bettergovph/raw-philippine-data huggingface dataset:
SEVENTEENTH CONGRESS OF THE ) 
REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES 
)
First Regular Session 
)
SENATE 
SENATE BILL NO. 195
Z  .ate:
L</> TIME:
BILLS
Introduced by SENATOR LEILA M. DE LIMA
AN ACT DEFINING CRIMINAL EXPLOITATION OF CHILDREN AND 
INCREASING PENALTIES FOR ALL CRIMES INVOLVING THEM, AND FOR
OTHER PURPOSES
EXPLANATORY NOTE
Upholding the human rights slogan that “a jail is no place for a child,” this bill seeks 
to ensure that the weight of penal sanctions shall be borne solely and especially by those 
who do not honor their moral obligation to protect children. This is in response to calls 
from some sectors to lower the age of criminal liability despite the rising incidence of 
children being used and exploited, no less by their parents in some instances.
Children are made victims when criminals—in any capacity or extent—involve them 
in the commission of offenses. As such, this bill seeks to provide stiffer penalties to include 
imprisonment for individuals who engage, promote, facilitate, or induce a child in unlawful 
activities.
Minors should be guided, not jailed. They do not possess the same level of 
discernment that adults have, making them vulnerable to influences that place their lives 
and future at risk. Imprisonment of children violates their human right to development.
It is important to refer to Article XV Section 1(2) of the Constitution which states 
that children have the right to special protection from all forms of neglect, abuse, 
exploitation and other conditions prejudicial to their environment. Likewise, the United 
Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child express particular care for anyone below the 
age of eighteen (18) years.
This bill also seeks to reiterate that a child who is fifteen (15) years of age or under 
during the time the offense was committed is exempt from criminal liability. A child above 
fifteen (15) years old but below eighteen (18) years old is also exempt from criminal 
liability but can be subject to state intervention.
It is for this reason that the passage of this bill is earnestly sought. 
'
LEILA M. DE LIMA
SEVENTEENTH CONGRESS OF THE ) 
REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES 
)
FIRST REGULAR SESSION 
)
>rn;itp
'16
IL 26
:00
SENA'W op
S. B. NO.
'lY: '0
INTRODUCED BY SENATOR JOSEPH VICTOR G. EJERCITO
AN ACT STRENGTHENING THE PARTICIPATION OF CIVIL SOCIETY 
ORGANIZATIONS 
(CSOs) 
IN 
THE 
FORMULATION 
OF NATIONAL, 
REGIONAL AND LOCAL DEVELOPMENT PLAN AND FOR OTHER PURPOSES
EXPLANATORY NOTE
Article II, Section 23 of the 1987 Constitution states that the State shall 
encourage non-governmental, community-based, sectoral organizations that 
promote the welfare of the nation." This is further asserted in Article XIII, Sections 
15 and 16 that the State shall respect the role and rights of independent people's 
organizations in the pursuit of their collective interests and aspirations and ensure 
their effective and reasonable participation at all levels of social, political and 
economic decision-making.
This participation was institutionalized so that socio-economic and 
political structures may be moved by the efforts of people together with the 
government. And through people's organizations those who have no wealth or 
political influence can empower themselves.
By far, the most concrete expression of people's participation in 
governance is the role played by the non-government organizations (NGOs) and 
people's organizations (POs) in the so-called local special bodies, such as the local 
development council (LDC), which according to the Local Government Code, 
should be constituted from the barangay level up to the regional level. The LDC 
has a crucial role: it formulates plans that would determine what development 
projects should be pursued and how these would be financed, among others.
However, based on DILG monitoring reports, it was found out that 
development councils are not effectively functioning, much less serve its real 
purpose. Even the DILG sponsored study on People's Participation on LDC 
concludes that after 10 years of operations, compliance is limited and many of 
these are simply rubber stamps for plans prepared by the local planning office or 
consultants.
SEVENTEENTH CONGRESS OF THE 
)
REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES 
)
First Regular Session 
)
SENATE 
S. NO.
.^niatr
af 
ti ^
*16 JUL20 A9:31
Hi t
Introduced by Senator Antonio “Sonny” F. Trillanes IV
AN ACT
TO ESTABLISH THE FOOD SAFETY ADMINISTRATION WITHIN THE 
DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH TO PROTECT THE PUBLIC HEALTH BY 
PREVENTING FOOD-BORNE ILLNESS, ENSURING THE SAFETY OF FOOD, 
IMPROVING RESEARCH ON CONTAMINANTS LEADING TO FOOD-BORNE 
ILLNESS, AND IMPROVING SECURITY OF FOOD FROM INTENTIONAL 
CONTAMINATION, AND FOR OTHER PURPOSES.
EXPLANATORY NOTE
Article II Section 15 of the 1987 Constitution declares that the State shall protect and promote 
the right to health of the people and instill health consciousness among them. In this vein, this 
measure seeks to establish a Food Safety Administration under the Department of Health to 
protect the public health by preventing food-borne illness, ensuring the safety of food, 
improving research on contaminants leading to food-bome illnesses, and improving security 
of food from intentional contamination, and for other purposes.
The recent panics over salmonella and melanin poisoning, and other offshoots of unsafe food 
products in the market, have provoked a growing concern and demand for food safety in the 
country. Moreover, these call for more stringent regulation on the part of the government to 
protect our nation's food supply and safeguard our people's health. Every Filipino deserves to 
have healthy and safe food in their tables. The assurance of food safety should go hand in 
hand with the pursuit of food security.
In this light, this bill directs the Administrator of the Food Safety Administration to: (1) 
administer a national food safety program; and (2) ensure that persons who produce, process, 
or distribute food prevent or minimize food safety hazards. Furthermore, it sets forth 
requirements for the Administrator to carry out such duties, including: (1) requiring food 
establishments to adopt preventive process controls; (2) enforcing performance standards for 
food safety; (3) establishing an inspection program; (4) strengthening and expanding food- 
bome illness surveillance systems; (5) requiring imported food to meet the World Health 
Organization’s standards in food safety; and (6) establishing a national traceability system for 
food. This bill also provides for the transfer of functions and resources to the Administration 
from government entities concerned with the enforcement of food safety laws.
