bettergovph/raw-philippine-data huggingface dataset:
SEVENTEENTH CONGRESS OF THE ) 
REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES 
) 
First Regular Session 
)
SENATE
s.No. 470
"x iv (fiffirr ..f 'hr 5'r.-rr!3Mi
*16 
JUL 19 
All :21
^ V  
i > i>\ I
Introduced by Senator Antonio “Sonny” F. Trillanes IV
AN ACT
INSTITUTIONALIZING 
THE 
RIGHTS 
OF 
GOVERNMENT 
SERVICE 
INSURANCE SYSTEM (GSIS) MEMBERS, PROVIDING THEM ADDITIONAL 
REPRESENTATION IN THE GSIS BOARD, AND FOR OTHER PURPOSES
EXPLANATORY NOTE
Republic Act No. 8291 or the Government Service Insurance System (GSIS) Act of 1997 was 
enacted to expand and increase the coverage and benefits of GSIS members. Despite the 
provisions stipulated therein, GSIS is continuously hounded by complaints from members 
due to its failure and inefficiency to provide the benefits for its members. These complaints 
include the undue delay in the processing and delivery of the members' benefits; alleged 
inefficiency in updating members' records, non-posting or delayed posting of premium 
remittances causing underpayments or non-payment of dividends, and non-deduction of loan 
remittances; and problematic issuance of an E-Card Plus and implementation of Claims and 
Loans Interdependence Policy (CLIP) which appears to be very onerous as it affects housing 
loans and retirement benefits of members.
One of the leading complaints against GSIS came from the public school teachers who were 
labeled as "delinquent members" per records of GSIS, despite the fact that payments for their 
loan accounts and GSIS premium contributions are regularly deducted every month from 
their salaries and these deductions are reflected on their monthly payrolls.
In view of the foregoing considerations, the proposed bill seeks to protect and promote the 
welfare of our government employees. It institutionalizes the rights of GSIS members, 
including the right to courteous and responsive service, right to information, right to GSIS 
benefits, right to expeditious processing of claims, and right to be heard.
This law also increases the composition of GSIS Board of Trustees to include the Secretary 
of the Department of Education and the Chairman of the Civil Service Commission. This 
increased representation will hopefully provide teachers and other government employees 
better opportunity to air their concerns and effect solutions to their problems.
Approval of this bill is therefore earnestly requested.
ANTONI
)NNV” F. ^RILLANES IV
Senator
SEVENTEENTH CONGRESS OF THE ) 
REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES 
)
First Regular Session 
)
SENATE
S.B. NO. 
50
b y ; _  
V bills
Introduced by Senator Francis N. Pangilinan
AN ACT TO PROMOTE FARMER AND FISHERFOLK ENTERPRENEURSHIP AND 
DEVELOPMENT TO BE KNOWN AS “ SAGIP SAKA ACT OF 2016”
EXPLANATORY NOTE
Agriculture is the backbone of the Philippine economy. The agriculture sector accounts 
for 11.3% of the country’s gross domestic product in 2014 and 32% of total employment in 
2012. About 67% of the population is directly or indirectly involved in the sector. According 
to the National Statistical Coordination Board, farmers and fishermen, however, are 
among the least paid workers in the Philippine economy with an average daily wage and 
salary of P 184.53 and P 199.32, respectively in 2014.
This landmark legislation mandates national and local government agencies to directly 
purchase agricultural and fishery products from accredited farmers’ and fisherfolks’ 
cooperatives, which purchases shall be exempt from public bidding required under 
Republic Act No. 9184 or “The Government Procurement Reform Act”. It grants tax 
incentives and deductions to private entities or corporations that give donations or gifts to 
and directly purchase agricultural and fishery products from accredited farmers’ and 
fisherfolks’ enterprises and/or cooperatives. It aims to improve the income of farmers and 
fisherfolks through entrepreneurship and development.
Hence, the passage of this bill is earnestly sought.
FRAN
M. PANGILINAN
Senator
■ 
(@ffirt of tl'r 
! ■' ( r y
'16 AUG-8 P3 :48
SEVENTEENTH CONGRESS 
)
REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES 
)
First Regular Session 
)
S E N A T E
S.B. No. 
998
In tro d u ced  by S en ato r LOREN LEGARDA
AN 
ACT 
MODIFYING 
THE 
COMPENSATION 
AND 
POSITION 
CLASSIFICATION SYSTEM OF CIVILIAN GOVERNMENT PERSONNEL AND 
THE BASE PAY SCHEDULE OF MILITARY AND UNIFORMED PERSONNEL 
IN THE GOVERNMENT
Explanatory Note
In order to attract more com petent people to work in governm ent and promote 
a perform ance-based work culture am ong the estim ated 1.53 million public 
sector workers, it is timely for the governm ent to adjust its current 
com pensation and benefits schem e which h as been found to be below 45% of 
the current m arket rate.
To be im plem ented in three tranches from 2017 until 2019, it is expected th at 
the salaries and benefits for governm ent employees will m atch by 70% th at in 
the private sector. This will enable the governm ent to recruit and retain senior 
technical staff/m iddle m anagers who are likely to be attracted by the higher 
m aterial benefits offered by private firms.
For the above-m entioned reasons, passage of this m easure is earnestly sought.
LOREN LEGARDA
Senator
SEVENTEENTH CONGRESS OF THE ) 
REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES 
) 
First Regular Session 
)
!’ ; ;  
' i,
( f i l t i l f  iif 
; '• 
I ' 1 •' y
'16 
JUL 19 
All :47
S. No.
SENATE
498
Introduced by Senator Antonio “Sonny” F. Trillanes IV
AN ACT
PROHIBITING THE DEVELOPMENT, PRODUCTION, STOCKPILING, USE OF 
CHEMICAL WEAPONS AND PROVIDING FOR THEIR DESTRUCTION AND 
PROVIDING PENALTIES THEREFOR AND FOR OTHER PURPOSES
EXPLANATORY NOTE
Chemical weapons are lethal misapplications of scientific endeavour and scarce 
resources, and the use thereof constitutes a crime against humanity. In the past, these 
instruments of nations’ arsenals have produced devastating and indiscriminate casualties 
among warring states. In the modem society, their use, especially by non-state actors such as 
terrorists, is of deepening concern among political leaders. This time, terrorists, not rogue 
nations, pose as a greater chemical weapon threat. The accessibility, proven attack method, 
and the added value of the psychological impact of chemical weapons on societies and 
governments make their use desirable in the eyes of terrorists. This is tme among extremists 
motivated by ideology and groups who simply intend to sow fear for the purpose of causing 
significant social and economic dismption.
