bettergovph/raw-philippine-data huggingface dataset:
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SEVENTEENTH CONGRESS OF THE REPUBLIC 
OF THE PHILIPPINES
" ' ' ■' t l r  
o f  tljf’ ,;:1 ' ( ( i ! ■'! jj
First Regular Session
S E N A T E
’16 
JUL26 
A 8 5 7
s.B. 
871
Kf t 1 
'^Y: 
/
---------------------------------------1
Introduced by Senator Poe
AN ACT
AMENDING REPUBLIC ACT NO. 4200, OTHERWISE KNOWN AS AN ACT TO 
PROHIBIT 
AND 
PENALIZE 
WIRETAPPING 
AND 
OTHER 
RELATED 
VIOLATIONS OF THE PRIVACY OF COMMUNICATION, AND FOR OTHER 
PURPOSES
EXPLANATORY NOTE
Our vision of a drug-free Philippines is far from arms reach.
In a Nationwide Survey made by the Dangerous Drugs Board in 2012, there are 
roughly 1.7 million Filipinos engaged in illicit drug abuse. Said figure carries with it vast and 
grave implications on our society: crime, health and infectious diseases, education, and the 
overall psychological welfare of the Filipino people. Moreover, mortality rates due to illicit 
drug abuse have been steadily rising.
The ills and influence of illicit drug abuse know no name, age or social status. 
Globally, studies indicate that there is an alarming trend with regard to illicit drug use among 
the youth, with the latter experiencing a steep increase in terms of illicit drug abuse. 
Moreover, the trend reflects that the youth's perceived risk of drugs, such as cocaine and 
marijuana, is begiiming to decline. These impact to our society down to the smallest family 
unit especially the youth who personify the very ambition and promise of our nation. They 
cannot remain vulnerable to the harmful effects of illicit drugs while its distribution and 
availability are practically becoming more rampant and seemingly unrestrained.
>4 
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SEVENTEENTH CONGRESS OF THE } 
REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES 
}
First Regular Session 
}
!6 JliN 30 F12 :45
S E N A X 
S.B. No.
In tro d u c e d  b y  SENATOR VICENTE C. SOTTO III
AN ACT
PROVIDING TAX RELIEF TO PUBLIC SCHOOL TEACHERS 
BY EXEMPTING THEM FROM INCOME TAXATION, AMENDING FOR THE 
PURPOSE SECTIONS 2 2  AND 24A  OF THE NATIONAL INTERNAL 
REVENUE CODE OF 1997, AS AMENDED.
The Constitution, Article XIV, Section 5 provides:
"The State shall assign the highest budgetary priority to 
education and ensure that teaching will attract and retain 
its rightful share of the best available talents through 
adequate 
remuneration 
and 
other 
means 
of Job 
satisfaction and fulfillment"
We recognize the inevitable fact that our teachers play a crucial and 
significant role in molding our youth to become tomorrow's great leaders, 
movers, productive and responsible citizens. It is within their nurturing 
hands that lies the future of our youth and our nation. We consider them as 
our "modem day heroes". Teacher's Code of Ethics states that "each teacher 
is viewed as a tmstee of the cultural and educational heritage of the nation, 
and is under obligation to transmit to learners such heritage as well as to 
elevate national morality, promote national pride, cultivate love of country, 
instill allegiance to the Constitution and respect for all duly constituted 
authorities, promote obedience to the laws of the State". Teachers are 
regarded as duly licensed professionals who possess dignity and reputation 
with high moral values as well as technical and professional competence.
In order to show our appreciation to our teachers who selflessly, 
untiringly and devotedly impart their knowledge and build the character of 
our students, it is apt for the Government to create measures which will
t'V
SEVENTEENTH CONGRESS OF THE ) 
REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES )
First Regular Session 
)
' 
• ' >  
i ' l l ,  - '  
'
SENATE
s.No. 84G
'16
HI ■; ;
21 P3:19
' ?Y:
Introduced by Senator Ralph G. Recto
AN ACT
EXEMPTING PUBLIC UTILITY VEHICLES FROM THE MOTOR VEHICLES 
USER’S CHARGE AMENDING FOR THE PURPOSE SECTIONS 2 AND 3 OF 
REPUBLIC ACT NO. 8794, OTHERWISE KNOWN AS THE “MOTOR VEHICLE 
USER’S CHARGE ACT OF 2000”
Explanatory Note
Commuters constitute 90% or 90.88 million1 of our population. On the other hand, the 
total number of public utility vehicles (PUVs) registered with the Land Transportation Office 
(LTO) in 2014 is only 912,584 or 11.29% 
of the 8.08 million motor vehicles registered. 
Registered PUVs are greatly outnumbered by the other types of vehicles particularly by cars and 
motorcycles. Clearly, there is a need to increase the number of PUVs in order to cater to the 
increasing number of commuters.
Apart from the operators of public utility vehicles, millions of commuters are the most 
affected by road taxes and increases in toll fees as they jack up the costs of transport fares and 
consequently the prices of basic commodities.
High operating costs incurred by public transport owners which are due primarily to oil 
price hikes, road taxes, and increase in toll fees create a variety of problems to the riding public 
such as insufficient number of PUVs, inadequate mobility for commuters and higher transport 
fares to name a few.
These problems call for the revitalization of public transport, hence, this bill. This 
measure seeks to amend the Motor Vehicle User’s Charge (MVUC) Act in order to provide relief 
to transport groups reeling from escalating oil prices and toll fees by exempting them from the 
MVUC.
Exempting public transport from paying road taxes will provide relief to PUV operators 
by lowering their operating costs, and to the millions of our riding public who bear the brunt of 
transport cost hikes. These in turn will lead to the expected shift of motorists to public 
transportation, and easing of traffic congestion and reducing traffic injuries and fatalities.
With the foregoing considered, the approval of this bill is hereW requested.
