bettergovph/raw-philippine-data huggingface dataset:
SEVENTEENTH CONGRESS OF THE REPUBLIC ) 
OF THE PHILIPPINES
First Regular Session
))
SENATE
r
S. No.
979
A r
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'16 
AUG- 3  
P 3 : 1 8
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Introduced by Senator Ralph G. Recto
AN ACT
IMPOSING 
A 
SIX-YEAR 
MORATORIUM 
ON 
THE 
INCREASE 
OF 
ALL 
GOVERNMENT FEES AND CHARGES
Explanatory Note
The provision of public services is a key task of government. These public services range 
from the delivery of basic needs such as education, healthcare and peace-keeping to more 
proprietary functions like the regulation of certain activities such as the issuance of various 
licenses and permits, regulation of the different professions and the issuance of passports, among 
others. The State undertakes both governmental and proprietary functions as well as ministerial 
and discretionary functions. The funding for these operations are taken from taxes that the 
government collects. However, since not all of these services can be funded by taxes especially 
those that are discretionary and proprietary, it is necessary to impose fees and charges for their 
use.
A fee is a payment to defray the cost of each recurring service undertaken by the 
government, primarily in the public interest, but conferring a measurable advantage to the payer.1 
User charges, on the other hand, are imposed for the privilege of using something. The fees and 
charges are not imposed for the sake of deriving profits but just to cover the cost of the services.
Efficiency is a ratio of an employee’s actual time to perfonn each unit of service against 
the theoretical time needed to complete it. This unit of service analysis is most relevant to 
employees who perform jobs that are similar and repetitive. Unfortunately, there is a glaring 
inconsistency in efficiency among our government agencies as shown by the disparities in 
delivery time for similar services. Take for example the case of obtaining permits. The World 
Bank’s 2016 Report on ‘Ease of Doing Business’ which pegged the Philippines at 103rd place out 
of 185 economies shows that it takes an average of 29 days to obtain the necessary permits to 
start a business. President Duterte, who is the former Mayor of Davao City, has always been 
proud of the fact that in Davao City it takes only 3 days to obtain permits from city hall.
The process for obtaining these permits and licenses are essentially the same, regardless 
of where you are getting them. The fees and charges imposed for the delivery of these services 
is for the cost of producing them. The salaries of the government employees who are tasked to 
perfonn them are already paid for by the taxes we pay. Thus, there should be no disparity in 
efficieney among our agencies. If other local government units can perform a service in only 3
days, there should be no reason why other local government units and other national agencies 
cannot do the same.
The government has been frequently under fire for various complaints with regard to 
the inefficient delivery of public services. There have been numerous reports on the delays in 
the processing of clearances and in the release of documents and licenses. In the light of these
SEVENTEENTH CONGRESS OF THE ) 
REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES 
)
First Regular Session 
)
S E N A T E  
S.B. No.
Introduced by Senator Aquilino “Koko” Pimentel III
AN ACT
AMENDING SECTION 84 OF CHAPTER I, TITLE III OFTHE 
NATIONAL INTERNAL REVENUE CODE OF 1997 AS 
AMENDED, AND FOR OTHER PURPOSES
EXPLANATORY NOTE
It is almost instinctive if not innate to the individual person to 
provide for the sustenance of his or her loved ones in the event of his or 
her death. During the lifetime of an individual, he/she either finds work, 
starts a business or both to earn income, which, in the process, gets 
taxed. After paying income tax, these earnings from such employment, 
business, or both, are invested in assets, whether tangible, intangible or 
both, and again, they are somehow subjeeted to another round of tax, 
like capital gains tax or stock transaction tax, and the like.
Thus, estate tax whieh is being imposed on the estate of a deceased 
person before the heirs of the latter can receive their share in the 
inheritance, is another round of tax on tax, thus, adding another burden 
to the grieving family. 
Countries in the Asian region that are not 
imposing inheritance tax are Cambodia, China, Indonesia, Macau, 
Malaysia and Singapore, among others.
However, being aware of the other vital role of taxation as an 
equitable tool for wealth distribution, its total repeal may not be prudent 
at this time when moves for the reform of the Philippine income tax law 
are also underway. Thus, this tax may still be colleeted from the estate 
with a net value of Fifty Million Pesos (P50,000,000) and above.
SEVENTEENTH CONGRESS OF THE 
)
REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES 
)
First Regular Session 
)
SENATE
s.No. 
6 0 6
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'16 JUL 19 P5:29
K I 
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; ttY:
Introduced by Sec. Antonio “Sonny” F. Trilianes IV
AN ACT
PRESCRIBING FIXED TERMS FOR THE CHIEF OF STAFF AND THE MAJOR 
SERVICE COMMANDERS OF THE ARMED FORCES OF THE PHILIPPINES 
(AFP) AND FOR OTHER PURPOSES
EXPLANATORY NOTE
The positions of Chief of Staff of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) as well as those 
of the Major Services Commanders of the AFP, namely; (a) Commanding General of the 
Philippine Anny; (b) Flag Officer in Command of the Philippine Navy (PN); and (c) 
Commanding General of the Philippine Air Force (PAF) are very critical and sensitive 
positions, involving as they do the leadership of the Armed Services entrusted with the 
security and defense of the country. The problem is that because of the fact that the 
appointing authority is usually limited in his choice to only the most senior officers of the 
AFP, the appointees normally serve for only very short periods of time, usually for just one 
(1) year or even less before going into retirement.
There is no doubt that this state of things is adversely affecting the AFP and the nation, with 
the Chief of Staff of the AFP and Chiefs of the Major Services only staying long enough to 
wann up their seats but not long enough to be able to develop, put into place and implement 
meaningful medium and long term plans and programs for their commands. Moreover, the 
appointees to the subject positions are prone to being "politicized" with the positions being 
dangled before potential appointees under such dubious practices like the "revolving door 
policy" which was previously practiced by the current administration.
