bettergovph/raw-philippine-data huggingface dataset:
SEVENTEENTH CONGRESS OF THE 
)
REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES 
)
First Regular Session 
)
1
■ f  
' ' V  
'
•16 
MJG-1 
P ! :42
SENATE
S.B. No. 945
Hi
•'V:
Introduced by Senator SONNY ANGARA
AN ACT
INSTITUTIONALIZING THE GRANT OF STUDENT FARE DISCOUNT PRIVILEGES ON 
LAND, WATER, AIR AND RAIL TRANSPORT UTILITIES AND FOR OTHER PURPOSES
EXPLANATORY NOTE
At present, the grant of student fare discounts is only through a memorandum circular of 
the Land Transportation and Franchising Regulatory Board (LTFRB). The proposed measure 
aims to put the thrust of the circular forward by institutionalizing the grant of a fare discount 
privilege to bonafide students on land, water, air and rail transport utilities.
The proposed grant is envisioned to lessen the impact of the current economic 
difficulties and assist students and their parents or guardians in shouldering the transportation 
expenses relative to the rising cost of education in our country. Majority of its intended 
beneficiaries belong to the indigent, depressed and underprivileged sector. Hence, they need 
and deserve the assistance of the government.
Under the proposed measure, the fare discount privilege is available to students even 
during Saturdays, Sundays, Christmas vacation and other holidays to enable and encourage 
them to undertake research work and group studies. This will also benefit certain students, like 
medical interns and those undergoing military trainings and specialized studies, who are 
required to report during such days and periods. Moreover, students who are travelling abroad 
for education, training, and competition are exempted from payment of travel tax and airport 
terminal fee.
Approval therefore is earnestly sought.
SONNY ANGARA
SEVENTEENTH CONGRESS OF THE ) 
REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES 
) 
First Regular Session 
)
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■16 
JUL 19 All '39
SENATE
s. No. 
487
■ 
^ 
- - . V
Introduced by Senator Antonio “Sonny” F. Trillanes IV
AN ACT
PROHIBITING COURT ORDERS, WRITS AND INJUNCTIONS WHICH PREVENT 
MEDIA REPORTS AND COMMENTARIES ON, OR PUBLICATION OF, 
PROCEEDINGS SUB JUDICE, EXCEPT UNDER CERTAIN CIRCUMSTANCES
EXPLANATORY NOTE
Referring to any matter that is presently under judicial consideration, sub judice rule 
embodies the struggle between the competing interests of free press on the one hand and the 
independence of the judiciary on the other. This indicates that any question related to the 
facts and issues involved in a case being heard or tried before a court is deemed sub judice. 
This is aimed at protecting the independence and integrity of judicial proceedings from too 
much exposure to public attention, harassment, opinion and biased information which the 
media are able to provide1.
In the Philippines, to prohibit the press and other media from reporting, commenting on, or 
publishing events surrounding a trial, courts invoke the sub judice rule. This rule has 
endeared itself as a reasonable restriction on the constitutional guarantees of free press and of 
the people's right to petition and information on matters of public concern.
The sub judice rule in the United States also used to be seen as a reasonable restriction on the 
freedom of the press. However, at present, most of their Supreme Court decisions regard this 
rule as an unconstitutional impairment of press freedom.
This trend only shows that freedom of speech is still given much importance, and that 
constitutional guarantees of free press and right to information, in spite of everything, is 
substantially looked upon.
1 Data retrieved at http://www.sunstar.com.phldavao/carrillo-media-and-sub-iudice-rule on 28 January 2009
SEVENTEENTH CONGRESS OF THE 
REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES 
First Regular Session
S. No.
SENATE
90
I f)  TIME:
BILLS
Introduced by Senator Antonio “Sonny” F. Trillanes IV
AN ACT
ADOPTING AN OMNIBUS COMPENSATION AND POSITION CLASSIFICATION 
OF CIVILIAN PERSONNEL AND THE BASE PAY SCHEDULE OF MILITARY 
AND UNIFORMED PERSONNEL IN THE GOVERNMENT, AND FOR OTHER 
PURPOSES
EXPLANATORY NOTE
The stature of workers in the government bureaucracy has long been way below par the 
standard norms followed in the private sector in terms of compensation and classifications 
standards.
In 2008, Joint Resolution No. 4 of the Senate and the House of Representatives approved by 
the President of the Philippines, mandated the review of the then existing “Compensation and 
Position Classification System for civilian personnel and base pay of military and uniformed 
personnel,” to make it more responsive to the economic needs of and provide adequate 
incomes to public servants, as well as to provide adequate incentives to public servants and to 
improve the quality of public services.
Years after its enactment, updating the measure is necessary to further encourage excellent 
performance and productivity, and to clearly distinguish differences in levels of responsibility 
and accountability among government officials and employees. In February 2016, the 
Department of Budget and Management (DBM), developed a compensation adjustment for 
the public sector thru Executive Order No. 201.
While there has been an almost two-fold increase in the compensation package of thousands 
of civil servants all over the country, their income remains uncompetitive as compared to that 
of the private sector. The compensation also came out lopsided providing significant increase 
to higher salary grade employees leaving those in the rank and file level with only a drop-in- 
the-bucket increase. Thus, this measure seeks to reinvent the government’s bureaucratic 
structure and salary schedule known in this bill as “Omnibus Compensation and Position 
Classification.” This will take into consideration a rationalized system that equates pay with 
work responsibility and skill, among others. Such a system will create an environment of 
fairness and motivation which will inculcate professionalism in the workplace. The long 
practiced motivational system in the private sector in granting promotions and salary 
increases based on performance evaluation will be institutionalized in this measure as a 
means of advancing efficiency and competency amongst the workforce.
