bettergovph/raw-philippine-data huggingface dataset:
SEVENTEENTH CONGRESS OF THE REPUBLIC) 
OF THE PHILIPPINES 
)
First Regular Session 
)
S E N A T E
S.B . NO. 1255
Stfice el till' tu c cfftarf
'16 
NOV 29 
AI0 5 2
HECf IVCD
Prepared and Submitted by the Committee on Public Information and Mass 
Media, with Senators Sotto and Trillanes IV as authors thereof
AN ACT
EXPANDING THE COVERAGE OF EXEMPTIONS FROM REVEALING THE 
SOURCE OF PUBLISHED NEWS OR INFORMATION OBTAINED IN 
CONFIDENCE BY INCLUDING JOURNALISTS FROM BROADCAST, NEWS 
AGENCIES AND INTERNET PUBLICATIONS, AMENDING FOR THE 
PURPOSE SECTION 1 OF REPUBLIC ACT 53, AS AMENDED BY R.A. 
1477
Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the 
Philippines in Congress assembled:
1 
SECTION 1. 
Section 1 of Republic Act No. 53, otherwise known as
2 
“An Act to Exempt the Publisher, Editor or Reporter of any Publication from
3 
Revealing the Source of Published News or Information Obtained in
4 
Confidence”, as amended by Republic Act 1477, is hereby further amended,
5 
to read as follows:
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“Section 1. Without prejudice to his liability under the 
civil and criminal laws, [the] ANY publisher, OWNER, [editor, 
columnist] 
or 
duly 
RECOGNIZED 
OR 
accredited 
JOURNALIST, 
WRITER, 
reporter, 
[of 
any 
newspaper, 
magazine or periodical of general circulation] CONTRIBUTOR, 
OPINION 
WRITER, 
EDITOR, 
COLUMNIST, 
MANAGER, 
MEDIA 
PRACTITIONER INVOLVED 
IN 
THE WRITING, 
EDITING, PRODUCTION, AND DISSEMINATION OF NEWS


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FOR MASS CIRCULATION, OF ANY PRINT, BROADCAST,
WIRE SERVICE ORGANIZATION, OR ELECTRONIC MASS 
MEDIA, INCLUDING BUT NOT LIMITED TO THE INTERNET,
AND CABLE TV AND ITS VARIANTS, cannot be compelled to 
reveal the source of any news[-] ITEM, report or information 
appearing [in] OR BEING REPORTED OR DISSEMINATED 
THROUGH said [publication] MEDIA, which was related in 
confidence 
to 
[such 
publisher, 
editor or 
reporter] 
THE 
ABOVEMENTIONED MEDIA 
PRACTITIONERS unless the 
court or [a] THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES OR THE 
SENATE OR ANY committee of Congress finds th at such 
revelation is dem anded by the security of the State.”
SEC. 2. R epealing C lause. All laws, decrees, executive orders, rules 
or regulations or parts thereof inconsistent with the provisions of this Act 
are hereby repealed or modified.
SEC. 3. 
E ffectivity. This Act shall take effect fifteen (15) days after 
its complete publication in at least two new spapers of general circulation. 
Approved,
SEVENTEENTH CONGRESS OF THE REPUBLIC 
) 
OF THE PHILIPPINES 
)
Second Regular Session 
)
s.B.NT ATl581
lO ffirr oi tl)f S? "rtarp
*17 
SEP 11 
P? ;29
RECilii'l L Li. 
^
Introduced by Senator Juan Miguel F. Zubiri
EXPLANATORY NOTE 
AN ACT
ESTABLISHING A LAND TRANSPORT OFFICE (LTO) IN THE CITY OF VALENCIA,
PROVINCE OF BUKIDNON AND APPROPRIATING FUNDS THEREFOR
This bill is geared towards the transformation of the Land Transportation Office 
(LTO) Mobile Office in Valencia, Province of Bukidnon into a distinct LTO District Office.
The LTO of Bukidnon, with its efforts to decongest its office in Malaybalay, has 
institutionalized the LTO Mobile Office in Valencia City.
The current function of the LTO Mobile Office is focused only on manual renewal of 
registration. Therefore, vehicle owners and motorists coming from the southern part of 
Bukidnon are still required to travel to the LTO District Office in Malaybalay for other 
services such as computerized renewal of registration, application and renewal of license, 
and payment for traffic violations.
Hence, the LTO District Office at Malaybalay City is still very much congested and 
cannot effectively serve the needs of the people. The establishment of a proper LTO 
District Office in Valencia City will address these problems and efficiently deliver the 
services needed by these constituents.
Thus, the passage of this bill is earnestly sought.
N MIGUEL F. ZUBIRI


SEVENTEENTH CONGRESS OF THE REPUBLIC 
) 
OF THE PHILIPPINES 
)
Second Regular Session 
)
SENATE
S.B. No. 1581
■r'f Mil ’
•17 
SEP 11 
P2 ;29
R F.c:;-
Introduced by Senator Juan Miguel F. Zubiri
AN ACT
ESTABLISHING A LAND TRANSPORT OFFICE (LTO) IN THE CITY OF VALENCIA, 
PROVINCE OF BUKIDNON AND APPROPRIATING FUNDS THEREFOR
Be it enacted by the Senate and House o f Representatives o f the Philippines in Congress 
assembled:
1 
SECTION 1. 
There is hereby established a separate Land Transportation Office
2 
(LTO) in the City of Valencia, Province of Bukidnon.
3 
SECTION 2. The Chairperson of the Land Transportation Office (LTO) shall
4 
immediately include in the Office's program the operationalization of the Land
5 
Transportation Office in the City of Valencia, Province of Bukidnon, the funding of which
6 
shall be included in the annual General Appropriations Act.
7 
SECTION 3. The Chairperson of the Land Transportation Office shall issue such rules
8 
and regulations as may be necessary to carry out the purpose of this act.
9 
SECTION. 4. This act shall take effect 15 days after its publication in the Official
10 
Gazette.
11 
Approved,
SEVENTEENTH CONGRESS 
)
REPUBLIC OF TH E PH ILIPPIN ES 
)
F irst R eg u lar S e ssio n  
)
(IDffiff a( tlic t - 1 'iftar]>
■17 
MAY 3 0  
P ? : 1 5
S E N A T E
S.B. No. 1480
RELcIu’LU BV;
I n tr o d u c e d  by SENATOR LOREN LEGARDA
AN ACT DECLARING JANUARY 23 OF EVERY YEAR A SPECIAL WORKING 
HOLIDAY IN THE ENTIRE COUNTRY TO COMMEMORATE THE DECLARATION 
OF THE FIRST PHILIPPINE REPUBLIC
E x p la n a to n ' N o te
The 23nl of January 1899 marked an important event in the country’s history when 
General Emilio Aguinaldo proclaimed the First Philippine Republic in Barasoain 
Church, Malolos, Bulacan.
The declaration of independence of the Philippines from Spain established the 
groundwork for democracy and paved the way for the ratification of the Malolos 
Constitution.
To give due importance to this significant event in Philippine history, this bill seeks 
to celebrate January 23 of every year as a national special working holiday.
In view of the foregoing, passage of this bill is sought.
^ O R E N  LEGARDA
Senator


