bettergovph/raw-philippine-data huggingface dataset:
SEVENTEENTH CONGRESS 
)
REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES 
j
First Regular Session 
)
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S E N A T E  
S. B. NO. 
4 4 7
0 
JUL 19 AlOM
i ' F  . 
■ ' i i V .
In tro d u ced  by SENATOR LOREN LEGARDA
AN ACT REGULATING NOISE POLLUTION BY CREATING THE NOISE 
POLLUTION CONTROL BOARD (NPCB), PROVIDING FUNDS THEREFOR 
AND FOR OTHER PURPOSES
Explanatory Note
Noise pollution takes place when there is an excessive am ount of noise or 
unpleasant sound th at tends to disrupt the natural rhythm  of life. Noise 
pollution is an environm ental hazard and should not be ignored because of its 
alarm ing effects on hum an health. According to the World Health Organization 
(WHO), one of the various adverse health effects of noise pollution is hearing 
im pairm ent, which is essential for a person’s well-being and safety. WHO 
added th at sudden and unexpected noise has been observed to produce 
m arked changes in the body, such as increased blood pressure, heart rate and 
m uscular contractions. O ther im pacts of noise pollution on hum an health and 
well-being 
are 
annoyance, 
sleep 
disturbance, 
and 
interference 
with 
com m unication, perform ance and social behavior effects.
This bill, therefore, seeks to regulate noise pollution by creating the Noise 
Pollution Control Board (NPCB) which shall form ulate and im plem ent the 
policies and program s on noise pollution control. This m easure also prescribes 
the standards and criteria in determ ining any violations on noise pollution and 
its corresponding penalties.
In view of the foregoing, the approval of this bill is earnestly sought.
LOREN LEGARDA
Senator
SEVENTEENTH CONGRESS OF THE ) 
REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES )
First Regular Session 
)
S. No,
M i l  
>Pt»atr
o f 
I ,  I
*16 
AUG -1 
All :34
SENATE
933 Kr
,tY:
Introduced by Senator Ralph G. Recto
AN ACT
RATIONALIZING THE ECONOMIC REGULATION OF WATER UTILITIES, 
CREATING THE WATER REGULATORY COMMISSION, AND FOR OTHER 
PURPOSES
Explanatory Note
The lack of access to safe water supply and sanitation has an adverse impact on 
health, environment, economic productivity and development. There are more than 26 
million Filipinos without access to sanitary toilet facilities, and only 5 million have 
proper wastewater facilities resulting in approximately 90 percent of effluence going 
directly to our water bodies without any form of treatment.1
Due to high connection costs, 8 million Filipinos cannot connect to water systems 
and rely on unsafe sources of water that are highly susceptible to waterborne diseases 
such as acute watery diarrhea - ranked as third highest cause of morbidity in the country2. 
Of the families with access to safe water supply, less than 45% have piped connection 
and the rest rely on unsustainable communal faucets and point sources.3
The water and sanitation sector is characterized by the absence of a lead agency 
for the sector, the lack of a cohesive policy framework, insufficient public financing, 
inadequate sector data that can provide informed policy and investment decisions, and a 
severely fragmented and poorly enforced regulatory regime.
There are currently several economic regulatory agencies for water; The Local 
Water Utilities Administration (LWUA) for water districts and rural waterworks and 
sanitation associations, the National Water Resources Board (NWRB) for private utilities, 
the Metropolitan Waterworks and Sewerage System (MWSS) for Metro Manila, other 
agencies covering various economic and industrial zones, and Local Government Units 
that essentially self-regulate. 
These agencies have other mandates particularly, 
proprietary roles on the part of the MWSS, LGUs, the economic and industrial zones; 
financing on the part of LWUA, and resource regulation on the part of NWRB; that 
inherently pose conflicts of interest on their economic regulatory functions.
Compounding this issue is the low coverage of the economic regulatory mantle. 
There are an estimated 4,600 water utilities in the country, of which 2,200 are small 
utilities with less than 1,500 connections, and with different ownership structures and 
governance systems—from public and private corporate entities, LGU-ran systems and 
loosely formed community-based associations. Only 27% of the total utilities (mostly
1 Water.org website. httD://water.org/countrv/DhiliDPines/
^ Water.org website. http://water.org/countrv/philiDDines/ 
a well or borehole, that serves one or a group of households, depending on the source’s ownership, as well
as its regeneration capacity
SEVENTEENTH CONGRESS OF THE REPUBLIC 
OF THE PHILIPPINES 
First Regular Session
'16 JUL 20 P3:14
SENATE
S.B. No. 
665
K1 • 
. i 
7 Y :
Introduced by; Senator Paolo Benigno "Bam " A. Aquino IV
AN ACT
TO PROMOTE THE DEVELOPMENT OF THE BAMBOO INDUSTRY IN THE PHILIPPINES 
AND AMEND CERTAIN PROVISIONS OF EXECUTIVE ORDER NO. 879 THAT CREATED 
THE PHILIPPINE BAMBOO INDUSTRY DEVELOPMENT COUNCIL (PBIDC), EXPAND ITS 
MANDATES, PROVIDE ADDITIONAL PERSONNEL AND REGULAR BUDGET OF THE
SECRETARIAT OF THE COUNCIL
EXPLANATORY NOTE
Bamboo is gaining in popularity as construction material as a result of the 
declining supply of wood and is now widely distributed in private lands in the 
lowlands as well as in forest lands.
On a global scale, the value of the world's bamboo market was estimated to 
be US$8 billion1 for traditional and non-traditional bamboo products.
It can be concluded that the development of the bamboo industry in the 
Philippines can be a vehicle for generating more jobs and self-employment 
opportunities, especially in the rural areas. However, this potential cannot be met 
until we address the issue of the low supply of the raw bamboo materials.
The reported demand for bamboo poles in the country by all industry sectors 
is about 22 million culms a year while the estimated supply of the preferred species 
bamboo, such as kawayan tinik, giant Bamboo, bulo, buho, bayog, kawayan killing, 
kayali and laak, is only about 10 million culms.
