bettergovph/raw-philippine-data huggingface dataset:
SEVENTEENTH CONGRESS OF THE ) 
REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES 
)
First Regular Session 
)
BILLS
SENATE
Senate Bill No. 139
Introduced by Senator Cynthia A. Viliar
AN ACT DECLARING THE COCONUT LEVY ASSETS AS A TRUST FUND, 
PROVIDING FOR ITS MANAGEMENT AND UTILIZATION, AUTHORIZING THE 
PRIVATIZATION AND MANAGEMENT OFFICE TO DISPOSE THE COCONUT 
LEVY ASSETS, AND FOR OTHER PURPOSES
EXPLANATORY NOTE
The coconut industry has been at the forefront of debate and controversy for over three 
decades now. The situation stems from the “commanding presence of the industry in the rural 
sector and to its claim to large assets called the coconut levy fund. (Dy and Reyes,2006)
The industry has been faced by various challenges including low productivity, limited 
intercropping, and high poverty in the ranks of coconut farmers. Yet, the coconut industry is a 
major agriculture player. According to latest data, coconut lands comprise 3.3 million hectares 
of the country’s total farm area. This is even higher than the 2.5 million hectares devoted to 
rice and the 1.4 million hectares planted with corn.
With an average production of 40 nuts per hectare or 750 kg copra/hectare, coconut has the 
lowest farm value per hectare among crops. This is due to low yield, mono-cropping and 
underutilization of lands under the coconut tree. Gross return per hectare was at a dismal 
P32, 000 per farm per year.
Poverty is the face of the 3.3 million hectare of coconut areas. The Human Development 
Report showed that in regions where there are coconut areas the poverty incidence is
SEVENTEENTH CONGRESS OF THE ) 
REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES ) 
First Regular Session 
)
S. No.
SENATE
533
1119 f\?:37
V
Introduced by Senator Antonio “Sonny” F. Trillancs IV
AN ACT
REQUIRING 
ALL 
GRADUATING 
ELEMENTARY, 
HIGH 
SCHOOL 
AND 
COLLEGE STUDENTS TO PLANT AT LEAST TEN (10) TREES EACH AS A 
PREREQUISITE FOR GRADUATION AND FOR OTHER RELATED PURPOSES
EXPLANATORY NOTE
In the 1993 case of Oposa v. Factoran1 the Supreme Court recognized the concept of 
intergenerational equity, upholding the rights of minors to sue for the judicious management 
of our country's forests and the necessity of maintaining a sound ecological balance, and 
protecting and enhancing the quality of the environment in accordance with Sections 15 and 
16, Article II of the 1987 Constitution.
Recognizing that a system of inter-generational equity involving both rights and 
responsibilities may be substantially more effective in achieving the twin goals of 
environment protection and sustainable development, this bill seeks to impose a positive duty 
upon all graduating elementary, high school and college students to plant at least ten (10) 
trees as a prerequisite for graduation. These trees shall be their legacy to the environment and 
to future generations.
Indeed, while we recognize the right of the youth to a balance and healthful ecology, as 
proclaimed in the 1987 Constitution, there is no reason why they cannot be made to 
contribute in order to ensure that this would be an actual reality.
With over twelve (12) million students graduating from elementary, nearly five (5) million 
students graduating from high school2 and almost Five Hundred Thousand (500,000)3 
graduating from college each year, this initiative, if properly implemented, will ensure that at 
least 175 million new trees would be planted each year. In the course of one generation,4 no 
less than 525 billion trees can be planted under this initiative. Even with a survival rate of ten 
percent (10%), this would mean an additional 525 million trees would be available for the 
youth to enjoy, when they assume the mantle of leadership in the future.
1 Oposa v. Factoran, Q,R. No. 101083 promulgated on 30 July 1993 (En Banc).
2 Basic Education Information System - Data Bulletin. Previous School Year Promotees and Graduates in 
Government Elementary and Secondary Schools by Year Grade Level and by Sex, School Year 2010-2011, 
information retrieved from Research & Statistics Division Office of Planning Service, Department of Education 
all 20 March 2012.
■' 2009 Data. Information retrieved from Commission Higher Education on 20 March 20 12.
4 Computed at thirty (30) years.
1
SEVENTEENTH CONGRESS OF THE ) 
REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES 
)
First Regular Session 
)
SENATE 
S. No. 2 1 2
BILLS & INDEX r
Introduced by Senator JOEL “TESDAMAN” VILLANUEVA
AN ACT INSTITUTIONALIZING SKILLS DEVELOPMENT AND 
PROVIDING JOB OPPORTUNITIES TO INMATES IN DETENTION 
FACILITIES, APPROPRIATING FUNDS THEREFOR 
AND OTHER PURPOSES
EXPLANATORY NOTE
There is a need to strengthen the rehabilitation function of criminal justice system 
in the Philippines. This can be done through the provision of skills development inside 
jails. Inmates have as much right to develop their skills and the walls of prison should 
not deter their learning.
Transition services, especially technical vocational education and training 
(TVET), can improve the self-esteem of inmates. With employable skills, they can find 
new life when they leave detention, and never get back in jail again. Tech-voc training 
will bring new hope to the detainees because they know they have the skills that can be 
their passport to employment opportunities once they leave jail. Through this, we also 
help solve congestion of jails and break the cycle of recidivism.
According to the Bureau of Jail Management and Penology (BJMP), there are 
70,000 inmates in 989 jails nationwide who are mostly 18-39 years old. Through TVET, 
they can be transformed by equipping them with necessary competencies to re-enter 
the society. Training inside prison will be matchea with job search assistance outside of 
prison.
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SEVENTEENTH CONGRESS OF THE REPUBLIC 
)
OF THE PHILIPPINES 
)
First Regular Session 
)
SENATE
S.B. No. 
