bettergovph/raw-philippine-data huggingface dataset:
SEVENTEENTH CONGRESS OF THE) 
REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES 
)
First Regular Session 
)
S E N A T E
S.B.No. 
25
BILLS
Introduced by SENATOR GREGORIO B. HONASAN II
AN ACT
INSTITUTING 
A 
NATIONAL 
LAND 
USE 
POLICY, 
PROVIDING 
THE 
IMPLEMENTING MECHANISMS THEREFOR, AND FOR OTHER PURPOSES
EXPLANATORY NOTE
Under the National Land Use Policy Act of 2016, it shall be declared the policy of the State to 
instill in our people, in the hearts and minds of all Filipinos a thirty-year vision and land use plan 
for our country we can all aim for, work for, and achieve as one Filipino Nation.
hi the 1976 United Nations Conference on Human Settlement, Land was recognized to have a 
unique nature and crucial role in the society which cannot be treated as an ordinary asset. Land 
is considered to be a valuable tool in achieving social justice and holistic development, 
particularly food production, the provision of decent dwellings, human mobility and the health of 
people.
The Philippines has a total land area of thirty (30) million hectares. The lack of a comprehensive 
and unified national land use plan in the country is such a long overdue socio-political and 
economic policy issue posing great challenges and constraints to our country’s sustainable 
growth and development.
At present, there are approximately more than thirty (30) environmental and ecological 
protection laws and policies pertaining to land and water utilization and management in the 
Philippines. These include the Comprehensive Agrarian Refonn Law of 1988, as amended by the 
Comprehensive Agrarian Reform Program with Extension and Reforms Law of 2009, the 
National Integrated Protected Areas System (NIPAS) Act of 1992, the Indigenous Peoples 
Rights Act of 1998, the Philippine Fisheries Code of 1998, the Agriculture and Fisheries 
Modernization Act of 1997, the Urban Development and Housing Act (UDHA) Act, the Mining 
Act of 1995, and the Forestry Reform Code.
However, there is a basic and urgent need to legislate a comprehensive national land use 
framework in our country, the absence of which has created problems and constraints such as the 
inconsistency of laws on land utilization and conflict among different sectors due to competing 
demands of land for economic and commercial uses, food production, shelter, environment 
preservation and indigenous people's preservation. The nature of implementation of these laws 
have resulted in overlapping of functions among the sectors concerned, conflicting claims and 
competing uses of our finite resources. 
There is a need to preserve equal respect for and 
protection of the traditional rights of the Indigenous Communities, which are often referred to as 
the last bastions of Mother Earth and uplift those who toil the land, without whose sweat we 
cannot have food on our tables. Apart from these, we need to further address the incessant 
demand for adequate supply of food and security, environmental integrity, climate change 
adaptation and mitigation, disaster risk reduction and management and prevention of illegal land 
conversion.
SEVENTEENTH CONGRESS OF THE ) 
REPUBLiC OF THE PHILIPPINES 
)
First Regular Session 
)
*16 JUL 20 P5:17
S E N A T E
■ • f: riY:
Senate Bill No. 721
Introduced by SENATOR CYNTHIA A. VILLAR
AN ACT
DESIGNATING THE MONTH OF NOVEMBER AS “ BUY PINOY, BUILD PINOY 
MONTH” TO ENCOURAGE THE PUBLIC AND PRIVATE SECTORS TO 
PRIORITIZE THE PURCHASE AND UTILIZATION OF FILIPINO PRODUCTS, 
LABOR AND SERVICES
EXPLANATORY NOTE
While we often hear the saying “Tangkilikin ang Sariling Atin", we normally 
take it for granted and/or seldom do we actually put the same into practice. This is 
maybe because there are actually no effective and concerted efforts yet on the part 
of the government and stakeholders to bring the benefit of this practice to the 
consciousness of the consuming public. 
Needless to say, patronizing our own 
Filipino products strengthen the Philippine economy.
With the start of the Asean Economic Community (AEC) last year and the 
expected proliferation of more goods from other ASEAN countries, it is submitted 
that practicing the wisdom of “Tangkilikin ang Sariling Atin” becomes even more 
relevant.
The proposed bill aims to declare the month of November every year as “BUY 
PINOY, BUILD PINOY Month” to inculcate in each Filipino the wisdom of supporting 
our very own Filipino made products, and in the process, give due recognition to 
Filipino producers, particularly micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs). The 
month of November is strategically chosen given the increased consumer spending 
that occurs during the Christmas season.
SEVENTEENTH CONGRESS 
)
REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES 
)
First Regular Session 
)
((?)tirr „» tiic
'16 
JU L 1 9  
A10 ‘.13
S E N A T E  
S.B. No. 
4 1 7
V I l. ii V;.
In tro d u ced  by SENATOR LOREN LEGARDA
AN ACT PROVIDING FOR A NATIONAL POLICY ON STUDENTS’ RIGHTS AND 
WELFARE
Explanatory Note
This bill seeks to guarantee students their right to quality education, freedom, welfare 
services, am ong others and to protect them  from discrim ination, in accordance with 
the rights and freedoms accorded by the 1987 Constitution and international hum an 
rights agreem ents.
Recognizing th a t education is a right and as such it can only be exercised and enjoyed 
fully in a climate where the rights and welfare of students and the youth are promoted 
and protected, this proposed m easure enum erates the following rights of the students:
a) Right against discrim ination;
b) Right to com petent instruction and relevant quality education;
c) Right to organize;
d) Right to establish a student council/governm ent;
e) Right to publish a student newspaper;
f) 
Right to adequate welfare services;
g) Right to be represented in the highest policy-making body of the school;
h) Right to access to information;
i) 
Right to freedom of expression;
j) 
Right to academ ic freedom;
k) Right to due process;
l) 
Right against illegal searches and seizures; and
m) Right to privacy.
