bettergovph/raw-philippine-data huggingface dataset:
SEVENTEENTH CONGRESS OF THE 
)
REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES 
)
Third Regular Session 
)
i ' :  \ v-
i.’i? {. 
n  »sri»
S E N A T E
S. No. 
2058
'18 OCT-8 P3 ‘42
Introduced by: Senator Paolo Benigno "Bam" A. Aquino IV
AN ACT
DECLARING OCTOBER 5 OF EVERY YEAR AS NATIONAL TEACHERS DAY
EXPLANATORY NOTE
Every year, we celebrate "World Teachers' Day" on October 5 as declared by the 
United Nations Education, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) because 
teachers are fundamental in guiding children, youth and adults through the life-long 
learning process. On this day, we take some tim e to revere our teachers as unsung 
heroes who have helped us find ourselves and build our lives in a challenging world.
But as we honor our teachers, they continue their daily grind -  waking up before 
sunrise, preparing for their classes, lugging around unchecked papers and school 
supplies, managing students in the classroom, ensuring lessons are understood and 
absorbed -  and the list goes on.
With all their hard work and sacrifice, and with the responsibility of molding our 
future leaders and citizenry, we believe they deserve one special holiday a year. We 
propose that October 5 be declared National Teachers' Day in the Philippines and made 
a paid non-working holiday for all teachers.
SEVENTEENTH CONGRESS OF THE 
)
REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES 
)
Third Regular Session 
)
S E N A T E
A
'■01:
' V
h  ;
18 OCT-9 P3 :02
COMMITTEE REPORT No. 
489
Submitted 
by the 
Committees on 
Cooperatives; 
CivilALService, 
G o v^m e n t 
Reorganization and Professional Regulation; Finance; and Ways and Means on
OCT - 9 2018
Re: Senate Bill 
prepared by the Committees
Recommending its approval in substitution of Senate Bill Nos. 305, 1341 and 1934 
Sponsor: Senator Juan Miguel "Migz" F. Zubiri
Mr. President:
The Committees on Cooperatives; Civil Service, Government Reorganization 
and Professional Regulation; Finance; and Ways and Means, to which were referred 
Senate Bill No. 305, introduced by Senator Zubiri, entitled:
"AN ACT
REORGANIZING THE COOPERATIVE DEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY, 
REPEALING FOR THE PURPOSE REPUBLIC ACT NO. 6939, CREATING 
THE COOPERATIVE DEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY"
Senate Bill No. 1341, introduced by Senator Aquino IV, entitled:
"AN ACT
CREATING 
THE 
COOPERATIVE 
DEVELOPMENT 
COMMISSION, 
REPEALING 
FOR 
THE 
PURPOSE 
REPUBLIC 
ACT 
NO. 
6939, 
APPROPRIATING FUNDS THEREFOR, AND FOR OTHER PURPOSES"
1
€
SEVENTEENTH CONGRESS OF THE REPUBLIC 
OF THE PHILIPPINES
Third Regular Session
S E N A
S. B. NO!^f)46
«5f; :: ofli.;- f . i .  rr-p
--- ^
—
OCT r.3  
p  [fj ;3 9
Introduced by Senator Juan Miguel F. Zubiri
AN ACT
CONVERTING THE MUNICIPALITY OF MANOLO FORTICH IN THE PROVINCE 
OF BUKIDNON INTO A COMPONENT CITY TO BE KNOWN AS THE CITY OF
MANOLO FORTICH
EXPLANATORY NOTE
Under the Local Government Code of 1991, as amended, a municpality or a 
cluster of barangays may be converted into a component city if it has satisfied the 
following requirements:
1) has a locally generated average annual income of at least One hundred million 
pesos (PlOO,000,000.00) for the last two (2) consecutive years based on 2000 
constant prices, as certified by the Department of Finance; and
2) has a contiguous territory of at least one hundred (100) square kilometers, as 
certified by the Land Management Bureau; or
3) has a population of not less than one hundred fifty thousand (150,000) 
inhabitants, as certified by the National Statistics Office.
The Municipality of Manolo Fortich is a first class municipality consisting of 
twenty-two (22) barangays with a total land area of 506.64 square kilometres 
accounting for 6.1 percent of the total land area of the province of Bukidnon. It has a 
population of 100,210 as of the 2015 census of the Philippine Statistics Authority and an 
annual revenue of around 290 million pesos as of the year 2016.
Manolo Fortich has consistently been one of the most competitive municipalities 
in Northern Mindanao based on the 2017 competitiveness rankings released by the 
National Competitiveness Council. It ranked 20th in the Most Competitive 1st and 2nd
SEVENTEENTH CONGRESS OF THE REPUBLIC 
OF THE PHILIPPINES
Third Regular Session
)))
S E N A T E
■18 
DEC- 3  
^ 2 : 2 3
COMMITTEE REPORT NO. 
5 3 2
ULi..;
Submitted by the Committees on Local Government; and Banks, Financial Institutions and 
Currencies o n ______ ~ 3 2018_____________
Re: Senate Bill N o.___2122 . Prepared by the Committees
Recommending its approval in substitution of Senate No. 1773 
Sponsor: Senator Angara
MR. PRESIDENT:
The Committees on Local Government; and Banks, Financial Institutions and Currencies, to 
which was referred Senate Bill No. 1773, introduced by Senator Angara entitled:
"AN ACT TO RATIONALIZE CREDIT FINANCING FOR LOCAL GOVERNMENT 
UNITS BY AMENDING CERTAIN PROVISIONS IN BOOK I I  OF REPUBLIC ACT 
7160, OTHERWISE KNOWN AS THE LOCAL GOVERNMENT CODE OF 1991"
have considered the same and have the honor to report it back to the Senate with the 
recommendation that the attached Senate Bill No. 
prepared by the Committees
entitled: 
'
"AN ACT TO RATIONALIZE CREDIT FINANCING FOR LOCAL GOVERNMENT 
UNITS BY AMENDING CERTAIN PROVISIONS IN BOOK I I  OF REPUBLIC ACT 
7160, OTHERWISE KNOWN AS THE LOCAL GOVERNMENT CODE OF 1991"
be approved in substitution of Senate Bill No. 1773 with Senators Angara and Escudero as 
authors thereof.
SEVENTEENTH CONGRESS OF THE 
)
REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES 
)
Third Regular Session 
)
;•
•18 NOV 15 P2 :0l
s.SBErik9
REC-.
Introduced by Senator SONNY ANGARA
AN ACT
PROVIDING FOR THE CREATION OF A COUNCIL FOR THE WELFARE OF 
SENIOR CITIZENS
EXPLANATORY NOTE
Our Filipino senior citizens have contributed immensely to the growth and 
progress of the country. 