657
'16 JUL20 P3^)4
K i<
Introduced by: Senator Paolo Benigno "Bam " A. Aquino IV
AN ACT MANDATING THE CREATION OF A MENTAL HEALTH PROGRAM FOR THE 
ADOLESCENTS AND YOUTH IN LOCAL GOVERNMENT UNITS AND ACADEMIC
INSTITUTIONS
EXPLANATORY NOTE
In 2011, the World Health Organization found that 16% of Filipino students aged 
13 to 15 had contemplated suicide, whilst 13% had actually attempted suicide. Suicide, 
although not often publicly discussed, is closely linked to mental health disorders.
Unfortunately, mental illness is still a relatively misconstrued concept in our 
nation with limited public discussion on the proper management and care for those 
affected.
In a fast urbanizing nation, youth find themselves facing increasing amounts of 
pressure from the demands of school, employment, and various other social pressures. 
On the other hand, families now have much more diverse set-ups and and limited time, 
leaving the youth to be more independent in resolving their own conflicts. 
Unfortunately, many young people are left with few persons from whom they can seek 
advice when going through symptoms that are linked to mental illness. Efforts must be 
made to empower the youth in that mental illness is something that can be addressed 
without prejudice and with the full support of the community and State.
This bill proposes the creation of a Mental Health Program for the youth aged 15 
to 30 years old, to be implemented by the Department of Health, in conjunction with 
various other government agencies such as the Department of Social Welfare and 
Development (DSWD), the Department of Education (DepEd), and the Commission on 
Higher Education (CHED).
SEVENTEENTH CONGRESS OF THE 
)
REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES 
)
First Regular Session 
)
SENATE
S. No.
•16 JUL 19 P5:19
RF( ’t'TV • ;■ : ’W:
Introduced by Senator Antonio “Sonny” F. Trillanes IV
AN ACT
TO PROVIDE FOR THE ESTABLISHMENT OF A FORENSIC DNA DATABANK, 
THE TAKING OF DNA SAMPLES, FORENSIC DNA ANALYSIS, THE USE OF 
DNA PROFILES AND INFORMATION IN RELATION THERETO, AND FOR 
OTHER PURPOSES
EXPLANATORY NOTE
Article XIV, Section 10 of the Constitution declares the essentiality of seience and 
technology in national development and progress. It further states that research, development 
and its utilization shall be prioritized in view of supporting self-reliant scientific and 
technological capabilities which can contribute to the country's productive systems.
One of the most remarkable advances that science and technology has brought into the light 
is the Deoxyribonucleic Acid (DNA) technology. This technology has been considered to be 
a powerful mechanism in determining a person's identity. In countries such as ours, DNA 
technology has become a useful tool in investigations and establishment of facts to resolve 
civil, criminal, and other regulatory procedures beeause of its reliability.
In recognition of the forensie DNA technology's importance, a system of safe storage of the 
documented results or other relevant data derived from this technology is indispensable. This 
bill seeks to establish a Forensie DNA Databank which shall keep and maintain DNA profiles 
for the purpose of human identification in relation to forensic investigation.
This bill also includes the procedures on giving, taking and storing DNA samples that may be 
used in assisting the recovery or identification of human remains from a disaster or for 
humanitarian purposes, and identification of living or deceased persons.
In view of the foregoing, the immediate approval of this bill is earnestly sought.
ANTONI
LANES IV
SEVENTEENTH CONGRESS 
)
REPUBLIC OP THE PHILIPPINES 
)
First Regular Session 
)
iiiiss
S n ia tr
of Itis’ i^crTrlnryi
'16 JUL18 P6 -21
S E N A T E
S.B. No. 
^ 0 2
Hi 
f:i\ hi) BY:
In tro d u ced  by SENATOR LOREN LEGARDA
AN ACT PROVIDING FOR SUSTAINABLE FOREST MANAGEMENT, AND FOR 
OTHER PURPOSES
Explanatory Note
This bill mandates the development and adoption of a sustainable forest management 
strategy based on rational allocation of forestland uses and promotion of land use 
practices that increase productivity and conserve soil, water, and other forestland 
resources, as well as the protection of existing forest resources and conservation of 
biodiversity, rehabilitation or development of denuded areas to expand the forest 
resource base and promote food production activities.
This bill seeks to establish a plan for sustainable forest management guided by the 
following principles:
1. Watershed as the basic forestland management unit. - Forestlands shall be 
conserved, developed, and memaged, utilizing watershed as the basic 
management unit and under the concepts of sustainable and multiple-use 
management. Including the conservation of biodiversity:
2. Multi-sectoral 
participation 
in 
sustainable 
forestland 
conservation, 
management, and development shall be promoted. Equitable sharing of the 
benefits derived from forestlands shall be ensured:
3. Community-based forest management (CBFM) as a principal strategy. - Vesting 
access rights 2ind responsibilities to forest resident families, local communities, 
and indigenous peoples to undertake the management of appropriate forestland 
resources on a sustainable basis shall have precedence over other strategies;
4. Protection of forestlands and natural resources as priority concern in order to 
ensure 
environmental 
stability, 
enhance biological 
diversity, 
increase 
productivity, and provide economic benefits;
5. Economic and ecological reforestation shall be a priority to rehabilitate denuded 
and degraded forestlands;
6. Security of tenure of stakeholders and equitable access to forest resources; and
7. Professionadlsm in forest service. - A dynamic, professional and people-oriented 
forest service shall be established and fully supported by the government.
This proposed measure alms to ensure that our forests meet the needs of the present 
generation without compromising the ability of the future generations to meet their 
own needs. Thus, immediate passage of this bill is earnestly requested.
LEGARDA
Senator
SEVENTEENTH CONGRESS OF THE ) 
REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES 
) 
First Regular Session 
)
... 