Philippine Statistics Authority -  National Capital Region, “NCR in Figures”, http://www.nso-ncr.ph/ (accessed 6 
June 2016)
2 Land Transportation Office. Annual Report 2014. 20 February 2015.
SEVENTEENTH CONGRESS OF THE ) 
REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES 
) 
FIRST REGULAR SESSION 
)
j O ,, ■ I  
1
<l3||irE of thp
■1^' 
IIIL 26 A9:51
SENATE
SENATE BILL NO.
896
' MY:
INTRODUCED BY SENATOR JOSEPH VICTOR G. EJERCITO
AN ACT
ESTABLISHING THE RIGHTS OF AIRLINE PASSENGERS BY PROVIDING 
STANDARDS FOR AIRLINE CARRIER SERVICES
EXPLANATORY NOTE
Clearly stipulated under the 1987 Philippine Constitution, Article XVI, Section 
9, which provides;
"The State shall protect consumers from trade malpractice and from
substandard or hazardous product".
The Philippine airline industry has been growing by leaps and bounds as air 
travel becomes the preferred mode of transportation because it is the most 
convenient way of reaching a destination. At present, the munber of airline 
passengers continues to soar and multiply armually.
But growth of the industry is not without a price. Simultaneous with the 
increase in passenger figures is the resurgence in the number of problems faced by 
the airline passenger. Everyday, passengers are faced with difficulties, ranging from 
poor services, delays and cancellation of flights, baggage loss, disappearance of 
booking reservations, and many others.
This bill seeks to address these problems by establishing a national policy of 
fair treatment of aLrUne travelers that prohibits imfair and deceptive practices and 
unfair methods of competition by air carriers.
—cH o"'
JOSEPH VICTOR G. EJERCITO
\ . § "
SEVENTEENTH CONGRESS OF THE ) 
REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES 
)
First Regular Session 
)
S E N A T E
S. B. No. 
V48
o f  
1r li
'16 
JU L2 1 
A10 5 2
lu-:<
’’.V:
Introduced by Senator FRANCIS G. ESCUDERO
AN ACT
DECLARING THE TAAL VOLCANO ISLAND NATIONAL PARK, 
PROVINCE OF BATANGAS, ISLAND OF LUZON, AND ITS 
WATERSHED AREAS, A PROTECTED AREA UNDER THE CATEGORY 
OF PROTECTED LANDSCAPE AND PROVIDING FOR ITS 
MANAGEMENT AND FOR OTHER PURPOSES AS MANDATED FOR
BY THE NIPAS ACT OF 1992
EXPLANATORY NOTE
Article II, Section 16 of the Philippine Constitution states that "the State 
shall protect and advance the right of the people to a balanced and healthful 
ecology in accord with the rhythm and harmony of nature."
This bill seeks to establish the Taal Volcano Protected Landscape (TVPL) under 
the National Integrated Protected Areas System (NIPAS).
Taal Volcano is one of the lowest active volcanoes in the world and the deepest 
lake in the Philippines and 3rd largest lake next to Lagunal Lake and Lake Mainit. 
Tawilis (Sardiiiclla tnwilis), the only freshwater sardine known in the world is endemic 
to Taal Lake. It is considered as the most valuable fish in the area that demand massive 
conservation. Taal Lake is also home to a venomous "sea snake" (H\jdropIiis seniperi). 
This species is one of the only few snakes of its type that breeds in freshwater and is 
only known freshwater sea snake in the Philippines.
The passage of this bill will help protect and conserve the watershed area 
surrounding the lake as well as its cultural, historical, scenic and diverse fresh water 
ecosystem and resources.
FRANCIS G. ESCUDERO
SEVENTEENTH CONGRESS OF THE ) 
REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES 
)
First Regular Session 
)
S. No.
SENATE
842
V'- :-'U  >5' j1** 
. «
•16 
JUL21 
P3-.16
?>Y;
Introduced by Senator Ralph G. Recto
AN ACT
REQUIRING HEALTHCARE FACILITIES TO PROVIDE A PRICE LIST OF ITS 
HEALTHCARE SERVICES INCLUDING INCIDENTAL EXPENSES AND MEDICAL 
SUPPLIES THAT CAN BE CHARGED IN THE MEDICAL BILL
Explanatory Note
Health is a basic human riglit as provided for in Section 15, Article 2 of the 1987 
Constitution of the Philippines, which states that: “The State shall protect and promote the right 
to health of the people and instill health consciousness among them.”
The exorbitant cost of health care services requires that, for better appreciation, details of 
the medical bill are made available to patients. For some healthcare facilities, patients invariably 
get billed for the slightest expense items while being treated in their facility that patients resort to 
home medication or other fonn of medication that might pose a danger to their health.
By providing a complete and reliable price list, to include all incidental expenses for 
room and amenities, meals, medicines, and use of medical equipment and teclinology, it would 
enable patients to eompare costs and freely decide where best to obtain the services or supplies 
that they need. Being informed of the prices in advance would also help the patients in 
estimating their medical bill when they are admitted to the healthcare facility. It would also 
safeguard patients against misleading and unfair sales acts and practices in the healthcare facility.
The people deserve meaningful information about the price of healthcare services. 
Tlirough the passage of this bill, healthcare facilities will be committed to share infonnation that 
will help people make important decisions about their health, especially for people who lack 
financial resource and this would eventually achieve the national goal to have a dependable and 
effective healtheare delivery.
Healthcare facilities that would fail to comply with and would violate the provisions of 
this measure and it’s implementing rules and regulations will be subjected to penalty of a fine 
and/or suspension of license to practice profession within a limited period of time.
In view of the foregoing, immediate approval of this bill is earnestly sought.
This bill H/is' approved on Third Reading by the House of Representative on Febmary 10. 2014. introduced bv former 
Representative Roman T. Roimilo.
'■""K
SEVENTEENTH CONGRESS OF THE ) 
REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES 
)
F irs t R e g u la r S ession 
)
SE NA T E
123
S.B. No.