SEVENTEENTH CONGRESS OF THE ) 
REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES 
)
First Regular Session 
)
SENATE 
S. No. 302
BILLS
Introd uced by Senator JUAN MIGUEL F. ZU BIR I
AN ACT
STRENGTHENING THE CONSTITUTION RIGHT TO SECURITY OF TENURE, 
AMENDING FOR THE PURPOSE THE LABOR CODE OF THE PHILIPPINES,
AND
FOR OTHER PURPOSES
EXPLANATORY NOTE
Even as the Constitution provides in no uncertain terms the right of workers to 
security of tenure, employment practices that abrogate this right still persist. 
Preventing workers from becoming regular employees and the denial by employees of 
the existence of employee-employer relationship are but of the grave employment 
practices inconsistent with the works' right to security of tenure. Such practices are 
usually effected through the classification of regular employees as "casual", "renewal" 
of employment contract every six months; firing of employees and hiring of new ones 
every five or six months; labor-only contracting; and hiring of "agency workers".
In general, these unfair practices violate the right of workers to just and 
humane employment terms and condition, to self-organization and collective 
bargaining. The non-recognition of workers as regular employees, for instance, is 
tantamount to withholding from them benefits accorded to regular employees, 
including the right to join unions and engage in collective bargaining. Similarly, these 
labor practices violate the right of regular members in the sense that they weaken the 
latter's bargaining unit because they cannot recruit workers who should have been 
regular employees.
Unfortunately, the legal provision at present does not deter unscrupulous 
employers 
from 
committing 
anti-labor 
practices. 
Furthermore, 
the 
law 
on 
subcontracting is even vague and admits interpretation inconsistent with the provision 
of the law on regular employment.
This legislation therefore intends to correct the significant omissions and 
loopholes in our laws by amending relevant sections in our Labor Code. Specifically, it 
seeks to: (1) render the misclassification of regular employees into other kinds of 
employees as an unfair labor practice and provide penalties thereof; and (2) harmonize 
the laws on subcontracting and regular employment. Through these, we hope to 
secure and strengthen the constitutionally guaranteed right of our workers to security 
of tenure.
Hence, support of this bill is earnestly sought.
IGUEL F. ZU BIR I
SEVENTEENTH CONGRESS OF THE REPUBLIC 
OF THE PHILIPPINES 
First Regular Session
SENATE
S. B. No. 
364
d
Introduced by Senator Maria Lourdes Nancy S. Binay
AN ACT PROVIDING FOR EDUCATIONAL ASSISTANCE TO PUBLIC SCHOOL 
TEACHERS AND APPROPRIATING FUNDS THEREFOR
EXPLANATORY NOTE
Shortage of trained and qualified teaehers is a major eoncem in our publie edueational system. 
One major reason for such is the lack of funds and absence of opportunities for further studies 
that public teachers may avail.
Undeniably, public teachers play a significant role in educating the Filipino youth who in turn 
become the future leaders of this country. They play an extraordinary part in the lives of 
Filipino children, molding them to become responsible citizens in the future. Thus, major 
efforts should be undertaken to give our teachers adequate training in order ensure quality 
education.
In view of the foregoing, the passage of this bill is earnestly sought.
MARIA LOURD
NCY S. BINAY
SEVENTEENTH CONGRESS 
REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES
First Regular Session
(©Hut i.f the > raelar^
S E N A T E  
S. B. NO.
‘16 JUL18 P6 *05
K E rE lV K !.) BY:
In tro d u ce d  by SENATOR LOREN LEGARDA
AN ACT ESTABLISHING A LEGACY FUND TO SUPPORT, IMPROVE AND 
SUSTAIN 
HIGHER 
EDUCATION 
INSTITUTIONS 
DURING 
THE 
TRANSITION PERIOD OF THE ENHANCED BASIC EDUCATION ACT OF 
2013, 
APPROPRIATING 
FUNDS 
THEREFOR, 
AND 
FOR 
OTHER 
PURPOSES
Explanatory Note
Republic Act 10533 or the E nhanced Basic Education Act of 2013 is a 
landm ark law reform ing the country’s basic education sector, aligning the 
country’s previous 10-year basic education cycle to the global standards set 
by European Union under the Bologna Process and the W ashington Accord 
set by the United States which both call for 12-year pre-university cycle. 
However, the law’s im plem entation has raised fears th at there will be 
massive displacem ent of educators and higher education institutions (HEls) 
once the first batch of students enter grade 11 in 2016 and grade 12 for 
2017. Based on the data provided by the Commission on Higher Education, 
around 38,071 teaching staff and 14,351 non-teaching staff will be 
displaced over the next five years beginning 2016.
Instead of postponing the im plem entation of this im portant education 
reform which will have long-term  im pact on developing the country’s hum an 
capital, there is a clear need for governm ent to m anage this transition period 
and minimize its im pact on both the teaching and non-teaching staff and 
the HEls concerned which this proposed m easure seeks to address th ru  a 
Legacy Fund.
With an initial capital of P12 billion, the Legacy Fund will be m anaged by 
the CHED in close coordination with the DepEd and the Technical 
Education and Skills Development Authority and shall be used to provide 
financial assistance to academ ic and non-academ ic personnel and HEls th at 
will be affected by the adoption of RA 10533. Moreover, it also provides for 
income support to the affected teaching and non-teaching staff.
Given the im portance of this m easure in m anaging the im pact of the RA 
10533’s im plem entation, passage of the foregoing is earnestly requested.
