bettergovph/raw-philippine-data huggingface dataset:
SEVENTEENTH CONGRESS OF THE ) 
REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES 
)
First Regular Session 
)
.^pnatr
W 
of 
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•16 
JU L2 1 
A1C:24
S E N A T E  
S. B. No.
RF-
Introduced by Senator FRANCIS G. ESCUDERO
AN ACT
STRENGTHENING THE FUNCTIONAL AND STRUCTURAL ORGANIZATION 
OF THE COMMISSION ON HUMAN RIGHTS, AND FOR OTHER PURPOSES
EXPLANATORY NOTE
The case of Carina vs. Commission on Human Rights (CHR) (GR No. 96681, 02 
December 1991) categorizes the CHR as a toothless tiger. It is neither a judicial nor a 
quasi-judicial body. It can only extend preventive measures, such as initiating 
applications in court for judicial writs and orders, conduct investigation and receive 
evidence of violations of human rights, among others.
The above ruling is reiterated in the more recent case of Simon, Jr., et. al. v. CHR, 
et. al. (GR No. 100150, 05 January 1994) which revisited the powers and functions of the 
CHR vis-a-vis the implementation of Republic Act No. 7279, otherwise known as the 
Urban Development and Housing Act 
(UDHA) of 1992. This case defined the 
parameters of the CHR's jurisdiction which is limited only to political and civil rights. It 
enumerated the cases over which the CHR can exercise jurisdiction without, however, 
regarding them as having preclusive effect but merely a matter of priority setting.
Such ineffectiveness of the Commission to address the protection of human 
rights is blamed on the CHR's failure to prosecute reported cases of human rights 
violations due to the fact that it is tied up by existing law that provides the CHR only 
investigative and advocacy powers. However, Sections 18 (11) and 19, Article XIII of 
the 1987 Constitution reserves to Congress the authority and the power to give CHR 
"such other duties and functions" to perform and to provide "other cases of violations of 
human rights that should fall within the authority of the Commission", respectively.
Hence, this bill basically seeks to strengthen the Commission by providing an 
effective and expanded structural and functional organization to meet the demands of 
human rights cases here and abroad. By providing the Commission with prosecutorial 
powers over delineated forms of human rights violations, it is hoped that the 
Commission will be able to meet the rising demands from victims of human rights 
violations and the general public for an effective and speedy resolution of all human 
rights cases filed with the CHR.
To make categorical the state policy that the CHR can exercise jurisdiction over 
cultural, economic and social rights is very important. It is to afford in general the CHR 
the unequivocal authority to step into cases involving rights excluded from the
SEVENTEENTH CONGRESS
)
T " ’'  •i’r
REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES
)
First Regular Session
)
•16
16 
J'l 28 Air-19
S E N A T E
S.B. No. 914
In tro d u ced  by SENATOR LOREN LEGARDA
AN ACT PROMOTING SUSTAINABLE AND ALTERNATIVE MODES OF 
TRANSPORTATION AND OTHER MOBILITY OPTIONS
Explanatory Note
Despite the Philippines being hailed as one of the fastest growing economies 
worldwide, the country faces to lose P6 btUion dally by 2030 due to the worsening 
traffic problem according to a report by the Japan International Cooperation 
Agency (JICA). In 2012 alone, traffic Jams in Metro Manila cost the country P2.4 
billion a day.
Not only does the traffic congestion Impair the economy, but it aggravates the 
already huge contribution of the transport sector to carbon dioxide emissions. 
According to National Emissions Inventory in 2012, 85 percent of air pollution 
in the National Capital Region (NCR) comes from vehicles.
With the rapid progress of urbanization in the country, urbam transport systems 
and infrastmcture become more complex, thereby posing more challenges in the 
mobility of the populace.
This bill seeks to address these immediate traffic and transport issues through 
the establishment of an integrated and efficient transport system by stimulating 
health consciousness through a culture of walking and cycling and protecting 
the environment by subscribing to low-emission modes of transport.
In view of these considerations, urgent passage of this bill is earnestly requested.
LOREN^I^E^mA
Senator
SEVENTEENTH CONGRESS OF THE ) 
REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES 
)
First Regular Session 
)
l" . „ ; 
' 
( l l  M. ■: 
: [ '  ; i '  'j
'16 
AUG-1 
P I  :54
SENATE
SENATE BILL No. 95.9 
........
i \  I
3 .
Introduced by SENATOR LEILA M. DE LIMA
AN ACT
REDEFINING THE CRIME OF SYNDICATED ESTAFA, AMENDING FOR 
THE PURPOSE SECTION i OF PRESIDENTIAL DECREE NO. 1689
EXPLANATORY NOTE
Syndicated estafa is a social menace that not only preys on our countrymen 
but also erodes our faith in our economic system. While there are those who operate 
alone, most operate in a group. By using elaborate scams to abuse the confidence of 
their victims, the perpetrators who operate in groups are able to commit this crime 
against multiple victims and over an extended period of time.
The Supreme Court, in one case, enumerated the elements of syndicated 
estafa as the following: (a) estafa or other forms of swindling as defined in Article 315 
and 316 of the Revised Penal Code is committed; (b) the estafa or swindling is 
committed by a syndicate of five or more persons; and (c) defraudation results in the 
misappropriation of moneys contributed by stockholders, or members of rural banks, 
cooperatives, “samahang nayon(s),” or farmers’ association or of funds solicited by 
corporations/associations that receive contributions from the general public who 
misappropriated the contributions. However, under our present set up, persons 
accused of syndicated estafa may evade the higher penalty of reclusion temporal to 
reclusion perpe^a as provided in P.D. No. 1689 by simply alleging that the victim 
failed to establish that the crime was committed by a syndicate of five or more 
persons conspiring or confederating with one another. Thus, the purpose of the law 
in increasing the penalty for certain forms of swindling or estafa is easily defeated.
