bettergovph/raw-philippine-data huggingface dataset:
SEVENTEENTH CONGRESS OF THE REPUBLIC 
) 
OF THE PHILIPPINES 
)
Second Regular Session 
)
SENATE
S.B. NO. 1667
SA::
.^rn a tf
'18 
JAN 2 4  
P 4 : 3 3
---------------------------------------------------------------ItECEtVI
Introduced by Senator Maria Lourdes Nancy S. Binay
:t) BYi 
^
 
'
AN ACT INSTITUTIONALIZING COMMUNITY BASED MONITORING 
SYSTEM IN ALL BARANGAYS, APPROPRIATING FUNDS THEREFOR, AND
OTHER PURPOSES
EXPLANATORY NOTE
Article II, Section 9 of the 1987 Philippine Constitution provides;
“The State shall promote a just and dynamic social order that will ensure 
the prosperity and independence of the nation and free the people from 
poverty through policies that provide adequate social services, promote 
full employment, a rising standard of living, and an improved quality of 
life for all.”
Alleviating poverty is one of the most strenuous and persistent challenge that the country 
has to resolve. Poverty stems from an array of factors such as geography, culture, 
population, availability of resources, and other influences that cannot be simply measured 
as a whole. Therefore, addressing poverty requires localized and area-specific programs 
in particular cities or municipalities in order to free the people from poverty and to raise 
the standard of living.
This proposed measure seeks to establish and maintain a regular monitoring system that 
is community based and area specific in all barangays wherein data collected shall 
institutionalize a nationwide databank that can be utilized by national government 
agencies and local government units in the formulation and implementation of poverty- 
alleviation and development programs as well as observing the impacts of such programs 
regarding the quality of life of the Filipino people.
In view of the foregoing, the passage of this proposed measure is earnestly sought.
MARIA LOURD^ NANCY S. BINAY 
Senator
SEVENTEENTH CONGRESS OF THE REPUBLIC 
OF THE PHILIPPINES
First Regular Session
S E N A T E
S B. No. 1023
-t- / 
. v
' . . W  tS tfire  o f Hie .."T t r'.--
<3 15 
3
/W
Introduced by Senator Poe
AN ACT
INSTITUTING A NATIONAL COMPREHENSIVE FRAMEWORK ON RESILIENT 
HOUSING AND HUMAN SETTLEMENTS, APPROPRIATING FUNDS THEREFOR 
AND FOR OTHER PURPOSES
Explanatory Note
The right to adequate housing is an essential human right. Article 1, Paragraph 1 of the 
Intemational Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights includes housing in the 
components of the right to an adequate standard of living:
“Tlie States Parties to the present Covenant recognize the right of everyone to 
an adequate standard of living for himself and his family, including adequate 
food, clothing and housing, and to the continuous improvement of living 
conditions.”
The constant barrage of typhoons which enter the Philippines annually is a major challenge to 
the right to adequate housing. Eight to nine typhoons strike the country every year, costing 
billions in tenns of destroyed property and foregone productivity, hi 2013, Typhoon Haiyan 
(locally known as “Yolanda”) cost approximately $15 billion.
The case of Yolanda is instructive, as it shows the government’s inability to guarantee the 
right to adequate housing immediately after a typhoon, hi an inquiry in aid of legislation on 
the matter, the Senate Committee on Public Works in the lb11’ Congress found that
SEVENTEENTH CONGRESS OF THE REPUBLIC 
OF THE PHILIPPINES
First Regular Session
S E N A T E  
S B. No 1122
(S lfirt of tfje(^rETrl.iiivy
16 SEP-5 P4:23
R
K
. r r ;  
i 
b
Y :
Introduced by Senator Poe
AN ACT
STRENGTHENING THE DRUG REHABILITATION PROGRAMS OF THE 
GOVERNMENT, AMENDING FOR THIS PURPOSE REPUBLIC ACT NO. 9165 
OTHERWISE KNOWN AS THE “COMPREHENSIVE DANGEROUS DRUGS ACT 
OF 2002”, AS AMENDED, APPROPRIATING FUNDS THEROF, AND FOR OTHER 
PURPOSES.
Explanatory Note
As of 9 August 2016, around 600,000 drug suspects have surrendered to the police as 
a result of the administration’s zero-tolerance policy on illegal drugs.1 The huge volume of 
drug users who have surrendered, however, have exposed our lack of drug rehabilitation 
centers. To quote a recent Manila Bulletin report, “As the number of drug dependents 
surrendering to authorities continues to spike, the government is now faced with the problem 
of where to place them as the number of existing rehabilitation centers carmot accommodate 
them all at the same time.”2
The shortage of drug rehabilitation centers is a major problem that merits immediate 
action. Approaching the illegal drug problem purely through the lens of criminal law and 
prosecution is not effective. Our criminal and justice systems are reformative in nature. Thus, 
the construction of additional rehabilitation centers is necessary to ensure that those who have 
surrendered will not go back to drug use and dependence. We should not only destroy shabu 
laboratories but also reduce the demand for shabu through holistic measures.
1 Geronimo, J.Y. “Rehab centers shortage: 100 years to treat drug surrenderees” Rappler (08/09/16). 
Retrieved from http://www.rappler.com/nation/142511-recto-drug-rehabilitation-shortage
2 Terrazola, V.E. “More rehab centers needed as drug addicts surrender by the dozen every day” 
Manila Bulletin (07/08/16). Retrieved from http://www.mb.com,ph/more-rehah-center.s-neeHp.H-aci-Hnio-aHHirtQ- 
surrender-bv-the-dozen-everv-dav/
SEVENTEENTH CONGRESS OF THE 
]
REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES 
]
Second R eg u lar S ession 
]
SENATE
S.B. No. 1690
of t!;f .■> ■
'18 
FEB 13 
AIO :44
In tro d u ced  by SEN. SHERWIN T. GATCHALIAN
AN ACT
INCREASING THE BED CAPACITY OF DON 
EMILIO 
DEL VALLE 
MEMORIAL HOSPITAL (DEDVMH) IN THE MUNICIPALITY OF UBAY, 
PROVINCE OF BOHOL FROM FIFTY (50) TO THREE HUNDRED (300) 
BEDS, 
UPGRADING 
ITS 
SERVICES 
AND 
FACILITIES 
AND 
PROFESSIONAL HEALTH CARE, AUTHORIZING THE INCREASE OF ITS 
MEDICAL PERSONNEL AND APPROPRIATING FUNDS THEREFOR
EXPLANATORY NOTE
This bill seeks to increase the bed capacity of Don Emilio Del Valle Memorial 
Hospital (DEDVMH) in Ubay, Bohol from fifty (50) to three hundred (300) beds.
Article II of the Philippine Constitution provides that;
“Sec. 11. 
The State shall adapt an integrated and com prehensive 
approach to health development which shall endeavour to make 
essential goods, health and other social services available to the 
people at affordable cost. There shall be priority
For the needs of the underprivileged, sick, elderly, disabled, women 
and children, the state shall endeavour to provide free medical care to 
paupers.
The Don Emiho Del Valle Memorial Hospital is a governm ent hospital with 
50-bed capacity which was established under R.A. No. 8693. 
It has been in 
existence for 12 years and h as achieved great accom plishm ent in term s of 
infrastructure projects, procurem ent of hospital facilities, training and development 
of medical officers and personnel. DEDVMH is an ISO 9001:2008 accredited for its 