As they reach the twilight of their lives, it is our 
responsibility as a society to respect, protect and promote their rights and assure 
their physical, mental and social well-being. Based on the 2010 census, there are 
now 6.23 million persons aged 60 years and above and it is expected to assume 
prominence in the future with numbers reaching double digit or around 14.2 million 
(11% of the total population) in 2030 and 22.5 million in 2045 (15.9% of the total 
population).
The aim of the bill is to address an obvious institutional gap. While the 
Persons with Disabilities (PWDs) has the National Council on Disability Affairs 
(NCDA), the women's sector has the Philippine Commission on Women (PCW), and 
the children's sector has the Council on the Welfare of Children (CWC), the senior 
citizens' sector does not have a particular national government body devoted to 
serve their interests. Though there exists, at present, an Office of Senior Citizens 
Affairs (OSCA) in cities and municipalities, there is no central leadership to guide 
policies on a national scale and to ensure that senior citizens receive equal 
opportunities regardless of their place of residence. Thus, the bill seeks to create a 
Council for the Welfare of Senior Citizens which is expected to formulate, coordinate
/
SEVENTEENTH CONGRESS OF THE REPUBLIC 
) 
OF THE PHILIPPIN ES 
)
Third Regular Session 
j
S E N A T E
1
I
rJ.F.. 
. 
. V ;
COMMITTEE REPORT No. 4 8 8
18 OCT -9 PI2 :38
Submitted by the Committee on Ways and Means on OCT ~ 9 2018 
Re: Senate Bill No. _ 2 0 5 9  
F‘£'-;:
Recommending its approval in substitution of Senate Bill Nos. 293, 920, 942, and 1494 taking into 
consideration House Bill No. 4814. 
’ 
6
Sponsor: Sen. Sonny Angara
MR. PRESIDENT:
The Committee on Ways and Means to which were referred Senate Bill No. 293, introduced by 
Senators Pimentel III and Binay, entitled:
AN ACT
DECLARING A ONE-TIME AMNESTY ON ESTATE TAX, INCLUSIVE OF FINES 
INTEREST, PENALTIES, SURCHARGES AND OTHER ADDITIONS THERETO 
AND FOR OTHER PURPOSES” 
’
S B. No. 920, introduced by Senator Recto, entitled:
AN ACT
ENHANCING 
RE\ ENUE 
ADMINISTRATION 
AND 
COLLECTION 
BY 
GRANTING AN AMNESTY ON ALL UNPAID INTERNAL REVENUE TAXES 
IMPOSED BY THE NATIONAL GOVERNMENT FOR TAXABLE YEAR 2015 AND 
PRIOR YEARS
S.B. No. 942, introduced by Senators Angara and Binay, entitled:
AN ACT
ENHANCING 
REVENUE ADMINISTRATION 
AND 
COLLECTION 
BY
GRANTING AN AMNESTY ON ALL UNPAID INTERNAL REVENUE TAXES 
IMPOSED BY THE NATIONAL GOVERNMENT FOR TAXABLE YEAR 2015 AND 
PRIOR YEARS
S.B. No. 1494, introduced by Senator Aquino IV, entitled:
AN ACT
ENHANCING 
REVENUE ADMINISTRATION 
AND 
COLLECTION 
BY
GRANTING AN AMNESTY ON ALL UNPAID INTERNAL REV ENUE TAXES 
IMPOSED BY THE NATIONAL GOVERNMENT FOR TAXABLE YEAR 2015 AND 
PRIOR YEARS
SEVENTEENTH CONGRESS OF THE 
REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES
Third Regular Session
SENATE
2048
S. B. NO
1
'ij Ha
•18 OCT-3 P3-.31
REL-
Introduced by SENATOR JOEL VILLANUEVA
AN ACT GRANTING PHILIPPINE CITIZENSHIP TO 
JUSTIN DONTA BROWNLEE
EXPLANATORY NOTE
The Philippines is a nation that considers basketball as one of its 
favorite past times. The Philippine Basketball Association, the country’s 
professional basketball league, prides itself as the first of its kind in Asia. 
Since then, a number of other professional and collegiate basketball leagues 
have been introduced in response to the growing enthusiasm of the Filipinos 
to participate in this sport.
This dedication to the game is further manifested in international 
basketball competitions wherein the best players of our country are gathered 
to form our national team. To improve our chances in international 
competitions, we have taken advantage of the International Basketball 
Federation’s (FIBA) ruling to allow naturalized players to play for the national 
team of the country that naturalized him. In 2010, Congress naturalized 
Marcus Eugene Douthit from Syracuse, New York. In 2014, Congress also 
naturalized Andray Blatche, a former NBA player. During their stint, these 
players contributed significantly to our national team leading to our modest 
improvement in the FIBA standings.
It is in this light that this bill seeks to grant Philippine citizenship to 
Justin Donta Brownlee.
7
SEVENTEENTH CONGRESS OF THE 
REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES 
Third Regular Session
S. No.
S E N A T E
2167
f 
5>l . t. '!■
•19 
JAN 22 PI 20
Introduced by: Senator Paolo Benigno "Bam" A. Aquino IV
AN ACT
STRENGTHENING THE NATIONAL POLICY ON WEALTH GENERATION 
FROM 
ACCESS, 
BENEFIT-SHARING 
FROM 
THE 
UTILIZATIO N 
OF 
PHILIPPINE GENETIC RESOURCES AND FOR OTHER PURPOSES
EXPLANATORY NOTE
On September 29, 2015, the Philippines acceded to the Nagoya Protocol on 
Access to Genetic Resources and the Fair and Equitable Sharing of Benefits Arising 
from their Utilization to the Convention on Biological Diversity.
The Nagoya Protocol is an international agreement that seeks to provide a 
transparent legal framework to implement the fair and equitable sharing of benefits 
arising out of the utilization of genetic resources, one of the objectives of the UN 
Convention on Biological Diversity.
As one of the world's top 18 mega-diversity countries, with one of the highest 
rates of biological discovery in the world, it is incumbent upon the Philippine 
government to ensure that the country fulfills its commitments under the Nagoya 
Protocol, and reaps the benefits of this agreement as well.
The proposed measures thus allows the Philippines to fulfill its obligations 
under the Nagoya Protocol, to promote fair and equitable benefit-sharing of the 
country's plant and animal genetic resources, strengthen its existing policies against
SEVENTEENTH CONGRESS OF THE REPUBLIC 
OF THE PHILIPPINES
Third Regular Session
SENATE
)))
ft:
Committee Report No. 484
•18 
QCT-1 
P4-.30
Submitted by the Committee on Public Services on Or.T -  1 
......
Re: Senate Bill N o . 2 Q 3 8  Prepared by the Committee upon recommendation o f the 
Subcommittee on Senate Bill Nos. 1446 and 1521
Recommending its approval in substitution of Senate Bill Nos. 1446 and 1521.
