bettergovph/raw-philippine-data huggingface dataset:
14'h Congress of the Republic ) 
of the Philippines 
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1st Regular Session 
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Introduced by Senator Aquilino Q. Pimenfel, Jr. 
EXPLANATORY NOTE 
This legislative measure seeks to change the name of Shaw Boulevard in 
Mandaluyong City, where the Archbishop's Residence, Villa San Miguel is 
located, to Jaime Cardinal Sin Boulevard. 
Jaime Cardinal Sin played an important role not only in the Catholic 
Church, but also in the country's political arena. 
A native of New Washington, Aklan, Jaime Cardinal Sin, entered St. 
Vincent Ferrer Seminary, was ordained to the presbyterium and became a priest 
of the Archdiocese of Jar0 on April 3, 1954. He was appointed its auxiliary 
bishop on February 10, 1967. On March 18 of that year, he was ordained as 
bishop of the titular see of Obba. On March 15, 1972, Sin was appointed 
Coadjutor Archbishop of Jaro, taking on administrative roles in the archdiocese, 
while holding the titular see of Massa Lubrense. On October 8, 1972, Sin was 
appointed Archbishop of Jaro, taking full control of the archdiocese. 
He led the Archdiocese of Manila as its Archbishop on March 19, 1974, 
and was later made Cardinal by Pope Paul VI on May 24 of 1976. 
He was only the third native Filipino Archbishop of Manila, following 
centuries of Spanish, American and Irish episcopacy. 
During the tumultuous years of Marcos regime, Jaime Cardinal Sin led the 
Filipino people in fighting for their rights amidst oppression, and advocated the 
use of peaceful means following the Gospels' teachings, to change the political 
situation in the country. 
Jaime Cardinal Sin then became one of the prime movers of the Peoples' 
Power Movement, following the famous Edsa Revolution. 
The Filipino populace continued to be under the spiritual guidance of this 
charismatic religious leader during the Aquino, 
Ramos and Estrada 
administrations, and in the early years of the Macapagal administration. 
On June 21, 2005, Jaime Cardinal Sin died at the age of 76, leaving 
behind a legacy that will be best remembered for"ra1lying the people to defend 
their rights and liberties. 
L46i.j 
In view of the foregoing, the passage of this bill is earnestly requested. 
A Q ~ ~ L I N O  
Q. PIMENTEL, JR. 


Idh Congress of the Republic ) 
of the Philippines 
) 
1st Regular Session 
) 
Introduced by Senator Aquilino Q. Pimentel, Jr. 
AN ACT CHANGING THE NAME OF SHAW BOULEVARD, IN 
MANDALUYONG CITY, TO JAIME CARDINAL SIN BOULEVARD 
Be it enacted by the Senate and the House of Represenfafives of the 
Philippines in Congress assembled: 
SECTION 1. In recognition of the eminent and patriotic services of the 
late Jaime Cardinal Sin, the name Shaw Boulevard in Mandaluyong City is 
hereby changed to .Jaime Cardinal Sin Boulevard. 
SECTION 2. 'The Department of Public Works and i-lighways (DPWH) is 
hereby instructed to place the appropriate street names and markers along 
Jaime Cardinal Sin Boulevard. 
SECTION 3. This Act shall take effect upon approval. 
Approved,
Introduced by Senator Villar 
Explanatory Note 
In a study conducted by the Reader’s Digest Canada Magazine on common 
courtesies which checked whether residents of a city still honour and observe gratitude’, 
the City of Manila ranked number 22. The cities of New York in America, Zurich in 
Switzerland and Toronto in Canada topped the “courteous cities list.” 
The Filipinos are renowned as a people of warm hospitality and respectful of age- 
old values. This is fostered heavily in ow bayanihun spirit. 
Believing that celebrating a National Thank You Day is not simply a 
saledmarketing promotional scheme but an idea that should be ingrdned in our culture 
and should be practiced by generations and generations of Filipinos, this simple 
legislation is submitted. 
Early recognition is, thus, recommended. 
’ htt~://www.readei-sdi~est.ca/ma~2006/-O?/~olice.php, 
cited in the article “Here’s To Thank You”, 
Reggie Aspiras, Philippine Daily Inquirer, D4, October 18,2007 


FOURTEENTH CONGRESS OF THE REPUBLIC 
OF THE PHILIPPINES 
First Regular Session 
1 
Introduced by Senator Villar 
AN ACT 
CELEBRATING THE AGEOLD VALUE OF DISTINCT FILIPINO 
BA YANZ;c.vV SPIRIT, DECLARING FOR THE PURPOSE TRE 2OTH DAY OF 
OCTOBER OF EVERY YEAR AS A NATIONAL THANK YOU DAY 
Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the Philippines in 
Congress assembled: 
SECTION 1. The 20* day of October of every year is hereby declared as a 
National Thank You Day. 
The day shall be a celebration of the Filipino bayanihan spirit of respecting for 
the elders, of warm hospitality, of distinctive courtesy and a commitment that the 
Philippines takes pride of its age-old respectful values. 
SECTION2. This Act shall take effect fifteen (15) days after its conlplete 
publication in the Official Gazette or in at least two (2) newspapers of general circulation, 
whichever comes earlier. 
Approved,
FOURTEENTH CONGRESS OF THE REPUBLIC) 
OF THE PHILIPPINES 
1 
‘2 
J i  
- I ,  
P A ‘  7 
First Regular Session 
1 
Introduced by Senator Miriam Defensor Santiago 
EXPLANATORY NOTE 
Executive Order No. 209 or the Family Code of the Philippines, Article 18, provides: 
“ARTICLE 18. In case of any impediment known to the local civil 
registrar or brought to his attention, he shall note down the particulars 
thereof and his findings thereon in the application for marriage license, but 
shall nonetheless issue said license after the completion of the period of 
publication, unless ordered otherwise by a competent court at his own 
instance or that of any interested party. No filing fee shall be charged for 
the petition nor a corresponding bond required for the issuance of the 
order.” 
The provision mandates the local civil registrar to note down his findings that an 
impediment to the marriage exists in the application for the marriage license. However, the law 
does not provide for the attachment of the application when the license is issued. As a result, 
marriages to which there is an impediment may be solemnized. 
This bill seeks to prevent a situation wherein the solemnizing officer celebrates the 
marriage even with the existence of an impediment that renders the marriage void.* 
This bill was originally filed during the Thirteenth Congress, First Regular Session. 