quality m anagem ent system.
DEDVMH withstood its loyalty in providing a healthy environm ent not only 
to the people of Bohol b u t also to the entire region. In fact, in the past few years, it 
has been adm itting patients beyond its bed capacity. At present, it serves around 
175 patients a day in 2016 statistics. 
Hence, to further enhance its capacity of
SEVENTEENTH CONGRESS OF THE REPUBLIC 
) 
OF THE PHILIPPINES 
)
Third Regular Session 
)
SENAT 
S.B. NO:AT\974
Introduced by Senator Maria Lourdes Nancy S. Binay
4 
c-: * a ‘
CJ 
• ’•1. 4 -
r ;■ f li;p f- : rctf^-p
'18 SEP-3 PI 57
—
AN ACT
ESTABLISHING A WELFARE AND SOCIAL ASSISTANCE PROGRAM TO 
FAMILIES LEFT BEHIND BY OVERSEAS FILIPINO  WORKERS
EXPLANATORY NOTE
Article II, Section 1 of the 1987 Philippine Constitution provides:
"The State recognizes the Filipino family as the foundation of the nation. 
Accordingly, it shall strengthen its solidarity and actively promote its total 
development."
The proposed bill seeks to protect and strengthen the Filipino family by 
establishing OFW Family Centers that shall provide welfare assistance and 
counseling to the families of OFWS. It also seeks to direct the OWWA to develop 
a comprehensive reunification, reintegration and replacement plan for returning 
OFWS.
MARIA LOURDES^ANCY S. BINAY 
Senator
SEVENTEENTH CONGRESS OF THE 
]
REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES 
]
Second R e g u la r S ession 
]
SENATE
1640
S. B. No.
.1 .
'18 
IAN-8 P5:09
In tro d u ced  by SENATOR SHERWIN T. GATCHALIAN
F
AN ACT DECLARING MAY 3 OF EVERY YEAR A SPECIAL NONWORKING 
HOLIDAY IN THE MUNICIPALITY OF STA. CRUZ, PROVINCE OF 
MARINDUQUE, IN COMMEMORATION OF ITS FOUNDING ANNIVER­
SARY, TO BE KNOWN AS “STA. CRUZ DAY”
EXPLANATORY NOTE
Santa Cruz, which literally m eans “Holy Cross,” is an appropriate 
nam e for this Municipality in the Province of M arinduque. Based from his­
torical facts, the island province of M arinduque has been Christianized since 
the 17th century. Due to Christianization, there would be no doubt th at the 
island province would be a location for all types of churches and crosses, 
which symbolized the sacrifice of Je su s C hrist for m ankind. In fact, the 
C hurch of Sta. Cruz, the oldest in the entire province, was constructed in 
1714 while the nearby Baluarte followed soon.
Although Boac is the provincial capital of M arinduque, Sta. Cruz is 
larger in land area and population. Further, aside from its historical land­
m arks and tourism  potential, the M unicipality of Sta. Cruz has rich agricul­
tural and aquatic resources which are very crucial for the entire island prov­
ince.
As a Municipality located west of Bontoc Peninsula, Sta. Cruz cele­
brates the Feast of the Holy Cross on May 3 of every year, which happens to
V ’
SEVENTEENTH CONGRESS OF THE
)
REPUBLIC OF THE P H IL IP P IN E S
)
cum?
T h ird  R e g u la r S ession
)
( 5 1 ; .  i 
u . . ’
SENATE
SENATE BILL NO. I 9 6 0
*18 
AUG 30 All « 3
INTRODUCED BY SENATOR JOSEPH V IC TO R  G. EJERCITO
AN ACT
IN C R EASIN G  THE BED CAPACITY OF THE BATANGAS M ED IC AL 
CENTER IN  THE C IT Y  OF BATANGAS, FROM FIVE HUNDRED (5 0 0 ) 
BEDS TO ONE TH O U SAN D  (1 0 0 0 ) BEDS, U PG R AD IN G  THE SERVICE 
F A C ILIT IE S  A N D  PRO FESSIO N AL HEALTH CARE TH ER EIN , AN D  
A P P R O P R IA TIN G  FUNDS THEREFOR
EXPLANATORY NOTE
Section 11, Article X III o f the 1987 Constitution o f the Philippines, 
provides that:
"The State shall adopt an integrated and comprehensive 
approach to health development which shall endeavor to make 
essential goods, health and other social services available to all 
the people at affordable cost. There shall be priority for the needs 
o f the underprivileged sick, elderly, disabled, women, and 
children. The State shall endeavor to provide free medical care 
to paupers."
Batangas Medical Center (BatMC) currently has an authorized bed 
capacity o f 500 beds pursuant to Republic Act No. 9791. However, rapid 
urbanization and rise in population Batangas City and the whole Province of 
Batangas demand an increase in bed capacity to further enhance the hospital's 
capability to provide better service and facilities.
The proposed increase in bed capacity and construction o f a m ulti-storey 
wing or building tha t may house additional operating theaters and laboratory 
units with additional personnel to run BatMC will enable the hospital to
SEVENTEENTH CONGRESS OF THE 
REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES 
F irst R egular Session
S.B. No.
SENATE
1007
<9fhte of tljcJSrirrtarjj
enatr
*16 AUG-8 P5 -34
I? f
In tro d u ced  by SEN. WIN GATCHALIAN
AN ACT
• t
MANDATING AN ACCIDENT AND LIFE INSURANCE COVERAGE FOR
CONSTRUCTION WORKERS
EXPLANATORY NOTE 
,
Section 3, Article XIII of the 1987 Constitution provides that “The State shall 
afford full protection to labor, local and overseas, organized and unorganized, and 
promote full employment opportunities for all. ” It is therefore the duty of Congress to 
legislate laws that wiU ensure the health and well-being of workers.
The State recognizes the hazardous environment where construction workers ply 
their craft. News of accidents is nothing new in construction sites, either through the 
negligence of the employer or the employee’s lack of sldll. Whatever the case, physical 
harm, disability, or worst, death is often the result.
Unfortunately, it is almost always the workers that are left short-handed after 
the occurrence of such accidents. Oftentimes, the employer, merely offers a measly sum 
to the family of the deceased worker to compensate for their loss. To avoid such a 
disastrous state, it is the intent of this bill to provide group personal accident insurance 
coverage for construction workers. 
The insurance coverage shall compensate a 
reasonable amount for an accident that wUl cause the disability or the death of the
i!p£\\nlr
(®l'(lf» of the>'-n’rliru
SEVENTEENTH CONGRESS OF THE REPUBLIC 
)
OF THE PHILIPPINES 
)
First Regular Session 
*1^;) i lCT 19 
P5 :?8
S E N A T E
1 2 1 8 K C l  tV I h BY:.
S.B. No.
Introduced by Sen. Juan Miguel F. Zubiri
AN ACT
CONVERTING 
THE 
MARAYMARAY 
BARANGAY 
ROAD 
IN 
THE 
MUNICIPALITY OF DON CARLOS, PROVINCE OF BUKIDNON INTO A 
NATIONAL ROAD, AND APPROPRIATING FUNDS THEREFOR
EXPLANATORY NOTE
This bill seeks to convert the Maraymaray Barangay Road in the 
municipality of Don Carlos in the Province of Bukidnon into a national road.
The Maraymaray Barangay Road is one of the key access roads in the 
construction of the proposed Bukidnon Airport. It will be utilized by tourists and 
locals in the transfer of various equipment and goods to and from the province. 
Its improvement and maintenance will greatly contribute to commerce and 
tourism in the area, by facilitating greater and smoother access to the 
municipalities it connects.
In view of the foregoing, the swift passage of this bill is earnestly sought.
UAN MIGUEL F. ZUBIRI