1 EO No. 879. Creating the Philippine Bamboo industry Development Council (PBIDC) to promote the bamboo 
industry development project and directing the use of bamboo for at least twenty five (25%) percent of the desk 
and other furniture requirements of public elementary and secondary schools and prioritizing the use of bamboo 
in furniture, fixtures and other construction requirements of government facilities and allocating funds therefore 
and other purposes. May 14, 2010.
SEVENTEENTH CONGRESS OF THE
REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES
First Regular Session
]
SENATE
S.B. No. 907
( S if if i o f llir.^ !'i n  ( t i n
'16 JIJL 28 A11 :04
i: • ■
In tro d u ced  by SEN. WIN GATCHALIAN
AN ACT
PROVIDING FOR INSTRUCTIONAL MATERIALS ALLOWANCE FOR 
PUBLIC SCHOOL TEACHERS
EXPLANATORY NOTE
i,
Education h as always been considered as one of the pillars of national 
development. 
Article XIV Section 1 of the 1987 Constitution states th a t “[t]he 
State shall protect and promote the right of all citizens to quality education at all 
levels and shall take appropriate steps to m ake education accessible to all.”
Furtherm ore, Section 2 provides th at “[the] State shall [ejstablish, m aintain, 
support a complete, adequate, and integrated system  of education relevant to the 
needs of society.”
Ensuring quality education for all involves m aking teaching-learning more 
effective through instructional m aterials such as chalky pens, pencils, erasers, 
class records, bond paper, art paper, m anila paper, find the like. 
However, 
despite education being a priority in the budget allocation of the country, 
teachers still find them selves shelling out their personal money to purchase said 
instructional m aterials. 
,
SEVENTEENTH CONGRESS OF THE ) 
REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES 
) 
First Regular Session 
)
SENATE
s.No. 490
::>% 
> r n n  ir
of »h«- 5" rrT[,,3ry
'16 
JUL 19 
All
,v^
Introduced by Senator Antonio “Sonny” F. Trillanes IV
AN ACT
MANDATING THE USE OF TRANSACTION WINDOWS AND THE CREATION 
OF 
E-SERVICES 
IN 
ALL 
GOVERNMENT 
AGENCIES, 
MINIMIZING 
OPPORTUNITIES FOR THE COMMISSION OF BRIBERY AND OTHER 
CORRUPT PRACTICES, AND FOR OTHER PURPOSES
EXPLANATORY NOTE
Although considerable reforms have been put forward by this administration to combat graft 
and corruption in the country, the Philippines is still perceived as one of the most corrupt 
countries in the world, getting a score of 34 on a scale of 1 to 100 with 100 being very clean, 
according to the latest Corruption Perceptions Index of Transparency International, (2012). 
According to an earlier survey, bribery is one of the most rampant forms of corruption in the 
country. From the 2007 Global Corruption Barometer Report of Transparency International 
(TI), the Philippines is included in the top rung of countries most affected by bribery in the 
world. It is one of the top 10 countries with the highest level of petty bribery. Moreover, petty 
bribery bas penetrated every level of government and affected the delivery of services to the 
people.
This bill seeks to prevent petty bribery and other corrupt practices in the delivery of 
government services by limiting transactions to the appropriate "transaction windows" and 
prohibiting the clients from going inside government offices except during interviews, 
examinations, official business, and other similar cases. To serve more efficiently, this bill 
furthermore encourages government agencies to create electronic delivery of services that is 
accessible to the general public without charge. This will lessen if not eliminate the hassle of 
going through the usually long-winded and tiring process of transacting business with the 
government and will decrease the likelihood of committing bribery and other corrupt 
practices.
In view of the foregoing, the immediate approval of this bill is earnestly sought.
ANTONI
LANES IV
Senator
SEVENTEENTH CONGRESS OF THE ) 
REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES 
)
First Regular Session 
)
S. B. No.
S E N A T E
751
' ! 
( S ff ir e  o f 
''11 ( l,5 f u
*16 
JIJL 21 
AlO 5 5
T^Y:
Introduced by Senator FRANCIS G. ESCUDERO
AN ACT
AMENDING REPUBLIC ACT NO. 9298, OTHERWISE KNOWN AS THE 
PHILIPPINE ACCOUNTANCY ACT OF 2004
EXPLANATORY NOTE
This bill seeks to rectify what may be deemed as an unfair requirement in the 
practice of public accountancy.
Republic Act No. 9298 requires in addition to the board examinations for 
certified public accountants (CPAs) accreditation as a limitation to the practice of public 
accountancy. Such accreditation necessitates a three (3) year "meaningful" experience in 
the practice of the profession.
The standards for admission to the practice of public accountancy in the 
Philippines cannot be understated. The board examinations for CPAs is already a 
grueling task not to mention the preparations had in the study and review of 
accountancy.
Consequently, adding an accreditation requirement with a 3 year period 
condition sine qua non may only mean a burden among CPAs which if rightfully 
considered is but a superfluity.
sought.
In view of the foregoing, the immediate passage of this proposed measure is
FRANCIS G. ESCUDERO
SEVENTEENTH CONGRESS 
REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES
First Regular Session
)
(9Kirc ii? H]*
*16 JUL18 P6«3
S E N A T E
S.B. No. 389
Ri< 
BY:
In tro d u ced  by SENATOR LOREN LEGARDA
AN 
ACT 
GRANTING 
FISCAL 
INCENTIVES 
TO 
MEDIA 
ENTITIES 
DEVOTING AIRTIME AND SPACE TO EDUCATIONAL PROGRAMS FOR 
CHILDREN, AND TO ADVERTISERS OR SPONSORS SUPPORTING SUCH 
PROGRAMS, AND FOR OTHER PURPOSES
Explanatory Note
Republic Act No. 8370, otherwise known as the “Children’s Television Act of 
1997 
was enacted to promote and encourage the production and 
broadcasting 
of 
developm entally-appropriate 
television 
program s 
for 
children through the adm inistration of a national endow m ent fund for 
children’s television.