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FOURTEENTH CONGRESS OF THE REPUBLIC) 
( 
\jJ. -5 
1’ 
A 
OF THE PHILIPPINES 
) 
- 
(4 
First Regular Session 
1 
Introduced by Senator Miriam Defensor Santiago 
AN ACT 
TO AMEND EXECUTIVE ORDER NO. 209, ALSO KNOWN AS 
THE FAMILY CODE OF THE PHILIPPINES, ARTICLE 18 
Be it enacted by the Senate and the House of Representatives of the Philippines in 
Congress assembled: 
SECTION 1. Article 18 of the Family Code of the Philippines is hereby amended to 
read as follows: 
“ARTICLE 18. In case of any impedinient howu to the local civil 
registrar or brought to his attention, he shall note down the particulars thereof and 
his findings thereon in the application for marriage license, but shall nonetheless 
issue said license WITH THE CORRESPONDING APPLICATION FOR SUCH 
after the completion of the period of publication, unless ordered otherwise by a 
competent court at his own instance or that of any interested party. No filing fee 
shall be charged for the petition nor a corresponding bond required for the 
issuance of the order.” 
SECTION 2. Separability Clause. - If any provision, or part hereof, is held invalid or 
unconstitutional, the remainder of the law or the provision not otherwise affected shall remain 
valid and subsisting. 
SECTION 3. Repealing Clause. - Any law, presidential decree or issuance, executive 
order, letter of instruction, administrative order, rule or regulation contrary to, or inconsistent 
with, the provisions of this Act is hereby repealed, modified, or amended accordingly. 
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SECTION 4. Effectivity Clause. - This Act shall take effect fifteen (15) days after its 
publication in at least two (2) newspapers of general circulation. 
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Approved, 
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FOURTEENTH CONGRESS OF THE 
REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES 
First Regular Session 
S E N A T E  
Senate Bill No. - 
1923 
INTRODUCED BY SEN. MANNY VILLAR 
EXPLANATORY NOTE 
The proposed bill is submitted seeking to further institutionalize local autonomy 
by strengthening the fiscal autonomy of local government units (LGUs). One of the 
means to accomplish this is by giving LGUs greater leeway in the choice of their 
depository bank. 
National government agencies have interpreted differently the preference over 
government-owned banks as depository bank. The Department of Budget and 
Management has interpreted the provision to mean that a local government unit shall 
choose only one depository bank, the Land Bank of the Philippines, within its area of 
jurisdiction. 
On the other hand, the Commission on Audit ruled that any bank may accept 
deposits of local government notwithstanding the presence of government-owned banks 
within the locality provided said bank is authorized by the Monetary Board of the 
Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas and prior authority is given by the sanggunian and local 
chief executive concerned. 
In view of the foregoing, approval of this bill is earnestly requested. 


FOURTEENTH CONGRESS OF THE 
REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES 
First Regular Session 
S E N A T E  
Senate Bill N 0 . 1 2 3  
INTRODUCED BY SEN. MANNY VILLAR 
AN ACT 
PROVIDING FOR GREATER FISCAL AUTONOMY IN FAVOR OF LOCAL 
GOVERNMENT UNITS (LGUs) IN THE CHOICE OF DEPOSITORY BANKS, 
AMENDING SECTION 311 OF REPUBLIC ACT NO. 7160, OTHERWISE KNOWN AS 
THE LOCAL GOVERNMENT CODE OF 1991 
Be it enacted by the Senate and the House of Representatives of the Philippines 
in Congress Assembled: 
SECTION 1. Section 31 1 is hereby amended by adding a new paragraph to read 
Sec. 31 1. Depository Accounts - Local treasurers shall maintain 
depository accounts in the name of their respective local government units 
with banks DULY AUTHORIZED BY THE BANGKO SENTRAL NG 
PILIPINAS [, preferably government-owned,] located in or nearest their 
respective areas of jurisdiction. Earnings of each depository account shall 
accrue exclusively thereto. 
SEC. 2. All laws, executive orders, presidential decrees, rules and regulations or 
parts thereof of which are inconsistent with any of the provisions of this Act are hereby 
repealed. 
SEC. 3. This Act shall take effect on the seventh day after its publication in at 
least two (2) daily newspapers of general circulation. 
as follows; 
Approved,
FOURTEENTH CONGRESS OF THE REPUBLIC ) 
-* 
OF THE PHILIPPINES 
1 
i &!. li! 
i t < : '  
First Regular Session 
) 
Introduced by Senator Miriam Defensor Santiago 
EXPLANATORY NOTE 
Republic Act. No. 7166 (The Synchronized Election Law of 1991) has, for its purpose, 
two laudable intentions: minimize election-related violence and to safeguard the sanctity of the 
ballot by prohibiting the carrying of firearms outside one's residence during the election period. 
Section 32 of the same law, however, is all-encompassing and has resulted in the unduly 
restrictive measure of prohibiting even the licensing of firearms during the election period. This 
goes beyond the legislative intent of the abovementioned law. 
This bill seeks to provide a reasonable remedy, by retaining the salient features of R.A. 
7166 while amending Section 32 to save the affected sectors from its oppressive features.* 
* This bill was originally filed during the Thirteenth Congress, First Regular Session. 