The D epartm ent of Education (DepEd), the Commission on Higher Education (CHED), 
and the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA) are bestowed 
with necessary powers to investigate and impose adm inistrative sanctions on schools 
th at shall violate these rights.
S tudents are im portant m em bers of society, not only because of their potential role as 
leaders of the country, b u t because of their role as catalysts for development and 
effective change. They have taken and are continuously taking proactive participation 
in the pu rsuit of social equality, democracy and justice. We should therefore ensure 
th a t their rights and welfare are prom oted and guaranteed.
In view of the foregoing, the passage of this significant piece of legislation is earnestly 
sought.
LOREN LEGARDA
Senator
PANG LABING PITONG KONGRESO }
NG REPUBLIKA NG PILIPINAS 
}
Unang R egular n a Sesyon 
}
S E N A D  O 
Panukalang Batas Big. 224
f^i R E C E IV E D ^
2  ° nATPJ.UL 0 4 2016^ Z |
lUi DATE: 
W ) TIME:
2n\
BILLS T
iNDEX
Ipinanukala ni SENADOR VICENTE C. SOTTO III
ISANG BATAS
NA NAGTATAKDA NA ANG KATAWAGAN SA ATING BANSA AY 
REPUBLIKA NG PILIPINAS O SA MAIKLING SALITA AY PILIPINAS
PALIWANAG
Ang pangalan ng isang tao ay pinakamahalaga sa kanya. Ito ang 
kanyang pinagkakakilanlan, ito ang nagdadala ng kanyang reputasyon, ito 
ang ibibigay niya sa mga anak na ipagkakaloob sa kanya ng Maykapal.
Ganun din sa ating bansa. Sinasabing ang mga taga-China ay 
tinawag ang ating lupain na Mai. Nang tayo ay sinakop ng mga banyaga, 
nariyan ang tawagin tayo ng mga Kastila na Los Pintados, Islas Pilipinas at 
ng mga Amerikano na Philippine Islands, Philippines. Ito ang mga naging 
pangalan natin sa mata ng iba.
Ngayon, nangangailangan ng isang pamemtayan kung paano natin 
tatawagin ang ating sariling bansa. Mayroong nagsasabing Pilipinas, 
mayroong nagsasabing Pilipinas.
Huli na ang lahat para pagusapan ito. Tayo ay naging Republika 
nuong June 12, 1898 na ang nananalg ay impluwensyang Kastila. Higit 
isang daang taon na tayo. Di pa ba natin alam kung ano ang itatawag natin 
sa ating bansa, sa ating sarili?
Panahon na upang patahimikin ang usaping ito. Patuloy ang mga 
ibang wika sa kanilang pagkakilala sa atin. Nguni't tayong mga Pilipino ay 
dapat kilala natin ang ating sanli sa ating Wikang Pilipino. Ito ay naaayon 
sa prinsipyong, kung ano ang bigkas, ay siyang baybay. Hindi tayo katulad 
ng ibang wika na may letrang walang tunog. T ay ^ mga Pilipino, at ang 
ating bansa ay Pilipinas.
VICENTE a  SOTTO III
SEVENTEENTH CONGRESS OF THE 
REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES 
First Regular Session
'16 JUL20 A9:34
SENATE 
S. No.
r < \  
i :
’’ Y ;
Introduced by Senator Antonio “Sonny” F. Trillanes IV
AN ACT
GRANTING NIGHT SHIFT DIFFERENTIAL PAY TO THE GOVERNMENT 
EMPLOYEES 
INCLUDING 
THOSE 
IN 
GOVERNMENT-OWNED 
OR 
CONTROLLED CORPORATIONS AND APPROPRIATING FUNDS THEREFOR
EXPLANATORY NOTE
Generally, government employees work for eight (8) hours between 6 a.m. to 6 p.m. Services 
rendered beyond the regular eight hour work schedules are paid overtime pay in accordance 
with existing laws and rules and regulations. There are government employees, however, 
whose regular working hours fall between 6:00 p.m. to 6:00 a.m. of the next day.
The work at night is more strenuous than work done during the day, hence, the former 
deserves greater compensation. It is a universal fact that the normal work is performed during 
the day and the work done at night is exceptional and justified only on grounds of inevitable 
necessity. Hygienic, medical, moral, cultural, and socio-biological reasons, moreover, show 
that night work entails various inconveniences and when there is no alternative but to perform 
it, it is only just that the laborer should earn greater salary than the ordinary work so as to 
compensate the laborer to some extent for the inconvenience.
This bill seeks to provide incentives to government employees who work late at night until 
the wee hours of the morning when they are supposed to be asleep. Under this bill, 
government employees, including those in government-owned and controlled corporations, 
shall be paid night shift differential pay at a rate not exceeding twenty per centum (20%) of 
the hourly basic rate of the employees for each of work performed between ten o'clock in the 
evening and six o'clock in the morning.
In recognition of their unselfish service, approval of this bill is highly recommended.
ANTON,STO ‘*SONNY” F.
‘ 
Senator
TRILLANES IV
SEVENTEENTH CONGRESS 
)
REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES 
)
First Regular Session 
)
S E N A T E  
S.B. No. 41.8
S rn M tr
•16 
JUL 19 
A10--13
i ( t .  KIVF.I) »Y;_
In tro d u ced  by SENATOR LOREN LEGARDA
AN ACT TO PROMOTE THE PRODUCTION, PROCESSING, MARKETING AND 
DISTRIBUTION OP MORINGA OLEIFERA LAMK, OTHERWISE KNOWN AS 
MALUNGGAY, 
MANDATING 
THE 
CREATION 
OF 
A 
FRAMEWORK 
FOR 
DEVELOPMENT PLAN, PROVIDING FUNDS THEREFOR, AND FOR OTHER 
PURPOSES
Explanatory Note
This bill seeks to spur the production, processing, m arketing, and distribution of 
m alunggay in suitable areas of the country in order to acquire the benefits of the 
exceptionally nutritious and productive but underutilized tropical crop locally 
known as malunggay.