Despite this law, there are still less child-friendly program s on television 
with no law passed to encourage the production of films th a t especially cater 
to children in our country. This m ust be brought about by the heavy taxes 
imposed on m ass media.
It is therefore imperative th at the State intervenes in the form of relevant 
legislation to encourage m edia entities to invest in our children’s future 
through the production of educational program s th at would m ake quality 
education accessible th ru  m ass media.
This bill aim s to accom plish th at by exem pting equipm ent, tools for 
production, and transportation and com m unication facilities to be used 
actually, directly and exclusively for educational purposes by media, paying 
duty and internal revenue tax.
Under this proposed m easure, the net income derived from educational 
program s and publications shall be tax-exem pt for five years from the start 
of its initial operation or until the producer and publisher shall have 
attained reasonable retu rn  of investm ent.
In view of the foregoing, the immediately passage of this bill is earnestly 
sought.
-LG^EirL^ARDA^
Senator
i I
SEVENTEENTH CONGRESS OF TH E 
)
REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES 
)
First Regular Session 
)
SENATE
S. No. 4G3
( f l U . i f  ■ 1 '
,1111. 
1 9  
A l l  - . r '
Introduced by Senator Antonio ‘‘Sonny” F. Trillanes IV
AN ACT
CONSTITUTING A COMMISSION FOR THE PURPOSE OF STUDYING THE 
FEASIBILITY AND 
DESIRABILITY OF RELOCATING THE NATIONAL 
CAPITAL AND SEAT OF GOVERNMENT OF THE PHILIPPINES AND FOR 
OTHER RELEVANT PURPOSES
EXPLANATORY NOTE
Capital relocation has been a notable act among countries in order to encourage development 
in a seemingly underdeveloped region. A window into this is Brasilia which experienced 
rapid growth after its establishment as Brazil’s capital. Brazil’s capital change from Rio de 
Janeiro to Brasilia in 1961 was considered very successful, and many countries have been 
inspired by Brazil’s capital relocation achievement.
Since 1976, Manila has been the national capital of the Philippics. It is also considered as the 
seat of the national government of the Philippines yet, many government agencies still sit 
outside the said city. To better administer government transactions as well as spur 
development in other areas of the country, it is high time to review whether Manila shall be 
retained as the capital and the seat of the national government.
It is therefore imperative for Congress to create a Commission to comprehensively study the 
potential capital relocation and transfer of the pennanent seat of the national government of 
the from Manila.
In view of the foregoing, the immediate passage of this Act is earnestly sought.
ANTONIO
F .T ^Il LAN ES IV
Senator
SEVENTEENTH CONGRESS OF THE ) 
REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES 
)
First Regular Session 
)
S E N A T E  
S. B. No. 
-BS
ii/i TIME:
BILLS &
Introduced by Senator Francis G. Escudero
PHILIPPINE IMMIGRATION ACT
EXPLANATORY NOTE
The current governing law of the Bureau of Immigration, Commonwealth Act 
613, was enacted under the American regime in 1940. Albeit the various amendments 
which have been introduced in the said law over the years, with globalization and 
proliferation of international crimes, a more capable and practicable immigration 
system is very much needed by our country to keep up with the vast changing times.
Article II, Section 7 of the 1987 Philippine Constitution gives paramount 
consideration to national sovereignty, territorial integrity, national security, national 
interest, and the right to self-determination, as it adheres to the policy of peace, 
cooperation and amity with all nations.
Toward this end, this bill seeks to apply and administer Philippine immigration 
policies, rules and regulations in the promotion of domestic and international interests 
of the Philippines, in recognition of:
(a) The admission of foreign nationals for the purpose of enhancing capital 
iiwestments, trade and commerce, cultural exchanges and other forms of 
friendly relations and cooperation;
(b) The need for increased teclmological and scientific development;
(c) Promotion of conditions for social welfare and economic security of the 
people;
(d) Compliance with obligations and standards set by international law in the 
admission or exclusion of foreign nationals;
(e) Promoting international order and justice by denying the use of Philippine 
territory to persons who are engaged or likely to engage in terrorism, human 
smuggling and trafficking, criminal and other nefarious activities;
(f) Modernization of structures and mechanisms necessary for the administration 
of immigration laws in keeping with the changing demands of the country's role 
in the global community; and
SEVENTEENTH CONGRESS OF THE ) 
REPUBLIC OF THE PHIILIPPINES )
First Regular Session 
)
S. No.
SENATE
850
1 
' f i f f i t *  o f (I,r 
i-*!,
'1 6  
,111 21 
P 3  :27
n !• (
’’ Y ;
Introduced by Senator Ralph G. Recto
AN ACT
INSTITUTING REFORMS TO FURTHER PROTECT AND DEVELOP THE NURSING 
PROFESSION, AMENDING FOR THE PURPOSE REPUBLIC ACT NUMBER 9173 
OTHERWISE KNOWN AS THE “PHILIPPINE NURSING ACT OF 2002”
Explanatory Note
Nursing is one of the top career choices of Filipinos. Enrolment in the course has 
ballooned from 30,000 in 2010 to about half a million at present,1 2 producing 200,000 nursing 
graduates every year . The number of schools offering nursing courses also grew from just 40 in 
1970 to 490 at present. The rising enrolment mirrors the rising demand for the services of 
professional nurses in the Philippines and in other countries. A good number of Filipino doctors 
also took nursing courses to get advantage of the increasing demand for nurses overseas.
However, despite the large pool of nursing graduates, many nursing positions in public 
and private health facilities in the country remain unfilled due to many factors, including among 
others, the low compensation and generally poorer working environment in the country. There is 
a wide disparity between earnings in local nursing positions against foreign employment. The 
amount that nurses can earn overseas is about ten times more than what they can earn loeally. 
Thus, Filipino nurses instead of working in the country still prefer to seek employment abroad.