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FOURTEENTH CONGRESS OF THE REPUBLIC) 
OF THE PHILIPPINES 
1 
First Regular Session 
1 
Introduced by Senator Miriam Defensor Santiago 
AN ACT 
AMENDING SECTION 32 OF R.A. NO. 7166 
OTHERWISE KNOWN AS “THE 1991 SYCHRONIZED ELECTION LAW’ 
Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the Phitippines in Congress 
assem bled: 
SECTION 1. Section 32 of R. A. 7166 is hereby amended to read as follows: 
“SEC. 32. Who May Bear Firearms. - During the election period, no person shall 
bear, carry or transport firearms or other weapons in public places, including any 
building, street, park, private vehicles or public conveyances, even if licensed to [possess 
or] carry the same, unless authorized in writing by the Commission. [The issuance of 
firearms licenses shall be suspended during the election period]. THE FIREARMS AND 
EXPLOSIVE DIVISION (FED) OF THE PHILIPPINE NATIONAL POLICE SHALL 
BE ALLOWED TO CONTINUE TO PROCESS AND APPROVE APPLICATION6 
FOR LICENSE TO POSSESS FIREARM/S TO QUALIFIED APPLICANTIS, ISSUE 
THE CORRESPONDING LICENSE/S AND PERMITE TO TRANSPORT THE 
FIREARM/S SUBJECT THEREOF FROM ITS STORAGE FACILITIES TO THE 
PLACE SPECIFIED IN THE APPROVED LICENSE, AND TO AUTHORIZE THE 
TRANSPORT OF IMPORTED FIREARMS FROM THE WAREHOUSE OF THE 
BUREAU OF CUSTOMS TO ITS STORAGE FACILITIES.” 
SECTION 2. Repealing Clause. - Any law, presidential decree or issuance, executive 
order, letter of instruction, administrative order, rule or regulation contrary to or inconsistent 
with the provision of this Act is hereby repealed, modified or amended accordingly. 
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valid and subsisting. 
SECTION 3. Separability Clause. -If any provision, or part hereof, is held invalid or 
unconstitutional, the remainder of the la or the provision not otheiwise affected shall remain 
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SECTION 4. Eflectivizy Clnuse. - This Act shall take effect fifteen (15) days after its 
publication in at least two (2) newspapers of general circulation. 
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Approved,
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FOURTEENTH CONGRESS OF THE REPUBLIC) 
"I 
i 
\dJ,,~ 
-5 i'.:. 
. i  !', 
OF THE PHILIPPINES 
) 
First Regular Session 
1 
Introduced by Senator Miriam Defensor Santiago 
EXPLANATORY NOTE 
Republic Act No. 6539, a.k.a. the Anti-Carnapping Act of 1972, was enacted to curb theft 
of motor vehicles. Apparently, this law has considerably failed to address this problem as 
camapping has become even more rampant over the past years. 
This bill amends the present law as it eliminates the defense of good faith on the part of a 
person who may have purchased a stolen or camapped motor vehicle. Thus, a camapped motor 
vehicle, even if found in the possession of a purchaser in good faith, may still be righthlly 
recovered by the registered owner thereof. 
This bill is a consolidation of related bills submitted during the Tenth Congress before the 
Committee on Constitutional Amendments, Revision of Codes and Laws, which the undersigned 
chaired.* 
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* This bill was re-filed during the Thirteenth Congress, First Regular Session 


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FOURTEENTH CONGRESS OF THE REPUBLIC) 
OF THE PHILIPPINES 
) 
First Regular Session 
1 
Introduced by Senator Miriam Defensor Santiago 
AN ACT 
REQUIRING THE IMMEDIATE RETURN OF CARNAPPED VEHICLES TO 
THE LAWFUL OWNERS THEREOF, AMENDING FOR THE PURPOSE R.A. 
NO. 6539, OTHERWISE KNOWN AS THE ANTI-CARNAPPING ACT OF 1972 
Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the Philippines in Congress 
assembled: 
SECTION 1. A new Section is hereby inserted between Sections 6 and 7 of Republic Act 
No. 6539, otherwise denominated as Section 6-A, which shall read as follows: 
SEC. 6-A WHERE A MOTOR VEHICLE HAS BEEN FOUND TO BE 
INCLUDED IN THE PHILIPPINE NATIONAL POLICE LIST OF 
CARNAPPED MOTOR VEHICLES AND SAID VEHICLE IS IN THE 
POSSESSION OF A PURCHASER, THE LATTER, REGARDLESS OF 
WHETHER HE IS A BUYER IN GOOD FAITH, UPON DEMAND BY THE 
REGISTERED OWNER OR HIS DULY AUTHORIZED REPRESENTATIVE 
SHALL RETURN THE STOLEN MOTOR VEHICLE TO SAID OWNER OR 
HIS REPRESENTATIVE WITHIN SEVENTY TWO (72) HOURS FROM 
DEMAND. ANY REFUSAL ON THE PART OF THE SAID PURCHASER 
SHALL BE PRIMA FACIE EVIDENCE OF HIS KNOWLEDGE OF THE 
ILLEGAL SOURCE OF THE MOTOR VEHICLE HE BOUGHT AND SHALL 
RENDER HIM CRIMINALLY LIABLE UNDER SECTION 13 OF THIS ACT; 
PROVIDED, 
THAT 
NO 
RESTRAINING 
ORDER 
OR 
WRIT 
OF 
PRELIMINARY INJUNCTION SHALL BE ISSUED BY ANY COURT TO 
PREVENT THE RECOVERY BY THE OWNER; PROVIDED FURTHER, 
THAT IN THE EVENT THAT THE STOLEN MOTOR VEHICLE HAS BEEN 
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SUCCESSFULLY REGISTERED IN THE NAME OF SUCH PURCHASER, 
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THE 
SAME 
SHALL 
BE 
DISREGARDED 
BY 
THE 
LAND 
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TRANSPORTATION OFFICE.” 
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SECTION 2. This Act shall take effect fifteen (15) days after its publication in at least 
two (2) newspapers of general circulation. 
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Approved, 
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FOURTEENTH CONGRESS OF THE 
REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES 
First Regular Session 
SENATE 
Senate Bill No. m8 
INTRODUCED BY HON. MANNY VILLAR 
EXPLANATORY NOTE 
The Filipino by his nature is humorous. We have been described as a people 
who despite problems remain happy in disposition and possess the capacity to laugh at 
themselves. 
There is, however, a sector which has often become the receiving end or butt of 
"sick jokes and these are the disabled. 
Most often than not, and at the expense of the blind, the deaf, the crippled, the 
hair lipped and the amputated, actors and actresses use them to make others laugh, 
albeit, unintentionally. But such portrayal remains to be hurting especially to the 
particular disabled person. 
The law for the disabled primarily aims to incorporate the disabled into the 
mainstream of society. If we are to do this and if we are really sincere in helping them, 
then we should stop ridiculing the disabled and start accepting them for as persons with 
dignities. Hence, early passage of this bill is requested. 
MANNYVI LAR 
t 