Malunggay is one of the m ost useful tropical trees. The relative ease with which it 
propagates through both sexual and asexual m eans and its low dem and for soil 
nutrients and w ater after being planted m akes its production and m anagem ent 
easy. Among other uses of the m alunggay as outlined by the paper entitled “The 
potential of Moringa Oleifera fo r Agricultural and Industrial U ses” written by Foidl N., 
M akkar H.P.S. and Becker K. from Nicaragua in 2001, m alunggay’s young leaves are 
edible and are commonly cooked and eaten like spinach or used to m ake soups and 
salads. They are an exceptionally good source of provitamin A, vitam ins B, and C, 
iron, and the sulphur-containing amino acids m ethionine and cystine. The dry seeds 
can be ground to a powder and used for seasoning sauces while the roots from 
young plants can be dried and ground for use as a hot seasoning base.
There is a need for legislation to institutionalize the production, processing, 
m arketing, and distribution of m alunggay through a sustainable framework for 
development. This bill seeks to do ju st th at by tasking the D epartm ent of 
Agriculture, in consultation with the D epartm ent of Trade and Industry, D epartm ent 
of Environm ent and Natural Resources, farm er’s group, local governm ent units, and 
the private sector, to form ulate a five-year Framework for Development th at shall 
serve as guide to the form ulation and im plem entation of plans, program s and 
projects for the production, m arketing, processing, and distribution of m alunggay 
for food, medicinal, health, and commercial needs.
A Malunggay Development Fund (MDF) is being established to provide for the 
funding requirem ents for the production, m arketing, and processing of malunggay, 
with an initial am ount of Five H undred Million Pesos (P500,000,000.00) to be taken 
from the existing budget of the D epartm ent of Agriculture.
'' V.
SEVENTEENTH CONGRESS OF THE ) 
REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES )
First Regular Session 
)
SENATE 
s.No. 8 5 3
1 .
'16 
111 21 
P3 30
H
i '  1 
»
’n ':
Introduced by Senator Ralph G. Reeto
AN ACT
TO PROMOTE FAIR TRADE IN THE OIL INDUSTRY AND FOR OTHER PURPOSES, 
AMENDING 
REPUBLIC 
ACT 
NO. 
8479, 
OTHERWISE 
KNOWN 
AS 
THE 
“DOWNSTREAM OIL DEREGULATION ACT OF 1998”
Explanatory Note
Republic Act (R.A.) No. 8479, otherwise known as the “Downstream Oil Industry 
Deregulation Act of 1998 was enacted to liberalize and deregulate the downstream oil industry 
to ensure a truly competitive market under a regime of fair prices, adequate and continuous 
supply of environmentally-clean and high-quality petroleum products. Under the law, the 
government can no longer interfere with the pricing of oil products except to monitor which also 
means that it is freed from providing costly subsidies.
However, R.A. No. 8479 failed to mitigate the effeets of a global oil crisis. Worse, it 
appeared that the deregulation policy even strengthened the cartelization of oil industry players 
since automatic oil price hikes are allowed without control from the government.
Frequent oil price hikes aggravated the hardships of the public consisting of the 
consumer, agriculture, manufacturing and service sectors. Thus, people’s organizations have 
been demanding for a review of R.A. No. 8479. These groups have consistently raised eoneems 
on whether international price movements were accurately considered in the pricing of petroleum 
products. It is, therefore, incumbent upon the government to ensure transparency in the pricing of 
petroleum products by the local oil industry players and to determine the eomputations or 
assumptions employed in their price adjustments to prevent oil companies from engaging in 
unwarranted profiteering.
To achieve this purpose, this measure shall require the submission of financial documents 
of loeal oil companies that are pertinent in the detennination of price adjustments of petroleum 
products. Submission of these documents is mandatory and penalties for non-compliance are 
increased.
This bill also declares unlawful for oil companies to engage in unwarranted oil price 
increases, or unreasonable amounts of price increase or deerease as may be determined by the 
DOE and provides for the imposition of heavier penalties against erring oil companies and 
officials.
To strengthen the Task Force created under Section 14 of the law, which is tasked to 
investigate and file complaints against unreasonable rise in the prices of petroleum products, this
SEVENTEENTH CONGRESS OF THE ) 
REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES ) 
First Regular Session 
)
■1 
r 
f I ’
,1 j )!■, 
,,
'16 
,1! 11. 19 
1- 7 : 3 1
SENATE
S. No.
Introduced by Senator Antonio “Sonny” Trillancs IV
AN ACT
ESTABLISHING AN EDUCATION PRINTING OFFICE 
EXPLANATORY NOTE
In light of the policy of the State to maintain and establish an education system relevant to the 
needs of the people, this bill establishes a printing office under the direction of the 
Department of Education, which shall produce, print, and distribute original materials for 
public schools. Furthermore, it shall prioritize the production of materials for grade schools.
Through this bill, the government will have a unifonn system of producing materials wliich is 
relevant and according to the needs of our schools, while at the same time, saving our 
government resources. It shall also spare our public schools from using textbooks and other 
materials which are unnecessary and riddled with ciTors since the development of materials 
should be consulted with school officials, teachers, and parents.
In view of the foregoing, the immediate approval of this bill is earnestly sought.