The Philippine Overseas Employment Administration (POEA) reported that in 2007, 
nurse deployment at 12,263 was already double that of 6,410 nurse deployment in 2000. The 
number of newly-hired nurses going abroad eontinued to increase from 13,004 in 2009 to 19,815 
in 2014, at an average growth rate of 10.5% per year.3 The top ten destination eountries in the 
last ten years were Saudi Arabia; Singapore; United Arab Emirates; Libya; Kuwait; United 
Kingdom; Qatar; Taiwan; Oman; and Bahrain.4
The problem is further aggravated by some abusive practices preying on our nursing 
graduates. In the recent past, many of our nursing graduates were subjected to pay “training fees” 
and were forced to “volunteer” by hospitals in exchange for the necessary “experience” that they 
need for employment here and abroad. The hospital experience has become a mandatory 
prerequisite for employers because of the reputation of most nursing schools in the country and 
the quality of edueation that they offer.
1 http://www.ched.gov.pli/chedwww/index.php/eng/Infonnation/Stalistics.
2 http://nursingcrib.eom/news-blog/the-philippines-produces-200000-nursing-graduates-yearly/
2 http://www.poea.gov.pli/ofwstat/compendium/20l4.pdf.
http://www.poea.gov.ph/stats/2010%20Deployment%20by%200ccupation,%20Destination%20and%20Sex%202010%20- 
%20New%20hires.pdf
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SEVENTEENTH CONGRESS OF THE REPUBLIC 
)
OF THE PHILIPPINES 
)
First Regular Session 
)
SENA 
S.B. No. fv9
*16 
JUL20 
P 3 21
r,\ :
Introduced by: Senator Paolo Benigno "Bam " A. Aquino IV
AN ACT AMENDING REPUBLIC ACT NO. 8439, OTHERWISE KNOWN AS THE 
"MAGNA CARTA FOR SCIENTISTS, ENGINEERS, RESEARCHERS AND OTHER S & T 
PERSONNEL IN THE GOVERNMENT"
EXPLANATORY NOTE
We find science and technology embedded in every branch of modern life, 
driving progress and innovation. It is in the best interest of the country and its 
people to foster our local talent in the field of Science and Technology (S&T) to drive 
development in the Philippines and improve the lives of millions of Filipinos.
In 2010, only 2.3% of our 31'million workforce were classified under S&T 
professionals1. In the two-decade assessment of science and technology human 
resources in our country, a two fold increase in the number of S&T professionals 
from 1990 to 2010 was coupled with an almost three fold increase in S&T 
professionals that work overseas2.
In government, the reports2 on the exodus of S&T professionals from 
agencies like PAGASA, PHILVOLCS, and ASTI has attracted public interest in the past 
years and motives for their migration were revealed, including uncompetitive local 
compensation and protracted processing of hazard pay.
In line with these findings, this measure aims to:
1. Remove set limits on additional salary of honoraria for S&T professionals; and
2. Foster ease in accessing benefits for S&T personnel in departments and
agencies other than DOST.
1 In 2010, only 721 thousand of tho 31 million Filipino workers aped 15 years old and over were S&T 
professionals (SCFDOST, 2014)
Results of the study revealed an increasinp, trend in the niimher of human resources in Science and Technology 
(lIRST) using census data (SEI-DOST,2014). lIRST increase two fold from 362 thousand in 1990, to 721 thousand 
in 2010: and those working overseas onumhered 40,000 and 113,000 respectively.
Calonzn, A. (2014, lunp 3). Mass exodus of Pinoy scientists from gov’t agencies bared. January 10, 2016, from 
http://goo.gl/hXLP9R
SEVENTEENTH CONGRESS OF THE ) 
REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES 
)
First Regular Session 
)
S E N A T E  
S. B. No.
oateIUN
Introduced by Senator FRANCIS G. ESCUDERO
AN ACT
AMENDING SECTIONS 2 AND 5 OF REPUBLIC ACT NO. 9227, OTHERWISE 
KNOWN AS AN ACT GRANTING ADDITIONAL COMPENSATION IN THE 
FORM OF SPECIAL ALLOWANCES FOR JUSTICES, JUDGES AND ALL OTHER 
POSITIONS IN THE JUDICIARY WITH THE EQUIVALENT RANK OF JUSTICES 
OF THE COURT OF APPEALS AND JUDGES OF THE REGIONAL TRIAL COURT
EXPLANATORY NOTE
Republic Act No. 9227 grants "additional compensation in the form of special 
allowances for justices, judges and all other positions in the judiciary with the 
equivalent rank of justices of the Court of Appeals and judges of the Regional Trial 
Court." Such special allowances are intended to be part of the basic salary of the 
justices, judges and all other positions in the judiciary of equivalent rank.
Since the special allowances received by incumbent justices under R.A. No. 9227 
are, to all intents and purposes, part of their increased basic salary, such increase 
becomes the basis of their retirement pension at the time of their cessation in office. 
Section 3-A of Republic Act No. 910 as amended (commonly referred to as the 
"Retirement Law for the Judiciary"), explicitly states that whenever the salary of an 
incumbent justice of the Supreme Court or Court of Appeals is increased, such 
increased salary shall be deemed to be the salary or retirement pension which a justice 
who retired was receiving at the time of his cessation in office.
Those surviving justices, judges and all court officials who, while in the service, 
held positions in the judiciary of equivalent rank to that of justices of the Court of 
Appeals and judges of the Regional Trial Court and who have retired prior to 
November 11, 2003 (the date of effectivity of R.A. No. 9227) should be extended similar 
financial benefits. For this purpose, there should be a readjustment of their retirement 
benefits to include the amounts corresponding to the special allowances received by 
incumbent justices, judges and court officials holding positions equivalent to the ranks 
of justice of the Court of Appeals and judge of the Regional Trial Court as long as they 
are qualified to receive monthly pensions under R.A. No. 910.
The appropriate legislation should be enacted granting special allowance to 
those who have retired prior to November 11, 2003, the date of the effectivity of R.A. 
No. 9227 by upgrading their retirement gratuities.
The foregoing considered, immediate approval of this bill is highly sought.