LOREN LEGARDA
Senator
SEVENTEENTH CONGRESS OF THE 
) 
REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES 
)
First Regular Session 
)
; 1 :i> 
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i6 
JUL 
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SENATE
s.N o. 497
Introduced by Senator Antonio ‘‘Sonny” F. Trillancs IV
AN ACT
ESTABLISHING THE SOLAR ENERGY DEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY AND 
APPROPRIATING FUNDS THEREFOR
EXPLANATORY NOTE
Section 10, Article XIV of the Constitution provides that,
"Science and Technology are essential for national development 
and progress. The State shall give priority to research and 
development, invention, innovation, and their utilization to science 
and technology education, training and services. It shall support 
indigenous 
appropriate 
and self- 
reliant 
scientific 
and 
technological capabilities and their application to the countiy's 
capabilities and their application to the productive system and 
national life. "
At present, we are too dependent on imported crude oil for our entire energy needs. Other 
sources of energy such as hydroelectric and geothermal energy are not enough to supply our 
energy needs. There is, therefore, a need to explore and develop other alternative sources of 
energy in order to solve our current energy crisis.
Being a tropical country, the Philippines is blessed with abundant sunlight which can be 
tapped as an inexhaustible, cheap, and environmentally safe source of energy. As compared 
to other conventional fuel, solar energy merely harnesses the heat of the sun; hence, it does 
not pollute the air nor the sea.
This bill seeks to establish the solar energy development authority. Since solar energy is a 
relatively new technology in the country, its potential use as an economical, safe and efficient 
energy source is generally unknown to the consuming public. It is therefore, necessary to 
create a government entity that would initiate and promote public acceptance of this new 
technology. It is envisioned that with solar energy, people will be more conscious of 
protecting their environment.
Hence, approval of this bill is earnestly requested.
ANTO^
 “s o \ n y”^/^^miLLANES IV
Senator
SEVENTEENTH CONGRESS OF THE REPUBLIC} 
OF THE PHILIPPINES 
}
First Regular Session 
}
S E N A T E  AC 
jtP r ;ii Mr. 
4  b
Senate Bill No.
RECEIVED
b y ; __
V BILLS
Introduced by SENATOR LACSON
EXPLANATORY NOTE
Despite existing regulations prohibiting the trade and possession of 
contrabands in our different correctional facilities, the menacing activity of 
contraband hoarding and the seeming ineptitude of prison authorities to put an end to 
this activity still plague our penal system.
The series of raids conducted by the Department of Justice together with the 
agents of the National Bureau of Investigation and the officers of the Bureau of 
Corrections (BuCor), the Philippine National Police, and the Philippine Drug 
Enforcement Agency proved that the New Bilibid Prison has become a hub of 
continuing criminality. In December 2014, authorities uncovered a cache of high- 
powered firearms and cash in the felons’ quarters. Convicts, particularly high-profile 
drug dealers, also enjoy some amenities of private individuals like air-conditioned 
rooms with TV sets, Wi-Fi, refrigerators, Jacuzzis and sauna, hi-tech entertainment 
systems, concert equipment, aquariums, bar and kitchen, and back-up power 
generators. They also sported pricey watches, had wads of cash in their pockets, as if 
they were living in plush subdivisions and not in the national penitentiary.
Another publicized raid in November of 2015 revealed similar results wherein 
guns, bladed weapons, luxury items, and substantial amounts of money were found in 
the possession of inmates. The most recent raid conducted by the authorities last May 
still proved that contrabands are still rampant inside our national penitentiary. It would 
then seem that the so-called “Oplan Galugad” of the BuCor had not prevented the 
proliferation of these contraband items inside our prisons.
The supposed heavy constraints and policing, stringent inspection, and eminent 
police presence inside the national penitentiary proved not to deter the temerity and 
boldness of inmates in hoarding, using and generating lots of money in contrabands.
The seeming continued proliferation of contraband in prison is an appalling 
show of contempt for our justice system, whose main purpose is to reform and 
rehabilitate inmates for their eventual return to society. A convicted criminal resists 
reformation when he is still exposed to the very objects that had caused his 
incarceration. Indeed, it would be difficult for an inmate to feel some remorse 
considering that he still has the comforts of home even when he is behind bars.
This proposal, patterned after Title 18, Part I Chapter 87 of the U.S. Code 
Series of 1791, aims to put a stop to the shenanigans happening inside our prison 
facility by penalizing those who would provide, assist, aid or abet in the introduction
SEVENTEENTH CONGRESS OF THE 
REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES
First Regular Session
S.B. NO.
SENATE
185
DATE:.
BILLS &
INTRODUCED BY: SENATOR EMMANUEL D. PACQUIAO
AN ACT TO IMPOSE THE DEATH PENALTY AND INCREASED PENALTIES ON 
CERTAIN HEINOUS CRIMES INVOLVING DANGEROUS DRUGS, AMENDING 
FOR THAT PURPOSE OTHER SPECIAL PENAL LAWS, AND FOR OTHER
PURPOSES
Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the Philippines in Congress 
assembled:
FXPT.ANATORY NOTE:
The drag trafficking and drag abuse menace in the Philippines has grown into an 
emergency situation that now requires immediate and decisive action.
It is reported that presently there are millions of drag abusers in the country, including 
a significant portion of the younger sectors of the population. The problem therefore affects 
not only the level of productivity of the current working sector, but also impacts upon the 
future of the nation as it leads to other problems. It forfeits the dreams of those who fall into 
drag abuse, and it unfairly discounts the meaningful lives of hapless victims of the users’ 
violence and distorted views.
The Government’s means and capabilities to address the problem faces^^ new 
challenges with the reported increase in the popularity of Ushabun wx6. “party drags” tiiat 
resulted in higher street prices for these dangerous drags. Personalities of drag groups from 
an increasing number of countries in East Asia, Africa, and North America are finding a safer 
haven in Philippine shores where they may be finding weaker laws and law enforcement.
The problem may have become so lucrative that there is increasing news of the 
involvement of law enforcers not only as protectors or coddlers, but as gang enforcers or even 
masterminds. And this weakening of one of the pillars of law that was intended to fight the 
war against drag trafficking unfortunately helped the monster to regenerate its tentacles into a 
burgeoning number of Philippine barangays. Families are destroyed, thousands of bar^gays 
are mired in consequent violence and more crime, and the moral fiber of society is 
challenged.