XP TIME:
BILLS k  /INDEX
Introduced by Sen. Juan Miguel F. Zubiri
AN ACT
PROVIDING FOR FREE MEALS FOR STUDENTS OF THE PUBLIC EDUCATION 
SYSTEM PARTICULARLY SCHOOLCHILDREN FROM KINDERGARTEN TO 
JUNIOR HIGH SCHOOL, FOLLOWING THE K-12 POLICY, PROVIDING 
FRAMEWORK FOR ITS IMPLEMENTATION, APPROPRIATING 
FUNDS 
THEREFOR, AND FOR OTHER PURPOSES
EXPLANATORY NOTE
A news article1 reveal th a t undernutrition remains to be a public health 
problem among students across ages. In fact, a lot o f impoverished children go to 
school on an em pty stomach w hile those who can afford to buy food feed on jun k 
snacks that are low in nutritional value. Unicef2 says th a t even short-term  hunger can 
adversely affect a child's ability to learn, w hile m icronutrient deficiencies im pair 
children's cognitive and m otor skills and even their Intelligence Quotient.
Despite the governm ent's efforts to com bat hunger, the 2012-2013 figures 
from  the Departm ent o f Education show th a t more than half a m illion Filipino 
schoolchildren are severely, underw eight and th a t their height and w eight do not 
corresponds to their age requirem ent. 
Im agine having underweight and stunted 
students as future leaders.
Recognizing the vital role o f our youth in nation-building, as enshrined in the 
1987 Constitution, the National School Meal Program A ct provides legislation for 
the operation o f the school meal program as perm anent and essential part o f our 
public education system. 
This proposed measure seeks to address undernutrition, 
m alnutrition, and hunger among school children in our public education system by 
providing free meals to students from  Kindergarten to  Junior High School, following 
the 
K-12 
Policy, 
and 
encourage 
the 
consum ption 
o f 
nutritious 
agricultural 
com modities and other food.
In view o f the foregoing, early passage o f this bill is earnestly sought
MIGUEL F. ZUBIRI
1 rappler.com, 1 September 2015
2 unicef.org, Child-Friendly Schools Manual
SEVENTEENTH CONGRESS OF THE ) 
REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES 
)
First Regular Session 
)
S.B. No.
SENATE
57
u> date:
b y ; — —
v  BILLS ^  I
Introduced by Senator Francis N. Pangilinan
AN ACT UPGRADING THE MINIMUM SALARY GRADE OF GOVERNMENT 
DOCTORS FROM SALARY GRADE 16 TO 24
EXPLANATORY NOTE
An estimated 22,000 health professionals leave the Philippines annually to work 
abroad (WHO, 2013). The country is the world’s largest exporter of nurses and the 
second largest exporter of doctors. It is, however, ironic that of the 70% of Filipinos 
living in rural areas, only 10% benefit from the services of medical professionals.
According to the International Organization for Migration (2013), “the Philippines 
fares well in terms of the education and health components of human development 
index (HDI) -  although further improvements would be welcome — but is less successful 
in the provision of decent income, a dimension that is inextricably linked to 
employment.”
To address this concern, this bill proposes to raise the minimum salary grade level of 
government doctors to encourage health professionals to work in public hospitals 
instead of seeking employment overseas. This measure also aims to address the “brain 
drain” phenomenon that has been a perennial problem in the recent decades.
The approval of this bill is earnestly sought.
FRAN
kPANGILINAN
ien^or
SEVENTEENTH CONGRESS OF THE ) 
REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES 
)
First Regular Session 
)
SENATE
SENATE BILL NO. 196
BILLS &
a
Introduced by SENATOR LEILA M. DE LIMA
AN ACT AMENDING REPUBLIC ACT NO. 1405, ALSO KNOWN AS THE 
BANK SECRECY LAW, AS AMENDED, BY REMOVING FROM ITS 
COVERAGE, GOVERNMENT OFFICIALS AND EMPLOYEES, AND FOR
OTHER PURPOSES
EXPLANATORY NOTE
The 1987 Constitution provides in Article XI Section 1 that, “[pjublic office is a 
public trust”. No person who serves in government shall breach or abuse this 
mandate, or be promised a shield from accountability in the commission of crimes.
This anti-corruption thrust and Constitutional mandate for accountability and 
integrity is defeated when government officials and employees are able to hide their 
ill-gotten wealth and anomalous funds by invoking the absolute confidentiality to 
bank deposits as provided in Republic Act No. 1405, also known as the Bank Secrecy 
Law.
By removing the bank confidentiality privilege of those in public office, this 
bill will promote transparency in governance, and shall bring to the level of domestic 
implementation our commitment under the United Nations Convention Against 
Corruption to strengthen legislative measures in preventing and combating 
corruption.
It is for this reason that the early approval of this bill is earnestly sought.
LHILA M. DE LIMA
SEVENTEENTH CONGRESS OF THE ) 
REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES 
)
First Regular Session 
)
SENATE
S.B. No. 
51
lUJ 
d a t e :
time;
b y ; — -
v BILLS 1?
Introduced by Senator Francis N. Pangilinan
AN ACT CREATING A DEPARTMENT OF FISHERIES AND AQUATIC RESOURCES, 
PROVIDING FOR ITS POWERS AND FUNCTIONS, AND FOR OTHER PURPOSES
EXPLANATORY NOTE
The Philippines is among the world’s largest fish producers, making the fisheries 
subsector a vital component of the economy. In 2014, the country’s total volume of fish 
production was 4.69 million metric tons, accounting for 17.65% of total agricultural 
output. The subsector’s gross earnings in the same year amounted to Php 242 billion.
According to the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA), nearly 1.4 million Filipinos 
depend on fisheries and aquaculture for their livelihood. This constitutes 3.6% of the 
total employed individuals in the country. However, despite the subsector’s vastness, 
poverty incidence is highest among fishermen estimated at 39.2% in 2012, higher by 
14% compared to the poverty incidence of the general population.
In order to strategically develop and utilize the country’s marine resources, and curb 
poverty in the rural areas where most of the country’s fishermen live, this bill proposes 
the creation of a Department of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (DFAR). The DFAR 
shall be responsible for the management, development, improvement, proper utilization 
and conservation of the country’s marine resources. It will also ensure that the needs 
and concerns of the fisherfolks are adequately addressed, and help them move out of 
poverty.