Hence, the adoption of a Chemical Weapons Convention to provide the legal 
framework for defending society against chemical terrorism, for maintaining the peaceful and 
meaningful utilization of chemistry, and for creating a treaty regime ensuring that 
governments from different states fulfil the national obligation of implementing chemical 
disarmament and non-proliferation.
After 12 years of negotiations, the Chemical Weapons Convention was adopted by the 
Conference on Disarmament in Geneva on 3 September 1992, opened for signature in Paris 
on 13 January 1993, and entered into force on 29 April 1997 to outlaw the production, 
stockpiling, and use of chemical weapons. The Convention is the first disarmament 
agreement negotiated within a multilateral framework that provides for the elimination of an 
entire category of weapons of mass destruction under universally applied international 
control.1 The Convention establishes an international norm against the development of 
chemical weapons for all time, and provides the legal and political basis for firm action 
against those who violate its rules.2
1 Information retrieved from littD;//www.un.org/disarmament/WMD/Chemical/on 8/16/2013.
2 Secretary General Kofi Annan's Opening Remarks to Conference of Parties to Convention at The Hague. Information retrieved from 
hUP://vmw.mi.org/disarmament/WMD/Chemical/pdf/SGSM6232.pdfon 8/16/2013.
SEVENTEENTH CONGRESS OF THE 
)
REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES 
)
First Regular Session 
)
•16 
P l - 4 0
Sciu)Vl
SENATE
S.B. No. 943
HI''
i>V;
Introduced by Senator SONNY ANGARA
AN ACT
PROVIDING FOR A NEW PASSPORT LAW, REPEALING REPUBLIC ACT NUMBERED 
EIGHT THOUSAND TWO HUNDRED THIRTY-NINE (R.A. NO. 8239), OTHERWISE KNOWN 
AS THE "PHILIPPINE PASSPORT ACT OF 1996"
EXPLANATORY NOTE
Article III, Section 6 of the 1987 Constitution provides that the right to travel shall not be 
"impaired except in the interest of national security, public safety, or public health, as may be 
provided by law." Pursuant to this. Congress enacted Republic Act No. 8239 or the Philippine 
Passport Act of 1996. Under that law, it is the duty of government to issue passports or any 
travel document to any citizen or individual who complies with the requirements stated therein.
Eighteen years have passed since the passage of Republic Act No. 8239. Therefore, in 
keeping with the State's policy of providing only minimum requirements for the issuance of such 
documents as well as its duty to enhance and protect the people's unimpaired exercise of their 
constitutional right to travel, there is a need to amend the existing Act to simplify both the 
passport documentation requirements and the application process of the Department of Foreign 
Affairs.
In amending the provision relating to the requirements for the issuance of passports, this 
bill considers laws that have been passed since the passage of the existing Act such as 
Republic Act No. 8552 or the Domestic Adoption Act of 1998 and Republic Act No. 9226 or the 
Citizenship and Reacquisition Act of 2003. The bill also provides special procedures to facilitate 
the passport applications of illiterate, physically disabled, and senior citizens. Further, the bill 
intends for a 10-year validity of the passport.
To ensure that Filipinos are better served by the Department of Foreign Affairs, this bill 
also seeks to amend the provision on the Passport Revolving Fund to allow it to be utilized by 
the Department for the improvement of its passport issuance, consular, and other services.
In view of the foregoing, immediate approval of this bill is earnestly sought.
SONNY ANGARA
c,
SEVENTEENTH CONGRESS OF THE ) 
REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES 
)
First Regular Session 
)
SENATE
s.No. 267
oateJUL
2016
Introduced by Senator Ralph G. Recto
AN ACT
INSTITUTING INCOME TAX REFORM FOR INDIVIDUAL AND CORPORATE 
TAXPAYERS, AMENDING FOR THIS PURPOSE SECTIONS 24(A)(2), 27(A) AND 
35(A) OF THE NATIONAL INTERNAL REVENUE CODE OF 1997, AS AMENDED, 
AND FOR OTHER PURPOSES
Explanatory Note
One of the inherent powers of the State is the power of taxation. However, there are 
limitations on the exercise of such power. Section 28, Article VI of the 1987 Philippine 
Constitution provides that the rule of taxation shall be uniform and equitable and that Congress 
shall evolve a progressive system of taxation.
Jurisprudence is replete with cases explaining that uniformity of taxation and the equal 
protection clause require that all subjects or objects of taxation similarly situated are to be treated 
alike both in privileges and liabilities. A progressive system of taxation as well as the concept of 
equity in taxation suggest that the tax rates should be based on the taxpayer’s ability to pay. 
Therefore, a tax system is progressive when the tax rate increases as the tax base increases.
The steady increase in the prices of consumer goods and services in the country over the 
years hinders most Filipinos in meeting the demands of daily living. The rise in commodity 
prices has vmdoubtedly weakened the purchasing power of our people’s hard-earned money.
Individuals earning compensation income not only have to deal with the weakening 
effects of inflation but also with the huge deductions in their salaries, one of which is due to 
income tax.
This bill seeks to amend Section 24(A)(2) of the National Internal Revenue Code of 1997 
(NIRC), as amended, by adjusting the levels of net taxable income and the nominal tax rates for 
purposes of computing the individual income tax. It also seeks to amend Section 35(A) of the 
NIRC, as amended, by adjusting the basic personal exemption for each individual taxpayers from 
P50,000 to PI 50,000 to counter the steady increase of prices of consumer goods and services and 
to help our hardworking middle class in meeting the demands of daily living.
