that with the help of 4Ps, children of beneficiary families will be provided with the 
necessary faculties that will help them break free from intergenerational poverty—keeping their 
health in check and their education unhampered by forced employment to help augment what 
little income their parents earn.
Findings from an Impact Evaluation on the Program have shown that with regard to 
education, there has been increased enrollment among children aged 3 to 11, and increased 
attendance among children aged 6 to 17—^resulting in near universal enrollment at 98% in this 
age group.1 2 Meanwhile for health, there has been a 10% reduction in severe stunting among 
children aged 6 to 36 months; the reduction in stunting is expected to yield long tenn results, as 
stunting in the first few years of a child’s life has been linked to lower educational attainment 
and reduced adult income.3 Healthcare-seeking behaviors have also been observed among 
beneficiary families when a child falls ill.
The impact evaluation on the program has also noted a change in spending patterns of 
beneficiary families, who have been spending more on health and education as opposed to poor 
families who are not covered by the program4.
Since the launch of the program, an overall increase in the general price level has been 
sustained as measured by the Consumer Price Index (CPI). The CPI was at an average of 111.4 
when the 4Ps was launched in 2008, increasing to 142.3 in 2015.5 This resulted in an annual 
average inflation rate of 4.07% for the period. Moreover, food inflation averaged 5.8%6 during
1 Pantawid Pamilyan Pilipino Program. http://www.gov.phyprograms/conditional-cash-transfer/
2 The World Bank Philippines Conditional Cash Transfer Program Impact Evaluation 2012 (revised April 2014)
3 Ibid.
4 Ibid.
5 Consumer Price Index for all Income Households and Headline Inflation Rates Jan 2004 -  November 2015. 
http://www.nscb.gov.pli/secstat/d_price.asp
6 Inflation Rates by Commodity Group http://www.bsp.gov.ph/statistics/efs_prices.asp
SEVENTEENTH CONGRESS OF THE 
REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES 
First Regular Session
of (lji> > rrrftary
•16 JUL19 All :40
S. No.
SENATE
489
- * > 
I ' ;-j. \
Introduced by Senator Antonio “Sonny” F. Trillanes IV
AN ACT
PROVIDING POST-HARVEST FACILITIES TO RICE FARMERS
EXPLANATORY NOTE
The Constitution mandates that the State shall “promote industrialization and full employment based 
on sound agricultural development and agrarian reform.” A transformed agricultural sector becomes a 
reliable market for the consumer goods and farm implements produced by the industrial sector. 
Through the multiplier process, an initial impulse of agricultural activity spreads to other sectors of 
the economy.
Agricultural development, however, can be an end in itself. The income of the farmer must be raised 
to allow him to meet his basic needs and to enhance his self-esteem.
For the palay fanner’s income to increase, his value added in rice production must rise. Over the 
decades the farmer’s contribution to rice production has been confined to tilling the land and 
harvesting the crop, thus, limiting his income to a fraction of the value of the palay harvested.
Yet, as the pernicious practice of rice cartels indicates, a bigger income is earned from the time the 
harvested palay leaves the farm to the time milled rice reaches the market.
This bill proposes that the farmer gets the lion’s share in this off-farm income. Hence, the proposal to 
have the farmer own post-harvest facilities like warehouses, rice mills and transport facilities to be 
provided by the government and acquired by farmers’ cooperatives at cost to be amortized for a 
period of time. The farmers’ control and ownership of the storage, milling and transport facilities in 
rice production will markedly increase his income.
Corollarily, the bill encourages the formation and development of farmers’ cooperatives which will 
own and manage the post-harvest facilities.
In the long tenn, the bill will end the palay and rice price subsidies, thus, giving budgetary relief to 
the government.
The bottom line is to make rice, rather than palay, the end-product of the farmers to assure their 
economic stability.
Hence, the enactment of this bill is earnestly requested.