i
SEVENTEENTH CONGRESS 
)
REPUBLIC OF TH E PH ILIPPIN ES 
) 
F irst R eg u lar S e ssio n  
)
# f f u r  ti{ t:«- u ■ . ic iiir f
*17 
MAY 3 0  
P ? : 1 5
S E N A T E
S.B. No. 1480
k t L t i . «I u
I n tr o d u c e d  by SENATOR LOREN LEGARDA
2
3
4
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6
7
8 
9
10 
11 
12
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AN ACT DECLARING JANUARY 23 OF EVERY YEAR A SPECIAL WORKING 
HOLIDAY IN THE ENTIRE COUNTRY TO COMMEMORATE THE DECLARATION 
OF THE FIRST PHILIPPINE REPUBLIC
Be it enacted by the Senate and the House of Representatives of the Philippines in 
Congress assem bled:
S ection 1. Short Title. — This law shall be known as "The First Philippine Republic 
Day Act."
S ection 2. Policy Statement. -  January' 23 of every year is hereby declared as “The 
First Philippine Republic Day” which shall be a special working holiday in the 
entire country to commemorate the declaration of the First Philippine Republic on 
January 23, 1899, held at the Barasoain in the City of Malolos, Province of 
Bulacan.
S ection 3. Scope and Coverage. -  The National Historical Commission, in 
coordination with the Department of Education, shall plan and implement 
activities for “The First Philippine Republic Day” and ensure that the significance of 
this historical event will continue to inspire and instill of pride on the rich and 
noble history of the Filipino Nation.
S ection 4. If any provision of this Act is declared unconstitutional, the same shall 
not affect the validity and effectivity of the other provisions hereof.
S ection 5. All laws, decrees, orders, and issuances or portions thereof which are 
inconsistent with the provisions of this Act are hereby repealed, amended or 
modified accordingly.
S ection 6. This Law shall take effect fifteen (15) days after its publication in the 
Official Gazette or in a newspaper of general circulation.
Approved.
SEVENTEENTH CONGRESS OF THE ) 
REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES 
) 
FIRST REGULAR SESSION 
)
SENATE 
Senate Bill No. 1121
of t h r  
ft i ' l l  ;i
‘16 SEP-5 P3:49
K I t  I
Introduced by Sen. Win T. Gatchalian
AN ACT
ESTABLISHING A NATIONAL HIGH SCHOOL IN BARANGAY PASO DE BLAS 
CITY OF VALENZUELA TO BE KNOWN AS PASO DE BLAS NATIONAL HIGH 
SCHOOL AND APPROPRIATING FUNDS THEREFOR
EXPLANATORY NOTE
Education is a primary tool that must be given the highest priority for the core benefit 
of our people. An economically independent society is the stepping stone to combined 
productivity that leads to economic growth of the nation.
The City of Valenzuela is one of the fast-growing economy and development sites in 
the National Capital Region, and as its population grows, a National High School in 
Barangay Paso De Bias must be created and pursued in order to culminate a viable 
educational program for the youth.
Due to the foregoing, passage of this bill is earnestly sought.
ATCHA'
SEVENTEENTH CONGRESS OF THE 
REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES
Second Regular Session
SENATE
Senate Bill No.
•f/llf* of 
M
JAN 3 0 2018
R F C Li\ f .n BY;
Introduced by SENATOR JUAN MIGUEL F. ZUBIRI
AN ACT
CREATING THE METRO BATAAN DEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY, DEFINING 
ITS POWERS AND FUNCTIONS, PROVIDING FUNDS THEREFOR AND
FOR OTHER PURPOSES
EXPLANATORY NOTE
It has been the policy of the State that the territorial and political 
subdivisions of the State shall enjoy genuine and meaningful local autonomy to 
enable the local governments to attain their fullest development as self-reliant 
communities and make them more effective partners in the attainment of national 
goals.
This measure seeks to implement the above State policy through the 
creation of the Metro Bataan Development Authority (MBDA) so as to integrate 
and coordinate the delivery of certain basic services as well as enforcement of 
laws, rules and regulations between and among the city and municipalities in the 
Province of Bataan.
The MBDA will be under the Office of the President and shall be the 
implementing arm of the Council composed of the mayors of ail the member city 
and municipalities and chaired by the Provincial Governor. Some of its powers and 
functions are focused on the formulation, coordination and regulation of the 
implementation of approved medium and long term plans and programs of the 
Province, setting the policies concerning traffic in the Province, deputization of its 
personnel by the Land Transportation Office (LTO) or other government agencies 
concerned, and delivery of basic services.
Assistance to medium and long-term development plans of the Bataan 
Provincial Planning and Development Office (PPDO), transport and traffic 
management; zoning, land use planning, and shelter services; health and 
sanitation protection and pollution control; public safety; and peace and order are 
among the primary and basic services to be catered to by the MBDA.
In view of the foregoing, passage of this bill is earnestly sought.
IGUEL F. ZUBIRI
SEVENTEENTH CONGRESS OF THE 
) 
REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES 
)
First Regular Session 
)
SENATE
S. B. No. 1056
R '
($ffuc af theJSPfrtfJai (I
■16 
AUG 22 
P6 23
BY
INTRODUCED BY SENATOR ANA THERESIA “RISA” HONTIVEROS
BARAQUEL
AN ACT MANDATING THE COMPLETION OF THE LAND ACQUISITION 
AND DISTRIBUTION (LAD) COMPONENT OF THE COMPREHENSIVE 
AGRARIAN REFORM PROGRAM (CARP) PURSUANT TO REPUBLIC ACT 
NO. 6657, OTHERWISE KNOWN AS THE “COMPREHENSIVE AGRARIAN
REFORM LAW”, AS AMENDED
EXPLANATORY NOTE
The Philippine Constitution in Section 4, Article VITI, mandates that “(t)he State 
shall, by law, undertake an agrarian reform program founded on the right of farmers and 
regular farm workers, who are landless, to own directly or indirectly the land they till.” The 
same section adds that, “the State shall encourage and undertake the just distribution of all 
agricultural lands, subject to such priorities and reasonable retention limits as the Congress 
may provide xxx.”