This bill, hence, proposes to provide for a fixed term of three (3) years for the Chief of Staff 
of the AFP as well as his Major Services Commanders. The idea is to give them a fixed term 
or tenure to provide for continuity and stability in the leadership of the AFP and shield the 
same from the perils of partisan politics.
This bill was passed by both Houses during the 15th Congress. Unfortunately, the same was 
vetoed by the President. It is my hope that in this Congress, a compromise could be arrived at 
and this bill could be finally enacted into law.
In view of the foregoing circumstances, approval of this bill is urgently requested.
ANTONI
)NNY” F. Tl
Senator
ILLANES IV
SEVENTEENTH CONGRESS OF THE 
)
REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES 
)
First Regular Session 
)
SENATE
s .No. 834
<©lfir» of IliE jP i-n -tT ry
•16 JUL21 
P 3 ■•06
K K n . i  
^  UY:
Introduced by Senator Ralph G. Reeto
AN ACT
RESERVING TO GOVERNMENT THE EXCLUSIVE AUTHORITY TO IMPORT RICE 
TO 
FURTHER 
ENSURE 
FOOD 
SECURITY 
AND 
PROTECT 
DOMESTIC 
PRODUCERS, AMENDING FOR THE PURPOSE PRESIDENTIAL DECREE NO. 4, 
OTHERWISE KNOWN AS “THE NATIONAL GRAINS AUTHORITY ACT,” AS 
AMENDED
Explanatory Note
Being one of the staple foods in Filipino households, it is imperative upon the national 
government to ensure adequate supply of rice three times a day, and to assure citizens of 
sufficient buffer stock in National Food Authority (NFA) granaries especially during the lean 
months from July to September.
Rice plays a crucial role in Philippine society and eeonomy because it provides an 
income source to those engaged in the production, processing, distribution and sale of rice and 
rice products. As such, disruption of rice production directly affects not only the farmers and 
consumers, but also a chain of traders, millers, distributors, and merchants.
Despite its strategic importance, Philippine riee production does not keep pace with the 
increasing Filipino rice demand. Palay produetion1 in 2015 increased by 46.49% from 2000 
production levels, despite a mere 15.31% inerease in dedicated farmlands for palay produetion. 
Philippine population2 and per eapita rice utilization, however, increased by 34.88% and 10.72% 
during the same time period, respectively -  thereby increasing national riee consumption by 
49.34% or 3.83 million metric tons of rice. These figures show a significant deficit between 
production and consumption, even before considering losses from milling, warehousing and 
transport.
Along with intervention to increase food production, this rice production-consumption 
gap is mitigated through importation. The power to import is based on the certifieation of the 
NFA Council, upon consultation with the Office of the President, that there is shortage of grains 
and/or their substitutes caused by a shortfall in production, a critical demand-supply gap, a state 
of calamity or other verified reasons.
In pursuit of such policy, NFA has imported or authorized the importation of rice both for 
buffer stock purposes and for satisfying domestie demand. In 2015, NFA authorized the 
importation of 805,200 metric tons of rice under the Minimum Access Volume (MAV) Program 
for the private sector3. The MAV Program refers to the program that specifies the volume of a
Data on palay production and rice consumption taken from CowitryStat Philippines of the Philippine Statistical 
Authority.
2 Data on population taken from Population Census of the Philippine Statistical Authority.
3 National Food Authority. (20156, June 10). NFA Memorandum Circular AO-2015-06-012. General Guidelines in the
Importation of805,200 Metric Tons, White Rice Under the Minimum Aceess Volume Country Specific Quota (MA V- 
CSQ) and the Minimum Access Volume Omnibus Origin (MA V-OO) for the year 2015 by the Private Sector. Quezon 
City: National Food Authority.
SEVENTEENTH CONGRESS OF THE REPUBLIC 
OF THE PHILIPPINES 
First Regular Session
t t S i  
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( t f f f U E  o f  t i l t ' i  f * ’3 t  I'
’16 
IIJL 28 All :21
SENATE 
S.B. No.
916
\r:r
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Introduced by: Senator Paolo Benigno "Bam " A. Aquino IV
AN ACT PROVIDING FOR A COMPREHENSIVE NURSING LAW TOWARDS A QUALITY 
HEALTH CARE SYSTEM, APPROPRIATING FUNDS THEREFOR
EXPLANATORY NOTE
The Philippines is the largest exporter of nurses in the world and Filipino 
nurses have proven to be one of the most highly skilled assets of our country. Sadly, 
nurses continue to be undervalued at home and vulnerable to dangerously long 
working hours and exploitative employment arrangements. Further, despite there 
being 200,000 underemployed or unemployed nurses, healthcare is still lacking in 
many rural areas.
If we invested in harnessing the massive potential of our existing healthcare 
professionals, we can address this healthcare shortage with a strong, competent, 
and professionally-regulated nursing board.
This bill seeks the creation of a Professional Regulatory Board of Nursing 
(PRBN) that will be responsible for ensuring that all aspects of the nursing profession 
are hlld up to standards of excellence. The PRBN will be mandated to promulgate 
quality standards of nursing education, research, practice, and management.
Through this measure, we will set a standard for academic excellence for all 
nursing programs in line with the Policies, Standards and Guidelines of the 
Commission on Higher Education.
The PRBN shall also implement an Advanced Practice Nursing Program which 
will provide professional development opportunities to existing nurses. Through this 
program, nurses can expand their skill base, assume more responsibilities on the 
medical floor, and be better able to serve our countrymen.
Most importantly, this bill aims to protect the welfare of our nurses and uplift 
the nursing profession by initiating studies on how healthcare professionals should 
be trained, managed, and developed in an organization, ensuring that working 
conditions and compensation are compliant with the Code of Ethics for nursing.