The adjustments come almost two decades after the amendments were last introduced in 
1997 and with the Consumer Price Index (CPI) moving upward in steady fashion. Without a 
CPI-adjusted tax levels and rates, the increases in income enjoyed by salaried individuals to keep 
them in step with inflation every year push these taxpayers into higher tax brackets, leading them 
to pay more taxes. This “bracket creep” is a result of income taxes growing faster than income 
does despite the fact that Congress has not legislated laws increasing income taxes, and despite 
the fact that Congress has even enacted a law in favor of minimum wage earners.
With the passage of this bill, a government employee occupying a Salary Grade 11 
position or its equivalent (Teacher 1, Police Officer III, etc.) earning a basic salary of PI 9,077.00 
per month or an annual income of P228,924.00 will have to pay annual income tax of P3,946.20
SEVENTEENTH CONGRESS OF THE REPUBLIC 
OF THE PHILIPPINES 
First Regular Session
SENATE 
Senate Biii No
142
dateJUN
BILLS
introduced by Senator Cynthia A. Viiiar
AN ACT MERGING THE PHILIPPINE CARABAO CENTER AND THE NATIONAL 
DAIRY AUTHORITY INTO THE PHILIPPINE NATIONAL DAIRY DEVELOPMENT 
AGENCY TO PROVIDE GREATER FOCUS ON THE ACCELERATED DEVELOPMENT 
OF THE DAIRY INDUSTRY AND TO INCREASE PRODUCTION OF DAIRY ANIMALS 
IN 
THE 
PHILIPPINES, 
PROVIDING 
A 
RUMINANT 
DEVELOPMENT 
FUND 
THEREFORE, AND FOR OTHER PURPOSES
EXPLANATORY NOTE
Milk and dairy products play an important role in a healthy, balanced diet. They are rich 
sources of calcium which is easily absorbed by the body. This mineral, along with other 
nutrients present in dairy foods, such as protein, magnesium and phosphorus, is 
essential to build and maintain strong bones. Having a good calcium intake throughout 
life is important for keeping bones healthy. Many people, particularly teenagers have 
diets low in calcium and therefore have an increased risk of developing osteoporosis 
(brittle bone disease) in later life.
One of the easiest ways to meet your daily calcium requirement is to consume a 
portions of milk, cheese and dairy products a day. The Food and Agriculture 
Organization (FAO) estimates the Philippines’ per capita milk consumption at 22kg, 
compared to 26kg for Thailand, 52kg for Malaysia, and 287kg for the United States 
(Ang, 2012).
The importance of the dairy sector in economic terms is not limited to farming as it is 
important to many upstream and downstream industries, such as animal feed 
manufacturers and milk processors. Every dairy farm has a much bigger economic 
multiplier effect, providing work for local veterinarians, mechanics, feed suppliers and a 
whole range of other suppliers. To date, the Philippines has 15 commercial processors 
and / or importers, 103 import-traders, and 209 NDA-assisted dairy producers.
According to the NDA, the dairy farming, processing, and distribution industry generates 
and/or secures approximately 19,000 jobs (National Dairy Authority Philippines, 2010).
The Philippines’ dairy industry which generates sales of about $1 Billion annually is 
made up of two (2) distinct sectors:
SEVENTEENTH CONGRESS OF TH E) 
REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES ) 
First Regular Session )
' "1. 
(fifftrp, of t*'" 
' r I p*nr y
■16 
I'JL 26 
A 9 :4 8
SENATE
SENATE BILL NO. 893
> r^Y:
INTRODUCED BY SENATOR JOSEPH VICTOR G. EJERCITO
AN ACT
CREATING A LOCAL HOUSING BOARD IN ALL CITIES AND FIRST TO 
THIRD CLASS MUNICIPALITIES, PROVIDING FOR ITS POWERS AND 
FUNCTIONS, AND FOR OTHER PURPOSES
EXPLANATORY NOTE
Section 2 of the Urban Development and Housing Act of 1992 provides that 
the State shall “undertake, in cooperation with the private sector, a comprehensive 
and continuing Urban Development and Housing Program. ’ ’
To ensure the achievement of the objectives of this Program, Section 6 called 
for the formulation of a comprehensive plan for urban and urbanizable areas. Under 
this comprehensive plan the following responsibilities were given to the Local 
Government Units (LGUs): (1) inventory of lands for socialized housing (Section 7); 
(2) identification of sites for socialized housing (Section 8); (3) registration of 
socialized housing beneficiaries (Section 17) and; (4) monitoring of compliance by 
developers of the twenty percent (20%) balanced housing provision under Section 18.
Clearly, there is a need for a specialized body in our LGUs that shall ensure 
the faithful and proactive execution of housing programs at the local level. A clear 
gap at the local level in the form of a mechanism to hasten the delivery of shelter 
services to our people, especially those who need it most, needs to be filled up.
It is envisioned that this proposed measure will provide an administrative 
machinery at the local level to effect the implementation of the UDHA as well as cope 
with the fast pace of urbanization of the country. Another reason for the passage of 
this bill is that there is also a need to institutionalize multi-sectoral representation in 
local housing initiatives. This is premised on the fact that the success of these 
programs will, to a large extent, depend on the direct participation and cooperation of 
the stakeholders in the planning and implementation process. By this we mean that the
SEVENTEENTH CONGRESS OF THE ] 
REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES 
]
First Regular Session 
]
SENATE
S.B. No. 
373
DATE;
BILLS I. INpBX
In tro d u ced  by SEN. WIN GATCHALIAN
AN ACT
PROMOTING THE ESTABLISHMENT OF PUBLIC MAI H AND SCIENCE HIGH 
SCHOOLS IN PREVIOUSLY UNDERSERVED AREAS, AND APPROPRIATING
FUNDS THEREFOR
EXPLANATORY NOTE
A progressive and economically potent society m ust be built by a formidable 
arm y of scientific m inds. W ithout a solid workforce of scientists, m athem aticians, 
engineers, and other skilled professionals, the Philippines will continue on w ith an 
economy perennially on the brink, yet never achieving, full industrialization and the 
prosperity th at comes with it. In order to fulfill our destiny as the next true Asian 
tiger economy, we m ust ensure th at we have invested in the hum an capital 
necessary to achieve this.