1 here is great need to correct liistorical injustices against our farmers, bor centuries, 
tillers of the soil have been bound to landowners in feudal arrangements that keep them 
impoverished and disempowered. When the Comprehensive Agrarian Reform Program
) was instituted in 1988, its main objective was to break this feudal arrangement and 
institutionalize a more equitable system for our farmers.
Indeed, there have been many problems in the implementation of land reform. 
Landowners have filed agrarian cases against farmers in order to impede the land acquisition 
process. The government has been bogged down by bureaucratic processes. The absence of 
support sendees post-distribution has led to outcomes that have not been welfare-enhancing. 
Many farmers have been forced to mortgage their land or enter into leaseback schemes.
And yet, it cannot be denied that CARP has worked more times than it has failed. 
While the struggle may at times have been contentious, when victorious, it can result in 
farmers becoming productive owners of land -  empowered drivers of their own destiny.
SEVENTEENTH CONGRESS OF THE 
REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES
Second Regular Session
S E N A T E
Senate Bill No. 1693
ii- ' . i 
^
I?‘f
o( t!if s  i r.rrr'r?
introduced by Senator FRANCIS G. ESCUDEROlo 
FEB 13 
P3 :15
AN ACT CREATING THE BATAAN HIGH SCHOOL FOR THE ARfTS~\T 
APPROPRIATING FUNDS THEREFOR
EXPLANATORY NOTE
Art is an essential aspect ot learning and is equally relevant as other Fields of study such 
as the sciences and inatheniatics. It influences the society by imparting values through human 
experiences translated into art forms. It serves as the society's collective memory through 
different mediums such as paintings, sculptures and music. It gives the public an intrinsic value 
of art in our culture and society, by instilling a wider understanding of the impact it gives to our 
country's culture. Recognizing these values would serve as a strategic national resource.
In order to further recognize the essence of arts in the society’s cultural development, it is 
important to add more educational institutions that will cater to the youth in harnessing their 
artistic skills.
Bataan High School for the Arts is envisioned to be a national high school that will 
educate not only young natives of the province, but deserving students all over the country as 
well through its education curriculum that focuses on arts. Bataan, having the first Learning City 
in the Philippines duly recognized by United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural 
Organization (UNESCO), it is equipped and capable to establish an arts high school.
This bill is originally proposed by Representative Jose Enrique S. Garcia 111, 2nd District 
of Bataan. The province is indeed prepared and more than willing to help in nation building 
through training and molding future artists who will help in the preservation of our culture as a 
country.
FRANCIS G.
UDERO
of thcg^i'n fl.iri;
SEVENTEENTH CONGRESS OF THE REPUBLIC 
OF THE PHILIPPINES
First Regular Session
S E N A T E
S B. No. 1123
'16 SEP-5 PA 24
BFCL! i 
: fiY:
Introduced by Senator Poe
AN ACT
PROVIDING EDUCATIONAL BENEFITS TO THE SURVIVING CHILDREN OF 
MEMBERS OF THE PHILIPPINE NATIONAL POLICE WHO WERE SLAIN IN THE 
LINE OF DUTY, CREATING THE PNP EDUCATIONAL BENEFITS FUND, AND FOR 
OTHER PURPOSES.
Explanatory Note
Article 2, Section 5 of the 1987 Philippine Constitution provides that the maintenance of 
peace and order is essential for the enjoyment by all people of the blessings of democracy. 
However, as the Mamasapano incident reminded us recently, the maintenance of peace and order 
is not without risk to those who pursue it or their families, particularly the members of the 
Philippine National Police (PNP).
Recognizing the considerable harm faced by members of the PNP, this bill seeks to 
institutionalize educational benefits to the surviving children of policemen who are slain in the 
line of action. It proposes that all surviving children of members of the PNP who are killed in the 
line of duty shall be entitled to educational benefits from the time they are orphaned up to their 
completion of secondary education. The benefits shall include tuition, and reasonable allowances 
for books, school supplies, transportation, clothing and food.
Speedy approval of this bill is urgently sought.
CE POE
Sonny A ngara 
Senator
TO:
FROM:
DATE:
R epublic of the P hilippines
Senate
Pasay City
:? Ilf i:,.,' 
■ rj t,-,rp
REC. ,
MA. ANTONIETTE ARISTOZA, MNSA, CESO, D irector III
Service Chief, Legislative Bills and Index Service
OFFICE OF SEN. SONNY ANGARA 
03 SEPTEMBER 2018
SUBJECT: 
WITHDRAWAL of SENATE BILL NO. 1973
This is to convey the Senator's intention to withdraw Senate Bill No. 1973 entitled "AN 
ACT CREATING THE DEPARTMENT OF DISASTER RESILIENCE, DEFINING ITS POWER 
AND FUNCTIONS, APPROPRIATING FUNDS THEREFOR, AND FOR OTHER PURPOSES".
Thank you and best regards.
Very truly yours.
For the Senator:
ATTY. FATI
Chief-of-Staff
D. PANONTONGAN
Rm 521-A, GSIS Bldg.,
Financial Center, J.W. Diokno Blvd 
Pasay City
Tel. No.: 
(632) 552 6779 /(632) 552 6601 
Loc. 5570 - 5572
Email: 
sensonnyangara@yahoo.com
SEVENTEENTH CONGRESS OF THE 
) 
REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES 
)
First Regular Session 
)
SENATE
s. No. 1020
'lliG 15 P!;30
t '  !
■>V:
INTRODUCED BY SENATOR ANTONIO “SONNY” F. TRILLANES IV
AN ACT
AMENDING PERTINENT LAWS ON THE RETIREMENT BENEFITS AND 
PENSION OF THE UNIFORMED PERSONNEL OF THE UNIFORMED SERVICES 
AND PROVIDING FUNDS THEREFOR
EXPLANATORY NOTE
“The State shall provide immediate and adequate care, benefits, and other forms of assistance 
to war veterans and veterans of military campaigns, their surviving spouses and orphans.” 
*
-  Section 7 of Article XVI of the 1987 Philippine Constitution
It is the responsibility of the State to ensure that the retirees continue to receive benefits 
commensurate to the service they have rendered and that they be allowed to live a 