t j f f i t *  ol tl;e > ‘ i ri’ l.T'
SEVENTEENTH CONGRESS OF THE REPUBLIC 
J 
OF THE PHILIPPINES 
)
First Regular Session 
*i )  
[ICT 19 
P 5 :28
S E N A T E  
S.B. No. 
1 2 1 8
1 c * H F . C i i * X
[W:
Introduced by Sen. Juan Miguel F. Zubiri
1
2
3
4
5
AN ACT
CONVERTING 
THE 
MARAYMARAY 
BARANGAY 
ROAD 
IN 
THE 
MUNICIPALITY OF DON CARLOS, PROVINCE OF BUKIDNON INTO A 
NATIONAL ROAD, AND APPROPRIATING FUNDS THEREFOR
6 
Be it enacted by the Senate and the House o f Representatives o f the
7 
Philippines in Congress assembled:
8 
SECTION 1. The Maraymaray Barangay road in the municipality of Don Carlos In
9 
the Province of Bukidnon is hereby converted into a national road.
10 
SEC. 2. The Secretary of the Department of Public Works and Highways shall
11 
include in the Department's program the improvement, maintenance and repair
12 
of the said road, the funding of which shall be included in the annual General
13 
Appropriations Act.
14 
SEC. 3. This Act shall take effect fifteen days after its publication in the Official
15 
Gazette and in at least two (2) newspaper of general circulation.
16
Approved,
SEVENTEENTH CONGRESS OF THE 
REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES 
Second Regular Session
SENATE
COMMITTEE REPORT NO.
o o
-liS_ LtiM-6 
r:'!r
Submitted jointly 
by the 
Committees 
on 
Youth; and 
Finance 
on
JAN 1 6 2018_ _
Re
: Senate Bill No. 1650
Recommending its approval in substitution of Senate Bill No. 1000
Sponsor
Sen. Joel Villanueva
Mr. President:
The Committees on Youth; and Finance to which was referred Senate 
Bill No. 1000, introduced by Senator Gatchalian, entitled:
“AN ACT
PROVIDING FOR THE MAGNA CARTA OF THE OUT-OF-SCHOOL 
YOUTH”
have considered the same and have the honor to report them back to the 
Senate with the recommendation that the attached bill, Senate Bill No 
1650 prepared by the Committees, entitled:
“AN ACT
PROVIDING FOR THE MAGNA CARTA OF THE OUT-OF-SCHOOL 
YOUTH”
be approved in substitution of Senate Bill No. 1000, with Senators 
Gatchalian, Villanueva and Legarda as authors.
SEVENTEENTH CONGRESS OF THE ) 
REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES 
)
FIRST REGULAR SESSION 
)
o f 
cljif I,;
*16 AUG 25 A11:l9
SENATE n  p q 
S. B. NO.
RP<'r,*v-;‘ n\:
INTRODUCED BY SENATOR JOSEPH VICTOR G. EJERCITO
AN ACT
AMENDING TITLES V AND VI, SECTIONS 102 AND 107 OF REPUBLIC 
ACT NO. 7160, OTHERWISE KNOWN AS THE LOCAL GOVERNMENT
CODE OF 1991
EXPLANATORY NOTE
Section 34 of the Local Government Code emphasizes the important role of people's 
and Non-Govemmental Organizations, It mandates the local government units to 
promote the establishment and operation of people's and non-governmental 
organizations to become active partners in the pursuit of local autonomy.
This bill recognizes the vital contributions of Senior Citizens, Parents'-Teachers' 
Association, and War Veterans who are among the active members of non­
government organizations that promote local development. It is for this reason that 
these organizations are proposed to be included as members of the local health 
board and the local development councils in the different local government units.
Public agricultural engineers in the provinces and cities are likewise added as 
members of the provincial and city local development councils.
With these proposals, it is hoped that local development shall be further promoted to 
the greater advantage of the people. Immediate passage of this bill is therefore 
requested.
JOSEPH VICTOR G. EJERCITO 
Senator
SEVENTEENTH CONGRESS OF THE ) 
REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES 
)
Third Regular Session 
)
S E N A T E
S. B. No. 1982
© C itf fli ilj. A .v r’ tarp
*18 SEP -5 PA 57
REc:.,. ^ .V
Introduced by Senator Aquiiino “Koko” Pimentel HI
AN ACT
PROVIDING FOR THE MANNER OF SELECTING 
AN ACTING PRESIDENT, AS REQUIRED UNDER 
ARTICLE VII, SECTION 7 OF THE CONSTITUTION
EXPLANATORY NOTE
Article VII, Section 7 of the Constitution provides that where no 
President and Vice-President shall have been chosen or shall have 
qualified, or where both shall have died or become permanently 
disabled, the President of the Senate shall act as President until a 
President or a Vice- President shall have been chosen and qualified. If 
the President of the Senate is unable to act as President, the Speaker of 
the House of Representatives shall do so. Congress is mandated to 
provide for the manner in which one who is to act as President shall be 
selected in the event that both the President of the Senate and the 
Speaker of the House of Representatives are unable to act as President 
until a President or a Vice-President shall have qualified.
For 31 years. Congress has not acted on this mandate.
It is in line with the foregoing mandate that this bill is filed. Apart 
from the fact that Congress is obligated to provide for this contingency.
I'M air
'wtif* tS ifir* of ft) eiy i’rrp»,iry
SEVENTEENTH CONGRESS OF THE 
) 
REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES 
)
First Regular Session 
)
SENATE
s. No. 1174
■16 SEP 29 A 9:17
l<! ( 
'»Y;
Introduced by Senator Antonio “Sonny” Trillanes IV
AN ACT
GRANTING PUBLIC ELEMENTARY AND HIGH SCHOOL STUDENTS FREE 
ADMISSION TO ALL PUBLIC MUSEUMS AND NATIONAL HISTORICAL SHRINES 
AND LANDMARKS
EXPLANATORY NOTE
Museums and historical landmarks bear the cultural wealth and historical consciousness of a 
country. They promote and inculcate better imderstanding and appreciation of the country’s 
collective heritage through protecting and preserving artifacts from the past.
Students remain to be one of the primary patrons of museums and historical landmarks. A visit to 
the museum provides students alternative learning experience to study about Philippine culture 
and history. However, some of them, especially those in public schools, are discouraged to visit 
due to the admission fee that they cannot afford. This monetary constraint renders museums and 
historical landmarks inaccessible or worse, unknown to many public school students.
In order to promote the importance of these institutions and enrich the learning of Filipinos, this 
bill seeks to grant free admission to all public museums and national historical shrines and 
landmarks to all elementary and high school students of public schools in the Philippines. By 
removing the admission fee, museums and historical landmarks would be more accessible to 
students, as well as teachers, who seek for an alternative experiential learning.
It is hoped that through the passage of this bill, the pursuit for cultural and historical knowledge 
will no longer be for the privileged.
In view of the foregoing, the immediate approval of this measure is earnestly sought.
ANTONIO “SONNY” F. TRILLANES IV
Senator