SEVENTEENTH CONGRESS 
REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES
First Regular Session
u f  ft)£  J * i r T f l a f  a
!6 JUL18 P6 25
S E N A T E
S. B. No. 409
KtA KIVKt) BY;
In tro d u ced  by SENATOR LOREN LEGARDA
AN ACT CHANGING THE CRIME OF CONCUBINAGE INTO MARITAL 
INFIDELITY, AMENDING ARTICLES 3 3 3  AND 3 3 4  OF ACT NO. 3815, 
AS AMENDED, OTHERWISE KNOWN AS THE REVISED PENAL CODE
Explanatory Note
Even though there is no distinction between extram arital relations of a 
m an from th at of a woman, the country’s current laws on concubinage 
and adultery under Articles 333 and 334 of the Revised Penal Code 
discrim inates against women and violates Article II Section 14 of the 
1987 C onstitution which calls for fundam ental equality before the law of 
women and men.
A part from the higher penalty imposed on m arried women who commit 
infidelity as com pared to m arried men, wives are burdened by higher 
evidentiary requirem ent in proving m arital infidelity as com pared to the 
husbands. While adultery by wives can be proven by circum stantial 
evidence, concubinage by husbands can only occur by proving th at 
sexual intercourse with a  wom an who is not his wife happens “in the 
conjugal dwelling, or shall have sexual Intercourse, under scandalous 
circum stances,...or cohabit w ith her in any other place.”
This m easures seeks to address this by replacing the crim es of adultery 
and concubinage with m arital infidelity and ensuring th at punishm ent 
for the offending parties, w hether husband or wife, shall be the same.
In order to address this outright gender bias, passage of this bill is 
earnestly requested.
LOREN LEGARDA
Senator
SEVENTEENTH CONGRESS OF THE 
)
REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES 
)
First Regular Session 
)
$
SENATE
S. No. 
630
< 6 (U tt o f 
rlvg
'16 
J U L 1 9  
P 6  "24
R I *'!
Introduced by Senator Antonio “Sonny” F, Trillanes IV
AN ACT
RECOGNIZING THE BRITISH SCHOOL MANILA AS AN EDUCATIONAL 
INSTITUTION OF INTERNATIONAL CHARACTER, GRANTING CERTAIN 
PREROGATIVES CONDUCIVE TO ITS GROWTH AS SUCH, AND FOR OTHER 
PURPOSES
EXPLANATORY NOTE
The British School Manila (BSM), an educational institution owned and operated by the 
British Education, Inc., has been continuously in operation in the Philippines since its 
establishment in 1976. From its humble beginnings of two (2) classrooms with 36 students, it 
now has a sprawling campus- in the Fort Bonifacio Global City with about a thousand 
students composed of thirty-eight (38) nationalities, including Filipinos. Its class sizes are 
small (16-22) and all its teachers are United Kingdom (UK) or Commonwealth trained and/or 
experienced. It is proud to uphold the high standard of the British education system in a 
school that takes full advantage of its multi-cultural setting.
Since its founding, it has been the vision of BSM to deliver the highest standard of education 
in the Philippines for British children and for English-speaking children of Filipinos and 
other nationalities. BSM is well-known worldwide for its highest quality British education, 
following adapted form of the English National Curriculum from Nursery to Year 9 designed 
to inspire learning through being both relevant and flexible. Its students are groomed and 
prepared for end of Key Stage in Primary, International General Certificate of Secondary 
Education [IGCSE]1 at 16, and the International Baccalaureate (IB) Diploma at 18. Based on 
all comparative assessments, children who studied in BSM perform well above UK and 
international expectations.
BSM is fully accredited through the Council of International Schools (CIS)2 which is 
considered to be the premier accreditation agency for international schools worldwide. It is 
also a member of the IB World School,3 Federation of British International Schools in Asia
1 The (I)GCSEs are qualifications taken in years 10 and 11 and examined at the end of Year 11. They are a UK-based 
examination system that is used in English and Welsh schools in the UK and British Schools overseas The (l)GCSEs 
measure students abilities in specific subjects. Generally, students at BSM will take between 11-13 examinations. Students 
are awarded grades from A * - G for each specific subject.
2 www.cols.org
1 www.lbo.org
SEVENTEENTH CONGRESS OF THE ) 
REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES 
)
FIRST REGULAR SESSION 
)
s e n a t ;
S. B. NO
AP TIME:
BILLS &
INTRODUCED BY SENATOR JOSEPH VICTOR G. EJERCITO
AN ACT CREATING THE BARANGAY PENSION FUND TO PROVIDE 
PENSION BENEFITS TO ALL BARANGAY OFFICIALS
EXPLANATORY NOTE
While public officials in general, including elective officials, are given 
retirement pensions and other benefits upon their retirement or when they 
vacate office, barangay officials all over the country are treated differently as 
they are not given the same benefits.
This is surely unjust since Barangay officials fulfill a major public 
function in administering to the needs of the people 'in barangays but unlike 
other public officials they are left to fend for themselves once they leave office. 
It is very likely that many of these officials do not have other jobs while serving 
as Barangay officials or have left their paying jobs in order to focus their 
attention on their work as Barangay officials. Adding insult to injury, the pay of 
Barangay officials are way below the already very low minimum wage 
standards and are grossly inadequate to afford these officials some form of 
savings while they are in office. In fact, their honoraria is dismally incapable of 
feeding and maintaining their family.
These Barangay officials do not enjoy any form of social security upon 
leaving office as they do not have the means or the income to meet the rising 
cost of living, their increasing medical needs or just their day to day expenses. 
Instead of enjoying life during their retirement, these officials are forced to look 
for paying work as they worry about where their next meal will come from, or 
where they will get the funds for their maintenance medicine. They deserve 
some form of benefit during their retirement days. Even those who' are not yet 
of retirement age but who failed to retain their post, also deserve some form of 
benefit since they have also offered themselves to public service during their 
term, without receiving any salary.