SEVENTEENTH CONGRESS OF THE ) 
REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES 
)
First Regular Session 
)
SENATE
No. 
105
RECEIVED
a
BILLS
Introduced by Senator Richard “ D ick” J. G ordon
AN ACT REQUIRING THE REGISTRATION OF SUBSCRIBER IDENTITY MODULE
(SIM) CARDS IN MOBILE PHONES
EXPLANATORY NOTE
Mobile phones are useful and convenient tools of modern life. 
While mobile 
phones have brought us speed and efficiency in our transactions, there are individuals 
who take advantage of this modern technology to commit crimes faster and with greater 
facility. When used maliciously, these become dangerous tools of crime.
For example, criminals who commit kidnapping, estafa, and other crimes are 
easily able to consummate their unlav\/ful activities with the use of prepaid Subscriber 
Identity Module (SIM) Cards in mobile phones that presently provide law enforcers with 
no recourse as to their identities for investigation. Lawless elements must not be 
granted the privilege of using mobile phones with relative anonymity to achieve their 
crimes.
To deter crime and enhance peace and order in the Philippines, there is a need 
to require the registration of all SIM Cards in mobile phones both prepaid and postpaid. 
This will promote responsibility and accountability in the use of SIM Cards in mobile 
phones as well as provide better law enforcement capability in protecting the public.
IC H A R p ^ C K ” J. GORDON
——
Senator
SEVENTEENTH CONGRESS OF THE ) 
REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES 
)
First Regular Session 
)
S E N A T E
791
S. B. No.
*16 
JUL 21 
All :42
k i r
Introduced by Senator FRANCIS G. ESCUDERO
AN ACT
INSTITUTING REFORMS IN LAND ADMINISTRATION 
EXPLANATORY NOTE
Land is the ultimate resource, for without it, life on earth cannot be sustained, 
and thus, good stewardship of the land is essential for present and future generations.
The world's population has doubled in the last 40 years and passed the 6 billion 
mark. It is predicted to reach 8.5 billion by the year 2030, a population level thought by 
many scientists to be the maximum number of people supported by the world's 
resources and capacity for food production. Less than half of the world's population has 
secure access to land.
The International Federation of Surveyors (FIG) in cooperation with the United 
Nations hosted the "Bathurst Workshop on Land Tenure and Cadastral Infrastructures 
for Sustainable Development" in Australia in October, 1999 and concluded that 
sustainable development is just rhetoric without appropriate land administration 
system. The Bathurst declaration recommends a global commitment to provide effective 
legal security of tenure and access to property for all men and women and to provide 
reforms in the land administration system essential for sustainable development and 
facilitating full and equal access for men and women to land-related economic 
opportunities, such as credit and natural resources.
The performance, however, of government agencies undertaking land 
administration functions such as land surveys, mapping, classification, titling and 
disposition and registration is below par. The services being provided by these agencies 
are not contributing to address our domestic problems on sustainable development, 
much more to the global concerns. The problem is largely contributed by fundamental 
legal and institutional defects in both the structure and operations of the land 
administration system. For one, there are many laws governing the land administration 
functions including the existence of a number of institutions administering our scarce 
land resources resulting to confusions, delays, high transactions costs (government and 
users), low investment, and graft and corruption.
These institutional and structural defects in land administration besides not 
contributing to the sustainable development of natural resources have also given rise to 
major inefficiencies including extensive delays in the disposition and titling of alienable 
and disposable land, inaccurate and incomplete land information and records, duplicate 
and fake titles, duplication and overlap of activities between government agencies, and 
unnecessary costs to both the national and local governments and the users/clients of 
land administration services.
SEVENTEENTH CONGRESS 
REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES
First Regular Session
DATE:'
ffi TIME:
S E N A T E
In tro d u ced  by SENATOR LOREN LEGARDA
AN ACT PROVIDING FOR A THREE THOUSAND PESO (PHP3,000.00) 
INCREASE IN THE MONTHLY PENSION OF WAR VETERANS AND THEIR 
DEPENDENTS, APPROPRIATING FUNDS THEREFOR AND FOR OTHER 
PURPOSES
Explanatory Note
War veterans have long been the defenders of our freedom and have played a 
great role in our nation’s development and history. It is only right that the 
State ensure their socioeconomic security and assist in alleviating their welfare 
in recognition of their service to the country.
The Philippine government m ust ensure that the benefits that our war veterans 
receive are sufficient for their basic needs including medical care that most of 
them now require due to their advanced age. At present, there are less than 
20,000 living war veterans in the country.
This measure aims to express the government’s gratitude to war veterans by 
increasing their monthly pension by three thousand pesos (Php 3,000.00).
In view of the foregoing, the passage of this bill is earnestly sought.
>REN LEGARDA
Senator
f
SEVENTEENTH CONGRESS OF THE REPUBLIC } 
OF THE PHILIPPINES 
}
First Regular Session
SENATE 
Senate Bill No.
If : 
r:,:| 
,7 ^" •
* ',5 w'' 
of ih" ^ * » i .
•16 
A U G - 3  
D 5 : ? 5
ir:
Introdueed by SENATOR LACSON
EXPLANATORY NOTE
In 2007, this representation authored and Congress enacted Republic Act 
No. 9485 otherwise known as the “Anti-Red Tape Act” in response to the urgent 
need to establish an effective system that will eliminate bureaucratic red tape, 
avert graft and corrupt practices and improve the efficiency of delivering 
government frontline services.