FOURTEENTH CONGRESS OF THE 
REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES 
First Regular Session 
Senate Bill ~ ~ . l 0 0 8  
INTRODUCED BY HON. MANNY VILLAR 
AN ACT PENALIZING THE NEGATIVE PORTRAYAL OF A PERSON WITH A 
DISABILITY IN MOVIES, TELEVISION, STAGE AND OTHER FORMS OF MASS 
COMMUNICATION 
Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the Philippines in 
Congress assembled: 
SECTION 1. This Act shall be known as "The Media Protection for the Disabled 
Act." 
SEC. 2. 
Definition of Terms. - 
(1) 
"Person with Disability" shall refer to one who is suffering from any 
disability as a result of a mental, physical, sensory or other impairment affecting his 
performance of an ordinary human activity. 
(2) 
"Mass Communication Media" shall refer to television, movies, stage, or 
other cinematographic forms of communication and similar means of information 
dissemination. 
SEC. 3. 
Any person who, in the performance of an act before the television, 
movies, stage, and other similar forms of mass communication, shall intentionally or 
maliciously mock, embarrass, humiliate, or otherwise insult a person with disabilities 
shall be penalized with imprisonment of not more than six (6) months and/or, a fine not 
exceeding Five thousand pesos (P5,OOO.OO). 


SEC. 4. 
Matters Not Covered by This Act. - The provisions of existing laws, 
insofar as they are not in conflict with any provision of this Act, shall apply in matters not 
otherwise specifically provided for herein. 
SEC. 5. 
Separability Clause. - If any provision or section of this Act, or the 
application thereof to any person or circumstance, is held invalid, the other sections, and 
the application of such provisions or sections to other persons or circumstances, shall 
not be affected thereby. 
SEC. 6. 
€ffectivity. - This Act shall take effect fifteen (15) days from its 
publication in a newspaper of general circulation. 
Approved,
FOURTEENTH CONGRESS OF THE 
REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES 
First Regular Session 
SENATE 
Senate Bill No. m3 
INTRODUCED BY HON. MANNY VILLAR 
EXPLANATORY NOTE 
The Family Code of the Philippines, which took effect on August 3, 1988, pegged 
the maximum value of the family home exempt from execution, forced sale or attachment 
at P200,OOO.OO in the rural areas and P 300,000.00 in the urban areas. 
Ten years have elapsed since the effectivity of the Family Code, and such amounts 
have been rendered unrealistic by the current real estate prices. 
This bill seeks to augment the maximum amount of family home exempt from 
execution, forced sale or attachment and thereby safeguard a very basic right under the 
law. 
In view of the foregoing, the early passage of this bill is earnestly requested. 
MANNYVI LAR 9 


FOURTEENTH CONGRESS OF THE 
REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES 
First Regular Session 
INTRODUCED BY HON. MANNY VILLAR 
AN ACT AUGMENTING THE MAXIMUM VALUE OF THE FAMILY HOME EXEMPT 
FROM EXECUTION, FORCED SALE OR ATTACHMENT, AMENDING FOR THE 
PURPOSE ARTICLE 157 OF THE FAMILY CODE OF THE PHILIPPINES, AS AMENDED 
Be if enacted by the Senate and the House of Representatives of the Philippines in 
Congress assembled: 
SECTION 1. Article 157 of the Family Code of the Philippines, as amended, is 
hereby. amended to read as follows: 
"Art. 157. The actual value of the family home shall not exceed, at 
the time of its constitution, the amount of [three hundred thousand] ONE 
MILLION FIVE HUNDRED THOUSAND pesos in urban areas, and [two 
hundred thousand] SEVEN HUNDRED FIFTY THOUSAND pesos in rural 
areas, or such amounts as may hereafter be fixed by law. 
In any event, if the value of the currency changes after the adoption 
of this Code, the value most favorable for the constitution of a family home 
shall be the basis of evaluation. 
For purposes of this Article, urban areas are deemed to include 
chartered cities and municipalities whose annual income at least equals 
that legally required for chartered cities. All others are deemed to be rural 
areas." 


SECTION 2. This Act shall take effect fifteen days after its publication in the Official 
Gazette or in at least two (2) national newspapers of general circulation, whichever comes 
earlier. 
Approved,
FOURTEENTH CONGRESS OF THE REPUBLIC) 
OF THE PHILIPPINES 
7 
JLil. -4 
1) 1 :I- P 
First Regular Session 
) 
Introduced by Senator Miriam Defensor Santiago 
EXPLANATORY NOTE 
Republic Act No. 8485, also known as the “Animal Welfare Act of 1998” is the primary 
law punishing cruelty to animals. Section 8 of said Act provides for the penalty of imprisonment 
of not less than six (6) months nor more than two (2) years or a fine or not less than One 
thousand pesos (P1,OOO) nor more that Five thousand pesos (P5,OOO) or both at the discretion of 
the Court, for the violation of the provisions of the Act. 
However, I believe that the penalty for the violation of the Act is too low to serve as a 
deterrent. In the United Kingdom, the penalty for the violation of their animal welfare act is 
&20,000. 
Just recently, at least I12 dogs were saved from ending up as a tasty dish of “azucena” 
after policemen intercepted an alleged delivery run along EDSA in Balintawak, Quezon City. 
The police discovered that the offender is a repeat offender. The Network for Animals noted that 
many of those arrested for violation of Republic Act no. 8485 are repeat offenders. They can 
afford to commit the violation again because the penalties are too low. 
Therefore, in order to make the law an effective deterrent to the commission of future 
violations of the Animal Welfare Act, a higher, more realistic penalty should be imposed.’ 
’ This bill was originally filed in the Thirteenth Congress, Third Regular Session. 