0 ^
,;^enatr
(0ffir» of
SEVENTEENTH CONGRESS OF THE 
) 
REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES 
)
First Regular Session 
)
S. No.
SENATE
1174
'16 
SEP 29 
A 9 :1 7
ur.(
Introduced by Senator Antonio “Sonny” Trillanes IV
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8 
9
10
11
12
AN ACT
GRANTING PUBLIC ELEMENTARY SCHOOL STUDENTS FREE ADMISSION TO 
ALL 
PUBLIC 
MUSEUMS 
AND 
NATIONAL 
HISTORICAL 
SHRINES 
AND 
LANDMARKS
Be it enacted by the Senate and the House of Representatives of the Philippines in 
Congress assembled:
SECTION 1. All public elementary and high school students are hereby granted free 
admission to all public museums and national historical shrines and landmarks, subject to 
capacity and availability as determined by the National Museum or the National Historical 
Coimnission of the Philippines.
SEC. 2. Within ninety (90) days from the approval of this Act, the National Museum and 
the National Historical Commission of the Philippines, in coordination with the Department of 
Education, shall promulgate the necessary rules and regulations for the effective implementation 
of this Act.
SEC. 3. This Act shall take effect fifteen (15) days after its publication in the Official 
Gazette or in any two (2) newspapers of general circulation.
Approved,
SEVENTEENTH CONGRESS OF THE ) 
REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES 
)
First Regular Session 
)
"■i’' ( $ i ( t r e U
>!'j 16 V"'-* 1 * * * *'6
SENATE
S. B. No. 1 027
' Y ;
Introduced by Senator FRANCIS G. ESCUDERO
AN ACT AMENDING REPUBLIC ACT NUMBER 7653,
OTHERWISE KNOWN AS "THE NEW CENTRAL BANK ACT",
AND FOR OTHER PURPOSES
EXPLANATORY NOTE
In 1993, the Philippine Congress enacted Republic Act (R.A.) No. 7653 (The New 
Central Bank Act) creating the Bmigko Scntral ng Pilipinas (BSP) pursuant to the directive 
in the 1987 Constitution mandating the establishment of an independent central 
monetary authority (Section 20, Article XII, 1987 Constitution). The BSP replaced the 
old Central Bank of the Philippines, which had been established by Republic Act No. 
265 in 1948. Twenty years hence, the economic milieu in the Philippines has changed, 
globalization has increased the integration of financial markets, and the scope of 
operations of financial institutions has evolved. In light of these, there is, undoubtedly, 
a need to respond to contemporary challenges by amending R.A. No. 7653 in order that 
the BSP shall remain effective in its conduct of monetary policy and supervision of 
entities within the financial system.
Towards this end, this bill proposes to strengthen the tools which the BSP 
exercises in performing its mandates, supplement the mechanisms in protecting savings 
of depositors and in ensuring the smooth flow of transactions in the financial system, as 
well as to enhance the corporate viability of the BSP. The proposed amendments in this 
bill are three-fold, and the salient features thereof include:
1. Strengthening BSP's Monetary Stability function
a) 
Restoration of authority to obtain data from private persons or entities for
purposes of statistical and policy development, as well as ascertaining compliance with 
laws and banking regulations, and authority to issue negotiable certificates of 
indebtedness even during normal times, both of which were powers granted to the old 
Central Bank of the Philippines; and
b) 
Removal of thresholds in the growth of monetary aggregates, credit and
prices as guiding principles in monetary administration, in view of current international
trends in monetary policy frameworks adoptiiig inflation targeting.
SEVENTEENTH CONGRESS OF THE) 
REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES) 
Second Regular Session 
)
SENATE
s. No. 1561
(In Substitution of Senate Bill No. 494)
s e n a te
iB fliiT  nf Cl'- V' l; rrnrjP
'17 
AUG 17 
All :08
RECtlVtJliV.
Prepared jointly by the Committees on Civil Service, Government Reorganization and 
Professional Regulation and Finance with Senators Antonio “Sonny F. Trillancs IV
and Loren IL Lcgarda as authors_______________________
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8 
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
19
20 
21
AN AC r
PROVIDING THAT ALL CONTRACTUAL AND CASUAL EMPLOYEES IN THE 
GOVERNMENT SERVICE BE PAH) CORRESPONDING WAGES DURING 
SPECIAL PUBLIC AND LOCAL HOLIDAYS, AND APPROPRIATING FUNDS 
THEREFOR
Be it enacted by the Senate and the House of Representatives of the Philippines in 
Congress assembled:
SECTION 1. All contractual and casual government employees shall be entitled to 
the payment of their corresponding daily wages during special public and local holidays, as 
may be proclaimed by the President of the Philippines.
SEC. 2. During the initial year of the implementation of this Act, the amount 
necessary for the effective implementation of this Act shall be charged against the 
appropriations of the respective government agencies wherein the concerned contractual and 
casual employees are employed. Thereafter, such sums as may be necessary for its continued 
implementation shall be included in the subsequent annual General Appropriations Act.
SEC. 3. The Civil Service Commission (CSC), in consultation with the Department 