ANTO
OVSONNY
Senator
~ I 1- ''-----
” F. TRILLANES IV
SEVENTEENTH CONGRESS OF THE 
) 
REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES 
)
First Regular Session 
)
H ' i  i>
' ■ I - T  f  ^ 
5 y
'^V^ 
Jill. 19 
All -Vi
S. No.
SENATE
46C
Introduced by Senator Antonio “Sonny” F. Trillanes IV
AN ACT
AMENDING SECTION 4 OF REPUBLIC ACT NO. 9184, OTHERWISE KNOWN AS 
THE GOVERNMENT PROCUREMENT REFORM ACT ON ITS SCOPE AND 
APPLICATION
EXPLANATORY NOTE
The Government Procurement Reforni Act (Republic Act No. 9184) enacted on January 10, 
2003 was envisioned to employ the much needed reforms in the country's procurement 
system. Ten years after its enactment, corruption in the public and private sector in the 
country is still pervasive and deep-rooted, according to both government and international 
sources.
In the case of the fertilizer fund scam during the past administration, a number of 
foundations, peoples' organizations, non-government organizations and associations have 
become agents for money laundering transactions, together with the National Agricultural 
and Fisheries Council, a regular attached agency of the Department of Agriculture. Findings 
of the Anti-Money Laundering Council (AMLC) revealed that a firm - Livelihood 
Corporation - where former Undersecretary Bolante of the Department of Agriculture 
transferred PI72.6 million to Molugan Foundation, Inc. and P40 million to Assembly of 
Gracious Samaritan Foundation, Inc. (AGS). AMLC also found out that Molugan Foundation 
transferred P38 million to the AGS.
In this light, this Act seeks to amend the Government Procurement Reform Act by including 
private institutions, non-government organizations, people's organizations and other private 
entities that receive government monies in the coverage of the Procurement Act. It is hoped 
that the enactment of this measure would make implementation far stricter and would tighten 
the registration and regulation of private entities, NGOs, and POs.
In view of the foregoing, immediate approval of this measure is earnestly sought.
ANTONIO/SONNY^ F. TRILLANES IV
* 
Senator
SEVENTEENTH CONGRESS OF THE REPUBLIC 
OF THE PHILIPPINES
First Regular Session
s.bSENiW
Introduced by Senator Poe
it/) TIME:
BILLS
AN ACT
FOR THE PROTECTION, CONSERVATION AND REHABILITATION OF 
WATERSHEDS SUPPORTING THE NATIONAL IRRIGATION SYSTEM (NIS) 
TO ENSURE CONTINUOUS SUPPLY OF WATER FOR AGRICULTURAL 
PRODUCTION AND SELF-SUFFICIENCY IN FOOD AND PROVIDING FUNDS 
FOR THE PURPOSE
Explanatory Note
Water is essential to life and all living things. It is undisputable that without 
water, there can be no life. To plants, water is critical for growth and good production. 
Insufficiency in water can lead to low yields that would affect the food availability and 
sufficiency.
The Philippines is an agricultural country with abundant river systems that can 
supply the water needs of the farming community, but the agricultural sector has suffered 
a lot due to the devastation caused by flash floods and rising levels of waters due to 
excessive surface run-offs from forests and other watersheds that can no longer be 
contained by the river systems. The damages wrought by the rampaging waters to 
agriculture and livelihood are immeasurable and what is worrisome is the occurrence of 
floods every year without letup. The changing weather patterns are being attributed to 
global warming and climate change is the simplest answer being given every time there is 
havoc brought about by the increasing volume of rainfall.
While it may be true that we are experiencing the indirect effects of global 
warming, there are man-made actions that are directly contributory to the devastations 
brought about by flooding, e.g., man’s insensitivity to his environment, the uncontrolled 
use of our forests and watersheds resources and the indiscriminate use of land resources 
that should have been reserved for forest use only.
“Deforestation and the large scale transformation of the 
original vegetation of the country’s forest to non-forestry 
purposes, coupled with inappropriate land use practices, have in 
effect disrupted the hydrological conditions of watersheds. These 
have brought about to some extent, flash floods and prolonged 
drought. Other adverse consequences are accelerated soil erosion, 
siltation of water bodies and reservoirs, and poor water quality. 
Sedimentation has likewise reduced the storage capacity of the 
country’s major reservoirs. These situations caused considerable 
reduction in the productivity of forests, agricultural lands and 
fisheries and decreased returns from major investments in 
domestic, hydroelectric power generation and irrigation systems. ”  
(Occasional Paper prepared by FMB-Watershed Division)
SEVENTEENTH CONGRESS OF THE ) 
REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES 
)
First Regular Session 
)
S E N A T E
S. B. No.
763
T6 
JUL 21 
All :07
ui
"Y:
Introduced by Senator FRANCIS G. ESCUDERO
----------------------------- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------^
AN ACT
AMENDING SECTION 112, CHAPTER I, TITLE IV OF THE NATIONAL 
INTERNAL REVENUE CODE, AS AMENDED
EXPLANATORY NOTE
This bill has the intention of making efficient and effective the administration of 
claims for tax refunds and tax credits under the National Internal Revenue Code, 
specifically Section 112, Chapter I, Title IV thereof, as amended. It proposes a two 
pronged approach; 1) the Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR) is given more time to 
assess and deliberate on applications for claims for refunds and tax credits; and 2) the 
Court of Tax Appeals (CTA) is relieved of the duty to rule on such claims more often 
thereby declogging its court dockets.
Consequently, as a primary administrative function where complete submission 
of all documents is required from qualified taxpayers, claims for tax refunds and tax 
credits can coiitribute to attracting investments, foreign and domestic, in the 
Philippines. As a form of a business incentive, it is quite imperative that the policy on 
the matter must be defined and administered with efficiency. Bringing it in practice as 
a litigated matter negates the purpose of refunds and tax credits, which could only 
mean more expenses and lengthier realization of benefits.