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FOURTEENTH CONGRESS OF THE REPUBLIC) 
OF THE PHILIPPINES 
1 
First Regular Session 
1 
Introduced by Senator Miriam Defensor Santiago 
AN ACT 
AMENDING REPUBLIC ACT NO. 8485, ALSO KNOWN AS 
THE ANIMAL WELFARE ACT OF 1998, SECTION 8 ON THE PENALTIES FOR THE 
VIOLATION OF THE ACT 
Be it enacted by the Senate and the House of Representatives of the Philippines in 
Congress assembled: 
SECTION 1. Section 8 of Republic Act No. 8485, also known as the Animal Welfare 
Act of 1998 is hereby amended to read as follows: 
SECTION 8. Any person who violates any of the provisions of this Act shall, upon 
conviction by final judgment, be punished by imprisonment of not less than TWO (2) years nor 
more than FIVE (5) years or a fine or not less than TWENTY thousand pesos (P20,OOO) nor 
more that FIFTY thousand pesos (P50,OOO) or both at the discretion of the Court. If the violation 
is committed by a juridical person, the officer responsible therefore shall serve the imprisonment 
when imposed. If the violation is committed by an alien, he or she shall be immediately deported 
after service of sentence without any further proceedings. 
SECTION 2. Repealing Clause. - Any law, presidential decree or issuance, executive 
order, letter of instruction, administrative order, rule or regulation contrary to or inconsistent 
with the provisions of this Act is hereby repealed, modified or amended accordingly. 
SECTION 3. Effectivity Clause. - This Act shall take effect fifteen (15) days after its 
publication in at least two (2) newspapers of general circulation. 
Approved, 
jps/5-4-07 
1
FOURTEENTH CONGRESS OF THE REPUBLIC 
First Regular Session 
OF THE PHILIPPINES 
Introduced by Senator Villar 
Exrtlanatorv Note 
The Philippines is unique with its barangay government system. From the old 
system of barangay leadership in communities, the citizens learn to support one another 
in the achievement of their collective goals, resoIve concerns and issues confronting 
them and foster the great sense of bqmihan that defines the Filipino way of life. 
In recent years, the barangay serves as the closest organized local unit for the 
people. They are in the first line of access in terms of delivering basic services. In the 
Local Government Code of 1991, the role of barangay officials is aptly recognized as 
they play the day-to-day operations of governance. They are active in providing round- 
the-clock security, threshing out the differences amongst neighbors in the Katarzmgang 
Pambarangq, enforcement of basic laws and policies on safety and disaster and other 
concerns, among others. 
This legislation augments the meager compensation and benefits enjoyed by the 
barangay officials officials by maaking them part and covered by the Government 
Service Insurance System (GSIS). It is a token merit for the untold sacrifices and 
dedications of the thousand of barangay officials. 
Early cognizant of this policy measure is earnestly recommended 


FOURTEENTH CONGRESS OF THE REPUBLIC 
First Regular Session 
OF THE PHILIPPINES 
/ 
Introduced by Senator Villar 
AN ACT 
INCLUDING BARANGAY OFFICIALS WITHIN THE COVERAGE OF THE 
GOVERNMENT SERVICE KNSURANCE SYSTEM (GSKS) 
Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives in Congress of the 
Philippines assembled 
SECTION 1. The coverage of the Government Service Insurance System 
(GSIS) is hereby expanded by including barangay oficials as members ofthe System. 
The GSIS in consultation and coordination with the Department of Interior and 
Local Government (GSIS) and the league representing barangay captains and oficials 
shall issue the necessary rules and regulations to implement the provisions of this Act. 
The rnles and regulations shall cover the rate of premiums and the manner of its payment, 
the extent of insurance coverage, the contributions to be collected from barangay 
officials concerned and the possible contributions ofpmhces, cities and municipalities, 
possible fund that may be sourced from the General Appropriations Act, and other issues 
of significance. 
SECTION 2. Any other provision of law, decree, order or d e s  and mgulations 
inconsistent with the, provisions of this Act is hereby repealed or modified awodingly. 
SECTION3. This Act shall take effect fifteen (15) days after its complete 
publication in two newspapers of general circulation or in the Official Gazette, whichever 
comes earlier. 
Approved,
14th Congress of the Republic) 
of the Philippines 
1 
First Regular Session 
1 
7 JIjl 
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S E N A T E  
S. 8. No. 
Introduced by Senator Aquilino Q. Pimentel, Jr. 
EXPLANATORY NOTE 
This bill seeks to prohibit cellphone network companies from unsolicited 
materials to their subscribers via text message or short message service (SMS), 
cellphone companies look for ways to entice their customers to avail of their 
cellphone services through various gimmicks, subscriptions and contents. 
Customers therefore are often victimized by such offerings sent by cellphone 
companies via text or short messages (SMS) that jacked up this monthly bills or 
consumed their pre-paid credit. 
There is a need therefore to regulate these indiscriminate offerings by 
prohibiting any matter sent by network companies via text or SMS which are not 
solicited by the subscriber. 
For these reasons, the passage of this bill is earnestly requested. 