Sponsor: Senator Joseph Victor G. Ejercito
MR. PRESIDENT:
The Committee on Public Services to which were referred Senate Bill No. 
1446, introduced by Senator Joseph Victor Ejercito, entitled:
AN ACT
INCREASING THE PENALTY OF OVERLOADING OF PASSENGER IN PUBLIC 
UTILITY VEHICLES AND CERTAIN TYPES OF VEHICLES AND OTHER 
PURPOSES
and
Senate Bill No. 1521, introduced by Senator Emmanuel "Manny" Pacquiao, entitled:
AN ACT
INCREASING THE PENALTY FOR OVERLOADING OF PASSENGERS AND/OR 
FREIGHT OR CARGO IN COMMON CARRIERS BEYOND THE REGISTERED 
CARRYING CAPACITY
SEVENTEENTH CONGRESS OF THE ) 
REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES 
)
T h ird  R e g u la r S ession  
)
S E N A T E  
S.B. No. 
2 1 9 6
1 V  ■ 
A 
U ’
£>{[• ^I c.{ ii; .  f * 'i - r . t n ' [>
•19 
JAN 30 rP 2 5a
RECL'.
/ (
In tro d u ced  by SENATOR VICENTE C. SOTTO III
AN ACT
AMENDING CERTAIN PROVISIONS OF REPUBLIC ACT 9 5 1 4
AND FOR OTHER PURPOSES
EXPLANATORY NOTE
In 2008, Congress passed Republic Act No. 9514 otherwise 
known as the “Fire Code of the Philippines of 2008”, as the 
principal law governing the prevention and suppression of aJl 
destructive fires and the professionalization of the fire service as 
a profession. Accordingly, the Code m andated the B ureau of Fire 
Protection (BFP) to enforce R.A. 9514 to all persons, buildings, 
facilities or structures erected or constructed before or after its 
effectivity. However, despite the clear language of the Code, 
several government agencies and entities, such as the Philippine 
Economic Zone Authority (PEZA) had for a long time arrogated 
upon them  the enforcem ent of the Fire Code of the Philippines to 
PEZA-registered economic zones.
On 02 Ju n e  2017, a lone gunm an burned portion of the 
R esorts World M anila which resulted to the death of at least 
thirty-seven (37) persons. Consequently, a Congressional Inquiry 
w as conducted which revealed the overlapping authority of BFP
SEVENTEENTH CONGRESS OF THE 
]
REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES 
]
T hird  R eg u lar S ession 
]
SENATE
S. B. No. 2009
'18 
SEP 17 
P 6 5 7
Re*
In tro d u ced  by SENATOR SHERWIN T. GATCHALIAN
AN ACT
STRENGTHENING THE POLITICAL PARTY SYSTEM, PROVIDING 
GUIDELINES THEREFOR AND FOR OTHER PURPOSES
EXPLANATORY NOTE
The first Philippine political party, established in 1900, was the 
Federal Party, which advocated peace and eventual statehood. Later, the 
Nationalist Party (NP) and the Democratic Party were established. They did 
not produce an actual two-party system , since the Nationalists retained 
exclusive control and the Dem ocrats functioned as a "loyal opposition." 
However, following Jap anese occupation and the granting of independence, 
an effective two-party system  developed between the Liberal Party (LP) and 
the NP. This party joined with 11 other opposition parties in 1982 to form a 
coalition 
known 
as 
the 
United 
Nationalist 
Democratic 
Organization 
(UNIDO).1 Years later, several splinter groups have formed and organized 
political parties. Striking, in the form ation of all these parties, is the 
absence of the central function of political parties, which is ideally to 
transm it the am bitions and aspirations of the citizens and their organized 
groups to the political decision-m akers and the state.2
The foundations of our political parties have evolved and become more 
personality-based, where the dom inant political actors with the resources 
and m achinery for financial suprem acy, have established and nurtured 
political alliances by their self-serving political platform. Since political party 
m em bership of this type are loose and very fluid -  with the utm ost
1 https://www.nationsencyclopedia.eom/Asia-and-Oceania/Philippines-POLITICAL-PARTIES.html
! http://library.fes.de/pdf-files/bueros/philippinen/07131.pdf
SEVENTEENTH CONGRESS OF THE ) 
REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES 
)
Third Regular Session 
)
SENATE
SENATE BILL NO. 
2168
a
v ^ -
e*'! 
' VtJ '"i'
Prepared jointly by the Committees on Government Corporations and Public 
Enterprises, Pubiic Services; Ways and Means; and Finance with Senators Zubiri, 
Poe, Angara, Legarda and Gordon as authors thereof
AN ACT
CREATING 
THE 
DAVAO 
INTERNATIONAL 
AIRPORT 
AUTHORITY, 
TRANSFERRING 
EXISTING 
ASSETS 
OF 
FRANCISCO 
BANGOY 
INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT TO THE AUTHORITY, VESTING THE AUTHORITY 
WITH POWER TO ADMINISTER AND OPERATE THE FRANCISCO BANGOY 
INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT AND APPROPRIATING FUNDS THEREFOR
Be it enacted by the Senate and House o f Representatives o f the Philippines in 
Congress assembled:
SECTION 1. Short Title. -  This Act shall be known and cited as the "Charter 
o f the Davao International Airport Authority."
SEC. 2. Creation o f the Davao International Airport Authority. - There is 
hereby established a body corporate to be known as the Davao International Airport 
Authority, hereinafter referred to as "Authority", which shall be attached to the 
Department of Transportation (DOTr). The principal office of the Authority shall be 
located at the Francisco Bangoy International Airport in Davao City.
The Authority may have such branches, agencies or subsidiaries as it may 
deem proper and necessary.
SEC. 3. 
Objectives. 
-  The Authority shall 
principally undertake the 
11 
economical, efficient and effective control, management and supervision of the
1
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8 
9
10
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8 
9
10
11
12
13
SEVENTEENTH CONGRESS OF THE 
REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES 
Third Regular Session
SENATE
S.B. No. 2081
' n . j:,
(In substitution of Senate Bill Nos. 1725 and 1728, taking into 
nPT 
re­
consideration House Bill No. 5675) 
UbI 22 
Hp.42
Prepared and submitted jointly by the Committees on Women, Children, Fam ily/ 
Relations and Gender Equality; and Social Justice, Welfare and Rural Development 
with Senators Poe, Hontiveros and De Lima as authors thereof
AN ACT GRANTING AMNESTY FOR SIMULATED BIRTHS, ALLOWING THE 
RECTIFICATION OF SIMULATED BIRTH RECORDS THROUGH 
ADMINISTRATIVE ADOPTION AND FOR OTHER PURPOSES
Se it  enacted by the Senate and House o f Representatives o f the Phiiippines in Congress
assembled:
ARTICLE I
GENERAL PROVISIONS
SECTION 1. Short Title. -  This Act shall be known as the "Sim ulated Birth 
Rectification A ct o f 2018'.
