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. 
2 5 2
BILLS 4  INDEX
Introduced by SENATOR LACSON
EXPLANATORY NOTE
The latest trends in information technology, particularly in the field of 
telecommunications, are greatly felt in our country. Almost all Filipinos nowadays 
own and use cellular phones to exchange voice calls and text messages, giving the 
Philippine the distinction of being the text-messaging capital of the world. Not only 
that -  we use our phones, tablets and other smart mobile devices also to connect to 
the internet and avail of online services. With the use of such devices, business 
transactions as well as everyday living have become more effective and efficient.
Many owners of such devices prefer to use the pre-paid subscriber identity 
module (SIM) card. Not only is this pre-paid SIM card easily accessible, i.e., it can 
be bought almost everywhere, the owners thereof can likewise easily evade 
detection since prepaid SIM cards are virtually undetectable. 
Due to this, 
unscrupulous individuals almost always take advantage of the same in the pursuit 
of their criminal activities to the detriment not only of a particular interest but that 
of the whole nation.
The proposed bill therefore seeks to address the above-mentioned problem 
being brought about by the proliferation of pre-paid SIM card. It provides for a 
system of regulating the sale and/or disposition of pre-paid SIM cards and also puts 
into place the procedures to be followed if a member of the law enforcement 
agency and/or officer would like to retrieve information concerning the owner of a 
pre-paid SIM card that had been used in a criminal or illegal activity without 
prejudice to the rights of the registered owner under existing law. With this in 
mind, it is hoped that the proposal will contribute in one way or the other, in 
providing solution to our recurrent peace and order problem.
Every new technology carries with it tremendous responsibility. 
The 
technology should be used for the advancement of the interest of all and not only of 
a chosen few. It therefore becomes our imperative duty as lawmakers to ensure 
that the benefits we derive for this technology should be used properly and not 
abused by some segments of our society.
It is for this reason and the advancement of the common good that early 
passage of this bill is earnestly sought.
PANFILO
Senate
//F
/LACSON
* 'r,\
SEVENTEENTH CONGRESS OF THE ) 
REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES 
)
First Regular Sessiofi 
)
' t'-' 
of fitr 
r l i r r
■16 
JUL 21 
AlO :34
S E N A T E  
S. B. No. 
7 3 5
R !•!(' I ;. ■! ' i>y.
Introduced by Senator FRANCIS G. ESCUDERO
AN ACT
AMENDING SECTION 4 OF PRESIDENTIAL DECREE NO. 968, OTHERWISE 
KNOWN AS THE PROBATION LAW OF 1976, AS AMENDED, ON THE GRANT
OF PROBATION
EXPLANATORY NOTE
This bill was originally filed in the Thirteenth Congress and was consolidated in 
a substitute bill by the Committee on Justice and Human Rights in the Fifteenth 
Congress.
It seeks to amend the Probation Law by adding an excepting clause in Par. I, Sec. 
4 of Presidential Decree 968, as amended. The proposed amendment will give an 
accused the right to apply for probation despite his appeal from the judgment of 
conviction, if his appeal is for the sole purpose of reducing the penalty within 
probationable limits and the appellate court modifies the judgment by imposing a 
probationable penalty.
The passage of this bill is earnestly sought.
FRANCIS G. ESCUDERO
SEVENTEENTH CONGRESS OF THE) 
REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES 
)
FIRST REGULAR SESSION 
)
SENATE
SENATE BILL NO.
150
iiD TIME:
BILLS & InEiEK
INTRODUCED BY SENATOR JOSEPH VICTOR G. EJERCITO
AN ACT
INCREASING PENSIONS UNDER THE SOCIAL SECURITY SYSTEM 
AMENDING FOR THE PURPOSE SECTION 12 OF REPUBLIC ACT NO. 
1161, OTHERWISE KNOWN AS THE "SOCIAL SECURITY ACT OF 1997"
EXPLANATORY NOTE
Under Republic Act No. 8282, or the Social Security Act of 1997, 
specifically in Section 12 (b) thereof, SSS members with at least ten (10) 
credited years of service are provided a monthly pension of Pl,200.00, while 
those with twenty (20) credited years are given P2,400.00.
With the spiraling cost of living, especially in the prices of medicines 
and essential commodities, these amounts have been rendered woefully 
inadequate to meet even the barest needs of the SSS pensioners.
Retirees prior to the effectivity of RA 8282 are even more hard pressed 
because their monthly pension is governed by the old Social Security Law of 
June 18,1954 (RA 1161) that pays very much less.
Thus, it becomes imperative, in light of the social justice policy 
enshrined in the 1987 Philippine Constitution, to adjust the SSS pension rates 
to keep them fairly responsive to the basic necessities of private employment 
retirees.
This measure is meant to carry out such adjustment through a two­
pronged approach: (1) raising the minimum monthly pension to P3,000; and 
(2) annual increase of P500 until the minimum of P5,000 a month is reached.
>2.' I
SEVENTEENTH CONGRESS OF THE 
) 
REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES 
)
First Regular Session 
)
' I ; , -  
1 
II
t o  
Jill. 19 
All 4 r)
SENATE
S. No. 
495
Introduced by Senator Antonio “Sonny” F. Trillanes IV
AN ACT
ESTABLISHING THE CHILDREN'S CANCER HOSPITAL OF THE PHILIPPINES, 
PROVIDING FUNDS THEREFOR AND FOR OTHER PURPOSES
EXPLANATORY NOTE
Article II Section 13 of the 1987 Constitution declares that the State recognizes the vital role 
of the youth in nation-building and shall promote and protect their physical, moral, spiritual, 
intellectual and social well-being. Moreover, Section 15 of the same article affirms that the 
State shall protect and promote the right to health of the people and instill health 
consciousness among them. Notwithstanding such policy assertions, government efforts 
remain inadequate, in light of the soaring statistics of children afflicted with and dying of 
cancer, to wit:
3, 000 to 3,500 children are diagnosed with cancer often at an advanced stage every 
year. Late diagnosis is a major problem with parents and local doctors unaware of 
the early signs of childhood cancer.