of Budget and’Management (DBM), shall issue the appropriate rules or guidelines for the 
proper implementation of this act within thirty (30) days upon its approval.
SEC. 4. All laws, presidential decrees, executive orders, rules and regulations or 
proclamations and other issuances, contrary or inconsistent with the provisions of this Act arc 
hereby repealed, amended or modified accordingly.
SEC. 5. This act shall take effect within fifteen (15) days upon its publication in the 
Official Gazette or in two (2) newspapers of general circulation in the country, whichever
comes first.
Approved
SEVENTEENTH CONGRESS OF THE ) 
REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES 
)
Second Regular Session 
)
(0ffiri of tt)t^'nrlarn
'18 -iAN 23 
9 ] :18
SENATE
SENATE BILL NO. 1 6 6 6
RFCEIV I T ) B \:_ ^
Introduced by SENATOR LEILA M. DE LIMA
AN ACT
MANDATING THE COMMISSION ON ELECTIONS TO PROVIDE FOR 
THE OFFICE SPACES OF ITS FIELD OFFICES, HEREBY REPEALING 
SECTION 55 OF BATAS PAMBANSA BLG. 88l, OTHERWISE KNOWN AS 
THE OMNIBUS ELECTION CODE OF THE PHILIPPINES, AS AMENDED
EXPLANATORY NOTE
The Constitution, Article IX-A, Section 5 provides:
Section 5. The Commission shall enjoy fiscal autonomy. Their 
approved annual appropriations shall be automatically and 
regularly released.
This provision strengthens the independence of the Commission on Elections 
(COMELEC) as a Constitutional Commission, in order for it to fully utilize and 
maximize the functions for which it was created and made independent under the 
Constitution.
Section 55 of the Omnibus Election Code (BP 881), however, does not appear 
to be in consonance with the character of the COMELEC as an independent 
Constitutional Commission. Section 55 provides that:
Section 55. Office space. - The local governm ent concerned 
shall provide a suitable place for the office of the provincial 
election supervisor and his staff and the election registrar and 
his staff: Provided, That in case of failure of the local 
government concerned to provide such suitable place, the 
provincial election supervisor or the election registrar, as the 
case may be, upon prior authority of the Commission and notice
SEVENTEENTH CONGRESS OF THE 
REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES 
S eco nd R e g u la r S ession
)
S.B. No.
SENATE
1643
•f; r 
t.
r C l .
*18 
IAN-9 P6-.16
r . L v . i *  ‘ V
In tro d u ce d  by SEN. WIN GATCHALIAN
AN ACT
PROMOTING CONSUMER PROTECTION AND FOSTERING 
COMPETITION IN THE TELECOMMUNICATIONS INDUSTRY BY 
PROHIBITING THE LOCKING OF MOBILE WIRELESS DEVICES TO A 
PUBLIC TELECOMMUNICATIONS ENTITY
EXPLANATORY NOTE
Switching to another service provider for improved wireless services 
and better options is a consum er right w hich is negated by public 
telecom m unications entities w hen they lock devices to their respective 
networks. Such device locking m akes it difficult for consum ers to take 
advantage of competitive and better offers available in the m arket. Although 
there exist independent devices or services from third parties th a t unlock 
the mobile device, this process would norm ally void its w arranty.
This legislation prohibits public telecom m unications entities from 
locking their mobile devices, w hether sold as a u n it or issued u n d er a 
mobile com m unications service contract, to their respective netw orks. 
Network locking does not only deprive consum ers the easy m ovem ent -  
using the sam e device -  from one public telecom m unications entity to the 
one th at best fits their needs. It lim its com petition betw een and am ong 
industry players who m ay be able to reduce subscriber turnover by using
SEVENTEENTH CONGRESS OF THE 
)
REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES 
)
Third Regular Session 
)
SENATE
S. B. No. 1967
c f 
r - '- 'T r fn r p
■18 
AUG 30 
A 11:14
Rt:
INTRODUCED BY SENATOR JOSEPH VICTOR G. EJERCITO
AN ACT
CONVERTING THE ZIGA MEMORIAL DISTRICT HOSPITAL IN THE 
CITY OF TABACO, PROVINCE OF ALBAY, INTO AN EXTENSION 
HOSPITAL OF THE BICOL REGIONAL TRAINING AND TEACHING 
HOSPITAL, AND INCREASING ITS BED CAPACITY FROM FIFTY 
(50) TO TWO HUNDRED FIFTY (250) BEDS TO BE NOW KNOWN 
AS THE DR. LORENZO P. ZIGA MEMORIAL DISTRICT HOSPITAL, 
AND APPROPRIATING FUNDS THEREFOR
EXPLANATORY NOTE
Section 11, Article X III of the 1987 Constitution of the Philippines, 
provides that:
"The State shall adopt an integrated and comprehensive 
approach to health development which shall endeavor to 
make essential goods, health and other social services 
available to all the people at affordable cost. There shall 
be priority for the needs of the underprivileged sick, 
elderly, disabled, women, and children. The State shall 
endeavor to provide free medical care to paupers,"
The Ziga Memorial District Hospital (ZMDH) located in the City of 
Tabaco caters to the first district in the Province of Albay which has a 
population of 380,000. The current bed capacity of the hospital is not 
sufficient to efficiently serve the population. Indeed, there is an urgent
SEVENTEENTH CONGRESS OF THE 
REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES 
F irst R eg u lar S ession
S.B. No.
SENATE
1004
^
 