14th Congress of the Republic ) 
--A p4 i 
of the Philippines 
1 
First Regular Session 
I 
S E N A T E  
S.B.NO. 
113E 
Introduced by Senator Aquilino Q. Pimentel, Jr. 
AN ACT 
TO PROHIBIT CELLPHONE NETWORK COMPANIES FROM SENDING 
UNSOLICITED MATERIAL TO THEIR SUBSCRIBERS 
VIA TEXT OR SHORT MESSAGE SERVICE (SMS) 
Be it enacted bv the Senate and House of ReDresentatives of the PhilipDines in 
Congress assembled: 
Section 1. With the exception of legitimate notifications of past due 
accounts, cel-lphone network companies are hereby prohibited from sending 
unsolicited materials such as advertisements, offering, promotions, subscriptions 
and other notifications to their subscribers via text or short message service 
(SMS). 
Section 2. Penalty. - Cellphone network companies found to have 
violated this Act shall be punished with a fine of twenty thousand pesos 
(P20,OOO.OO) to one hundred thousand pesos (P100,OOO.OO) per violation. 
Section 3. Separability Clause. - If any clause, provision, paragraph or 
part of this Act shall be declared unconstitutional or invalid, such judgment shall 
not affect, invalidate or impair any other part hereof, but such judgment shall be 
merely confined to the clause, provision, paragraph or part directly involved in 
the controversy in which such judgment has been rendered. 
Section 4. Repealing Clause. - All laws, decreed, executive orders and 
other administrative issuances and parts thereof which are inconsistent with the 
provisions of this Act are hereby modified, superseded or repealed accordingly. 
Section 5. Effectivity. - This Act take effect fifteen (15) days following 
its publication in the Official Gazette or a major daily newspaper of general 
circulation in the Philippines, whichever comes earlier. 
Approved,
FOURTEENTH CONGRESS OF THE 
REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES 
First Regular Session 
SENATE 
Senate Bill No. 1 x 8  
INTRODUCED BY HON. MANNY VILLAR 
EXPLANATORY NOTE 
Education serves as the foundation for sustained economic growth. For 
young people who have it stand to reap enormous benefits and success while those 
who do not are very likely destined to a life of hardship and want. 
Day after day, as more and more young people waste away in the country's 
slums, streets and sweatshops, the republic suffers from an intellectual and moral 
hemorrhage. The lack of educational opportunity for young people is truly one of the 
worst tragedies that we witness. 
In a study conducted on Philippine education, it was concluded that of the 
one hundred (100) pupils who entered elementary education, only eight (8) to ten 
(IO) will possibly get college education. This is an alarming fact. 
This measure seeks to draw our attention to the ever-pressing need for the 
availability of good education. This measure, along with other complementing bills 
will hopefully turn the tide and give the impoverished youth some hope for the 
future. Thus, all educational institutions will be required to grant full tuition 
scholarships to at least 10% of its college student population. 
In view of the foregoing, approval of this bill is earnestly sought. 


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FOURTEENTH CONGRESS OF THE 
REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES 
First Regular Session 
SENATE 
Senate Bill No. 
INTRODUCED BY HON. MANNY VILLAR 
AN ACT 
REQUIRING ALL COLLEGES AND UNIVERSITIES TO PROVIDE COLLEGE 
SCHOLARSHIP GRANT TO AT LEAST TEN PERCENT (10%) OF THEIR 
STUDENT POPULATION WHO ARE POOR BUT DESERVING 
STUDENTS, AND FOR OTHER PURPOSES 
Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the Philippines 
in Congress assembled: 
SECTION 1. Short Title - This Act shall be known as “The Scholarship 
Program for Poor but Deserving Students Act.” 
SECTION 2. Declaration of Policy - The State shall give priority to education, 
protect and promote the right of all citizens to qualify education at all levels and shall 
take appropriate steps to make such education accessible to all. Towards this end, 
there shall be provided scholarship grants to poor but deserving Filipino students. 
SECTION 3. Nature and Extent of Scholarship Grants - College Scholarship 
grants are hereby extended in the form of free tuition fee to at least ten percent 
(10%) of the student population of all colleges and universities who are poor but 
deserving students. 
SECTION 4. Implementing Rules and Regulations - The Secretary of the 
Department of Education shall issue the necessary rules and regulations for the 
speedy and effective implementation of this scholarship program. 
SECTION 5. Effectivity - This Act shall take effect fifteen (15) days from its 
complete publication in at least two (2) newspapers of general circulation. 
Approved,
FOURTEENTH CONGRESS OF THE REPUBLIC) 
OF THE PHILIPPINES 
1 
7 .nii_ -4 r 9 :I 6 
First Regular Session 
) 
S E N A T E  
S.B.No. 1 1 33 
Introduced by Senator Miriam Defensor Santiago 
EXPLANATORY NOTE 
In July 1994, the Senate and House of Representatives of the Philippine Congress 
passed the "Anti-Sexual Harassment Act of 1995" declaring acts of sexual harassment 
against women and men unlawful in the workplace, in schools and training institutions. 
In Section 7 of the said Act, it stipulates that any person who violates the provision of this 
Act shall be penalized by imprisonment of not less one (1) month nor more than six (6) 
months, or a fine of not less than Ten thousand pesos (Pl0,OOO.OO) or more than Twenty 
thousand pesos (P20,000.00), or both at the discretion of the court. 
The Anti-Sexual Harassment Law has initially received positive response and 
gave a glimpse of hope to prevent discrimination in the workplace, particularly among 
the women in the formal labor sector. However, after almost 12 years of implementation, 
cases of sexual harassment, especially in workplaces still persist. Apparently, the existing 
penalty is not enough to curb the incidence of sexual harassment. There is a pressing need 
to increase the level of penalty to further deter the future perpetrators to rethink their 
motives before committing the act.' 
This bill was originally filed in the Thirteenth Congress, Third Regular Session. 
I 