Around 80% of children fail to complete the full course of treatment. It can be 
assumed that those who abandon treatment eventually die since cancer is ultimately 
fatal if not treated.
Metro Manila cancer registry records in three hospitals show that eight kids/one 
every three hours, die everyday. Many more cases and deaths remain unreported.* * 3 
In developed countries, childhood cancer survival rate is as high as ninety five 
percent (95%). In the Philippines, sadly, it is only ten to thirty percent (10-30%). Of 
the ten (10) who are diagnosed, only two or three will most likely survive. They die 
because they are poor, unable to afford the high costs of medication and treatment.
It is against this alarming and bleak backdrop that this bill seeks to establish a government 
hospital especially committed to the treatment and care of indigent Filipino children suffering
1
c
SEVENTEENTH CONGRESS OF THE ) 
REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES )
First Regular Session 
)
n ! ,‘! . 1
o f  tfjf’ V r i  ' 
II I
'16 JUL21 P2:23
S. No.
SENATE
810
HI >
Introduced by Senator Ralph G. Recto
AN ACT
STRENGTHENING LOCAL GOVERNMENT PARTICIPATION IN NATIONAL 
DEVELOPMENT BY INCREASING THE SHARE OF LOCAL GOVERNMENT UNITS 
IN THE NATIONAL INTERNAL REVENUE TAXES, AMENDING FOR THE 
PURPOSE SECTION 284 OF REPUBLIC ACT NO. 7160, OTHERWISE KNOWN AS 
THE LOCAL GOVERNMENT CODE OF 1991
Explanatory Note
The enactment of Republic Act (R.A.) No. 7160 otherwise known as the Local 
Government Code of 1991 was a major step in bringing administrative and organizational 
reforms to our local government units (LGUs), highlighted by decentralization and local 
autonomy. LGUs are now mandated to deliver the priority needs and basic services of its 
communities such as agricultural services, health and social welfare services, information 
services, waste management and environmental protection, maintenance of roads and highways, 
infrastructure facilities and tourism development, among others.1
As mandated in the Code, LGUs have the power to create and broaden their own sources 
of revenue coupled with the right to a just share in national taxes in order to diseharge local 
powers and effectively carry out devolved functions.
The internal revenue allotment (IRA), is the share of the LGUs out of the national 
government’s overall revenue collections. The Philippines consists of 81 provinces, 145 cities, 
1,489 municipalities and 42,036 barangays. Since only a fraction of the 43,751 LGUs belong to 
the 1st and 2nd income classes,2 most of these LGUs depend on their share from the IRA to 
perform their devolved powers and functions. Thus, majority of the LGUs have become 
dependent on their IRA and fails to exert effort to look for other resources to fund programs and 
projects.
Twenty-five years since the enactment of the Code, most local governments have yet to 
exercise genuine autonomy from the national government and still lack the capability to become 
effective partners of the national government in national progress.
This bill seeks to promote good governance by LGUs through the amendment of Section 
284 of the Code thereby increasing LGU share in the IRA from forty percent (40%) to fifty
Eleuterio C. Dumogho. “Relevant Provisions of Local Government Code.” Comparative Study Tour on Local 
Government Administration and Management. 8 May 2006. http://Dcii.org/blog/wp- 
docs/Dumogho LGC Relevant Provisions.pdf
National Statistical Coordination Board. Provincial Summary: Number of Provinces, Cities, Municipalities 
and Barangays, By Region.
http://www.nscb.gov.ph/activestats/psgc/PSA PSGC SUMMARY ASOFDEC2015.pdf
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SEVENTEENTH CONGRESS OF THE 
REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES 
First Regular Session
'^6 JUL19 Pa Ml
•HCuvr
SENATE 
S. No. 
5 5 3
Introduced by Sen. Antonio “Sonny” F. Trillanes IV
AN ACT
REGULATING 
THE 
PRACTICE 
OF 
MINING 
ENGINEERING 
IN 
THE 
PHILIPPINES, REPEALING FOR THE PURPOSE REPUBLIC ACT NUMBERED 
FOUR THOUSAND TWO HUNDRED SEVENTY FOUR (R.A. NO. 4274), AS 
AMENDED ENTITLED "MINING ENGINEERING LAW OF THE PHILIPPINES", 
AND FOR OTHER PURPOSES.
EXPLANATORY NOTE
The Philippine mining industry is a major contributor to the Gross Domestic Product (GDP) 
of the country and has been experiencing robust growth in recent years. The strength of the 
mining industry has attracted the attention of both foreign and domestic investors, and has 
seen the emergence of business and professional groups who adopted and formulated 
professional titles, technical standards and mineral reporting codes without any authorization 
from law.
In the absence of clear-cut provisions in the Mining Engineering Law of 1965, these 
professional titles, technical standards and mineral reporting codes have been adopted and 
used by some business and professional groups, and implemented by non-Mining Engineers 
to the detriment of the majority of Registered Mining Engineers.
Furthermore, the Philippine Government, through the Department of Trade and Industry 
(DTI), has already signed with other Southeast Asian countries, an ASEAN Mutual 
Recognition Act which would eventually allow foreign Mining Engineers to practice in the 
Philippines. This is in violation of the Philippine Constitution. Moreover, several private 
groups such as the APEC Engineer, in which the Professional Regulations Commission is a 
member, has been issuing professional titles such as APEC Engineers while there are also 
some who has been issuing professional titles such as ASEAN Engineers, Competent 
Persons, and Qualified Persons. These unauthorized activities have caused confusion in the 
Philippine Mining Industry particularly among Registered Mining Engineers because such 
activities tend to discriminate against majority of Registered Mining Engineers and eliminate 
many of the rights and privileges already granted to them by RA 4274 or the Mining 
Engineering Act of 1965.