It is significant to note that President Rodrigo R. Duterte has given utmost 
importance to the need to improve our efforts against red tape in his inauguration 
speech when he said, “7 direct all department secretaries and the heads of 
agencies to reduce requirements and the processing time of all applications, from 
the submission to the release. I order all department secretaries and heads of 
agencies to remove redundant requirements and compliance with one department 
or agency shall be accepted as sufficient for all. ”
As a response thereto, it is imperative to revisit and amend certain 
provisions of the Anti-Red Tape Act to further enhance the efficiency of our 
public servants through the reduction of the number of days by which government 
offices must act upon on the applications or requests submitted by the public. The 
law is further strengthened by also including original applications among those 
which shall be subject to automatic approval should the assigned officer or 
employee fail to act on it within the prescribed period.
It is for this purpose that the approval of this bill is earnestly sought.
panfi^^oW lacson
stator
SEVENTEENTH CONGRESS 
)
REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES 
)
First Regular Session 
)
S. No
SENATE
G21
•16 
JUL19 
P 6 ‘13
Introduced by Senator Antonio “Sonny” F. Trillanes IV
AN ACT
TO 
GIVE 
JURIDICAL 
PERSONALITY TO 
THE 
PRESENT 
VETERANS 
MEMORIAL MEDICAL CENTER (VMMC) AND FOR OTHER PURPOSES
EXPLANATORY NOTE
The Veterans Memorial Medical Center (VMMC) was constructed as a gift of the American 
people to the Philippines as token of gratitude to the Filipino soldiers who stood by them 
during World War II. The 80th Congress of the United States of America passed Public Law 
865 in July 8, 1948 which provided $9.4 million for the construction of a hospital facility 
with the land to be donated by the Filipino people. The law was implemented in the country 
by an agreement between the U.S. and the Philippines signed by then Pres. Elpidio Quirino 
and the U.S. Ambassador to the Philippines Myron Cowen.
The provision of the best possible medical care and treatment to eligible veterans and their 
dependents is one of the mandated goal of the Veterans Memorial Medical Center. The 
provision of the best possible care to our veterans recognizes the patriotic services they have 
rendered in times of war and peace.
This bill seeks to provide juridical entity by transforming it into a corporate body in order to 
strengthen the hospital's financial operations, reinforce its existence and perpetuation — ‘ 
first rate and prestigious medical institution.
as a
The salient provisions of this measure are as follows: a) establishment of the VMMC as a 
corporate body with juridical entity; b) creation of the Board of Trustees composed of the 
Secretary of National Defense as the Chairperson and the Director of the Hospital as the 
Vice-Chairperson; and, c) the appointment of three (3) veterans as members of the Board. It 
is hoped that with the approval of this measure, we will be able to provide our veterans, who 
require frequent hospitalization for medical attention due to their age, excellent and continued 
free medical care.
In view of the foregoing, early passage of this bill is earnestly sought.
A N TO N I^^^^O N ^’’ F ^ ^ R IL L ^ eT  IV
Senator
>C)
SEVENTEENTH CONGRESS OF THE 
REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES
First Regular Session
SENATE
S.B. NO. 187
f j i  TIME:
BILLS & IN8EX •
INTRODUCED BY: SENATOR EMMANUEL D. PACQUIAO
AN ACT
TO IMPOSE THE DEATH PENALTY ON THE HEINOUS CRIME OF 
AGGRAVATED RAPE, AMENDING FOR THAT PURPOSE THE REVISED PENAL 
LAWS, AS AMENDED, AND FOR OTHER PURPOSES
Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the Philippines in Congress 
assembled:
EXPLANATORY NOTE:
There is almost nothing more deplorable than receiving news of a crime that discounts 
both the honor and the life of the victim.
Filipinos are repeatedly angered by increasing reports of crimes of rape, with more 
rage in the cases that come with the death of the victim. Honor in chastity is as priceless as 
life.
The danger does not only come from unknown persons, but at times from within the 
comers of the home that should have been safe. Criminals have violated and victimized even 
children of mean ages. The futures of the victims are lost. Families are destroyed, and the 
shame of the country follows the growing number of crimes of rape.
The State has a duty to protect its people from those who have lost their moral values. 
The increasing incidents of rape, and especially those that result in the death of the victim, 
must be addressed.
The present bill is being filed separate from similarly intended bills for other kinds of 
crimes in order for the bill to be given the greater consideration that it deserves and with 
distinct attention to crimes of rape as against other crimes. 
^
This will show that the State is deliberate in strengthening its responsibility to secure 
the safety of people in the country against those who want to violate their honor.
In view of the foregoing, approval of this bill is earnest
EMMAN UEL D. PACQUIAO
SEVENTEENTH CONGRESS OF THE ) 
REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES ) 
First Regular Session 
)
SENATE
S. No.
508
>cn;iiF
'16 JUL 19 P2:08
Kl ! . P 
' ” Y;
Introduced by Senator Antonio “Sonny” Trillanes IV
AN ACT
ESTABLISHING THE FORENSIC SCIENCE INSTITUTE IN THE UNIVERSITY 
OF 
THE 
PHILIPPINES 
SYSTEM, 
DEFINING 
ITS 
FUNCTIONS 
AND 
APPROPRIATING FUNDS THEREFOR
EXPLANATORY NOTE
Article XIV Section 2 of the 1987 Constitution provides that science and technology are 
essential for national development and progress. The state shall give priority to research and 
development, invention, innovation, and their utilization; and to science and technology 
education, training, and services. It shall support indigenous, appropriate, and self-reliant 
scientific and technological capabilities, and their application to the country's productive 
systems and national life. In furtherance of this policy, this measure seeks to establish a 
Forensic Science Institute in the University of the Philippines, the first in the country.
Science has been reaching out aggressively to the legal system through a number of 
innovative forensic applications now being introduced in the country, such as DNA testing. 