SEC. 2. Objectives. — This Act has the following objectives:
(a) 
To grant amnesty and allow the rectification o f the simulated birth of a 
child where the simulation was made for the best interest of the child, 
and that such child has been consistently considered and treated by 
the person or persons who simulated such birth as her, his, or their 
own daughter or son;
(b) 
To fix the status and filiation of a child whose birth was simulated by 
giving such child all the benefits of adoption and ensuring that the 
child shall be entitled to all the rights provided by law to legally 
adopted children, without any discrimination of any kind, as well as to 
love, guidance, and support from the child's adoptive family;
SEVENTEENTH CONGRESS OF THE REPUBLIC 
OF THE PHILIPPINES
Third Regular Session
SENATE
S.B. NO. 2110
'ia  
NOV 27 N-22
Introduced by Senator Maria Lourdes Nancy S. Binay
AN ACT
ESTABLISHING 
A 
GRANT 
PROGRAM 
FOR 
THE 
PROFESSIONAL 
RETROFIT INSTALLATION OF FIRE ALARM DETECTION SYSTEMS AND 
OTHER FIRE DETECTION AND PREVENTION TECHNOLOGIES IN LONG 
TERM CARE FACILITIES
EXPLANATORY NOTE
Article II, Section 5 of the 1987 Philippine Constitution provides:
"The maintenance of peace and order, the protection of life, liberty, 
and property, and the promotion of the general welfare are essential for 
the enjoyment by all the people of the blessings of democracy."
Fire is a major challenge in our country. In 2017, there have been 14,000 fire 
incidents nationwide that have injured 889 civilians and damage to property 
amounting to P7.8 billion. Meanwhile, as of March 2018, there have been 1,758 
fire incidents that injured 108 people and amounted to PI billion damages in 
property.
With the growing number of fire incidents occurring time and again, there is a 
need to eliminate the causes of fire, prevent loss of life and damage to property.
The proposed bill seeks to protect institutions and their clients by retrofitting 
these establishments and providing them with the latest fire safety technology 
available. Therefore, mandating the Secretary of Health to establish a grant
SEVENTEENTH CONGRESS OF THE ) 
REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES 
)
Third Regular Session 
)
SENATE
2012
S. No.
of ll;C £>1 n an*-*
'18 SEP 18 A9 58
Introduced by SENATOR LEILA M. DE LIMA"
AN ACT
PROVIDING FOR A RURAL EMPLOYMENT ASSISTANCE PROGRAM 
AND APPROPRIATING FUNDS THEREFOR
EXPLANATORY NOTE
Recent figures from the World Bank have ranked the Philippines as among the 
top growing economies in the region. Additionally, the economy is projected to 
continue expanding at an annual rate of 6.7 percent in both 2018 and 2019l. 
Nevertheless, issues concerning the equitable distribution of income, wealth, and 
opportunities still linger in the wider political discourse concerning poverty and 
inequality in the Philippines.
Consider that, according to the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA), poverty 
incidence among Filipinos in 2015 was approximately 21.6 percent which translates 
to roughly 21.93 million Filipinos who could not afford to buy their basic food and 
non-food needs necessary to maintain a decent standard of living. While these 
figures are already staggering in and of itself, they paint a more vivid picture when 
disaggregated according to region.
According to the same report, the highly urbanized areas of Region III, Region 
rV-A, and the National Capital Region (NCR) recorded the lowest poverty incidence 
rates at 11.2, 9.1 and 3.9 percent, respectively. On the other hand. Region VIII, 
Caraga and the ARMM all registered the highest poverty incidence rates at 38.7, 39.1 
and 53.7, respectively2.
1 Philippines Economic Update: Investing in the Future, (n.d.). Retrieved from
https://www.worldbank.org/en/country/philippines/publication/philippines-economic-update-investing-in-the-
future
2 Philippine Statistics Authority. (2015). 2015Jull year official poverty statistics of the Philippines, pp. 4-6.
SEVENTEENTH CONGRESS OF THE 
)
REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES 
)
Third Regular Session 
)
S E N A T E
tSttiCC iC il;i- a r - r i tiicp
•19 JAN 30 P4 -43
RECt
COMMITTEE REPORT NO.
622
Submitted jointly by the Committees on Justice and Human Rights; Women, Children, 
Family Relations and Gender Equality; and Finance on 
■IAN 3 0 2019 
.
Re: Senate Bill No.
2198
Recommending its approval in substitution of Senate Nos. 2026, 1603 and 195, taking 
into consideration Senate Resolution Nos. 171 and 268.
Sponsor: Senator Richard J. Gordon
MR. PRESIDENT:
The Committees on Justice and Human Rights; Women, Children, Family Relations and 
Gender Equality; and Finance, to which were referred Senate Bill No. 2026, 
introduced by Senator Sotto III, entitled:
"AN ACT
LOWERING THE M IN IM U M  AGE OF CRIM INAL RESPONSIBILITY AMENDING 
FOR THE PURPOSE SECTIONS 6, 20, 20-A, 20-B AND 22 OF REPUBLIC ACT 
NO. 9344, AS AMENDED, OTHERWISE KNOWN AS "THE JUVENILE JUSTICE 
AND WELFARE ACT OF 2006", AND FOR OTHER PURPOSES"
Senate Bill No. 1603, introduced by Senator Drilon, entitled:
"AN ACT
LOWERING THE AGE OF CRIM INAL RESPONSIBILITY, AMENDING FOR THE 
PURPOSE REPUBLIC ACT NO. 9344, OTHERWISE KNOWN AS THE "JUVENILE 
JUSTICE AND WELFARE ACT OF 2006", AS AMENDED"
SEVENTEENTH CONGRESS OF THE 
REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES 
T h ird  Regular Session
S E N A T E  
S.B. No. 
2 0 7 5
■
Introduced by SENATOR RICHARD J. GORDON 
18 OCT 11 P 2 57
EXPLANATORY NOTE
(T
Central 
to 
the 
government's 
economic 
agenda 
is 
economic 
dynamism 
and 
competitiveness with increased investments, business opportunities, and job generation. But 
with competition posed by neighboring countries with lower production costs, especially in the 
export industry, the journey toward this goal will travel at a slow pace.