SEVENTEENTH CONGRESS OF THE 
) 
REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES )
FIRST REGULAR SESSION 
)
SENATE
s.B. NO.. 33G
BATE:
Xn TIME:
BILLS
INTRODUCED BY SENATOR JOSEPH VICTOR G. EJERCITO
AN ACT PROVIDING FOR A MAGNA CARTA FOR STUDENTS' RIGHTS
AND WELFARE
EXPLANATORY NOTE
As embodied in the 1987 Philippine Constitution under Article II, 
SectionlS, it states, "The State recognizes the vital role of the youth in 
nation- building and shall promote and protect their physical, moral, 
spiritual, intellectual, and social being. It shall inculcate in the youth 
patriotism and nationalism, and encourage their involvement in public and 
civic affairs".
State responsibility and a sense of accountability for national 
development should always be nurtured among our youth. Besides the 
technical skills provided by the academe, should also be a venue that will 
contribute to their holistic development. Universities should be a place for 
shaping and building character and a deep sense of nationalism and 
patriotism among our youth.
Consonant to this responsibility, a student's right to organize and join 
student organizations should not only be protected but also promoted by the 
State as defined and guaranteed by the Constitution of the Philippines and 
by international statutes protecting academic freedom.
To ensure this cherish freedom, there should be a Magna Carta for 
student rights and welfare that should approximate the highest level of 
practice the student population would enjoy.
Albeit, it is a fact that even without any existing law on student rights 
and welfare, there were inroads and significant gains that were achieved by 
the students especially during the democratic rights movement in the earlv 
80's.
Unfortunately, these basic rights are not enforced and embedded in 
educational institution's rules and regulations and policies. Democratic
u
SEVENTEENTH CONGRESS OF THE ) 
REPUBLIC OF THE PHIILIPPINES )
First Regular Session 
)
SENATE
S. No.
61
DATE:'
XP TIME:
iAd e x
BILLS
Introduced by Senator Ralph G. Recto
AN ACT
PROVIDING FOR A FULL TUITION SUBSIDY FOR STUDENTS ENROLLED IN 
STATE UNIVERSITIES AND COLLEGES (SUCs), AND APPROPRIATING FUNDS 
THEREFOR
Explanatory Note
The system of free public basic education has long been in existence in the Philippines. 
Free and compulsory elementary education was established by the Malolos Constitution in 1899, 
whereas free secondary education was fonnalized with the enactment of Republic Act No. 6655 
in 1988. Tertiary education in State Universities and Colleges (SUCs), however, has never been 
free albeit government subsidy.
The budget alloeation to basic education has been getting a substantial share in the national 
expenditures and has continued to increase over the years. It has gone from 12.3% of the National 
budget in 2009 to 13.7% in 2016. Whereas, the subsidy provided to SUCs by the National 
Government (NG) has remained at lower levels. Since 2005 to date, the SUCs’ share of the NG 
budget has never gone beyond the 2% mark1. For FY 2016, the UP System and the 113 SUCs have 
a total appropriations budget of P47.4 Billion, which is only 1.57% of the total FY 2016 budget of 
P3.002 Trillion.
According to FY 2014 data, the estimated annual government cost per student in an SUC 
is at an average of P21,000. This drives SUCs to internally generate their own income through the 
collection of tuition fees and through grants and donations, among others, to sustain the cost of 
their operations. In 2014, income collected by 114 SUCs nationwide from tuition fees amounted 
to P7.9 Billion while other income collected from students totaled P4.7 Billion2. Tuition fees that 
fonn part of students’ out-of-pocket expenses for their college education range from as low as P12 
to as high as PI,000 per unit and are expected to increase further to adjust for inflation. These fees 
become one of the compelling reasons that discourage some students to pursue and finish tertiary 
education.
Results from the 2013 Functional Literacy, Education and Mass Media Survey (FLEMMS) 
show that among the primary reasons for not attending school were insufficient family income and 
higli cost of education.
Finishing higher education has a significant impact on income and employment. The 
average daily wage that a college graduate could receive is 140% more than that of a higli school 
graduate3. The significant difference in income is a good reason to put sustained investments in 
tertiary education.
Thus, this bill seeks to provide for a full tuition subsidy to students enrolled in SUCs. This 
translates to an estimated additional subsidy to SUCs equivalent to the amount collected from
1 Budget Facts and Figures Vol. 2, Jan-M ar 2014, Legislative Budget Research and Monitoring Office
2 Data from CHED
3 Results from the 2011 Labor Force Survey
SEVENTEENTH CONGRESS 
)
REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES 
)
First Regular Session 
)
S E N A T E  
S. B. NO.
'16 
JUL18 P6 21
i; 
■ 
: r i  I ' M  *5V.
In tro d u ced  by SENATOR LOREN LEGARDA
AN ACT PROVIDING FOR AN OFFICIAL FILIPINO VERSION OF THE 
PHILIPPINE CONSTITUTION AND ITS TRANSLATION INTO MAJOR 
REGIONAL LANGUAGES, ARABIC, AND SPANISH, APPROPRIATING 
FUNDS THEREFOR AND FOR OTHER PURPOSES
EXPLANATORY NOTE
Article XI'V, Section 8 of the 1987 Constitution states th at the Constitution 
shall be prom ulgated in Filipino and English and shall be translated into 
major regional languages, Arabic, and Spanish. The foregoing constitutional 
m andate is in furtherance of the constitutional declaration under Section 7 
of Article XIV th at the official languages of the Philippines are Filipino and, 
until otherwise provided by law, English for purposes of com m unication and 
instruction.
The C onstitution, being the highest law of the Philippines where the 
fundam ental rights of the people and the form and structure of government 
are basically contained, m ust be understood by the ordinary people in his 
own language and dialect. 