This Bill seeks to provide benefits to these barangay officials by 
providing them with the means through pension, to' start an income generating
SEVENTEENTH CONGRESS OF THE 
REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES
First Regular Session
)
S E N A T E
S. B. NO. 398
^ S r n a tr
($»ltrt of ffje
*16 JUL 18 P6:18
KK< HIVED BY;___ ‘
In tro d u ced  by SENATOR LOREN LEGARDA
AN ACT PROVIDING PRE-NATAL LEAVE BENEFITS FOR FEMALE
EMPLOYEES
Explanatory Note
Article XIII Section 14 on Social Justice and Human Rights of the Constitution 
provides that the State shall protect working women by providing safe and 
healthful working conditions, taking into account their maternal functions, and 
facilities that will enhance their welfare and enable them to realize their full 
potential in the service of the nation.
This bill addresses the need of women for sufficient medical screening during 
their pre- maternity period. This bill mandates a one day leave every month with 
payment from filing of notice of such pregnancy until delivery, abortion or 
miscarriage.
This pre-natal leave benefit is in accordance with Republic Act No. 9710 or the 
"Magna Carta of Women" which recognizes the right of women to support services 
that will enable them to balance their family obligations and work 
responsibilities.
In view of the foregoing, the passage of this bill is earnestly sought.
SEVENTEENTH CONGRESS OF THE REPUBLIC 
OF THE PHILIPPINES
First Regular Session
S E N A T E
s.B. 
338
f f i  
T I M E :
B U L L S  S I N D E X
Introduced by Senator Poe
AN ACT
FURTHER STRENGTHENING THE SYSTEM OF BIRTH REGISTRATION OF 
CHILDREN IN NEED OF SPECIAL PROTECTION (CNSP) IN THE PHILIPPINES
Explanatory Note
The Philippines is a signatory to the Convention on the Rights of the Child, 
considered the most comprehensive statute on the rights of children globally. It provides the 
following important declarations:
“Article 2.
1. 
States Parties shall respect and ensure the rights set forth in the present 
Convention to each child within their jurisdiction, without discrimination of 
any kind, irrespective of the child’s or his or her parent’s or legal guardian’s 
race, colour, sex, language, religion, political or other opinion, national, ethnic 
or social origin, property, disability, birth or other status.
2. 
States Parties shall take all appropriate measure to ensure that the child 
is protected against all forms of discrimination or punishment on the basis of 
the status, activities, expressed opinions, or beliefs of the child’s parents, legal 
guardian, or family members.
Article 7.
1. 
The child shall be registered immediately after birth and shall have the 
right from birth to a name, the right to acquire a nationality and, as far as 
possible, the right to know and be cared for by his or her parents.
^enatp
iW  l0Hir« of
SEVENTEENTH CONGRESS OF THE 
)
REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES 
)
First Regular Session 
)
SENATE
s. No. 554
BY:
Introduced by Senator Antonio “Sonny” F. Trillanes IV
AN ACT
CREATING A SICK LEAVE BANK FOR GOVERNMENT EMPLOYEES
EXPLANATORY NOTE
A government employee is entitled for vacation and sick leaves he/she earned. In cases where 
a government employee experiences a serious illness or injury, he/she, however, is sometimes 
forced to exhaust all his/her leave credits and continue to be on leave without compensation. 
This is an unfortunate event for an employee.
This bill, thus, is intended to alleviate the hardship caused to an employee and to his/her 
family experiencing the aforesaid situation. It seeks to create a "Sick Leave Bank" for 
government employees. As used in this bill. Sick Leave Bank refers to a pool of sick days 
which will be established by employees who will make a one-time donation of their 
accumulated local sick days. Depending on the participant's donation, he/she may use sick 
leaves in the sick leave bank of his/her agency if he/she has exhausted his/her accrued 
vacation time, personal days, sick leave and compensatoiy lime due to serious illness or 
injury.
In view ofthe foregoing, immediate approval of this bill is earnestly sought.
ANTONI1 0 ‘*SON>IY” F. TRILLANES IV
/  
Senaton
m
SEVENTEENTH CONGRESS OF THE 
)
REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES 
)
First Regular Session 
)
SENATE
800
S. No.
4 ^ 1  
> rn --.if
•16 
JUL 21 
P 2 -13
ui
’’ Y;
Introduced by Senator Ralph G. Recto
AN ACT
PROVIDING SOCIAL SECURITY BENEFITS FOR BARANGAY OFFICIALS AND 
VOLUNTEER WORKERS, APPROPRIATING FUNDS THEREFOR AND FOR OTHER 
PURPOSES
Explanatory Note
Barangay officials and volunteer workers, due to their proximity to the people, are the first 
and primary public service providers on matters concerning public health, public order and safety, 
alternative dispute resolution, and even disaster risk reduction and management. As such, the 
success of government plans, programs and projects, especially in the remote areas of the country 
depends considerably on the capacity of the barangay government to implement the laws and 
execute government interventions.
Yet despite the Herculean task the national government has imposed on barangay officials 
and volunteer workers, the national government has yet to provide the barangay offieials and 
volunteer workers the remuneration that is commensurate with the role they perfonn in public 
service delivery. To date, barangay officials and volunteer workers such as barangay secretary, 
barangay treasurer, barangay health workers, barangay nutritionists, barangay tanods, barangay 
social workers, and others are ranked the lowest among all civil servants in terms of remuneration, 
benefits and privileges enjoyed and received.
This bill is endorsed in recognition of the significant contribution of barangay officials and 
volunteer workers in nation-building. It seeks to provide social security benefits for barangay 
offieials and volunteer workers through government instrumentalities like the Government Service 
Insurance System (GSIS), Philippine Health Insurance Corporation (PHILHEALTH) and Home 
Mutual Development Fund (PAGIBIG Fund). This bill mandates the membership and enrolment of 
all barangay offieials and volunteer workers to the GSIS life insurance and social protection 
program, the PHILHEALTH National Health Insurance Program, and the PAGIBIG Fund 
Voluntary Membership Program.
