bettergovph/raw-philippine-data huggingface dataset:
THIRTEENTH CONGRESS OF THE REPUBLIC 
) 
OF THE PHILIPPINES 
1 
First Regular Session 
) 
S E N A T E  
r, 
S. No. 
Introduced by Senator S. R. Osmeiia I l l  
EXPLANATORY NOTE 
Development not growth should be the objective of any developing country. As 
such, education serves as the link between what can and what is. It is an invaluable 
social service that must not be forgotten and should be at the forefront of any national 
development effort since it is the fundamental link between human development and 
national progress. 
However, education pertains not only to the mind but to the body as well. 
Hence, any effort made by government to improve this vital social service, must cater 
to both spheres of the human person. 
This bill seeks to repeal Chapter 3, Section 9 of Republic Act 9155, otherwise 
known as the “Governance of Basic Education Act of 2001 and restore all functions, 
programs and activities related to sports competition to the Department of Education. 
In view hereof, approval of this measure is highly recommended 
SERGIO R. OSMENA 111 
Senator 
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THIRTEENTH CONGRESS OF THE REPUBLIC 
1 
OF THE PHILIPPINES 
First Regular Session 
) 
S E N A T E  
LV 
s. Nlo. 
Introduced by Senator S. R. OsmeAa ‘Ill 
AN ACT 
REPEALING SECTION 9, CHAPTER 3 OF REPUBLIC ACT NO. 9155, OTHERWISE 
KNOWN AS THE “GOVERNANCE OF BASIC EDUCATION ACT OF 2001” AND 
FOROTHERPURPOSES 
Be it enacted by the Senate and the House of Representatives of the Republic of the 
Philippines in Congress assembled: 
1 
SECTION 1. Declaration of Policy. - It is hereby declared the policy of 
2 
the State for all educational institutions to undertake regular sports activities 
3 
throughout the country in cooperation with athletic clubs and other sectors. To 
4 
5 
this end, the State shall encourage sports programs, league competitions, and 
amateur sports, including training for international competitions, to foster self- 
6 
discipline, teamwork, and excellence for the development of a healthy and alert 
7 
citizenry. 
8 
SEC. 
2. 
Reversion of functions to Department of Education. - All 
9 
functions, programs and activities related to sports competition formerly 
io 
administered by the Department of Education (DepEd) shall be reverted back to 
11 
it. 
12 
13 
SEC. 3. Repealing Clause. - Section 9, Chapter 3 of Republic Act No. 
9155 known as the “Governance of Basic Education Act of 2001” is hereby 
14 
repealed. All other laws, decrees, executive orders, rules and regulations, or 
15 
parts hereof inconsistent with the provision of this Act are hereby repealed, 
16 
amended or modified accordingly. 
1 


1 
SEC. 4. This Act shall take effect fifteen (15) days after its publication in 
2 
the Official Gazette or in at least two (2) newspapers of general circulation 
3 
whichever comes earlier. 
4 
Approved, 
2
THIRTEENTH CONGRESS OF THE REPUBLI 
OF THE PHILIPPINES 
b 
First Regular Session 
B 
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Introduced by Senator S. R. OsmeAa 111 
.
.
 
EXPLANATORY NOTE 
Communications services provide the lifeblood by which transactions 
involving industry and commerce are conducted. 
The customer, however 
ordinarily has no means of checking or ensuring the reliability of the services 
offered by telegraph and radiogram companies. 
This bill seeks to safeguard the public interest by imposing penalties and 
sanction on telegraph, radio or other communications companies who by design 
or neglect fail to deliver the services that they have been contracted out to 
deliver. 
In view of the foregoing, early passage of this bill is earnestly requested. 
I 
k, 
SERGIO OSMENA 111 
Senator 
'. . 


THIRTEENTH CONGRESS OF THE REPUBLI 
1 
'i71 
,'U:e 
P5 :26 
OF THE PHILIPPINES 
1 
, w  
First Regular Session 
1 )  
2 
*- 
S. No. 
Introduced-by Senator S. R. OsmeAa 111 
AN ACT 
PROTECTING 
USERS OF 
TELEGRAPH, 
RADIO OR 
ANY 
OTHER 
COMMUNICATIONS SYSTEM IN THE PHILIPPINES AND PRESCRIBING 
PENALTIES FOR VIOLATIONS THEREOF 
Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the Philippines in 
Congress assembled: 
.. 
. 
, 
1 
SECTION I. It is hereby declared a policy of the State to protect the 
2 paying customers or users of telegraph, radio or any other communications 
3 
system doing business in the Philippines. 
4 
SEC. 
2. 
It shall be unlawful for any telegraph, radio or other 
5 
communications firm, company, corporation or system doing business in the 
6 
Philippines to fail, by design or neglect, to deliver to the addressee any 
7 
communication or message duly address within six (6) hours in case of "rush" or 
8 
"urgent" communications and twelve (1 2) hours in case of "ordinary" or "regular" 
9 
communications from the filing thereof 
10 
SEC. 3. Without prejudice to the civil or any other liability to which the 
11 
12 
13 
14 
15 
offender may be subjected, the telegraph, radio or other communications firm, 
company, corporation or system which violates this Act shall be fined in amount 
not less than Five thousand pesos (P5,OOO.OO) or more than Ten thousand pesos 
(P10,OOO.OO): Provided, That in the case of government-owned or controlled 
telegraph, radio or communications system, the director, manager or personnel 
1 
'. . 
, 