However, it has been observed th at the 
Constitution is w ritten in one official language only, English. Although it is 
known th at some translations in regional languages were written in the 
fundam ental law, these were never discussed in the 1986 Constitutional 
Convention. Moreover, although there was an ad hoc Filipino version, this 
was apparently appended to the English version m uch later than the 
ratification of the C onstitution in its English form. In other words, twenty- 
seven (27) years have passed since the ratification of the Constitution, there 
is still no official version of the Constitution in Filipino or in other languages 
specified therein.
This bill, therefore, seeks to provide for an official Filipino version of 
the Philippine C onstitution 
and its translation into 
m ajor regional 
languages, Arabic, and Spanish. 
Under the proposed m easure, the 
Komisyon sa W ikang Filipino (KWF) is designated as overseer and 
coordinator in the im plem entation. The KWF shall undertake the writing, 
publication, and dissem ination of the official Filipino version of the 
Philippine C onstitution and its translation into m ajor regional languages, 
Arabic, and Spanish and shall exercise such other functions as may be
SEVENTEENTH CONGRESS OF THE ) 
REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES 
)
First Regular Session 
)
S E N A T E
750
S. B. No
c'
of Ifir,
■16 JUL21 A10:54
U L f i . l .  
tW:
Introduced by Senator FRANCIS G. ESCUDERO
AN ACT
ESTABLISHING THE FORENSIC SCIENCE INSTITUTE IN THE UNIVERSITY OF 
THE PHILIPPINES SYSTEM, DEFINING ITS FUNCTIONS AND 
APPROPRIATING FUNDS THEREFORE
EXPLANATORY NOTE
Forensic science applies a broad spectrum of sciences to answer questions of 
interest to the legal system often in relation to a crime or civil action.
As such, forensic science is a specialized subject with unlimited applications and 
thus of inherent interest to the justice system. With this distinction, other countries 
have made strides in developing their forensic science capabilities and have begun 
reaping the rewards with better techniques in evidence gathering and airtight cases in 
litigation.
It is the intent of this bill, therefore, to create a Forensic Science Institute which 
shall promote, enhance, develop, and upgrade the forensic capability of the country.
Earnest passage of this bill is thus sought.
FRANCIS G. ESCUDERO
SEVENTEENTH CONGRESS OF THE ) 
REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES 
)
First Regular Session 
)
S E N A T E
S.B. No. 
^ 5 3
y
C c.
lu  -------~
^  TIME; T U I JUk
INDEX
Introduced by Senator JOSEPH VICTOR G. EJERCITO
AN ACT
DEFINING THE CRIME OF ROBBERY OF TRAIN IMPLEMENTS, 
CLASSIFYING THE ACT AS HEINOUS CRIME AND IMPOSING
PENALTY THEREOF
EXPLANATORY NOTE
Section 5 Article II of the 1987 Philippine Constitution provides, 
“The maintenance of peace and order, the protection of life, liberty, and 
property, and promotion of the general welfare are essential for the 
enjoyment by all the people of the blessings of democracy.”
Traffic situation in the country has come from bad to worse. 
Study reveals that the only way to solve this chaos is a high-capacity 
public transport vehicle, which shows to be one of the major 
characteristics of a train. With the current administration, the people 
are starting to hope of a fully modernized and integrated train system 
all over the country that can bring hundreds or even thousands of 
commuters from Metro Manila to any part of the county in no time. 
However, part of modernization is the aspect or issue on public safety 
that the public must be assured of.
On April 29, 2015, three coaches of Philippine National 
Railways (PNR) Train 1507 traversing the track from Manila to 
Alabang derailed. 80 passengers sustained minor injuries, some 
suffered bruises, while others suffered trauma.1 In an examination 
conducted by TOV Rheinland (TUV) of Germany it was concluded that 
the cause of the derailm ent was the m issing or stolen track 
com ponents, i.e. angle bars, and other rail fastenings. 2 The incident
1 http://newsinfo.inquirernet/688461l80-injured-as-pnr-train-derails-in-taguig-cityiix7z3ebVyKzp2
2 PNR
SEVENTEENTH CONGRESS OF THE
REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES 
First Regular Session
SENATE
S. No. 9 1
BILLS & I
Introduced by Senator Antonio “Sonny” F. Trillanes IV
AN ACT
MANDATING A TWO THOUSAND PESO (P2,000.00) ACROSS-THE-BOARD 
INCREASE 
IN 
THE 
MONTHLY 
PENSION 
WITH 
CORRESPONDING 
ADJUSTMENT OF-THE MINIMUM MONTHLY PENSION UNDER THE SOCIAL 
SECURITY SYSTEM, AMENDING FOR THE PURPOSE SECTION 12 OF 
REPUBLIC ACT NO. 1161, AS AMENDED, OTHERWISE KNOWN AS THE 
“SOCIAL SECURITY ACT OF 1997”
EXPLANATORY NOTE
As enshrined in Section 2 of Republic Act No. 8282, known as the Social Security Act of 
1997, it is the State’s mandate to extend social security protection to workers and their 
beneficiaries, through a sound and viable tax-exempt social security system suitable to their 
needs, and that which shall promote social justice and meaningful protection to them and 
their families against the hazards of sickness, disability, maternity, old age, death and such 
other exigencies resulting in loss of income or financial burden.
RA 8282, the present law governing the country’s Social Security System (SSS), was enacted 
in 1997. However, more than nineteen (19) years after its enactment and with the cost of 
living expenses having considerably increased over time, the meager amount of monthly 
pension that the SSS pensioners receive under the current law has become inadequate to 
support the monthly food sustenance and maintenance medicines of pensioners, who are old 
and mostly suffering from various medical conditions. Moreover, pensioners who retired 
after the effectivity of RA 8282 are even more struggling because they are receiving smaller 
amounts of monthly pension. Thus, it is high time that the SSS pension of our retirees be 
updated.