comfortable life during their retirement.
Hence, to be consistent with the government policy to help foster socio-economic security 
and general well-being of the country’s veterans in recognition of their bravery and loyalty to 
the country, the government, through existing retirement laws, provides for the automatic 
adjustment of retirement pension based on the prevailing scale of base pay of similarly 
ranked active persoimel. Said existing laws also have a non-contributory nature which means 
that no “seed fund” was established and the budget for pension comes from the annual 
General Appropriations Act.
Such policies led to the ballooning of pension costs. It is estimated that by year 2022, the 
total pension costs of the Armed Forces of the Philippines will eventually smpass the salaries 
paid to its active persoimel. If this condition is allowed to persist, the government will 
eventually fail to provide adequate retirement pension to the imiformed personnel.
Thus, in order to allow the government to fulfill its duties to the retirees, this measure will 
implement reforms by overhauling the entire retirement benefits and pension system in the 
uniformed service. This piece of legislation will also provide a new fund-sourcing scheme for 
the uniformed retirees’ pension and benefits that is sustainable in the long term.
In view of the foregoing, the immediate approval of this bill is urgently sought.
ANT^iS^^^SOmY” \TRILLANES IV
Senator
SEVENTEENTH CONGRESS OF THE 
]
REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES 
]
First Regular Session 
]
SENATE
S.B. No. I M
5
. 
ol |H ’ 
-r-).;r t
In tro d u ced  by SEN. WIN GATCHALIAN
AN ACT
MANDATING THE AUTOMATION OF A NATIONAL PUBLIC SCHOOL
DATABASE
EXPLANATORY NOTE
Under Art. XIV, Section 1 of the 1987 C onstitution, “the State shall protect 
and promote the right of all citizens to quality education at all levels and shall take 
appropriate steps to m ake such education accessible to all”. To this end, we seek 
the enactm ent of a law th at will m andate the creation of a National Public School 
D atabase. The prim ary purpose of this Act is to prom ote easier access to education 
for the public by stream lining the enrolm ent process. The National Public School 
D atabase will therefore m ake the adm inistrative tasks of the teachers more 
efficient.
The National Public School D atabase also serves as a layer of protection for 
the safe-keeping of student records. Creating a database would provide a storage 
m echanism  for the school records of the students. D ocum ents are prone to getting 
lost and deterioration due to hum an error, flood, fire, and other natural disasters.
Storing student records in a database ensures th at there is anotfier~ ^urce of
1
information in case the docum ents get lost or destroyed.
Support for the passage of this legislation is earnestly sou
SEVENTEENTH CONGRESS OF THE) 
REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES 
) 
Second Regular Session 
)
5.No. I b b 4
•g 
ji‘vN 23 A;C 03
BY:
Introduced by Senator R ichard J. Gordon
AN ACT DECLARING JANUARY 23 OF EVERY YEAR A SPECIAL WORKING 
HOLIDAY IN THE ENTIRE COUNTRY TO COMMEMORATE THE 
DECLARATION OF THE FIRST PHILIPPINE REPUBLIC
EXPLANATORY NOTE
On 23 January 1899, the Malolos Constitution was officially promulgated and the 
First Philippine Republic proclaimed and inaugurated at the Barasoain Church in Malolos, 
Bulacan. On the same day, Emilio Aguinaldo took his oath of office as President of the First 
Philippine Republic.
The First Philippine Republic put the Philippines, then a nation fresh from both the 
Philippine Revolution against Spain and the Spanish-American W ar between Spain and the 
United States, into the world map by distinguishing the Philippines as the first independent 
republic in Asia. In his Proclamation of the Constitutional Republic of the Philippines on 23 
January 1899, President Emilio Aguinaldo famously said, "Great is this day, glorious this 
date, and forever memorable this moment in which our beloved people are raised to the 
apotheosis of Independence."
Indeed, January 23 is significant today, as it was then, for proving to the world that 
Filipinos are capable of self-rule and self-determination, even after more than 300 hundred 
years of colonization by Spain. Truly, the First Philippine Republic was the beginning of, 
and the foundation upon which was established, the democracy which we so cherish today.
It is therefore im portant that January 23 of every year be commemorated as The 
First Philippine Republic Day to remind us of our brave forebears and of our fight for 
freedom.
Foregoing reasons considered, the immediate passage^^his bill is sought.
J. GORDON
Senator
SEVENTEENTH CONGRESS OF THE REPUBLIC 
) 
OF THE PHILIPPINES 
)
Second Regular Session 
)
SENATE 
>.B. NO.
JAN ? 9 201
RFCElVrn BY:.
Introduced by Senator Maria Lourdes Nancy S. Binay
AN ACT GRANTING FUNERAL DISCOUNT PRIVILEGES TO ALL PUBLIC 
SCHOOL TEACHERS OF THE DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION AND THE 
COMMISSION ON HIGHER EDUCATION WHO DIED ON ACCOUNT OF 
WORK-RELATED SICKNESS AND INJURIES, APPROPRIATING FUNDS 
THEREFOR AND FOR OTHER PURPOSES
EXPLANATORY NOTE
Public School Teachers never ceases to uphold their responsibility in educating the youth 
despite being overworked with long hours and large class sizes. The State recognizes the 
efforts of Public School Teachers in shaping the youth towards becoming productive and 
responsible members of this country.
Considering these significant contributions, it is only appropriate to extend assistance and 
grant Public School Teachers special discounts to ease them of their economic burden 
caused by a meager income. The discount privileges provided under this bill thus, seeks 
to help improve the plight of Public School Teachers.
For the above state reasons, the passage of this bill is sought.
MARIA LOURt^S NANCY S. BINAY 
Senator
SEVENTEENTH CONGRESS OF THE)
REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES )
Third Regular Session )