Inasmuch as it is the responsibility of the courts to search for truth, when that process can be 
aided by forensie science that yields reliable results, the interests of the justice system and 
society are served. However, forensic science is relatively new in the country. Forensic 
laboratory caseloads exceed the growth of qualified forensic scientists who are adequately 
prepared to handle the analysis of evidence.
It is in this light that this measure seeks to establish a Forensic Science Institute in the 
University of the Philippines. The University's impeccable reputation of integrity and 
independence in its commitment to the truth and the highest standards of academic and 
professional excellence place it in a leadership role in this endeavor. It is hoped that the 
passage of this bill shall address the scarcity of forensic pathologists in the country, promote 
research and development in forensic science, strengthen and improve the administration of 
justice by educating and training forensic scientists, forensic pathologists, law enforcement 
and legal and medical professionals.
In view of the foregoing, immediate approval of this measure is earnestly sought.
ANTONIO “SONNY” F. TRILLANES IV
Senator
SEVENTEENTH CONGRESS OF THE ) 
REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES 
)
First Regular Session 
)
‘16 
J1JL21 
All :17
S E N A T E
S. B. No. 
770
ui:«
" lY :
Introduced by Senator FRANCIS G. ESCUDERO
AN ACT
MANDATING THE FULL ACCOUNTING OF ALL DISASTER-RELIEF AID OR 
DONATIONS RECEIVED BY THE PHILIPPINE GOVERNMENT FOR NATURAL
AND HUMAN-INDUCED CALAMITIES
EXPLANATORY NOTE
In the aftermath of the extremely destructive super typhoon Yolanda 
(international codename: Haiyan) that struck our country last November 8, 2013, an 
outpouring of support in the form of cash and in-kind donations were directed to the 
Philippines by both local and foreign donors. In response to media reports alleging 
instances of corruption with respect to the utilization and accounting of the donated 
funds, Senator Miriam Defensor-Santiago introduced Proposed Senate Resolution No. 
363 entitled:
RESOLUTION 
DIRECTING 
THE 
PROPER 
SENATE 
COMMITTEE ON FINANCE TO CONDUCT AN INQUIRY IN 
AID OF LEGISLATION, ON THE NEED FOR TRANSPARENCY 
AND ACCOUNTABILTY WITH REGARD TO INCOMING 
FOREIGN AND LOCAL AID FOR THE VICTIMS OF SUPER 
TYPHOON YOLANDA
which was referred to the Committee on Finance.
On February 26 and March 17, 2014, the committee conducted a hearing on the 
bills referred to the committee, including P.S.R. No. 363. In accordance with the 
Chairman's instructions, a Teclmical Working Group meeting was conducted by the 
committee last May 13, 2014, to which resource persons from the Department of Foreign 
Affairs, Department of Budget and Management, Department of Finance, and 
Commission on Audit were invited.
From the above-mentioned hearings and TW G meeting, one of the findings was 
the fact that there was no single agency in the government that has possession and 
knowledge of the total amount of local and foreign donations for the victims of Super 
Typhoon Yolanda. The Foreign Aid Transparency Hub or FAITH, an online information 
portal created by the national government, captures only the foreign aid pledged and 
received by the country for the victims of Yolanda. It does not include the foreign or
SEVENTEENTH CONGRESS OF THE ) 
REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES 
)
First Regular Session 
)
iiSh 
.Sfnalt;
<6ffir» of tb E ., -' ' - f l a t a
•16 
JUL 21 
AlO :32
S E N A T E
S. B. No. 
733
Rl < I r  i ^ rW :
Introduced by Senator FRANCIS G. ESCUDERO
AN ACT
AMENDING ARTICLE 359 OF ACT NO. 3815, AS AMENDED, OTHERWISE 
KNOWN AS THE REVISED PENAL CODE
EXPLANATORY NOTE
To date, there are no means with which to protect public officials from 
individuals bringing malicious accusations at them, yet the Revised Penal Code 
provides aggravated criminal liability for any public officer found taking advantage of 
his position. There should be a counter-balance to this law, otherwise anyone can just 
falsely accuse a public official of a crime without fear of prosecution except for a 
counter-suit. Moreover and in such cases, the defendant, being a public officer, will 
have to suffer loss of integrity (which he may never regain regardless of the outcome of 
the case). More importantly, the public official may be hindered from doing his duties 
competently.
In the end it is the public who ultimately suffers. It is a waste of the 
government's time and money to investigate these false accusations only to dismiss 
them later on. This bill punishes false accusers of government officials so that it may 
serve as a deterrent to the former, who may use the complaint to disparage and 
embarrass the later.
Hence, the passage of this bill is immediately sought.
FRANCIS G. ESCUDERO
SEVENTEENTH CONGRESS OF THE 
REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES
First Regular Session
SB. No.
SENATE
313
BILLS & IwDEX
Introduced by Senator SONNY ANGARA
AN ACT
PROVIDING INCENTIVES FOR NEW GRADUATES OF COLLEGES, UNIVERSITIES AND 
ACCREDITED INSTITUTIONS OFFERING TECHNICAL-VOCATIONAL COURSES, 
OTHERWISE KNOWN AS THE “ BILL OF RIGHTS FOR NEW GRADUATES”
EXPLANATORY NOTE
The October 2015 Labor Force Survey (LFS) showed that about half or 48 percent of the 
unemployed persons belong to age group 15 to 24 years, while age group 25 to 34 accounted 
for 32.2 percent. The same report provides that by educational attainment, 22.5 percent of the 
unemployed were college graduates. Accounting for one-half of the total unemployed in our 
country, the youth are almost three times more likely than their adult counterparts to be 
unemployed. As such, the Philippine unemployment challenge is primarily a youth phenomenon, 
which this bill seeks to address, among others.
The State recognizes the role of the youth in nation building. 
The State will, thus, 
endeavor to provide new graduates of higher learning with opportunities for growth and 
development by creating policies that protect their welfare, increase their chances of immediate 
employment, and readily provide employment benefits equal to those of regular employees.