This bill seeks to adjust the SSS pension rates to keep them abreast with the increasing cost 
of living expenses in the country. The new monthly pension rates shall be applicable to all 
Social Security System members regardless of the effectivity of their retirement. They shall 
receive an across-the-board increase of Two Thousand Pesos (Php 2,000.00).
• f /
1
SEVENTEENTH CONGRESS OF THE ) 
REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES 
)
First Regular Session 
)
S E N A T E
(Sfftre of llif, > e . 1 r ! a
'16 JUL 21 AlO 57
S. B. No.
753
RK( ,i
Introduced by Senator FRANCIS G. ESCUDERO
AN ACT
FURTHER AMENDING REPUBLIC ACT NO. 544, AS AMENDED, OR THE CIVIL
ENGINEERING LAW
EXPLANATORY NOTE
The Civil Engineering Law, Republic Act No. 544, which governs the practice of 
Civil Engineering in the Philippines, was last amended 49 years ago.
Since then, the number of registered civil engineers has grown to over 100,000 
today. A new role for the civil engineer has likewise evolved in the light of the 
globalization and cross-boarder practice. 
Whereas before the civil engineer was 
confined to the application of technical knowledge with a boarder range of issues to 
deal with, the civil engineer now has to face the challenges of integrating the socio­
economic and environmental issues with the teclmical aspects of the construction 
projects. The civil engineer is constantly challenged to design and build developments 
in a manner that is environmentally sound, socially acceptable, and globally 
competitive.
This bill, with its proposed amendments of the law, seeks to achieve the following 
objectives:
1.
2.
3.
To attune the law to national development needs;
To strengthen the profession and enable civil engineers to cope with the 
formidable challenges brought about by globalization and cross-boarder 
practice;
To continually upgrade the level of competence of the civil engineers through:
a. peer recognition of specialization in civil engineering;
b. continuous professional development; and 
the strengthening of the accredited professional organization of civil 
engineers;
c.
In view of the foregoing, the immediate passage of this proposed legislation is 
earnestly sought.
FRANCIS G. ESCUDERO
SEVENTEENTH CONGRESS OF THE ) 
REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES 
)
First Regular Session 
)
SENATE
s.No. 835
o f  H i p / ' - r .  ;,.|-
'16 
JUL 21 
P 3 :0 7
- H - h t -
■^TT
Introduced by Senator Ralph G. Recto
AN ACT
INSTITUTING A SIMPLIFIED TAX COMPLIANCE SYSTEM, AMENDING FOR THIS 
PURPOSE SECTIONS 51(A), 52(A), 57, 58, 74, 75, 76, 77, 114(A), 128, 232(A) AND 235 
OF THE NATIONAL INTERNAL REVENUE CODE OF 1997, AS AMENDED, AND 
FOR OTHER PURPOSES
Explanatory Note
This proposed measure seeks to provide a Simplified Tax Compliance System (STCS) for 
the purpose of improving the country’s ease of doing business.
The system will provide a simplified fonn of Ineome Tax Return (ITR), reduce the 
frequency of filing various tax returns, increase the ceiling for the requirements to adopt a 
simplified bookkeeping and to have the books of accounts audited by a certified public 
accountant, and specifically provide that the keeping of books of accounts and other accounting 
records is only for a period of three years. Also, it removes the creditable withholding tax system 
on the purchase of goods and services.
Taxes are a burden on tbe taxpayers being an enforced proportional contribution of every 
individual to finance the operation of the government and other public needs. To mitigate such 
burden, the payment of taxes and other requirements should be made easy and convenient to 
comply with.
Under the existing system, the complexity of tax compliance forces small businessmen 
and entrepreneurs to hire accountants and bookkeepers. This would entail additional cost of 
doing business.
With the passage of this bill, there will be a significant reduction in the time, effort and 
money to be spent by the taxpayer in complying with requirements of the law for the payment of 
taxes. The taxpayers shall now file their ITRs and pay the taxes due thereon every six months 
instead of quarterly filing and payment. The filing of returns for value-added tax (VAT) and 
percentage tax and the payment of corresponding taxes due thereon shall now be made quarterly 
instead of monthly filing and payment.
The purpose and intent of this bill is to ease the burden of the taxpayers in complying 
with the requirements of the law for the payment of taxes. The objective is to broaden the tax 
base and this can be done by encouraging more businessmen, self-employed individuals, 
professionals, enterprises, corporations and other income earners to voluntarily file tax returns 
and pay the corresponding correct taxes due thereon.
In view of the foregoing, immediate approval of this bill is earnestly sought
J(70
SEVENTEENTH CONGRESS 
REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES
First Regular Session
S E N  A T £ q 
S.B. No.
t i m e -. ^  . O K
BILLS $  IfN b e X
In tro d u ced  by SENATOR LOREN LEGARDA
AN ACT ADOPTING INNOVATION AS A VITAL COMPONENT OF THE 
COUNTRY’S 
DEVELOPMENT 
POLICIES 
TO 
DRIVE 
INCLUSIVE 
DEVELOPMENT, 
PROMOTE 
THE 
GROWTH 
AND 
NATIONAL 
COMPETITIVENESS 
OF 
MICRO, 
SMALL 
AND 
MEDIUM 
ENTERPRISES, AND FOR OTHER PURPOSES
Explanatory Note
Innovation is a key driver of economic development and the principal tool 
for coping with major global challenges. 
It plays a major role in 
improving productivity and provides a solid foundation for building 
competitiveness. A well-defined and clear vision for innovation and the 
role it will play in our economy can help produce a highly skilled 
workforce, 
build 
active 
enterprises, 
and 
promote 
competitive 
technological advances that can translate to more vibrant economic 
activity, employment opportunities, solutions to social problems, and 
overall growth.
In the Philippines, where 99.6 percent of businesses are considered 
micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs), the role of innovation 
cannot be overemphasized. Unlike large companies that have ready 
access to funding and resources, MSMEs are at a disadvantage because 
of their size and problems of access to resources and markets. 