18 MY 31 P5 54

s.p.ne 1846 kee p—-

Introduced by Senator Ana Theresia “Risa” Hontiveros-Baraquel

AN ACT DECLARING NOVEMBER 21 OF EVERY YEAR A SPECIAL
WORKING HOLIDAY TO COMMEMORATE THE DEATH AND CONTRIBUTIONS
OF FRANCISCA REYES-AQUINO.

EXPLANATORY NOTE

Francisca Reyes-Aquino was an outstanding artist and was conferred the rank and title of
National Artist for Dance in 1973. She had blazed the trail by becoming the first Filipina to have
ever received the award. In addition, she was given the Republic Award of Merit in 1954 be-
cause of her outstanding contribution toward the advancement of Filipino Culture.

As a member of the UP President's Advisory Committee on Dance and Songs, she trav-
elled to the most remote barrios in order to study every step and movement of Philippine dances.
She fiercely advocated for the revival of folk dances through public schools during her appoint-
ment to the Department of Education. Her life’s work as a staunch supporter and patroness of
Filipino Folk Dances and Music established her as a great steward of the arts,

At this juncture in the country’s history where its women are denigrated and where mi-
sogyny and machismo have become accepted and even endorsed in the corridors of power, it be-
comes even more necessary to remind the nation of the magnitude of their contribution in shap-
ing the country’s past and their capability to determine its future.

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

Ana en “Risa” HontiverogBaraquel


Seer aaawon a

SEVENTEENTH CONGRESS OF THE)

REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES )
Third Regular Session )
18 May 31 P554
SENATE
$.B.No._ 1846. Readle ¢ _

Introduced by Senator Ana Theresia “Risa” Hontiveros-Baraquel

AN ACT DECLARING NOVEMBER 21 OF EVERY YEAR A SPECIAL
WORKING HOLIDAY TO COMMEMORATE THE DEATH AND CONTRIBUTIONS
OF FRANCISCA REYES-AQUINO.

Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the Philippines in Congress assem-
bled:

Section 1. Short Title. This Act shall be known as the “Francisca Reyes-Aquino Day”

Section 2. Francisca Reyes-Aquino Day. In recognition of the invaluable contributions of Fran-
cisca Reyes-Aquino to the Republic of the Philippines, NOVEMBER 21 of every year shall be
declared a Special Working Holiday.

Section 3. Effectivity. This Act shall take effect fifteen (15) days after its publication in the Offi-
cial Gazette or in at least two (2) national newspapers of general circulation.