FRANCIS G. ESCUDERO
SEVENTEENTH CONGRESS OF THE 
REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES 
First Regular Session
SENATE
S. No. 611
■16 JUL19 P5 58
Hi
Introduced by Senator Antonio “Sonny” F. Trillanes IV
AN ACT
REQUIRING ALL GOVERNMENT AGENCIES ISSUING IDENTIFICATION 
CARDS, CERTIFICATES AND LICENSES TO INDICATE THEREIN THE BLOOD 
TYPE OF THE HOLDER AND PROVIDING PENALTIES FOR VIOLATIONS 
THEREOF
EXPLANATORY NOTE
As enshrined in the 1987 Constitution:
"The State shall protect and promote the right to health of the people and 
instill among health consciousness."
This bill embodies this poliey by requiring the inclusion of blood type information of owner- 
holder of certificates, licenses, and identification cards be issued by the government. This 
information is necessary especially in unlikely situations such as accidents and calamities, 
wherein a person would be needing urgent medical attention, particularly blood transfusion. 
Information such as this is vital in order to immediately address the needs of a victim in 
saving his/her life.
Furthermore, blood type information of citizens, which would be available in the database of 
concerned government agencies identified in this bill, would be helpful for a systematic 
maintenance of stocks of blood in hospitals and in blood banks maintained by the Philippine 
Red Cross.
In view of the foregoing, immediate approval of this bill is earnestly sought.
ANTOMOSfSONNY” F.TRILLANES IV
Senator
SEVENTEENTH CONGRESS OF THE ) 
REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES 
) 
First Regular Session 
)
Stnr.tv
•16 
JUL 19 
A10 58
. S. No
SENATE
451
: : ! 1'. i .i > BY;.
Introduced by Senator Antonio “Sonny” F. Trillanes IV
AN ACT
CREATING THE DEPARTMENT OF SPORTS, DEFINING ITS POWERS AND 
FUNCTIONS, APPROPRIATING FUNDS THEREFOR, AND FOR OTHER 
PURPOSES
EXPLANATORY NOTE
The Philippine Sports Commission (PSC) was created by virtue of Republic Act No. 6847 
enacted in January of 1990. It was intended to be the lead agency that shall oversee, reform, and 
jumpstart the state of Philippine sports. However, twenty six (26) years after its enactment, the 
expected improvement and development of Philippine sports under the PSC still is wanting.
The PSC failed to neither surpass nor even just approximate the many successes that the coimtry 
produced in the field of sports with the likes of Akiko Thompson, Lydia De Vega, Elma Muros, 
Paeng Nepomuceno, Eric Buhain, and Efren “Bata” Reyes, among many others. Issues like lack 
of a comprehensive national sports program, obsolete training methods, lack of state-of-the art 
facilities and modem equipment are seen as the culprit in the country’s poor performance in 
various international competitions.
It is in this light that this bill seeks to create a Department of Sports that shall take the lead in 
providing the much needed leadership in sports development in the Philippines. The Department 
of Sports, a cabinet-level agency, shall provide necessary impetus, direction, and policy guidance 
in order to improve the performance of the country in international sporting events and 
competitions. Said agency shall likewise take the lead in developing Filipino athletes to their 
fullest potentials.
It is hoped that once the Department of Sports is established, sports in the Philippines would once 
again become an integral component of youth development, a galvanizing force for National 
Unity, and a source of national pride.
In view of the foregoing, the immediate approval of this bill is earnestly sought.
a n t o n :
ONNY” F. Tr il l a n e s iv
Senator
. 5"
SEVENTEENTH CONGRESS OF THE ) 
REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES )
First Regular Session 
)
SENATE 
s .No. 2 6 6
tS
BILLS
m
Introduced by Senator Ralph G. Recto
AN ACT
CREATING THE SPECIAL MASS TRANSIT SYSTEM SUPPORT FUND AMENDING 
FOR THE PURPOSE SECTIONS 7 AND 8 OF REPUBLIC ACT NO. 8794 
OTHERWISE KNOWN AS THE “MOTOR VEHICLE USER’S CHARGE ACT OF 
2000”
Explanatory Note
316 ^°‘88 
(90%) of our 100.98 Million1 population who constitute the
nding public. On the other hand, the total number of motor vehicles registered with the Land
Transportation Office (LTO) in 2014 reached 8.08 Million, of which 912,584 (11%)2 are nublic 
utility vehicles.
Our nation’s transport system relies heavily on the road network which handles 
approximately 90% of passenger movement and 50% of fi-eight movement,3 serving priority 
production areas and population centers.
/A>n 
SinCe the passage of R-A- No- 8794’ also known as the “Motor Vehicle User’s Charge 
(MyUC) Act ’ in June 2000, the road user’s tax has been imposed on owners of all types of 
vehicles, whether for hire, for private or government use. Based on the 2016 Budget of 
Expenditures and Sources of Financing, the balance fi-om the collections from Motor Vehicle 
User’s Charge (MVUC) as of December 31, 2014 amounts to PI 1.44 Billion while the estimated 
revenues for 2016 amounts to P12.79 Billion.4
The increase in the number of motor vehicles has corollarily increased the MVUC 
collections. However, it has also made the traffic situation in our country worse. John Forbes, 
senior advisor of the American Chamber of Commerce of the Philippines, stated in an interview 
that Metro Manila may become “uninhabitable” within four years if roads and other 
mfi-astructure are not upgraded immediately as the volume of vehicles sold is expected to surge 
to 500,000 by 2020.5 
B
Metro Manila traffic cost us almost P900 billion in 2015, quantified by wasted time fuel
and lost human productivity, and was logged at 10 percent of the country’s gross domestic 
product.
jS
oP1 6^ StatiStiCS AUth0rity ■ Nati0nal Capital Regi0n> “NCR in Figures”, httoV/www.nso-nr.r nh/ (accessed 6
3 Land Transportation Office. Annual Report 2014. 03 February 2015.
4 National Economic and Development Authority, NEDA MTPDP 2004-2010 Chapter 6: Infrastructure (2004)” 
Y e^2016”nt 0f Budget and Management> “Budget of Expenditures and Sources of Financing (Table B.17): Fiscal
Richmond Mercurio. “Traffic can make Metro Manila uninhabitable in 4 years” 
http://www.philstar.eom/headlines/2016/01/04/1539050/traffic-can-make-metro-manila-iininhahitaVilp-4-xfggro
Rey Gamboa. “Make Dream Plan 2030 a Reality”, http://www.philstar.eom/business/2016/02/09/1551065/malfp- 
dream-plan-2030-rea1itv (accessed 14 June 2016). 