In order, therefore, to properly punish the syndicates behind these elaborate 
scams, we need to revise our existing law to punish offenders with a minimum 
required number in a group. This way, less burden is placed upon our law enforcers 
to arrests all the offenders immediately and at least two members of the syndicate 
can already be put to trial.
This proposed bill, therefore, seeks to amend the definition of syndicate by 
lowering the number of perpetrators from “five (5) or more persons” to “two (2) 
more person” or a minimum of two people to qualify estafa or swindling as 
syndicated estafa with the end in view of protecting the public because, in the words
SEVENTEENTH CONGRESS OF THE REPUBLIC 
OF THE PHILIPPINES 
First Regular Session
I'lKlU
'16 JUL20 P3:09
V'
SENATE
S.B. No. 661
RIvCKi ^ 
'n ':
Introduced by: Senator Paolo Benigno "Bam " A. Aquino IV
AN ACT RECOGNIZING AND INSTITUTIONALIZING INDIGENOUS PEOPLES' EDUCATIONAL 
SYSTEMS WITHIN THE PHILIPPINE EDUCATIONAL SYSTEMS, ESTABLISHING THE 
GUIDELINES FOR THE ACCREDITATION, MANAGEMENT, AND EVALUATION OF IP SCHOOLS, 
APPROPRIATING THE NECESSARY GOVERNMENT FUNDS, FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE, 
INCENTIVES, AND SUPPORT THEREFOR AND FOR OTHER PURPOSES
Explanatory Note
In the Philippines, the 95 distinct groups of Indigenous Peoples remain among the 
most vulnerable sectors of society affected by displacement, conflict and poverty. During 
the recent Pahiyas Festival in Quezon, a young Badjao girl begging for money captured the 
public's attention shedding light on the issues that IPs continue to face, challenged by 
instability, living on the fringes of mainstream society.
As a multicultural nation, we must endeavor to develop as an inclusive society that 
celebrates and promotes diverse identities that exist across the archipelago.
In accordance with RA 8371, the Indigenous People's Rights Act, which recognizes 
the States duty to promote the "strong expression of the ICCs/IPs for cultural integrity by 
assuring maximum ICC/IP participation in the direction of education , this bill seeks the 
creation of an Indigenous Peoples Education Council (IPEDC).
Under the Department of Education, the IPEDC will oversee, control, manage and 
supervise all IP Schools. The IPEDC will aim to give IP communities ownership of their 
education so that it may be developed in the context of their cultures, customs, traditions, 
interests and beliefs and may be used as an instrument for their maximum participation in 
national development and in ensuring their involvement in achieving national unity.
The IP curriculum shall ensure that learning takes place within the ancestral domains 
of an IP community and uses culturally appropriate learning standards and methods. 
Moreover, this bill seeks for the creation of an IP School Regional Accreditation Body
SEVENTEENTH CONGRESS OF THE REPUBLIC 
OF THE PHILIPPINES
First Regular Session
S E N A T E
SB. 
341
BILLS & iNOEX
Introduced by Senator Poe
AN ACT
PROMOTING CORPORATIVE FARMING AND PROVIDING INCENTIVES 
FOR ITS EFFECTIVE IMPLEMENTATION
Explanatory Note
The current food crisis and the recent rice importation fiasco illustrate the need 
to review government policies on food security and to seek creative means to 
reinvigorate the agricultural sector. As a newly liberalizing economy competing 
against well-entrenched world economies, the Philippines is hard-pressed to make its 
agricultural policies more responsive.
Investments in the agricultural sector cannot be shouldered by the public 
sector alone. Corporative farming programs aim to attract more private sector 
engagement in the agriculture sector. Corporative farming enables the vertical 
integration the entire process of food production. Moreover, it offers more efficient 
management not only of the farm itself, but also of the entire chain of agriculture- 
related business, including seed supply, agrochemicals, food processing, machinery, 
storage, transport, distribution, marketing, advertising, and retail sales. This would 
ensure more stable rice and com supplies and make rice and com prices more 
predictable.
This bill is a counterpart version of the BUTIL farmers’ proposed policy 
measure.
SEVENTEENTH CONGRESS OF THE 
) 
REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES 
)
First Regular Session 
)
SENATE
s. No. 477
(9Hire of tlj«f?raH 3ry
•16 JUL 19 All :27
H K C H I V l l )  BY;
Introduced by Senator Antonio “Sonny” Trillanes IV
AN ACT
CREATING THE DEPARTMENT OF MARITIME AFFAIRS PROVIDING FUNDS 
THEREFOR AND FOR OTHER PURPOSES
EXPLANATORY NOTE
History has shown that the wealth and destinies of the world's greatest nations have been 
detennined and charted by the manner in which they conducted their maritime affairs. Our 
country is now at the crossroads of development and our maritime sector can rightfully claim 
that it has made a significant contribution towards achieving this feat. The Philippines is, 
after all, a maritime country. It is an archipelago of 7, 107 islands with a territorial sea that is 
both a sea chest of vast marine wealth and natural highway for the carriage of trade and 
commerce.
With the coming into force of the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea 
(UNCLOS) in November 16, 1994, the Philippines has thereby gained an Exclusive 
Economic Zone totaling as much as 652,800 square nautical miles in area, with sovereign 
rights over the exploration and exploitation of all living and non-living resources found in the 
water column as well as in the seabed. Our fisheries sector employs around one million 
Filipinos and contributes much to GNP. Properly explored and exploited, our vast waters and 
continental shelf promise to provide even greater opportunities for livelihood for our people.
The Filipino people, scattered around these numerous islands, have since time immemorial 
depended on the sea for transportation. Shipping remains the most economical, most 
efficient, and most important means of interisland trasnsportation even in this age of great 
progress in air and land transportation.
Considering the relevance of a Department of Maritime Affairs to the development of the 
national patrimony and to the achievements of the country's long-tenn goal of self-reliance 
and economic self-sufficiency, the sponsor believes that the approval of this bill is of urgent 
priority.