Furthermore, the role of MSMEs in innovation has often times been 
underestimated mainly because they have traditionally not been seen as 
knowledge and technology creators.
Recent developments in various markets around the world, however, 
show that innovation is increasingly taking place in MSMEs. The 
Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) 
reported that the role of MSMEs in the ICT, automotive, and 
pharmaceuticals industries continue to thrive as they have often been 
“the source of new ideas that are integrated into other products or 
brought to the market in their own right by large firms.”
Over the years, a growing number of big businesses are seeking to 
engage MSMEs as part of their strategies in expanding their markets and 
responding to their commercial requirements. Clearly, the emergence of 
global value chains (GVCs) has shifted the way big corporations do 
business with MSMEs. More importantly, it has generated vast
opportunities for MSMEs to access international markets.
SEVENTEENTH CONGRESS OF THE REPUBLIC 
OF THE PHILIPPINES 
First Regular Session
S.B. No.
SENATE
357
BILLS S
Introduced by: Senator Paolo Benigno "Bam " A. Aquino IV
AN ACT PROVIDING FOR A SYSTEM OF REDISTRIBUTING AND RECYCLING FOOD WASTE TO
PROMOTE FOOD SECURITY
EXPLANATORY NOTE
Around one third of the food produced globally, equivalent to 1.3 billion tons or 
worth US$1 trillion (around P46 trillion), is wasted annually according to the United Nations 
Environment Programme (UNEP). There are both economic and environmental costs to this 
wastage. The forests and biodiversity cleared to create farmlands, along with the soils, 
energy, water, fertilizer, and labor utilized to produce food that is never eaten are also put 
to waste. A total of 28% of the global agricultural region is used to produce food that will 
eventually go to waste, according to the World Resources Institute. Furthermore, most of 
the greenhouse gas emissions are generated by food disposed of in landfills. With around 1 
in 4 calories yielded remaining unconsumed, and a population of around 870 million without 
equitable access to food resources daily, this absurd disjuncture deems moral implications 
to this profound amount of discarded food.
The United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) defines food loss as the 
decrease in the amount or nutritional quality of food that was intended for human 
consumption. FAO says that more than 40% of food loss in developing countries such as the 
Philippines happens before consumption—during production, postharvest, and processing. 
The International Rice Research Institute (IRRI) reports that rice losses reach around 15% in 
the postharvest stage. In addition, an estimated 296,869 metric tons of rice, equivalent to 
P7.3 billion, is wasted in the country according to the Philippine Rice Research Institute 
(PRRI). The discarded amount could have fed more than 2 million Filipinos.
The food waste reduction hierarchy set by the United States Environmental 
Protection Agency (US EPA) shows, through an inverted triangular diagram, the most 
preferred to the least preferred actions that can be done with food waste. Topmost is 
source reduction, followed by donation to the hungry, diversion to animal feed, recovering 
energy, creating compost, and at the bottom is disposal of food in landfills.
As a member-state to the United Nations and a country bound to the Sustainable 
Development Goals that forward human rights and social justice, it is highly essential for the
SEVENTEENTH CONGRESS OF THE ) 
REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES 
)
First Regular Session 
)
S E N A T E  
S. B. No.
b y ;___
V bills *
In tro d u ced  by SENATOR LOREN LEGARDA
AN ACT TO REDUCE CHRONIC POVERTY AND PROMOTE HUMAN CAPITAL 
DEVELOPMENT IN THE COUNTRY THROUGH THE INSTITUTIONALIZATION 
OF THE PANTAWID PAMILYANG PILIPINO PROGRAM (4PS)
Explanatory Note
In the 2015 State of Social Safety Nets report by the World Bank, the Pantawid 
Pamllyang Pilipino Program (4Ps) was speciHcally cited as one of the largest and 
best-targeted social safety net programs in the world with an estimated 82% of 
its benefits going to the bottom 40% of the population.
The number of household-beneficiaries covered by the program has risen to 
around 4.4 million from only 360,000 household-beneficiaries when it was first 
Implemented in 2008. There is widespread consensus among economists and 
social scientists that the scheme has been successful in improving human capital 
outcomes among the chronic poor household-beneficiaries, putting to rest 
concerns that it was a dole-out scheme that would promote mendicancy among 
recipients.
While the cash grants provided under the 4Ps may provide immediate social 
assistance, the program should be viewed as a long-term social development 
program to break the Intergenerational cycle of poverty among the chronically 
poor families through improvements in their education, health, nutrition, and 
poverty outcomes. By ensuring that children from poor households have good 
nutrition and are able to finish high school, their family’s odds of becoming non­
poor becomes high.
This is confirmed by the 2013 study the Philippine Institute for Development 
Studies which estimates that the average dally wage of a high school graduate is 
40% higher than that of someone who only finished elementary schooling. An 
elementary graduate’s average dally wage will be 10% higher than that of an 
elementary undergraduate. Moreover, the targeted selection scheme used in the 
identification and selection of beneficiaries minimizes the leakage incurred by the 
program.
In light of the laudable achievement of the program and its potential in ensuring 
inclusive growth reaches the chronic poor, the passage of this measure is hereby 
requested.
LOREN LEGARDA
Senator
SEVENTEENTH CONGRESS OF THE REPUBLIC 
)
OF THE PHILIPPINES 
)
First Regular Session 
)
1 f«fI 0 f Ilie 1^'f r I I ' l a i | j
•16 JUL20 P4 30
SENATE
S.B. No. 
699
i u : (  1 »
Introduced by: Senator Paolo Benigno "Bam " A. Aquino IV
AN ACT
PROVIDING FOR PEOPLE'S DIRECT PARTICIPATION IN FUNDING CHARITABLE 
INSTITUTIONS AND OTHER DEVELOPMENT-ORIENTED INITIATIVES THROUGH A 
PERCENTAGE OF THEIR PERSONAL INCOME TAX
EXPLANATORY NOTE
At a time when public funding is under intense scrutiny, when the Filipino 
people are crying out for full transparency and accountability, and when government 
is being called on to implement massive reforms, how can we ensure that it is the 
PEOPLE of the Philippines who ultimately have a say on where public funds are being 
spent?