1 
who fail to comply with the provisions of this Act shall likewise be administratively 
2 suspended for a period not exceeding thirty (30) days. 
3 
SEC. 4. All acts, laws or rules and regulations contrary to this Act are 
4 
hereby repealed. 
5 
SEC. 5. Effectivify. - This Act shall take effect upon approval 
Approved, 
2
THIRTEENTH CONGRESS OF THE 
REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES 
First Regular Session 
INTRODUCED BY HON. MANUEL B. VILLAR, JR. 
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EXPLANATORY NOTE 
t has been told that if all Overseas Filipino Workers will go on strike for a day, 
ole world may not be able to function. Imagine the Europeans without our 
doctors and nannies; or the Singaporeans and Chinese without our domestic 
; or the Arabs without our engineers and construction workers; or the 
ans without our caregivers; or the Americans without our IT professionals, and 
: international maritime industry without our seafarers. 
ndeed, the Filipino worker has contributed much ,to the country's as well as 
rld's progress. These men and women are truly our modern day heroes who 
e Philippines afloat with pride and with their remittances. 
:t is for this reason that this bill proposes that the State designate a day to 
:hese heroes. 
:n view of the above, the passage of this bill is earnestly sought. 
MANUEL B. VI LAR, JR. 
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SENATE 
THIRTEENTH CONGRESS OF THE 
REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES 
First Regular Session 
j 
S. No. 
INTRODUCED BY HON. MANUEL B. VILLAR, JR. 
AN ACT 
TODECLAREMARCHSEVENTEENOFEVERYYEAR 
AS A WORKING SPECIAL HOLIDAY TO BE KNOWN 
AS OVERSEAS FILIPINO WORKERS DAY 
Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the Philippines in Congress 
assembled: 
SECTION 1. The seventeenth of March of every year is hereby declared as a 
working special Holiday to be known as "Overseas Filipino Workers' Day." 
SECTION 2. To ensure meaningful observance of the holiday as herein declared, 
all 
heads 
of 
government 
agencies 
and 
instrumentalities, 
including 
government-owned-and-controlled corporations as well as local government units, and 
employers in the private sector shall encourage and afford sufficient time and 
opportunities for their employees to engage and participate in any activity conducted 
within the premises of their respective offices or establishments to celebrate Overseas 
Filipino Workers Day . 
SECTION 3. This Act shall take effect fifteen (15) days after its publication in 
the Official Gazette or in at least two (2) newspapers of general circulation. 
Approved,
THIRTEENTH CONGR 
OF THE REPUBLI 
) 
OF THE PHlLlPP 
) 
First Regular Session 
1 
S E N A T  
S .  No. 
Introduced by Senator S. 
EXPLANATORY NOTE 
Education is considered as a “merit good” because it generates benefits 
for society in addition to the private benefits that it creates for the individual. The 
social benefits derived from education is well acknowledged in Article II, Section 
17 of the Constitution, which provides that “The State shall give priority to 
education.. . .. to foster patriotism and nationalism, accelerate social progress 
and promote total human liberation and development.” 
While the State provides for free elementary and secondary education, the 
quality of education in the country’s public school system leaves much to be 
desired, and falls short of ensuring perfect access of education to all. 
To allow the state to share in the cost of education, this bill proposes an 
additional tax exemption for actual tuition and other ordinary educational fees or 
expenses incurred by a taxpayer in the amount not exceeding P20,OOO a year 
per dependent for a maximum of four dependents. 
Expenses incurred for education is in truth an investment not only in the 
personal future of the student, but also of the nation, and therefore merit some 
form of support by the state. 
In view of the foregoing, early passage of this bill is earnestly requested 
;d 
A d .  
SERGIO OSMEfiA 111 
Senator 


THIRTEENTH CONGR 
OF THE REPUBLI 
) 
OF THE PHlLlPP 
1 
First Regular Session 
1 
, 
< . '  
, 
S E N A T E  
.L 
S. No. 
Introduced by Senator S. R. OsmeAa Ill 
AN ACT 
PROVIDING FOR TAX EXEMPTION FOR EDUCATIONAL EXPENSES OF 
DEPENDENTS FOR INCOME TAX PURPOSES, AMENDING SECTION 32 OF 
THE NATIONAL INTERNAL REVENUE CODE, AS AMENDED, AND FOR 
OTHERPURPOSES 
Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the Philippines in 
Congress' assembled: 
1 
SECTION 1. 
Section 32, subsection (B) (7) if the National Internal 
2 
Revenue Code, as amended, shall be further amended to include an additional 
3 
item of tax exemption which shall read as follows: 
4 
"(i) Actual tuition and other ordinary educational fees or expenses 
5 
incurred by the taxpayer in the amount of not more than Twenty thousand 
6 
pesos (P20,OOO.OO) a year per dependent, but not more than four 
7 
dependents: Provided, That such ceiling shall be increased through rules 
8 
and regulations by the Secretary of Finance to consider, among others, 
9 
the annual inflation rate. 
10 
SEC. 2. All provisions of the National Internal Revenue Code, as 
11 
amended, inconsistent with the above provision, are hereby amended 
12 
accordingly. 
13 
SEC. 3. This Act shall'take effect fifteen (15) days after' its publication in 
14 
two (2) leading newspapers of national circulation. 
Approved, 
1
P ‘. 
THIRTEENTH CONGRESS OF THE REPUBLIC 
) 
OF THE PHILIPPINE 
1 
First Regular Session 
) 
.
I
 