ANTONIO “j50\NY\’ F. TRILLANES IV
Senator
SEVENTEENTH CONGRESS OF THE REPUBLIC 
OF THE PHILIPPINES 
First Regular Session
SENATE
S. B. No. 
362
M °eceived%
5 oAre;J.yk_ajjij^a
TIME: 
^  
^
 05j
.BILLS &
Introduced by Senator Maria Lourdes Nancy S. Binay
AN ACT PROVIDING PRE-NATAL LEAVE BENEFITS
EXPLANATORY NOTE
Article II, Section 14 of the Constitution states;
“Section 14. The State recognizes the role of women in nation-building, and shall 
ensure the fundamental equality before the law of women and men.”
Article XIII, Section 11 of the Constitution states:
“Section 11. The State shall adopt an integrated and comprehensive approach to 
health development which shall endeavor to make essential goods, health and 
other social services available to all the people at affordable cost. There shall be 
priority for the needs of the under-privileged, sick, elderly, disabled, women, and 
children. The State shall endeavor to provide free medical care to paupers.”
Furthermore, Article XIII, Section 14 of the Constitution states:
“Section 14. The State shall protect working women by providing safe and 
healthful working conditions, taking into account their maternal functions, and 
such facilities and opportunities that will enhance their welfare and enable them 
to realize their full potential in the service of the nation.”
Likewise, Republic Act No. 9710, or the “Magna Carta of Women” recognizes the right of 
women to decent work which shall include support services that will enable women to balance 
their family obligations and work responsibilities.
The proposed bill seeks to grant working women in the private sector and women in public 
service to a one-day paid leave every month for pre-natal medical check-up, in order to ensure 
the safety and health of both mother and child.
This is consistent with international treaties and conventions to which the Philippines is a 
signatory such as; the Convention on the Elimination of Discrimination Against Women 
(CEDAW), which emphasizes provision of necessary supporting social services to enable 
parents to combine family obligations with work responsibilities; and the United Nation
SEVENTEENTHXONGRESS OF THE REPUBLIC 
OF THE PHILIPPINES 
First Regular Session
SENATE
Senate Bill No. 
234
M - 0 4 2016 •< z
BILLS &
Introduced by SENATOR LACSON
EXPLANATORY NOTE
From the -time local governments were established in the 
Philippines, they have always been classified based on their income in 
order to determine their financial capability to fund development projects 
and priority needs, to establish the salary scales of local government 
officials and personnel, and to determine the number of Sanggunian or 
council members in each locality.
The most recent legislation providing for the income classification 
of local government units (LGUs) is Executive Order No. 249 issued on 
25 July 1987 by then President Corazon Aquino exercising legislative 
powers 
after the EDSA 
revolution. 
Subsequent LGU 
income 
reclassifications have been carried out through the promulgation of 
Department of Finance (DOF) Orders, the most recent of which is DOF 
Order No. 23-08 (issued on July 29, 2008).
Through time, however, the income reclassifications of local 
governments have evolved in such a way that an LGU’s income class is 
not truly reflective of its financial capability particularly in generating 
locally-sourced revenue. One identifiable reason is due to the impact of 
the Internal Revenue Allotment (IRA) in setting the income ranges for the 
different classes. With the phased doubling of the IRA under the Local 
Government Code, it has become the biggest component of the annual 
regular income, which is basically the basis for elassifying the income 
class of LGUs. This resulted in more LGUs classified under higher 
classes while very few are classified in the lower classes. In addition, 
there exists a wide disparity in the taxing capacities of LGUs. Given that 
this factor has a limited elfect on the LGUs’ current classification, the 
present system does not truly reflect the LGUs’ financial capabilities as 
well as their relationship to each other within the same level.
In order to address these issues, it is imperative that the Secretary 
of DOF be given a clear and unambiguous authority and mandate, and the
SEVENTEENTH CONGRESS OF THE 
REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES 
First Regular Session
S E N A T E  
S.B.No. 2 2 6
Introduced by Senator FRANKLIN M. DRILON
ANACT
STRENGTHENING THE POLITICAL PARTY SYSTEM 
EXPLANATORY NOTE
Political parties have been classically defined as an organized group of persons 
who preserve the same political ideals in a government. Ideally, since the community 
of political principles and interests bind the members of a party in the pursuit of 
their political goals, the same principles and interests command loyalty from each 
member to stick and maintain allegiance toward the group. Furthermore, in a 
situation where freedom allows the easy coalition of citizens of like interests and 
political pursuits, parties o f. distinctive political ideals and programs of action 
naturally arise rendering it difficult for a party member to move from one party to 
another without the concomitant abandonment of personally treasured ideals and 
the relearning of another. 1
Political parties in our country are normally used as political vehicles to win 
an election. Our political party system is centered on personalities rather than 
ideology and political platform. There have been many attempts to reform the 
orientation of our political parties in the past so as to veer away from the concept of 
traditional politics. Unfortunately, these attempts remain unsuccessful because of 
lack of legal institutional framework to govern system of political parties.
Hence, most political aspirants change political parties for convenience, 
rather than because of conviction. This only shows the lack of ideological 
commitment of the members of party because they choose parties based on the rise 
and fall of the tide of opportunity. "Turncoatism" should never be encouraged nor 
tolerated since it only distorts the concept of word of honor and dignity of a leader. It 
is therefore imperative that the country’s political party system should be 
strengthened in order to achieve genuine political development and democratization.
Hence, the immediate passage of this bill is earnestly sought.
M. DRILON
Senator
M a tu rro g , S a m u e l. T u rn c o a tis m  -  T h e  T a m in g  of. a P o litic a l V irc w  P h ilip p in e  L aw  J o u rn a l V o l. 5 8 .