- 
• , 
' s'-
'  
?  ' ! » r  ® ( ' f  f  '1 
J 4 ,*
’16 H'l 19 PI '42
S. No.
SENATE
530
•V-
Introduced by Senator Antonio “Sonny” F. Trillanes IV
AN ACT
PROVIDING FOR THE REGULATION AND DISPOSAL OF BIO-MEDICAL 
WASTES, 
DECLARING 
CERTAIN 
ACTS 
UNLAWFUL, 
PRESCRIBING 
PENALTIES THERETO, AND FOR OTHER PURPOSES
EXPLANATORY NOTE
The 1987 Constitution provides that, “The State shall protect and advance the riglit of the 
people to a balanced and healthful ecology in accord with the rhythm and hannony of nature, 
and shall protect and promote the right to health of the people, and instill health 
consciousness among the public.” Environmental awareness in the Philippines has increased 
in the past few years. However, awareness on the dangers posed by medical waste has not 
been given the attention it deserves.
The facts on medical waste are chilling. About 40 tons of medical waste is generated per day 
in Metro Manila. 92% of tbe 64 government and private hospitals surveyed by the 
Presidential Task Force on Waste Management dispose of their general wastes through the 
city or municipal refuse disposal system. Only 9.4% of the hospitals surveyed incinerate 
pathological wastes and only 7.8% incinerate infectious waste. Radioactive waste are stored 
and allowed to decay by most of the hospitals surveyed. Chemical watts are disposed of into 
sinks or water closets or through hospital septic tanks and sewer lines.
The dangers posed to our people's health and environment by the unregulated management of 
medical waste is a real and ever present threat. Hospital incinerators can emit more dioxin 
and other hazardous pollutants than any other type of incinerator because of the type of waste 
they treat. Landfills, garbage dumps, and open pits attract scavengers, and medical wastes 
like syringes carelessly dumped therein can prick anyone of those scavengers. This could 
easily hasten the spread of the much dreaded AIDS disease, as well as other communicable 
diseases.
This bill seeks to regulate medical wastes by empowering the Secretary of Health to establish 
acceptable standards for its management and disposal. It likewise strengthens the ability of 
the Department of Health in dealing with the issue of medical waste management, and 
imposes stiff penalties for the mindless disposal of dangerous medical waste.
SEVENTEENTH CONGRESS OF THE 
] 
REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES 
]
F irst R egular Session 
]
SENATE
S. No. 203
JlD TIME:
BILLS & INpEX
In tro d u ced  by SEN. SHERWIN T. GATCHALIAN
AN ACT
REQUIRING THE REGISTRATION OF ALL USERS OF PRE-PAID 
SUBSCRIBER IDENTITY MODULE (SIM) CARDS
EXPLANATORY NOTE
As a country th at is hailed as the texting capital of the world, we should 
now be familiar with the Subscriber Identity Module or more commonly called 
SIM cards. The use of the mobile phones with these SIM cards has greatly 
altered the way of life of every Filipino to an unbelievable degree. The 
technology has paved the way for an easier and faster m edium  of 
com m unication, a handy tool for information accessibility, and has mobilized 
a broader citizen engagem ent for social and civic affairs. Indeed, we have 
come to acknowledge the great benefit this technology has given us.
As innovations bring countless advantages, we usually become 
unconcerned with its inimical effects. Thus, m arkets for supply of SIM cards 
continue to flood at an unabated rate. We change SIM cards as fast as we 
change our soiled shirts. Alarmingly, this seeming boundless stream  of 
supply has become a m agnet of nefarious and illegal activities. Nowadays, we 
hear countless victims of text scam s, ransom  dem ands thru untraceable
SEVENTEENTH CONGRESS OF THE 
) 
REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES 
) 
First Regular Session 
)
S E N A T E  
S. B. No. 
^9
BILLS
Introduced by SENATOR FRANKLIN M. DRILON
AN ACT AMENDING REPUBLIC ACT NO. 9225, OTHERWISE KNOWN 
AS THE “CITIZENSHIP RETENTION AND REACQUISITION ACT OF 
2003”
EXPLANATORY NOTE
Following the constitutional policy that "(t)hose whose fathers or mothers are 
citizens of the Philippines," citizenship acquired by parentage or through the 
principle of jus sanguinis is a right guaranteed by the highest law of the land. As 
such, natural-born citizens may not be automatically deprived of Philippine 
citizenship absent any corresponding free, willful and voluntary act on their part to 
expressly and formally renounce their citizenship before proper Philippine 
authorities.
„ Pyrsuant to this this legal precept. Republic Act No. 9225, otherwise known as 
the "Citizenship Retention and Re-acquisition Act 0/2003," was passed. While the 
law has since benefitted thousands of natural-born Filipinos all over the world, the 
bureaucratic requirements have discouraged a greater number of our countrymen 
from availing of the benefits under the measure. The bill thus aims to simplify the 
manner by which Philippine citizenship is retained or reacquired.
•In view of the foregoing, the immediate passage of this bill is earnestly sought.
KLIN M. DRILON
Senator
SEVENTEENTH CONGRESS OF THE REPUBLIC 
OF THE PHILIPPINES
First Regular Session
S E N A T E
s.B. 
344
BILLS S  (INDEX
Introduced by Senator Poe
AN ACT
PRESCRIBING 
SCHOOL BUS 
SAFETY STANDARDS AND FOR OTHER 
PURPOSES
Explanatory Note
It is the objective of the State to promote public safety in the transportation of 
passengers, particularly school children. To achieve this objective, it is essential that the State 
shall prescribe minimum design standards of school buses for the safety of its student 
passengers.
This bill speaks for itself This bill seeks to prescribe regulations to mitigate the 
effects of vehicular accidents by prescribing safety standards for school buses.
The immediate passage of this bill is earnestly sought.