For instance, China has been edging its Asian neighbors in enticing foreign investors, 
particularly for their export industry, due to its increasing number and magnitude of economic 
zones with low production costs. In so doing, it has been displacing our own export industry 
thereby causing shrinking businesses and job losses. To gain back a steady footing in the 
export industry, we need to bring the battle to the countryside where there are lower costs of 
production and vast natural and human capital. To more effectively achieve this, we need to 
establish more economic zones in favorable geographic positions such as Surigao del Sur.
Surigao del Sur, being strategically situated along the border area, allowing for easy 
transit of goods, having sufficient road networks and sea and air transportation infrastructure, 
and being blessed with raw materials and human capital at varying levels of skills and trades, is 
surely a viable location for a special economic zone.
The proposed Surigao del Sur economic zone and freeport will not only contribute to the 
development o f their province, but also concomitantly contribute to regional and national 
development as the capital, technological, and knowledge spill-overs of the ecozone will filter 
throughout the country thereby helping attain the government's agenda of economic dynamism 
and competitiveness.
In view of the foregoing, the passage o f this measure is earnestly sought.
ARD J. GORDON
SEVENTEENTH CONGRESS OF THE 
) 
REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES 
)
Third Regular Session 
)
■' 
, 
.
'O u  
• M
n
 
£ • •  
' ‘‘  
P
SENATE
S. B. No. 2115
•18 
NOV 28 P4 57
F.:.:
INTRODUCED BY SENATOR JOSEPH VICTOR G. E3ERCITO
AN ACT
ESTABLISHING A SPECIAL ECONOMIC ZONE AND FREE PORT IN  THE 
M UNICIPALITIES OF SAN JOSE AND MAGSAYSAY IN  THE PROVINCE OF 
OCCIDENTAL MINDORO, PROVIDING FUNDS THEREFOR, AND FOR OTHER
PURPOSES
EXPLANATORY NOTE
The province of Occidental Mindoro is an agricultural area and holds the record 
of being the Southern Tagalog's second leading rice producer. Aside from agriculture, 
wholesale and retail trade industry have flourished in the province. Occidental Mindoro 
is situated along the western part of Batangas in Southern Luzon, and is known for 
being the gateway to Visayas and Mindanao. With its distinct location and booming 
industries. Occidental Mindoro is a promising haven for investments.
Special Economic Zones (ecozones), created under Republic Act No. 7916 or 
the "Special Economic Zone Act of 1995", are seen as a driving force for increased 
trade, investment, and economic activity in a particular area. Ecozones' share in 
attracting foreign direct investments (FDIs) and in merchandise exports have been 
growing considerably, according to the Asian Economic Integration Report 2015.
Considering the role and success of ecozones in attracting investments, this 
proposed measure seeks to establish a Special Economic Zone in Occidental Mindoro 
to help the province in its economic strategy to boost export promotion, attract foreign
SEVENTEENTH CONGRESS OF THE 
REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES
Third Regular Session
SENATE
S.B. No. 2107
■<».. 
-3 ; 
•' 
..
'18 
NOV 21 
P 4  '3Z
I L . . -
i5-
Introduced by Senator JOEL VILLANUEVA
AN ACT AMENDING SECTIONS 106, 107, 108 OF THE NATIONAL 
INTERNAL REVENUE CODE (NIRC) OF 1997, AS AMENDED
EXPLANATORY NOTE
In the mid-2000s, the Philippines was in a brink of a fiscal crisis as 
tax revenue performance declined to 12% of GDP and as the fiscal deficit 
ballooned into a historic high of 5% of GDP. In response, the Philippine 
government adjusted the value-added tax (VAT) rate from 10% to 12% 
under the so-called Expanded VAT (E-VAT) Law. The reform helped 
improve the country’s fiscal situation, but consequently placed the 
Philippines as the country with the highest VAT rate in the ASEAN region.
More than a decade after the E-VAT Law was enacted, the 
Philippines now enjoys a record-high tax revenue performance at 14.2% 
of GDP (highest since 1998) and managed to expand government 
spending while maintaining a fiscal balance of 2.2% of GDP.
In light of the current economic situation of the Philippines, this bill 
seeks to revert the VAT rate to its pre-2006 level at 10%. The country’s 
fiscal situation has improved significantly since the E-VAT Law was 
enacted. The country is therefore in the position to adjust its VAT rate 
back to 10% to be at par with the VAT and sales taxes of other ASEAN 
countries and thus regain our competitiveness.
4
SEVENTEENTH CONGRESS OF THE REPUBLIC 
OF THE PHILIPPINES
Third Regular Session
S E N A T E
S. B. NO. 2061
Introduced by Senator Juan Miguel F. Zubiri 18 
" 9 P2 :09
AN ACT
ESTABLISHING AND CREATING THE BUYOT INTEGRATED HIGH SCHOOL IN ^H E 
MUNICIPALITY OF DON CARLOS, BUKIDNON AND APPROPRIATING FUNDS
THEREFOR
EXPLANATORY NOTE
Being one of the smallest barangays in the municipality of Don Carlos in 
Bukidnon, Barangay Buyot has no secondary schools that can accommodate students 
wishing to continue their studies, hindering the realization of their potential and 
completion of their basic education.
At present, students would have to travel eight (8) kilometers to reach Barangay 
Old Nongnongan to pursue their education. Despite this predicament, the students of 
Barangay Buyot are still keen on continuing their studies, but are discouraged due to 
financial and geographical constraints.
Access to education is at the core of development. It will equip students with the 
necessary skills to live a decent life. Having schools and learning spaces available 
would be of help to reduce poverty and increase national competitiveness.
This bill seeks to create and establish the Buyot Integrated High School to 
address not only the needs of the youth living in Barangay Buyot, but also the youth
living in nearby barangays, namely, San Roque, New Gandingan, Old Gandingan, and 
Mahayahay.
In view of the foregoing, the passage of this bill is earnestly sought.
GUEL F. ZU B IR I
SEVENTEENTH CONGRESS OF THE 
REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES 
T h ird  R eg u lar S ession
]
SENATE
S.B. No. 2177
t-Kl f 
1 to.v
•19 
IAN 24 
P 6  ;34
Rr.
In tro d u ced  by SEN. WIN GATCHALIAN
AN ACT
INCREASING THE EXCISE TAX ON TOBACCO PRODUCTS AND 
AMENDING FOR THE PURPOSE SECTION 145 OF REPUBLIC ACT NO. 
8424, OTHERWISE KNOWN AS THE “TAX REFORM ACT OF 1997”, AS 
AMENDED BY REPUBLIC ACT NO. 9334 AND REPUBLIC ACT NO. 
10351, AND FOR OTHER PURPOSES
EXPLANATORY NOTE
Republic Act No. 10351, otherwise known as “An Act R estructuring the 
Excise Tax on Alcohol and Tobacco Products”, was enacted in 2012 and 
intended to curb cigarette consum ption and raise funds for the Universal 
Health Care (UHC) program s of the governm ent th at meet its Developmental 
Goals and provide viable alternative livelihood for tobacco farmers.