By providing various incentives to new graduates, the students are encouraged to stay in 
school, finish their respective courses of learning, whether it be a technical-vocational course, or 
a bachelor’s degree, and look forward to a fruitful and meaningful life after school.
The bill also aims to assist each new graduate with employment and business 
opportunities to ensure that their hard work in school will pay off with generous rewards. The 
approval of this bill will require technical and financial assistance in start-up businesses, as well 
as mandate job placement for new graduates.
Finally, the bill aims to recognize new graduates by awarding them with incentives, 
discounts and benefits.
In view of the foregoing, swift passage of this bill is sought.
INY ANGARA
SEVENTEENTH CONGRESS OF THE REPUBLIC 
OF THE PHILIPPINES
First Regular Session
SENATE
s. No. fi.S.O
f e l l
(0iftrt of tlif.,-’ p.i H u |)
•16 
JUL21 
P 3 : 2 9
K v.C,.;
'W:
Introduced by Senator Ralph G. Recto
AN ACT
TO RECONSTRUCT AND REHABILITATE THE EXISTING 479-KILOMETER 
PHILIPPINE NATIONAL RAILWAYS LINE FROM SAN FERNANDO, LA UNION TO 
LEGAZPI CITY, ALBAY, PROVIDING FUNDS FROM THE ANNUAL VALUE- 
ADDED TAX COLLECTIONS, AMENDING FOR THE PURPOSE THE NATIONAL 
INTERNAL REVENUE CODE OF 1997, AS AMENDED
Explanatory Note
The Philippine government recognizes the need to interconnect our regions through good 
transport and communication networks. It gives higher priority to asset preservation or maintenance 
and rehabilitation of the existing transport infrastructure network rather than new construction or 
development particularly on the quality of the existing railroad tracks and services. This will open up 
new economic opportunities, reduce transportation and transaction costs of business and increase 
access to social services particularly the marginalized sectors.1'1
This bill allocates five percent (5%) of annual value-added tax (VAT) collections to 
reconstruct and rehabilitate the existing 479-kilometer stretch of Philippine National Railways (PNR) 
lines from San Fernando, La Union to Legazpi City, Albay.
The interconnection of regions in Luzon through a railway network from San Fernando, La 
Union to Legazpi City will decentralize progress and bring development to the countryside. At the 
same time, this bill will provide productive employment opportunities through sustainable 
infi-astructure projects. The reconstruction and rehabilitation of this railway network will provide 
thousands of jobs to Filipinos who can provide hard labor to build, restore and rehabilitate roads, 
bridges and other structures.
Also, this project is a climate-change adaptation measure. It addresses certain environmental 
concerns, particularly, the mitigation of greenhouse effect which contributes significantly to global 
warming. Train, in all studies, has a lower greenhouse gas emission rate than any motorized modes 
of transportation which rely heavily on fossil fuel for their operation.
This bill further responds to a need for sustainable planning of infrastructure investments. A 
train moving passengers and goods from La Union to Bicol will accelerate trade and encourage 
migration in those areas. It will also meet one of our toughest development challenges and that is the 
decentralization of progress by decongesting our crowded cities and urban areas to provide our 
people in the frontiers better access to social services.
In this light, the immediate passage of this bill is earnestly sought.
m jm i
1 NEDA, “Philippine Development Plan 2011-2016, Chapter 5: Accelerating Infrastructure Development" 
http:/Avww.ncda.gov.ph/PDP/2011 -2016/CHAPTF.R%205.ndf
SEVENTEENTH CONGRESS
OF THE REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES
First Regular Session
)
SENATE 
S.B. No. 
3 1 8
LV> TIME:
BILLS & /INDEX
Introduced by SENATOR CYNTHIA A. VILLAR
AN 
ACT 
STRENGTHENING 
LOCAL 
GOVERNMENT 
PARTICIPATION 
IN 
AGRICULTURE DEVELOPMENT BY INSTITUTIONALIZING A TEN PERCENT 
(10%) ALLOCATION FROM THEIR INTERNAL REVENUE ALLOTMENT FOR THE 
IMPLEMENTATION 
OF 
PROGRAMS, 
ACTIVITIES 
AND 
SERVICES 
FOR 
AGRICULTURE AND FISHERIES ADVANCEMENT AND AMENDING FOR THE 
PURPOSE SECTIONS 17, 106, 107,110,287,443,454, AND 482(a), 511(a), OF 
REPUBLIC ACT 7160, OTHERWISE KNOWN AS THE LOCAL GOVERNMENT 
CODE AND FOR OTHER PURPOSES
EXPLANATORY NOTE
Agriculture receives the lowest average daily basic wage and salary compared to non­
agriculture sectors (NSCB, 2013). Farmers and fishermen are among the least paid workers 
in the Philippine economy with an average daily wage and salary of PI 56.8 and PI 78.43, 
respectively in 2011 .Given that the agriculture sector employs more than a third of the 
country’s labor force stressed the high incidence rate of poverty in the sector. Poverty 
incidence among fishermen and farmers were at 41.4 percent and 36.7 percent, respectively, 
in 2009, above the whole country’s 26.5 percent. The latest figures from the Philippine 
Statistics Authority (PSA) show that the poverty incidence among fishermen is 39.2 percent, 
and among farmers, 38.3 percent. The poverty incidence of general population estimated at 
26.2 percent in 2012.
About half of all Filipinos live in rural—farming or fishing—areas. And 70 percent of the poor 
families in our country are rural. The average income of Filipino farmers, whose average age 
is 57 years, is only $50 a month, working on his 1.5-hectare farm. Agriculture's importance to 
the economy has dwindled over the years to only 11.1 percent in 2012 from 29.7 percent in 
1946. If agriculture can grow at 3 percent to 4 percent, the average for the world, the poverty 
in the country would substantially be reduced. The growth in the Philippine agricultural sector 
was only 1.7 percent yearly for the last five years. At the moment there is slow and inefficient 
delivery of government support to the agriculture sector, and very limited impact of such 
support.