SEVENTEENTH CONGRESS OF THE 
REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES 
First Regular Session
SENATE 
S. No. 6 1 8
(fiffire of fh e (! ^ f r rr fa ty
*16 
JUL19 
P 6 W
i>Y:
Introduced by Sen. Antonio “Sonny” F. Trillanes IV
AN ACT
PRESCRIBING 
URGENT 
MEASURE 
NECESSARY 
AND 
PROPER 
TO 
EFFECTIVELY ADDRESS THE ELECTRIC POWER CRISIS AND FOR OTHER 
RELATED PURPOSES
EXPLANATORY NOTE
When President Fidel V. Ramos assumed presidency in 1992, he was welcomed by a 
crippling power crisis throughout the country prompting him to seek emergency powers from 
Congress. Republic Act No. 7648, otherwise known as the "Electric Power Crisis Act of 
1993", granted emergency powers to then President Ramos to respond to the alarming 
shortage of the supply of electricity during that period.
RA 7648 allowed special constitutional powers to issue licenses to Independent Power 
Producers (IPP) for the construction, repair, rehabilitation, improvement or maintenance of 
power plants, projects and facilities. This effectively fast tracked the usually long and tedious 
process required to bid out government projects. Moreover, said law also created an oversight 
committee in each House of Congress to monitor the implementation of the same and the 
exercise of authority granted under the law.
However, the authority granted under RA 7648 was only valid for a period of one (1) year 
from its effectivity.
Sadly, challenges that beset the power industry have not ceased. Early last year saw the 
recurrence of intermittent power brownouts in Mindanao, and no less than the President 
admitting that said power problem has been neglected for years.
Moreover, just before 2013 ended, Manila Electric Company (Meralco), the largest power 
distributor in the country, announced its plan to raise electricity rates by Php 4.15 per 
kilowatt hour, the highest in the country's history, when it was forced to buy expensive 
electricity from the Wholesale Electricity Spot Market (WESM) after its major source of 
power, the Malampaya natural gas platform, went on a maintenance shutdown from 
November 10 to December 11.
Thereafter, at the start of the year, following the High Court's 60-day freeze on the planned 
power rate hike this January, Meralco warned of rotating blackouts in the summer if the bleak 
possibility that generation companies might altogether refuse to sell electricity to Meralco 
ensues. Worse, Meralco adds that said generation companies may decide to sell only such 
amount of electricity as is commensurate to the resulting rate of Php 5.6673 per kilowatt- 
hour.
SEVENTEENTH CONGRESS OF THE ) 
REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES 
)
First Regular Session 
)
•fttr* *f M|e>»TTp(
'16 AU6 16 PC 32
SENATE
S. B. No. 1032
Hl\ 
RY:
Introduced by Senator JOEL “TESDAMAN” VILLANUEVA
AN ACT
REQUIRING THE IMPLEMENTATION BY BRAND OWNERS OF 
MANAGEMENT PLANS THAT PROVIDE REFUND VALUES FOR 
CERTAIN BEVERAGE CONTAINERS
EXPLANATORY NOTE
There is a need to improve the waste disposal management of beverage containers. 
Excessive production and use of beverage containers can impose environmental and 
health risks to both humans and animais. 
The government needs to strengthen 
existing mechanisms for effective disposal of beverage containers by institutionalizing 
the active participation of both the industry and consumers in reusing and recycling 
beverage containers.
This biil mandates the beverage industry to prepare, submit, and implement a 
management plan that sets out an effective disposal mechanism and accounting of 
beverage containers. The bill also seeks to further encourage proper disposal of 
beverage containers among consumers by institutionalizing a refund-deposit 
mechanism. This mechanism mandates the monetary compensation of individuals 
who will return beverage containers to designated sites, thus creating incentives for 
proper disposal among the general public.
Early and immediate passage of this biil is earnestiy sought.
SENATOR y ^ E L  VILLANUEVA
SEVENTEENTH CONGRESS OF THE 
) 
REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES 
)
Second Regular Session 
)
SENATE
S. No. 1692
o( t ijf  i  ■ n  i-tnrj>
Introduced by Senator Ralph G. Recto
'18 FEB 13 P3«l
AN ACT
CREATING THE BAGUIO CITY, LA TRINIDAD, ITOGOPtEiSABLAN, TUB/ 
TUBLAY DEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY (BLISTTDA), DEFINING ITS P< 
AND FUNCTIONS, AND PROVIDING FUNDS THEREFOR
_AND
VVERS
Explanatory Note
This bill seeks to create the Baguio City, La Trinidad, Itogon, Sablan, Tuba and Tublay 
Development Authority (BLISTTDA).1
Baguio City is a mountain resort city located in Northern Luzon, Philippines. Through 
the years, Baguio has developed from what was once a grassy marshland into one of the cleanest 
and greenest, highly urbanized cities in the country. It is known as the Summer Capital of the 
Philippines, owing to its cool climate, foggy hills, panoramic views and delightful blooms and 
foliage. Its rich culture and vast resources have lured numerous investments and created business 
opportunities for the city.
However, problems associated with rapid growth and urbanization have become more 
evident in Baguio City. The environmental protection, tourism influx, traffic congestion, 
adequate water supply, waste management and the provision of basic services have now become 
an immense challenge. With people’s lives increasingly pivoting around major commercial 
centers, Baguio City is often paralyzed by traffic congestion and shopping mayhem. While the 
number of automobiles and tourists increased, the city’s infrastructure has failed to keep up.
This proposed measure intends to manage the development planned for the City and 
nearby municipalities. The proposed BLISTTDA will render services that will respond to the 
challenges and problems that the City is facing. It will rationalize the use of infrastructure and 
thoroughfares, institute transport and traffic management system including the implementation of 
a single ticketing system. This bill also intends to create a master plan in building alternative 
roads that will help ease the traffic congestion in order to lessen carbon emission and eventually 
make everyday lives of the people more convenient.