Parallel to the urgent need to especially educate young people to the dangers of drag 
use, and the equally important need to help those already addicted to escape their distressing
SEVENTEENTH CONGRESS OF THE ) 
REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES ) 
First Regular Session 
)
■ ' 4»'r 
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,;!!! 
! ■ ) 
p-
SENATE 
s. No. 
5 4 8
Introduced by Senator Antonio “Sonny” F. Trillanes IV
AN ACT
CREATING A SPECIAL POVERTY ALLEVIATION FUND TO BE USED TO 
FINANCE SCHOOL AND COMMUNITY-BASED SUPPLEMENTAL FEEDING 
PROGRAMS AND RELATED POVERTY ALLEVIATION EFFORTS USING THE 
MINIMUM BASIC NEEDS (MBN) APPROACH IN THE POOREST OF THE POOR 
COMMUNITIES IN THE COUNTRY AND FOR OTHER RELATED PURPOSES
EXPLANATORY NOTE
Official statistics showed that over the past six years, economic growth hardly made a dent in 
poverty incidence in the Philippines, as the percentage of Filipinos living below the poverty 
line remained practically the same between 2006 and 20121. National Statistical Coordination 
Board (NSCB) reported that poverty incidence stood at 27.9% in the first semester of 2012 - 
practically unchanged from the same period in 2009 and 2006, which is 28.6% and 28.8% 
respectively2.
Reports have shown that over half a million school-aged children nationwide have been 
suffering from severe malnutrition. According to the Department of Education, 562,262 
pupils in kindergarten and elementary levels currently enrolled in public schools are 
considered severely wasted3. With Filipino children literally dying from extreme poverty, 
hunger and malnutrition, the future of the Philippines is clearly in grave peril.
The passage of Republic Act 842534 otherwise known as the "Social Reform and Poverty 
Alleviation Act” is a step towards the right direction. However, considering the faet that the 
said law is actually focused on social reforni and long term development, the National Anti- 
Poverty Commission (NAPC), which was created as a coordinating body under the law, is 
apparently not equipped to immediately address the problem.
1 Infomiation retrieved from http;//newsinfo.inquirer.net/396237/ph-poverty-unchanged on 20 June 2013
2 Ibid.
3 Information retrieved from http://www.gmanetwork comlnews/.story!296884!news/specialreports/more-than- 
halfmillion-pinoy-kids-suffer-fi'om-severe-malnutrition on 20 June 2013
4 Effective 30 June 1998.
SEVENTEENTH CONGRESS OF THE ) 
REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES )
First Regular Session 
)
SENATE 
s . No. 
9 2 7
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’16 
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A11 :28
,,V:
Introduced by Senator Ralph G. Recto
AN ACT
ESTABLISHING 
THE 
FISCAL 
REGIME 
AND 
REVENUE 
SHARING 
ARRANGEMENT FOR LARGE-SCALE METALLIC MINING, AND FOR OTHER 
PURPOSES
Explanatory Note
The Philippines is the 5th richest country in the world in tenns of mineral resources, 
third in gold, fourth in copper and fifth in nickel resources.1
Our mining industry offers so much growth potential. Thus, to take advantage of 
the immense possibilities in this sector, this bill aims to provide for an equitable and 
competitive tax regime to revitalize and strengthen the mineral resource sector; grant 
long-term benefits that would outweigli costs; and establish a stronger link between the 
growth of the sector and overall national development.
This measure proposes a fiscal regime and revenue arrangement between the 
government and the mining contractor, taking into consideration the role of the 
government as the owner of the minerals and the impact of mining activities on the 
environment and community.
All Mineral Agreements (MAs) and Financial or Technical Assistance Agreements 
(FTAAs) covering large-scale metallic mineral mining operations shall be governed by 
the new fiscal regime proposed in this bill.
Of the 30 million hectares of our total land area, 9 million hectares is identified as 
having high mineral potential, of which only 2.91% or 0.872 million hectares is covered 
by mining tenements.2
Guided by the government’s commitment to responsible minerals development, 
only mining areas declared as Mining Industry Zones (MIZ) can undertake mining 
operations and shall be administered by the Philippine Mining Development Corporation.
As a piece of legislation that intends to provide long-term benefits to the 
government, the following provisions are included:
a) Fiscal regime and revenue sharing agreement wherein the government share 
shall be ten percent (10%) of gross revenue or fifty-five percent (55%) of 
Adjusted Net Mining Revenue whichever is higher;
b) Establishment of social and environmental funds;
Ally. Ronald S. Recidoro. EO 79 and Beyond: The State and Prospects of the Philippine Mining Industry. 
Chamber of Mines of the Philippines, http://www.slideshare.net/ronnierecidoro/mining-101-the-basics-of- 
mining-and-the-philippine-mining-industry
2 http://www.mgb.gov.ph/images/links-images/ThePhilippineMineralsIndustryAtAGlance.pdf (Accessed 
on 6 June 2016).
SEVENTEENTH CONGRESS OF THE ) 
REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES 
)
First Regular Session 
)
S E N A T E
S. B. No.
734
SriKlV;
•16 JUL 21 A10:33
in  * i .i
n \ : __ /
' n
Introduced by Senator FRANCIS G. ESCUDERO
AN ACT AMENDING SECTION 6 OF 
REPUBLIC ACT NO. 8794
EXPLANATORY NOTE
This bill intends to lower by way of an amendment the maximum permissible 
truck loadings in the country provided under Section 6 of Republic Act No. 8794.