'-----------------------~
^ rn a tr
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JkrntiM r^i
SEVENTEENTH CONGRESS OF THE 
REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES 
Firs/ Regular Session
SENATE 
S. No. 5 6 8
‘16 JUL19 P4 5t
Introduced by Senator Antonio “Sonny” F. Trillanes IV
AN ACT
PROVIDING FOR THE COLLECTION, TRANSPORTATION AND RECYCLING 
OF ELECTRONIC WASTE AND CELLULAR PHONES
EXPLANATORY NOTE
The earth s natural resources are being devoured today at a rate that highlights the idea that 
future generations will be paying for serious consequences it would bring. For this reason, the 
importance of recycling has been continuously becoming ^  essential matter which concerns 
the general public and the economy.
The ban on disposing electronic waste (e-waste) through the nomial solid waste stream has 
resulted in illegal dumping m many countries. At present, many companies and individuals 
are improving their recycling habits by coming up with ways to reduce what they use. This 
concept of recycling is not only favorable for our surroundings but also for businesses as they 
secure better relations with the consumers over the matter of saving the environment.
In this light, a comprehensive legislation that will provide the people a method on how to
recycle much of what was being used, instead of turning it into unusable waste, is highly 
called for. 
b J
This bill aims to help recycle the people's electronic devices for free by taking a 
manufacturers responsibility” approach to recycle e-waste. Applicable only to devices sold 
to households, this bill requires companies that produce consumer electronics to collect and 
recycle the products they have sold.
In view of the foregoing, the immediate approval of this bill is earnestly sought.
ANTON
LLANESIV
SEVENTEENTH CONGRESS OF THE 
)
REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES 
)
First Regular Session 
)
SENATE
S. B. No. 934
Scuafr
(fire of 
iv;
'16 
AUG -1 
All :36
INTRODUCED BY SENATOR ANA THERESIA "RISA’’ HONTIVEROS B
E tr
AN ACT
ESTABLISHING THE COCONUT FARMERS TRUST FUND AND PROVIDING FOR ITS
MANAGEMENT AND UTILIZATION
70% of poor Filipinos are located in the rural countryside. Among the rural poor, 60% 
reside in coconut-producing areas that receive the least government assistance, 
compared to other agricultural crop sectors. Of the country's 3.5 million coconut 
farmers, 1.9 million are farm workers, subsisting on roughly PhP41.00 per day. The 
overall objective is to uplift the quality of life of coconut farmers on a sustainable basis 
based on the following key indicators: (1) increased incomes, (2) good health, and (3) 
well-trained and capacitated coconut farmers, and economies of scale.
In January of 2012,\the Supreme Court rendered a ruling on Civil Case No. 003.° 
[designated G.R. No. 177857/177858 and G.R. No. 178193) holding that "the Coconut 
Industry Investment Fund [CIIF) Block of San Miguel Corporation [SMC) shares of stock 
totaling 33,133,266 shares as of 1983 together with all dividends.declared, paid and 
issued thereon as well as any increments thereto arising from, but not limited to, 
exercise of pre-emptive rights are declared owned by the government to be used only 
for the benefit of all coconut farmers and for the development of the coconut industry, 
and ordered reconveyed to the government”.
This decision is an important step in the government’s pursuit of social justice 
and the rectification of historical inequities through the return of the coconut levy funds 
to the rightful owners, the small coconut farmers, from whom these levies had been 
exacted during the administration of Former President Ferdinand Marcos. However, 
absent legislation creating a vehicle for the judicious utilization of the funds, the funds 
remain in a vacuum - a valuable resource remaining untapped and out of reach of the 
millions of coconut farmers who need it.
Among the key features of this bill are:
1) It initially allots 10% of the Trust Principal to jump-start projects and programs 
most needed to provide social protection for coconut farmers and provide 
support in terms of capital and equipment for the establishment of coco hubs in 
coconut producing municipalities.
2) Subsequent annual releases will just be from the interest earnings of the fund
3) A trust fund committee which shall manage the fund and establish policies on its 
utilization, guided by a Coco Roadmap crafted by the inter-agency efforts with the 
strong participation of coconut farmers shall be set up. The strong presence of 
coconut farmers in this committee is also put in place.
4) Coco levy assets shall only be privatized should there be no use for them for the 
coconut farmers in building their coco enterprises.
It is time to correct th? historical injustices against our coconut farmers.
SEVENTEENTH CONGRESS OF THE ) 
REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES 
)
First Regular Sessio}i 
)
S E N A T E
S. B. No. 
741
’16 
JIJL21 
A 10:44
H i: r  
i 
■ 
nv;
Introduced by Senator FRANCIS G. ESCUDERO
AN ACT
PROVIDING FOR THE DELINEATION OF THE SPECIFIC FOREST LIMITS OF 
THE PUBLIC DOMAIN AND FOR OTHER PURPOSES
EXPLANATORY NOTE
Section 4, Article XII of the 1987 Constitution states that "The Congress 
shall, as soon as possible, determine by law, the specific limits of forest lands and national 
parks, marking clearly their boundaries on the ground. Thereafter, such forest lands and 
national parks shall be conserved and may not be increased nor diminished, except by 
law. The Congress shall provide, for such period as it may determine, measures to 
prohibit logging in endangered forests and watershed areas".
Based on the 2001-2003 satellite imageries reported out by the National 
Mapping and Resource Information Authority (NAMRIA), the total forest cover 
of the Philippines is estimated at 7.168 million hectares or 24.27% of the 
country's total land area.
Lack of demarcation on the ground resulted to confusion as to the actual 
size of the forest lands of the country which later resulted to incorrect land use 
and management.