The BLISTTDA will provide and manage engineered sanitary landfill and treatment 
facility for solid wastes that is acceptable to the City and its nearby municipalities. Included in 
the proposal are provisions for an integrated flood control, drainage, and sewerage system. It also 
includes the implementation of contingency plans and mobilization of resources for relief 
operations in coordination with national agencies concerned in times of calamities and disasters.
This IS a counterpart bill to House Bill No. 6974 authored by Rep. Mark O. Go
SEVENTEENTH CONGRESS OF THE ) 
REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES 
)
First Regular Session 
)
SENATE
S. B. No. 1041
<tUiu of 
frreJarji
*16 AUG 17 P6 28
R F (  i J \  ; 
RY:
Introduced by SENATOR JOEL “TESDAMAN” VILLANUEVA
AN ACT RESETTING THE BARANGAY AND SANGGUNIANG 
KABATAAN ELECTIONS AND EXTENDING THE TERM OF 
OFFICE OF ELECTIVE BARANGAY OFFICIALS TO FIVE (5) 
YEARS AMENDING FOR THE PURPOSE REPUBLIC ACT NO. 
9164, AS AMENDED BY REPUBLIC ACT NO. 9340 AND 
REPUBLIC ACT NO. 10656, AND FOR OTHER PURPOSES
EXPLANATORY NOTE
The proposed measure seeks to reset the upcoming synchronized Barangay 
and Sangguniang Kabataan (SK) election scheduled on October 31, 2016 to 
be held on the last Monday of October 2018, or two (2) years later. This 
proposal seeks to prevent further delays in the implementation of the projects 
of the current administration. The national elections early this year entailed 
temporary bans and restrictions in several government processes throughout 
the whole election period. 
Months after the conclusion of the national 
elections, the new administration is in its early stages of laying down its 
projects on infrastructure and social services. Holding the Barangay and SK 
elections within the same year will result to additional delays in the 
implementation of government projects. Implementing the election will entail 
another period of temporary ban on procurement and personnel appointment 
that will hinder such projects. This is inconsistent with national government’s 
objective to fast track its spending on crucial economic projects, such as 
increasing infrastructure to address exacerbating traffic congestion.
Thus, consistent with the national government’s goal of accelerated growth, 
the enactment of this measure seeking to postpone the Barangay and SK 
elections is earnestly sought.
SENATOR JOEL VILLANUEVA
SEVENTEENTH CONGRESS OF THE 
REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES
First Regular Session
SENATE
S.B.NO. 1058
tS rtife  of fh e jS ^ frre tifii
*16 
AUG 23 
P 2 -41
K l  < 
1 ‘ 
R Y :
INTRODUCED BY: SENATOR EMMANUEL D. PACQUIAO
AN ACT REMOVING THE ALLOWABLE SYSTEMS LOSS 
FROM PRIVATE UTILITY COMPANIES AND REDUCING THE CAP 
OF RECOVERABLE SYSTEM LOSSES OF RURAL ELECTRIC 
COOPERATIVES FROM FOURTEEN PERCENT (14%)
TO FIVE PERCENT (5%), AMENDING FOR THE PURPOSE 
REPUBLIC ACT NO. 7832, AS AMENDED BY SECTION 43(f)
OF REPUBLIC ACT NO. 9136, AND REPUBLIC ACT NO. 8424,
AS AMENDED BY REPUBLIC ACT NO. 9337,
AND FOR OTHER PURPOSES
Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the Philippines in 
Congress assembled:
EXPLANATORY NOTF
The general public has been burdened by high power costs for decades as 
consumers assume the responsibility of paying the costs of losses incurred by 
private electric distribution utilities and rural electric cooperatives. This burden has 
also adversely affected our economy. This proposed bill seeks the total removal of 
recoverable systems loss from the electric bill, reduction of the cap of recoverable 
systems losses of rural electric cooperatives from fourteen percent (14%) to five 
percent (5%), and the exclusion of the value added tax being charged on systems 
loss from VATable items in every electric bill. Systems losses may be non-technical 
(i.e. loss of electricity due to pilferage) or technical (i.e. loss of electricity in the form 
of heat due to design fault, administration inefficiencies as well as the electric 
consumption of the distributors for their operation).
On December 8, 1994, Republic Act No. 7832 otherwise known as an 
"A ct Penalizing the Pilferage o f E lectricity and Theft o f Electric Pow er Transmission 
Lines/M aterial, R ationalizing system  losses by phasing o u t pilferage losses as a 
com ponent thereof, and fo r  o th e r purposes" was enacted.
SEVENTEENTH CONGRESS OF THE REFIJBLIC 
) 
OF THE PHILIPPINES 
)
First Regular Session 
)
s.H. r Aib48
^ rn a tr 
’
*16 AUG 18 A10 '-02
RF< : ,iv: ' »W
Introduced by Senator Maria Lourdes Nancy S. Binay
AN ACT DECLARING THE MONTH OF APRIL OF EVERY YEAR AS “CI IILDHOOD 
CANCER AWARENESS MON'I IF- AND l7OR OTHER PURPOSl'S
EXIM ANAIORY NOTE
Every child has the right to live in a community and a society that can offer him an 
environment conducive to the promotion of his health* 1. Thus, the State shall ensure that every 
child has access to the best health care possible and to information essential to their health 
and well-being.
In the Philippines, about 3.500 Filipino children will develop cancer each year. This is 
equivalent to almost 10 children who will be diagnosed with cancer each day. However, only 
1/3 will be diagno.scd and treated in medical facilities. 2/3 of children with caneer arc in the 
advanced stages at the time of diagnosis and abandonment of treatment is high at 80%. The 
survival rate is only .about 10% to 20%. although multi-diseiplinary management is available 
and could potentially cure 80% of eases. This is because childhood cancer in the Philippines 
is not detected early enough for cure to be possible.2
Public awareness is a useful tool for early diagnosis and effective treatment of childhood 
cancer. According to the Philippine Children's Medical Center (PCMC). the implementation 
of PCMC's My Child Matters program, which aims to create public awareness about the 
curability of childhood cancer and implement community mobilization campaigns, has 
resulted in the reduction of late diagnosis to 30%. decrease in treatment abandonment rate to 
10%. and increase in survival rate to 78%.