Hence, it is respectfully submitted that this proposed measure be acted upon 
with dispatch.
FRANCIS G. ESCUDERO
SEVENTEENTH CONGRESS OF THE 
)
REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES 
)
First Regular Session 
)
t
SENATE
S. No. 482
, . ■'.■V, 
^ f r u i t  i'
■ 
mnt of fi|» ,>' rT'',',rV
'16 JUL19 All 33
:r. . j - UY.
Introduced by Senator Antonio “Sonny” F. Trillanes IV
AN ACT
ENSURING THE WELFARE AND PROTECTION OF MINORS AND FOR OTHER 
PURPOSES
EXPLANATORY NOTE
Article II, Section 13 and Article XIV, Section 3 (2) of the 1987 Constitution both provide for 
the protection and development of the youth. However, it has been evident that there has been 
nationwide rise of drop-outs and the slump of children's school participation and cohort 
survival. In fact, according to the government education agency, secondary level dropout rate, 
ranged from 7.45 percent in school year 2007-2008 to 7.82 percent in school year 2011-2012, 
while the elementary level drop-out rate ranged from 6.38% in school year 2011-2012 to 
6.81% in school year 2012-2013.
It could not be concealed that the frequent habit of cutting classes or the act of skipping 
classes due to peer pressure, or an act of juvenile rebellion has often resulted to the formation 
of illiterate drop-outs who resort to deviant behaviors such as stealing, gang wars, drug 
addiction, teenage pregnancy, vandalism, and other crimes against persons, property and even 
the state.
The development of our young people is in jeopardy because of various influences and 
activities that destroy their lives and future, causing them to become illiterate and 
irresponsible drop-outs who resort to deviant behaviors and rebellion against established 
institutions and authorities.
Given this situation, a legislation that will ensure the promotion of general welfare of the 
youth and their protection from acts, conditions, or influences that are prejudicial to their 
development is therefore deemed necessary.
In view of the foregoing, the immediate approval of this bill is earnestly sought.
ANTONI
)NNT’ F. n
S ta to r
ILLANESIV
SEVENTEENTH CONGRESS OF THE ) 
REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES 
)
First Regular Session 
)
S E N A T E
80
S. B. No.
. . hF > n.v
ro« 1ME
^/'RECEIVED V L ,
je°DATCIUN 3 0?l)irtg
UO TIME: 3 : 
SI
BY:
BILLS A
Introduced by Senator FRANCIS G. ESCUDERO
AN ACT
REQUIRING PUBLIC OFFICIALS AND EMPLOYEES TO 
SUBMIT WRITTEN PERMISSION OR WAIVER IN FAVOR OF THE 
OMBUDSMAN TO LOOK INTO ALL DEPOSITS OF WHATEVER NATURE WITH 
BANKS OR BANKING INSTITUTIONS BOTH WITHIN AND OUTSIDE THE 
PHILIPPINES INCLUDING INVESTMENT BONDS ISSUED BY THE 
GOVERNMENT OF THE PHILIPPINES, ITS POLITICAL SUBDIVISIONS AND 
INSTRUMENTALITIES AND PROVIDING PENALTIES THEREFOR
EXPLANATORY NOTE
Public office is a public trust. Government officials and employees are 
accountable to the public. To ensure that the civil servant does not use her position to 
enrich herself, it is necessary that we put in place a mechanism which will enable the 
Government to audit the finances of the civil servant.
One such instrument is the signing of a waiver in favor of the government which 
will allow the examination of the civil servant's bank accounts and investments in 
government bonds. This will aid the government to recover ill-gotten funds.
With the passage of this bill, transparency of the financial standing of the civil 
servant will serve as a deterrent to graft and corruption.
Approval of this bill is earnestly sought.
FRANCIS G. ESCUDERO
SEVENTEENTH CONGRESS OF THE ) 
REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES 
)
First Regular Session 
)
S E N A T E
780
S. B. No.
16 
lUL 2l 
All :27
R I I
,?V:
Introduced by Senator FRANCIS G. ESCUDERO
AN ACT
PROVIDING FOR THE SUMMARY TITLING OF REAL PROPERTIES USED AS
PUBLIC SCHOOL SITES
EXPLANATORY NOTE
Education plays an essential role in the overall development effort of the nation 
particularly in tapping the potentials and harnessing the talents of the Filipino youth. 
However, this noble objective may not be fully realized if the schools, considered as 
their second abode, are always subjected to property disputes, frequent transfer of 
locations, revocation of donations of lands where they are situated and urban planning 
and development programs of the Local Government Units (LGUs).
The latest statistical data of the Department of Education (DepED) showed that 
there are still a number of untitled and unregistered school sites throughout the nation 
and that the government does not have legal property rights over these lands occupied 
by public schools. In most cases, these school sites are owned by LGUs or are subject to 
long-term lease agreements with private individuals.
On the other hand, there are parcels of lands which were donated exclusively for 
the educational purposes but lack the proper legal documentation to support any efforts 
by DepED on the transfer of ownership. Thus, upon the death of the donors, the heirs of 
the latter claim ownership of the land through the revocation of the original donation 
which subsequently results to endless court litigations. Most of these cases are pending 
in court for several years and even decades, to the prejudice of the public schools 
involved.
The passage of this bill will pave the way for the summary titling of all lands 
which are being utilized as public school sites throughout the country. This bill aims to 
provide all lands being utilized by the DepED with titles under the "Republic of the 
Philippines represented by the Department of Education" to enable it to have legal 
ownership over these school sites. It will cover all sites of public schools under the 
DepED which have been utilized as such for at least five (5) years preceding the 
effectivity of this proposed measure, which are composed of the following:
a) Lands of the public domain;
SEVENTEENTH CONGRESS OF THE REPUBLIC 
OF THE PHILIPPINES
First Regular Session
SEN A-T.