GRACE PO;
v f ! ; KU
SEVENTEENTH CONGRESS OF THE } 
REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES 
} 
F irst R egular S ession 
}
3>) ;l ■ - ^
S E N A T E  
S.B: No. 
1
In tro d u ce d  by SENATOR VICENTE C. SOTTO HI
AN ACT
ESTABLISHING A DETENTION PROGRAM AND FACILITY FO R HIGH- 
LEVEL DRUG OFFENDERS WITHIN THE NATIONAL PENITENTIARY 
SYSTEM UNDER THE BUREAU OF CORRECTIONS, APPROPRIATING 
FUNDS THEREFOR AND FOR OTHER PURPOSES
EXPLANATORY NOTE
Recent news events prove and confirm the failure of the present 
treatment program and detention security measures of the Bureau of 
Corrections in the matter of containing and preventing high-level illegal- 
drugs inmates from continuing their possession, trading and trafficking of 
illegal drugs while under detention. This circumstance is an area of grave 
concern for government in particular and the whole Philippine society. As 
recent as the previous months of 2 0 16, after a series of inspections/raids of 
the premises of the New Bilibid Prisons, several contraband items, including 
prohibited drugs, were confiscated. These incidents prove that convicted 
drug lords could continue their illegal drug business inside the premises of 
the national penitentiary, probably with the aid of regular inmates with 
whom they are commingled.
The philosophy of penology recognizes the need to classify the 
prisoners into reasonable categories for rehabilitation, treatment and 
protection of society. This is one of the mandated responsibilities of the 
Bureau of Corrections in safekeeping inmates and completely incapacitating 
them, especially high-level illegal-drugs offenders, while serving their 
sentences.
SEVENTEENTH CONGRESS OF THE REPUBLIC 
)
OF THE PHILIPPINES 
)
First Regular Session 
)
SENATE
S.B. N o ._ „_ o O J
*16 JUL20 P3-.06
Ui I L
Introduced by: Senator Paolo Benigno "Bam " A. Aquino IV
AN ACT
STRENGTHENING THE LOCAL DEVELOPMENT COUNCIL, AMENDING FOR THE 
PURPOSE CERTAIN SECTIONS OF REPUBLIC ACT NO. 7160, OTHERWISE KNOWN AS 
THE LOCAL GOVERNMENT CODE OF 1991, AND FOR OTHER PURPOSES
EXPLANATORY NOTE
It is the basic policy of our State to give primordial importance to the 
autonomy of the local government. Republic Act No. 7160, otherwise known as the 
"Local Government Code" aims to provide a more accountable local government 
structure and institute a system of decentralization.
Section 106 of the Local Government Code mandates each local government 
to have a Local Development Council (LDC) at the provincial, city, and municipal or 
barangay level. The LDC is expected to set the direction of economic and social 
development within its territorial jurisdiction. At the provincial, city and municipal 
level, the functions of the LDC are to: 1) Formulate long-term, medium-term and 
annual socio-economic plans and policies; 2) Formulate the medium-term and 
annual public investment programs; 3) Appraise and prioritize socio-economic 
development programs and projects, among others. At the barangay level, the LDC is 
expected to mobilize people's participation in local development efforts and to 
monitor and evaluate the implementation of national or local programs and projects.
Our laws recognize the significance of multi-sectoral representation and 
participation of the LDC. This is made clear in the implementing rules and regulations 
of the Local Government Code that mandates that the composition of the LDCs shall 
include representatives from duly accredited people's organizations (POs), non­
governmental organizations (NGOs) and the private sector operating therein. 
Further, NGO representation shall not be less than % of the total membership of the 
fully organized council. However, despite the express provisions of our laws and 
implementing rules, many local government units still do not adhere to them. There 
are also NEDA reports showing that many local special bodies do not meet regularly 
thus minimizing the participation of NGOs and POs in local governance.
t ;"l
( t l l i ' t r  n ‘
SEVENTEENTH CONGRESS OF THE } 
REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES 
}
First Regular Session 
}
'lo ,iUii 30
S E N  A T  
SB N o .____I
INTRODUCED BY SENATOR VICENTE C. SOTTO III
AN ACT
AMENDING SECTION 1 OF REPUBLIC ACT NO. 53, OTHERWISE 
KNOWN AS "AN ACT TO EXEMPT THE PUBLISHER, EDITOR OR 
REPORTER OF ANY PUBLICATION FROM REVEALING THE SOURCE 
OF PUBLISHED NEWS OR INFORMATION OBTAINED IN
CONFIDENCE”
EXPLANATORY NOTE
Republic Act No. 53, otherwise known as “An Act to Exempt the 
Publisher, Editor or Reporter of any Publication from Revealing the 
Source of Published News or Information Obtained in Confidence” was 
passed in 1946 upon the proposal of the late Senator Vicente Yap Sotto 
when dissemination of news and investigative reports was not as 
sophisticated as it is today.
Technology has advanced by leaps and bounds and with it, the 
expansion of the coverage of mass media where news and investigative 
reports are not only broadcast through the print media, but also through 
radio, television, cable and the internet. The law was conceived at a time 
when today's technology was unthinkable. Nonetheless, the purpose of 
the law of protecting and enhancing the freedom of the press, so as to 
inform the public of current events and issues that affect their lives, 
remains relevant and important.
SEVENTEENTH CONGRESS OF THE REPUBLIC 
OF THE PHILIPPINES
First Regular Session
rtf flif > r r t p(.,riJ
■16 JIIL26 A8 59
S E N A T E
SB. 
8 7 : ^
in  (
’n ’;
Introduced by Senator Poe
AN ACT
PENALIZING THE ILLICIT ENRICHMENT OF PUBLIC OFFICIALS AND 
EMPLOYEES FOR ACQUISITION OF PROPERTIES THROUGH UNLAWFUL 
MEANS
Explanatory Note
Transparency and accountability are two major principles of the 1987 Philippine 
Constitution. As expressly declared:
• 
Article II, Section 27 (State Policies and Declaration of Principles) guarantees, "The 
State shall maintain honesty and integrity in the public service and take positive and 
effective measures against graft and corruption."