o f  H l f  > r . - ,  I
*16 faiG-8 P53
In tro d u ced  by SEN. WIN GATCHALIAN
AN ACT
ESTABLISHING EVACUATION CENTERS IN EVERY MUNICIPALITY 
AND CITY, PROVIDING FOR THE NECESSARY FACILITIES, 
ENSURING THEIR STRUCTURAL CAPACITY, AND APPROPRIATING
FUNDS THEREFOR
EXPLANATORY NOTE
This 
bill 
seeks 
to 
establish 
an 
evacuation 
center 
in 
every
m unicipality 
and city . in 
the 
country 
and 
to ensure the 
structural
capacity of evacuation centers.
The 
Philippines 
has 
been 
frequently 
affected 
by 
clim ate-related
w eather events in recent years which have dam aged property and caused 
the 
loss 
of m any 
lives. 
More 
intense 
typhoons, 
higher 
sea 
levels, 
and 
storm  
surges 
have 
affected 
a 
great 
num ber 
of 
the 
population. 
Coastal 
com m unities 
and informal 
settlem ents 
in 
u rban 
areas 
are 
the 
m ost
vulnerable 
to 
floods 
in 
tim es 
of 
w eather 
disturbances. 
Every 
time 
a 
typhoon 
hits the country 
or 
when 
m onsoon 
rains cause 
heavy 
flooding,
m any 
people 
are 
displaced 
and 
need 
to 
be 
relocated 
to 
evacuation 
centers. 
The 
im portance 
of a perm anent 
and 
fully operational 
evacuation
SEVENTEENTH CONGRESS OF THE ) 
REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES 
)
First Regular Session 
)
SENATE
SENATE BILL NO.
1100
•16 AUG 25 All :28
U I-X L i'- . 
BY:
INTRODUCED BY SENATOR JOSEPH VICTOR G. EJERCITO
AN ACT ESTABLISHING THE SOLIDARITY FUND OF THE LOCAL 
GOVERNMENT UNITS FOR DISASTER RESPONSE AND RECOVERY
EXPLANATORY NOTE
Republic Act No. 10121, otherwise known as "An Act Strengthening the 
Philippine Disaster Risk Reduction And Management System, Providing For The 
National Disaster Risk Reduction And Management Framework And Institutionalizing 
The National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Plan, Appropriating Funds and 
For Other Purposes," the Local Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Fund 
(LDRRMF) is composed of "not less than (5%) of the estimated revenue from regular 
sources" and "of the amount appropriated for LDRRMF, thirty percent (30%) shall be 
allocated as Quick Response Fund or stand-by relief and recovery programs in order 
that situation and living conditions of people in communities or areas stricken by 
disasters, calamities, epidemics, or complex emergencies, may be normalized as quickly 
as possible".
In the event of a disaster, calamity epidemic or complex emergency, the Quick 
Response Fund is the first fund that is depleted and often, found insufficient. This 
legislative measure therefore seeks to provide for a Solidarity Fund of the Local 
Government Units (LGUs), which will serve as a second layer of Quick Response Fund. 
The Solidarity Fund shall be taken from a portion of the LDRRMF of the LGUs and will 
serve to augment the funds available to LGUs to address their disaster response and 
recovery needs. The Solidarity Fund may also be used to pay premiums for securing 
catastrophic insurance for the public infrastructure of the LGUs.
In view of the foregoing, the immediate enactment of this measure is earnestly
sought.
JOSEPH VICTOR G. EJERCITO 
Senator
SEVENTEENTH CONGRESS OF THE ) 
REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES 
)
Third Regular Session 
)
t'
C
i
tUMO
S E N A
S.B. No.
In tro d u ced  by SENATOR VICENTE C. SOTTO III
AN ACT
PROVIDING FOR A RURAL EMPLOYMENT ASSISTANCE PROGRAM AND 
APPROPRIATING FUNDS THEREFOR
EXPLANATORY NOTE
This bill seeks to create the Rural Employment Assistance Program for 
the benefit of qualified head of family or single adult member of poor 
households in the rural areas and appropriating funds therefor.
This proposed m easure is patterned after the National Employment 
G uarantee Act of 2005 which was enacted by the Parliam ent of India. Under 
the National Employm ent G uarantee Act of India, every household whose 
adult m em ber volunteered to do unskilled m anual work is guaranteed 
employment of not less than one hundred (100) days in every year. Under 
that same law, if the adult m em ber is not provided with employment within 
fifteen (15) days from receipt of his application for employment, the adult 
m em ber shall be entitled to a daily unem ploym ent allowance.
The Rural Employment Assistance Program, however, is aimed at 
providing tem porary employm ent to qualified heads of family or single adult 
m em bers of poor households who volunteer to do unskilled m anual work in 
rural areas where they reside. The Rural Employment Assistance Program is 
similar to the Cash for Work Program, one of the sustainable livelihood 
program s of the DSWD. Under this bill, the program will be implemented by 
the DSWD in coordination with the local governm ent units (LGUs) for a 
period of five years. The DSWD will take charge of evaluating the qualified 
head of family or single adult m em ber of poor households can be employed. 
The qualified head of family or single adult m em ber of poor households is 
entitled to a wage rate of not less than seventy-five percent (75%) of the 
prevailing m inim um  wage set by the National Wages and Productivity 
Commission.
SEVENTEENTH CONGRESS OF THE REPUBLIC) . ove
OF THE PHILIPPINES )
Second Regular Session ) 18 R14 P427