S.B. No
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Introduced by Senator Poe
AN ACT
INSTITUTIONALIZING THE USE OF BICYCLES AS AN ALTERNATIVE MODE 
OF TRANSPORTATION, ESTABLISHING APPROPRIATE INFRASTRUCTURE 
AND FACILITIES, APPROPRIATING FUNDS THEREFOR, AND FOR OTHER
PURPOSES
Explanatory Note
Cycling or biking is the use of bicycles for transport, recreation, or sport. The possible 
benefits of the establishment of a nationwide bicycle program would be vast. Cycling has the 
following advantages compared to the use of motor vehicles: a) bicycles do not contribute to 
air or noise pollution; b)Bicycles do not consume fossil fuels; c) The use of bicycles leads to 
a marked reduction in traffic congestion, easier parking, and greater maneuverability; and d) 
it provides the cyclist with exercise and relieves stress; it is cheaper and there is negligible 
damage to roads.
To support such a program, the proper infrastructure must be established. Without it, 
biking on Philippine roads, which are dominated by motor vehicles, remains dangerous to 
cyclists. Furthermore, road sharing arrangements are necessary, as less than 2% of Filipinos 
own cars, yet all roads are dedicated to private vehicles.1 The tragic death of Mr. Mark Vicent 
Garalde is only one of many deaths of bicyclists in the roads of Metro Manila. Around 196
1 Nicholls, AC. "Road-sharing advocates push for bike and waik-friendiy roads" CNN Philippines. Retrieved 
from : fr http://cnnphiiiPDines.eom/news/2016/02/07/road-sharine-scheme-advocates-metro-maniia-traffic- 
woes-m m da.htmhttp://cnnphiiippines.com/news/2016/02/07/road-sharine-schem e-advocates-m etro-m aniia- 
traffic-woes-mmda.htmi
SEVENTEENTH CONGRESS OF THE ) 
REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES 
)
First Regular Session 
)
SENATE
Senate Bill No. 323
BILLS
Introduced by Senator Cynthia A. Villar
AN ACT ESTABLISHING A NATIONAL MULBERRY DEVELOPMENT PROGRAM, 
APPROPRIATING FUNDS THEREFOR AND FOR OTHER PURPOSES
EXPLANATORY NOTE
Morus alba a genus of a flowering plant in the family of Moraceae, comprises 10-16 
species of deciduous trees known as mulberries, growing both in the wild and under 
cultivation in the temperate parts of the world. Mulberries grow fast when they are 
young but rarely exceed 10-15 meters tall. The trees can adapt to a very wide variety 
of local conditions. They can grow in temperate and warm regions and in high 
elevation or even sea level areas. They require very little maintenance, no fertilization 
and do not need irrigation. The mulberry fruit is a multiple fruit, 2-3 cm. long. Most 
fruits are white, green or pale yellow when immature. In most species the fruits turn 
pink, red while ripening then dark purple or black and have a sweet flavor when ripe. 
The fruits are edible and are widely used in tarts, pies, jams, sauces and wine. The 
fruits and the leaves are sold in various forms as nutritional supplement. In a 100-g 
serving raw mulberries provide 43 calories, 44% of the daily value of vitamin C and 
40% of the daily value for iron.
Mulberry leaves particularly from the white mulberry plant, are ecologically important 
as the sole food source of food for silkworms, the pupa or cocoon of which are made 
into silk cloth. Mulberry fruit color are being studied for basic research mechanism for 
certain diseases. It can also be used for diabetes and Alzheimer’s control. In the 
United Kingdom, they manufacture mulberry into a super juice drink full of 
antioxidants and a source of resveratrol which is considered to be good for heart. 
Recently, China, Japan and South Korea have developed their own mulberry juice 
boosting of the same therapeutic effect. The fruit coloring of mulberry is easily 
extractable and is used for natural food colorant. (en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Morus_ 
(plant). The leaves can also be eaten as vegetable or can be a nutritious feed to the 
cattle and other ruminants. Fruit yields
In
SEVENTEENTH CONGRESS OF THE 
REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES 
First Regular Session
SENATE
S. No.
291
S  
date: 
L(|) TIME:
_______________Introduced by Senator Antonio “Sonny” Trillanes IV_______________
AN ACT
PROHIBITING DISCRIMINATION AGAINST PERSONS ON ACCOUNT OF 
ETHNIC ORIGIN AND/OR RELIGIOUS BELIEF
EXPLANATORY NOTE
The Bill of Rights of the 1987 Philippine Constitution, particularly Article 111, Section 1, 
provides for “equal protection of the laws” -  a specific constitutional guarantee of the 
equality of all persons. Under it, each individual is dealt with as an equal person in the law, 
regardless of who he/she is or what he/she possesses. However, when this does not happen in 
the realities of life, like the different and adverse treatment or discrimination against 
Muslims, Indigenous Peoples or Lumad Highlanders in Mindanao and elsewhere in the 
Philippines, then the constitutional state policy of social justice (Art. 11, Sec. 10) that those 
who have less in life must have more in law, steps in.
It is an established principle of constitutional law that the equal protection clause is not 
violated by a legislation based on reasonable classification, which rest on substantial 
distinctions; is germane to the purpose of the law; and is not limited to existing conditions 
only, and applies equally to all members of the same class. There are indeed substantial 
distinctions between/among the three classes of people in Mindanao -  the majority Christian 
settlers (and their descendants), the Muslims or Moro people, and the Indigenous Peoples. 
Unfortunately, their interrelationships have been characterized, among others by a historical 
and current minoritization, marginalization, and discrimination in various areas of life. This 
condition must be addressed.