The People's Fund seeks to revolutionize public budgeting and funding by 
giving the taxpayers of the Philippines the choice on where a portion of their hard- 
earned money should go.
It allows an individual taxpayer to allocate five percent (5%) of his or her 
income tax to be allocated for any of the following:
1. An accredited charity or civil society organization;
2. A priority national or local government project;
3. A legitimate political party.
Under this bill, the Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR) shall establish the 
mechanism that would enable individual taxpayers to select beneficiaries upon 
filing of their annual income tax returns.
Meanwhile, an inter-agency committee led by the Department of Budget 
and Management (DBM) shall determine the eligibility of respective organizations.
T h e^
'ov ™E
SEVENTEENTH CONGRESS OF THE ) 
REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES 
)
First Regular Session 
)
- f  
DATE: 
,___
ten
BY:
SENATE
S. No. 
108
BILLS & IN0EX^
Introduced by S enator Richard “ D ick”  J. G ordon
AN ACT DECLARING APRIL 27 OF EVERY YEAR AS A SPECIAL WORKING 
PUBLIC HOLIDAY THROUGHOUT THE COUNTRY TO COMMEMORATE THE 
VICTORY OF LAPUrLAPU AND HIS MEN OVER THE SPANIARDS LED BY 
FERDINAND MAGELIa N IN THE HISTORIC BATTLE OF MACTAN ON APRIL 
27,1521, TO BE KNOWN AS LAPU-LAPU DAY OR ADLAW Nl LAPU- LAPU
EXPLANATORY NOTE
N e’er shall invaders trample thy sacred shores!
Embodying the line in the Philippine National Anthem, "sa manlulupig, ‘di ka 
pasisiil, ” Lapu-Lapu was the first successful defender of the Philippine shores. He was a 
native Muslim of Mactan and the earliest known indigenous Visayan Muslim chieftain 
and datu in the island of Mactan.
When the Spaniards first set foot on the Philippines, they had a goal to convert 
the local people to Spanish traditions and customs, primary of which was conversion to 
Christianity. Unlike Rajah Humabon of Cebu and other chiefs of the neighboring islands, 
Lapu-Lapu refused to acknowledge the Spanish sovereignty over the islands and 
convert to Christianity,
Thus, on April 27, 1521, Lapu-Lapu together with the men of Mactan, fought 
Ferdinand Magellan and successfully defeated him, rejecting the change he wanted to 
bring with the Spanish flag. Today, Lapu-Lapu is regarded as the first national hero of 
the Philippines who resisted and repulsed the Spanish invaders and pushed them back 
to the seas, defending the land he calls home, now part of the Philippine territory.
Lapu-Lapu had strong principles and was a peaceful leader until invaded, 
possessing the qualities of courage, bravery, strength, honor, and integrity, which 
should be emulated by every Filipino.
In keeping with the Filipino tradition of commemorating momentous events in 
national history, this bill proposes the declaration of April 27 as a special working public 
holiday to be known as Lapu-Lapu Day or Adlaw ni Lapu-Lapu, as a fitting tribute to the 
courage displayed by Lapu-Lapu and his men in the Battle of Mactan.
DICK” J. GORDON
Senator
SEVENTEENTH CONGRESS OF THE 
) 
REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES 
) 
First Regular Session 
)
S E N A T E
S.B.NO___ I G
201^
i
BILLS
Introduced by SENATOR FRANKLIN M. DRILON
AN ACT AMENDING REPUBLIC ACT NO. 7653, OTHERWISE KNOWN AS
“THE NEW CENTRAL BANK ACT”
EXPLANATORY NOTE
In 1993, the Congress enacted Republic Act No. 7653, otherwise known as the 
New Central Bank Act, which established the Barigko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) as 
the country’s independent central monetary authority. Twenty years hence, the 
economic milieu in the Philippines has changed. Globalization has fostered the 
integration of financial markets and reshaped the structure of financial institutions. 
Thus, there exists a need to strengthen the BSP in order to remain effective in 
performing its policy-making and regulatory functions.
The improvements sought to be incorporated in the BSP charter shall 
supplement the existing mechanisms in protecting the savings of depositors, ensure 
the smooth flow of transactions in the financial system, and enhance the corporate 
viability of the BSP. The proposed amendments in this bill are three-fold:
1. Strengthening BSP’s Monetary Stability Function
a. Restoration of authority to issue negotiable certificates of indebtedness 
even during normal times, a power granted to the old Central Bank of 
the Philippines;
b. Removal of thresholds in the growth of monetary aggregates, credit and 
prices as guiding principles in mohetaiy administration, in view of 
current international trends in monetary policy frameworks adopting 
inflation targeting.
2. Strengthening BSP’s Financial Stability Function
a. Formal recognition of financial stability in BSP’s statutory mandate, as 
well as providing statutory oversight of payment and settlement 
systems;
b. Enhancement of BSP’s supervisory authority by expanding the 
coverage of regulated entities to include other categories of financial 
institutions; grant of authority to impose sanctions on transfers and
SEVENTEENTH CONGRESS OF THE ) 
REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES 
)
First Regular Session 
)
S E N A T E
S. B. No. 
731
.^fnalr
(StUtt of the.^’ ‘ i-rfliri
'16 
JU L21 
AlO :30
K P r’.'.r^r:!- r?Y:
Introduced by Senator FRANCIS G. ESCUDERO
AN ACT
PROVIDING FOR AN INCREASE AND AN AUTOMATIC ADJUSTMENT 
MECHANISM IN THE PERSONNEL ECONOMIC RELIEF ALLOWANCE (PERA) 
GRANTED TO GOVERNMENT EMPLOYEES
EXPLANATORY NOTE
The Personnel Economic Relief Allowance (PERA) is a subsidy granted to all 
government workers as a form of assistance to help make ends meet in the face of 
economic crisis as well as higher prices. The original intent of the PERA in the early 
1990s was as an emergency allowance to serve as a buffer against skyrocketing prices of 
basic commodities due to oil price hikes and instability in the Middle East.