• 
Article XI, Section I (Accountability of Public Officers) mandates, "Public office is a 
public trust. Public officers and employees must, at all times, be accountable to the 
people, serve them with utmost responsibility, integrity, loyalty, and efficiency; act 
with patriotism and justice, and lead modest lives."
The State has a right to recover from public officials or employees, as well as their 
transferees or nominees, properties which were not lawfully acquired by them. Republic Act 
(R.A.) No. 1379 aims to enforce this right of the State.
However, while R.A. No. 1379 provides a procedure for forfeiture to be followed when 
said public officials or employees amass, accumulate, or acquire unexplained wealth, and 
imposes upon them the penalty of forfeiture of the properties unlawfully acquired, said law
SEVENTEENTH CONGRESS OF THE 
REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES 
First Regular Session
SENATE
s. No. 
283
TME:
INDEX
BILLS
Introduced by Senator Antonio “Sonny” F. Trillanes IV
AN ACT
PROVIDING FOR SECURITY OF TENURE FOR ALL CASUAL AND 
CONTRACTUAL EMPLOYEES OF THE GOVERNMENT WHO HAVE 
RENDERRED 
THE 
PRESCRIBED 
YEARS 
OF SERVICE 
IN 
THE 
NATIONAL 
GOVERNMENT 
AGENCIES 
AND 
THE 
LOCAL 
GOVERNMENT UNITS AND FOR OTHER PURPOSES
EXPLANATORY NOTE
Section 3 of Article XIII of the 1987 Constitution expressly provides:
“Section 3. The State shall afford full protection to labor, local and overseas, 
organized and unorganized, and promote fidl employment and equality of employment 
opportunities for all.
It shall guarantee the rights of all workers to self-organization, collective 
bargaining and negotiations, and peaceful concerted activities, including the right to 
strike in accordance with law. They shall be entitled to security of tenure, humane 
conditions of work, and a living wage. They shall also participate in policy and 
decision-making processes affecting their rights and benefits as may be provided by 
law. ”
Casual and contractual employees who have rendered many years of continuous 
service to the government and the public are entitled to security of tenure, a right 
which is not only part of our labor statutes and jurisprudence but which is inscribed in 
the fundamental law itself, the 1987 Constitution. The fact that the government has 
created casual and contractual positions and keeps appointing people to the said 
positions year after year proves that the said positions are clearly necessary or 
desirable to the orderly and efficient operation of the concerned agencies; and, the 
fact that these agencies keep appointing the same individuals to these casual and 
contractual positions year after year necessarily implies that, at the very least, the said 
employees meet the minimum qualification standards for the said positions and are 
able to effectively perform the functions of the said positions.
SEVENTEENTH CONGRESS 
)
REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES 
)
First Regular Session 
)
<(9tliff »! H;r
' 
'v
■16 
M . 19 WO '32
S E N A T E  
S.B. No. 
4 3 9
Ur C lJVKI) KY;_
In tro d u ced  by SENATOR LOREN LEGARDA
AN 
ACT 
STRENGTHENING 
THE 
NATIONAL 
AGRICULTURE 
AND 
FISHERIES EXTENSION SYSTEM TO ACCELERATE AGRICULTURE AND 
FISHERIES DEVELOPMENT, APPROPRIATING FUNDS THEREFOR AND 
FOR OTHER PURPOSES
Explanatory Note
Agricultural extension is a system  which assists farm people, through 
educational procedures and sharing of best agricultural practices, in 
improving 
farming 
m ethods 
and 
techniques, 
increasing 
production 
efficiency and income, lifting social and educational standards. The clients 
of this agricultural and fisheries extension system  are the producers (the 
farm ers, fisherfolk, agricultural processors), traders, and consum ers, with 
priority given to economically and socially disadvantaged groups.
This bill provides for the creation of the Philippine Agriculture and Fisheries 
Extension Agency (PAFEA), which shall serve as the national apex 
organization to unify all agriculture and fisheries extension system s and 
ensure m aintenance of the high standards of extension program s. It shall 
provide 
national 
direction, 
set 
standards 
of 
perform ance, 
and 
institutionalize financial and technical support to the LGUs.
In view of the foregoing, early passage of this bill is earnestly requested.
SEVENTEENTH CONGRESS OF THE 
)
REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES 
)
First Regular Session 
)
SENATE
S. No. 861
«, 
.
•16 
I'i 2 1  
'•■'4
HI
T'  V •
Introduced by Senator Ralph G. Recto
AN ACT
PROVIDING FOR THE DELINEATION OF THE SPECIFIC FOREST LIMITS OF THE 
PUBLIC DOMAIN AND FOR OTHER PURPOSES
Explanatory Note
The 1987 Constitution provides that Congress shall determine by law the specific limits 
of forest lands and national parks, which shall thereafter be conserved and may not be increased 
nor diminished.
According to latest government statistics, half of the country’s total land area or roughly 
15.05 million hectares is classified as forest land. Lands classified under forest land are further 
disaggregated into different categories, such that only 3.27 million hectares out of the 15.05 
million hectares are classified as forest reserves. However, the lack of demarcation separating the 
lands classified as forest reserves from other classes may have resulted to an inaccurate picture 
as to the actual size of the country's forest lands, as some may have been encroached by various 
adjacent land developments or have been reclassified due to existing laws.
In order to mitigate further encroachment, the Department of Environment and Natural 
Resources (DENR), as of August 2012, has completed the delineation and assessment of 79,245 
kilometers of forest lines (excluding the Autonomous Region of Muslim Mindanao)' for 
submission to the National Assessment and Delineation Committee.