This proposed legislation seeks to delineate the specific limits of forest 
lands in order to coiiserve, protect and develop the forest resources of the 
country in order to attain ecological balance, preserve valuable ecosystems, 
prevent environmental degradation and promote sustainable development for 
the present and future generations.
This bill was reported out in the Fifteenth Congress as Senate Bill No. 
3326 under Committee Report No. 464 and was approved on Second Reading.
I submit.
FRANCIS G. ESCUDERO
r  '« U - V , l ’ /  <®lf<ff. of thp^i'i'iirt.irji
SEVENTEENTH CONGRESS OF TH E) 
REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES) 
First Regular Session)
“16 ,1111 26 
A 9 :50
SENATE
SENATE BILL NO. 895
i ; f ■
HY:
INTRODUCED BY SENATOR JOSEPH VICTOR G. EJERCITO
AN ACT
PROVIDING FOR AN AUTOMATIC PAY INCREASE TO ANY MEMBER OF 
THE ARMED FORCES WHO IS DEPLOYED AWAY FROM THE MEMBER'S 
PERMANENT STATION OR, IN THE CASE OF A MEMBER OF A RESERVE 
COMPONENT OF THE ARMED FORCES, THE MEMBER'S HOME OF 
RECORD, ONCE THE DEPLOYMENT PERIOD EXCEEDS 180 DAYS OF 
CONTINUOUS DUTY
EXPLANATORY NOTE
The Armed Forces of the Philippines, being the protector of the people, plays 
a crucial role in preserving peace and harmony, by defending the country against 
terrorism and other forms of threats, whether of civilian or military nature. Despite 
the on-going series of controversies surrounding the military, particularly those 
relating to graft and corruption and the continued schism in the AFP hierarchy, 
spawning public apprehension over threats of possible coup attempts, such role 
could certainly not be denied; hence, proving its indispensability and importance.
Unfortunately, many of our soldiers begin to get disenfranchised because 
their immense contributions seem to be not reciprocated, if not fully rewarded. 
Although legislative efforts are undertaken to ensure better pay and work 
conditions, many of these initiatives are still pending, and those already enacted 
remain unimplemented.
Yet, this should not be a reason not to push for more reforms in the AFP. 
Many things can still and ought to be done.
The purpose of this measure is to improve the living conditions of ojar AFP 
soldiers by providing for an automatic pay increase to any member of the Armed 
Forces who is deployed away from the member's permanent station or, in the case of
SEVENTEENTH CONGRESS OF THE ) 
REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES 
)
First Regular Session 
)
SENATE
S.B. No. 
52
LU 
DA f E .
b y : --------71—
V BILLS ^  ( nId EX
Introduced by Senator Francis N. Pangilinan
AN ACT DECLARING THE COCONUT LEVY ASSETS AS A TRUST FUND, 
PROVIDING FOR ITS MANAGEMENT AND UTILIZATION, AUTHORIZING THE 
PRIVATIZATION AND MANAGEMENT OFFICE TO DISPOSE THE COCONUT LEVY
ASSETS, AND FOR OTHER PURPOSES
EXPLANATORY NOTE
The Philippine coconut industry plays a pivotal role in the country’s agriculture 
sector. In 2014, it contributed 4.0% to the gross value added (GVA) in agriculture and 
fishing. There are 68 coconut producing provinces as identified by the Philippine 
Coconut Authority (PCA) out of 81 provinces nationwide and coconut lands are 
estimated to have covered some 3.3 million hectares of land, or nearly 30 percent of the 
total agricultural area in the country. Estimates by the PCA show that there are 3.5 
million coconut farmers who are among the nation’s poorest of the poor. The industry is 
suffering from declining production which causes poverty to worsen. Yet it has among 
the highest potential for growth through productivity enhancement, value-adding and 
diversification. It is but apt to focus on the industry to push for its grov\/th and turn it into 
a viable and profitable industry, and lift the coconut farmers and their families out of 
poverty.
The bill proposes a complete accounting and inventory of the coconut levy assets, 
creating the Coconut Farmers and Industry Trust Fund for the development of the 
industry and for the benefit of coconut farmers and workers in the country. A Coconut 
Farmers and Industry Fund Committee will be created which shall implement the 
Coconut Farmers and Industry Development Plan, among its other powers and 
functions.
SEVENTEENTH CONGRESS OF THE 
REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES 
First Regular Session
S E N A T E  
S. B. No. 
227
Introduced by Senator FRANKLIN M. DRILON
AN ACT ESTABLISHING
TELECOMMUNICATIONS SERVICE STANDARDS 
EXPLANATORY NOTE
The past decade has witnessed the accelerated pace at which technological 
advances in the telecommunications sector unfold, consequently transforming the 
face of our economy. The prominence of this industry’s role in a country’s financial 
position has been confirmed by numerous research outputs and supported by strong 
empirical data. Such conclusion is anchored on the premise that mobile telephone 
usage generates a positive impact on workers prpductivity, which in turn impacts 
business productivity through routes such as improved information flows on prices, 
quantities and quality; reduced travel time and costs; improved efficiency of mobile 
workers; improved job search and promotion of entrepreneurialism . 1
In the Philippines, gains in productivity that other sectors have been 
experiencing due to the development in the telecommunications sector collectively 
pushed our economy to new heights. Thus, this bill seeks to maximize such yields 
through 
policies 
that 
would 
foster 
competition 
and 
efficiency 
in 
the 
telecommunications sector. In particular, the proposed measure aims to establish 
minimum standards of service and performance to govern players in the 
telecommunications service market. We acknowledge that in the previous Congress, 
Senator Sergio R. Osmena III filed this proposed measure.
Hence, the immediate passage of this bill is earnestly sought.
KLIN M. DRILON
Senator
1 What is the impact of mobile telephony on economic growth?” by Deloitte LLP, published in GSM 
Association Report. November 2012.
m .
'w j
SEVENTEENTH CONGRESS OF THE 
) 
REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES )
First Regular Session 
)
SENATE 
S. No.
iS ffift of thf. .'rri ii'.ir ii
*16 
JUL21 
P 2 : 1 4
in  < > .