The reason for this amendment is to ease standard road design and usage 
considering that the Philippines has one of the highest maximum permissible truck 
loadings per single axle load, which is at 13,500 kilograms, in the world.
FRANCIS G. ESCUDERO
I >
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o f f l i e ^ 'c m  f
SEVENTEENTH CONGRESS OF THE 
)
REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES 
)
First Regular Session 
)
SENATE
S. No. 5 8 9
•16 JUL19 P5 ' ] 8
\ U''
______________Introduced by Senator Antonio “Sonny” F. Trillanes IV______________
AN ACT
CREATING 
THE 
PHILIPPINE 
COMMISSION 
ON 
AUTISM 
SPECTRUM 
DISORDERS AND THE OFFICE OF AUTISM SERVICES
EXPLANATORY NOTE
Occurring in countries within all socio-economic classes, autism is the fastest growing 
developmental disability. According to Autism Speaks Foundation, one in 68 children 
worldwide has autism. This figure is way above the 0.5 cases in every 1,000 children in the 
1980s and one in 110 in 2008. In the Philippines, autism incidence rose from 500,000 in 2008 
to one million in 2014.
Given the growing number of Autism Spectrum Disorder cases in the country, individuals 
affected by the said disorder still remain in the marginalized sectors of the country because of 
lack of government support. This has prevented their total rehabilitation, self-development, 
and self-reliance.
This bill, thus, seeks to create the Commission on Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD) to 
advise and make recommendations to the president, legislature, and government agencies on 
matters relating to autism spectrum disorder. Here, the Commission is mandated to develop a 
comprehensive nationwide plan for an integrated system of training, treatment, and services 
for individuals of all ages with ASD.
In view of the foregoing, the immediate approval of this bill is earnestly requested.
—
ANTONK) “SONNY” F. T ILLANES IV
Senator
SEVENTEENTH CONGRESS OF TH E 
)
REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES 
)
First Regular Session 
)
SENATE
s.No. 456
(611. t r  I ' f  '
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.1111 1 9  
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■ !• i . V.
Introduced by Senator Antonio “Sonny” F. Trillanes IV
AN ACT
CREATING THE NATIONAL ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY, 
DEFINING 
ITS 
POWERS, 
FUNCTIONS 
AND 
RESPONSIBILITIES; 
APPROPRIATING FUNDS THEREFOR AND FOR OTHER PURPOSES
EXPLANATORY NOTE
Article II, Section 16 of the Constitution mandates the State to protect and advance the right 
of the people to a balanced and healthful ecology in accord with the rhythm and harmony of 
nature. While the State is pegged to its commitment, the existing laws related to 
environmental protection is somewhat inadequate in tenns of implementation and 
reinforcement strategies. This has been proven for numerous reports of illegal aetivities that 
degrade the environment and unfortunately leads to a rather destructive effect to human lives.
Years of neglect, haphazard policy-making, and weak local environmental management have 
taken a toll in the form of widespread environmental degradation and acute pollution 
problems. Coastal resources, especially coral reefs, mangroves, and sea-grasses face threats 
from coastal zone development, expanding aquaculture, and destruetive fishing. Fisheries 
catch per-unit-of-effort has been declining steadily due to overfishing in many areas. All of 
these environmental seenarios are affirmation of our weak reinforcement efforts to proteet the 
environment. Moreover, if we were to quantify the costs of environmental degradation, we 
may conclude that costs of destruction are high.
While long-term national commitment to environmental protection will greatly reverse 
degradation, it is also important to modernize monitoring, enforcement, and public disclosure 
to ensure compliance. Thus, we need a core of implementers who will ensure that our 
environmental laws are strictly complied with and who will give ‘hard fists’ on usual 
violators of these laws.
In view of the foregoing, the passage of this bill is earnestly sought for.
ANTONII^^O N I^Y ” F. T I ^ L aITi S IV
'  
Senator 
*
SEVENTEENTH CONGRESS OF THE 
REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES
First Regular Session
SENATE
S.B. No. 309
ffRl
S  
DATE; 
l0> TIME:
BILLS &CiNDEX
Introduced by Senator SONNY ANGARA
AN ACT
PROVIDING FOR THE MAGNA CARTA OF WORKERS IN INFORMAL ECONOMY, 
INSTITUTIONALIZING MECHANISMS FOR IMPLEMENTATION THEREOF AND FOR
OTHER PURPOSES
EXPLANATORY NOTE
This bill seeks to provide an integrated, holistic, comprehensive, rights-based, gender- 
responsive, culturally-sensitive, and democratically policy instrument to empower the poor, 
marginalized, unprotected and underrepresented workers in informal employment and bring 
them into the mainstream of the Philippine economy. It is the culmination of persistent advocacy 
efforts involving informal workers' associations, women's groups, human rights and other civil 
society organizations stretching for more than a decade.
The informal economy is comprised of a wide variety of activities, enterprises and 
workers, which include, among others, micro-entrepreneurs, home-based workers, vendors, 
small transport operators, small and landless farmers, artisanal fisherfolk, non-corporate 
construction workers, waste pickers and recyclers, petty retailers, barter traders, small-scale 
miners and quarry workers, entertainers, beauticians, laundry persons, hairdressers, on-call 
domestic helpers, barangay health workers and other volunteer workers, barkers and 
unorganized cargo handlers. Most of the working poor, or those who are working but cannot 
work their way out of poverty because of very low earnings and very high risks, are in the 
informal economy. Many such workers live in substandard conditions and do not have the 
means to meet their basic needs.
Moreover, majority of informal workers are not covered by the Labor Code and other 
legislation that could protect their rights, making them vulnerable to exploitation by unscrupulous 
employers who make them work long hours and at very low wages, without benefits and under 
very poor working conditions. They have limited access to productive resources, justice, social 
protection, and preventive programs for work-related diseases and risks. These are further 
aggravated by their apparent underrepresentation in policy-making bodies relevant to their 
issues.