Data from the Global Adult Tobacco Survey from 2009 to 2015 suggest 
th at the proportion of Filipino sm okers relative to the entire population 
decreased at approxim ately 5% from 2009 to 2015 -  suggesting th at the 
PhP35/pack tobacco excise tax has elicited the desired behavioral change 
am ong a significant num ber of Filipino sm okers. However, the sam e data 
source shows that the average num ber of cigarettes consum ed per day has 
increased marginally from the sam e period (2009 to 2015) where the effect on
SEVENTEENTH CONGRESS OF THE ) 
REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES 
)
Third Regular Session 
)
'
•
 1 ■ 
4
SENATE
S. No. 2(j03
'18 
SEP 12'
Introduced by Senator Richard J. Gordon
. . .  
...
AN ACT
FURTHER AMENDING REPUBLIC ACT NO. 8436, AS AMENDED BY 
REPUBLIC ACT NO. 9369, AND OTHER RELATED ELECTIONS LAWS, 
AND FOR OTHER PURPOSES
EXPLANATORY NOTE
This measure seeks to amend the technology-neutral automated election 
system mandated by Republic Act (R.A.) No. 8436, as amended by R.A. No. 9369, and 
instead mandate the use of a Direct-Recording Electronic [DRE} System in national 
and local elections.
This measure is intended to help make vote counting and result tabulation 
faster and more accurate and therefore increase confidence in the final results of the 
elections; eliminate human error associated with a paper-based election system; 
reduce costs needed for paper ballots and folders, among other paraphernalia; and, 
resolve voter access problems for those with disabilities or those using diverse 
Philippine dialects, even illiterate voters.
This measure furthermore seeks to relax the requirements imposed in R.A. 
No. 8436, as amended by R.A. No. 9369, to enable qualified Filipinos and Filipino 
corporations to participate and compete in the procurem ent process; require the 
Commission on Elections to donate the Automated Election System (AES) 
equipment used in the election to the Department of Education and the Commission 
on Higher Education for use in public schools, to enable greater utility and efficiency 
in the use of government resources; require the use of the Philippine Identification 
System to establish the identity of voters; require the electronic ballot to contain the 
photograph of the candidates; require the display of the results of the counting of 
votes for better access to the voters; and to establish a disputable presumption of 
omission of vote-buying or vote-selling when a voter verified paper audit trail or 
ballot belong to a voter is found in the possession of another.
In view of the foregoing, the immediate ap p ro v al^f^ is bill is hereby sought
1
RICHA^D^rCORDON
Senator
SEVENTEENTH CONGRESS OF THE REPUBLIC 
OF THE PHILIPPINES
Third Regular Session
Iwji: 
^
*19 
JAN 29 AlO 24
REL.
SENATE
Com m ittee Report No. 582
Prepared and submitted jointly by the Committees on Health and Demography, and
Finance 
JAN 2 9 2019
Re: Senate Bill No. 218 6
Recommending its approval in substitution of Senate Bill Nos. 1647 and 1864, taking 
into consideration House Bill No. 7134.
Sponsor: Senator Joseph V ictor G. Ejercito
MR. PRESIDENT:
The Committees on Health and Demography, and Finance to which were referred 
Senate Bill No. 1647, introduced by Senator Joseph Victor G. Ejercito, Joel Villanueva 
and Maria Lourdes Nancy S. Binay, entitled:
AN ACT
PROVIDING 
POLICIES AND 
PRESCRIBING 
PROCEDURES 
ON 
SURVEILLANCE 
AND 
RESPONSE 
TO 
NOTIFIABLE 
DISEASES, 
EPIDEMICS, AND HEALTH RELATED EVENTS, AMENDING FOR THE 
PURPOSE 
REPUBLIC 
ACT 
NO. 
3573 
ENTITLED, 
'AN 
ACT 
PROVIDING 
FOR 
THE 
PREVENTION 
AND 
SUPPRESSION 
OF 
DANGEROUS 
COMMUNICABLE 
DISEASES 
AND 
FOR 
OTHER 
PURPOSES', AND APPROPRIATING FUNDS THEREFOR
Senate Bill No. 1864, introduced by Senator Risa Hontiveros, entitled;
AN ACT
PROVIDING 
POLICIES 
AND 
PRESCRIBING 
PROCEDURES 
ON 
SURVEILLANCE 
AND 
RESPONSE 
TO 
NOTIFIABLE 
DISEASES, 
EPIDEMICS, AND HEALTH EVENTS OF PUBLIC HEALTH CONCERN,
SEVENTEENTH CONGRESS OF THE REPUBLIC 
) 
OF THE PHILIPPINES
Third Regular Session
SENAT 
S.B. NO ZOQI
)
)
k ,'r 1 I'i
oi 1 
».*:» -tarp
*18 
SEP 12 P4--04
Introduced by Senator Maria Lourdes Nancy S. 
“ 
--------
AN ACT
TRANSFERRING THE JURISDICTION OF CRIMINAL CASES ARISING 
FROM VIOLATIONS OF COMMERCIAL LAWS TO SPECIAL COMMERCIAL 
COURTS
EXPLANATORY NOTE
Since the designation of the Supreme Court Regional Trial Courts (RTC) to act as 
Special Commercial Courts, various trainings have been provided to judges to 
help them understand the complexities of various commercial laws they are 
tasked to implement. As a result, Judges of Special Commercial Courts have now 
become specialists or experts in handling commercial cases.
However, because of the current legal text of Section 5.2. of Republic Act 8799, 
also known as the Securities Regulation Code, Special Commercial Courts and 
regular RTCs seem to exercise concurrent jurisdiction insofar as the criminal 
aspects of commercial cases are concerned. Since only civil aspects of the 
commercial cases are assigned to Special Commercial Courts, criminal violations 
of commercial laws are still tackled by regular RTC Judges who may not be as 
astute as judges with deep background on commercial matters.
Section 5.2. of Republic Act 8799, also known as the Securities Regulation Code 
states that:
SEVENTEENTH CONGRESS OF THE REPUBLIC 
) 
OF THE PHILIPPINES 
)
Third Regular Session 
)
S.B. NO
SENA?08G
t % - :
~  
tf. I j
'18 
NOV 12 
P 4 -35
Introduced by Senator Maria Lourdes Nancy S. Binay
AN ACT
STRENGTHENING THE REGULATION OF HEALTH FACILITIES AND 
SERVICES IN  THE PHILIPPINES, REPEALING FOR THE PURPOSE 
REPUBLIC ACT NO. 4226, OTHERWISE KNOWN AS THE HOSPITAL 
LICENSURE ACT AND FOR OTHER PURPOSES
EXPLANATORY NOTE
Article II, Section 15 of the 1987 Philippine Constitution provides:
"The State shall protect and promote the right to health of the people 
and instill health consciousness among them."