S E N  
Introduced by Senator S. R. OsmeAa 111 
EXPLANATORY NOTE 
In the year 2003, output from the mining and quarrying industry amounted 
to 1.52% of Gross National Product, or P17.966 billion valued at constant 
prices. 
This figure apparently 
does not take into consideration the 
environmental damage resulting especially from large-scale mining. 
Some of 
the cost of environmental damage, such as the pollution of waterways and the 
poisoning of water sources, the collapse of mountains, are clearly not reflected 
in the income accounts, but are already being shouldered by communities 
around the mining sites. 
Future generations will also bear the cost, as they fall 
victim to similar disasters. 
This bill seeks to repeal Republic Act 7942 otherwise known as the 
Philippine Mining Act of 1995. R.A. 7942 was enacted to develop the mining 
industry, encouraging the operation of large-scale mining by local and foreign 
corporate entities. The apparent oversight of this legislation is the fact that large- 
scale mining companies have no incentive to prevent, or make restitution for the 
damage that they inflict on the environment. 
In the absence of a Philippine Mining Act, it is hoped that subsequent 
mining activities will be restricted to small-scale miners who with their long-term 
stake in their respective communities tend to be more responsible about 
preventing environmental damage. 
The numerous disasters attributed to environmental damage emphasize 
the importance of a more far-sighted approach to economic development. 
Clearly, the short-term profits from large-scale extraction of our natural resources 
should be carefully weighed against the costs, both in the present and future, of 
damage inflicted on our environment. 
In view of the foregoing, early passage of this bill is earnestly requested. 
A 
SERGIO OSMEfiA 111 
Senator 


THIRTEENTH CONGRESS OF THE REPUBLI 
) 
OF THE PHILIPPINES 
First Regular Session 
S E N A T E  
S. No. 2 @.J 
5 
Introduced by Senator S. R. Osmeiia Ill 
AN ACT 
REPEALING REPUBLIC ACT NUMBERED 7942, OTHERWISE KNOWN AS 
THE PHILIPPINE MINING ACT OF 1995 
Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the 
Philippines in Congress Assembled: 
1 
SECTION 1. 
Any provision of law to the contrary notwithstanding, 
2 
Republic Act Numbered 7942 entitled “An Act Instituting a New System of 
3 
Mineral Resources Exploration, Development, Utilization and Conservation” is 
4 
hereby repealed. 
5 
Sec. 2. Effectivity Clause. - This Act shall take effect fifteen (15) days 
G 
after its publication in two (2) national newspapers of general circulation 
Approved,
h .  
THIRTEENTH CONGRESS OF THE REPUBLIC 
] 
OF THE PHILIPPINES 
1 
First Regular Session 
1 
S E N A T E  
S.B. No. 
15 
Introduced by Senator LUISA uU)In P. EJERCITO ESTRADA 
EXPLANATORY NOTE 
The Civil Code, Article 737, states that “the donor’s capacity shall 
be determined as of the time of the making of the donation.” The term 
“making“ must be interpreted to mean “perfection” of the donation, 
otherwise if “making“ means “giving“, Art. 737 would in some cases be 
inconsistent with Art. 734 which states that “ the donation is perfected 
from the moment the donor knows of the acceptance by the donee”. 
An example of the perceived inconsistency is: “an insane donor 
donates on January 1. Donee accepts on January 5. Donor regains 
sanity on January 7. Donor knows of donee’s acceptance on January 8, 
at a time when he was sane (capacitated). In this case, if we interpret 
“making“ as “giving“, the donation would be avoidable because of the 
donor’s incapacity at the time he “gaven his property to the donee. On the 
other hand, if we consider “making“ as “perfection”, the donation would 
be valid because at the time of “making“ (perfection), both parties had 
full capacity“. 
To avoid this contradiction, the language of Article 737 must be 
changed to make it clear and consistent with other provisions of the Civil 
Code on Donations. 
LUISA “LOI” 
ESTRADA 


I 
THIRTEENTH CONGRESS OF THE REPUBLIC 
) 
OF THE PHILIPPINES 
1 
First Regular Session 
1 
S E N A T E  
S.B. No. 15 
,, . ,_ L ,  , \ 
L.. 
Introduced by Senator LUISA ‘‘LOI” P. EJERCITO ESTRADA 
AN ACT 
AMENDING REPUBLIC ACT NO. 386, ALSO KNOWN AS THE CIVIL 
CODE OF THE PHILIPPINES, ARTICLE 737, MAKING IT CONSISTENT 
WITH THE OTHER PROVISIONS UNDER THE TITLE ON DONATIONS 
Be it enacted by the Senate and the House of Representatives of the 
Philippines in Congress assembled: 
Section 1. 
R.A. No. 386, also known as the Civil Code of the Philippines, 
Article 737, is hereby amended to read as follows: 
“Art. 737 (The donor’s capacity shall be determined as of 
the time of the making of the donation) AT THE TIME THE 
DONATION IS PERFECTED, BOTH TEE DONOR AND THE 
DONEE MUST BE CAPACITATED.” 
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. 


Section 4. Effectivity Clause. - This Act shall take effect fifteen 
(15) days after its publication in at least two (2) newspapers of general 
circulation. 
Approved, 
GVL/tmd/GVLamendra386
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THIRTEENTH CONGRESS OF TH 
1 
REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES 
1 
First Regular Session 
1 
cw 
SENATE 
% 
5 
c 
S.B. No. 
Introduced by Senator Jinggoy Ejercito Estrada 
~~ 
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EXPLANATORY NOTE 
While there exists an agency tasked to safeguard and promote the welfare of 
Filipino overseas workers, including the identification of legitimate job opportunities in 
foreign countries, there is no agency tasked to cover local job opportunities, 
There is no agency to serve as a national manpower data bank that can have a 
ready listing of all available manpower, classified according to their skills, technical or 
otherwise. 
The proposed National Manpower Data and Placement Center shall gather and 
collate all available data and statistics on the present labor force, both employed and 
unemployed, and update the same every semester. 
The Center can serve the government and the private sector in terms of specific 
labor supply. It ca serve as a national labor pool which may be tapped any time by local 
companies and the government. 
The Center shall provide an efficient inventory and classification of our labor and 
skills supply for maximum use of manpower. More than this, the Center shall provide 
the pertinent data needed in studies and formulation of strategies to fight 
underemployment and unemployment. 
Passage of this bill therefore, is earnestly sought. 
ClTO ESTRADA 


