bettergovph/raw-philippine-data huggingface dataset:
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SEVENTEENTH CONGRESS OF THE 
)
REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES 
)
First Regular Session 
)
*16 JUL 19 P5:04
in:('I ;v. 
'’V:
SENATE
S. No.
573
Introduced by Senator Antonio “Sonny” F. Trillanes IV
AN ACT
PROVIDING FOR A MAGNA CARTA OF GOVERNMENT ACCOUNTANTS
EXPLANATORY NOTE
Government accountants play a vital role in the daily operation of the National Government 
such as monitoring of programs and projects, budget control, economic analysis, policy 
formulation, decision-making, and spotting possible areas for anomalies. Performing the 
aforementioned functions and ensuring proper control on expenses and use of the 
government's resources however requires our accountants to render services beyond office 
hours.
Moreover, their profession exposes them to stress brought about by deadlines and pressures 
as well as the responsibilities that rests on their shoulders. This bill seeks to improve and 
promote the social and economic status of our government accountants as well as their living 
and working conditions, terms of employment, professional growth, and career advancement.
Further, the proposed measure seeks to provide government accountants additional 
compensation and incentives such as subsistence allowance, longevity pay, and compensation 
for injuries.
In view of the foregoing, immediate approval of this bill is earnestly sought.
ANTONIO " ^ N N ^  F. TF^JLLANES IV
'  
Senator
SEVENTEENTH CONGRESS OF THE ) 
REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES 
)
First Regular Session 
)
^  i^ lf ir i o f  llii- 
-i rr
1 ; l . i ’ j
■16 
AUG- 2  
P 2 : 1 6
S E N A T £ „- 
S. No. 
9 7 0
R 
‘
f’ Y:
Introduced by Senator Richard “ D ick” J. G ordon
AN ACT
AMENDING REPUBLIC ACT NO. 7719, AN ACT PROMOTING VOLUNTARY BLOOD 
DONATION, PROVIDING FOR AN ADEQUATE SUPPLY OF SAFE BLOOD, 
REGULATING BLOOD BANKS, AND PROVIDING PENALTIES FOR VIOLATION 
THEREOF, OTHERWISE KNOWN AS THE NATIONAL BLOOD SERVICES ACT OF
1994, AND FOR OTHER PURPOSES.
EXPLANATORY NOTE
Blood donation is a vocation, not a business. The motivation to donate blood 
must be to save life, not to gain profit. 
According to the World Health Organization 
(WHO), blood transfusions are needed not only in areas of disasters and armed 
conflicts, but also in peaceful communities, where illnesses and accidents can land 
people in hospital rooms. Based on WHO data, an average of 112.5 million blood 
donations are conducted worldwide annually, but collection and supply are not the only 
problems in blood donation.
In the Philippines, it is estimated that almost 3,000 blood units are transfused to 
patients in our country every day. DOH and authorized LGU and private hospital blood 
service facilities supply the blood needs of hospitals and non-hospital-based facilities 
like renal dialysis ceinters and birthing homes, while the Philippine Red Cross (PRC) 
supplies 51% percent of the country’s national blood requirements.
However, while DOH and PRC supply blood to the patients, many private 
medical facilities charge additional "re-testing fees” to donated blood before they 
perform blood transfusion. Worse, they reject the blood from authorized blood service 
facilities. 
In private hospitals, the charges may even depend on the type of room in 
which one is confined. Blood transfusion becomes a transactional enterprise rather than 
a transformational event. The supposedly valiant act of saving life is rendered illusory. 
The patient who is in dire need of blood supply due to a hemorrhagic emergency is left 
prey to the profit-making ventures of some enterprising hospitals.
Blood is essentially free. All blood comes from voluntary and unpaid donors. 
Blood service fees are charged to recover the expenses of blood service facilities in 
their 24-hour operation, including the cost of the reagents. Since it is donated, it should 
be affordable and should not be a source of profit. 
It must be readily available to 
everyone who will need it, especially the poor.
Blood saves lives. Every blood donation spells the difference between life and 
death. This bill prevents endangering the cultur^joTsh^ing life.
OCHARD “ DICK” J. GORDON
Senator
■' ,:Q. 
•/ *' ** '-sr
'W l? * ' 'P illf  t  flf th r
•■'.I'll
SEVENTEENTH CONGRESS OF THE ) 
REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES 
) 
First Regular Session 
)
’16 
.n.lL 19 
P / : 4 5
S. No.
SENATE
544
i U  ■ T
■’Y:
Introduced by Senator Antonio “Sonny” F. Trillanes IV
AN ACT
PROHIBITING THE IMPORTATION AND EXPORTATION OF STALACTITES AND 
STALAGMITES, AMENDING FOR THIS PURPOSE REPUBLIC ACT NUMBERED 
9072, 
OTHERWISE 
KNOWN 
AS 
THE 
NATIONAL 
CAVE 
RESOURCES 
MANAGEMENT AND PROTECTION ACT
EXPLANATORY NOTE
The Philippines is one of the countries known for its rich natural resources. The country's caves 
specifically set us apart from other places because of its exceptional resources such as the so- 
called dripstones. A dripstone is a collective term for stalagmites and stalactites - a kind of a 
precious mineral which takes hundreds of years to fonn.
Unfortunately, recent news showed that some of these stalagmites and stalactites, which should 
remain inside the confines of a cave, are now being sold in the country. This immediately called 
the attention of environmental advocates and the general public who witnessed the alarming 
scenario.
Republic Act No. 9072, otherwise known as the "National Cave Resources Management and 
Protection Act", has been put forward in 2001 to protect and conserve these resources. However, 
this law does not have a provision regarding the importation and exportation of the country's 
cave resources.
This bill seeks to amend R.A. 9072 by adding a subsection on prohibiting the exportation and/or 
the importation of stalagmites and stalactites. This bill recognizes the importance of the country's 
cave resources and deems it important to put the import and/or export of the same into a halt 
before it turns into a large-scale basis.