SEVENTEENTH CONGRESS OF THE 
)
REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES 
)
First Regular Session 
)
SENATE
S. No. 932
S p tu jfr
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-1 
All ;34
’’V:
Introduced by Senator Ralph G. Recto
AN ACT
TO FURTHER IMPROVE GOVERNMENT SERVICE DELIVERY, AMENDING FOR 
THE PURPOSE SECTION 8 OF REPUBLIC ACT NUMBER 9485, OTHERWISE KNOWN 
AS THE “ANTI-RED TAPE ACT OF 2007”
Explanatory Note
Bureaucratic bottlenecks need to be reduced, if not totally eliminated, to improve the level 
of competitiveness of the Philippines, reduce incidents of corruption, and minimize the compliance 
cost to government administrative requirements. The removal of such bureaucratic bottlenecks 
requires the delivery of public services in the most straightforward, judicious, transparent, effective 
and effieient way possible.
The policy to improve public service delivery is enshrined in Republic Act No. 9485, 
otherwise known as the Anti-Red Tape Act of 2007. The law called for a program to adopt 
simplified procedures with the intent of reducing red tape and expediting government transactions.
To-date, the elimination of bureaucratic red tape is yet to be realized. While the Philippines 
ranked 47l among 140 economies in terms of competitiveness, the country ranked 101st with regard 
to the ma^itude of government regulation burden1. Such observation is unacceptable in this day 
and age given the level of available technology that could be utilized by the government and the 
increased amount of remuneration and benefits afforded to civil servants.
It is the intention of the bill to provide the citizenry with an efficient and speedy system for 
government service delivery. It seeks to amend the maximum action time prescribed in Republic 
Act No. 9485 from five (5) to three (3) working days in the case of simple transactions and from 
ten (10) to seven (7) working days in the case of complex transaetions.
By doing so, this bill intends to improve the public service delivery, reduce eost of doing 
business, improve the produetivity of the citizenry and the business establishment, and diminish the 
opportunities for graft and corrupt acts. In the end, it is hoped that through this intervention, the 
quality of social services in the country will become more efficient; the competitiveness of local 
industries and small businesses will be enhanced; and the development of the Philippine economy 
will be sustained.
In view of the foregoing, the swift passage of this measure is earnestly sought.
B9-
World Economic Forum (2015). 2015-2016 Global Competitiveness Report. Geneva: World Economic Forum.
SEVENTEENTH CONGRESS OF THE REPUBLIC 
) 
OF THE PHILIPPINES 
)
First Regular Session 
)
S E N A T E
S.B. No. 
307
DATE
Introduced by Sen. Juan Miguel F. Zubiri
AN ACT
AMENDING REPUBLIC ACT NO. 9006, OTHERWISE KNOWN AS THE
FAIR ELECTIONS ACT
EXPLANATORY NOTE
The 1987 Constitution provides that the State shali guarantee equal access to 
opportunities for public service. Furthermore, it provides that the State shall maintain 
honesty and integrity in the public service and take positive and effective measures 
against graft and corruption. These same principles have guided the crafting of laws 
such as Republic Act No. 9006, or the Fair Elections Act, which upholds fair election 
practices throughout the country. However, fifteen years after its enactment, it is 
observed that certain provisions of the act lack clear mechanisms, which have resulted 
to the circumvention of said provisions and, ultimately, the failure to achieve the true 
objective of the law.
In the recently concluded 2016 elections, the rate of political advertisements 
have reached exorbitant heights, with television media outlets charging as much as 
Pl,424,000 for every 30-second prime time spot and PI, 187,000 for every 30-second 
non prime spot. Under the law, media outlets are mandated to charge registered 
political parties and bona fide candidates a discounted rate of thirty percent (30%) for 
television, which brings the published rate down to P997,000 
for every 30-second 
prime time spot and P831,000 for every 30-second non prime spot.
While the law is clear on the rate of discount that shall be extended to political 
parties and candidates, it does not provide media outlets with clear parameters on the 
allowable increase in rates of political propaganda. Hence, to compensate for the losses 
from the discounts being extended, media outlets are increasing the rates of political 
advertisements upon the start of the 90-day election campaign period, with some 
employing an increase of almost one hundred percent (100%).
These outrageous rates have prevented some of the country's qualified 
candidates from placing political advertisements in the tri-media, i.e., in television, 
radio, and print media, thus robbing them of the opportunity to make use of this 
platform to inform the electorate of their qualifications and position on matters of 
national significance. Furthermore, the current system encourages graft and corruption, 
with candidates forced to look for donors who can fund their campaign, and to whom 
they will be indebted for the duration of their terms.
#  1
SEVENTEENTH CONGRESS OF THE ) 
REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES 
)
First Regular Session 
)
• k
',
V.',' j'«r' 
o f I I I * 11 • I i.. 1 ,1
S.B. No.
Introduced by Senator
16 flllG -3 P6 14
SENATE
983
i : ! - !
►V-
rancis N. Pangilinan
AN ACT PROMOTING INTEGRATED URBAN AGRICULTURE AND VERTICAL 
FARMING TO ADDRESS FOOD SECURITY CONCERNS AND TO PROVIDE 
LIVELIHOOD OPPORTUNITIES, APPROPRIATING FUNDS THEREFOR AND FOR
OTHER PURPOSES
EXPLANATORY NOTE
According to the United Nations (UN), “the world’s population is expected to increase 
to 9.1 billion by 2050” and around 70% of said population, as estimated by the UN 
Population Division, will be living in urban areas.
The UN Human Settlements Program estimated around “250 million hungry people 
in the world live in cities” and that “low income urban dwellers spend between 40% to 
60% of their income on food each year.”