APPROVED,
SEVENTEENTH CONGRESS OF THE ) 
REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES 
) 
T h ird  R e g u la r S essio n  
)
S E N A T E
S.B. No. 1969
ip fliii' r i  tlif sin ■
tnrp
*18 AUG 30 
1:34
Introduced by SENATOR VICENTE C. SOTTO HI
AN ACT
CREATING THE DEPARTMENT OF DISASTER RESILIENCE, DEFINING 
ITS POWER AND FUNCTIONS, APPROPRIATING FUNDS THEREFOR,
AND FOR OTHER PURPOSES
EXPLANATORY NOTE
The Philippines is one of the countries m ost vulnerable to natural 
hazards and climate change. The World Risk Report 2017 cites our country 
as having the 3rd highest exposure and 3rd highest risk to natural hazards 
am ong 173 countries. Natural disasters include typhoons, earthquakes, 
floods, volcanic eruptions, landslides, storm  surges, and drought, among 
others. Climate change has also increased the severity and frequency of the 
occurrence of natural disasters in the Philippines. The losses from natural 
disasters could cost as m uch as 6.5% of the Philippine GDP every year.1
Republic Act no. 10121 (R.A. No. 10121), otherwise known as “The 
Philippine D isaster Risk Reduction and M anagem ent Act of 2010”, created 
the National D isaster Risk Reduction and M anagem ent Council (NDDRMC) 
and m andated the Office of Civil Defense (OCD) as its secretariat and 
coordinating arm . The NDDRMC was given policy-making, coordination, 
integration, supervision, monitoring, and evaluation functions. However, 
this DRRM responsibility is shared am ong the different lead agencies in 
such a way th at nobody is in charge of the overall disaster resilience on a 
full-time, focused basis.2
Further, both hum an induced and natural disasters are currently 
lum ped in one body -  the OCD as the coordinating arm  of the NDRRMC. 
This set-up is based on the presum ption th at the competencies, skills,
1 World Bank, Unbreakable: Building the Resilience of the Poor in the Face of Natural Disasters 
2017.
2
The NDDRMC is composed of the following agencies: (1) Chairperson -  Secretary of Department of 
National Defense; (2) Vice Chairperson for Disaster Preparedness -  Secretary of Interior and Local 
Government; (3) Vice Chairperson for Disaster Prevention and Mitigation -  Secretary of the 
Department of Science and Technology; and (4) Vice Chairperson for Disaster Rehabilitation and 
Recovery -  Director-General of the National Economic Development Authority.
SEVENTEENTH CONGRESS OF THE 
)
REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES 
)
Third R egular Session 
)
SENATE
S. B. No. 
^ 9 6 5
‘18 
AUG 30 All :13
p:.
INTRODUCED BY SENATOR JOSEPH VICTOR G. EJERCITO
AN ACT
INCREASING THE BED CAPACITY OF THE SOUTHERN PHILIPPINES 
MEDICAL CENTER IN DAVAO CITY FROM ONE THOUSAND TWO 
HUNDRED (1,200) TO ONE THOUSAND FIVE HUNDRED (1,500) BEDS, 
UPGRADING ITS PROFESSIONAL HEALTH CARE SERVICES AND 
FACILITIES, 
AUTHORIZING 
THE 
INCREASE 
OF 
ITS 
MEDICAL 
PERSONNEL, AND APPROPRIATING FUNDS THEREFOR
EXPLANATORY NOTE
Section 11, Article XIII 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."
On November 2009, RA 9792 was enacted, changing the name of 
the Davao Medical Center to Southern Philippines Medical Center and increasing 
its bed capacity from 600 to 1,200, thereby upgrading its service facilities and 
increasing its medical personnel.
The bed occupancy rate of the SPMC is 136.22% and 139.40% in 2015 
and 2016, respectively. The current bed capacity of the level 3 hospital is not 
anymore sufficient to serve the influx of patients in the province and nearby
SEVENTEENTH CONGRESS OF THE ) 
REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES 
)
FIRST REGULAR SESSION 
)
cnuvr
■16 
aUG 25 
A11 :22
SENATE
KF
Senate Bill No. 1088
Introduced by SENATOR JOSEPH VICTOR G. EJERCITO
AN ACT
ESTABLISHING 
THE 
BARANGAY 
INTEGRATED 
DEVELOPMENT 
APPROACH FOR NUTRITION IMPROVEMENT (BIDANI) OF THE RURAL 
POOR AS A NETWORK PROGRAM OF THE PARTICIPATING STATE 
COLLEGES AND UNIVERSITIES AND APPROPRIATING FUNDS THEREFOR
EXPLANATORY NOTE
Under nourishment or malnourishment has always been a great problem in 
the country. The malnutrition is a manifestation of widespread poverty in the 
country. Thus, it is prevalent in most depressed barangays in the country where 
basic social services are lacking.
Malnutrition hampers the physical growth of the child and later affects the 
mental health, productivity and prospect for employment. The problem of 
malnutrition, therefore, calls for a more lasting solution. It calls for an integrated 
development approach that complement with the traditional nutrition intervention. 
The Barangay Integrated Development Approach for Nutrition Improvement 
(BIDANI) is one of such approach.
BIDANI will be an active research program to be spearheaded by the 
participating State Universities and Colleges (SUCs) that will address the 
nutritional and general well being of the poor. In a way, it will seek to encourage 
every family and community to maintain children's normal growth, through proper 
diet and regular growth monitoring, a household habit.
This bill seeks to establish the BIDANI network program. There is a need to 
put nutrition at the forefront of learning and expose the different principles of 
medicines in relation to nutrition. Once passed, the government is assured of a
SEVENTEENTH CONGRESS OF THE ) 
REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES 
)
Second Regular Session 
)
SENATE
SENATE BILL NO. 1 6 7 7
Introduced by SENATOR LEILA M. DE LIMA
AN ACT
PROVIDING FOR RULES ON PLEA BARGAINING AGREEMENT IN 
CRIMINAL CASES, PROVIDING PENALTIES IN VIOLATION 
THEREFOR, AND FOR OTHER PURPOSES
Explanatory Note
Section 2 , Rule 116 of the Revised Rules of Criminal Procedure lays down the 
basis for plea bargaining, a process whereby the accused and the prosecution enter 
into a reciprocally satisfactory disposition of the case subject to Court approval.1 The 
Rule presents the basic requisites upon which plea bargaining may be made, i.e., that 
it should be with the consent of the offended part}' and the prosecutor, and that the 
plea of guilt should be to a lesser offense which is necessarily included in the offense 
charged.
Since its introduction into our judicial system, jurisprudence has enriched its 
application. In People of the Philippines v. Villarama, the Supreme Court ruled that 
“the acceptance of an offer to plead guilty to a lesser offense is not demandable by the 
accused as a matter of right but is a matter that is addressed entirely to the sound 
discretion of the trial court.” 2 3 In People of the Philippines v. Court of Appeals, it was 
held that “as regards plea bargaining during the pre-trial stage, the trial court's 
exercise of its discretion should neither be arbitrary nor should it amount to a 
capricious and whimsical exercise of discretion.”3
Imbued with public interest, plea bargaining is ideally intended to primarily 
serve the best interest of justice, of the State and of its people, without unduly
1 S e ctio n  2. Plea o f  g u ilty  to  a lesser offe nse . — A t a rra ig n m e n t, th e  accused, w ith  th e  co n se n t o f th e  o ffe n d e d  
p a rty  and th e  p ro s e c u to r, m ay be a llo w e d  b y th e  tria l c o u rt to  ple ad  g u ilty  to  a lesser o ffe n se  w h ic h  is necessarily 