In view of the foregoing, the immediate passage of this measure is earnestly sought.
ANTONT9 “SONNY^ F. TRILLANES
/  
Senator
SEVENTEENTH CONGRESS OF THE REPUBLIC 
OF THE PHILIPPINES
First Regular Session
,,6 
JUL 26 fl 8 58
S E N A T E
Introduced by Senator Poe
AN ACT
GRANTING SENIOR CITIZENS A MINIMUM OF FIVE PERCENT (5%) DISCOUNT ON THE 
FIRST 150 KILOWATT HOURS OF ELECTRICITY CONSUMPTION AND ON THE FIRST 50 
CUBIC METERS OF WATER CONSUMPTION, AND EXEMPTION FROM THE VALUE- 
ADDED TAX (VAT), AMENDING FOR THIS PURPOSE REPUBLIC ACT NO. 9994, 
OTHERWISE KNOWN AS THE EXPANDED SENIOR CITIZENS’ ACT OF 2010
Explanatory Note
Article II of the 1987 Philippine Constitution is replete with strong provisions on social 
justice and fair treatment of citizens:
• 
Section 5. The maintenance of peace and order, the protection of life, liberty, and property, 
and promotion of the general welfare are essential for the enjoyment by all the people of the 
blessings of democracy;
• 
Section 9. The State shall promote a just and dynamic social order that will ensure the 
prosperity and independence of the nation and free the people from poverty through policies 
that provide adequate social services, promote full employment, a rising standard of living, 
and an improved quality of life for all;
• 
Section 10. The State shall promote social justice in all phases of national development; and
• 
Section 11. The State values the dignity of every human person and guarantees full respect 
for human rights.
In the case of senior citizens, the above-listed constitutional principles are embodied in 
Republic Act No. 9994, othenvise known as the "ExpandedSenior Citizens Act of 2010”. R.A. 9994
SEVENTEENTH CONGRESS 
REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES
First Regular Session
)
S E N A T E  
S. B. No. 
4 0 7
SpriMtv*
ii‘ Itjk
■16 JUL 18 P6 :24
: i \  ).i> jJY;
In tro d u ced  by SENATOR LOREN LEGARDA
AN 
ACT 
ENSURING 
EQUALITY 
BETWEEN 
SPOUSES 
IN 
THE 
CLAIMING 
OF 
ADDITIONAL 
EXEMPTION 
FOR 
QUALIFIED 
DEPENDENT CHILDREN, AMENDING FOR THE PURPOSE SECTIONS 
79(F)(1) AND 79(F)(2) OF REPUBLIC ACT NO. 8424, OTHERWISE 
KNOWN AS THE TAX REFORM ACT OF 1997
Explanatory Note
With 40% of wage and salary workers being women and 78% of the 
estim ated 8.3 million working women in full-time occupations, the 
participation of women in the country’s labor force is now significant. 
Unfortunately, the current National Internal Revenue Code of 1997 has 
yet to m irror this reality since it designates autom atically the husband as 
head of the family and as proper claim ant of additional exemption for 
qualified dependent children unless he explicitly issues a waiver in favor 
of his wife.
This m easure proposes to am end sections 79(F)(1) and 79(F)(2) of the Tax 
Reform Act of 1997 by removing the autom atic designation of husbands 
as head of the family and as proper claim ant of the additional exemption 
for qualified dependent children. It proposes th at either spouse may 
claim the additional exemption on condition th at the spouse of the 
claim ant explicitly issues a waiver foregoing the tax benefit in favor of the 
claim ant.
In view of the foregoing, passage of the bill is earnestly requested.
SEVENTEENTH CONGRESS OF THE 
]
REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES 
]
First Regular Session 
]
SENATE
S.B. No. 
9 8 6
'16 
AUG “ 8 P ] 32
in (
: «pV: y
In tro d u ced  by SEN. WIN GATCHALIAN
AN ACT ABOLISHING THE ROAD BOARD AND TRANSFERRING ITS POWERS 
AND FUNCTIONS TO THE DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC AND WORKS AND 
HIGHWAYS TO THE DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION, AMENDING FOR 
THE PURPOSE REPUBLIC ACT NO. 8794, OTHERWISE KNOWN AS THE 
MOTOR VEHICLES USER’S CHARGE
EXPLANATORY NOTE
In 
his 
latest 
SONA 
address, 
the 
President 
said 
th at 
“there 
is 
always room for heroism and people need to make, more sacrifices if they 
want lasting change". As our country continues to forge onward even on 
an uphill, we are guided by a leader who believes in the goodness of each 
one of us. The system  th at he has inherited is plagued by a bureaucracy 
that continues to be tainted uath corrupt practices and vested interests. 
And 
yet, 
despite 
indicted 
officials 
and 
stern 
w arnings, 
abusive 
government employees continue unabated with their practices. By these, there is 
w astage 
on 
time 
and 
resources 
which 
our 
country 
is 
scrim ping 
to 
save on so th at people in far-flung barangays and every Filipino m ay feel 
the trickle-down effect of a growing economy.