“Hunger, poverty, and environmental degradation” were identified by the United 
Nations Development (UNDP) as “the problems that most urban areas in developing 
countries are facing.”
Feeding the world population means increasing food production by 70% which, 
according to the United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), can be done 
“through higher crop yields and an expansion of the area under cultivation.”
“Farming in the city” or urban agriculture is one solution suggested by the UNDP. 
Urban agriculture, as defined by the FAO, is “an industry that produces, processes and 
markets food and fuel, largely in response to the daily demand of consumers within a 
town, city or metropolis, on land and water dispersed throughout the urban and peri­
urban area, applying intensive production methods, using and reusing natural resources 
and urban waste to yield a diversity of crop and livestock.
Urban agriculture, as claimed by the UNDP, “has the potential of providing much 
higher nutritional improvement, hunger reduction, income generation, enterprise 
development, and environmental improvement to the city.”
SEVENTEENTH CONGRESS OF THE REPUBLIC 
OF THE PHILIPPINES 
First Regular Session
SENATE
S.B. No. 
1 7 D
BILLS 
NDEX
Introduced by: Senator Paolo Benigno "Bam " A. Aquino IV
AN ACT AMENDING SECTION 9 OF REPUBLIC ACT NO. 10533, "AN ACT ENHANCING THE 
PHILIPPINE BASIC EDUCATION SYSTEM BY STRENGTHENING ITS CURRICULUM AND 
INCREASING THE NUMBER OF YEARS FOR BASIC EDUCATION, APPROPRIATING FUNDS 
THEREOF AND FOR OTHER PURPOSES," OTHERWISE KNOWN AS THE "ENHANCED BASIC
EDUCATION ACT OF 2013."
EXPLANATORY NOTE
This year marks the final stage of the K-12 curriculum roll out with the 
nationwide implementation of Senior High School (SHS). An additional two years of 
secondary schooling will provide specialized academic tracks to prepare students for 
postsecondary education or alternatively, equip them for employment directly after high 
school.
There is a need to follow through on the intent of K to 12 and provide the 
infrastructure for Senior High School graduates who chose to enter employment to be able 
to find those opportunities.The creation of a job placement office through the Trabaho 
Center aims to address this need.
There are three main things that the Trabaho Center shall focus on: Career 
Counseling Services, Employment Facilitation and Industry Matching.
Career Counseling Services shall be offered to help guide the students on the tracks 
they choose in Senior High School.
Employment Facilitation is envisioned to assist the needs of a job seeker or the 
senior high school student. This includes but shall not be limited to resume writing, 
pre-employment seminars and job fairs.
Industry Matching on the other hand aims to address the needs of the industries by 
providing graduate listings and resume profiling of students to companies. Close 
coordination with PESO and TESDA are also needed to have a thorough database of job 
opportunities in the localities and to immediately coordinate further training that might be 
needed with TESDA based on particular employment opportunities.
SEVENTEENTH CONGRESS OF THE REPUBLIC 
OF THE PHILIPPINES 
First Regular Session
SENATE
S. B. No. 
182
DATE J UN
m
B ILLS  &  I
Introduced by Senator Maria Lourdes Nancy S. Binay
AN ACT
PROVIDING FOR THE REGULARIZATION OF PUNONG BARANGAY, 
SANGGUNIANG BARANGAY MEMBERS, SANGGUNIANG KABATAAN 
CHAIRMAN, BARANGAY SECRETARY AND BARANGAY TREASURER
EXPLANATORY NOTE
The barangay is the most important political unit of our country. It is where the interaction 
between the State and its people is direct and immediate. The barangay serves as the primary 
planning and implementing unit of government policies, plans, programs, projects, and 
activities in the community, and as a forum wherein the collective views of the people may be 
expressed, crystallized and considered, and where disputes may be amicably settled. As such, 
barangay officials not only play an indispensable role in the delivery of basic services, but more 
importantly, they are crucial partners to nation-building.
Barangay officials are tasked to perform functions and duties similar to those of city or 
municipal officials, such as enactment and enforcement of laws and ordinances, maintenance 
of peace and order, delivery of basic services and promotion of general welfare. However, 
compared to other local government officials, barangay officials receive monthly honoraria 
instead of fixed monthly salaries and are not entitled to the same employment benefits and 
privileges.
Thus, in recognition of the vital and immeasurable contribution of barangay officials to our 
nation, the proposed bill seeks to make barangay officials regular government employees with 
fixed salaries, allowances, insurance, medical and dental coverage, retirement benefits and 
other fringe benefits to which regular government employees are entitled to.
In view of the foregoing, the immediate passage of this bill is earnestly sought.
m a :
NANCY S. BINAY
.^E liasF
SEVENTEENTH CONGRESS OF THE REPUBLIC 
)
OF THE PHILIPPINES 
)
First Regular Session 
)
SENATE
S.B. No. 704
'16 JUL 20 P4:37
H F .C  K i '. i • ' ,7Y :
Introduced by: Senator Paolo Benigno "Bam " A. Aquino IV
AN ACT PROVIDING FOR ADDITIONAL SUPPORT AND COMPENSATION FOR EDUCATORS IN
BASIC EDUCATION
EXPLANATORY NOTE
Accompanying the Enhanced Basic Education Act of 2013, education reforms that were 
jumpstarted in recent years have been encouraging. These reforms sought to address backlogs in 
the building of classrooms and facilities, reorient systems for purchasing textbooks and other 
school supplies to curb corruption, and add teaching and non-teaching personnel to address the 
growing needs of schools. Truly, it is an exciting time for the Philippine public school system, 
with growing recognition that the Filipino student must be given the best education and learning 
experience to compete in the tough job market.