In view of the foregoing, the passage of this bill is earnestly .sought.
'A^
MAI^AKLOWRDES NANCY S. BINAY 
Sciuito
Art. .t. pnr. 9 o f I’rcsidcniial Decree No, 60.t <ir the Child nml Y i'iilh WeH'iiie t ode 
' l.eccioncs. .luliiis A.. M l). I he glohal improvement ofchildhoiHl cancer care in the Philippines, Retrieved IVom: 
http://vv \vvv.caneercontrol,inl'o/ee20l5/the-i:lobal-improvetnenl-or-ehiklhood-ciineer-care-in-Ihe-philippines',
1 Ihid.
SEVENTEENTH CONGRESS OF THE REPUBLIC 
OF THE PHILIPPINES
First Regular Session
*16 
AUG 17 
P 1 :0 8
S E N A T E
S.B. 1036
Introduced by Senator Poe
AN ACT
EXPANDING THE BENEFITS OF THE SOCIAL SECURITY SYSTEM SO AS TO 
PROVIDE FOR UNEMPLOYMENT BENEFITS THEREBY AMENDING FOR THIS 
PURPOSE REPUBLIC ACT NO. 8282, OTHERW ISE KNOWN AS THE SOCIAL 
SECURITY ACT OF 1997
Explanatory Note
7.9 million Filipinos or nearly 6 in every 10 remain unemployed as of January 2016. 
This means that nearly 6 in 10 Filipinos are temporarily without any form of compensation.
Job generation is ultimately the only true solution to unemployment. However, it also 
raises the question: given the long transition period between jobs, how can the State provide 
relief for the unemployed?
This bill aims to provide temporary relief from the hardships of unemployment by 
providing for unemployment insurance. It provides unemployment insurance benefits in the 
form of monthly cash payments equivalent to one third (1/3) of the monthly minimum wage. 
Members with longer contributions will enjoy longer benefit periods through the following 
scheme:
CONTRIBUTIONS MADE (to the SSSi
BENEFIT DURATION
6 MONTHS BUT LESS THAN 2 YEARS 
1 MONTH
2 OR MORE YEARS BUT LESS THAN 4 YEARS 
2 MONTHS
4 OR MORE YEARS BUT LESS THAN 6 YEARS 
3 MONTHS
6 OR MORE YEARS BUT LESS THAN 11 YEARS 
4 MONTHS
11 OR MORE YEARS BUT LESS THAN 15 YEARS 
5 MONTHS
Immediate approval of this bill is sought.
GRACE PO:
SEVENTEENTH CONGRESS OF THE ) 
REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES 
)
FIRST REGULAR SESSION 
)
*16 
AUG 25 
All '21
SENATE
SENATE BILL NO. 1099
Ul'C:. ;■ 
" W r . z X
INTRODUCED BY SENATOR JOSEPH VICTOR G. EJERCITO
AN ACT
DETERRING AND PUNISHING THE ESTABLISHMENT AND OPERATION 
OF CRIMINAL STREET GANGS, RECRUITMENT OF INDIVIDUALS TO 
PARTICIPATE IN THE COMMISSION OF GANG CRIMES AND FOR OTHER 
PURPOSES
EXPLANATORY NOTE
Under the inlierent police power of the State, it has the authority to define 
and punish crimes and to lay down the rules of criminal procedure. States, as part of 
their police power, have a large measure of discretion in creating and defining 
criminal offenses.
Statistics would show that over the years, there has been an increase in 
victims of "Akyat Bahay", "Budol-budol", "Laglag Barya", "Ipit Taxi" and "Dugo- 
dugo" and other crimes committed wherein its malefactors act in an organized and 
concerted marmer to ensure successful consummation of their intended act. While 
apparently being isolated crimes, the truth thereof is that the same is being 
consummated by organized crime groups, albeit some are merely small scale 
organizations.
In 2006, Republic Act 9344, otherwise known as the "Juvenile Justice and 
Welfare Act of 2006", took effect. While the same is a good statute aimed at the 
reformation and protection of children at risk, or children in conflict with the law 
and obviously inspired by the positivist theories of criminal law, organized criminal 
groups have taken advantage of tlie law by employing misguided minors in 
executing their unlawful designs.
It is thus intended that tlirough the passage of this Bill, it will effectively 
define and punish acts connected with the operation, recruitment of members, of 
street gangs which has been difficult to prosecute in the past by reason of the 
absence of punitive law declaring the same unlawful, thereby protecting the
SEVENTEENTH CONGRESS OF THE ) 
REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES 
)
Second Regular Session 
)
S.B. No
SENATE
1685
o! l l ) f  ^  r t i f t f i r ^
INTRODUCED BY: SENATOR EMMANUEL D. PACQMa(5EB "8 A10 32
AN ACT
RECEIVED SY;
GRANTING FULL INSURANCE COVERAGE TO ALL QUALIFIED AGRa (j|AN 
REFORM BENEFICIARIES OF THE COMPREHENSIVE AGRARIAN REFORM 
PROGRAM, AMENDING FOR THE PURPOSE SECCTION 14 OF THE REPUBLIC 
ACT NO. 9700, OTHERWISE KNOWN AS THE “COMPREHENSIVE AGRARIAN 
REFORM PROGRAM EXTENSION WITH REFORMS
EXPLANATORY NOTE
The Constitution provides that “the goals of the national economy are a more 
equitable distribution of opportunities, income, and wealth; a sustained increase in the 
amount of goods and services produced by the nation for the benefit of the people; and an 
expanding productivity as the key to raising the quality of life for all, especially the 
underprivileged.”