The 
th ru st 
of 
our 
government 
is 
to 
scrap 
non-essential, and 
redundant 
program s 
and 
services 
for 
re-allocation 
to 
m uch-needed 
infrastructure 
projects 
and 
for 
augm entation 
of 
the 
health 
and 
social 
services program  of the President th at will benefit our people, for an “all-inclusive
,9lUrt (if 
i I iii i
SEVENTEENTH CONGRESS OF THE ) 
REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES ) 
First Regular Session 
)
■t
-'16 
,IUL 19 
P 2  :f)8
SENATE
s.No. 507
Introduced by Senator Antonio uSonny” F. Trillanes IV
AN ACT
INTEGRATING ALL THE NATIONAL, PROVINCIAL, SUB-PROVINCIAL, CITY, 
AND MUNICIPAL JAILS, PLACING FOR THE PURPOSE THE BUREAU OF 
CORRECTIONS, PROVINCIAL/SUB-PROVINCIAL JAILS AND THE BUREAU OF 
JAIL MANAGEMENT AND PENOLOGY UNDER A NEW BUREAU TO BE 
CALLED THE BUREAU OF CORRECTIONAL SERVICES, APPROPRIATING 
FUNDS THEREFOR AND FOR OTHER PURPOSES
EXPLANATORY NOTE
Article III, Section 19 of the Constitution provides for the proper protection of any prisoner 
or detainee against the employment of physical, psychological, or degrading punishment or 
the use of substandard and inadequate penal facilities under subhuman conditions. Towards 
this end, professionalism in the rehabilitation and treatment of prisoners, as well as other 
problems faced by local jails and national prisons, should be sufficiently dealt with.
Throughout the country, the problem of congestion in jail facilities consequently causes jail 
disturbance, escapes, substandard living conditions, poor sanitation and hygiene-related 
diseases as the number of inmates in jails continue to increase. For this reason, an integrated 
prison and jail system is considered necessary to improve correctional services and solve the 
jail congestion problem nationwide.
This proposed bill gives way to an integrated prison and jail system that particularly aims to:
1.
2.
3.
Enhance coordination and harmonious relationship among personnel of the national, 
provincial, sub-provincial, district, city, and municipal jails;
Avoid fraternization between jail personnel and prisoners through reshuffling of 
personnel from one jail to another; and
Immediately respond to the logistical needs of each jail by easily adjusting the 
expenses of every jail depending upon the number of its prisoner at a given time.
This bill further seeks to improve the existing penal system in the Philippines by abolishing 
the Bureau of Corrections, Bureau of Jail Management and Penology, and the provincial jail 
services being maintained by the provincial governments. In lieu thereof, a coordinated, 
highly-efficient and competent corrections bureau, to be known as the Bureau of Correctional 
Services, will be established.
This bureau will be responsible for the proper custody and rehabilitation of the inmates in the 
national prisons, as well as in the provincial, sub-provincial, district, city, and municipal jails 
in the country.
SEVENTEENTH CONGRESS OF THE 
)
REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES 
)
First Regular Session 
)
ii 
‘
»filfire rf tl',
'16 
AUG-1  
P I  :48
SENATE
S B. No. 
952
Ui ;
.f
Introduced by Senator SONNY ANGARA
AN ACT
CREATING THE DEPARTMENT OF HOUSING AND URBAN DEVELOPMENT (DHUD), 
DEFINING ITS MANDATES, POWERS, AND FUNCTIONS, PROVIDING FUNDS THEREFOR
AND FOR OTHER PURPOSES
EXPLANATORY NOTE
The National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA) reported that the Filipino 
aspires a “simple and comfortable lifestyle” based from its nationwide Ambisyon 2040 survey, 
where the results of the same are to be used as a guide for policy and development planning. 
This way of life is illustrated by having enough financial resources in times of need and for their 
children’s future and, most importantly, a home where their families are able to live together.
However, this dream is far from turning into reality as the current housing backlog stands 
at 3.9 million. This alarming housing gap is projected to persist and to swell to approximately 6.5 
million houses by 2030, even if an average of 200,000 housing units is produced annually from 
2012 to 2030. Further, the issue is exacerbated by the rapid urbanization rate in the Philippines 
that strains resources and, in effect, drags the implementation of urban planning and 
development policies with almost half of all Filipinos living in urban areas as of 2010.
The main objective of this measure which seeks to establish a Department of Housing 
and Urban Planning that operationalizes the Constitutional mandate of creating a continuing 
urban land reform and housing program, in cooperation with the private sector, to deliver 
affordable, yet decent housing. It is proper that an integrated approach is executed by all Key 
Shelter Agencies of the government to effectively create and to seamlessly implement a 
national housing program, noting that the total need for new housing is set at 6.2 million units by 
2030, with 345,941 housing units needed every year.
In view of the objective of this measure, an immediate passage of this measure is 
earnestly sought.
SONNY ANGARA
SEVENTEENTH CONGRESS OF THE REPUBLIC} 
OF THE PHILIPPINES 
}
First Regular Session 
}
S E N A T E  
Senate Bill No. 
40
(^. RKElVEi)%'?\
w ~ 
JUN 3 0 ?0ir'fi|
BILLS
Introduced by SENATOR LACSON
EXPLANATORY NOTE
The State recognizes the importance of budget reform measures for local 
government units (LGUs) to fully exercise their local autonomy in pursuit of 
robust development, sustained growth and good governance at the local level.
The State likewise underlines the policy for fiscal decentralization, as 
stated in Section 2(a), Chapter I, Title I of The Local Government Code, to wit:
“It is hereby declared the policy of the State that the 
territorial and political subdivisions of the State shall enjoy genuine 
and meaningful local autonomy to enable them to attain their fullest 
development as self-reliant communities and make them more 
effective partners in the attainment of national goals. Toward this 
end, the State shall provide for a more responsive and accountable 
local government structure instituted through a system of 
decentralization whereby local government units shall be given 
more powers, authority, responsibilities, and resources. The process 
of decentralization shall proceed from the national government to 
the local government units.”
Thus, it is clear that the National Government shares its political- 
administrative authority with different local political subdivisions. Moreover, 
to emphasize the importance of LGUs' role in nation building, the National 
Government devolved some important governmental functions to the local 
level, i.e. environment, public health, infrastructure, among others.
While LGUs are equal partners of the National Government in 
promoting the welfare and well-being of the people, there are existing gaps that 
need to be addressed, among which is the measly sum of LGU share in the 
National Budget. For Fiscal Year 2014 General Appropriations Act (GAA) 
enacted through Republic Act 10633, LGU shares, through the Allocation to 
Local Government Units, Internal Revenue Allotment and Bottom-Up 
Budgeting, amount to only P381.1 billion. This translates to a mere 16.8% of 
the P2.26 trillion national budget.