Unfortunately, our public school teachers, on whom we depend on to facilitate this 
experience, have been largely left out in these reforms. Even if education has the highest 
allocation in the national budget, teacher salaries have remained low, forcing teachers to be 
creative in their monthly subsistence. For an entry level position of Teacher 1, a duly licensed 
teacher receives a gross monthly salary of Php 19, 077 (Salary Grade 11, Step I)1. For a non­
teaching personnel, the gross monthly salary is Php 9,478 (Salary Grade 1, Step I)2. Even without 
the deductions, the figures are not attractive.
With the increasing cost of living, teachers and other school personnel must tighten their 
belts to get by on their modest salaries. They turn to loan agents, government and private, to 
make ends meet. They go into debt in order to provide for their families' needs, even to the 
extent that the entirety of their salary end up going to loan payments. This dire situation makes 
it unattractive for the brightest graduates to take on the public school education career. 
Furthermore, seasoned educators are forced to leave their vocation for practical reasons -  to 
seek greener pastures in other industries or even abroad.
It is pivotal for national development to add support and proper compensation for our 
teachers, as they shape and form the country's future. Additional benefits would make a public
Based on Executive Order 201 s 2016 (http://www.gov.ph/2016/02/19/executive-order-no-201-s-2016/) 
ibid.
SEVENTEENTH CONGRESS OF THE 
REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES
First Regular Session
S.B. No.
SENATE
189
“T h e 
THE
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BILLS
INTRODUCED BY: SENATOR EMMANUEL D. PACQUIAO
AN ACT
PROVIDING FOR THE RESTORATION OF MANDATORY MILITARY 
TRAINING FOR ALL GRADE 11 AND GRADE 12 STUDENTS BY REINSTATING 
SECTIONS 38 AND 39 OF REPUBLIC ACT NO. 7077, OTHERWISE KNOWN AS 
THE ‘‘CITIZEN ARMED FORCE OR ARMED FORCES OF THE PHILIPPINES
RESERVIST ACT”
EXPLANATORY NOTE
This bill seeks to provide for the restoration of mandatory military training for all Grade 11 
and Grade 12 students by reinstating Sections 38 and 39 of Republic Act (RA) No. 7077, 
otherwise known as the “Citizen Armed Force or Armed Forces of the Philippines Reservist 
Act. ’’
The Reserve Officers’ Training Corps (ROTC) is designed to provide military 
training to Grade 11 and Grade 12 (Senior High School) students in order to motivate, train, 
organize and mobilize our youth for national defense preparedness. ROTC was 
institutionalized under Commonwealth Act No. 1, also known as “The National Defense 
Act.” Under this measure, every physically fit student was required to pursue a course of 
military instruction designed to qualify him for a commission as a third lieutenant in the 
Regular or Reserve Forces.
The National Defense Act was amended by Presidential Decree (PD) No. 1706, 
otherwise known as “The National Service Law. ” The decree provides that each citizen shall 
render national service in any of the three main programs, namely: civic welfare service; law 
enforcement service; and military service.
The National Service Law was later amended by Republic Act No. 7077, otherwise 
known as the “Citizen Armed Force or Armed Forces of the Philippines Reservist Act” which 
provides for the mandatory taking of the Reserve Officers’ Training Corps (ROTC). 
The 
law requires the completion of the course as a requirement for all college students in 
acquiring their baccalaureate degree.
On June 27, 1991, Republic Act No. 9163, otherwise known as the “National Service 
Training Program (NSTP) Act of2001, ” was approved. The program was enacted to enhance 
civic consciousness and defense preparedness in the youth by developing their ethics of
(ife w i
SEVENTEENTH CONGRESS OF THE) 
REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES 
)
First Regular Session
SENATE
Senate Bill No.
,(P  TIME:
BILLS &
Introduced by SENATOR JOSEPH VICTOR G. EJERCITO
AN ACT CONSIDERING RICE OR CORN HOARDING AND 
PROFITEERING DURING OR ON THE OCCASION OF ANY 
CALAMITY OR EMERGENCY DECLARED AS SUCH BY THE 
PRESIDENT AS EQUIVALENT TO ECONOMIC SABOTAGE, PARTLY 
AMENDING FOR THE PURPOSE REPUBLIC ACT NO. 7581, 
OTHERWISE KNOWN AS THE PRICE ACT, AND FOR OTHER
PURPOSES
EXPLANATORY NOTE
There is a crisis in the supply and prices of our people’s staple 
food - rice and corn -  have suddenly become prevalent, it is now a 
serious national concern.
Moreover, it has spawned the unwanted materialization and 
proliferation of illicit rice traders and dealers concerned only with 
profit, and without at all a tinge of nationalism in the manner they 
conduct their business.
The materialization and proliferation of illicit rice traders and 
dealers has resulted equally, if not far more, disastrous than the ebb 
supply and skyrocketing cost of the commodify itself: the unabated, 
conflagration-like spread of the incidence of rice and corn hoarding 
and profiteering whose debilitating effect, especially among the less 
fortunate and those thriving within the poverty line vortex, is now felt 
in every nook and corner of the land.
The substance of culled perceptions point to the lacking, if 
obsolete, penalties provided for, inter alia, the act of rice hoarding, in 
existing legislations such as Republic Act No. 7581, otherwise known 
as the Price Act, as the principal, if overriding reason for the magnified 
persistence of rice hoarding and profiteering. These penalties are now 
deemed to be disproportionate to, and diminish the gravity of the
SEVENTEENTH CONGRESS OF THE REPUBLIC 
OF THE PHILIPPINES 
First Regular Session
SENAT
S.B. No.
fe64
of fljejr ^rtftanj
■16 JJL20 P3:12
H
■, 
3Y: i1
Introduced by: Senator Paolo Benigno "Bam " A. Aquino IV
AN ACT REORGANIZING THE NATIONAL COMMISSION ON CULTURE AND THE ARTS INTO THE 
DEPARTMENT OF CULTURE AND THE ARTS, DEFINING ITS POWER AND FUNCTIONS, 
APPROPRIATING FUNDS THEREOF, AND FOR OTHER PURPOSES
EXPLANATORY NOTE
The Philippines is home to some of the most popular and internationally -acclaimed 
artists. Apart from dominating global singing competitions, the Philippines has also produced 
some of the best painters, designers, actors, composers, filmmakers, writers and dancers. Just 
recently, the Philippines was recognized at the 2016 Cannes Film Festival for Ma' Rosa with a 
Filipina gaining the most coveted Best Actress award.