Health facilities play an important role in ensuring that the life and health of 
every Filipino is safely guarded and nurtured making it possible to prevent, cure 
and rehabilitate illnesses and provide guaranteed health care services. It is 
essential that health facilities reach a standard of effectiveness and that they 
deliver quality health services.
The proposed bill seeks to strengthen the regulation of health facilities and 
services by authorizing the Bureau of Health Facilities and Services (BHFS) of the 
Department of Health to:
• 
Establish and prescribe rules, regulations, standards and specifications
• 
Inspect and monitor all health facilities and other related facilities to 
ensure compliance with rules and regulations
• 
Study and adopt a system classifying health facilities
SEVENTEENTH CONGRESS OF THE 
)
REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES 
)
Third R egular Session 
)
SENATE
2185
S. B. No.
© u . . 1- 
L t  ■ 
til’,I'
(v;'
■19 
IAN 28 P6:06
REc-i. . 
^
_____
INTRODUCED BY SENATOR JOSEPH VICTOR G. EJERCITO
AN ACT
GRANTING THE APPROPRIATE C IVIL SERVICE E LIG IB ILITY  TO 
SANGGUNIANG 
KABATAAN 
OFFICIALS, 
AMENDING 
FOR 
THE 
PURPOSE 
REPUBLIC ACT NO. 
10742 OR THE 
SANGGUNIANG 
KABATAAN REFORM ACT OF 2015
EXPLANATORY NOTE
Section 13 of Article II of the Philippine Constitution provides that "The State 
recognizes the vital role of the youth in nation-building and shall promote and 
protect their physical, moral, spiritual, intellectual, and social well-being. It shall 
inculcate in the youth patriotism and nationalism, and encourage their 
involvement in public and civic affairs."
It is almost three years since, the passage of the Sangguniang Kabataan (SK) 
Reform Law. Its passage is considered as trium ph for the youth considering the 
reforms that were put in place to address the gaps within the SK. The legislature 
pushed for the reform to foster and renew the sense of nationalism among the 
youth as future leaders who will soon become movers and enablers of our 
society.
Through the SK Reform Law, the issue on the age and qualification to be 
members of the SK Council was addressed as it raised the eligible age to run for 
office from  15 to 18 years old to 18 to 24 years old. It also eliminated the 
existing patronage politics and enabled the constitutionally mandated anti­
dynasty provision.
SEVENTEENTH CONGRESS OF THE ) 
REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES 
)
Third Regular Session 
)
I {* V :
^2s<!- 
i i i i r
SENATE
S. No.
Introduced by Senator Richard J. Gordon
AN ACT
CREATING THE POSITIONS OF JUDGES-AT-LARGE, AMENDING 
FOR THE PURPOSE BATAS PAMBANSA BILANG 129, OTHERWISE 
KNOWN AS THE "THE JUDICIARY REORGANIZATION ACT OF 
1980," AND APPROPRIATING FUNDS THEREFOR
EXPLANATORY NOTE
Justice delayed is justice denied.
The 1987 Philippine Constitution specifically states that "all persons shall have 
the right to a speedy disposition of their cases before all judicial, quasi-judicial or 
administrative bodies (Article III, Section 16).
In M atias v. P la n 1, the Supreme Court, through then Justice (now Chief 
Justice) Reynato S. Puno, expressed grave concern if such constitutional guarantee is 
ignored, thus:
The 
Constitution 
guarantees 
the 
right 
o f 
persons against unreasonable delay in the disposition o f cases before all 
judicial, quasi-judicial or administrative bodies. Judges play an active role 
in ensuring that cases are resolved with speed and dispatch so as not to 
defeat the cause o f the litigants.
X X X
The need for speedy administration o f justice cannot be ignored. 
Excessive delay in the disposition o f cases renders the rights o f people 
guaranteed by various legislations inutile, x x x.
Moreover, Justice Isagani A. Cruz recognized that the constitutional provision on 
speedy disposition 
of cases "deserves support and its 
implementation 
depends 
ultimately upon the Supreme Court, which unfortunately is no paragon of speedy justice 
either."2
The clogged dockets of the courts cause great delay in the disposition of cases. 
Based on the latest available data from the Judiciary, the total caseload of the Supreme
1 A.M. No. MTJ-98-1159, August 3, 1998, 293 SCRA 532.
2 Cruz, Constitutional Law, 2007 Edition, p. 295.
SEVENTEENTH CONGRESS OF THE 
)
REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES 
)
Third Regular Session 
)
m
S E N A T E
S. No. 
2056
tO‘l U of !i' r  £  -Ji
‘18 
OCT -8 A10 :09
_LL
Introduced by: Senator Paolo Benigno "Bam" A. Aquino IV
AN ACT PROVIDING FOR A JUST AND EQUITABLE TRANSITION FOR 
PUBLIC UTILITY VEHICLE (PUV) MODERNIZATION, WITH TRANSITORY 
ASSISTANCE AND SERVICES RENDERED TO PUV DRIVERS, OPERATORS AND
STAKEHOLDERS
EXPLANATORY NOTE
Naniniwala ako na kaya nating magtayo ng ligtas, mahusay at makabagong 
sistema ng transportasyon na ikatutuwa ng mga pasahero, pati na ng mga tsuper.
Tuwing may nakakausap akong kababayan na kakabalik lang mula abroad, 
madalas kong naririnig ang reklamo sa trapik at sa mababang kalidad ng ating 
pampublikong transportasyon. Kung kaya nga naman ng ibang bansa tulad ng Japan o 
Singapore na magtayo ng mahusay na sistema ng tren at bus, bakit hindi natin magawa 
dito sa Pilipinas?
Nais natin umunlad at umasenso ang mga sistema ng jeepney at tricycle, bus at 
tren sa bansa -  at naniniwala akong may kakayahan tayong gawin ito. Ngunit kailangan 
din natin siguraduhin na sa programang ito, walang masasagasaang Pilipino.
\A/hile we move toward building safer, more efficient and environmentally 
sustainable public transport systems, we must ensure that the livelihood of our
'-!ir !' 
■ 
■ 
‘
© i i  
a i T f i - - . '  >iQ>
SEVENTEENTH CONGRESS OF THE REPUBLIC 
) 
OF THE PHILIPPINES 
)
Third Regular Session 
)
SENATE
S.B. NO. dlPl
•19 
JAN 21 
P 3 :18
RE*:.