Noteworthy is the fact that some, if not all, of these National 
Government Agencies with huge annual appropriations have been remiss in 
their responsibilities of delivering basic services and contributing to national 
development due to massive underspending to the detriment of the Filipino 
people. In 2014 alone, unused appropriations of all 34 national departments and 
agencies amount to a staggering P310,094,397. This is 26.15% of the total 
PI, 186,029,690 regular budget for FY 2014.
SEVENTEENTH CONGRESS OF THE 
REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES
First Regular Session
SENATE
S. No.
67
S DATE:
,t0  TIME:
BILLS
Introduced by Senator Ralph G. Reeto
AN ACT
ADJUSTING THE LEVELS OF NET TAXABLE INCOME AND NOMINAL TAX RATES 
FOR PURPOSES OF COMPUTING THE INDIVIDUAL INCOME TAX, AMENDING 
SECTION 24(A)(2) OF THE NATIONAL INTERNAL REVENUE CODE OF 1997, AS 
AMENDED, AND FOR OTHER PURPOSES
Explanatory Note
The steady inerease in the prices of consumer goods and services in the country over the years 
hinders most Filipinos in meeting the demands of daily living. In fact, the rate of inflation of all 
commodity groups as measured by the Consumer Price Index from 1998 to May 2016 has more than 
doubled at 110%, that is, a basket of goods worth PI 00 in 1998 already costs P210 in 2016. This rise 
in commodity prices has undoubtedly weakened the purchasing power of our people’s hard-earned 
money.
Income-earning individuals 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 of the National Internal Revenue Code of 1997, as 
amended, by adjusting the levels of net taxable income and nominal tax rates for purposes of computing 
the individual income tax, based on 2016 prices.
The adjustments come nineteen years after the amendments were last introduced in 1997 and 
saw the Consumer Price Index moving upward in steady fashion. Sans 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 than they should 
have.
This “braeket 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.
This bill also proposes to automatically index the net taxable income levels and nominal tax 
rates to inflation every six years without need for legislative action. This would perpetuate equity in 
the tax system and help ensure that the tax system treats people the same way from year to year.
It is high time that we enable disposable income to be at par with the increasing commodity 
prices. These proposals would not only address financial difficulties and provide for a better standard 
of living to our citizens but will also stimulate economic activity through increased spending and 
consumption.
In view of the foregoing, immediate approval of this bill is earnestly sought.
/ejcv
ILPH 0 .
SEVENTEENTH CONGRESS OF THE 
REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES
First Regular Session
T
)
)
)
*16
SENATE
l O ' t
No. 944
*16 
/\UG -1  
p r - 4 l
ri:V;
Introduced by Senator SONNY ANGARA
AN ACT
DECLARING PAG-ASA ISLAND CLUSTER IN THE MUNICIPALITY OF KALAYAAN, 
PROVINCE OF PALAWAN AS AN ECOTOURISM DESTINATION AND PROTECTED AREA, 
PROVIDING FUNDS THEREFOR, AND FOR OTHER PURPOSES
EXPLANATORY NOTE
This bill seeks to declare the Pag-asa island and its adjoining islands of Parola, Kota and 
Panata, collectively referred to as the Pag-asa Island Cluster in the Municipality of Kalayaan, in 
the province of Palawan which sit well within the territory of the Republic of the Philippines, as a 
special ecological tourism zone to promote and develop the Pag-asa Island Cluster as a tourist 
destination for domestic and international tourists while protecting its natural resources and 
diverse flora and fauna species. In addition, it also seeks to declare the islands of Parola, Kota 
and Panata as protected area under the National Integrated Protected Areas System (NIPAS).
The Pag-asa island, located 480 kilometers off southwestern Palawan, is the largest that 
is effectively occupied by the Philippines, and the second largest island in the whole of Kalayaan 
Island Group (Spratlys) in the West Philippine Sea. It is the only Philippine-occupied island in the 
Spratlys that is inhabited by civilians. With its impeccable beauty, the island Is an ideal tourist 
destination. However, Kalayaan Mayor Eugenio Bito-onon Jr., who has been leading the far-flung 
island for six years, still dreams to turn the Pag-asa Island Cluster to a tourist destination and 
fisheries zone.1
The rich biodiversity and truly Filipino heritage of the island truly reflects the beauty of a 
paradise that our country should be proud of.
This proposed measure seeks to provide the necessary support to such efforts of the 
municipal government of Kalayaan by declaring it an ecological tourism area. By this, there shall 
be created the Pag-asa Island Ecotourism Cluster Governing Board which shall be composed of 
the Governor of Palawan as Chairperson, the Congressional Representative of the First District 
of Palawan as Co-Chairperson, the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) 
Regional Executive Director for Region IV-B as Vice Chairperson, the Department of Tourism 
(DOT) Regional Director for Region IV-B as Co-Vice Chairperson, the Mayor of the Municipality 
of Kalayaan, the Barangay Chairperson of Pag-asa, the commander of the AFP Western 
Command, a member of a nongovernment organization whose advocacy is environmental 
preservation, a member of the academe, a 
representative of the business sector, and a 
representative of the private sector. This Board shall rationalize all efforts pertaining to 
environmental protection and making the tourism industry a major source of livelihood and an 
avenue for the generation of employment.
1 Available at: http://globalnation.inquirer.net/119101/pag-asa-island-come-hell-or-high-water-this-is-ours
SEVENTEENTH CONGRESS OF THE REPUBLIC 
)
OF THE PHILIPPINES 
)
First Regular Session 
)
(§lfir» of ll)e.£Ji irtp liry
'16 
JUL 20 
P 3:29
SENATE^«p
S.B. No.
ny.