We take great pride in our National Artists as well as the myriad of other cultural 
symbols that represent our country.
To further develop our nation's strong cultural and artistic tradition, this bill proposes to 
reorganize the National Commission on Culture and the Arts (NCCA) into an independent 
Department Of Culture and the Arts (DCA). This would elevate the existing commission into a 
Department, expanding its mandate and awarding the body with more authority in planning, 
coordinating and implementing the country's programs for the conservation and promotion of 
culture and the arts.
The DCA would effectively house all major government arms related to Culture and the 
Arts, namely: the National Archives, the National Museum, the National Historical Commission 
of the Philippines, the Cultural Center of the Philippines, Komisyon ng Wikang Filipino, and the 
National Commission on Indigenous Peoples.
In joining forces, our cultural, linguistic and artistic national agencies will have the 
opportunity to develop cohesive programs aligned to the DCA mission and vision. The 
Department would also have the mandate to install regional DCA offices that will localize the 
development and recognition of artistic endeavors.
SEVENTEENTH CONGRESS OF THE REPUBLIC 
OF THE PHILIPPINES 
First Regular Session
SENATE
S.B.lMo._35-5-
Xfi TIME:
Introduced by: Senator Paolo Benigno "Bam " A. Aquino IV
AN ACT CREATING THE PHILIPPINE TRADE REPRESENTATIVE OFFICE 
AND APPROPRIATING FUNDS THEREFOR
EXPLANATORY NOTE
The Center for Global Development in Washington D.C. ranked the Philippines as the 
most resilient economy among 21 countries studied. Our island nation ranked number one 
above South Korea and China, second and third respectively.fi]
The country is also considered among the most entrepreneurial countries in the 
world in a report produced by Approved Index.[2]
The Philippines is now considered a highly competitive player in the market of 
foreign direct investments thanks to our robust economy and the great potential of our 
workforce.
In 2014, our country's net foreign direct investments reached a record-breaking 6.2 
billion U.S. dollars -  a stark improvement from our 2010 net FDI of 1.07 billion U.S. 
dollars.[4]
To maintain this competitiveness, we need to improve trade negotiation and 
facilitation and ensure that we have a cohesive and coherent trade policy that upholds the 
country's national interest.
The Charter of the Philippine Trade Representative Office kick-starts this initiative by 
creating the Philippine Trade Representative Office or PTRO. The PTRO is tasked to 
consolidate and harmonize all existing functions from various government agencies such as 
the Bureau of International Trade Relations under the Department of Trade and Industry 
(DTI), Attaches and Permanent Missions to the World Trade Organization (WTO), 
Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) and United Nations International 
Organization (UNIO), and the trade negotiating and policy making functions of the Tariff and 
Related Matters Committee (TRMC). This is in order to enhance the formulation of 
domestic and national priorities that should drive our trade positions and negotiations.
p
SEVENTEENTH CONGRESS OF THE 
REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES
First Regular Session
)
vC 
. 
;
n f  t h i - .
'16 
AUG- 3  
P 2 : 1 7
SENATE 
S.B. No. 
9 7 3
MV-
Introduced by Senator SONNY ANGARA
AN ACT PROVIDING FOR A COMPREHENSIVE NURSING LAW TOWARDS QUALITY 
HEALTH CARE SYSTEM, AND APPROPRIATING FUNDS THEREFOR
EXPLANATORY NOTE
The Professional Nursing in the Philippines is currently guided by Republic Act No. 
9173, otherwise known as “The Philippine Nursing Act of 2002”. During the time of its 
enactment, there were only 251 schools offering nursing courses. More than a decade after, we 
now have 366 higher education institutions offering a BS Nursing program. From year 2010- 
2014, data shows a total of 657,729 enrollees in nursing programs nationwide, with 304,956 
graduates-and only 237,262 of which, including "repeaters," passed the nursing licensure 
examinations. During the period 2000-2010, there were only 130,703 nurses deployed overseas 
while the local positions remained at 65,000. The inadequacies of the system in determining 
and projecting human resource needs in and out of the country produced an oversupply of 
registered nurses from 150,000-180,000 in 2007-2008 to 280,000 in 2008-2009.
Unfortunately, the number of Filipino nurses has been inversely proportional to the 
quality of education provided by our nursing schools. The Nurse Licensure Exam (NLE) results 
show an alarming decline in the national passing percentage. It reached an all-time low of 
34.98% in the 2013 NLE with only 38,178 passers out of 109,155 examinees.
Citing the decline in the quality of graduates, the Commission on Higher Education 
(CHED) issued Memorandum Order 32-2010 promulgating a moratorium on the opening of all 
undergraduate and graduate programs in Business Administration, Nursing, Teacher Education,
Hotel and Restaurant Management, and Information Technology effective School Year 2010- 
2011.
While we have an oversupply of nurses, we are still far from achieving the ideal nurse to 
patient ratio of 1:4 per shift in our hospitals. The Philippine General Hospital has a nurse to 
patient ratio of 1:15-26 per shift while Davao del Sur has a province-wide ratio of 1:44-45 per 
shift. Clearly, there is an urgent need for reforms.