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THIRTEENTH CONGRESS OF THE 
) 
REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES 
1 
First Regular Session 
1 
' .  
.i 
SENATE 
S.B. NO. 
Introduced by Senator Jinggoy Ejercito Estrada 
AN ACT 
ESTABLISHING THE NATIONAL MANPOWER DATA AND PLACEMENT 
CENTER, AND PROVIDING FUNDS THEREFOR 
Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representative of the Philippines in 
Congress assembled: 
SECTION 1. Policy. - It is the policy of the government to promote the welfare of 
all workers in terms of harnessing their talents and skills to the fullest. Government shall 
endeavor to provide an efficient system in tapping such'skills and talents. 
SEC. 2. There is hereby established a National Manpower Data and Placement 
Center under the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) which shall serve as 
the manpower and skills data bank and placement agency for local employment. The 
Center shall serve as counterpart of the Philippine Overseas Employment 
Administration (POEA). 
SEC. 3. The DOLE shall promulgate the necessary rules and regulations of this 
Act. 
SEC. 4. It is hereby authorized to be appropriated, out of any funds of the 
National Treasury, not otherwise appropriated, a sum to carry out the provisions of this 
Act. Therefater, such sum, and any increase therof, shall be included in the General 
Appropriations Act. 
SEC. 5. All acts, presidential decrees, and issuance nor consistent with this Act 
are hereby repealed. 
SECT. 6. This Act shall take effect fifteen (15) days after publication in at least 
two newspaper of general circulation. 
Approved.
THIRTEENTH CONGRESS 
OF THE PHILIPPINE 
1 
First Regular Session 
1 
Introduced by Senator S. R. OsmeAa 111 
EXPLANATORY NOTE 
Many of the dental diseases are considered as public health problems in 
developing countries. 
In the Philippines, such problems exacerbated by the 
lack of proper dental health practices of the general population have become 
serious national concerns. 
The ubiquitous effects of the magnitude of the dental problem can be 
translated in economic terms. 
Every tooth affected means two (2) days loss of 
productivity, lost opportunities, recurring pain and severe discomfort as well as 
increased cost of dental treatments. 
This bill seeks to create a position of rural dentist in every rural health unit 
to avert the loss in economic productivity of our people and to alleviate the 
discomfort felt by those afflicted with such diseases. Considering that there are 
six hundred fifty-two rural health dentists in the plantilla of the Department of 
Health distributed in the twelve (12) regions, the creation of one-dentist position 
in each of the 1,991 rural health units under the Department of Health, the priority 
targets of dental health services - pre-school children, school children, pregnant 
and non-pregnant mothers and other adults will be adequately served. 
While it will cost an additional P35 million a year in terms of personal 
services, the benefits to be derived from their services will be tremendous. An 
addition of 8,034,000 children, mothers and adults can be properly attended to. 
With these positions, the ratio of dentist to the population will approach the 
standard ratio of 1 :20,000 population, similar to that of physicians. 
In view of the foregoing, the passage of this bill is earnestly sought. 
bt 
SERGIO OSMEmA 111 
Senator 


I 
2 
3 
4 
5 
6 
7 
S 
9 
10 
I I  
THIRTEENTH CONGRESS 
F THE REPUBLIC 
) 
;y$j 
22 
OF THE PHILIPPINE 
) 
First Regular Session 
1 
a& 
3 €$I! 
: 
*-%s?rf%w- 
-. 
Introduced by Senator S. R. Osmeiia Ill 
AN ACT 
CREATING A POSITION OF RURAL DENTIST IN EVERY RURAL HEALTH 
UNIT UNDER THE DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND APPROPRIATING 
FUNDS THEREFOR 
Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the Philippines in 
Congress assembled: 
SECTION I. 
There is hereby created a position of rural dentist in every 
rural health unit under the supervision of the Department of Health. 
SEC. 2. The Department of Health shall issue rules and regulations for 
the effective implementation of this Act. 
SEC. 3. The amount necessary for the effective implementation of this 
Act shall be funded out of the appropriations of the Department of Health under 
Republic Act Numbered Sixty-six hundred forty-two. Thereafter, such amounts 
as may be necessary for the continued implementation of this Act shall be 
included in the annual General Appropriations Act. 
SEC. 4. This Act shall take effect fifteen (15) days after its publication in 
at least two (2) newspapers of general circulation. 
Atmroved.
THIRTEENTH CONGRESS OF THE REPUBLIC ) 
OF THE PHILIPPINES 
) 
‘04 I#J\I 
1 12 i.) :‘i .3 
Firsf Regular Session 
1 
@ L l L  
SENATE 
}~~~~~~~~~~ 
BY :---.-””--- 
S. No. l$t= 
N 
Introduced by Senator Richard J. Gordon 
EXPLANATORY NOTE 
The Secretary of the Department of National Defense (DND) and the Chief of Staff of 
the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) are very sensitive and powerful positions in 
government that, when monopolized by the same person who just served as AFP Chief of 
Staff and thereafter immediately appointed as DND Secretary, may lead to apprehensions 
of corruption or betrayal of public trust. 
To ensure that public service shall be dictated by no other consideration than the 
public good, this proposed legislative measure seeks the disqualification of the AFP Chief of 
Staff from being eligible for appointment to the position of DND Secretary for a period of 
three (3) years from his tour of duty as AFP Chief of Staff based on precepts of propriety 
and ethics. 
This prohibition seeks to show integrity to the public and lend effectiveness to the 
principle that a public office is a public trust. 