Finally, this bill also requires the submission of a periodic report to Congress to ensure the 
sustainability of the progi'am and the financial stability of the government corporations. These 
interventions are devised with the end in view of promoting the welfare of the people who ensure 
the safety, security, amity and well-being of Filipino communities in times of peace and crisis.
In view of the foregoing, immediate passage of this bill is earnestly souglit.
SEVENTEENTH CONGRESS OF THE REPUBLIC 
OF THE PHILIPPINES 
First Regular Session
SENAT 
S. B. No.
^G3
l(D  TIME;
BILLS &
Introduced by Senator M aria Lourdes Nancy S. Binay
AN ACT AMENDING THE PROVISIONS OF REPUBLIC ACT NO. 9344, AS 
AMENDED, ENTITLED “AN ACT ESTABLISHING A COMPREHENSIVE JUVENILE 
JUSTICE AND WELFARE SYSTEM, CREATING THE JUVENILE JUSTICE AND 
WELFARE COUNCIL UNDER THE DEPARTMENT OF JUSTICE, APPROPRIATING 
FUNDS THEREFOR AND FOR OTHER PURPOSES.”
EXPLANATORY NOTE
In 2013, Republic Act ( RA ) No. 9344 was amended to include a much needed provision that 
established a comprehensive and juvenile intervention program, including creating intervention 
and support centers for children under the minimum age of criminal responsibility.
These key enhancements included mandating each province and each highly urbanized city to 
be responsible for building, funding and operating within their respective jurisdictions its own 
juvenile center or Bahay Pag-asa, which is defined as a 24-hour child caring institution that 
serves as a short-term residential care and rehabilitation for children in conflict with the law 
(“CICL”) instead of jails.
As of 2015, however, the Department of Social Welfare and Development said that only 19 
local government units so far have put up Bahay Pag-asa shelters since the signing of the 
implementing rules and regulations of RA No. 10630 or the “Act Strengthening the Juvenile 
Justice System” in 2014. Out of these 19 centers, only 13 are operational while two have yet to 
operate and two have already closed down. Moreover, only Marikina City has set up a Bahay 
Pag-asa in Metro Manila.
The Philippines is home to over 11,000 CICLs as of 2009, a number which has continued to 
rise since. These are children who deserve a second chance to become productive members of 
society through rehabilitation instead of punishment.
In order to give life to our juvenile justice laws and strengthen our country’s juvenile 
inte^ention programs through the mandatory creation of Bahay Pag-asa, the passage of this 
bill is earnestly requested.
MARIA
OURD
fANCY S. BINAY
SEVENTEENTH CONGRESS OF THE REPUBLIC 
)
OF THE PHILIPPINES 
)
First Regular Session 
)
" ’^■1 
o >  1 Irf1 : ' 
I 
iJ; \11
'16 
111 20 P3:30
S E N A  
S.B. No Ms
'  ■ r>Y:
Introduced by: Senator Paolo Benigno "Bam" A. Aquino IV
AN ACT PROHIBITING DISCRIMINATION ON THE BASIS OF ETHNICITY, RACE, 
RELIGION OR BELIEF, SEX, GENDER, SEXUAL ORIENTATION, GENDER IDENTITY, GENDER 
EXPRESSION, CIVIL STATUS AND HIV STATUS, AND PROVIDING PENALTIES THEREFOR
EXPLANATORY NOTE
The Bill of Rights in the 1987 Constitution guarantees equal protection for every 
Filipino, and prohibits discrimination of persons based on ethnicity, race, religion or belief, 
political inclinations, social class, sex, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender 
expression, civil status, medical condition, or any other status in the enjoyment of rights. 
The fundamental law also declares that the State values the dignity of every human person 
and guarantees full respect for human rights (Section 11, Article II, 1987 Constitution). It 
also imposes on the State the duty to ensure the fundamental equality before the law of 
women and men (Sec. 14, Id.).
In addition, the Philippines is a signatory to numerous international agreements that 
seek to ensure respect for the human rights of all persons regardless of ethnicity, race, 
religion or belief, sex, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, civil 
status, medical condition, or any other status. These international human rights instruments 
have consistently been interpreted by international institutions, such as the United Nations 
Human Rights Committee and the United Nations Committee on Economic, Social and 
Cultural Rights.
Unfortunately, reality has yet to catch up with the noble intentions of these 
numerous laws and international agreements. 
In schools, workplaces, commercial 
establishments, public service, police and the military, prejudicial practices and policies 
based on sexual orientation and gender and cultural identity limit the exercise and 
enjoyment of basic human rights and fundamental freedoms.
We still see, for instance, employment practices that prioritize single over married 
job applicants; or other cultural practices that suppress an individual's right to practice his 
or her religion, faith, or cultural belief. Many Filipinos in indigenous communities have yet 
to be fully integrated into the workforce; ignorance about their cultural practices often 
leads to stigma and marginalization.
SEVENTEENTH CONGRESS OF THE ) 
REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES 
)
First Regular Session 
)
SENATE
§. No. 
64
DATE:
TIME:
BILLS
Introduced by Senator Ralph G. Reeto
AN ACT
PROVIDING FOR THE DISPOSITION OF THE COCONUT LEVY ASSETS BY THE 
PRIVATIZATION AND MANAGEMENT OFFICE, CREATING THE COCONUT INDUSTRY 
FUND COMMITTEE, AND PROVIDING FOR THE MANAGEMENT, INVESTMENT, AND 
USE OF PROCEEDS OF SUCH ASSETS FOR AND IN BEHALF OF THE COCONUT 
FARMERS AND FOR OTHER PURPOSES
Explanatory Note
Various laws were enacted imposing a levy on eoeonut produets. Republie Aet No. 6260 imposed 
the first levy on eoeonut fanners in 1971. The levies collected from the eoeonut farmers, for which they 
were issued receipts to be eonverted into shares of stock, were primarily used to establish the Coconut 
Investment Fund (GIF). The GIF sought to provide adequate medium and capital investment in the 
eoeonut industry. Presidential Decree (P.D.) No. 232 ereated the Philippine Coconut Authority (PCA), 
which took over the collection of the eoeo levy.