Sadly, despite the increasing government com m itm ent to improving the 
state of Philippine education, recent editions of the Global Competitiveness 
Survey have consistently ranked the Philippines in the bottom  20% of 
participating countries ii: term s of the quality of science education. National 
perform ance in m ath has worsened, with students pot-ring an average score of 
only 46.3% on the National Achievement Test from 2011-2012. The increased
budget for education h as yet to pay dividends w hen it comes to science
%
education.
A universal tenet of quality education, consistently reported by reputable
SEVENTEENTH CONGRESS OF THE 
REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES 
First Regular Session
SENATE 
s!No. 288
c\w)w
{
BILLS
INDEX
_________ 
Introduced by Senator Antonio ttSonny” F. Trillanes IV_________
AN ACT
PROVIDING FOR A MAGNA CARTA FOR THE POOR 
EXPLANATORY NOTE
In 2012, 27.9% of Filipinos were living below the poverty threshold. This translates to 4.21 
million Filipino families or 23.75% of the population. Additionally, 44% of the population 
subsisted on US$2 or less a day according to international data. In the recent NSCB report, it 
shows that families must earn P5,458.00 a month to put food on the table every day. Given 
this situation, long term measures, strategies and solutions for poverty reduction should be 
put in place.
While there may be existing laws touching on the need of the poor as part of an overall 
national strategy to alleviate poverty, this proposed legislation states what is felt to be the 
basic irreducible rights of the poor as essential requirements towards poverty alleviation. 
These rights are: the right to employment, the right to food, the right to shelter, the right to 
free quality education and the right to free healthcare and medicine. These are the “minimum 
standards of decency” which the poor can demand as a matter of right and which the 
government must do as a matter of obligation.
In view of the foregoing, the immediate passage of this measure is earnestly requested.
.V v—
ANTONIo/sbNNY” F. TRILLANES IV
Senator
SEVENTEENTH CONGRESS OF THE ) 
REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES 
)
First Regular Session 
)
SENAJE 
S. No. 
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— JUN 3 0 
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Introduced by Senator Richard “ D ick” J. G ordon
AN ACT CREATING THE MINDANAO RAILW AY CORPORATION TO ESTABLISH 
THE MINDANAO RAILW AY SYSTEM, AUTHORIZING THE ISSUANCE OF BONDS 
AND APPROPRIATING FUNDS THEREFOR, AND FOR OTHER PURPOSES
EXPLANATORY NOTE
It is essential to facilitate transportation for both people and goods to spur 
economic growth and development in Mindanao. The Mindanao Railway System can 
successfully provide this means of transportation. To invest money and time in the 
Mindanao Railway System would be risky beyond anything ever before attempted, but 
when it is completed, it would link the entire island of Mindanao, forever changing the 
nature of Mindanao’s politics and economy.
Mindanao is known as the Land of Promise, yet until the present, the State has 
failed to maximize the potential of the island to contribute to regional and national 
economic development. The creation of the Mindanao Railway Corporation is a crucial 
step in the State's efforts to fully harness the natural and human resources of Mindanao 
for the benefit of the island's inhabitants and the Filipino people as a whole.
This bill proposes to create the Mindanao Railway Corporation to establish the 
Mindanao Railway System that will provide and maintain an adequate and efficient 
railway transportation to promote economic development in Mindanao.
DICK” J. GORDON
Senator
SEVENTEENTH CONGRESS OF THE REPUBLIC 
OF THE PHILIPPINES
First Regular Session
* 
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’16 .JIJL26 A 9:03
S E N A T E
s.B . 
«7R
K
I
 
• ■ 
•
’’Y;
Introduced by Senator Poe
AN ACT
TO ENHANCE CITIZENS’ ACCESS TO GOVERNMENT INFORMATION AND 
SERVICES BY ESTABLISHING A SYSTEM IN WHICH GOVERNMENT 
DOCUMENTS ISSUED TO THE PUBLIC MUST BE WRITTEN CLEARLY, 
ORDAINING FOR THE PURPOSE A PLAIN WRITING FOR PHILIPPINE PUBLIC 
SERVICE ACT AND FOR OTHER PURPOSES
Explanatory Note
This bill is patterned after Public Law 111-274 (October 13, 2010), one of the newest but 
most effective laws of the United States. As used in the aforementioned law, “plain writing” is 
the use of simple, concise, easily understandable words and phrases in all government documents. 
This reduces obscurity and helps citizens in availing of government services.
The following benefits have been observed after the implementation of the Plain Writing Act 
in the United States:
1. There is a marked improvement in the public understanding of government 
communications and requirements;
2. It saves money and increases efficiency;
3. It reduces the need for public clarification and reduces resources spent for enforcement;
4. It simplifies government forms and applications; and
5. It reduces the number of errors and the time and effort required to fix them.
Plain Writing can also be an efficient tool in the Philippines. It can shorten transactions, 
lessen red tape, and streamline administrative procedures.
SEVENTEENTH CONGRESS 
)
REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES 
)
First Regular Session 
)
S E N A T E  
S.B. No. 
4 4 1
I 'f  t h i
*16 JUL 19 A10 -34
m  
i;i\ 11) UY;
In tro d u ced  by SENATOR LOREN LEGARDA
AN ACT AMENDING SECTIONS 
1 AND 2 OF REPUBLIC ACT NO. 6850 
OTHERWISE KNOWN AS AN ACT TO GRANT CIVIL SERVICE ELIGIBILITY UNDER 
CERTAIN CONDITIONS TO GOVERNMENT EMPLOYEES APPOINTED UNDER 
PROVISIONAL OR TEMPORARY STATUS WHO HAVE RENDERED A TOTAL OF 
SEVEN (7) YEARS OF EFFICIENT SERVICE, AND FOR OTHER PURPOSES
Explanatory Note
By virtue of the m andate of the Constitution, particularly, Section 2, paragraph 6, 
Article IX-B, which provides that, "Temporary employees in the governm ent shall be 
given protection as m ay be provided by law," this bill seeks to provide protection to 
casual and contractual employees in government.