, 
1 
2 
3 
4 
5 
6 
7 
8 
9 
10 
11 
12 
13 
14 
15 
16 
THIRTEENTH CONGRESS OF THE REPUBLIC ) 
OF THE PHILIPPINES 
1 
Firsf Regular Session 
1 
Introduced by Senator Richard J. Gordon 
AN ACT AMENDING SECTION 42 CHAPTER 7 SUBTITLE II TITLE Vlll OF EXECUTIVE 
ORDER NO. 292, AS AMENDED, OTHERWISE KNOWN AS THE ADMINISTRATIVE 
CODE OF 1987 
Be it enacted by the Senate and the House of Representatives of the Philippines in 
Congress assembled: 
SECTION 1. Section 42 Chapter 7 Subtitle II Title Vlll of Executive Order No. 292, as 
amended, otherwise known as the Administrative Code of 1987 is hereby amended to read 
as follows: 
"Sec. 42. The Chief of Staff. - 
x x x  
(4) NO CHIEF OF STAFF OF THE ARMED FORCES OF THE PHILIPPINES 
SHALL BE ELIGIBLE FOR APPOINTMENT TO THE SECRETARY OF THE 
DEPARTMENT OF NATIONAL DEFENSE WITHIN A PERIOD OF THREE 
(3) YEARS FOLLOWING HIS TOUR OF DUTY." 
Sec. 2. Repealing Clause. -All laws, decrees, orders, rules and regulations or other 
issuances or parts thereof inconsistent with the provisions of this Act are hereby repealed or 
modified accordingly. 
Sec. 3. Effectivity. - This Act shall take effect after fifteen (15) days following the 
completion of its publication either in the Official Gazette or in a newspaper of general 
circulation in the Philippines. 
Approved,
THIRTEENTH CONGRESS OF THE 
) 
REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES 
) 
First Regular Session 
1 
I 
S EIN A T  E 
S.B. NO. 1036 
4. 
- 
Introduced by Senator JINGGOY EJERCITO ESTRADA 
EXPLANATORY NO,TE 
One of the amendments perceived to be necessary to strengthen the system 
established by P.D. No. 1508 of amicably settling disputes at the barangay level 
concerns the institution of safeguards against prescription of actions which may occur if 
conciliation is resorted to by the parties. This bill responds to this need by specifically 
providing that the filing of case with the Punong Barangay interrupts the running of the 
prescriptive period under the Civil Code and amending Article 1155 thereof to that 
effect. The suspension, however, does not extend to more than 60 days to prevent the 
possibility of undue delay that the suspension might engender. 
In the interest of encouraging serious recourse to the system of amicably settling 
disputes at the barangay level, the passage of this bill is earnestly sought. 
ESTRADA 
Senator 


THIRTEENTH CONGRESS OF THE 
) 
>I 1 g i 
r 
i (- 
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z 
I 4  .:3 
REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES 
1 
First Regular Session 
1 
S.B. NO. JO36 
~ 
~~ 
~ 
____ 
,' 
*, 
Introduced by Senator JINGGOY EJERCITO ESTRADA 
4 
AN ACT 
AMENDING ARTICLE ELEVEN HUNDRED FIFTY-'FIVE OF REPUBLIC NUMBERED 
THREE HUNDRED AND EIGHTY- SIX, OTHERWISE KNOWN AS THE CIVIL CODE 
OF THE PHILIPPINES 
Be it enacted by the Senate and the House of Representatives of the Philippines 
in the Congress assembled: 
SECTION 1. Article f.155 of the Civil Code is hereby amended fo read as 
follows: 
"ART. 1155. The prescription of actions is interrupted when they are filed 
before the court, when there is a ,written extrajudicial demand by the creditors, 
[and] when there is a written acknowledgement of the debt by the debtor, OR IN 
ANY CASE SUBJECT TO ARBITRATION UNDER THE NEW ALTERNATIVE 
DISPUTE RESOLUTION LAW OR IF BROUGHT BEFORE THE LUPON NG 
TAGAPAMAYAPA UNDER THE PERTINENT PROVISIONS OF THE LOCAL 
GOVERNMENT CODE. 
SECTION 2. This act shall take effect fifteen (15) days after its publication in two 
(2) newspapers of general circulation. 
Approved,
. L  
.Y. 
I . 
THIRTEENTH CONGRESS OF THE REPUBLIC ) 
OF THE PHILIPPINES 
1 
First Regular Session 
) 
SENAT 
S. B. NO 
Introduced by Senator Miriam Defensor Santiago 
EX~LANATOR~ 
NOTE 
Jnder 
the principle of separation of powers, the judicial branch has no power 
under our constitution to suspend a member of the legislative branch. Such an act is a 
diminution of the Constitutional principle of interdepartment courtesy, making it 
unconstitutional and void. If Congress is to be effective in the discharge of its legislative 
function, its independence should be preserved. 
. . 
This is the reason why the Constitution explicitly provides that Congress has the 
exclusive privilege of ensuring the orderly behavior of its members. Article 6, Section 16, 
paragraph 3 states: 
'Each House may., . with the concurrence of two-thirds of all its kernbers 
suspend or expel a Member. A penalty of suspension, when imposed, $hall not 
exceed sixty (60) days." 
Since only congress has the power of punitive suspension, it then follows that 
1 . .  
. 
only congress has the Power of preventive suspension. 
The broad language of R.A. No. 3019 (The Anti-Graft and Corrupt Practices Act) 
section 13 does not justify a construction that will clash with this accepted constitutional 
principle. For this reason, there is a need to amend it to make sure that the principle of 
separation of powers is preserved and protected. 