Introduced by: Senator Paolo Benigno "Bam " A. Aquino IV
AN ACT
STRENGTHENING AND SECURING THE RIGHTS OF THE URBAN POOR AGAINST EVICTIONS 
AND/OR DEMOLITIONS AND TO PROVIDE ADEQUATE HOUSING AMENDING FOR THIS 
PURPOSE REPUBLIC ACT NO. 7279 OTHERWISE KNOWN AS "AN ACT TO PROVIDE FOR A 
COMPREHENSIVE AND CONTINUING URBAN DEVELOPMENT AND HOUSING PROGRAM, 
ESTABLISH THE MECHANISM FOR ITS IMPLEMENTATION, AND FOR OTHER PURPOSES" OR 
THE "URBAN DEVELOPMENT AND HOUSING ACT OF 1992"
EXPLANATORY NOTE
One of the key issues hounding the urban poor is that of housing and relocation. 
According to the Philippine Development Plan for 2010 to 2016, the country's total housing 
need, including "backlog" and "housing for new households," is estimated to reach around 
5.9 million units by 2016. Informal settlements have increased by more than 22% (or 1.2 
million) between 2003 and 2009. Meanwhile, other data show that the Philippines' annual 
expenditure for housing accounts for less than 0.1 of the country's gross domestic product 
(GDP)—the lowest figure in Asia.
Clearly, much more needs to be done for the country's urban poor. To provide 
security of shelter is an urgent first step.
No less than the Philippine Constitution provides for the protection of the 
marginalized, the powerless, and the oppressed citizens of this country against any violent 
eviction and/or demolition. It likewise mandates the provision of decent public housing at 
affordable costs, coupled with basic services and livelihood opportunities. Section 10, Article 
XIII of the Constitution states that "urban or rural poor dwellers shall not be evicted nor 
their dwelling demolished, except in accordance with law and in a just and humane 
manner."
To carry out this constitutional mandate. Republic Act (RA) No. 7279 or the Urban 
Development and Housing Act was enacted to, among others, "uplift the conditions of the 
underprivileged and homeless citizens in urban areas and in resettlement areas" and 
"provide for an equitable land tenure system that shall guarantee security of tenure to 
Program beneficiaries." However, recent incidences of violent evictions and demolitions 
show the gaps of the current law, requiring the review and amendment of the law.
l o
SEVENTEENTH CONGRESS OF THE
REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES
First Regular Session
)
SENATE
s.No. 271
[S DATE:
\tA  TIME: 
BY:
.B IL L S
Introduced by Senator Ralph G. Recto
AN ACT
EXTENDING THE VALIDITY PERIOD OF A DRIVER’S LICENSE, AMENDING FOR 
THE PURPOSE SECTION 23 OF REPUBLIC ACT NO. 4136, AS AMENDED BY 
BATAS 
PAMBANSA 
BLG. 
398, 
OTHERWISE 
KNOWN 
AS 
THE 
“LAND 
TRANSPORTATION AND TRAFFIC CODE”
Explanatory Note
The Land Transportation Office (LTO) is the lead government agency mandated to 
implement and enforce all land transportation laws, rules and regulations including, among others, the 
registration of motor vehicles and the issuance of permits and licenses to motor vehicle drivers. Under 
current laws and agency rules and regulations, all driver’s licenses (non-professional and 
professional) are valid for three (3) consecutive years reckoned from the birthdate of the 
licensee, unless sooner revoked or suspended. However, if any holder of a professional or non­
professional driver’s license has not committed any violation during the three (3) year period, the 
said holder shall be entitled to a renewal of such license for a five (5) year period.1
, It is quite unfortunate that for more than a year now, the LTO has been plagued with a 
myriad of complaints from motor vehicle owners and drivers regarding its apparent inability to 
issue both vehicle license plates and driver’s license cards within a reasonable period of time. 
To address the shortage of driver’s license cards, the LTO is currently issuing validated stamped 
receipts that serve as a provisional driver’s license.
«
The shortage of LTO license cards started in 2013 after the Commission on Audit 
disallowed payments to a previous supplier, Amalgamated Motors Philippines, Inc. for lack of a 
valid contract. Thereafter, a new supplier (Allcard Plastics Philippines, Inc.) won the bidding for 
the right to supply LTO license cards for P336.8 million. However, just a few months after 
awarding the contract to Allcard, a Manila Regional Trial Court (RTC) issued a writ of 
preliminaiy injunction against LTO ordering the latter to refrain from paying Allcard under the 
terms of the driver’s license supply contract. The Manila RTC was of the view that there was no 
approved budget for the project denominated by the Department of Transportation and 
Communication (DOTC) as procurement of driver’s license cards. For fear that the company 
might not get paid under the supply contract. Allcard stopped supplying LTO with license cards 
resulting in a backlog in the issuance of license cards to millions of motorists2.
Republic Act No. 4136, as amended by B.P. Big. 398. Land Transportation Office Administrative Order No. AVT 
-2015-031.
2 “LTO exec fears delayed issuance of driver’s license cards.” Dated October 20, 2015.
http://www.phi lstar.com ;8080/headlines/2015/10/30/1516361 /Ito-exec-fears -delay ed-issuance-dri vers-license-cards
SEVENTEENTH CONGRESS OF THE REPUBLIC 
)
OF THE PHILIPPINES 
)
First Regular Session 
)
'■ 'ipilife of if.!' i 
■: (■; I,,
’16 MJG-1 P5;40
SENAT, 
S.B. No.
Sg6
Introduced by: Senator Paolo Benigno "Bam " A. Aquino IV
AN ACT
DECLARING FILIPINO SIGN LANGUAGE AS THE NATIONAL SIGN LANGUAGE OF THE 
FILIPINO DEAF AND THE OFFICIAL LANGUAGE OF GOVERNMENT IN ALL TRANSACTIONS 
INVOLVING THE DEAF, AND MANDATING ITS USE IN SCHOOLS, BROADCAST MEDIA, AND
WORKPLACES
EXPLANATORY NOTE
Have you ever had a dream where you were screaming for help and nobody could 
hear you?