One of the major challenges in pursuit of the said goals is the extreme weather events 
which strike the country. According to the Center for Research on Epidemiology of Disasters 
(CRED), over the last decade, the Philippines has consistently ranked among the top five 
most disaster-hit countries. These disasters pose a great burden on the livelihood of Filipinos, 
particularly in the field of Agriculture, and most specifically to our poor farmers in the areas 
most vulnerable to natural calamities. The effects not only hurt the food production but as 
well as the whole agricultural economy.
The government responds to this challenge through instituting crop insurance, as 
governed by the Philippine Crop Insurance Corporation (PCIC). The Corporation primarily 
mitigates agricultural risks and addresses the havoc caused by calamities on crops. Yet, the 
participation of agricultural workers in the insurance program remains low. One of the major 
reasons for this low participation of farmers is their inability to pay for the premium required 
in the said program. Even though the government subsidizes half of the premium, the 
remaining 50% is still a burden to most of our poor farmers
This bill seeks to patch this problem by giving the qualified beneficiaries of the 
Comprehensive Agrarian Reform Program (CARP) a full crop insurance coverage, thereby 
sustaining the State’s policy to promote the welfare of every Filipino farmer.
K
SEVENTEENTH CONGRESS OF THE 
) 
REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES 
)
Second Regular Session 
)
,;^euatp
0 M i r t  of t H e ^ r r o t  .Try
m 23
O  1
k
SENATE
SENATE BILL NO. 1665 
RECEIVED BY;^
Introduced by SENATOR LEILA M. DE LIMA
AN ACT
AMENDING SECTION 9 OF PRESIDENTIAL DECREE NO. 651, 
ENTITLED “REQUIRING THE REGISTRATION OF BIRTHS AND 
DEATHS IN THE PH ILIPPIN ES W HICH OCCURED FROM 
JANUARY 1,1974 AND TH ER EA ITER ”
EXPLANATORY NOTE
For almost fifty years, Presidential Decree (P.D.) No. 651 which mandates the 
immediate registration of births and deaths and provides penalties for violations 
thereof, has underwent zero amendment or updating. Section 9 of P.D. No. 651 
provides:
“S e ctio n  9. P e n a lty. A n y  p e rso n  re q u ire d  u n d e r th is  d e c re e  to 
re p o rt fo r re g is tra tio n  a n y fa c t c o n c e rn in g  th e  civil s ta tu s  o f 
p e rs o n s  and w h o  fa ils  to  d o  so, o r w h o  d e lib e ra te ly  m a k e s  fa ls e  
sta te m e n ts  in th e  b irth  o r d e a th  fo rm  a nd p re s e n ts  th e  s a m e  fo r 
re g istra tio n , o r w h o  v io la te s  a n y rule o r re g u la tio n  w h ic h  m a y  be 
issu e d  p u rs u a n t to th is  d e cre e , and a n y lo ca l p u b lic h e a lth  o ffic e r 
w h o  fa ils to p e rfo rm  his d u tie s  as p ro vid e d  fo r in th is d e c re e , o r 
vio la te s  a n y ru le  o r re g u la tio n  w h ich  m a y  b e  issu e d  p u rs u a n t to 
th is  d e cree , sh a ll u p on  co n victio n , be p u n is h e d  by a fin e  o f n o t 
le ss th a n  P 5 0 0 .0 0  n o r m o re  th a n  P 1 ,0 0 0 .0 0  o r im p ris o n m e n t o f 
n o t less th a n  th re e  (3 ) m o n th s n o r m o re  th a n  six (6 ) m o n th s , o r 
both, in th e  d is c re tio n  o f th e  c o u rt.”
Civil registry is one of the most essential component of our bureaucracy and 
governance. As a country, we need to be able to properly document our citizens in 
order to ensure that everyone will be accounted for and thus have access to all the 
blessings of democracy. It is therefore an affront to our way of life to intentionally fail 
to register or falsify the entries in civil registries. Thus, P.D. No. 651 was enacted 
specifically to preserve the integrity of our civil registry.
I I
SEVENTEENTH CONGRESS OF THE REPUBLIC 
OF THE PHILIPPINES
<0l'fire o f
First Regular Session
Introduced by Senator Poe
AN ACT
INSTITUTIONALIZING THE “ABOT ALAM” PROGRAM OF THE 
DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION
Explanatory Note
Article XIV, Section 1 of the 1987 Constitution provides that “The State shall protect 
and promote the right of all citizens to quality education at all levels, and shall take appropriate 
steps to make such education accessible to all.” Much progress has been done to implement 
this constitutional imperative. As of 2014, 92.57% of school-aged children are in elementary 
school, with an 82.66% completion rate.1 Enrolment and completion rates have reached 
83.77% and 76.88% in 2014, in the same period.2
These outputs show that we are only a few steps away from providing universal basic 
education to all Filipinos. Obviously, 100% enrolment, 100% completion and 100% basic 
literacy are the standards we should strive for. To achieve this, we should not only invest in 
improving our formal education system but also strengthen interventions for those who fall 
between the cracks- the out-of-school youths and adults who neither underwent nor completed 
basic education.
As a first step, the Department of Education created the “Abot Alam” program. 
According to DepEd, Abot-Alam is a convergence program that is being undertaken by a
1 E ducation N a tio n . "T h e  S ta te  o f P h iiip p in e  E d u ca tio n "
2 Ibid.
SEVENTEENTH CONGRESS OF THE ) 
REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES 
)
First Regular Session 
)
euiitr
< 9 f ( i r e  of l h e S » n r « a r i
■16 MJGIS A 9:29
SENATE 
S. B. No. 1014
Introduced by Senator JOEL VILLANUEVA
AN ACT PROMOTING AND ENFORCING THE RIGHT OF THE 
PEOPLE TO INFORMATION ON MATTERS OF PUBLIC CONCERN,
AND FOR OTHER PURPOSES
EXPLANATORY NOTE
The right of the people to information held by the government is an 
indispensable element of a functioning representative democracy. The ideal 
government by the people” presupposes that the people have access to information 
held by the government in order to effectively exercise its governing power. As 
observed by the Philippine Supreme court in one case, “There can be no realistic 
perception by the public of the nation’s problems, nor a meaningful democratic 
decision-making if they are denied access to information of general interest.” The 
free flow of information about the affairs of government paves the way for debates in 
public policy, and fosters accountability in government.