THIRTEENTH CONGRESS OF THE REPUBLIC j 
OF THE PHILIF'PNES 
j 
'04 
. !l,j\. 1 4 12 :j :I '7 
d 
First Regular Session 
1 
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wt : .~_".ll .--- 
f-P 
SENATE 
S. B. NO. 
9 
Introduced by Senator Miriam Defensor Santiago 
AN ACT 
AMENDING THE PENAL CODE, ARTICLES 204,205 AND 207 
Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the Philippines in Conqess 
asseni bled: 
SECTION 1. Republic Act No. 3019, Section 13 is hereby amended to read as 
i 
follows: - 
"Section 13. Suspension and Loss o f  Benefits. - Any incumbent public officer, 
EXCEPT: OFFICERS WHO MAY BE REMOVED ONLY BY IMPEACHMENT; 
MEMBERS OF CONGRESS; AND MEMBERS OF THE SUPREME COURT AND 
COURT OF APPEALS; against whom any criminal prosecution under a valid 
information under its Act or under the provisions of the Penal Code on bribery is 
pending in court, shall be suspended from ofice. Should the accused be c nvicted by 
final judgment, heishe shall lose all retirement or gratuity benefits under any law, 
which heishe failed to receive during hidher suspension, unless in the meantime 
administrative proceedings have been filed against hidher. 
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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. 
SECTION 3 .  Effectivily Clause. - This Act shall take effect fifteen (15) days after its 
publication in at least two (2) newspapers of general circulation. 
Approved, 
fn: 789 
~. .
G 
E 
T 
uced by Senator JIMGG 
EXPLANATORY NOTE 
The delivery of health and medical services to the poor in our country has 
already reached its critical level as shown by the proportion of patients vis-a-vis the time 
spent on these services during regular hours. 
In cases where medical attention is badly needed, the idea of a 24-hour health 
centers come to mind. Thus, there is a bleeding need to ease up the situation by 
extending the working hour of public health centers beyond regular day time schedules 
to meet the ever-growing need for medical attention. 
In view of the foregoing, early passage of this bill is earnestly sought. 
EJERCITO ESTRADA 
Senator 


, 
Introduced by Senator JINGGOY EJERCITO ESTRADA 
AN ACT 
ING ALL PUBLIC HEALTH CENTERS TO BE OPEN AT ALL TIMES TO 
PROVIDE CONTINUOUS HEALTH AND MEDICAL SERVICES TO THE PUBLIC 
Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representafives of the Philippines in 
Congress assembled: 
SECTION 1. Continuous Service of Public H e a ~ ~ ~  
Centers. - All public health 
centers shall be open at all times of the day and night to provide continuous health and 
medical services to the public. 
SECTION 2. Adjustment of Working Hours. - Regional health directors and 
local government health officers, as the case may be, shall strengthen their respective 
personnel forces and schedule their work hours accordingly. 
SECTION 3. Funding. - The amount necessary to implement the provision of 
this Act is hereby authorized to be taken from unappropriated funds of the General 
Appropriations Act in the case of regional health center, and from unappropriated funds 
of local governments: Provided, That thereafter, the amount needed to maintain 
continuous health service shall be included in the General Appropriations Act and in 
local government budgets, respectively. 
SECTION 4. Separability Clause. - If any provision or section of this Act, or the 
application thereof to any person or circumstance, is held invalid, the other section, and 
the application of such provisions or section to other persons or circumstances, shall not 
be affected thereby. 


. - All other laws, decrees, rules and regulations 
inconsistent with this Act are hereby considered repealed, amended, or modified 
accordingly 
SECTION 6. Effectivity Clause. - This Act shall take effect immediately upon 
approval. 
Approved, '
,
I
 
c 
S E N A  
S.B. NO. 
Introduced by Senator mriam Defensor Santiago 
EXPLANATORY NOTE 
Prostate cancer is now one of the leading causes of death among Filipino males 
Statistics show that about 25% of men afflicted with prostate cancer die of the disease 
Patients who survive the cancer still require treatment to ease symptoms such as pain, 
bleeding, and urinary obstruction. 
The American Cancer Society and the American Urological Associatlon 
recommend that the men over forty (40) years or older undergo periodic testing for the 
early detection of prostate cancer Early detection will prevent hture disease progression 
Also, treatment in the early stages of cancer i s  less than when done in its advanced 
stages. 
This bill seeks to establish a program that will educate the public and increase 
awareness on prostate cancer. 
MIRIAM DE 


S E N A  
S. No. 
Introduced by Senator Miriam Defensor Santiago 
AN ACT 
ESTABLISHING A PROGRAM FOR PUBLIC EDUCATION ON PROSTATE 
CANCER 
Be it enacted by the Senate and the House Of Representatives of the Philippines in 
Congress assem bled: 
SECTION 1 Short Title. - This Act may be cited as the “Prostate Cancer Public 
Awareness Act.” 
SECTION 2. Definition Of Terms. - For purposes of this Act, the term- 
a. DIRECTOR - means the Director of the Non-Communicable Disease 
Department of Health. 
SECTION 3. Establishment of Program for Public Education on Prostate 
Cancer. - The Director shall carry out a program on prostate cancer. Through that 
program, he shall conduct or support activities- 
a. to educate males who are forty (40) years of age or older on the need to 
periodically undergo examinati0n.s for such cancer, including education on the 
frequency and type of such examination that are appropriate for various age 
groups of such men; and 
b. to educate males on the availability and appropriateness of procedures for 
detecting cancer in its early stages, including the procedure known as prostate 
u 1 t r a s o u n d 


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 or regulation contrary to, 
or inconsistent with, the provision of this Act is hereby repealed, modified or amended 
accordingly. 
SECTION 6 Effectivity Clause - This Act shall take effect fifteen days (15) days 
after its publication in at least two (2) newspapers of general circulation 
Approved. 
Fn: 311
1 
r 
THIRTEENTH CONG~ESS 
OF THE REPUBLIC) 
OF THE PHILIPPLNES 
First Regular Session 
’04 
JUL 29 P4 :48 
Introduced by Senator Miriam Defensor Santiago 
EXPLANATORY NOTE 
The Civil Code, Article 737, states “the donor’s capacity shall be determined as of the 
time of the making of the donation.” 
The term “making must be interpreted to mean 
“perfection” of the donation, otherwise if “making” means “giving,” Article 737 would in some 
cases be inconsistent with Article 734 which states that “the donation is perfected from the 
moment the donor knoks of the acceptance by the donee.” 
An example of the perceived inconsistency is: “an insane donor donates on January 1. 
Donee accepts on January 5. Donor regains sanity on January 7. Donor knows of donee’s 
acceptance on January 8, at a time when he was sane (capacitated). In this case, if we interpret 
“making” as “giving,” the donation would be avoidable because of the donor’s incapacity at the 
time he “gave” his property to the donee. On the other hand, if we consider “making” as 
, 
“perfection,” the donation would be valid because at the time of “making” (perfection), both 
parties had full capacity.” 
i 
I 
To avoid this contradiction, the language of Article 737 must be changed to make it clear 
and consistent with other provisions of the Civil Code on Donations. 