For the over half a million members1 of the Filipino deaf community, this nightmare 
is their daily reality. Many deaf individuals are largely isolated from society, with very limited 
access to public information, and few communication channels where they are wholly 
understood.
To this day, much of Philippine society remains to have little knowledge and 
understanding of the needs of the deaf community. Many teachers and interpreters have 
been well-trained in Filipino Sign Language and have excellent signing skills, being able to 
express ideas to deaf persons. On the other hand, FSL interpreters’ receptive skills are less 
developed, leaving the deaf community unable to be fully understood (National Sign 
Language Committee Report, 2004).
To build a safer and more inclusive society for the Filipino deaf community, 
government, civil society, academe, and the private sector must work together to give deaf 
individuals access to communication, information, and tools that are necessary to lead 
productive lives. Thus, this representation appeals for the urgent passage of the Filipino Sign
1 Based on 2009 estimated by the National Statistical Office (NSO), sourced from a presentation by 
the Gualandi Volunteer Service Programme, Inc., February 2014.
SEVENTEENTH CONGRESS OF THE ) 
REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES 
)
First Regular Session 
)
S E N A T E
S.B. No. 
3 0
BILLS & INpEX
Introduced by Sen. Juan Miguel F. Zubiri
AN ACT
PROVIDING FOR LOCAL ABSENTEE VOTING FOR PERSONS WITH 
DISABILITIES AND SENIOR CITIZENS
EXPLANATORY NOTE
The democratic principle requires the broadest participation in electoral and similar 
exercises by persons who have all the qualifications and none of the disqualifications 
to vote.1 Towards this end, laws have been enacted to ensure equal opportunity to all 
qualified citizens of the Philippines in the exercise of this fundamental right.
By virtue of Republic Act No. 7166, government officials and employees and members 
of the Armed Forces of the Philippines and the Philippine National Police are permitted 
to vote in places where they are not registered voters but where they are temporarily 
assigned to perform election duties on election day. Through the enactment of 
Republic Act No. 10380, the same exemption is extended to members of the media, 
media practitioners, including the technical and support staff who may not be able to 
vote on election day due to the performance of their functions in covering and 
reporting on the elections.
Government efforts to encourage participation in the electoral processes have also 
been directed to vulnerable sectors such as Persons with Disabilities (PWDs) and 
Senior Citizens (SCs). Republic Act No. 10366, for example, mandates the provision of 
accessible polling places exclusively for PWDs and SCs. However, despite such efforts, 
these vulnerable sectors continue to encounter difficulties as they try to exercise this 
right. The inaccessibility of registration centers and voting precincts is only one of the 
many impediments that make the process more challenging for members of these 
sectors. Mobility problems, which are prevalent in both PWDs and SCs, remain to be 
one of the reasons why some fail to participate in electoral processes.
According to a report from the COMELEC Elections and Barangay Affairs Department 
dated 13 January 2016, there has been a 14% decrease in the number of registered 
voters with disabilities, from a recorded 339,144 in 2013, to a total of 292,908 in 
2016. The report further states that out of the total number of registered voters with 
disabilities, 50,997 or almost 20% are PWD voters suffering from physical disabilities.2
1 Executive Order 157, s. 19B7.
2 "Fewer registered PWD voters for 2016 elections," last modified February 16, 2016, 
http.7/www.philstar.com/headlines/2016/02/16/1553628/fewer-registered-pwd-voters-2016-elections.
SEVENTEENTH CONGRESS OF THE ) 
REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES 
)
First Regular Session 
)
S E N A T E  
S. B. No. 
81
BILLS A
Introduced by Senator FRANCIS G. ESCUDERO
AN ACT
ALLOWING ONE PERSON CORPORATIONS, AMENDING FOR THE PURPOSE 
PERTINENT PROVISIONS OF BATAS PAMBANSA BLG. 68 OR THE 
CORPORATION CODE OF THE PHILIPPINES, AS AMENDED
EXPLANATORY NOTE
The Constitution provides that the State shall encourage private enterprise and 
provide incentives to needed investments in recognition of the private sectors' 
indispensable role.1
Consequently, to realize this State policy, it is proposed that a more viable, 
efficient and doable means of incorporation needs to be institutionalized. More 
specifically, a law that shall allow the creation and recognition of a single person 
corporation as a juridical entity vested with the same powers, purposes and 
prerogatives as that of the current legal fiction with the mandatory "not less than five 
but not more than fifteen" incorporators.
A one-person corporation has gained popvdarity worldwide as a business vehicle 
given its advantages in terms c^f liability. Compared to a sole proprietorship, which is 
presently the only legal option available for a one-individual owned business entity, a 
one-person corporation liability is limited to the properties you infused in the 
corporation.
Hence, this proposal is submitted for consideration.
FRANCIS G. ESCUDERO
Section 20, Article II.
1 ”
SEVENTEENTH CONGRESS OF THE REPUBLIC 
)
OF THE PHILIPPINES 
)
First Regular Session 
)
of UiE^S'rrrrt.ir y
■'6 JUL20 P4 '46
SENATE
S.B. No. 
709
R F C: F t \ 
; 1 ‘ T^Y; ^
Introduced by: Senator Paolo Benigno "Bam " A. Aquino IV
AN ACT PROMOTING THE MAINSTREAM USE OF ELECTRIC, HYBRID AND OTHER 
ALTERNATIVE FUEL VEHICLES AND FOR OTHER PURPOSES
Explanatory Note
In a country that ranks among the world's Top 10 most vulnerable countries to 
climage change1, it is important to mainstream programs that mitigate climate change risks 
while incentivizing climate change adaptation among the private sector, communities, and 
individuals.
The use of electric, hybrid, and other alternative fuel vehicles (AFVs) among 
individuals and organizations presents such an opportunity. At present, the Department of 
Energy (DOE) aims to put 100,000 electric tricycles on the road by 2017, while the Electric 
Vehicles Association of the Philippines (EVAP) hopes to mainstream 1 million electric 
vehicles by 2020.