1
SEVENTEENTH CONGRESS OF THE 
REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES 
First Regular Session
S E N A T E
S. B.No. 
28
bills
Introduced by SENATOR GREGORIO B. HONASAN II
AN ACT
MANDATING THE 
COMPLETION 
OF THE 
LAND 
ACQUISITION 
AND 
DISTRIBUTION (LAD) COMPONENT OF THE COMPREHENSIVE AGRARIAN 
REFORM  PROGRAM (CARP) BY JUNE 30, 2017 PURSUANT TO REPUBLIC ACT 
NO. 6657, OTHERW ISE KNOWN AS THE “COMPREHENSIVE AGRARIAN 
REFORM  LAW”, AS AMENDED
EXPLANATORY NOTE
Our 1987 Constitution mandates that “The State shall, by law, undertake an agrarian reform 
program founded on the right of fanners and regular fannworkers, who are landless, to own 
directly or collectively the lands they till or, in the case of other fannworkers, to receive a just 
share of the fruits thereof To this end, the State shall encourage and undertake the just 
distribution of all agricultural lands, subject to such priorities and reasonable retention limits 
as the Congress may prescribe, taking into account ecological, developmental, or equity 
considerations, and subject to the payment of just compensation. In detennining retention 
limits, the State shall respect the rights of small landowners. The State shall further provide 
incentives for voluntary land-sharing.”
Furthennore, under Section 30 of Republic Act No. 9700, it is provided that “any case and/or 
proceeding involving the implementation of the provisions of Republic Act No. 6657, as 
amended, which may remain pending on June 30, 2014, shall be allowed to proceed to its 
finality and be executed even beyond such date.” The issuance of a Notice of Coverage starts 
the proceedings in the implementation of the provisions of the Comprehensive Agrarian 
Refonn law.
According to the Department of Agrarian Refomi (DAR), the remaining balance for Land 
Acquisition and Distribution (LAD) stood at 1.2 Million hectares when RA 9700 was passed 
in 2009. Asof31 December 2015, 625,432 hectares ofland covered by the CARP have yet to 
be distributed. In March 2015, the DAR stated that 36,000 to 50,000 hectares of carpable lands 
have not been subjected to Notices of Coverage (NOCs).
Pursuant to the Constitution, this important piece of legislation mandates the issuance of NOCs 
over all remaining agricultural lands, and the provision of budgetary mechanisms for the 
completion of the LAD process including support services.
In view of the foregoing, immediate passage of this bill is/Car/estly sought.
GREGORIO B. HONASA
SEVENTEENTH CONGRESS OF THE ) 
REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES 
)
First Regular Session 
)
SENATE
S.B. No.
LU 
date;
BY-----
v  BILLS t? I
Introduced by Senator Francis N. Pangilinan
AN ACT INSTITUTIONALIZING GRASSROOTS PARTICIPATORY BUDGETING 
IN THE PLANNING AND IDENTIFICATION OF PROGRAMS AND PROJECTS 
TO BE FUNDED BY THE ANNUAL GENERAL APPROPRIATIONS ACT
EXPLANATORY NOTE
The right of citizens to participate in governance is stipulated in Article XIII, 
Sections 15 and 16 of the 1987 Philippine Constitution. Likewise, the Local Government 
Code of 1991 requires agencies and offices to conduct consultations with local 
government units and civic groups prior to the implementation of programs and projects. 
However, despite these mandates, true participatory governance has not been 
effectively realized.
The actualization of these mandates is critical in addressing inequity, poverty and 
marginalization which continue to prevail in the country. One such move towards 
participatory governance is the institutionalization of Grassroots Participatory Budgeting 
Process (GPBP), which allows citizens, local or civic society organizations (CSOs) and 
local government units to participate directly in deciding how the national budget is to be 
utilized each year. The GPBP is also a step towards attaining transparency in 
governance.
In view of the aforementioned, the approval of this measure is strongly 
recommended.
FRAN
. ^NG ILINAN
Orator
R. :/
SEVENTEENTH CONGRESS OF THE REPUBLIC 
OF THE PHILIPPINES 
First Regular Session
SENATE
S.B. No. 
3 5 1
d
NDEX
BILLS
Introduced by: Senator Paolo Benigno "Bam " A. Aquino IV
AN ACT
PROVIDING PROTECTION AND INCENTIVES FOR FREELANCERS 
EXPLANATORY NOTE
Freelancing is no longer just a temporary state while looking for your dream job. For 
many intelligent and skilled Filipinos with a strong network and marketable services, it is a 
long-term career choice.
For many people that value mobility, their own time, and freedom from a fixed 
employer, freelancing is a dream job and fundamental source of livelihood.
With more and more freelancers in the country, we are confronted with an urgent 
need to protect this new sector and empower them with ease of doing business.
One of the biggest challenges of a freelancer is non-payment, which is why the 
Freelancer Bill gives freelancers the power to demand from their employer what they are 
rightfully due as per their signed contract.
In the event that an employer refuses to pay a freelancer for services rendered, the 
aggrieved party can file a complaint to the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) 
and can expect the agency to investigate and, should the complaint be considered valid, a 
penalty of up to P250,000 shall be imposed on the non-compliant employer.
Further civil penalties will also be imposed for every day that the employer refuses 
to compensate the freelancer and, in addition, the aggrieved party has the option of filing a 
civil case against his or her employer.
This measure also takes into account ease of doing business for freelancers, making 
it easier for freelancers to register in the Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR) and mandates 
that freelancers be exempted from tax payments for the first 3 years.
In our age of instantaneous global communication and interconnectivity, increased 
specialization, and a millennialism that values mobility, creativity, and entrepreneurship, we 
can only expect our pool of freelancers to grow.