First Regular Session 
SECTION 1. Republic Act No. 386, also known as the Civil Code of the Philippines, 
Article 737, is hereby amended to read as follows: 
1 
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BY: 
“Article 737 (The donor’s capacity shall be determined as of the time of the 
making of the, donation) AT THE TIME THE DONATION IS PERFECTED, 
I
.
 
BOTH OF THE DONOR AND THE DONEE MUST BE CAPACITATED.” 
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 ;his Act is hereby repealed, modified or amended accordingly. 
Clause. - This Act shall take effect fifteen (15) days after its 
of general circulation. 
Approved. 
I323
i 
THIRTEENTH CONGRESS OF THE REPUBLIC) 
OF THE PHILIPPINES 
1 
First Regular Session 
) 
<.' 
.
,
 
Introduced by Senator Miriam Defensor Santiago' 
EXPLANATORY NOTE 
Banking industry liberalization allowed entry of many foreign banks. Competition among 
banks is keen that access to their services is very easy. Before, deposits or withdrawals were 
transacted o ver-the-counter inside the b anks. P ayment o futilities, insurance, or s ervices were 
made by going to the establishment itself. Shopping was paid with currencies. Now, access 
devices have radically changed all these. Banking transactions as well as others that require 
transfer of funds may now be consummated by a single act of swiping an access device. 
There is no law regulating the use of access devices. The growing number of transactions 
using access devices necessitate amending the Penal Code to include such fraudulent acts 
involving the use of access devices. 


THIRTEENTH CONGRESS OF THE REPUBLIC) 
OF THE PHILIPPINES 
1 
First Regular Session 
) 
"04 JUL 29 P4 :49 
Introduced by Senator Miriam Defensor Santiago 
AN ACT 
AMENDING THE PENAL CODE, ARTICLE 3 15 
Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the Philippines in Congress 
assembled: 
SECTION 1. The Penal Code, Article 315, is hereby amended by adding another 
paragraph to read as follows: 
4. FRAUD AND RELATED ACTIVITY IN CONNECTION WITH 
ACCESS DEVICES - 
(A) WHOEVER- 
(1)KNOWINGLY 
AND WITH INTENT TO DEFRAUD, 
PRODUCES, USES, OR TRAFFICES IN ONE OR MORE COUNTERFEIT 
ACCESS DEVICES; 
(2)KNOWINGLY 
AND 
WITH 
INTENT 
TO DEFRAUD 
TRAFFICES IN OR USES ONE OR MORE UNAUTHORIZED ACCESS 
DEVISES DURING ANY ONE YEAR PERIOD, AND BY SUCH CONDUCT 
OBTAINS ANYTHING VALUE! AGREGATING P25,OOO OR MORE DURING 
THAT PERIOD; 
(3)KNOWINGLY AND 
WITH 
INTENT TO DEFRAUD 
POSSESSES FIFTEEN (15) OR MORE DEVICES WHICH ARE COUNTERFEIT 
OR UNAUTHORIZED ACCESS DEVICES; 
(4)KNOWINGLY, 
AND WITH 
INTENT TO DEFRAUD 
PRODUCES, TRAFFICES IN, HAS CONTROL OR CUSTODY OF, OR 
POSSESSES DEVICE-MAKING EQUIPMENT; 
FOR PURPOSES OF THIS SECTION, ACCESS DEVICE MEANS ANY 
CARD, PLATE, CODE, ACCOUNT NUMBER, OR OTHER MEANS OF 
ACCOUNT ACCESS THAT CAN BE USED, ALONE OR IN CONJUNCTION 
WITH ANOTHER ACCESS DEVICE, TO OBTAIN MONEY, GOODS, 
SERVICES, OR ANY OTHER THING OF VALUE, OR THAT CAN BE USED 