This bill seeks to am end sections 1 and 2 of Republic Act No. 6850, otherwise known 
as "An Act to G rant Civil Service Eligibility under Certain Conditions to Government 
Employees Appointed under Provisional or Temporary S tatus who have Rendered a 
Total of Seven Years of Efficient Service, and for O ther Purposes." This legislative 
m easure proposes to extend and grant civil service eligibility to casual or contractual 
employees in the governm ent who have continuously served the governm ent for at 
least five (5) years.
In spite of the long-standing years th at they have devoted to governm ent service, these 
non-perm anent employees, more often than not, are poorly com pensated, receive 
nominal bonuses, and are not well provided with com prehensive healthcare. It m ust 
be borne in m ind th at the implication of their continued service as condoned and 
allowed by the government, is th at these employees have dem onstrated competence, 
efficiency, and diligence in the perform ance of their duties.
Section 2 (2), Article IX-B of the Constitution requires th at "appointm ents in the civil 
service shall be m ade according to m erit and fitness to be determ ined, as far as 
practicable, and, except to positions which are policy determ ining, primarily 
confidential, or highly technical, by competitive examination." J u s t the same, it may 
be fair and justifiable to consider the employees' competence, efficiency, diligence, 
loyalty, length of service, 
educational attainm ent, and trainings attended as 
compliance with the standards of m erit and fitness set forth in the Constitution.
In view of the foregoing, the immediate approval of this m easure is earnestly 
requested.
)REN LEGARDA
Senator
SEVENTEENTH CONGRESS 
REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES
First Regular Session
S E N A T E  
S.B. No. 3 5
b y : -------71—
V bills 
/ n DEX
In tro d u ced  by SENATOR LOREN LEGARDA
AN ACT PROVIDING FOR THE DELINEATION OF THE SPECIFIC 
FOREST LIMITS OF THE PUBLIC DOMAIN AND FOR OTHER 
PURPOSES
Explanatory Note
This bill seeks to im plem ent an im portant Constitutional provision found 
in Section 4, Article Xll of the Philippine Constitution which states that:
"The Congress shall, as soon as possible, determ ine by law 
the specific limits of forest lands and national parks, 
m arking clearly their boundaries on the ground. Thereafter, 
such forest lands and national parks shall be consented and 
m ay not be increased nor dim inished, except by law. The 
Congress shall provide, for such period as it may determ ine 
m easures to prohibit logging in endangered forests and 
w atershed areas."
From 2000 to m id-2007, the D epartm ent of Environm ent and Natural 
Resources (DENR) undertook a program  to delineate and establish 
perm anent forestland boundaries covering 54,333 kilom eters of forest 
land. These provinces included the following: Benguet,Apayao, Ifugao, La 
Union, llocos Norte, Quirino, Nueva Vizcaya, Isabela, Cagayan, Nueva 
Ecija, Bulacan, Zam bales, B ataan, Tarlac, Pam panga, Aurora, Laguna, 
Quezon, Oriental Mindoro, Occidental Mindoro, M arinduque, Romblon, 
C atanduanes, Albay, Cam arines Sur, Aklan, Antique, Capiz, Iloilo, 
G uim aras, Siquijor, Cebu, Bohol, Negros Oriental, Biliran, Leyte, 
Southern Leyte, E astern Sam ar, Zam boanga del Sur, Zam boanga del 
Norte, Zam boanga, Sibugay, Camiguin, Bukidnon, Davao del Sur, Davao 
del Norte, outhC htabato, Sultan K udarat, Cotabato, Sarangani, Surigao 
del Norte, Agusan del Sur and Agusan del Norte. Of these, only 18 
provinces have completed their relocation survey.
Activities in delineation include the preparation of base m ap and conduct 
of survey, then the m onum enting, which could be on m inor or m ajor 
m onum ents, the planting of the m onum ents, and the post survey, 
including the digitization of final map.
According to the Biodiversity M anagem ent Bureau, the cost of putting up 
m inor corners am ount to twelve thousand pesos (PI2,500) while th at for 
m ajor corners am ount to eighteen thousand pesos (P18,000). With the 
entire thirty (30) million hectares of public land, of which fifteen (15)
SEVENTEENTH CONGRESS OF THE) 
REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES ) 
First Regular Session)
fSk 
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26
SENATE
SENATE BILL NO. 887
INTRODUCED BY SENATOR JOSEPH VICTOR G. EJERCITO
AN ACT
UPHOLDING THE RIGHT OF ACQUISITION BY QUALIFIED BENEFICIARIES 
OF 
GOVERNMENT-OWNED 
LANDS 
THEY 
ACTUALLY 
OCCUPY, 
AMENDING CERTAIN PROVISIONS OF REPUBLIC ACT NO. 7279, 
OTHERWISE KNOWN AS THE URBAN DEVELOPMENT AND HOUSING ACT 
OF 1992, AND FOR OTHER PURPOSES
EXPLANATORY NOTE
This bill seeks to allow the unprivileged and homeless citizens in urban and 
resettlement areas who are actual occupants of government-owned lands dedicated 
to socialized housing to have the primary right in acquiring the said land.
Presidential Decree No. 1517, the Urban Land Reform Act, was issued by then 
President Marcos in 1978. The decree adopted as a State policy the liberation of 
human communities from blight, congestion and hazard, the promotion of their 
development and modernization, and the optimum use of land as a national 
resource for public welfare.
In 1992, Congress passed Republic Act No. 7279 or the "Urban Development 
and Housing Act of 1992." The law lays down as a policy that the State shall 
undertake a comprehensive and continuing urban development and housing 
program to uplift the conditions of the underprivileged and homeless citizens in 
urban areas and resettlement areas by making available to them decent housing at 
affordable cost. Pursuant to this, all city and municipal governments were mandated 
to conduct an inventory of all lands and improvements within their respective 
localities and, in coordination with the National Housing Authority, the Housing 
and Land Use Regulatory Board, the National Mapping Resource Information
SEVENTEENTH CONGRESS OF THE ) 
REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES ) 
First Regular Session 
)
SENATE
s.No. 551
’ • ><.-r 
^  
' •
'S7.>fr 
n{ I'.;; - - - M .r i.