oe (7 ri

Introduced by Senator Juan Miguel F. Zubiri

AN ACT
RENAMING THE PROVINCE OF COMPOSTELA VALLEY TO DAVAO DE ORO
PROVINCE, AMENDING FOR THE PURPOSE PERTINENT SECTIONS OF
REPUBLIC ACT NO. 8470

EXPLANATORY NOTE

In 1998, Republic Act No. 8470 was enacted into law, creating the province of
Compostela Valley from the province of Davao del Norte. This law granted corporate
and legal existence to the province of Compostela Valley, which comprised the
municipalities of Monkayo, Montevista, Laak, New Bataan, Compostela, Maragusan,
Nabunturan, Mawab, Maco, Mabini, and Pantukan. The populace overwhelmingly
ratified the law creating the new political subdivision and thereafter organized the
instrumentalities of government vital to their everyday lives.

While the province has flourished over the years, one issue remains to be the
subject of intense debate and attention, and that is the renaming of the province.
The close affinity of the people to the place fondly and collectively known as
“Davao” is undeniable, so much so that almost twenty years after its creation, most
of the province's constituents still consider themselves “Davawefios.”

In recent consultative meetings with provincial and municipal leaders, as well
as the province's constituents, the need to retain the word "Davao" in the province's
name along with a unique descriptive word that gives it character was discussed.
Compostela Valley is known to be a place teeming with gold deposits, hence the
Proposal to rename the province “Davao de Oro.”

This bill seeks to rename the province of Compostela Valley to the province of
Davao de Oro, taking cognizance of its people's affinity and sense of belonging to
the region.

In view of the foregoing, the approval of this bill is earnestly sought.

IGUEL F. ZUBIRI



SEVENTEENTH CONGRESS OF THE REPUBLIC)
OF THE PHILIPPINES )
Second Regular Session ) 18 AR 14 P4227

SENATE RECEN.0 U1
S.B.No._ 1746 ~ fp

Introduced by Senator Juan Miguel F. Zubiri

AN ACT
RENAMING THE PROVINCE OF COMPOSTELA VALLEY TO DAVAO DE ORO
PROVINCE, AMENDING FOR THE PURPOSE PERTINENT SECTIONS OF
REPUBLIC ACT NO. 8470

Be it enacted by the Senate and the House of Representatives of the Philippines
in Congress assembled:

1 SECTION 1. The province of Compostela Valley is hereby renamed to be known
as Davao de Oro Province.

2

3

4 SEC. 2. The pertinent sections of Republic Act No. 8470 are modified
5 accordingly.
6
7
8

SEC. 3. This Act shall take effect upon its approval.