TO INITIATE A TRANSFER OF FUNDS (OTHER THAN A TRANSFER 
ORIGINATED SOLELY BY PAPER INSTRUMENT). 
SECTION 2. Repealing clause. - Any law, presidential decree or issuance, executive order, 
letter of instruction, administrative order, rules or regulations or part thereof, contrary to or inconsistent 
with the provision of this Act is hereby repealed, modified, or amended accordingly. 
SECTION 3. Eflectivity Clause. - This Act shall take effect fifteen (15) days after its publication 
in at least two (2) newspapers of general circulation. 
Approved. 
I342
SE R A T  E 
BT-FiCE GF THE SiEGRETAW 
‘, 
THIRTEENTH CONGRESS OF THE REPUBLIC 
First Regular Session 
) 
OF THE PHILIPPINES 
1 
5 IIAR 19 A9:37 
I 
S E N A T E  
c5f 
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BY: 
(In Substitution of S. Nos. 648 and 1285) 
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REDEFINING THE 
REPUBLIC ACT NO. 
“AN ACT 
TERM “VETERAN” THEREBY AMENDING FURTHER 
6948 AS AMENDED” 
Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the Philippines 
SECTION 1. Section 2 (a), Title I of Republic Act No. 6948 is amended to 
in Congress assembled: 
read as follows: 
“(a) Veteran - any person who rendered military service in the land, 
sea or air forces of the Philippines during the Revolution against Spain, the 
Philippine-American War and the World War 11, including Filipino citizens who served 
with the Allied Forces in Philippine territory and foreign nationals who served in the 
Philippine Forces. A veteran of military campaign is any person who became part of 
the Philippine expeditionary forces sent to the Korean war and the Philippine citizens 
action group sent to the Vietnam war; or who rendered military service in the Armed 
Forces of the Philippines and has been honorably discharged or separated after at 
least twenty (20) years total cumulative active service, or sooner separated due to 
death or disability arising from a wound or injury received, or sickness or disease 
incurred, in line of duty while in the active service;” 
SEC. 2. For purposes of the administration of veterans benefits provided for 
in Republic Act No. 6948 as amended by Republic Act No. 7696, the Department of 
National Defense shall issue the implementing rules and regulations. 
SEC. 3. 
Repealing Clause. - All laws, rules, regulations, orders, circulars 
18 
and memoranda inconsistent with this Act are hereby repealed or modified 
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accordingly. 
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2 
3 
Approved, 
SEC. 4. Effectivity. -This Act shall take effect fifteen (15) days following its 
publication in at least two national newspapers of general circulation. 
2
.. . 


In view of the fore 
I 
the early p 
earnestly req ueste 
. .  
. 
. 


Be it enacted 
1 
II be known as the " 
arrners Progr 
4 " 
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of the State to instill in the Filipino y 
commitment 
productivity 
fisheries sect 
fo I I ow i n g o b j e ct i ves : 
a) To encourage youn 
into agribusine 
ure them to b 
artners in nation buildin 
.. .- 
-- 
b) To prevent the departure of yo 
rmers for ~ r ~ a n  
centers 
by generati 
countryside; 
o enlist young 
petent entrepreneurs in en 
the compet~tive~ess 
of local a 
fisheries; 


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in agribusiness thru value- 
ct i v i t i e s ; 
e) To underscore to the youth their  portan an^ role i 
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- The ~ o l l o w ~ ~  
e 
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defined under t 
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-a 
- - 
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ram" refers to the Young 
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c) 
th" refers to i 
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Program or who a 
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That they are colle 
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(2) years of colle 
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course and are 
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agriculture-relate 
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erience in agr 
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epat-tment, in coordination with state college 
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project . 
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e) "Young Farmer olunteer" or "Y 
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gribusiness course who shall 
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represent their re 
training to be con 
h state colle 
shall be deployed t 
and monitor the Y 
The Y 
xecutive Cornmitte 
implementation of the 
regulations to irn 
elines to effectively carry out th 
hall endeavor to 
shall likewise 
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31 
balance i 
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the arno 
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such am 
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2 
after its publication in the Offici 
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P
I. 
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c 
THIRTEENTH CONGRESS OF THE REPUBLIC 
) 
OF THE PHILIPPINES 
First Regular Session 
- 
S E N A T E  
Introduced by Senator Franklin M. Drilon 
EXPLANATORY NOTE 
This bill seeks to prohibit the sale, manufacture and distribution of 
gun replicas or replicas of similar other deadly weapons which are easily 
accessible to the youth and the public. The early exposure of our youth 
to guns poses danger to their moral formation. 
Gun replicas could be easily used to intimidate persons for the 
furtherance of criminal plans or to carry out petty crimes. Besides the 
plastic pellets from these toy guns can cause the skin to break on impact 
and result in a wound. 
We already have enough problems brought about by the 
proliferation of loose firearms. We do not need these replicas which will 
only complicate the present peace and order situation in this country. 
I 
Early approval of this bill is sought. 


' 
THIRTEENTH CONGRESS OF THE REPUBLIC 
First Re gular Session 
) 
OF THE PHILIPPINES 
. 
Introduced by Senator Franklin M. Drilon 
AN ACT 
PROHIBITING THE SALE, MANUFACTURE, 
DISTRIBUTION AND POSSESSION OF GUN REPLICAS 
AND REPLICAS OF OTHER SIMILAR DEADLY WEAPONS, 
PROVIDING PENALTIES THEREFOR AND FOR OTHER 
PURPOSES 
Be it enacted by the Senate'and House of Representatives of the 
Philippines in Congress assembled: 
SECTION 1. 
Prohibition to sell, manufacture, distribute, or 
possess gun replicas or replicas of other similar deadly weapons. - The 
penalty of prision mayor shall be imposed upon any person who shall 
sell, manufacture, distribute or possess gun replicas or replicas of other 
similar deadly weapons. 
. 
If the violation of this Section is in furtherance of, incident to, or in 
connection with the commission of any crime, the penalty in its 
maximum period shall be imposed. 
In case of juridical persons, the penalty shall be imposed upon the 
owner, president, manager, director or other responsible officer of the 
said firms or corporation or juridical entity. Should the offender be a 
foreigner, he shall be immediately deported after serving sentence as 
provided in this Act. 
For this purpose, "gun replicas and replicas of other similar deadly 
weapons" shall be defined as exact copies of guns and other similar 
dangerous weapons. They may or may not fire a projectile, and every 
detail from color, finish, shape and weight are identical to real guns and 
deadly weapons except for the materials used - most are made entirely or 
partially of plastic but with some metal parts, especially in models that 
fire plastic bullets. 
SECTION 2. Implementing Rules and Regulations. - The Secretary 
of the Department of Justice in coordination with the Secretaries of the 
Departments of Interior and Local Government and National Defense 
shall promulgate the necessary rules and regulations for the effective 
implementation of this Act. 
1 


SECTION 3. Effectivity. - This Act shall take effect fifteen (15) 
days after its complete publication in the Official Gazette or in at least 
two newspapers of general circulation. 
Approved, 
2