16 .111 iv n  F.'i
R F '  ( ; V 
( 
- V
Introduced by Senator Antonio “Sonny” Trillanes IV
AN ACT
PROVIDING FOR A MANDATORY LABELING OF POLYVINYL CHLORIDE 
(PVC) PRODUCTS AND FOR OTHER PURPOSES
EXPLANATORY NOTE
Polyvinyl Chloride (PVC) or simply vinyl plastic is the most widely and commonly used 
plastic in medical devices. However, the use of PVC in these devices are proven to be 
harmful to patients, the environment, and the public in general. PVC, upon manufacturing 
and during incineration or burning, can produce Dioxins, a known human carcinogen.
Moreover, manufacturers often use DEHP or Diethylhexyl Phthalate to soften PVC plastic 
and to make them more flexible. However, DEHP is linked to reproductive birth defects and 
other illnesses. DEHP may leach out from PVC devices/materials and cause harm to the 
public.
In addition, soft PVC toys have been made for babies for years, and concerns were raised 
because it is possible that these additives leach out of soft toys into the mouths of the children 
chewing on them. Other vinyl products, including car interiors, shower curtains, and flooring, 
initially release chemical gases into the air. Some studies indicate that this outgassing of 
additives may contribute to health complications, and have resulted in a call for banning the 
use of DEHP on shower curtains, among other uses. In 2004, a joint Swedish-Danish research 
team found a statistical association between allergies in children and indoor air levels of 
DEHP.
Some countries in Asia, Europe and the US have started to require the labeling of PVC 
products particularly medical devices made with DEHP in a move to adopt PVC- and DEHP- 
free products.
This bill seeks to address the need to protect the public from the harmful effects of PVC 
products by requiring all manufacturers to provide proper labeling of all PVC products with 
the end view of protecting the general public from the harmful effects of dioxin and 
phthalates to human health and the environment.
In view of the foregoing, the immediate passage of this bill is earnestly sought.
ANTON/o S bONNY” F. t r il l a n e s IV
'  
Senator 
' l
SEVENTEENTH CONGRESS OF THE 
)
REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES 
)
First Regular Session 
)
SENATE
s. No. 5 6 4
*16, JUL 19 P4 48
WFCKIVMO HY:
Introduced by Senator Antonio “Sonny” F. Trillanes IV
AN ACT
CREATING A COFFEE RESEARCH, DEVELOPMENT AND EXTENSION 
CENTER, AUTHORIZING THE APPROPRIATION OF FUNDS THEREFOR, AND 
FOR OTHER PURPOSES
EXPLANATORY NOTE
Of recent, coffee production has become a booming industry in the country. With the 
introduction of Starbucks, Seattle's Best, and other high-end cafe, in the market the demand 
for the excellent varieties of coffee has reached unparalleled height. Even the country's pride, 
Figaro, has set standards of global competitiveness by opening satellite stores in Hongkong 
and in Southeast Asia.
True enough, the demand for coffee has outpaced harvests and production. The Makati 
Business Club (MBC) cited that local demand had already perked up to 55,000 tons while 
production stood at only 35,000 tons. Areas planted to coffee declined from about 100,000 
hectares in 1986 to only 78,000 hectares at present.
In the province of Cavite, a new festivity called "Pahimis" is being touted as a coffee feast 
celebration in Amadeo. It is a tribute for the greatness of coffee, the town's bountiful and 
chief harvests. It is for this reason that the Province of Cavite and its municipalities and cities 
and the Cavite State University spearheaded the campaign for the creation of a Coffee 
Research, Development and Extension Center (CoRDEC).
The legislation envisions the creation of a center that will have the general powers and 
functions in line with the research, development and extension programs of the Department 
of Agriculture Bureau of Agricultural Research (DA-BAR), Department of Science and 
Technology (DOST), Department of Trade and Industry (DTI), National Economic and 
Development Authority (NEDA) and the Cavite State University (CvSU). The Center will be 
in the forefront of educating and training all stakeholders of the coffee industry; conducting 
relevant researches, scientific study and feasible marketing strategies; extending technologies; 
and creating linkages with international organizations and other coffee development centers 
in other countries.
SEVENTEENTH CONGRESS OF THE ) 
REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES 
)
First Regular Session 
)
I 
i. I (/ .n f'
-eifireof 
..
' 16 
A U G - 1  
P I  5 3
SENATE 
S.B. No. 
9 5 8
KK-
'»V
Introduced by Senator SONNY ANGARA
AN ACT
TO STRENGTHEN THE COUNTRY'S GROSS INTERNATIONAL RESERVES (GIR), 
AMENDING FOR THE PURPOSE SECTIONS 32 AND 151 OF THE NATIONAL 
INTERNAL REVENUE CODE, AS AMENDED, AND FOR OTHER PURPOSES
EXPLANATORY NOTE
Section 17 of Republic Act (RA) No. 7076, or the People's Small-Scale Mining 
Act of 1991, provides that "all gold produced by small-scale miners in any mineral area 
shall be sold to the Central Bank, or its duly authorized representative, which shall buy it 
at prices comparative with those prevailing in the world market regardless of volume or 
weight."
RA No. 7076 was enacted to help promote, develop, protect and rationalize 
viable small-scale mining activities in order to generate more employment opportunities 
and provide an equitable sharing of the nation's wealth and natural resources in the 
Philippines. The above quoted provision, in particular, seeks to ensure that small-scale 
miners would be able to receive a fair price for their gold while enabling the Bangko 
Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) to build up the country's gross international reserves (GIR) by 
buying domestically produced gold from small-scale miners using pesos.