Introduced by Senator Maria Lourdes Nancy S. Binay
AN ACT
ESTABLISHING A NATIONAL SENIOR VISION SERVICES PROGRAM FOR 
ELDERLY PERSONS W ITH FUNCTIONAL VISUAL IMPAIRMENTS
EXPLANATORY NOTE
Article XV, Section 4 of the 1987 Philippine Constitution provides:
"The family has the duty to care for its elderly members but the State 
may also do so through just programs of social security."
Article II, Section 15 of the 1987 Philippine Constitution provides:
"The State shall protect and promote the right to health of the people 
and instill health consciousness among them."
The eye is an important organ of the human body that is used in everyday life. 
As they age, elderly people encounter different problems that lead to impairment 
of visual functions. It is our duty to provide senior citizens with health care 
services that will assist them in adapting to visual impairments brought about by 
aging.
The proposed bill seeks to protect and promote the health and welfare of our 
senior citizens by creating a national senior vision program that will provide 
comprehensive services for their functional visual impairments.
SEVENTEENTH C O N G R ESS O F TH E 
]
REPUBLIC OF T H E  PH IL IPPIN ES 
]
T hird R egular Session 
]
SENATE
S.B . No. 2105
• • ' e i . . -  5’- 
«  
• '  ' v
: ?
'18 
NOV 21 
P l ;15
M-l-
In tro d u c e d  b y  SEN. WIN GATCHALIAN
AN ACT
PROVIDING FOR THE REGULATION AND ORGANIZATION OF
ISLAMIC BANKS
EXPLANATORY NOTE
Islamic banking and finance are characterized by risk-sharing and 
equitable distribution of wealth in the conduct of banking and finance 
operations consistent with the principles of Shariah or Islamic law, where 
undertaking or financing anti-social and unethical businesses and setting of 
interest or a fixed pre-determ ined rate of return are prohibited.
Providing a framework where our Filipino Muslim entrepreneurs, 
especially micro, small and medium enterprises, can effectively access 
responsive banking and financial services th at are com pliant with the 
principles of Shariah or Islamic law, will further help the governm ent’s efforts 
to develop the Bangsamoro Region as a com plem ent to the Bangsamoro 
Organic Law. It will likewise enable the country to tap into the growing pool 
of Islamic investors across the Middle E ast and S outheast Asia.
With the end view of promoting greater financial inclusion, this bill 
seeks to establish the legal and regulatory framework for the development of
1
1 '
SEVENTEENTH CONGRESS OF THE REPUBLIC 
) 
OF THE PHILIPPINES
Third Regular Session
)
)
.  ♦T'T. *
SENA 
S.B. NO.
Introduced by Senator Maria Lourdes Nancy S. Binay
AN ACT
ESTABLISHING 
A 
LABELING 
AND 
NUTRITIONAL 
AWARENESS 
PROGRAM 
THAT 
REQUIRES 
SCHOOLS 
TO 
POST 
NUTRITIONAL 
CONTENT 
INFORMATION 
REGARDING 
FOOD 
SERVED 
IN  
THEIR 
CANTEENS
EXPLANATORY NOTE
Article II, Section 13 of the 1987 Philippine Constitution provides:
"The State recognizes the vital role of the youth in nation-building 
and shall promote and protect their physical, 
moral, spiritual, 
intellectual, and social well-being."
Article II, Section 15 of the 1987 Philippine Constitution provides:
"The State shall protect and promote the right to health and instill 
health consciousness among them."
Nutrition is the intake of food considered in relation to the body's dietary needs. 
According to the World Health Organization, poor nutrition can lead to reduced 
immunity, increased susceptibility to disease, impaired physical and mental 
development, and reduced productivity. Hence it is our objective to ensure that 
good nutritional choices becomes a part of their everyday life. In addition it can 
help them reach and maintain a healthy weight, reduce the risk of chronic 
diseases and promote overall health.
SEVENTEENTH CONGRESS OF THE ) 
REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES 
)
Third Regular Session 
)
. 
.
>».;■> -'(P ita 01 
a  
•
T9 JAN 30 A9 54
SENATE
S. No. 
2 1 9  4
Introduced by SENATOR LEILA M. DE LIMA
AN ACT
PROTECTING CONSUMERS AND USERS AGAINST FORCED E-BILLING, 
ADDING FOR THIS PURPOSE A NEW PROVISION AND AMENDING 
CERTAIN PROVISIONS OF REPUBLIC ACT NO. 7394, OTHERWISE 
KNOWTV AS THE CONSUMER ACI OF THE PHILIPPINES, AND 
PROVIDING PENALTIES FOR VIOLATIONS THEREOF
EXPLANATORY NOTE
1 
Article XVI, Section 9 of the 1987 Constitution states that, “[t]he State shall
2 
protect consumers from trade malpractices and from substandard hazardous
3 
products.”
4 
Article II of Republic Act No. 7394, otherwise known as the Consumer Act of
5 
the Philippines, declares that, “[i]t is the policy of the state to protect the interests of
6 
the consumer, promote his general welfare and to establish standards of conduct for
7 
business and industry. Towards this end, the State shall implement measures to
8 
achieve the following objectives:
9 
(b) protection against deceptive, unfair, and unconscionable sales, acts
10 
and practices
11 
(c) provision of information and education to facilitate sound choice and
12 
the proper exercise of rights by the consumer; and
13 
(d) pro\rision of adequate rights and means of redress.”
14 
According to a news report, customers who chose to be billed in the traditional
15 
way are required to pay for the release of their paper bill usually at P50 per month for
SEVENTEENTH CONGRESS OF THE 
)
REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES 
)
Third Regular Session 
)
S E N A T E
COMMITTEE REPORT NO.
5G5
\ 
^ .T •
VtSL 
• ^  .
c! tJi.' i ;. r ifirp
’19 
JAN 23 
A 9 ^7
RZLi
(P -
Submitted 
jointly 
by 
the 
Committees 
on 
Trade, 
Commerce 
and 
Entrepreneurship; and Finance on _ JAN 2 3 2Q19 
2019
Re: Senate Bill No.
2171
Recommending its approval in substitution of Senate Bill No. 1908.
Sponsor: Senator Aquilino "Koko" Pimentel III
MR. PRESIDENT:
The Committee on Trade, Commerce and Entrepreneurship joint with the 
Committee on Finance to which were referred Senate Bill No. 1908 introduced 
by Senator Sherwin T. Gatchalian, entitled:
"AN ACT
STRENGTHENING 
AND 
MODERNIZING 
THE 
WAREHOUSE 
RECEIPTS LAW OF THE PHILIPPINES IN  ORDER TO PROVIDE A 
LEGAL 
FRAMEWORK 
IN  
THE 
PHILIPPINES 
THAT 
SHALL 
FACILITATE 
TRADE, 
COMMERCE, 
AND 
OTHER 
RELATED 
PURPOSES"