However, higher gasoline prices, higher transportation fares and higher prices of 
basic commodities since the PERA's inception have proven that the PERA augments the 
earnings of a government worker not just as an emergency allowance, but as a major 
source of additional funding to be able to afford basic commodities. Further, any 
adjustments to the PERA will need legislation to further augment the value of the 
allowance versus economic reality.
This bill realizes the true worth and intent of the PERA as a form of economic 
relief, and proposes that the PERA be subject to an automatic yearly adjustment 
equivalent to any increase of the annual inflation rate in the country. This makes the 
PERA responsive to the needs of the government worker in the event of high prices.
In view of the foregoing circumstances, the immediate approval of this measure 
is earnestly urged.
FRANCIS G. ESCUDERO
SEVENTEENTH CONGRESS OF THE 
) 
REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES 
)
First Regular Session 
)
S. No
SENATE
502
•16 
.lUL 19 
p ? :0 1
l U '  
i 
\  
" ' V .
Introduced by Senator Antonio “Sonny” Trillanes IV
AN ACT
PROVIDING FOR THE ESTABLISHMENT OF A DRUG REHABILITATION 
CENTER IN EVERY REGION OF THE COUNTRY AND APPROPRIATING FUNDS 
THEREFOR
EXPLANATORY NOTE
This bill seeks to establish a drug rehabilitation center in every region in the country. The 
illegal drug menace is now considered public enemy number one all over the world. It is a 
problem which poses a grave threat to a country's national security. In our country, it has 
alarmingly penetrated almost all sectors and levels of society including the government, 
business, and even law enforcement agencies, and it may only take a little more time before 
the Philippines becomes another Columbia.
Several government agencies envisioned to lead the government's total war against dangerous 
drugs. Laws were passed to encourage the participation of the local government units in both 
the prevention and control of the illegal drug menace. In short, our concern is how to 
eradicate or prevent the spread of illicit drug traffic in the country.
However, we should not forget that a drug dependent is not a criminal, but a victim who is in 
need of medical and psychiatric treatment and can still become a valuable member of society. 
In this light, the government should direct its national programs in promoting and sustaining 
the treatment and rehabilitation of victims of drug abuse, especially in the critical after-care 
and social reintegration stages. Bringing a person back to the state of being where he can 
successfully cope with the physical, psychological, and social demands of family and 
community life is one way of helping a sick person become a productive part of the 
community.
It is by the establishment of an accessible rehabilitation center in every region of the country 
that we can ensure the speedy recovery from the physical and mental trauma brought about 
by dangerous drugs to every drug dependent in the country.
In view of the foregoing, the immediate approval of this measure is earnestly sought.
A N T(w io “SONNY’^F. TRILLANES IV
Senator
SEVENTEENTH CONGRESS OF THE ) 
REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES 
)
First Regular Session 
)
(© Ifirt o f thc.i> ..n
’16 JUL 21 P3 :l 1
S E N A T E  
s .No. 
8 3 9
K F < ”K j \ \ , i )  r?Y:
Introduced by Senator Ralph G. Recto
AN ACT
EXEMPTING TOLLWAY OPERATIONS FROM THE VALUE ADDED TAX, 
AMENDING FOR THIS PURPOSE SECTIONS 108 AND 109 OF THE NATIONAL 
INTERNAL REVENUE CODE OF 1997, AS AMENDED
Explanatory Note
This proposed measure seeks to exempt the services of tollway operators from the 
Value-Added Tax (VAT). Lawmakers, renowned tax experts and economists consistently 
maintained that the legislative intent in enacting Republic Act No. 7716, or the Expanded 
Value-Added Tax Law in 1994 is to exclude toll fees from the coverage of VAT.
However, the Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR) issued Revenue Memorandum 
Circular No. 63-2010 dated July 10, 2010 clarifying that toll fees are subject to VAT, since 
the services of tollway operators are not listed among exempt transactions. In Diaz and 
Timbol vs. Secretary of Finance and Commissioner of Internal Revenue, the Supreme 
Court ruled that toll fees are subject to VAT. It is a well-settled rule in taxation that tax 
exemptions must be justified by clear statutory grant and based on language in the law too 
plain to be mistaken.
VAT is an indirect tax that is passed on to the consumers of goods and services. 
Therefore, its imposition on toll fees will likely increase the cost of transportation and 
consequently result in the increase of prices of basic goods and services. Similarly, various 
manufacturing, business process outsourcing (BPO), passenger and cargo transport hub 
operators and others will incur additional transport expenditures and experience disruptions 
in their business expectations considering that the tollways link up freeports, special 
economic zones, regional food production areas and financial centers with the population 
centers, in rural, urban and highly-urbanized areas. Among these are the Tarlac Pangasinan 
La Union Expressway (TPLEX), Subic Clark Tarlac Expressway (SCTEX), North Luzon 
Expressway (NLEX), Star Tollway, and South Luzon Expressway (SLEX), among others.
Furthermore, VAT on services of tollway operators had never formed part of the 
contracts or agreements between the Government and investors under the various Publie- 
Private Partnership (PPP)-Build-Operate-Transfer (BOT) programs, the core of the 
government's economic resiliency plan.
Tollway operation is an inherent component of PPP in order to build the necessary 
road infrastructures that government cannot fund by itself Privately-built toll facilities 
through the various modes of PPP consequently become publicly-owned at the conclusion / 
termination / expiration of the contract or agreement. As such, they should not be subject to 
VAT considering that tollway operators are merely stepping into the shoes of government