As part of the global community, the Philippines is aware of the United Nations declarations 
on religious intolerance, which have become more relevant in present times where the 
backlash of the September 11, 2001 terrorist act has been greatly felt by Muslims all over the 
world. The Muslims in Mindanao and elsewhere in the Philippines are no exception. Thus, in 
keeping with the 1981 Declaration on the Elimination of All Forms of Intolerance and of 
Discrimination Based on Religion or Belief, and the 1993 Resolution on the Elimination of 
All Forms of Religious Intolerance, this Act addresses religious and other forms of 
discrimination.
SEVENTEENTH CONGRESS OF THE 
REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES
First Regular Session
)
S.B. No
SENATE
132
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iSEX
Introduced by Senator SONNY ANGARA
AN ACT
AMENDING SECTION 3 OF THE NATIONAL INTERNAL REVENUE CODE OF 1997, AS 
AMENDED, ESTABLISHING A TAXPAYER ASSISTANCE SERVICE IN THE BUREAU OF 
INTERNAL REVENUE AND FOR OTHER PURPOSES
EXPLANATORY NOTE
Time and again, the Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR) has been tasked to collect 
substantial revenue targets. Despite great strides in collecting more, averaging 10-percent year- 
on-year growth, the BIR has failed to meet its target in the last decade. Due to mounting 
pressure as well as the desire to maintain, if not improve the economic strides the country is 
currently enjoying, the BIR has put in place more stringent rules and regulation, and has been 
more strict in enforcing tax laws. However, the fervent effort put in by the officers and 
employees of the BIR has been overshadowed by allegations of corruption and dishonest 
practices in its ranks. The desire to collect more has resulted to taxpayers being somehow 
harassed just to be able to cough up the needed tax payment.
A former BIR Commissioner once said that Filipinos are, by nature, good people. 
Contrary to public perception, Filipino taxpayers want to comply and pay their taxes. Filipinos 
want to help in rebuilding the country—to make it one of the great countries in Asia. We have 
made vast improvements in the last few years—from the sick man of Asia, we are now tagged 
as Asia’s rising tiger. In 2014, Philippine GDP growth rate has surpassed that of Singapore, 
Malaysia, Thailand, Vietnam and Indonesia, falling only behind superpower China.
Sustaining the gains of the government can not only be achieved through the strict 
enforcement of laws. Tax compliance and collection would further improve if we can lessen the 
complexity and intricacy of our tax code. Thus, to help taxpayers comply, we propose the 
establishment of a permanent office within the BIR, composed of knowledgeable, competent 
and professional employees, to answer taxpayer queries and to guide taxpayers on how to 
efficiently and effectively deal with their tax-related problems and concerns. By instituting a 
Taxpayer Assistance Service under the Office of the BIR Commissioner, it is our hope that 
taxpayers will be provided free and accessible professional assistance. The taxpaying public 
need not suffer long queues in BIR offices, wasting valuable time, just to be repeatedly told to 
come back due to incomplete requirements. The Taxpayer Assistance Service would render the 
first layer of professional tax services that every Filipino taxpayer needs and deserves.
In view of the foregoing, the immediate passage of this bill is earnestly.
SONNY ANGARA
SEVENTEENTH CONGRESS OF THE ) 
REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES 
)
First Regular Session 
)
SENATE
DATE.
Ap TIME:
b il l s  & INDEX
S. B. No. 209
Introduced by SENATOR JOEL “TESDAMAN” VILLANUEVA
AN ACT DECLARING THE TWENTY-FIFTH DAY OF AUGUST 
OF EVERY YEAR AS THE NATIONAL TECH-VOC DAY
EXPLANATORY NOTE
For the past six years, over 10,000,000 Filipinos graduated in various tech-voc 
courses, majority of them found employment locally and abroad.
Since the creation of the Technical Education and Skills Development 
Authority (TESDA) on August 25, 1994, technical vocational education and training 
(tech-voc) in the Philippines has undergone major transformation. Today, it is 
recognized as an important pillar in the country’s overall human resources 
development strategy because it is rapid, flexible, jobs-oriented, competency-based 
and can easily lead people to jobs.
In fact, tech-voc graduates are the face of highly competent, globally competitive 
and world-class Filipino workers. Hence, tech-voc can be the first option, not just the 
fallback choice, because graduates are trained with the relevant skills that businesses 
need right now.
Not a long time ago, the “tech-voc lang” mentality caused a second-rate status to 
tech-voc graduates. But with the government’s massive information campaign, 
expansion of scholarship programs, private sector engagement, and quality-assured 
systems, Filipinos have changed their outlook about tech-voc. Almost 2,000,000 
Filipinos enrol in various tech-voc courses every year which opened up a lot of 
opportunities for them in terms of employment and livelihood.
1
Senate
^ S f(* re  o f  f l]£ (^ | Kti < l-in j
SEVENTEENTH CONGRESS OF THE 
REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES 
First Regular Session
'16 
JUL 19 
P 5 : 1 6
SENATE
s. No. 585
Introduced by Senator Antonio “Sonny” F. Trillanes IV
AN ACT
CREATING 
THE 
PHILIPPINE 
CENTER 
FOR DUCK 
RESEARCH 
AND 
DEVELOPMENT TO PROMOTE THE PHILIPPINE DUCK INDUSTRY AND FOR 
OTHER PURPOSES
EXPLANATORY NOTE
The development of the duck industry in the country is synonymous to improvements in 
livelihood and general well-being of the people in rural areas. Not only will it improve the 
lives of a significant number of farmers in the sector but will also enhance essentially the 
economy of agricultural communities in the countryside.