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FOURTEENTH CONGRESS OF THE REPUBLIC) 
OF THE PHILIPPINES 
) 
-t 
&l. -a i'4 
First Regular Session 
1 
Introduced by Senator Miriam Defensor Santiago 
AN ACT 
AMENDING REPUBLIC ACT 7877, ALSO KNOWN AS THE ANTI-SEXUAL 
HARASSMENT ACT, AS AMENDED, SECTION 7 ON THE PENALTIES 
Be it enacted by the Senate and the House of Representatives of the Philippines in 
Congress assembled: 
SECTION 1. Republic Act 7877, also known as the Anti-Sexual Harassment Act, 
Section 7 is hereby amended to read as follows: 
Section 7. Penalties - Any person who violates the provision of this act shall, 
upon conviction, be penalized by imprisonment of not less than SIX (6) months nor more 
than SIX (6) years, or a fine of not less than FIFTY THOUSAND PESOS (Php 
50,000.00) or more than SEVENTY THOUSAND PESOS (Php 70,000.00), or both such 
fine and imprisonment at the discretion of the court. 
SECTION 2. Repealing Clause. - Any law, presidential decree or issuance, 
executive order, letter of instruction, administrative order, rule or regulation contrary to, 
or inconsistent with, the provisions of this Act is hereby repealed, modified or amended 
accordingly. 
SECTION 3. Effectivity Clause. - This Act shall take effect fifteen (15) days 
after its publication in at least two (2) newspapers of general circulation. 
Approved. 
1
FOURTEENTH CONGRESS OF THE REPUBLIC 
OF THE PHILIPPINES 
) 
1 
7 
OCT -2 PS 
First Regular Session 
1 
Introduced by Senator Ramon Bong Revilla, Jr. 
EXPLANATORY NOTE 
This bill seeks to amend Article 177 of Executive Order 209, otherwise known as 
"The Family Code of the Philippines, to provide for the legitimation of children born to 
parents below marrying age thus, providing for a remedy by means of which those who in 
fact were not born in wedlock be considered legitimate. " 
The impediments as provided under the law impose an encumbrance on the right 
of the children born to parents below marrying age to be entitled to the same rights as 
legitimate children. To deny them such right by reason of the minority of their parents, 
thereby preventing their legitimation, appears to be unreasonable in light of the stigma 
and difficulties that illegitimate children have to hurdle during their lives. 
Article 174 of Executive Order No. 209 otherwise known as the Family Code of 
the Philippines provides the rights of the legitimate children: 
(1) To bear the surnames of the father and the mother, in conformity with 
the provisions of the Civil Code on Surnames; 
(2) To receive support from their parents, their ascendants, and in proper 
cases, their brothers and sisters, in conformity with the provisions of this 
Code on Support; and 
(3) To be entitled to the legitimate and other successional rights granted to 
them by the Civil Code. 
Further, 1987 Constitution, Article XV, Section 3 paragraph 2 provides the right 
of children to assistance, including proper care and nutrition, and special protection from 
all forms of neglect, abuse, cruelty, exploitation, and other conditions prejudicial to their 
development. 
In light of the foregoing that the amendment of a proviso of the Family Code is 
earnestly sought in order to uphold the rights of children as well as their human dignity. 


FOURTEENTH CONGRESS OF THE REPUBLIC 
OF THE PHILIPPINES 
) 
7 E T  -2 P6:’li 
First Regular Session 
1 
Y 
SENATE 
S.B. ~ 0 1 6 9 3  
Introduced by Senator Ramon Bong Revilla, Jr. 
AN ACT 
PROVIDING FOR THE LEGITIMATION OF CHILDREN BORN TO PARENTS 
BELOW MAJXRMNG AGE, AMENDING FOR THE PURPOSE THE FAMILY 
CODE OF THE PHILIPPINES, AS AMENDED 
Be it enacted by the Senate and the House of Representatives of the Philippines in 
Congress assembled: 
Section 1.Article 177 of Executive Order No. 209, otherwise known as the Family Code 
of the Philippines, as amended, is hereby further amended to read as follows: 
Article 177. Only children conceived and born outside of wedlock of 
parents who at the time of the conception of the former were not 
disqualified by any impediment, OTHER THAN THE MINORITY OF 
ANY OF THE PARENTS, to marry each other may be legitimated.” 
Sec. 2. Repealing Clause - All laws, Presidential Decrees, Executive Orders, 
Proclamations and/or Administrative Regulations, which are inconsistent with the 
provisions of this Act, are hereby amended, modified, superseded or repealed 
accordingly. 
Sec. 3. Effectivity Clause - This Act shall take effect fifteen (15) days after its 
publication in two (2) newspapers of national circulation. 
Approved,
FOURTEENTH CONGRESS OF THE 
) 
REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES ) 
First Regular Session 
) 
s. No. 
2 
introduced by Senator JUAN MlGUEL F. ZUBlRl 
EXPLANATORY NOTE 
In order to expedite the remittance of the financial benefit that independent 
power producers, generation companies andlor energy resource developers are 
required to set aside for the affected host communities, this bill proposes to require 
said entities to remit the said benefits directly to the communities concerned. 
With this proposal it is hoped that resettlement areas, local government units 
and regions will receive more expeditiously the said benefits to which they are 
entitled, and thus be more empowered to implement development projects in their 
respective locality. 
This bill will also strengthen local governments in their utilization of such 
benefits and promote greater decentralization from the national government. 
In view of the foregoing, approval of this bill is earnestly sought. 
ul 
JUAN MlGUEL F. ZUBlRl 