By 1973, abnormal global market fluctuations for fats and oils prompted the issuance of P.D. No. 
276, whieh established a Coeonut Consumers Stabilization Fund (CCSF). The CCSF whieh was ftinded 
by imposing an initial levy of PI 5.00 per 100 kilos of copra resicada or its equivalent on every first sale, 
shall be utilized to subsidize the sale of eoconut-based produets. By April of 1974, P.D. No. 414 granted 
the PCA additional powers such as the authority to adjust the levy imposed. It also expanded the use of 
the CCSF for investment, research and development, and extension of services to the coconut industry.
A few months after, P.D. No. 582 ereated the Coconut Industry Development Fund (CIDF). The 
CIDF, unlike the CCSF, is a pennanent fund, thereby making the eolleetion of the coco levy pemianent as 
well. The CIDF shall serve to finance the establishment, operation and maintenanee of a hybrid eoeonut 
seed nut farm.
By July of 1975, P.D. No. 755 empowered PCA to acquire the United Coconut Planters Bank 
(UCPB) as a permanent solution to the perennial eredit problems of the coconut industry. The said 
issuanee also mandated that all CCSF collections to the UCPB shall be made interest free.
P. D. No. 961, whieh eodified all laws pertaining to the coconut industry, provided a number of 
amendments to prior laws and issuanees. The CCSF levy, for instanee, was passed on to the end users (i.e. 
eopra exporters and oil millers) from the eoeonut farmers. It also deelared that both CCSF and CIDF shall 
be owned by eoeonut farmers in their own private eapacities. By virtue of the said legislation, UCPB was 
granted full authority to make investments using the CIDF and CCSF surplus. P.D. No. 1468 also gave 
UCPB the sole riglit to administer the coco levy funds. Such mandate led to the creation of the Coeonut 
Industry Investment Fund (CIIF).
SEVENTEENTH CONGRESS OF THE 
)
REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES 
)
First Regular Session 
)
SENATE
s. No. 4 7 3
(0H.fr ..f ltJc>rrTft3ru
'16 JUL 19 All :23
i J  \  : , l »  i 5 Y ;
Introduced by Senator Antonio “Sonny” F. Trillanes IV
AN ACT
INCREASING THE MINIMUM 
SALARY GRADE OF PUBLIC SCHOOL 
TEACHERS FROM SALARY GRADE 11 TO 20 AND PROVIDING FUNDS 
THEREFOR
EXPLANATORY NOTE
The 1987 Constitution expressly provides that:
"The State shall assign the highest budgetary priority to education 
and ensure that teaching will attract and retain its rightful share 
of the best available talents through adequate remuneration 
and other means of job satisfaction and fulfillment."
Public school teachers are among the most underpaid and/or overworked professionals in our 
society today. Despite the fact that they are looked upon and heralded as molders of our the 
youth, public school teachers receive a basic salary under Executive Order No. 201 of around 
nineteen thousand seventy-seven pesos (PI9,077.00) only. Yet our teachers are considered to 
be the prime movers of the education system. Clearly, the State urgently needs to give 
priority to their interest and welfare, as expressly mandated by the 1987 Constitution.
To give meaning to the spirit and intent of the above mentioned constitutional provisions, 
there is an imperative and indispensable necessity to upgrade the salary grade of our public 
school teachers.
The immediate approval of this bill is, therefore, earnestly requested.
ANTONIj/ ^
onn\ ” F . ^ -W
ILLANES IV
Senator
I^ertaii>
SEVENTEENTH CONGRESS OF THE REPUBLIC 
)
OF THE PHILIPPINES 
)
First Regular Session 
)
SENAT A n o
S.B. No. 
>
*16 JUL 20 P4:32
Ui:r;
Introduced by: Senator Paolo Benigno "Bam " A. Aquino IV
AN ACT STRENGTHENING THE BARANGAY UNIT THROUGH SUPPORT FOR BARANGAY 
OFFICIALS AND BARANGAY VOLUNTEER WORKERS, AMENDING REPUBLIC ACT NO. 7160, 
PROVIDING FUNDS THEREFOR, AND FOR OTHER PURPOSES
EXPLANATORY NOTE
The success of a government initiative is measured by its impact on communities and 
on the lives of our countrymen, especially the Filipinos who suffer from poverty and those 
that live in remote areas often forgotten.
It is when every Filipino, every family, and every barangay is healthy, educated, and 
financially independent that we can declare our country as a champion in development.
According to the Local Government Code of 1991: "As the basic political unit, the 
Barangay serves as the primary planning and implementing unit of government policies, 
plans, programs, projects and activities in the community, as a forum wherein the collective 
views of people may be expressed, crystallized and considered, and where disputes may be 
amicably settled."
Apart from attending to the basic needs of the community and delivering various 
government services, barangay officials and volunteers also facilitate citizen empowerment 
and engagement so that leaders are responsive to the true needs of the citizens they serve.
Thus, this bill endeavors to strengthen barangay governance by providing barangay 
tanods and barangay health workers transformative capacity building, sufficient financial 
empowerment, and continuity of service.
Proposed reforms under this bill uphold the principle of local autonomy enshrined in 
the Constitution and advocate the operative principles of decentralization as declared in the 
Local Government Code of 1991.
To ensure an effective and inclusive government that promotes the active 
participation of its citizens, it is imperative that we strengthen barangay governance in our 
42,036 barangays around the Philippines. The key to unlocking national progress lies in our 
ability to reach out to each individual in every barangay.