However, in order to strengthen DENR's efforts in the delineation and assessment of the 
country's forest lands, an enabling law is necessary to provide a legal framework to preserve the 
remaining forest resources, protect, manage and utilize these lands for purposes consistent with 
sustainable development. With the threat of further encroachment over remaining forest lands at 
hand, it is imperative for government to secure forest lands from further ruin due in part to 
uncontrolled development and urban expansion.
Tliis measure seeks to define the scope of forestlands, as well as provide guidelines in 
determining the specific limits of forestlands. For this purpose, a National Review and 
Evaluation Committee, headed by the Secretary of Environment and Natural Resources, shall be 
created to process, evaluate and approve all completed assessment and delineation reports 
referred to the said Committee. The DENR shall, upon determination of final forest lines, delimit 
and establish boundary monuments on the ground. Forestlands delineated under this legislation 
shall be conserved and may not be increased nor decreased, except by law.
SEVENTEENTH CONGRESS OF THE 
)
REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES 
)
First Regular Session 
)
SENATE
S. No. 608
tF  (dffiit of
’16 J i l l 9 P5 55
H i .
n \ :
Introduced by Senator Antonio “Sonny” F. Trillanes IV
AN ACT
PROVIDING FOR THE RETENTION AND UTILIZATION OF THE INCOME 
DERIVED BY THE NATIONAL MUSEUM, AMENDING FOR THE PURPOSE 
SECTION 26 OF REPUBLIC ACT NO. 8492, OTHERWISE KNOWN AS THE 
"NATIONAL MUSEUM ACT OF 1998"
EXPLANATORY NOTE
Museums adhere to the mission of collecting, preserving, studying, interpreting and 
exhibiting the cultural and natural history specimens. It is an educational, scientific and 
cultural institution that preserves scholarly study and public appreciation of works of art, 
specimens, and cultural and historical artifacts representative of what is unique to our cultural 
heritage.
In the country, the National Museum carries out permanent research programs in biodiversity, 
geological history, human origins, pre-historical and historical archaeology, maritime and 
underwater cultural heritage, ethnology, art history, and moveable and immoveable cultural 
properties as well.
In light of recognizing the significance of museums and giving such institutions a reprieve 
from being confronted with funding issues, it is proposed that the Charter of the National 
Museum be amended by increasing the amount it is supposed to be used as revolving fund.
This bill seeks to raise funds to be used for the rehabilitation of the nineteen (19) regional 
museums throughout the country and, in the process, safeguard the museums' artifacts, 
paintings and other collections. Specifically, the measure aims to:
• 
Provide for a revolving fund in the amount of Five Million Pesos (P5,000,000.00) to 
be taken from the income of the museum on the sales of reproductions, cultural items, 
publications, creation, restoration, conservation, identification, earnings from 
planetarium programs and other auxiliary services;
• 
Mandates the use of revolving fund to augment the museum's operational 
requirements such as, but not limited to:
o Repair and rehabilitation of structures and facilities that house its offices, 
collections and acquisitions; 
o Updating of its insurance payments; and 
o Increasing the level of security it currently employs.
SEVENTEENTH CONGRESS 
)
REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES )
First Regular Session 
)
(0(1.rr of lij - >rrrrt.Try
'16 
JUL 19 A10 -09
S E N A T E
S.B. No. 
413
».
In tro d u ced  by SENATOR LOREN LEGARDA
AN 
ACT 
TO 
ESTABLISH 
THE 
MONITORING 
AND 
SUPERVISORY 
FRAMEWORK 
FOR 
THE 
SAFE 
OPERATIONS 
OF 
THE 
LIQUEFIED 
PETROLEUM GAS (LPG) INDUSTRY; RATIONALIZE THE MANUFACTURE, 
SALE, 
DISTRIBUTION, 
EXCHANGE, 
SWAPPING, 
REPAIR, 
REQUALIFICATION AND REHABILITATION OF LPG CYLINDERS; PROVIDE 
ADDITIONAL POWERS TO THE DEPARTMENT OF TRADE AND INDUSTRY; 
DEFINE 
AND 
PENALIZE 
VIOLATIONS 
THEREOF 
AND 
FOR 
OTHER 
PURPOSES
Explanatory Note
Liquefied petroleum  gas (LPG) is a basic fuel commodity in Philippine 
households, with twelve million LPG cylinders in circulation nationwide. 
However, it is im portant to note th at m any are said to be dilapidated, defective, 
and unsafe. Therefore, there is a need to establish a more efficient and effective 
m onitoring and supervisory framework th at would ensure the safety of 
consum ers as well as protect their general welfare.
This m easure seeks to establish is for the refining, im portation, refilling, 
transportation, distribution, m arketing, and sale of LPG. It also seeks to 
form ulate 
appropriate 
program s 
and 
standards 
for 
the 
im portation, 
m anufacture, sale, distribution, exchange, swapping, repair, requalification, 
and rehabilitation of LPG cylinders and other ancillary equipm ent.
This bill shall likewise give additional powers and functions to the D epartm ent 
of Trade and Industry (DTI), which is the lead agency tasked to m onitor and 
supervise the compliance of the LGU industry and its participants with national 
product quality and safety, environm ental and occupational safety, and 
consum er welfare standards.
This m easure also seeks to create the LPG Industry Monitoring and Inspection 
Committee, which shall form ulate the specific guidelines for m andatory 
compliance with the established quality standards and enforce the appropriate 
sanctions for violations.
In view of the foregoing, approval of this bill is earnestly sought.
LOREN LEGARDA
Senator
SEVENTEENTH CONGRESS OF THE REPUBLIC 
OF THE PHILIPPINES 
First Regular Session
SENATE 
S.B. No.