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FOURTEENTH CONGRESS OF THE 
) 
REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES ) 
First Regular Session 
) 
s. No. 1 
Introduced by Senator JUAN MIGUEL F. ZUBlRl 
AN ACT 
REQUIRING ALL INDEPENDENT POWER PRODUCERS, GENERATION 
COMPANIES OR ENERGY RESOURCE DEVELOPERS TO REMIT THE AMOUNT 
THEY ARE REQUIRED TO SET ASIDE AS FINANCIAL BENEFIT TO HOST 
COMMUNITIES 
Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the Philippines in 
Congress assembled: 
SECTION. 1. - All independent power producers, generation companies and/or 
energy resource developers, whether publicly or privately owned, shall remit directly 
to the local government units the benefits they are required to set aside as financial 
benefit to host communities pursuant to Section 66 of Republic Act No. 9136 
otherwise known as the “Electric Power Industry Reform Act of 2001” as defined in 
Sections 289-294, Chapter 11 of Republic Act No. 7160 otherwise known as the 
“Local Government Code of 1991”, the benefits defined in Section 5(i) of Republic Act 
No. 7638, otherwise known as the “Department of Energy Act of 1992”, and Rule 29 
of Energy Regulations No. 1-94. 
SEC. 2. - The use of the aforesaid amounts remitted by independent power 
producers, generation companies and/or energy resource developers to the host 
communities concerned shall remain subject to the guidelines set by the Department 
of Energy. 
SEC. 3. - All laws, decrees, executive orders, letters of instruction, rules and 
regulations or parts thereof inconsistent with the provisions of this Act are hereby 
repealed or modified accordingly. 
SEC. 4. - This Act shall take effect immediately upon its complete publication 
in at least two (2) newspapers of general circulation. 
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Approved,
FOURTEENTH CONGRESS OF THE 
REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES 
First Regular Session 
~~~~~~~ 
BY: 
S E N A T E  
Senate Bill No. 11005 
INTRODUCED BY SEN. MANNY VlLLAR 
EXPLANATORY NOTE 
For as many reasons as there are employers, workers who resigned or 
are terminated are not issued certification of employment. The present rules of 
the Labor Code ordain the issuance of such certification when it promulgates 
thus: 
"SECTION I O .  Certification of Employment. - A dismissed 
worker shall be entitled to receive on request, certificate from the 
employer specifying the dates of his engagement and termination 
of his employment and the type or types of work on which he is 
employed." (Section 10, Rule XIV, Book V, Rules to Implement 
the Labor Code). 
Experience has made it abundantly clear however that the above-quoted 
rule is honored more in its breach than in its observance. 
This Bill seeks to institutionalize this employment certification requirement 
by legislating the abovecited rule thereby doing away any question as to its 
legality and by providing a penal sanction for its violation. 
Passage of this Bill is earnestly recommended. 
MANNY V l l , h  


FOURTEENTH CONGRESS OF THE 
REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES 
First Regular Session 
Senate Bill No. f005 
INTRODUCED BY SEN. MANNY VILLAR 
AN ACT 
REQUIRING THE ISSUANCE OF EMPLOYMENT CERTIFICATION IN FAVOR 
OF RESIGNED OR TERMINATED EMPLOYEES AND PROVIDING 
PENALTIES FOR VIOLATION THEREFOR, AMENDING FOR THE PURPOSE 
THE LABOR CODE OF THE PHILIPPINES 
Be if enacted by the Senate and the House of Representatives of the 
Philippines in Congress assembled: 
SECTION 1 :There shall be incorporated after 286 of Presidential Decree 
No. 442, as amended, otherwise known as the “Labor Code of the Philippines” a 
new Article 286-A which shall read as follows: 
“ARTICLE 286-A. CERTIFICATION OF EMPLOYMENT. - A 
RESIGNED OR SEPARATED EMPLOYEE SHALL BE ENTITLED 
TO RECEIVE AND TO BE FURNISHED, A CERTIFICATE FROM 
THE 
EMPLOYER 
SPECIFYING 
THE 
DATES 
OF 
HIS 
ENGAGEMENT AND TERMINATION OF HIS EMPLOYMENT, HIS 
LATEST SALARY AND TYPE OR TYPES OF WORK ON WHICH 
HE IS EMPLOYED.” 
SECTION 2. Any person, corporation, trust, firm, partnership, association 
or entity which refuses or fails to issue the certification required under this Act, 
shall be punished by a fine not exceeding Ten Thousand Pesos (PlO,OOO.OO) 
andlor imprisonment of not less than six (6) months nor more than one (1) year. 
If the violation is committed by a corporation, trust or firm, partnership, 
association or any other entity, the penalty of imprisonment shall be imposed on 
the entity’s officer responsible therefore. 


SECTION 3. The Secretary of Labor and Employment shall promulgate 
the necessary rules and regulations to implement the provisions of this Act. 
SECTION 4. All laws, rules and regulations inconsistent with this Act are 
hereby repealed, amended or modified accordingly. 
SECTION 5. This Act shall take effect fifteen (15) days after its publication 
in the Official Gazette or in at least two (2) national newspapers of general 
circulation, whichever comes earlier. 
Approved.
FOURTEENTH CONGRESS OF THE 
REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES 
First Regular Session 
S E N A T E  
Senate Bill No. X I 8  
INTRODUCED BY SEN. MANNY VILLAR 
EXPLANATORY NOTE 
It has been said that every technological development has provided a new 
opportunity for criminality and the introduction of cellular mobile telephone 
services is no exception. The sudden boom of the mobile phone industry in the 
country opens up a new permutation of criminal activity which led not only to loss 
of properties but of lives as well. The countless victims of cellphone theft signal 
the need to come up with legal and regulatory measures to effectively address 
this problem. 
The National Telecommunications Commission presented the following 
statistics: 
Repotfed Lost and Stolen Cell phones (nationwide) 
Year 2002 - 25,492; 
Year 2003 - 16, 954; 
January to September 23, 2004 - 9, 247 
Year 2005 - IO, 193 (Metro Manila) 
5,343 (regions) 
However, the figures do not include unreported ones. Further, the 
statistics refer does not account yet for the prepaid subscribers. The number of 
stolen cell phones with prepaid subscription is crucial because about 90% of cell 
phone users are prepaid subscribers according to telephone companies. 
This measure aims to protect the citizens from cellular phone theft by 
imposing heavier penalties, hence, the approval of this bill is earnestly requested. 


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FOURTEENTH CONGRESS OF THE 
REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES 
First Regular Session 
S E N A T E  
Senate Bill No. 
8 
, 
/ 
INTRODUCED BY SEN. MANNY VILLAR 
AN ACT PUNISHING CELLPHONE THEFT 
Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the 
Philippines in Congress assembled: 
SECTION 1. Who are guilty of cellphone theft.- Any person, who with 
intent to gain with or without violence against or intimidation of persons or force 
upon things, shall take cellphone belonging to another without the latter’s 
consent. 
SECTION 2. Penalty.-Any person guilty of cellphone theft shall suffer the 
penalty of eight (8) years to twenty (20) years imprisonment and a fine of not less 
than P20,OOO.OO. 
SECTION 3. Where Death Results from Cellphone Theft.- The penalty of 
life imprisonment and a fine of not less than P50,OOO.OO shall be imposed if the 
crime of homicide or murder shall have been committed by reason of or on 
occasion of the cellphone theft. 
SECTION 4. Separability Clause. If any provision or part hereof, is held 
invalid or unconstitutional, the remainder of the law or the provision not otherwise 
affected shall remain valid and subsisting. 
SECTION 5. Repealing Clause. Any law, presidential decree or issuance, 
executive order, letter of instruction, administrative order, rule and regulation 


contrary to or inconsistent with the provision of this Act is hereby repealed, 
modified or amended accordingly. 
SECTION 6. Effectivity Chase. This Act shall take effect fifteen (15) days 
after its publication in at least two newspaper of general circulation. 
Approved,