Introduced by Senator Ralph G. Recto
AN ACT
PROMOTING 
ENVIRONMENTALLY 
SUSTAINABLE 
TRANSPORT 
BY 
PROVIDING 
INCENTIVES 
FOR 
THE 
MANUFACTURE, 
ASSEMBLY, 
CONVERSION AND IMPORTATION OF ELECTRIC, HYBRID AND OTHER 
GREEN VEHICLES, AND FOR OTHER PURPOSES
Explanatory Note
Road transportation accounts for about eighty percent (80%) of air pollution in 
Metro Manila. With the rapid rise in personal vehicle ownership, demand for fuel will 
continue to increase along with carbon emissions unless there is a shift in transportation.
Although the transport sector has a significant contribution to the Philippines’ 
economic growth, it also poses a threat to our quality of life as it greatly impacts on our 
national health, energy, security and environment.
Air pollution primarily causes respiratory diseases including acute and chronic 
bronchitis, acute lower respiratory infection (ALRI) and pneumonia, and cardiovascular 
diseases. The economic cost of the health impacts of air pollution from road transport is 
estimated at US$325 million per year.1 *
Our economy has been adversely affected by crude oil prices for the past decades. 
The Philippines being highly dependent on petroleum and petroleum products spend 
P721.8 billion on 123.5 million barrels of imported oil annually.3
Given the extent of economic cost of using fossil fuels for transportation, it is 
imperative that the government help modernize the Philippine public transport system. 
The benefits of reducing that burden could easily outweigh the monetary cost of 
investments. Promoting green vehicles hold significant potential for increasing energy 
security, reducing carbon emissions, and improving local air quality. We can temper our 
dependence on petroleum and increase fuel savings. The riding public benefits too as the 
amount of fares will no longer be dictated by the volatility of fuel prices. At the same 
time, pollution-related diseases and productivity losses will be minimized.
The State recognizes its role in addressing the detrimental effects on the 
enviromnent, safeguarding the welfare, and protecting the health of the people by 
improving air quality and by reducing the impact of greenhouse gas effects emitted from 
man-made sources such as vehicles operating on fossil fuels. Consequently, 
Administrative Order No. 254 issued on January 30, 2009, mandates the Department of
1 Pollution-free advocacy: Adopt an E-jeepney program.http://iamesdeakin.Dh/r)ollution-free- 
advocacv-adopt-an-eieepnev-program/
Indexmundi. http://www.indexmundi.coni/coniinodities/?coinmoditv=crude- 
oil&months=300&currencv=php. (Accessed on 30 May 2013)
■ Indexmundi. www.indexmundi.com/g/g.aspx?v=93&c=rp&l=en. (Accessed on 30 May 2013.)
i^rn?»tr
flf fh(! >rr<rl,.;, j
SEVENTEENTH CONGRESS OF THE 
)
REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES 
)
First Regular Session 
)
SENATE
S. No. 
^  5  ^
'16 , jlJL 19 P4:45
R F C i:;v  
n y .
Introduced by Senator Antonio “Sonny” F. Trillanes IV
AN ACT
PROVIDING 
FOR 
A 
MORE 
RESPONSIVE 
AND 
COMPREHENSIVE 
REGULATION FOR THE PRACTICE, LICENSING, AND REGISTRATION OF 
ENVIRONMENTAL AND SANITARY ENGINEERS IN THE PHILIPPINES 
AMENDING FOR THE PURPOSE REPUBLIC ACT NO. 1364 AND FOR OTHER 
PURPOSES
EXPLANATORY NOTE
With the fast-changing signs of the times and the advent of modem technology, the existing 
Sanitary Engineering Law that aims to protect public health and environment has become 
outdated. The scope and complexities of environment pollution have increased and the need 
for environmental surveillance and protection in the field of Sanitary Engineering has 
broadened. Thus, it is the aim of this legislation to enact a measure that will enable the 
Sanitary and Environmental Engineers to be more effective in dealing with today's 
environmental and public health problems.
This bill seeks to update and upgrade the more than fifty-year old Republic Act No. 1364 to 
make the practice of Environmental and Sanitary Engineering more relevant to contemporary 
conditions and challenges.
In view of the foregoing, approval of this measure is earnestly requested.
ANT0N/0\“S0NfJY” F.
S e n a to r
RILLANES IV
5
SEVENTEENTH CONGRESS OF THE ) 
REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES 
)
First Regular Session 
)
SENATE
S. B. No. 2 1 1
DATE J UN
zjLn
5T
Introduced by SENATOR JOEL “TESDAMAN” VILLANUEVA
AN ACT
INSTITUTIONALIZING THE PHILIPPINE QUALIFICATIONS 
FRAMEWORK (PQF) AND ESTABLISHING THE NATIONAL 
COORDINATING COUNCIL FOR EDUCATION
EXPLANATORY NOTE
Throughout the world, raising skills levels, reforming education and trainino 
^tUrLnCUi Um anCl ' mpr?vlng cluallflcati0ns are among the priorities. One key concern is 
?nH 
r
9 the/'e atlonst;,P between education and training systems on one hand 
and the labor niarkets, on the other. National Qualification Frameworks (NQFs) are 
eyed as useful policy to achieve this goal. According to the InTernational Labor
mfofmfnn Z
 
°|)’ ll"6 dtevelopment of NQFs has been a major international trend in 
reforming national education and training systems since the late 1990s.
po oJ
l i 0h12, 
Benign0 Simeon Aquino m issued Executive Order No
83, establishing the Philippine Qualifications Framework (PQF) to harmonize basic
education, technical-vocational education and training (TVET) and tertiary education 
into a nationwide schedule of skills and competencies.
nPPH w  fhol116 : Qr ’ sti;denut® can 9ain a clearer picture of the competencies they 
th ?h 
J0.b lnterests whlle employers are able to easily identify the basic work- 
ski s their employees must possess. Hence, the PQF can significantly reduce job-
amonnm,F7a 
'n thi f  Pmj p^ines- 11 can also boost the international confidence
F^rthprmp Pint° workers by. makin9 them more competitive and employable. 
Furthermore, it can promote lifelong learning.