in c lu d e d  in th e  o ffe n s e  charge d. A fte r a rra ig n m e n t b u t b e fo re  tria l, th e  accused m ay still be a llo w e d  to  ple ad  
g u ilty  to  said lesser o ffe n s e  a fte r w ith d ra w in g  his plea o f n o t g u ilty . No a m e n d m e n t o f th e  c o m p la in t o r 
in fo rm a tio n  is necessary.
2 6.R . N o. 9 92 87 , June 23, 1992, 210 SCRA 246.
3 G.R. N o. 159261, F e b ru a ry 21, 2007, 516 SCRA 383, 398.
O  1 • /
SEVENTEENTH CONGRESS OE THE ) 
REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES 
)
FIRST Rl'GULAR SESSION 
)
/*•?
' y 
» ol 
■ 1 1 ■" ;
•16 
MIG 2'3 
All M3
SENATE
s i;n a ii: uili. n o . 1071
IC '
’<Y
IN TRODUCEI^ BY SENATOR JOSEPH VICTOR G. EJERCITO
AN ACT
PROVIDING 
THE 
PUBLIC 
WITH 
ADEQUATE 
NOTICE 
AND 
EDUCATION ON THE 
EFFECTS OF EXPOSURE TO MERCURY 
THROUGH THE DEVELOPMENT OF HEALTH ADVISORIES AND BY 
REQUIRING THAT SUCH APPROPRIATE ADVISORIES BE POSTED, 
OR MADE READILY AVAILABLE, AT ALL BUSINESSES THAT SELL 
FRESH, FROZEN, AND CANNED FISH AND SEAFOOD WFIERE THE 
POTENTIAL FOR MERCURY EXPOSURE EXISTS
EXPLANATORY NOTE
Morcury is a porsistnit, hioaccunuilativt1 heavy metal that poses a 
significant risk to hitman health, vviKIlite, and the environment.
Unfortunately, mercury discharges into the atmosphere and surtace 
oceans have increased two-to-live told since the beginning of the 
industrialized period due to human activities. Substantial evidence is 
accumulating that exposure to methvl-mercury is widespreail in the general 
public and occurring at higher than health-based levels of concern according 
to the World Health Organization. Fish and seafood caught or sold in the 
Philippines are contaminated with methyl-merciu-y a toxic element that may 
cause neurological damage and other health related problems as a result of 
fish or seatooil consumption.
Evidence is continuing to emerge linking increased ri.sk of coronary 
heart disease to mercury exposure, as presented in at least 2 peer reviewed 
studies.
m
SEVENTEENTH CONGRESS OF THE REPUBLIC 
) 
OF THE PHILIPPINES 
)
Second Regular Session 
)
SENATE
s .B . NO. 1657
Introduced by Senator Maria Lourdes Nancy S. Binay
:,6:2y
AN ACT REQUIRING ALL GOVERNMENT AND PRIVATE HOSPITALS, 
/ 
MEDICAL CENTERS, CLINICS, INFIRMARIES AND PERICULTURE 
/  
CENTERS TO GIVE FREE MEDICAL AND DENTAL ASSISTANCE TO 
^
INDIGENT CHILDREN
u/
EXPLANATORY NOTE
This bill seeks to provide free medical and dental assistance to indigent children, with the 
State’s recognition of the need to promote the physical well-being of children, including 
promoting their right to health, and making health services adequate to all. In order to 
achieve this end, all government and private hospitals, medical centers, clinics, 
infirmaries and puericulture centers are required to render medical and dental services to 
indigent children and at the same time provide tax incentives to these covered 
institutions.
MARIA LOUR 
Senator
S NANCY S. BINAY
SEVENTEENTH CONGRESS OF THE 
)
REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES 
)
Second Regular Session 
)
SENATE
S. No. 
1678
.•f
• r .'rv»
'18 
r^ B -l 
P2:47
Introduced by Senator Juan Miguel Zubiri
AN ACT
ESTABLISHING THE AUTONOMOUS REGION OF THE CORDILLERA
(ARC)
EXPLANATORY NOTE
The 1987 Constitution provides for the autonomy of the Cordillera region, as provided 
in Section 15 of Article X which states:
There shall be created autonomous regions in Muslim Mindanao and in the 
Cordilleras consisting o f provinces, cities, municipalities, and geographic areas 
sharing common and distinctive historical and cultural heritage, economic and 
social structures, and other relevant characteristics within the framework o f this 
Constitution and the national sovereignty as well as territorial integrity o f the 
Republic o f the Philippines.
Thirty one years since the promulgation of the Constitution, the region of Cordillera has 
yet to achieve real autonomy. The establishment of an autonomous region of Cordillera 
is important to provide a basic structure of government in the region and to secure the 
identity and cultural heritage of the people of Cordillera.
The Cordillera Administrative Region is home to a number of indigenous tribes 
collectively known as the Igorot. There are 12 ethnolinguistic groups in the Cordillera 
Administrative Region, namely the Applai, Balangao (sometimes known as Baliwon), 
Bontok, Kankanaey, Iwak, Karao, Ibaloy, Kalanguya, Ifugao, Isnag, Kalinga and 
Tingguian.1 According to data from the National Commission on Indigenous Peoples, 
there are 1,252,962 indigenous peoples residing in the region.2 This is a huge 
percentage of the total recorded population of the region in 2015 which was recorded 
at 1,722,006.3
1 http://ncipcar.ph/index.php/about-ips
https://www.ncipro67.com.ph/indigenous-peoples-of-the-philippines/
https://psa.gov.ph/content/population-cordillera-administrative-region-based-2015-census-population
SEVENTEENTH CONGRESS OF THE 
)
REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES 
)
Second Regular Session 
)
S E N A T E
.^enatp
( f / f i r t  of
.Q j/.ii 21 
T4
RECEIVKD BY:
COMMITTEE REPORT NO.
233
Submitted jointly by the Committees on Public Order and Dangerous 
Drugs, Justice and Human Rights and Constitutional Amendments and 
Revision of Codes on_ 
■IAN 2 3 2018____________
Re: 
Senate Bill No.
1662
Recommending its approval in substitution of S. Nos. 27, 199, 223, 1161, 
1591 and 1609
Sponsor: Senator Lacson
MR. PRESIDENT:
The Committees on Public Order and Dangerous Drugs, Justice and 
Human Rights ajui Constitutional Amendments and Revision of Codes to 
which were referred S. No. 27, introduced by Senator Gregorio Honasan II, 
entitled:
AN ACT
AMENDING REPUBLIC ACT NO. 8049 ENTITLED '"AN ACT 
REGULATING HAZING AND OTHER FORMS OF INITIATION 
RITES IN FRATERNITIES, SORORITIES, AND OTHER 
ORGANIZATIONS AND PROVIDING PENALTIES THEREFOR",
AND FOR OTHER PURPOSES
S.No. 199, introduced by Senator Sherwin Gatchalian, entitled:
AN ACT
PROHIBITING HAZING AND REGULATING OTHER FORMS OF 
INITIATION RITES OF FRATERNITIES, SORORITIES, AND OTHER 
ORGANIZATIONS, AND PROVIDING PENALTIES FOR VIOLATION 
THEREOF, REPEALING FOR THE PURPOSE REPUBLIC ACT NO. 8049
SEVENTEENTH CONGRESS OF THE REPUBLIC 
) 
OF THE PHILIPPINES 
)
Third Regular Session 
)
S E N A Jfj^ 
S.B. NO. 
f  f
Cl ii)f
*18 SEP -4 P5 :34
Introduced by Senator Maria Lourdes Nancy S. Binay
#
-
AN ACT
MANDATING THE NATIONAL COMMISSION ON INDIGENOUS PEOPLES 
TO 
PROVIDE 
TRANSPORTATION, 
FOOD 
AND 
NON-MONETARY
ASSISTANCE TO INDIGENT LITIGANTS WHO ARE 
MEMBERS OF 
INDIGENOUS CULTURAL COMMUNITIES WHILE IN ATTENDANCE OF 
HEARINGS OR PROCEEDINGS IN THE NCIP
EXPLANATORY NOTE
It has corne to our attention that many of our poor countrymen who are 
members of the Indigenous Cultural Communities (ICC)/Indigenous Peoples (IP) 
are not able to adequately protect their rights under Republic Act 8371 or the 
Indigenous Peoples Rights Act ("IPRA") on account of lack of transportation from 
their respective residences or even their inability to pay for transportation from 
their respective residence to 
Regional 
Hearing Offices of the National 
Commission of Indigenous Peoples ("NCIP"). Moreover, as many of the Regional 
Hearing Offices are located in cities, they can barely afford to pay for their food 
while attending to the hearings on their complaints and other legal concerns.