DATE
TIME
BILLS
Introduced by: S enator Paolo Benigno "B a m " A. A q uino IV
AN ACT
PROHIBITING GOVERNMENT OFFICES AND AGENCIES FROM DENYING CITIZENS ACCESS TO 
FRONTLINE SERVICES AND ATTENDANCE IN PUBLIC MEETINGS ON THE BASIS OF ATTIRE
EXPLANATORY NOTE
With the Philippines fast becoming the rising star of Asia and the rest of the world, it 
is our mandate to build an inclusive and prosperous country for all Filipinos.
We have made strides to build an improved society through policies that uplift and 
empower the marginalized sectors. However, we often overlook the seemingly trivial but 
unjust hurdles many Filipinos face on a daily basis, such as their inability to adhere to 
unnecessary government regulations.
Tragically, not every Filipino can afford to buy shoes and more formal clothing. But 
every Filipino should be permitted to participate in assemblies that affect them and their 
community, particularly legislative hearings and sessions. All Filipinos must be granted 
access to frontline services, especially from public offices.
Unfortunately, needless dress code policies serve as barriers to many of our 
marginalized Filipinos as they seek to become more participative and rightfully demand 
services.
How can they raise their voice when they're standing in the heat and behind cold 
walls? These are the countrymen we are called to serve.
Thus, it is high time to open our government offices and be more considerate of our 
policies for all Filipinos, regardiess of our economic status.
The Philippine Government Agency Open Door Act aims to mandate all government 
offices to accept entry to all Filipinos and to eliminate the dress code that some government 
agencies and units are following.
We are called to open the doors to those that have the least in our society, those we 
have the most to learn from, and those that we desperately need to hear.
SEVENTEENTH CONGRESS OF THE REPUBLIC 
OF THE PHILIPPINES
First Regular Session
S E N A T E
s.B. 
340
|/R M £ d\ |
ui OArE.-JjJL P 4 
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I t f t  
r-iijii*. 
n  \ ii L. . 
1711
oateJUL
^  Tittle;
Introduced by Senator Poe
AN ACT
ORDAINING THE BILL OF RIGHTS OF TAXI PASSENGERS
Explanatory Note
Article 1733 or Republic Act No. 386 or the Civil Code of the Philippines provides 
that “[cjommon carriers, from the nature of their business and for reasons of public policy, 
are bound to observe extraordinary diligence in the vigilance over the goods and for the 
safety of the passengers transported by them, according to all the circumstances of each 
case.”
Article 1755 of the Civil Code of the Philippines also provides that “[a] common 
carrier is bound to carry the passengers’ safety as far as human care and foresight can 
provide, using the utmost diligence of very cautious persons, which a due regard for all the 
circumstances.” As also contained in Article 1757 of the Civil Code, “[t]he responsibility of a 
common carrier for the safety of passengers... cannot be dispensed with or lessened by 
stipulation, by the posting of notices, by statements on tickets, or otherwise.”
Several commuters have been hounded by unscrupulous taxi drivers especially in the 
metropolis. Incidents of overcharging, refusal of passengers, reckless driving, circuitous 
driving, meter tampering and in extreme cases, passengers were being sedated, raped and 
even killed are on the rise.
D
SEVENTEENTH CONGRESS OF THE 
)
REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES 
)
First Regular Session 
)
SENATE
s. No. 573
'16 JUL19 P4 54
RKrETVKI^ BY:
Introduced by Senator Antonio “Sonny” F. Trillancs IV
AN ACT
CREATING A CARNAP PREVENTION PROGRAM, ESTABLISHING A CARNAP 
PREVENTION ADVISORY BOARD, AND FOR OTHER PURPOSES
EXPLANATORY NOTE
In the recent years, camapping has become a serious concern in the Philippines. In fact, it is 
attributed as one of the reasons for the rising incidents of crime rate in the country. 
Camapping is characterized by the boldness of the suspects to commit the act which are 
sometimes constituted with violence. Thus, a comprehensive anti-camapping program is 
needed in order to reduce the incidence of camapping and to increase the apprehension of 
professional camappers.
This bill seeks to establish a Carnap Prevention Program with the end in view of 
implementing nationwide plans, programs, and strategies to combat camapping, improve the 
administration of the anti-camapping laws, and provide a fomm for identification of critical 
problems for those persons dealing with camapping.
Further, the Carnap Prevention Advisory Board shall be charged to assist in the prevention 
and deterrence of camapping and related crimes, including vandalism and theft of property 
from the vehicles in the country. It shall henceforth seek to improve and support anti-camap 
law enforcement, prosecution, prevention, and education and juvenile diversion programs by 
establishing nationwide planning capabilities and coordination of dedicated funding sources.
In view of the foregoing, the early passage of this bill is earnestly sought.
ANTONI
ES IV
3 n a to r
SEVENTEENTH CONGRESS OF THE 
) 
REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES 
)
First Regular Session 
)
SENATE
S. B. No. 
935
f*..
tf'
V ' , - V
of  f
n
-
i
r
y
'16 
AUG -1 
All 3 7
K  i-  <
” V:
INTRODUCED BY SENATOR ANA THERESIA “RISA” HONTIVEROS
BARAQUEL
AN ACT
PROHIBITING DISCRIMINATION ON T H E  BASIS OF SEXUAL 
ORIENTATION AND GENDER IDENTITY OR EXPRESSION (SOGIE) 
AND PROVIDING PENALTIES TH EREFO R
EXPLANATORY N O TE
Philippine submissions to the United Nations Human Rights Council narrate a 
bleak story of the conpnuing neglect of the human rights issues Fihpino lesbians, gays, 
bisexuals, transgenders, intersex, and queers (LGBTIQs) face. Cases of discrimination 
and inequality have remained invisible to our national policies and reduced to 
insignificance by homophobia and stigma. The reports document experiences of 
transwomen who were being denied the right to express their gender identity in schools 
and in the workplace; of gay men who could not donate blood because of a government 
memorandum prohibiting homosexuals from doing so. There were transwomen who 
were forced by authorities to appear masculine before their passports could be renewed. 