In a study released by international consulting firm Grant Thornton in 2012, "Asia is 
currently the largest market for hybirds/electrics (56%)."2 Further: "The trend toward 
alternative fuels is visible in global sales of hybrid electric vehicles (HEVs) and battery 
electric vehicles (BEVs), projected to reach 5.4 million vehicles by 2021 (more than 6% of the 
automotive market), up from 810,000 vehicles in 2010 (approximately 2% of market 
share)."3
The same report states that, "Around a quarter of global companies (24%) have 
introduced or are considering vehicles that run on alternative fuels for their businesses... 
Companies in the ASEAN region (31%) were most likely to use or consider alternative-fuel 
vehicles."4
Romero, Phi among world's top 10 most vulnerable to climate change." www.Philstar.com. Last accessed 
on February 26, 2014: http://www.philstar.eom/headlines/2013/10/30/1251165/phl-among-worlds-top-10- 
most-vulnerable-climate-change
Grant Thornton, "Greener fleets: Companies consider alternative-fuel vehicles", 2012.
3 Ibid.
4 Ibid.
SEVENTEENTH CONGRESS OF THE 
)
REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES 
)
First Regular Session 
)
S. No,
SENATE
829
f  
, 
V ''
t S i f u *  o f
*16
JUL21 
P 2 -55
V
l U
'
Introduced by Senator Ralph G. Recto
AN ACT
PROHIBITING NATIONAL GOVERNMENT AGENCIES FROM REQUIRING THE 
SUBMISSION OF A PHILIPPINE STATISTICS AUTHORITY CERTIFIED BIRTH 
CERTIFICATE ISSUED WITHIN THE PAST SIX (6) MONTHS
Explanatory Note
The birth certificate is one of the most highly requested civil registry documents. This is 
because the birth certificate is one of the documentary requirements for employment, educational 
financial assistance, social security benefits, and for securing a number of vital government- 
issued documents and identification such as a passport or driver’s license.
Birth certificates certified by the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) are printed in 
security paper (SECPA). Each copy costs PI40 while the cost including delivery of the birth 
certificate printed on SECPA is P315 per copy.1 The SECPA over the years have changed in 
appearance in order to keep the proliferation of fraudulent birth certificates and identities at bay. 
According to the PSA however, changes in the color of the SECPA does not remove the validity 
of the birth certificate. In spite of this, some government agencies require that applicants submit 
a birth certificate printed in the most recent version of SECPA issued within the past six months, 
thereby causing additional expenses every time an individual has to provide a birth certificate.
This bill seeks to eliminate the unnecessary expense and inconvenience on people in 
requesting for a birth certificate whenever they will have to apply from government for services 
and documents that require proof of their birth date. This bill mandates that government agencies 
requiring birth certificates for services be prohibited from compelling applicants to provide a 
birth certificate that has been requested from the PSA within the past six months.
In light of the foregoing, the approval of this bill is earnestly sought.
PHG.
'I'map
1 Philippine Statistics Authority
SEVENTEENTH CONGRESS OF THE ) 
REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES ) 
First Regular Session 
)
f V • 
pi 
^
>} i" j i - U i
'v;»
V P?:36
SENATE 
S. No.
Introduced by Senator Antonio “Sonny” F. Trillanes IV
AN ACT
ESTABLISHING AN INDEPENDENT BROADCAST SYSTEM IN THE COUNTRY, 
PROVIDING FUNDS THEREFOR, AND FOR OTHER PURPOSES
EXPLANATORY NOTE
/ —  
-------v'
The Constitution recognizes the vital role of communication and infqmiation in nation­
building. Public infonnation inevitably creates awareness of significant i<isues and can also be 
a mechanism for the transparency of policies and programs of the government if used 
effectively. Being a critical part of democracy, it can only be efficiently channeled through a 
truly independent media.
In our country, media has been undeniably dominated by commercial or privately-owned 
companies that depend on advertising to be able to sustain itself. Consequently, tbe growth 
and the independence of our journalists are encumbered by practices and schemes that are 
primarily dictated by the economic interests of their proprietors or advertisers. The existing 
public broadcast system, on the other hand, does not enjoy the trust of the people as it is 
perceived as a propaganda vehicle of the incumbent administrations and hence, is deemed 
inutile in the effective delivery of broadcasting as a public good. Thus, important concepts of 
transparency and accountability are unquestionably compromised by the situation.
Recognizing the need to assert the idea of highest journalistic standards and the preservation 
of press freedom, this bill aims to establish a public service broadcasting system which shall 
function wholly independent of the governmental and commercial influences and free from 
political or other bias or interference. Through this measure, the Public Service Broadcast 
System (PSBS) shall be independent in all matters concerning the content of its output, the 
times and manner in which this is supplied, and in the management of its affairs. Moreover, 
this bill grants fiscal autonomy to the PSBS such that appropriations for the PSBS may not be 
reduced by the Legislature below the amount appropriated for the previous year, and after 
approval shall be automatically and regularly released. Further, this bill creates a Board of 
Directors whose membership is not appointed by the President. With the aforementioned 
provisions, this measure seeks to create a healthy distance between the media and the 
potential meddling ann of the State and commercial private interests. Of twin importance is 
the measure's provision of general program standards. Broadcasters must ensure that due 
impartiality and truthfulness are observed in news and other issues of public importance.