Given the above situation, it appears that many of the cases of our ICC/IP 
brothers and sisters have been dismissed for lack of interest to prosecute. In 
essence, justice is being denied to them solely on the account of their poverty or 
inability to attend to the most basic necessities while attending hearings.
We note that the NCIP is sufficiently clothed with authority to charge reasonable 
administrative fees and charges, the funds of which can be diverted or allocated
I2S
SEVENTEENTH CONGRESS OF THE ) 
REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES 
)
Second Regular Session 
)
S E N A T E
Senate Bill No.
1637
t d l l i t t  Ilf H i c l^*i,r i e l  fM
■17 
U LC 14 
A1C-42
I*'
rV : -)iL'
(In substitution of Senate Bills No. 162 and 1375, taking into consideration Senate Resolutiori 
Nos. 190, 301, 314 and the Privilege Speech of Senator Vicente C. Sotto III on Road 
Accident delivered on February 21,2017)
Submitted jointly by the Committees on Public Services; Civil Service, Government 
Reorganization and Professional Regulation; Education, Arts, and Culture; and Finance with 
Senators Poe, Ejercito, Pimentel, De Lima, Sotto, Escudero and Legarda as authors thereof
AN ACT
CREATING A NATIONAL TRANSPORTATION SAFETY BOARD, PRESCRIBING 
n s  POWERS AM) I UNCI IONS, AND APPROPRI.M ING FUNDS THEREOF
Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the Philippines in 
Congress assembled:
1 
SECTION I. Title. -  This Act shall be known as the "National Transportation Safety
2 
Board Act."
3 
SECTION 2. Declaration of Policy. -  It is hereby declared the policy of the State to
4 
promote safety in the transportation of people and goods through cost-effective measures that
5 
either prevent, remedy or mitigate crashes, accidents and serious incidents involving any
6 
mode of transport, including pipelines and conveyors. Towards this end, the Government
7 
shall:
8 
(a) Conduct independent investigations on transportation accidents and incidents;
9 
(b) Support safety programs based on continuing and objective reviews of causes or
10 
reasons for unsafe acts and conditions; and
11 
(c) Appraise and assess operating practices and regulations of government agencies
12 
involved in the transportation sector, insofar as they affect safety, and where
13 
appropriate, 
shall 
initiate, 
coordinate, 
formulate or promulgate 
safety
14 
improvement standards for the observance and implementation by the concerned
15 
government agencies and/or private entities.
16 
SECTION 3. Creation of the National Transportation Safety Board. -  There is
17 
hereby created a National Transportation Safety Board, hereinafter referred to as the “Board”
18 
which shall be attached to the Office of the President.
19
SECTION 4. Composition and Organization. -
m
SEVENTEENTH CONGRESS OF THE ) 
REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES 
)
FIRST REGULAR SESSION 
)
•16 
AUG 25 
All :24
SENATE
SENATE BILL NO.
1091
Rr
TV:
INTRODUCED BY SENATOR JOSEPH VICTOR G. EJERCITO
AN ACT
PROHIBITING 
CITY 
MAYORS, 
MUNICIPAL 
MAYORS 
AND 
PROVINCIAL GOVERNORS FROM MAKING APPOINTMENTS TWO 
(2) MONTHS IMMEDIATELY BEFORE THE NEXT LOCAL ELECTIONS 
AND PENDING ASSUMPTION TO OFFICE OF THEIR SUCCESSORS 
AND FOR OTHER PURPOSES
EXPLANATORY NOTE
Midnight appointment is defined as an appointment to political office 
made during the last hours of the term of office of the person in whom the 
right of making such appointment is vested. The court has decided long line 
of cases involving midnight appointments anchored on the prohibition under 
the 1987 Philippine Constitution, which covers only the President or the 
acting President. Section 15 of Article VII of the 1987 Philippine Constitution 
states that two months immediately before the next presidential elections and 
up to the end of his term, a President or Acting President shall not make 
appointments, except temporary appointments to executive positions when 
continued vacancies therein will prejudice public service or endanger public 
safety.
There is no law that prohibits Local Executives including CITY 
MAYORS, MUNICIPAL MAYORS AND PROVINCIAL GOVERNORS from 
making appointments during the last hours of his term of office and this bill 
seeks to implement the same prohibition. At present, appointments in local 
government units are regulated by Sec. 261 (G) of the Omnibus Election Code 
and Civil Service Commission Regulation No. 010988.
It is a prohibited act under Sec. 261 (G) of the Omnibus Election Code, the 
appointment of new employees, creation of new position, promotion or 
giving salary increases during the period of forty-five days before a regular 
election and tliirty days before a special election by any head, official or
ki
SEVENTEENTH CONGRESS OF THE 
REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES 
S econd R eg u lar S ession
1
SENATE
S.B. No. 1644
t .
-  
• 
i r
'18 
IAN 10 
P 6  :46
c ;
In tro d u ced  by SEN. WIN GATCHALIAN
AN ACT
PROMOTING OPEN ACCESS IN DATA TRANSMISSION, PROVIDING 
ADDITIONAL POWERS TO THE NATIONAL TELECOMMUNICATIONS 
COMMISSION, AND FOR OTHER PURPOSES
EXPLANATORY NOTE
Data transm ission through the Internet is governed by outdated laws 
and regulations -  such as Republic Act No. 79251 -  which were m ade for basic 
telecom m unications services. Compared to such basic services, which operate 
as a vertically integrated and monolithic network, the Internet thrives in a 
decentralized, distributed setting where services in different segm ents can be 
provided by different entities, that are, ideally, interconnected.
The present structure of the Philippine telecom m unications industry 
im poses a high barrier to the entry of new, independent players, both local 
and foreign, who may participate in these segm ents. Instead, it encourages 
an operator to own and m aintain a network as a vertical, monolithic whole 
th at provides all services -  from international connectivity to internet service 
direct to end users -  and even for segm ents th at do not serve the public 
directly, such as the IGF or landing station, backbone, and middle mile.2
1 Otherwise known as “The Public Telecommunications Policy Act of the Philippines.”
2 Mirandilla-Santos, Mary Grace, Philippine Broadband: A Policy Brief, Arangkada
Philippines, Februaiy 2016.
SEVENTEENTH CONGRESS OF THE ) 
REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES 
)
Third Regular Session 
)
S E N A T E
JFflUf o( tl^f 
tnrj>
•18 
SEP-5 P6 50
COMMITTEE REPORT NO. 
435
R LC ..
Prepared and submitted jointly by the Committees on Electoral Reforms 
and People’s Participation; and Finance on 
SEP - 5 2018
Re
Senate Bill No.
1234
Recommending its approval in substitution of Senate Bill Nos. 226 455 
and 885.
Sponsor 
: 
Senator Pimentel III
MR. PRESIDENT:
The Committees on Electoral Reforms and People’s Participation; 
and Finance, to which were referred Senate Bill No. 226, introduced by 
Senator Drilon, entitled:
AN ACT
STRENGTHENING THE POLITICAL PARTY SYSTEM 
Senate Bill No. 455, introduced by Senator Trillanes IV, entitled:
AN ACT
STRENGTHENING THE POLITICAL PARTY SYSTEM 
APPROPRIATING FUNDS THEREFOR AND FOR
OTHER PURPOSES
and Senate Bill No. 885, introduced by Senator Ejercito, entitled:
AN ACT
STRENGTHENING THE POLITICAL PARTY SYSTEM 
APPROPRIATING FUNDS THEREFOR AND FOR
OTHER PURPOSES