ANTONK r “
)NN \” F. t r il l a n e s IV
Senator
SEVENTEENTH CONGRESS OF THE
REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES
First Regular Session
1
SENATE
S.B. No. 1000
Jennie
'  
'Sffire of
■16 AUG-8 P5:29
V
’ •Y; y j _
R t
In tro d u ced  by SEN. WIN GATCHALIAN
AN ACT
PROVIDING FOR THE MAGNA CARTA OF THE 
OUT-OF-SCHOOL YOUTH
EXPLANATORY NOTE
The youth are the foundation of our country’s future. The hope of every State 
is the education of its youth. It is therefore unfortunate that many of our children 
are denied the opportunity to pursue a quality education, if not, have an education 
at all.
According to a study conducted by the Philippine Statistics Authority last 
2010, there are 6.24 million out-of-school youth that year, mainly duq to a lack of 
personal interest to go to school, followed by the high cost of education and the desire 
to work. Another study conducted by the World Bank entitled “Out-of-School 
Children and Youth in the Philippines: Issues and Opportunities” showed that it is 
estimated that there are currently between 8 and 10 million out-of-school youth in 
the Philippines, and that their number has trebled in the'last decade. And that the 
largest number of out-of-school youth is concentrated in the National Capital Region. 
However, the highest rates of increase of out-of-school youth populations and the 
h ip e st drop-out rates, particularly in elementary school, have been in the pro'vinces 
of Mindanao and ARMM. This only shows that the problem of out-of-school youth is
SEVENTEENTH CONGRESS OF THE 
) 
REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES 
)
First Regular Session 
)
SENATE
S. B. No. 215
^^^RECEIVEO^^
*°n*Tir.JUN 3 0
111 
------------------- m
1(0 TIM E: 
_ Ca
B IL L S  &  INDEX
INTRODUCED BY SENATOR ANA THERESIA “RISA” 
HONTIVEROS BARAQUEL
AN ACT INCREASING THE MATERNITY LEAVE PERIOD TO 
ONE HUNDRED TWENTY (120) DAYS FOR FEMALE 
EMPLOYEES, MARRIED OR UNMARRIED, IN THE 
GOVERNMENT SERVICE AND IN THE PRIVATE SECTOR, 
AND GRANTING AN ADDITIONAL THIRTY (30) DAYS FOR 
SOLO MOTHERS, AMENDING FOR THIS PURPOSE 
REPUBLIC ACT 1161, AS AMENDED, AND FOR OTHER
PURPOSES
EXPLANATORY NOTE
Article XII of the 1987 Constitution states that, “(t)he State shall protect working 
women by providing safe and healthful working conditions, taking into account 
their maternal functions, and such facihties and opportunities that will enhance 
their welfare and enable them to realize their full potential in the service of the 
nation.”
Despite this directive in the Philippine Constitution, our existing legal 
infrastructure does not provide the adequate protections and safeguards that lead 
to welfare-enhancing outcomes for working women of reproductive age and 
capacity, and are at par with international standards. Specifically, maternity leave 
laws in the Philippines, both in the public1 and private2 sector, fall short of the 
internationally-prescribed period of ninety eight (98) days, under Convention No.
1 Section 11 of the Omnibus Rules Implementing Book V of Executive Order No. 292 as prescribed in 
The Revised Administrative Code of 1987 states that, "Every woman in the government service who 
has rendered an aggregate of two (2) or more years in service, shall, in addition to the vacation and sick 
leave panted to her, be entitled to maternity leave of sixty (60) calendar days with full pay."
Section 14-A of Republic Act No. 1161, as amended, or the Social Security Act, gives the working 
women in the private sector a daily maternity leave benefit equivalent to one hundred percent (100%) 
of her average daily salary credit for sixty (60) days or two (2) months of maternity leave for normal 
delivery and seventy eight (78) days for caesarian delivery.