However, when the BSP started to withhold and remit to the National 
Government 2% excise tax and 5% creditable withholding tax (CWT) on its purchase of 
gold from small-scale miners and traders pursuant to Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR) 
Revenue Regulation (RR) No. 6-2012, the volume of gold sold to BSP declined 
drastically. BSP's total gold purchases in 2010 reached 918,110 troy ounces. By 2014, 
purchases decreased to 20,354 troy ounces only or a reduction of almost 98%1. In 
terms of value, from the 2010 figure of P49,543 million, BSP purchased P984 million 
worth of gold only in 2014. Evidently, small-scale miners and traders had opted to sell 
their gold elsewhere rather than to the BSP.
to build
Based on the foregoing, the BSP for practical purposes, has lost the opportunity
1 Based on data proviiled by the Regional Monetary A ffairs Sub-Seetor (KMASS). Translated in terms of 
gold bars, from  a total of 2,237.12 eiiuivalent gold bars in 2010, only 43.89 gold bars were sold U) BSP in 
2014.
.'t
SEVENTEENTH CONGRESS OF THE 
REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES 
First Regular Session
SENATE
s. No. 640
' S f f ' r t  o f  t t | f  
'•
16 JUL20 A 9 :31
Introduced by Senator Antonio “Sonny” F. Trillanes IV
AN ACT
REMOVING THE CONDITIONS FOR THE CONDONATION OF ALL UNPAID 
TAXES DUE FROM LOCAL WATER DISTRICTS, AMENDING FOR THE 
PURPOSE SECTION 289-A OF THE NATIONAL INTERNAL REVENUE CODE, AS 
AMENDED
EXPLANATORY NOTE
Water is considered as one of the basic necessity of man. Humans need clean and safe water 
in order to survive and to perform various duties. In line with the needs of people, Local 
Water Districts (LWDs) were created on May 25, 1973 under Presidential Decree No. 198 or 
“The Provincial Water Utilities Act of 1973.” As of 2010, there are 831 fimctioning LWDs 
all over the country.
However, due to lack of resources, the said water units are not able to provide excellent 
service. The said agencies are finding it hard to raise funds to develop its facilities because a 
portion of their income is being paid to the government as taxes.
Despite the enactment of R.A. 10026 entitled as “An Act Granting Income Tax Exemption to 
Local Water Districts by Amending Section 27 (C) of the National Internal Revenue Code of 
1997 As Amended, and Adding Section 289-A To The Code For the Purposes” or an 
Amendment to the Section 289-A of the National Internal Revenue Code on March 11, 2010, 
several LWDs still have due unpaid taxes which they have to settle. This is because the said 
amendment has conditions that are tedious and complex and in the end, only a portion of 
those who apply for the condonation are approved for tax exemption.
Thus, this bill seeks to relieve all LWDs from the conditions of the Bureau of Internal 
Revenue for the condonation of all unpaid taxes due from them. The condonation is deemed 
necessary since not all LWDs are financially capable of paying their due taxes. The proposed 
amendment aims to assist LWDs, with limited resources, to develop their facilities and
SEVENTEENTH CONGRESS 
)
REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES 
)
First Regular Session 
)
((?»»«r ..f l>!*
*16 JUL 19 A10-.12
S E N A T E  
S.B. NO. 
S
i:n FI) BY;.
In tro d u ced  by SENATOR LOREN LEGARDA
AN ACT PROMOTING MENTAL HEALTH, PROMULGATING A NATIONAL 
MENTAL 
HEALTH 
POLICY 
TOWARDS 
THE 
ENHANCEMENT 
OF 
INTEGRATED MENTAL HEALTH SERVICES, PROTECTION OF PERSONS 
UTILIZING MENTAL HEALTH SERVICES, AND ESTABLISHMENT OF A 
PHILIPPINE MENTAL HEALTH COUNCIL
Explanatory Note
In a survey conducted by the D epartm ent of H ealth (DOH), among 327 
governm ent employees in Metro Manila, 32% were found to have experienced 
m ental health problem s (DOH-NEC, 2006). Almost one per 100 households 
(0.7%) has a m em ber with m ental disability. As early as 2003, intentional self- 
harm  was already found to be the 9th leading cause of death among Filipino 
adults aged between 20 and 24 years old. Individuals with chronic m ental 
illness, children, overseas Filipino workers and those in areas of arm ed conflict 
have higher risk of getting m ental health problems.
F urther adding to the woes of those afflicted with m ental health illnesses is the 
shortage in qualified m ental health professionals. At present there are only an 
estim ated 490 psychiatrists and 1000 nurses working in psychiatric care, and 
even less general practitioners trained in early assessm ent and m anagem ent of 
common m ental health problem  in the community. The num ber of addiction 
specialists, psychologists, occupational therapists, guidance counselors and 
social workers are extremely inadequate to m eet the m ental health needs of 100 
million Filipinos.
There are two m ental hospitals, 46 outpatient facilities, four day treatm ent 
facilities, 
19 
com m unity-based 
psychiatric 
inpatient 
facilities 
and 
15 
com m unity residential (custodial home-care) facilities for the whole country. 
Almost all m ental health facilities are in m ajor cities, while the only m ental 
hospital in the National Capital Region houses only 4,200 beds.
This bill seeks to integrate m ental health services into the national health 
system  in order to m eet the needs of those who lack access to readily-available, 
affordable and equitable m ental health care, especially the poor. It proposes to 
create the Philippine Council for M ental H ealth as an attached agency of the 
DOH, to provide a rational and unified response to m ental health problems, 
concerns and efforts through the form ulation and im plem entation of the 
National M ental Health Care Delivery System.
For the reasons cited, the passage of the bill is earnestly requested.