This bill proposes to expand the role and responsibilities of Filipino nurses and equip 
them towards independent practice-from primary health care, to the more specialized and 
advanced practice of nursing development through the expansion of the scope of nursing 
practice to encompass not only nursing education and services but also include leadership and 
governance as inherent areas of practice.
Professional Nursing in the Philippines must extend beyond institution and employment- 
based care services to help realize access to Universal Health Care. The practice of Nursing 
must be proactively responsive to both local and global demands and developments.
In view of the foregoing, approval of this bill is earnestly sought
SONNY ANGARA
SEVENTEENTH CONGRESS OF THE REPUBLIC 
)
OF THE PHILIPPINES 
)
First Regular Session 
)
l^lfl n  gl ((,, ♦ ,, p| ,
'16 
JUL 20 
P4:07
SENATE
S.B. No.
M2
U i '  ,
Introduced by: Senator Paolo Benigno "Bam " A. Aquino IV
AN ACT AMENDING BATAS PAMBANSA BLG. 68 
OTHERWISE KNOWN AS THE CORPORATION CODE OF THE PHILIPPINES
EXPLANATORY NOTE
The Philippines is enjoying the best economic growth it has seen in years and has 
deemed to be a rising star in the region. But the challenge remains to enhance the local 
markets and business environment in order for investments to continuously come in. 
Updating pertinent laws is needed to keep up with the fast-changing business landscape 
and sustain this unprecedented progress.
This measure seeks to introduce key amendments to Batas Pambansa Big. 68 or the 
Corporation Code, which was passed in 1980 or more than three decades ago.
Two key provisions aim to address the needs of entrepreneurs in the country.
Firstly, a sole proprietor presently needs to have incorporators of five to fifteen 
individuals to be able to register with the Security and Exchange Commission (SEC). The 
policy has created cases for dummy incorporators.
In addition, sole proprietorship exposes all the properties of the entrepreneur for 
the business' liabilities. Such exposure risks all of the assets of the proprietor, even his 
family's properties.
To address these, this measure recommends the recognition of the one-person 
corporation to encourage entrepreneurs to declare truthful and transparent information 
about their businesses, limit liabilities and spare family assets, and further grow their 
businesses.
Secondly, the law currently provides for a limited corporate term of 50 years 
maximum. Many big firms forget to renew after 50 years and they end up dissolving the 
company, liquidating their assets and transferring their properties. This unfortunate event
SEVENTEENTH CONGRESS OF THE 
) 
REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES ) 
First Regular Session 
)
S E N A T E
S.B. No.
BILLS &
v\
Introduced by Senator FRANKLIN M. DRILON
AN ACT
CREATING THE DEPARTMENT OF HOUSING AND 
URBAN DEVELOPMENT
EXPLANATORY NOTE
One of the primary responsibilities of government is the promotion of a just and 
dynamic social order that will ensure prosperity and free the people from poverty. 
Towards this end, the Constitution mandates that the State shall provide “a continuing 
program of urban land reform and housing which will make available at affordable cost 
decent housing and basic services to underprivileged and homeless citizens in urban 
centers and resettlement areas.”
While the past Congresses have dutifully tried to respond to the constitutional 
mandate, the national shelter program has had no considerable impact in solving the 
problem of homelessness. 
This may be attributed to the fact that the various shelter 
agencies, though imbued with a single purpose, have not been able to act in sync. 
Moreover, because of the many .agencies involved in addressing the problem of 
homelessness, a great number of our deserving but underprivileged citizens who desire 
to avail of housing assistance from government would not know where to go and how to 
proceed with the processing of their applications for housing loan.
For these reasons, the creation of single, strong, purposeful and highly motivated 
governmental housing entity specifically, a Department of • Housing and Urban 
Development becomes a must. The proposed Department of Housing and Urban 
Development shall serve as the primary policy planning, programming, coordinating, 
implementing, and regulating arm of the Government which will be tasked to promote, 
develop and regulate dependable networks of housing, urban planning and resettlement 
programs and projects.
Its creation will lessen the burden of the homeless by providing a single entity 
which can facilitate and expedite the availability of housing projects and loans. With a 
singular Department of Housing there would no longer be a need for a housing applicant 
to go from one government agency to another to pursue his application. The only agency 
that he would be dealing with is the proposed Department of Housing and Urban 
Development which would be developed into a "one stop-shop for the homeless."
KLIN M. DRILON
Senator
SEVENTEENTH CONGRESS OF THE 
) 
REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES 
)
First Regular Session 
)
SENATE
s. No. 521
1 > 
•flfllf* *f Mie >>-I ti.1l i;
I!IL V'} 
^17--25
Introduced by Senator Antonio “Sonny” Trillanes IV
AN ACT
CREATING 
THE 
NATIONAL 
LAND 
TRANSPORTATION 
AUTHORITY, 
APPROPRIATING FUNDS THEREFOR, AND FOR OTHER PURPOSES
EXPLANATORY NOTE
There is a need to create a central agency that will consolidate the functions currently being 
undertaken by the Land Transportation Office, the Land Transportation Franchising and 
Regulatory Board, the DOTC's Office of Transport Cooperatives, the PNP's Traffic 
Management Group and the MMDA's Traffic Enforcement Group. This is to avoid the 
confusion as to which agency is tasked to maintain land transportation law and order on the 
streets of the Philippines, as well as to provide direction and administration to the nation's 
land transportation industry.
As envisioned by the bill, a National Land Transportation Authority (NLTA) shall absorb the 
functions of a merged LTO and LTFRB as the primary policy, planning, programming, 
coordinating, implementing, regulating and administrative entity of the government in the 
promotion, development and regulation of a dependable network of land transportation 
systems.
In so doing, a more efficient agency capable of addressing the various needs of the land 
transportation industry is created, which, through regulations, will ensure public safety and 
welfare.