In view thereof, it is imperative to legislate a Magna Carta for informal workers that will 
recognize, defend, protect, promote and fulfill their rights through a continuous process of 
capacity-building and empowerment. This is in consonance with the Constitutional provision on 
social justice and with the country's adherence to the Universal Declaration of Human Rights 
(UDHR), the International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights (lESCR)r the UN 
Convention on the Elimination of Discrimination of Women (CEDAW), and various ILO 
conventions upholding core labor standards and decent work.
f i
SEVENTEENTH CONGRESS OF THE 
1
I 
J
REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES 
]
F irst Regular Session 
]
SENATE 
S.B. No.
' 5  f i r t  of I h ' ’ ' f  . i r l . ’. r y
'16 
AUG- 8  
P I :
In tro d u ced  by SEN. WIN GATCHALIAN
AN ACT
TO PROVIDE GUIDELINES FOR THE INSTALLATION OF THE CLOSED CIRCUIT 
TELEVISION VIDEO (CCTV) AND THE PROCEDURE FOR ACCESS TO THE
IMAGES
EXPLANATORY NOTE 
I
The spate of violent crimes to continue to proliferate not only in the densely 
populated M etropolitan Manila area but also occurs even in remote rural 
com m unities throughout the country. Although the Closed Circuit Television Video 
(CCTV) has been invented in 1942 to observe the launch of the Germ an V-2 rockets, 
it became only widely used by New York City policemen in 1968 for crime prevention. 
Nowadays, the use of CCTV h as become increasingly real and norm al. An O rdinance 
by the City Council of Quezon City has rem arkably been passed to oblige owners of 
commercial establishm ents to install CCTV cam eras to aid in crime prevention. 
Several lawm akers have likewise filed sim ilar legislations, acknowledging the 
usefulness of the CCTV and requiring its utilization by local businesses to deter 
crime.
However, its unbridled use despite the benefits it h as dem onstrated, has 
raised serious and valid concerns on its undue intrusion to privacy. In the words of 
an Information Commissioner, we agree with his observation th at “while the use of 
the CCTV continues to enjoy general public support, it necessarily involves intrusion
Jk
SEVENTEENTH CONGRESS OF THE ) 
REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES 
)
First Regular Session 
)
S. B. No.
S E N A T E
755
of the.i riT i-lirg
'16 
JU L2 1 
A10 5 9
k i  ■ 
; 
'W :
Introduced by Senator FRANCIS G. ESCUDERO
AN ACT
AMENDING CERTAIN PROVISIONS OF REPUBLIC ACT NO. 386 OR THE CIVIL
CODE AS AMENDED
EXPLANATORY NOTE
Republic Act No. 386 or the Civil Code was enacted into law on 18 June 1949. It 
contains provisions on amounts in Philippine peso for its application.
Among these provisions are: Articles 704, abatement of nuisance; 748, donations 
mandated to be in writing; 1358, contracts mandated to be in writing; 1403, Statute of 
Frauds; 1772, partnership for Securities and Exchange Commission registration; and 
2206, damages for qunsi-delict resulting in death.
This bill seeks to update the amounts provided for in the foregoing provisions 
given that the disparity between the peso values in 1949 and the present makes such 
amount antiquated and obsolete. Thus, what could have been the legislative intent then 
may no longer apply at present.
On the determination of the amounts to be placed as amendments the current 
value of the Philippine peso is taken into account, relying on the official Consumer Price 
Index as issued by the National Statistics Office (NSO).This is believed and theorized to 
be sound in reflecting the real and true figures to date.
In view of the foregoing, this representation fervently requests for the immediate 
passage of this bill.
FRANCIS G. ESCUDERO
SEVENTEENTH CONGRESS OF THE 
)
REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES 
)
First Regular Session 
)
o f  
i r t n r  y
'16 JUL21 P2:49
SENATE 
S^No.
HF< I i . 
in ':
Introduced by Senator Ralph G. Recto
AN ACT
EXEMPTING MARGINAL INCOME EARNERS FROM INCOME TAX AND VALUE- 
ADDED TAX, AMENDING FOR THE PURPOSE SECTIONS 22, 24, 109 (1) AND 236 
OF THE NATIONAL INTERNAL REVENUE CODE OF 1997, AS AMENDED, AND 
FOR OTHER PURPOSES
Explanatory Note
This bill aims to provide the needed refuge for our country’s marginal income earners 
(MIE) who are suddenly placed in a position where they might find it more difficult to provide 
for their daily subsistence if their meager income were to be taxed by the BIR.
In 2008, Congress passed Republic Act No. 9504 wherein one of its salient features was 
to exempt minimum wage earners from the payment of income tax. While this measure is 
laudable, there is, however, another sector in the labor force and economy that deserves similar 
tax treatment and these are the MIEs.
The MIEs, as defined under tax regulations, are those individuals not deriving 
compensation as an employee under an employer-employee relationship and are self-employed 
and deriving gross sales or receipts not exceeding One hundred thousand pesos (PI00,000) in 
any 12-month period. The threshold amount is increased to PI50,000 under the bill to provide 
for inflation and to place the status of MIEs at par with minimum wage earners in Metro Manila 
who are now earning close to PI50,000 annually.
Among the individuals classified by the regulations as MIEs are as follows: a) 
agricultural growers/producers (famiers/fishemien) selling directly to ultimate consumers; b) 
small sari-sari stores; c) small carinderias or iituro-turos',\ and d) drivers/operators of a single 
unit tricycle. This sector captures a huge part of the lower income class (at least 75% of the 
population) wherein income from their principal source of livelihood is barely enough for their 
subsistence.