•0
SEVENTEENTH CONGRESS OF THE ) 
REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES 
)
F/rsf Regular Session 
)
S E N A T E
736
S. B. No.
(9Kir» of 
‘'k
•16 JIIL 21 A10:35
Rl < 
i 
f 
’^Y:
Introduced by Senator FRANCIS G. ESCUDERO
AN ACT
TO FURTHER STRENGTHEN THE OFFICE OF THE SOLICITOR GENERAL AND
FOR OTHER PURPOSES
EXPLANATORY NOTE
It is the declared policy of the State to protect the rights and promote the welfare 
of the Filipino worker. Pursuant to this policy and to ensure efficient and effective 
performance in the legal service of the Government, the Office of the Solicitor General 
should be further strengthened.
This bill provides for the upgrading of the standards, benefits and privileges and 
increasing the funding of the Office of the Solicitor General. It also provides for 
survivorship benefits to surviving spouse and legitimate children of a deceased or 
retired OSG member.
Approval of this bill is earnestly sought.
FRANCIS G. ESCUDERO
\  
f
....  ^  ' “if f ir e  o f lh ft(,‘? !rri ' 
t 'u
*,1
SEVENTEENTH CONGRESS OF THE 
)
REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES 
)
First Regular Session 
, 
)
SENATE
+ 
S. B. No. 936
'16 
AUG -1  
All -38
HU i 1
INTRODUCED BY SENATOR ANA THERESIA “RISA” HONTIVEROS BARAQUEL
AN ACT ESTABLISHING AN ON-SITE, IN-CITY OR NEAR-CITY RESETTLEMENT 
PROGRAM FOR INFORMAL SETTLER FAMILIES AND, IN CONNECTION 
THEREWITH, MANDATING THAT LOCAL GOVERNMENT UNITS PROVIDE 
LIVELIHOOD ASSISTANCE AND OTHER BASIC SERVICES, AMENDING FOR 
THE PURPOSE REPUBLIC ACT NO. 7279, AS AMENDED, OTHERWISE KNOWN AS 
THE “URBAN DEVELOPMENT AND HOUSING ACT OF 1992”
EXPLANATORY NOTE
Article XIII (Social Justice and Human Rights) of the 1987 Philippine Constitution provides that:
“Section 9. 
The State shall, by law, and for the common good, undertake, in 
cooperation with the private sector, a contir uing 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 resetdement 
areas. It shall also promote adequate employments of such programs that the State 
shall respect the rights of small property owners.”
“Section 10. Urban and rmal poor dwellers shall not be evicted nor their dwellings 
demolished, except in accordance with law and in a just and humane manner.
No resetdement of urban or rural dwellers shall be undertaken without adequate 
consultation with tiiem and the communities where they are to be located.”
In response to this directive. Congress passed Republic Act No. 7279, otherwise known as the 
“Urban Development and Housing Act of 1992,” and, on March 24, 1992, it was signed into law by 
President Corazon C. Aquino. The law prescribes the coverage of socialized housing, mandates tire 
formulation of a national urban development and housing framework, requires local governments to 
conduct an inventory of all lands within then respective territorial jurisdictions, and provides the 
overall framework for a continuing and comprehensive urban development and housing program in 
the country.
However, more tiian two (2) decades after die passage of the Urban Development and Housing Act, 
die nation seems to have scarcely progressed towards achieving the goal dierein of decent and 
affordable housing for the homeless and under-privileged. Figures from the Flousing and Urbah 
Development Coordinating Council (HUDCC) reveal a national backlog of 3,756,072 housing units 
as of 2011, which translates into more than 3.7 million Filipino, families without homes or secure 
dwellings; a backlog that Continues to rise considering the rapidly increasing population and die 
influx of migrants towards urban centers.
Thus, diere is an urgent need to arrest this trend and strengdien the country’s housing program by, 
among others, adopting On-Site, In-City, or Near-City Resetdement on the basis of People’s Plans 
or Proposals submitted by affected Informal Setder Families as a primary and preferred policy of 
die State. Furthermore, this proposed bill also addresses concerns of Informal Setder Families vis-a-
%%
SEVENTEENTH CONGRESS OF THE REPUBLIC 
)
OF THE PHILIPPINES 
)
First Regular Session 
)
^
w , h ' 
'Ifliitof 
I'l'Ifi_i
•16 JUL20 P2 48
SENATE
S.B. No. 645
K M T  
. = n \:
Introduced by: Senator Paolo Benigno "Bam " A. Aquino IV
AN ACT REMOVING THE RESTRICTIONS UNDER SECTION 118, 119 AND 121 OF CHAPTER 
XIII, TITLE VI OF COMMONWEALTH ACT NO. 141 ON AGRICULTURAL FREE PATENTS ISSUED
UNDER SECTION 44 THEREOF
EXPLANATORY NOTE
In the past 10 years, over 1.2 million Agricultural Free Patents (AFPs) have been 
awarded to farmers who are natural born Filipino citizens, occupying and cultivating 
agricultural public lands since 1960, for as long as they have paid real property tax on the 
land they use. The AFP is the most numerous type of land title in the hands of farmer 
entrepreneurs in rural areas.
Commonwealth Act No. 141 served as an important measure for supporting our hard 
working farmers by providing the AFP as a mechanism for land ownership. However, AFP 
awardees continue to face a lack of access to credit due to non-tradable and non-bankable 
agricultural land titles brought about by barriers in the use of these agricultural free patents.
The first barrier is the five year prohibition to encumbrance and alienation which 
bars owners from selling or loaning against it for five years. The second restriction is the five 
year repurchase provision which allows the original owner, his widow and legal heirs the 
right of repurchase five years from the date of sale.
Due to these restrictions, these lands become unattractive to buyers. Because of the 
uncertainty brought about by restrictions, there are no incentives for new owners to make 
improvements and additional investments. Banks are also reluctant to lend when these 
lands are used as collateral because it can affect a bank's liquidity in case of foreclosure if it 
cannot dispose acquired assets.
Overall, the existence of the restrictions prevents the patentee from transacting the 
land in the formal market and instead leaves some with no option but to capitalize on the 
land through the informal economy where they are vulnerable to lower prices and 
unregulated informal credit suppliers.