SEVENTEENTH CONGRESS OF THE 
)
REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES 
)
First Regular Session 
)
t i U U  .
•16 .11121 P2-20
SENATE
s. No. _  806
U V «
'Y:
Introduced by Senator Ralph G. Recto
AN ACT
EXTENDING 
THE 
RENT 
CONTROL 
PERIOD 
OF 
RESIDENTIAL 
UNITS 
AMENDING THEREBY REPUBLIC ACT NO. 9653 ENTITLED: 
“AN ACT 
ESTABLISHING REFORMS IN THE REGULATION OF RENT OF CERTAIN 
RESIDENTIAL UNITS, PROVIDING THE MECHANISMS THEREFOR AND FOR 
OTHER PURPOSES”
Explanatory Note
The average Philippine household income in 2012 amounted to P235,000.00.‘ Rent took 
up 12.50 percent of the average household income after food, ranking second in terms of priority 
for household expenditures. The importanee given to housing rent is far greater than that for 
other basic necessities such as education and for health, at 4.1 percent and 3.7 percent share from 
ineome respectively.
Households in the riehest income decile earned an average income of P715,000 in 2012, 
spending an average of 13.30 percent on housing rent. Households in the poorest income decile 
earned an average of P69,000, with an average spending of 7.9 percent on housing rent. The 
disparity between the richest and poorest deciles remains great in terms of expenditure and 
savings. While total expenditures of households in the richest income decile amounted to 
P463,000, leaving P252,000 for savings, the total expenditures of households in the poorest 
income decile is P73,000.00, which exceeded their average income, thereby leaving nothing for 
savings. For all income deciles, food remains top priority followed by house rent.
In the latest 2012 Family Income and Expenditure Survey, of the 21,426,000 families— 
683,000 mostly from NCR—relied on renting a house, room, or lot.1 2 About 2,131,000 families 
from the poorest income decile paid rent of less than P2,000; while 5,486 families had rental 
expenses ranging from P2,000 to P5,999, and for the three bottom income deciles, no family had 
been noted to spend on rent higher than P6,000. For 2012, the average Rent per family in the 
Philippines was at PI,449.
Rent control is a mechanism that ensures affordable housing in the Philippines. It also 
safeguards lessees from arbitrary rent increases and corollary ejectment. There have been 
measures to eontrol rent since the 1970s and to this day, there is an apparent need to extend the 
duration of the Rent Control Act to continue providing affordable housing for Filipinos, targeting 
in particular the lower income groups.
Republic Act No. 9653 or the Rent Control Act of 2009 grants the Housing and Urban 
Development Coordinating Council (HUDCC) to determine the period of regulation and 
subsequent extension, if warranted, to determine residential units covered, and to adjust the 
allowable limit on rent increases per year. RA 9653 also mandates HUDCC to conduct, every
1 National Statistics Office Family Income and Expenditure Survey (FIES) 2012
2 National Statistics Office Family Income and Expenditure Survey (FIES) 2009
1 ( O t i l
• .  • 1 1 "  I f  1.1
SEVENTEENTH CONGRESS OF THE } 
REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES 
}
First Regular Session 
}
■In 
JUN 30 
! '12 -42
S E N A T E  
SB N o . ____ 5
INTRODUCED BY SENATOR VICENTE C. SOTTO III
AN ACT
CREATING A  SPECIAL COURT TO BE KNOWN 
AS THE "DANGEROUS DRUGS COURT" AND FOR OTHER PURPOSES
EXPLANATORY NOTE
In the country's continued crusade against dangerous drugs, RA 
9165 or the Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002 was enacted, Article XI of 
which provides for designation of special courts from among the existing 
Regional Trial Courts in each judicial region to exclusively try and hear 
cases involving violations of the Act.
Since the effectivity of the Act, the number of Dangerous Drugs 
cases filed, and prosecutions for violations of its provisions have been 
steadily on the rise, clogging the dockets of these specially designated 
Regional Trial Courts. A number of these cases have remained pending 
for a long time. The speedy administration of justice has been greatly 
prejudiced, impairing not only the resolution of these Dangerous Drugs 
cases, but other equally important cases and matters pending in the 
specially designated Regional Trial Courts.
There is now therefore an Imperative need to create Special 
Collegiate Dangerous Drugs Courts to sit in each geographical region of 
the Philippines. This bill is intended to create such Courts. These Special
SEVENTEENTH CONGRESS 
)
REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES 
)
First Regular Session 
)
S rn a tr
1.‘ Oi«f ,?rrrrl:.tu
'16 JUL 18 P6 24
S E N A T E  
S.B. No.
H ! 
: ,1V t o  ilY :
In tro d u ced  by SENATOR LOREN LEGARDA
AN ACT
INSTITUTING REFORMS IN THE COUNTRY’S LAND ADMINISTRATION 
SYSTEM, 
CREATING 
FOR 
THE 
PURPOSE 
THE 
LAND 
ADMINISTRATION AUTHORITY, PRESCRIBING ITS POWERS AND 
FUNCTIONS, AND FOR OTHER PURPOSES
Explanatory Note
This bill seeks to Institute continuing reforms in land administration and 
management through the integration of land administration powers and 
functions into a single government agency for expediency and cost- 
efficiency and to provide structural and technological changes that will 
enable transparency and accessibility with the primary objective of 
advancing equity and full utilization and development of land resources.
Weaknesses in land administration policy have caused inefficiencies such 
as extensive delays in the disposition and titling of alienable and 
disposable lands, inaccurate and incomplete land information and 
records, as well as the proliferation of duplicate and fake titles.
Thus, there is a need for legislation that will streamline the current system 
of land administration and address the following issues;
• Overlapping, inconsistent, and outdated land-related laws
• Overlapping tenurial instruments in public lands
• Disjointed policies, rules and regulations, and cumbersome 
procedures
• Inappropriate land classification for economic planning and 
development
• Bureaucratic land administrative systems and procedures
In view of the foregoing, immediate passage of this bill is earnestly 
requested.