This bill, in essence, seeks to promote high quality public service broadcasting, the free flow 
of information in the public interest, and the responsible exercise of journalism through a
SEVENTEENTH CONGRESS OF THE REPUBLIC 
) 
OF THE PHILIPPINES 
)
First Regular Session 
)
'16 JUL21 P3:15
SENATE
s.No. 841
R Krf
Introduced by Senator Ralph G. Recto
AN ACT
PROTECTING CONSUMERS FROM UNREASONABLE FEE INCREASES BY 
PROVIDING FOR A CONSUMER GROUP REPRESENTATION IN THE 
GOVERNING 
BOARDS 
OF 
GOVERNMENT 
REGULATORY 
BODIES, 
AMENDING FOR THE PURPOSE THEIR RESPECTIVE CHARTERS, AND 
FOR OTHER PURPOSES
Explanatory Note
The Philippine Statistics Authority reported in June 2016 that the annual headline 
inflation1 picked up by 1.9% from 1.2% in the same period last year. Contributing to the 
upward movement are price increases that were noted in most regions such as higlier 
markup for food products, tuition fee hikes, higher electricity rates, upward adjustments 
in selected construction materials and increments in the prices of kerosene and LPG.2
The public helplessly watch by as a succession of increases in the price of goods 
and services relentlessly devour what is left of their purchasing power. 
It is now more
expensive to travel by public transportation as fare rates are up in buses, taxis, and even 
commuter rail. Plying our toll roads had become almost unaffordable, while pump prices 
continue to fluctuate. Our phone, water and electric bills also steadily increase.
All of these unfold almost at the same time, as the Filipino consumer now turns to 
the government for relief Unfortunately, this upsurge in the cost of basic necessities had 
been approved by government regulatory bodies despite heavy opposition from the 
public.
This fact tells us that the opinion of the public, as consumers and end-users of 
products and services, do not weigli heavily on public policy when the opposite should be 
true.
No less than the Philippine Constitution mandates that public participation, in the 
interest of transparency and effective governance, shall be promoted at all levels of 
social, political, and economic decision-making.
Furthermore, it is the duty of the State to provide for mechanisms in which the 
concerned sectors can actively participate, in particular, in the regulatory affairs of 
government.
The Philippine Statistics Auhority defines “Headline Inflation” as the rate of change in the consumer price 
index, which aims to capture the changes in the cost of living based on the movements of the prices of 
items in the basket of commodities and services consumed by the typical Filipino household.
Philippine Statistics Authority. Summary Inflation Report Consumer Price Index (2006=100): June 2016.
SEVENTEENTH CONGRESS 
)
REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES 
)
First Regular Session 
)
m
J^p n n tr
<9tfirr Ilf l(;c>rrrrt.nry
*16 JUL19 A10'-2fl
S E N A T E
S.B. NO. 
433
Klf KIVKI) BY;
In tro d u ced  by SENATOR LOREN LEGARDA
AN ACT PROMOTING THE USE OF BAYBAYIN AS A TOOL FOR CULTURAL 
DEVELOPMENT OF THE PHILIPPINES, PROVIDING FOR ITS PROMOTION, 
PROTECTION, PRESERVATION AND CONSERVATION, AND FOR OTHER 
PURPOSES.
Explanatory Note
The “Baybayin” is an ancient Philippine system  of writing composed of a set of 
17 cursive characters or letters which represents either a single consonant or 
vowel or a complete syllable. To recognize our traditional writing system s which 
are objects of national im portance and considered as a National Cultural 
Treasure, the “Baybayin”, an indigenous national writing script which will be 
Tagalog-based national written language and one of the existing native written 
languages, is hereby declared collectively as the "Baybayin” National Writing 
Script of the country. Hence, it should be prom oted, protected, preserved and 
conserved for posterity for the next generation.
This bill, therefore, seeks to promote, protect, preserve and conserve the script 
through the following (a) by requiring food m anufacturers to inscribe 
“Baybayin” scripts 
and their translation on containers or labels; (b) by 
m andating the LGUs to use “Baybayin” scripts in their signage for street 
nam es, public facilities, am ong others; (c) by requiring new spaper and 
magazine publishers to include “Baybayin” translation of their official name; 
and (d) by directing the appropriate governm ent agency to dissem inate 
knowledge and inform ation about “Baybayin” script by distributing reading 
m aterials in all levels of public and private educational institutions and all 
government and private agencies and offices to instill aw areness of 
the 
declaration of “Baybayin” as the national writing system.
To give u s a glimpse of the legacies of the past th at rem ain to shape the present 
and the future of our country, passage of this bill is earnestly sought.
LOREN LEGARDA
Senator
SEVENTEENTH CONGRESS OF THE ) 
REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES 
)
First Regular Session 
)
S E N A T E
S.B. No. 965
• 1, 
I  
I i
r •: ^  (0((irt of ll;p '' 
■ f ' " y
'16 WlG-1 P1 :59
'
Introduced by Senator Francis N. Pangilinan
AN ACT PROVIDING FOR A COMPREHENSIVE NURSING LAW TOWARDS 
QUALITY HEALTH CARE SYSTEM, AND APPROPRIATING FUNDS THEREFOR
EXPLANATORY NOTE
The World 
Health 
Organization 
(WHO) 
estimated 
around 
22,000 
health 
professionals leave the Philippines annually to work abroad. It also confirmed the 
Philippines as the world’s largest exporter of nurses. As stated in an article published in 
the “International Nursing Review”, eighty five percent (85%) of Filipino nurses work 
overseas due to unemployment, low salaries, unjust working conditions, and increasing 
cost of basic commodities and services. As health professionals leave the country, the 
Philippine health system suffers. Hence, of the seventy percent (70%) of Filipinos living 
in rural areas, only ten percent (10%) benefit from the services of medical professionals.
To address this concern, this bill proposes to put in place mechanisms towards 
relevant nursing practices, just and humane working conditions, and the promotion of 
professional growth of nurses to enhance their general welfare and commitment to 
service. It further provides that the entry level of nurses working in governmental health 
institutions shall not be lower than Salary Grade 15 (SG-15). Ultimately, the goal of this 
measure is to improve the plight of the nursing profession and to promote quality health 
care for all Filipinos.
The approval of this bill is earnestly sought.
FRANC
NGILINAN