To allow the agency to do its broad function, the bill authorizes the NLTA to use 50% of the 
income that it collects from its operation. This will enable the agency to modernize in order 
to be better equipped to do the tasks at hand.
As we move towards progress, we need a land transportation agency that is up to the 
challenge. We can only attain this if this bill is passed into law.
In view of the foregoing, the immediate approval of this bill is earnestly sought.
ANTON^ “SONNY” F. TRILLANES IV
Senator
SEVENTEENTH CONGRESS OF THE REPUBLIC 
OF THE PHILIPPINES 
First Regular Session
SENATE,, _
S B No." 
358
i(0 TIME:
BILLS & II
Introduced by Senator Maria Lourdes Nancy S. Binay
AN ACT EXEMPTING FROM DONOR’S TAX AND DOCUMENTARY STAMP TAX 
GIFTS/DONATIONS/REMITTANCES FOR THE BENEFIT OF VICTIMS OF NATURAL 
DISASTERS AND OTHER CALAMITIES, AMENDING FOR THE PURPOSE 
REPUBLIC ACT 8424 OR THE NATIONAL INTERNAL REVENUE CODE AS
AMENDED
EXPLANATORY NOTE
After typhoon Yolanda struck the Philippines, the Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR) drew 
flak from the public in view of its statements that donations or gifts to victims of calamities 
may attract donors and other taxes. In order to avoid donor’s tax, the BIR suggested that 
donations be made directly to national government agencies or local government units to 
avoid donor’s taxes.
The present system appears to penalize generosity to victims of huge disasters or calamities 
and discourages the entry of much needed aid to affected areas. As such, the passage of this 
bill clarifying the intent of the law is earnestly requested.
MARIA LOURd ES n a n c y S. BINAY
SEVENTEENTH CONGRESS OF THE 
]
REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES
F irst R egular Session
1
S. No
SENATE
201
, ^ THE ^  
O r 0f  t h e «
^ 'received1 ,
",pATE:JLfM 3 Q 7niR
TIME:
^  
%
mi
^ IL L S  4 J n DEX
In tro d u ced  by SEN. SHERWIN T. GATCHALIAN
AN ACT
REGULATING THE SALE OF MOTOR VEHICLES IN METRO MANILA BY 
REQUIRING A PROOF-OF-PARKING SPACE OR FACILITY FROM MOTOR 
VEHICLE BUYERS AS A PRE REQUISITE FOR THE PURCHASE OF A 
MOTOR VEHICLE AND REGISTRATION WITH THE LAND 
TRANSPORTATION OFFICE
EXPLANATORY NOTE
The problem with traffic is not only confined in the big city streets such 
as EDSA, and congestion isn't isolated in the vicinity of Manila ports - the 
motor vehicles th at continue to occupy the side streets, parked and idle, push 
carts, litters of all kind have been eyesores and a hindrance to foot and 
automobile traffic in m ost of our streets.
Motor vehicle owners should be m ade responsible to provide a 
perm anent parking space for their private vehicles, w hether this is m ade an 
integral part of their house or building structure or a leased facility. The street 
is primarily intended for vehicular or foot traffic and should not be 
appropriated as personal parking spaces for these vehicles. Any financially- 
able purchaser of a m otor vehicle can be presum ed to be able to provide a 
parking facility for his vehicle.
(0
SEVENTEENTH CONGRESS OF THE REPUBLIC 
OF THE PHILIPPINES 
First Regular Session
S E N A X 
S.B. No.
^^7
T H
E
d a t e J U L
BILLS
INDEX
Introduced by SENATOR LACSON
EXPLANATORY NOTE
they who protected the weakness of our infancy, are entitled to our 
protection in the infirmity of their age; they who by sustenance and education 
have enabled their offspring to prosper, ought in return to be supported by that 
offspring, in case they stand in need of assistance.1
Filial responsibility statutes or the rules mandating children to provide 
support to their parents existed for over thousands of years. As early as the third 
century A.D. in Roman society, there were statutory mutual obligations of support 
and maintenance between children and parents. Ethics also dictated support of 
relatives in medieval Europe. This ethical standard developed by custom and 
usage into support laws from parent to child and, ultimately, from child to parent. 
Later, a law imposing the duty of parental support on children was incorporated in 
the Code Napoleon, the civil code enacted in the 1800s, which became the main 
influence of 19th-century civil codes of most countries of continental Europe and 
Latin America. In 1601, a relative responsibility statute enacted by English 
Parliament in 1597, which applied only to parents and children, was extended to 
additional collateral relatives.2
In the United States, 30 states have filial responsibility laws: Alaska, 
Arkansas, California, Connecticut, Delaware, Georgia, Idaho, Iowa, Indiana, 
Kentucky, Louisiana, Maryland, Massachusetts, Mississippi, Montana, Nevada, 
New Hampshire, New Jersey North Carolina, North Dakota, Ohio, Oregon, 
Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, South Dakota, Tennessee, Utah, Vermont, Virginia 
and West Virginia.
States with filial responsibility statutes take a variety of approaches to 
implementation. There are those who allow some sort of civil court action to 
obtain financial support (or cost recovery), others specify a criminal penalty for 
filial non-support, while some states allow both civil and criminal actions.
We, Filipinos, are well-known for our close family ties. Because of this, it 
is not surprising that we have the usual inclination to care for our elderly. 
However, even with this close family ties, there are cases of elderly, sick, and 
incapacitated parents who were abandoned by their own children. Nowadays, the
1 W m . B lackstone, Commentaries on the Laws o f England p. 4 4 2  (1765)
2 A  co m p a ra tive  a n a lysis o f F ilial R espo nsib ility: Italy and U nited S ta te s by Anna Maria De Giacomo