Pursuant to this noble intention, this bill seeks to establish the Philippine Center for Duck 
Research and Development (PCDRD) that will undertake focused policies, programs, and 
projects on duck breeding, production, and marketing systems. The PCDRD also intends to 
conduct training and capacity-building for duck farmers, as well as provide other forms of 
support and technical assistance to beneficiaries.
Moreover, the thrust of this bill is in consonance with the expressed policies of the State to 
develop and promote a self-reliant national economy, encourage and support private 
enterprise so as to generate employment and livelihood opportunities especially for the poor 
and the marginalized. Further, it supports another priority course of action of the State to 
develop the country's human resource through training and education particularly in science 
and technology.
Notably, the creation of a Center for Duck Research and development in the Philippines 
hopes to alleviate living conditions in local communities and at the same time eontribute to 
the growth of the national economy.
In view of the foregoing, the passage of this bill is thus earnestly sought.
ANTON
LLANESIV
SEVENTEENTH CONGRESS OF THE REPUBLIC 
OF THE PHILIPPINES 
First Regular Session
S E N A T E  
Senate Bill No. 253
DATE
BILLS
INDEX
Introduced by SENATOR LACSON
EXPLANATORY NOTE
“A lying witness can make as positive an identification as a truthful witness 
can. The lying witness can also say as forthrightly and unequivocally, ‘He did it! ’ 
without blinking an eye.
In our criminal justice system, the testimony of a witness, especially that of 
an eyewitness, is crucial. The direct and positive identification by a witness is 
given considerable weight by our courts. In the same vein, prosecutors often rely 
on testimonies under oath or sworn affidavits in finding probable cause for the 
purpose of filing information before the courts. It is therefore a fundamental rule 
that sworn testimonies should be honest and should not leave any room for 
inconsistency and untruthfulness.
Testimonies before the court and sworn affidavits are made under the 
sacred oath of truth. However, it is worrying that the sacredness of statements 
made before the courts and that of sworn affidavits are being disregarded. The 
assertion of falsehood, under oath or affirmation, is becoming prevalent. False 
testimonies and sworn statements are sometimes being used to support malicious 
complaints with the intent of harassing and persecuting innocent persons. This 
pernicious practice is aimed not only to harass innocent persons but also to put 
them behind bars and make their families suffer. It is noteworthy that because of 
these untruthful and inconsistent statements, we have witnessed how some men 
were robbed of their youth and freedom for a long period of time only to be freed 
later on account that the reason for their incarceration was based on a “polluted 
source”.
The prevalence of untruthful testimonies and statements may be deterred if 
public officials and employees are responsible and prudent. They shall exercise 
vigilance in their quest for the truth, and uphold the rule of law and not their thirst 
for victory at the expense of others. However, it is appalling that public officials 
and employees, themselves, encourage, induce or even force a person to assert 
falsehood under oath.
1 LEJANO versus PEOPLE OF THE PHILIPPINES, G.R. No. 176389. December 14,2010.
SEVENTEENTH CONGRESS OF THE ) 
REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES ) 
First Regular Session 
)
SENATE
s. No. 
516
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Introduced by Senator Antonio “Sonny” F. Trillanes IV
AN ACT
TO GIVE EFFECT TO THE CONVENTION ON THE PREVENTION AND 
PUNISHMENT OF CRIMES AGAINST INTERNATIONALLY PROTECTED 
PERSONS AND FOR OTHER PURPOSES
EXPLANATORY NOTE
In 1973, the Convention on the Prevention and Punishment of Crimes Against Internationally 
Protected Persons including Diplomatic Agents was adopted by the UN General Assembly. It
came into force on 20 February 1977 and was acceded to by the Philippines on 26 November 
1976.
The convention aims to provide protection by punishing those who would commit acts of 
terrorism against heads of state, heads of government, ministers of foreign affairs 
representatives of states, and officials of international organizations. The convention extends 
this protection to members of their families who accompany them in their official functions 
abroad. It shall also punish attacks upon the official premises, private accommodations, or 
means of transportation of a protected person.
Though the Philippines had already acceded to the convention, there is still a need for us to 
adopt similar measures. We must recognize the need to enact such measure as jeopardizing 
the safety of these persons may threaten our normal relations with other States.
This proposed measure therefore defines internationally protected persons and criminalizes 
vehides°n them °r 00 the,r Hberty’ 38 WeH 38 attacks °n their residence’ and even their
In view of the foregoing, immediate approval of this measure is earnestly sought.
ANTO 
S O ^ Y ” f!^^WLLANES IV
Senator
SEVENTEENTH CONGRESS OF THE REPUBLIC 
OF THE PHILIPPINES
First Regular Session
o f i h f  >  f f T r ’ ^iry
*16 JIJL26 A 9 :02
SEN
S. B.
I! I '
LV; /T -
Introduced by Senator Poe
AN ACT
TO FURTHER ASSIST FILIPINO MIGRANT WORKERS, AMENDING FOR 
THE PURPOSE SECTION 10 OF REPUBLIC ACT NO. 8042, AS AMENDED
Explanatory Note
The 1987 Philippine Constitution is clear in its guarantee that “[t]he State shall 
afford full protection to labor, local and overseas, organized and unorganized, and 
promote full employment and equality of employment opportunities for all.”1 Said 
Constitutional provision serves as the lamppost of government protection to Filipino 
human resources including the overseas Filipino workers (OFWs). This policy 
measure is a social legislation for the OFWs.
Many Filipinos believe that overseas employment is the way to financial 
security. Being an OFW carries with it the challenge of being alone in a foreign land 
and missing important events in the lives of their loved ones back home in exchange 
for a high paying job. Because of their desire to provide a better future for their 
children, however, they are left with no choice but to endure the hardships of working 
abroad with the uncertainty of the dangers they may have to face; and the changes in 
their family that they may have to adapt to.
1 Article XIII, Section 3, first paragraph.