It is worth noting that while MIEs individually operate in small -scale, collectively, they 
are recognized as major contributors to the economy as this sector provides ineome opportunities 
to those who are unemployed. Moreover, based on the success stories of many tycoons, this 
sector is seen as a seedbed of entrepreneurship and provides a strong potential for small 
businesses to grow into large enterprises.
Unfortunately, the Bureau of Internal Revenue’s issuance of Revenue Memorandum 
Circular No. 7-2014, which clarified the issues on the registration and compliance requirements 
of MIEs, somehow seemed to undermine the daily economic hardships being experienced by the 
MIEs. The said circular required MIEs to comply with the following requirements: a) register 
their business with the Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR); b) register their book of accounts; c)
SEVENTEENTH CONGRESS OF THE 
REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES 
First Regular Session
SENATE
Senate Bill No. 378
TIME:
BILLS &
Introduced by SEN. ANA THERESIA “RISA» HONTIVEROS BARAQUEL
tANACT e s t a b l is h in g  a  n a t io n a l  h e a l t h  PROMOTION 
INSTITUTE TO MAINSTREAM HEALTH PROMOTION IN THE 
PHILIPPINE HEALTH CARE SYSTEM. PROVIDING POT A H ^ L t H 
PROMOTION FUND AND FOR OTHER PURPOSES
EXPLANATORY NOTE
Despite recent advances in health care, our country continues to be plagued bv a 
S
a
S
CL °d  
eCt r  
problem Is
action to improve their health.
beinp aI n l 1Sj t^.e .^oncePt of health promotion. It aims to promote health and well 
being among individuals, communities and populations, enabling them to address the 
broad determinants of health in order to reduce vulnerability and^isks to ill hSlth and 
disabihty throughout the Hfe cycle, especiaUy among the poor and marginalized groups.
. . 
5'j3''lards dlls end’ there is a need to create a central agency with adequate and
T d c r .  \  , r m& aS WeU aS SOme degree 0f finandal - dependence, in o r d U  M y 
adlTacy! 
Promotl0fl ""t^vitics such as health education, social mobilization and
U e  bill therefore proposes the creation of a Health Promotion Institute to be 
unded from tobacco and alcohol taxes to ensure its sustainability and viability The aim
^ r c L
r s f n ’: ! 0-'01^
"  sT
e^ iu,f ns fM heaith p ^ ^ o , o n Z z
T/ T u T 7  ne8ahve effects on heaith that have resulted from decades of cigarette
a m S
 K o tICT h T T  
is T f new concept “ d llas been tded ,md Ks^ d “
^
 
“ r 
ew Zcaland CoU,IttieS Such as Malay™. Mongoha and 
China are also on the verge of enacting similar legislation. 
8
SEVENTEENTH CONGRESS 
)
REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES 
)
First Regular Session 
)
’16 
JDL 18 P6:34
SENATE 
S.B. No. 
^ ^ 3
I n tr o d u c e d  by SENA TO R LOREN LEGARDA
AN ACT TO ADOPT INTEGRATED COASTAL MANAGEMENT AS A 
NATIONAL STRATEGY TO ENSURE THE SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT 
OF THE COASTAL AND MARINE ENVIRONMENT AND TO ESTABLISH 
SUPPORTING MECHANISMS FOR ITS IMPLEMENTATION
Explanatory Note
This bill seeks to e n su re  o p tim u m  reso u rce utilization a n d  sustainable 
co astal a n d  m arin e d evelopm ent th ro u g h  th e  ad o p tio n  cfan In teg rated  
C oastal M anagem ent (ICM) p rogram , w hich shall be m ain stream ed  a n d  
im p lem en ted  in  all levels, s ta rtin g  from  n atio n al to g rassro o ts levels.
D egradation of o u r co astal a re a s h a s long ceased to be m erely a n  
en v iro n m en tal issu e a s it p u sh e d  poverty d e ep e r in th e co astal 
com m unities 
th ro u g h  
lo sses 
in livelihood, vulnerability to n a tu ra l 
h azard s, a n d  even h e a lth  problem s. Recognizing the necessity to p u t 
in  place a  com prehensive fram ew ork th a t will prom ote th e su sta in a b le  
developm ent of th e co astal a n d  m arin e en v iro n m en t a n d  reso u rces, 
th is bill p ro p o ses to develop a n atio n al ICM p rogram  th a t shall 
provide direction, su p p o rt, a n d  guidance to th e  local governm ent 
u n its  
(LGUs) 
in  
th e d evelopm ent of th eir respective ICM program s. 
The D e p artm en t of E nvironm ent a n d  N atu ral R esources (DENR) a s th e 
p rim ary  agency task ed  in  developing said program , shall c o n su lt w ith 
all th e stak eh o ld ers a n d  concerned agencies a n d  sectors. It shall 
likew ise su b m it a n  a n n u a l re p o rt on th e s ta tu s  of th e p ro g ram ’s 
im p lem en tatio n  to th e P resident.
T his bill fu rth e r 
m a n d a te s 
inter-agency 
a n d  
m ulti-sectoral
co o rd in atio n  in im p lem en tin g  ICM program s, 
e n su rin g  p a rticip a tio n  
of 
th e 
n atio n al gov ern m ent th ro u g h  
its 
v ario u s 
agencies. 
To 
stre n g th e n  th e  
objective of 
th is bill, su p p o rtin g  m ech an ism s a n d  
activities are p ro p o sed  to be p u t in  place su c h  as:
1 . ICM E ducation
2 . ICM Training program  for LGUs
3 . Environm ental a n d  N atural 
Resource Accounting a n d  V aluation 
for ICM Planning
4 . C oastal a n d  M arine Environm ental Inform ation M anagem ent System.