There were also law enforcers threatening LGBTIQs of prosecution for Grave Scandal 
under Article 200 of the Revised Penal Code as a scheme to harass and to extort from 
them. There were cases of gender non-conforming students who were being bullied in 
schools affecting their performance and ultirnately their access to education. There were 
people living with HIV AIDS who were made more vulnerable by the prevailing stigma 
against men who have sex with men and transgenders, putting in peril their fundamental 
right to quality and effective healthcare, d'hese stories reflect the historical prejudice 
against LGBTIQs denying them full access to basic human rights and excluding them 
from fundamental equahty before the law. The lack of protective laws and supportive 
policies is an unfortunate reality. Tliis neglect is affording impunity from committing 
discrimination and tolerating human rights abuse.
Aside from addressing a major human rights gap, this proposed legislation will be 
the compliance of the Phihppine government with the obligation imposed upon states 
by the Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR), International Covenant on 
Civil and Political Rights (ICCPR), and the International Covenant on Economic Social 
and Cultural Rights (ICESCR) for all states to guarantee all persons “equal and effective 
protection against discrimination on any ground such aS race, color, sex, language, 
religion, political or other opinion, national or social origin, property, birth, or other 
stams”. The prevailing interpretation of this state obligation includes protection against 
discrimination on the basis of sexual orientation and gender identity.
SEVENTEENTH CONGRESS OF THE ) 
REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES 
) 
First Regular Session 
)
• Tri.V
JIIL 1'^ 
A! 1 :1 Y
S. No.
SENATE
4G5
Introduced by Senator Antonio “Sonny” F. Trillanes IV
AN ACT
AMENDING SECTION 4(B) OF REPUBLIC ACT NO. 7898, OTHERWISE KNOWN 
AS THE AFP MODERNIZATION ACT, AS AMENDED BY REPUBLIC ACT NO. 
10349, ESTABLISHING THE "REVISED AFP MODERNIZATION PROGRAM", 
AND FOR OTHER PURPOSES
EXPLANATORY NOTE
On December 2012, President Benigno Simeon Aquino III affixed his signature on the 
Revised Armed Forces Modernization Program to extend the measure, which aims to 
modernize all branches of the AFP, However, despite the laudable action, the law, as 
amended, is in need of at least one relevant and urgent amendment.
Among the major obstructions, which have thwarted the full implementation of the law, is the 
highly tedious and circuitous procurement process of the AFP. This has consequently resulted 
to the lengthy and protracted acquisition of the AFP's weaponry and artillery. Indeed, in the 
early years of the implementation of the extended AFP Modernization Program, AFP and 
defense officials cited lack of funds and the cumbersome procurement process as among the 
reasons for the AFP's failure to acquire equipment.
One of the possible roadblocks to the acquisition of necessary anuament and equipment is the 
provision in the AFP modernization law that no major equipment and/or weapons system 
shall be purchased if the same are not being used by the armed forces in the country of origin 
or used by the armed forces of at least two countries.
This bill seeks to amend and relax the aforementioned provision by allowing the purchase of 
major equipment and/or weapons system so long as the same are being used by the armed 
forces in the country of origin or by the anried forces of another country.
SEVENTEENTH CONGRESS OF THE ) 
REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES )
First Regular Session 
)
i t r  ($ l'(ire  o f t h r r > "'n r t.ir y
•16 
JUL21 
P 3 : 2 2
SENATE 
s. No. 
8 4 7
K i  :» ! 
■ f l Y :
Introduced by Senator Ralph G. Recto
AN ACT
CREATING THE PHILIPPINE AMUSEMENT AND GAMING COMMISSION 
(PAGCOM), AUTHORIZING THE APPROPRIATION OF FUNDS THEREFOR, AND
FOR OTHER PURPOSES
Explanatory Note
This bill seeks to separate the regulatory function of the Philippine Amusement and 
Gaming Corporation (PAGCOR) from its role as operator of gaming activities. These distinct 
functions should not be placed under one agency in order to maintain a separation of powers and 
uphold a system of checks and balances.
There should be a clear separation between the regulatory and proprietary activities of 
PAGCOR in order to achieve a level playing field with other private gaming corporations. The 
government also has no business running gambling facilities. Instead, the government should 
adopt the policy that its role should only be steering and not rowing. This means government 
should deal with coordination and control of gaming entities but should not get involved in direct 
gaming operation.
The delineation of functions will also allow the regulatory agency to focus on the 
supervision and monitoring of gaming operators to ensure that they comply with the established 
rules and regulations including compliance with the required remittance of government share to 
the National Treasury.
Under the bill, the present PAGCOR is abolished while a Philippine Amusement and 
Gaming Commission (PAGCOM) is created which will discharge the function of regulating the 
gaming operations in the country.
The existing PAGCOR casinos shall be privatized by the Privatization and Management 
Office (PMO) and proceeds from such privatization shall be remitted to the National Treasury 
and shall form part of the General Fund to be available for expenditure upon authorization of 
Congress through the annual General Appropriations Act (GAA).
The gaming facilities shall focus on foreign tourists. A license shall be issued to gaming 
operators only in Local Government Units (LGUs) where the tourist arrivals as certified by the 
Department of Tourism are 100,000 foreign tourists per annum or more. Furthermore, in order to 
discourage locals from patronizing the casino, a minimum of Php 1,000 entrance fee shall be 
charged.
The PAGCOM shall collect from casino operators five percent as gross revenue tax. 
Further, after such deduction, PAGCOM shall collect additional twenty-five percent from the 
aggregate gross earnings, 75% of which shall be eamiarked for the K to 12 Program of the