9 Approved,
SEVENTEENTH CONGRESS OF THE REPUBLIC } 
OF THE PHILIPPINES 
}
First Regular Session 
}
SENATE
Senate Bill No. 1052
of fh e ^ rrre fa ru
'16 AUG 22 AlO 5 2
R F rh'f V 
' ^Y:
Introduced by SENATOR LACSON
AN ACT
STRENGTHENING THE PHILIPPINE NATIONAL POLICE CRIMINAL 
INVESTIGATION UNIT (CIU) BY RESTORING ITS AUTHORITY TO 
ISSUE SUBPOENA OR SUBPOENA DUCES TECUM, AMENDING FOR 
THE PURPOSE SEC. 35 B (4) OF REPUBLIC ACT NO. 6975, 
OTHERWISE KNOWN AS AN ACT ESTABLISHING THE PHILIPPINE 
NATIONAL POLICE UNDER A REORGANIZED DEPARTMENT OF 
THE INTERIOR AND LOCAL GOVERNMENT, AND FOR OTHER
PURPOSES
EXPLANATORY NOTE
Under Republic Act No. 6975, otherwise known as the “DILG Act of 
1990”, the Integrated National Police and the Philippine Constabulary were 
integrated to establish the Philippine National Police.
R.A. 6975 repealed R.A. 5750, which previously granted the Chief and 
Deputy Chief of the Criminal Investigation Service (CIS) the power to administer 
oaths upon cases under investigation and to issue subpoena or subpoenas duces 
tecum for the appearance of any person for investigation or production of 
documents and other matters. When this law was enacted, it created the Criminal 
Investigation Unit (CIU), now the present Criminal Investigation and Detection 
Group (CIDG), in lieu of the CIS without, however, restoring the said authority to 
the former.
Under the present law, the CIU is mandated to undertake the monitoring, 
investigation and prosecution of all crimes involving economic sabotage, and 
other crimes of such magnitude and extent as to indicate their commission by 
highly-placed or professional criminal syndicates and organizations. Hence, it is 
somewhat contradicting that the primary investigative unit does not possess the 
power to issue administrative subpoenas for the conduct of their mandated duties.
Furthermore, our statutes provide the power to issue administrative 
subpoena or subpoena duces tecum to various government agencies and 
instrumentalities such as The Ombudmsan, Department of Justice, National 
Bureau of Investigation, The Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency, National 
Police Commission, Bureau of Internal Revenue and the Cybercrime Operation 
Center of the Cybercrime Investigation Coordination Center. Granting the same 
power to the CIDG will facilitate the efficient and effective discharge of its 
functions as an investigative unit.
SEVENTEENTH CONGRES OF THE ) 
REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES 
)
Third Regular Session 
)
S E N A T E
■IB 
NOV 27
P 3  51
COMMITTEE REPORT NO.
Submitted by the Committee on Tourism on . NOV 2 7 2018
RE 
: 
Senate 
Bill 
No. 
1616, 
Prepared 
by 
the 
Committee 
upon
recommendation of the Subcommittee on Senate Bill No. 1616.
Recommending its approval with amendments.
Sponsor 
: 
Senator Gordon
MR. PRESIDENT:
The Committee on Tourism, to which was referred Senate Bill No. 1616, 
introduced by Senator Gordon and the Members of the Committee on Accountability 
of Public Officers and Investigations, entitled:
"AN ACT
AMENDING CHAPTER V, SECTION 85 OF REPUBLIC ACT NO.
9593, OTHERWISE KNOWN AS THE 'TOURISM ACT OF 2009'"
has considered the same and has the honor to report it back to the Senate with the 
recommendation that it be approved with the following amendments:
1. On page 1, line 1, delete the phrase "Section 85. General Principles on the 
Grant and Administration of Incentives" and the punctuation mark period 
and in lieu thereof, insert the phrase "SECTION 85 OF REPUBLIC ACT NO. 
9593, OTHERWISE KNOWN AS THE "TOURISM ACT OF 2009", IS 
HEREBY AMENDED TO READ AS FOLLOWS" and the punctuation mark 
colon
SEN ENTEENTH CONGRESS OF THE 
) 
REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES 
)
Third Regular Session 
)
/iff1?;-.
U lfc r, i' '
<sf 
iti rerp
S '?
SENATE
S- No. 1972
•18 
SEP-3  AlOfil
Introduced by Senator Antonio “Sonny” F. Trillanes IV
AN ACT
AMENDING REPUBLIC ACT NO. 9225 OTHERWISE 
KNOWN AS THE 
CITIZENSHIP RETENTION AND RE-ACQUISITION ACT OF 2003, FURTHER 
AMENDING COMMONWEALTH NO. 63, AS AMENDED AND FOR OTHER 
PURPOSES
EXPLANATORY NOTE
Republic Act No. 9225 or the Citizenship Retention and Re-acquisition Act of 2003 states that, 
under given conditions, all Philippine citizens of another country shall be deemed not to have 
lost their Philippine citizenship.
Further, Section 4 of the same states that:
“Section. 4. Derivative citizenship -  The unmarried child, whether 
legitimate, illegitimate or adopted, below eighteen (18) years of age, of those 
who re-acquire Philippine citizenship upon effectivity of this Act shall be 
deemed citizenship of the Philippines.”
This measure seeks to expand the derivative citizenship provision of RA 9225 to allow non­
minor children of former natural-bom Filipino citizens who filed for re-acquisition of their 
Philippine citizenship to apply to be recognized as citizens of the Philippines.
Hence, the approval of this bill is earnestly sought.
ANTO
to “SONNY” F. TR^LANES IV
Senator 
»
SEVENTEENTH CONGRESS OF THE ) 
REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES 
)
First Regular Session 
)
SENATE
1064
•16 AUG 23 P6:11
Jif'f ''A.. 
RY:
S.B. No.
Introduced by SENATOR JOEL “TESDAMAN” VILLANUEVA
AN ACT
PROVIDING FOR PARENTAL LEAVE AND OTHER BENEFITS TO 
WORKERS IN PRIVATE AND PUBLIC SECTORS
EXPLANATORY NOTE
Republic Act No. 8972 known as the “Solo Parents’ Welfare Act of 2000” limits 
the benefits of flexible work schedule, work discrimination and parental leave only to 
solo-parents. Yet, working couples, or workers in common-law relationship or same- 
sex relationship are faced with the same parental responsibilities as the solo-parents, 
but are denied such benefits. 
For instance, where no flexible work schedule or 
parental leave is provided, the workers with family responsibilities incur tardiness or 
absences as they go about their duties toward their children. For instance, in the case 
of working couples, discrimination occur when women are stereotyped as the sole 
child-carer; they are expected to absent themselves from work or be late for work 
where their children need parental care or protection. They become the default child- 
carer by virtue of stereotyping which is a form of discrimination. On the other hand, 
for employees in common-law relationship or same-sex relationship, discrimination 
also occurs in the grant of parental and other benefits for want of recognition of such 
relationships.
In this light, the passage of the bill will not only benefit the solo-parents, but also 
the working couples and other employees with family responsibilities, thereby 
removing the unnecessary hindrance on the ability of employees to combine family 
obligations with work responsibilities. 
It will also reduce discrimination in the 
workplace in regard to terms and conditions and benefits of employment. At the same 
time, the bill will encourage joint parental responsibility, in the best interest of the child.
SEVENTEENTH CONGRESS OF THE ) 
REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES 
)
First Regular Session 
)
*16 
AUG 30 P12«0
SENATE
SENATE BILL No. 1111
I!I'I ■
' ttY:
Introduced by SENATOR LEILA M. DE LIMA
AN ACT
PROVIDING FOR A SYSTEM FOR LOCAL ABSENTEE VOTING FOR 
MEDIA PRACTITIONERS, LAWYERS, AND ELECTORAL STAFF OF 
CANDIDATES FOR NATIONAL ELECTIONS, AMENDING FOR THIS 
PURPOSE REPUBLIC ACT NO. 7166, AND FOR OTHER RELATED
PURPOSES
EXPLANATORY NOTE
The right to suffrage is the essence of democracy. It is both a manner through 
which we can hold our officials accountable and a way in which we can express our 
aspirations for our future. That being said, it is imperative upon our government to 
ensure that our electorate will have all the possible opportunities to have their voices 
heard during the elections. Parenthetically, there should be no room for 
disenfranchisement of voters.
However, some sectors in our society are unable to cast their vote because 
their profession requires them to work in locations away from the precincts where 
they are registered. They are the government officials, who enforce and execute the 
law; the media practitioners, who cover the elections; and the election lawyers who 
advocate for the candidates. It would be injustice if they were to be deprived of their 
right to vote simply because their work requires them to participate in the conduct of 
elections.