A free flow of information on matters of public information results in better 
government policies. It provides institutional foundation for a more responsive 
government planning by enhancing the capacity of the public to provide timely 
feedback to government. The availability of information held by the government 
widens the base for the generation to more knowledge about key development 
issues, not only by researchers and academic institutions, but also by the public at 
large. 
It promotes constructive and 
informed debate between and 
among 
government and stakeholders, and builds consensus around policy objectives and 
over-all framework. All these promote more informed government interventions 
supported by a solid and broad-based constituency.
SEVENTEENTH CONGRESS OF THE ) 
REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES 
)
First Regular Session 
)
SENATE 
S. B. No. 1013
U
■16 aUS15 R9:Z8
I .-  
'  ‘ ■' '
Introduced by Senator JOEL VILLANUEVA
AN ACT
STRENGTHENING THE PROCEDURE FOR REGISTRATION OF 
VOTERS DURING BARANGAY ELECTIONS, AMENDING FOR THE 
PURPOSE REPUBLIC ACT NO. 8189, ALSO KNOWN AS THE 
“VOTER’S REGISTRATION ACT OF 1996”
EXPLANATORY NOTE
Article V, Section 1 of the 1987 Constitution provides that “suffrage may be 
exercised by all citizens o f the Philippines not otherwise disqualified by law, who are 
at least eighteen years o f age, and who shall have resided in the Philippines for at 
least one year and in the place wherein they propose to vote for at least six months 
immediately preceding the election.”
This provision was patterned after the provision of the 1973 Constitution. The 
deliberations of the 1971 Constitutional Convention reveal that the residence 
requirements of at least one (1) year In the Philippines and at least six (6) months in 
the place where the voter proposed to vote must be followed strictly.
During barangay elections, vote buying is still a rampant practice. One way of 
doing vote-buying is inducing voters who registered and voted in a particular city or 
municipality during national or local elections to register anew in another city or 
municipality so they can participate in the next barangay elections. 
Unless, the 
barangay elections will take place at the same time with the national or local 
elections, the widespread problem of vote-buying during barangay elections in the 
form of inducing voters to register again in another city or municipality will continue 
even if they have not complied with the 6-month residency requirement. 
If this 
problem is not addressed, the sanctity of the ballots cast during barangay elections 
will always be questionable.
SEVENTEENTH CONGRESS OF THE ) 
REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES 
)
First Regular Session 
)
SENATE
SENATE BILL NO. 1073
/wjlf
•16 (HRj 25 All-.rj
Hi
<Y;
INTRODUCED BY SENATOR JOSEPH VICTOR G. EJERCITO
AN A c r
TO PROMOTE AND GOVERN THE DEVELOPMENT 
OF VOICE OVER INTERNET PROTOCOL IN THE PHILIPPINES
(
EXPLANATORY NOTE
Philippine has now becomiii}; a base for BPO all over the world and 
known for havinjj sizeable citizens working abroad. Tliese situations prompt 
the widespread use and deployment of Voice Over Internet Protocol (VOIP) 
as an aid in lowering communication costs for the benefit of most of Filipinos 
and as support to the country's economic viability.
In the early 21st century, the VOIP emerged as a welcome 
enhancement to traditional voice service. It enables users from different parts 
of the world to engage in voice conversations without having to pass through 
circuit switched facilities of telecom companies. The VOIP technology will 
increase competition and competitiveness and introduce borderless 
technology on the part of the telecommunication industry.
Moreover, this bill addres.ses tlie need to protect consumers, provide 
them wider choices and promote their welfare, apart from the recognition of 
tlie indispensable need to enhance the innovation, development and 
deployment of VOIP through promotion of free and equitable competition 
and by encouraging investments and innovation in the ICT sector.
In view of the foregoing, the passage of this bill is earnestly sought.
JOSEPH VICTOR G. EJERCITO
SEVENTEENTH CONGRESS OF THE ) 
REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES 
)
First Regular Session 
)
x h  
Sipnatr
(g ffirt of t h e > f n t : -
*16 '\'JG15 A 9 '35
SENATE 
S. B. N o ^ O l7
Introduced by Senator JOEL VILLANUEVA
AN ACT PROVIDING FOR THE MAINTENANCE AND WELFARE OF 
SENIOR CITIZENS, FURTHER AMENDING REPUBLIC ACT NO. 
7432, AS AMENDED, AND FOR OTHER PURPOSES
EXPLANATORY NOTE
The Constitution recognizes the need to “give highest priority to the 
enactment o f measures that protect and enhance the right o f ait the people to human 
dignity, reduce social, economic, and political inequalities, and remove cultural 
inequities by equitably diffusing wealth and political power for the common good” 
(Art. VIII, Sec. 1).
Senior citizens comprise 6.8% of the 92.1 miilion household population of the 
Philippines in 2010 as shown by the 14th census conducted. 
Six (6) regions had 
proportion of senior citizens compared to their region’s total population higher than 
the national figure namely: 1) Region I (16.6%); 2) Region VI (7.9%); 3) Region VIII 
(7.6%); 4) Region VII (7.5%); 5) Region V (7.2%); and 6) Region III (7.1%).
Many of the senior citizens are already retired from employment, and many of 
them have their retirement pensions as their only regular source of income. The 
number of GSIS pensioners who are senior citizens increased by 5.6% between 
2009 and 2010.