SEVENTEENTH CONGRESS OF THE REPUBLIC ) 
OF THE PHILIPPINES
First Regular Session 
)
SENATE
S. B. No. 
t 5 u l
BILLS
Introduced by Senator Maria Lourdes Nancy S. Binay
AN ACT MANDATING LOCAL GOVERNMENT UNITS TO ALLOCATE FOR OTHER 
BASIC SERVICES AND LIVELIHOOD COMPONENT IN FAVOR OF THE HOST 
LOCAL GOVERNMENT UNIT IN WHICH THEIR SOCIALIZED HOUSING FOR 
RESETTLEMENT PROJECT IS LOCATED, AMENDING FOR SAID PURPOSE 
REPUBLIC ACT NO. 7279, OTHERWISE KNOWN AS THE “URBAN DEVELOPMENT
AND HOUSING ACT OF 1992”
EXPLANATORY NOTE
Article XIII Section I of the 1987 Philippine Constitution provides, to wit;
Section I. The Congress shall give highest priority to the enactment of 
measures that protect and enhance the right of all the people to human dignity, 
reduce social, economic, and political inequalities, and remove cultural 
inequities by equitably diffusing wealth and political power for the common 
good.
To this end, the State shall regulate the acquisition, ownership, use, and 
disposition of property and its increments.”
In furtherance of the aforequoted provision coupled with the enactment of this bill into law, 
will result in enhancing the rights of informal settlers by providing an additional safeguard that 
would ensure that the basic services they are entitled to under Republic Act 7279, otherwise 
known as the Urban Development and Housing Act of 1992, are properly implemented and 
sufficiently funded.
In view of the foregoing, the approval of this bill is earnestly sought.
MARIA LOURDES
ANCY S. BINAY
f.
OF THE PHILIPPINES 
First Regular Session
S E N A T E  
Senate Bill No. 4 8
/ # o V 'HE
aV receivi
z °  
JUN 3 0
7,ME;- 2 1 £
b y ; -------
v  BILLS ^
Introduced by Senator Lacson
EXPLANATORY NOTE
The right to be secured in one’s person is not limited to the right against 
unlawful intrusion into one’s home or personal effects. This right also protects 
one’s communication and correspondence, whether it be spoken, written, or 
electronic.
The privacy of communication and correspondence, as mandated by 
Article III, Section 3(1) of the 1987 Constitution, is further strengthened with 
the enactment of Republic Act (RA) No. 4200 entitled "An Act to Prohibit and 
Penalize Wire Tapping and other related Violations of the Privacy of 
Communication, and for other Purposes", which prohibits and penalizes the 
use of any device or arrangement to secretly overhear, intercept, and record any 
private communication. However, it must be stressed that said law, particularly 
Section 3 thereof, provides several exceptions to the prohibitions.
Under the said law, wire-tapping is allowed when a peace officer is 
armed with a court order in cases involving the crimes of treason, espionage, 
provoking war and disloyalty in case of war, piracy, mutiny in the high seas, 
rebellion, conspiracy and proposal to commit rebellion, inciting to rebellion, 
sedition, conspiracy to commit sedition, inciting to sedition, kidnapping and 
violations of Commonwealth Act No. 616, punishing espionage and other 
offenses against national security. The Human Security Act of 2007 (RA 
9372) also amended RA 4200 by including the crimes of terrorism and 
conspiracy to commit terrorism among the instances where wire-tapping is 
allowed, provided it is accompanied by a written order from the Court of 
Appeals.
With the following exceptions, wire-tapping, though limited in its 
applications, has been an effective tool by our law enforcement agencies 
against criminal elements who have wrecked havoc, instability and lack of 
equanimity in our country to the detriment of many of our peace loving 
citizens. Unfortunately, there are still certain crimes that are not covered under 
the said exceptional cases, which put not only the lives and property of our 
people in paramount danger, but also pose a grave threat to our nation’s 
security. The peace and order situation in the country gives testament to this 
fact and thus, it is imperative for us to revisit RA 4200 in order to further 
enhance its effectiveness.
J [ /
SEVENTEENTH CONGRESS OF THE ) 
REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES 
)
First Regular Session 
)
SENATE
S.B. No.
56
datg;
e Y:-- jX— —
V BILLS 
llND EX
Introduced by Senator Francis N. Pangilinan
AN ACT INCREASING THE MATERNITY LEAVE PERIOD TO ONE HUNDRED FIFTY 
(150) DAYS OF FEMALE EMPLOYEES IN THE GOVERNMENT SERVICE AND IN 
THE PRIVATE SECTOR, AND GRANTING AN OPTION TO FURTHER EXTEND SAID 
PERIOD FOR AN ADDITIONAL THIRTY (30) DAYS WITHOUT PAY, AMENDING 
FOR THE PURPOSE REPUBLIC ACT NO. 1161, AS AMENDED, AND FOR OTHER
PURPOSES
EXPLANATORY NOTE
The health impacts of parental leave on parent and child have been the subject of 
numerous studies in recent years and the vast positive effects of paid parental leave on 
the health of children and mothers can no longer be overlooked. According to the Public 
Health Reports (2011), an increase in the length of paid maternity leave can reduce 
infant mortality by as much as ten percent (10%). Paid maternity leave also increases 
the likelihood of infants getting well-baby care visits and vaccinations, and the rate and 
duration of breastfeeding which is known to be very beneficial to the health of mothers 
and infants.
Amidst these, the current allowable sixty (60)- day maternity leave for government 
employees and sixty (60) to seventy eight (78) days for employees in the government 
sector are below the international labor standard on maternal protection which 
recommends a minimum of fourteen (14) weeks or ninety eight (98) days of maternity 
leave. This bill, therefore, seeks to extend the paid maternity leave for employees in the 
public and private sectors to one hundred fifty (150) days to ensure the health of 
mothers and infants, and promote child rearing.
In view of the foregoing, the approval of this bill is earnestly_sought.
FRANCfSTN: PANGILINAN