Lt)REN LEGARDA
Senator
SEVENTEENTH CONGRESS OF THE 
) 
REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES 
)
First Regular Session 
)
S. No.
SENATE
455
' i d i t i r r  0? Hi p  y r r r r t . i P r
Jlil. 19 
/111 :i .n-
. ; .A';
Introduced by Senator Antonio “Sonny” Trillanes IV
AN ACT
STRENGHTENING THE POLITICAL PARTY SYSTEM, APPROPRIATING 
FUNDS THEREFOR AND FOR OTHER PURPOSES
EXPLANATORY NOTE
An issue paper released by the Friedrich Ebert Stifftung aptly enumerates the inherent flaws of the 
country’s political party system, to wit: the lack of accountability and transparency in party financing 
and expenditures; political tumcoatism; and patronage culture of political parties based on financial 
contributions. In furtherance of said observations, a separate study by the same Institute warns that: 
[I]f the political party system (mal-)functions in such a way, apathy, mistrust or even frustration 
among citizens may spread, thus endangering the gains of a democratization process. It is clear that 
this is a serious danger to a democratic system -  making it one of the major challenges of Philippine 
politics today. ”
Cognizant of the aforesaid political situation, this measure seeks to enhance the quality of our 
democratic system by reforming our current political party system.
This bill seeks to:
• 
Institutionalize and strengthen political parties in the country by introducing reforms in 
campaign financing and providing financial subsidies to political parties to augment their 
expenditures for campaign;
• 
Provide sanctions against any member of a national political party who changes party 
affiliation after being nominated by the political party otherwise known as political turncoats;
• 
Exempt voluntary contributions from any person, subject to a certain cap, from the payment 
of donor’s tax, and punish the giving of voluntary contributions beyond the allowable limits 
set by law;
• 
Create a State Subsidy Fund to augment the operating funds of accredited national parties.
It is hoped that the enactment of this measure shall institutionalize and strengthen political parties as 
vital pillars of the country's democratic system.
In view of the foregoing, passage of this measure is earnestly sought.
ANTON
)ONNW’ F. TRILLANES IV
Senator
SEVENTEENTH CONGRESS OF THE ) 
REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES 
)
First Regular Session 
)
SENATE
s. No. 
837
penaU'
<5lfue of Hic i*f rr rl;ir I
*16 JUL 21 P3:09
KFr.;!\ 
n y :
(\
Introduced by Senator Ralph G. Recto
AN ACT
MANDATING THE SECRETARY OF THE DEPARTMENT OF FINANCE AND THE 
GOVERNOR OF THE BANGKO SENTRAL NG PILIPINAS TO APPEAR BEFORE 
CONGRESS SEMI-ANNUALLY TO REPORT ON THE STATUS AND DIRECTIONS OF 
THE FISCAL AND MONETARY POLICIES OF THE STATE
Explanatory Note
The volatile nature of the global economy demands prompt and decisive actions from the 
fiscal managers of the government. In this regard, the fiscal and monetary policies of the government 
are subjected to periodic changes, in accordance with the prevailing economic climate.
The fiscal and monetary policies of the country have a great bearing to the state and direction 
of the country’s economy, as these policies directly relate to the government’s goals for employment 
and economic development, among other factors. For instance, the state policy on the valuation of the 
Peso directly affects the borrowings, savings and expenditures of the government. Equally affected 
are the operations of the private sector, particularly those in the export and business process 
outsourcing industry.
Currently, the Department of Finance (DOF) and the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) report 
to Congress as members the Development Budget Coordination Committee during the legislative 
deliberation of the annual government budget. However, their respective reports are limited to the 
inputs required for the budget analysis. Hence, Congressional oversight of fiscal management has 
been limited at the expense of fiscal accountability.
It is but proper that, in the interest of transparency and public interest, the DOF and BSP must 
be made more accountable to the people. This can be done so by mandating the ageneies to submit to 
periodic Congressional inquiry.
This bill provides for an accountability measure for both DOF and BSP, by requiring the heads 
of both organizations to appear before Congress semi-annually, to report on the state and the 
directions of the fiscal and monetary policies of the government. This measure mandates that the 
Secretary of DOF and the Governor of BSP shall appear before the Committees on Appropriations, 
Ways and Means, Economic Affairs, and Banks and Financial Intennediaries of the House of 
Representatives on or before the 2nd Tuesday of March and September, and the Committees on 
Finance, Ways and Means, Economic Affairs, and Banks, Financial Institutions & Currencies of the 
Senate on or before the 4th Tuesday of March and September to report on the country’s fiscal and 
monetary policies.
The bill also provides that the DOF and the BSP shall submit a written report to the said 
Committees, which shall include a discussion of the conduct of their respective policy. Finally, the 
DOF and BSP reports submitted to Congress shall also be made available to the public by means of 
downloadable copies in their respective official websites.
Hence, the immediate approval of this bill is earnestly spdght.
SEVENTEENTH CONGRESS OF THE 
]
REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES 
]
First Regular Session 
]
SENATE
S.B. No. 205
£
i
INDEX
In tro d u ced  by SEN. SHERWIN T. GATCHALIAN
AN ACT
PROVIDING FOR THE ALTERNATIVE LEARNING SYSTEM OF EDUCATION FOR 
ADULTS, OUT-OF-SCHOOL YOUTH, MEMBERS OF CULTURAL MINORITIES, 
INDIGENOUS PEOPLE, AND PERSONS WITH DISABILITIES
EXPLANATORY NOTE
Education has consistently been one of the focal agenda of the Philippine 
government from the past adm inistrations to the present, believing th at in 
strengthening 
the 
role 
of 
education, 
national 
development 
and 
global 
com petitiveness will be accelerated. Despite the concerted effort, UNESCO reports 
that the Philippines is still lagging behind their target in its initiative of Education 
For All (EFA), a goal which it has set in its com m itm ent to achieve the 2015 
Millennium Development Goal.
This bill envisions to promote non-form al education in the m ost convenient 
way. Its vision is to bring the ALS Program to every barangay . . . thereby “bringing 
education where the learners are. "A transcript of its presentation goes on to describe 
the program  as “ati enabling factor, releasing people's capacities, rather than giving 
deprived individuals what they do not h at’e .” Although the concept is not altogether 
new, this legislation seeks to institutionalize the program  and the support for 
national governm ent funding in its integration into the system.
Section 2(4), Article XIV of the 1987 Constitution provides that: “The State 
shall encourage non-formal, informal and, indigenous learning systems, as well as