SEVENTEENTH CONGRESS OF THE ) 
REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES 
)
First Regular Session 
)
SENATE 
S. B. No. 2 0 8
Oj.
BILLS ft INDEX
Introduced by SENATOR JOEL “TESDAMAN” VILLANUEVA
AN ACT
TO STRENGTHEN TECHNICAL VOCATIONAL EDUCATION AND 
TRAINING (TVET) IN THE PHILIPINES BY INCORPORATING 
APPRENTICESHIP AND DUAL TRAINING AND RECOGNIZING THE 
IMPORTANCE OF CONTINUOUS TRAINING OF THE UNEMPLOYED 
AND EXPANDING THE PROVISION OF ENTERPRISE-BASED 
EDUCATION AND TRAINING
EXPLANATORY NOTE
Employers’ participation in technical vocational education and training (TVET) is 
a precondition to the success of skills development activities through both on-the-job 
and off-the job training. Engaging the business sector in education and training will 
ensure adequate supply of skills that businesses need right now.
The alignment of TVET with employer demand can facilitate the development of 
qualified workers and reduce potential skills shortages. Ensuring that employers are 
fully engaged in TVET can also bridge the gap between institutional policy and the 
practical reality of matching qualified workers with appropriate skills requirements.
With the steady rise in TVET outputs in the Philippines, greater private sector 
participation in skills development is not only essential but also imperative to provide 
alternative route to training and employment.
Records prove that many Filipino youth have now changed their outlook about 
TVET. From 2010-2015, TVET graduates in all delivery modes in the Philippines 
reached 9,958,974 individuals. However, enrolment in enterprise-based training lagged 
behind at only 408,882 or 4.11%.
1
SEVENTEENTH CONGRESS OF THE ) 
REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES )
First Regular Session 
)
SENATE 
S. No. 
^ 1 5
Sen's ic
•16 
JUL21 
P2-.30
K K X  
1
Introduced by Senator Ralph G. Recto
AN ACT
ORDAINING A BILL OF RIGHTS FOR TAXPAYERS
Explanatory Note
It is a legal truism that taxes are the lifeblood of the Government. Thus, to generate 
income, the Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR) and the Bureau of Customs (BOC), are mandated 
to collect national taxes, tariffs and duties, under the National Internal Revenue Code (NIRC) of 
1997, as amended, and the Tariff and Customs Code of the Philippines (TCCP), as amended, 
respectively, to finance Government projects, programs and its personnel.
In the arena of tax collection, there are always two sides, the Government and the 
taxpayer. Reading the provisions of the NIRC and TCCP on remedies, the Government is amply 
protected.
Under the NIRC and TCCP, there are legal rights and remedies available to the taxpayers. 
However, inspite of the available remedies and rights, there are reports that eertain individuals 
have been subjected to harassment by some officials and employees of the BIR and BOC as well 
as to undue and baseless complaints resulting to embarrassment and humiliation on the part of 
the taxpayers.
Protecting taxpayers is a balancing task that challenges the Government vis-a-vis its 
mandate to collect the neeessary revenues for the Government.
Thus, this bill seeks to ordain a bill of rights for the taxpayers which provides: a) 
taxpayers’ basie rights, b) taxpayers’ right in civil cases, and c) taxpayers’ rights in criminal 
cases. The enumerated rights are in addition to the legal rights and remedies provided for under 
the NIRC and TCCP.
In order to protect the taxpayers’ rights, this measure seeks to establish the Office of the 
Taxpayers Advocate with, among others, the following functions:
a.
b.
assist taxpayers in resolving problems with the BIR and BOC; 
identify areas in which taxpayers have problems in dealings with the BIR and BOC;
c. to the extent possible, propose changes in the administrative practices of the BIR and 
BOC to mitigate problems identified under the preceding paragraph; and
d. identify potential legislative changes whieh may be appropriate to mitigate such 
problems; and
e. issue taxpayer assistance orders.
Clearly, there is a need to enaet this bill into a law in order to proteet the rights of the 
taxpayers. Mandating due observance of standards and proper procedures on the part of BIR and
1
-A .
of lh « > rn r» 3 H
SEVENTEENTH CONGRESS OF THE 
)
REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES 
)
First Regular Session 
)
SENATE
S. No. 5  9  5
*16 JUL19 P5 21
l u  ( r . r .  
i 
’ Y :
Introduced by Senator Antonio “Sonny” F. Trillanes IV
AN ACT
PROVIDING FOR A NATIONAL CERVICAL CANCER DIAGNOSTIC AND 
TREATMENT FUND
EXPLANATORY NOTE
In 2014, 12 Filipino women per day died from cervical cancer. Because cervical cancer is 
often detected in its late stages, the mortality rate is high. According to the World Health 
Organization (WHO), in the Philippines, cervical cancer ranks as the 2nd most common 
cancer in women between the ages of 15 to 44, next to breast cancer. This is mainly due to 
late detection and lack of awareness of the disease among Filipino women. As with all 
cancers in developing countries, cervical cancer is usually diagnosed at an advanced stage. 
This is in part because of the paucity of effective screening programs.
It is in this light that this bill seeks to create a breast and cervical cancer diagnostic and 
treatment fund which shall provide financial assistance for the medical care of indigent 
patients. The bill provides for the composition and administration of the fund, the covered 
services, eligibility of patients, and the disbursement of funds. It is hoped that this measure 
would alleviate the struggle of women and their families who have to cope with the life 
threatening disease. Moreover, as a proactive measure, it seeks to encourage women to 
undergo screening to protect them from the same.
In view of the foregoing, immediate approval of this measure is earnestly sought.
a n t o i^ o ^
onpL ” f
fi 
S tin a to r
A -
ILLANES IV