SEVENTEENTH CONGRESS OF THE 
) 
REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES 
)
First Regular Session 
)
(QUirr Ilf tin irrirrlnry
■16 JUL19 All :39
S. No.
SENATE
488
j .ri.;! V ,„i) iiY ;
Introduced by Senator Antonio ^Sonny” Trillanes IV
AN ACT
ESTABLISHING THE WIND ENERGY DEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY AND 
APPROPRIATING FUNDS THEREFOR
EXPLANATORY NOTE
Wind power or wind energy is one fonn of alternative energy that the government may 
explore and utilize to address the country's power crisis. Wind power or wind energy has long 
been used by humans to propel their ships, provide accessible water for farming via the 
"water-pumping windmill", transport system, tliroughout the world via the steam 
locomotives, etc. Present innovations in wind power made it possible for us to "harves" wind 
turbines and generate electricity.
In the Philippines, the windmills in Bangui are one shining example in the Asian region on 
how to properly utilize wind energy. The town of Bangui in Ilocos Norte utilizes wind energy 
to supply the province's demand in energy. At present, the windmills in Bangui provide about 
40% of the power needed by Ilocos Norte. The power outages hamper not only-the activities 
of the citizens of Ilocos Norte but of local business and investors who have decided to set up 
shop in Ilocos.
Wind energy provides free, renewable source of energy that does not emit any air pollutants 
or greenhouse gases. However, wind energy utilization in the country still is not that popular 
though there is potential for its application in our country as evidenced by the experience of 
the town of Bangui. The use of wind energy in the town of Bangui has made the price of 
energy cheaper in the province of Ilocos Norte as well as transfomiing the province of Ilocos 
Norte as one of the most environmentally-friendly location in the country. Hence, it is 
necessary to create a government entity that would initiate and promote public acceptance of 
this source of energy.
This bill seeks to establish the Wind Energy Development Authority that would initiate and 
promote the use and development of wind energy in the country. It is envisioned that with the 
use of wind energy, the country will be able to address the growing energy demands of the 
society as well as to promote consciousness among the Filipino people in protecting the 
environment.
Hence, approval of this bill is earnestly requested.
ANTONI
F. TRILLANES IV
Senator
m
SEVENTEENTH CONGRESS OF THE ) 
REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES 
)
First Regular Session 
)
S E N A T E  
S. B. No. 
V 9 2
( J f f i r t  (if tlie ''ft r'ai
*16 
JIJL 21 
All :43
KI-
Introduced by Senator FRANCIS G. ESCUDERO
AN ACT
BANNING THE RE-APPOINTMENT OF A REGULAR MEMBER OF THE 
JUDICIAL AND BAR COUNCIL (JBC) WHO HAS ALREADY SERVED THE FULL
TERM
EXPLANATORY NOTE
The composition of the Judicial and Bar Council (JBC) is provided for under 
Section 8, Article VII1 of the 1987 Constitution. The function of the JBC is to 
recommend to the President appointees to the Judiciary and from among the nominees, 
the President appoints judges and justices without need for confirmation by the 
Commission on Appointments. Note should also be taken that the regular members of 
the JBC as provided for under Section 8 (2), Article VIII are also appointed by the 
President.
This bill seeks to ban reappointments to the JBC in order to avoid the possibility 
of instances where its members, in their desire to be reappointed to the Council, 
succumb to pressure from the executive to nominate individuals based on political 
considerations instead of their actual merits and qualifications, seriously undermining 
the quality of judicial appointments and the independence of the judiciary as a whole.
Moreover, reappointments to the JBC may also result in a loss of opportunity for 
other lawyers and legal experts to serve in the council, limiting the number of 
potentially talented individuals who might inform and enlighten the Council with their 
views and insights.
In the end, enhancing the independence of the JBC by avoiding political 
considerations and providing equal access and opportunity to public office will 
strengthen the independence of our judiciary, ultimately promoting the fair 
administration of justice in this country.
For the foregoing reasons, the approval of this bill is earnestly sought.
FRANCIS G. ESCUDERO