bettergovph/raw-philippine-data huggingface dataset:
SEVENTEENTH CONGRESS OF THE 
) 
REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES 
)
First Regular Session 
)
S. No.
SENATE
8,17
•16
.11121 
P2--33
Ul ‘
V -
Introduced by Senator Ralph G. Recto
AN ACT
INCREASING THE EXCISE TAX ON MINERALS, MINERAL PRODUCTS AND 
QUARRY RESOURCES, AMENDING FOR THE 
PURPOSE CERTAIN 
SECTIONS OF THE NATIONAL INTERNAL REVENUE CODE OF 1997, AS 
AMENDED
Explanatory Note
The national government is perpetually searching for sources of revenues to 
finance its operations. Over the years, the tax rates on some exeisable products have 
remained unehanged. Hence, increments in tax colleetions from these products come 
from increases in the volume of removals or the products’ prices.
Historically, the excise tax on nonmetallic minerals and quarry resources is 
imposed based on the actual value of the gross output at the rate of one and a half pereent 
(1.5%) from 1939 to 1977. Then it was increased to three percent (3%) until 1994. The 
rate was reduced in 1994 to two percent (2%) of the actual market value or the value used 
by the Bureau of Customs in detemiining the tariff and customs duties in the case of 
importation.
The rate on metallie minerals was initially set at one and a half percent (1.5%) of 
actual market value of the annual gross output, and then increased to five percent (5%) in 
1977. With the passage of Republic Act No. 7729 in 1994, the rates were trimmed down: 
for copper and other metallic minerals, to one percent (1%) until 1997 and slowly 
increased to its present rate at two percent (2%); and for gold and chromite, two percent 
(2%) of actual market value of the annual gross output. Under the National Internal 
Revenue Code (NIRC), as amended, the rates were uniform at two percent (2%) of actual 
market value of the annual gross output.
Based on available data, the excise tax collections from minerals and quarry 
resourees were P27.317 billion in 2015, P32.751 billion in 2014, P24.389 billion in 2013, 
and 20.587 billion in 2012.
This bill proposes to increase the tax on minerals and quarry resources from two 
percent (2%) to seven percent (7%). Although the ad valorem rate guarantees increased 
tax revenues during periods of higli commodity prices, these increments are volatile. 
With the passage of this bill, the national government can look forward to higlier 
revenues than it has collected in recent years.
The potential revenue from the proposed increase in excise tax on mineral 
products shall be equally divided between the national government and the local
Mines and Geosciences Bureau. “Mining Industry Statistics. 2016”
http_://www.ingb.gov.Dh/attachtncnts/article/162/MISf2015)%2Qm%20m.Ddf. (accessed July 5, 
2016).
SEVENTEENTH CONGRESS OF THE 
REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES 
First Regular Session
SENATE
S.B. No. 991
S i ? ! ) ' ! ! ; -
(.6ffire clf 
rrTrt.’K y
*16 AUG-8 P1 31
■■'V
In tro d u ced  by SEN. WIN GATCHALIAN
AN ACT
AMENDING SECTIONS 2 AND 3 (B) OF REPUBLIC ACT NO. 8794,
OTHERWISE KNOWN AS "AN ACT IMPOSING A MOTOR VEHICLE USER'S
%
CHARGE ON OWNERS OF ALL TYPES OF MOTOR VEHICLES AND FOR
OTHER PURPOSES"
EXPLANATORY NOTE
The Road Board, which collects at least PIO billion a year from m otor vehicle 
owners and acts as the “road m aintenance arm ” of the D epartm ent of Public Works and 
Highways (DPWH) h as always been found by the Commission on Audit as lacking in 
adequate evaluation standards which h as led to an increased risk of m isallocation of 
funds. In the sam e m anner th at it has neglected its m andate of pollution control. In 
2013, 43 LGUs were unable to access their share of the SLRF as the DILG m anagem ent 
excluded them  from the SLRF share of P322,070,717 for not passing the SGH 
requirem ents which are contrary to the Road Board Policy and MVUC Law. These, and 
other factual practices have hounded the m anagem ent of the Road Board Funds.
In the perspective of a hum ble and destitute tricycle driver the am ount exacted 
from them  for the Motor Vehicle U ser's Charge already cuts a big chunk of the earning 
th at could have fed their family for a day. The com parison to w hat the Board receives
SEVENTEENTH CONGRESS OF TH E 
)
REPUBLIC OF THE PH ILIPPIN ES 
)
First Regular Session 
)
SENATE
s. No. 5 5 7
‘16 JUU9 P4
R F .c r;* . •'!'} n \ :
_______________ Introduced by Senator Antonio “Sonny” F. Trillanes IV
AN ACT
INSTITUTING 
A 
DRIVER 
EDUCATION 
PROGRAM  
PROVIDING 
THE 
IM PLEM ENTING M ECHANISM S TH ER EFO R  AND FOR OTHER PURPOSES
EXPLANATORY NOTE
We see and hear in the media everyday damages to lives and propelties caused by vehicular 
accidents and mishaps, accidents that may have been prevented if the person behind the 
wheel had enough discipline and courtesy while driving. Sadly however, most of the drivers 
who have the privilege to drive display a lack of discipline to handle the wheel as evidenced 
by traffic altercations and everyday traffic jams.
Proper driving courtesy and discipline may be acquired if one enrolls ill formal driving 
schools. However, enrolling in a driver school to most drivers is not an option because it 
proves to be costly, thus they learn how to drive from friends and relatives who themselves 
were not properly educated in formal driving schools.
This bill seeks to introduce a Driver Education Program in the curriculum of high schools in 
both public and private to instill into the minds of the students as early, and as young as 
possible, the proper knowledge and values in driving.
In view of the foregoing, immediate approval of this measure is earnestly sought.
ANTO
^SONl^Y” F.
Senator
ILLANES IV
4 .
SEVENTEENTH CONGRESS OF THE REPUBLIC 
)
OF THE PHILIPPINES 
)
First Regular Session 
)
'16 JUL20 P4-.09
SENATE
S.B. No. 
693
H I  A  
h .  v j , ; '  
n V :
Introduced by: Senator Paolo Benigno "Bam " A. Aquino IV
AN ACT PROVIDING A NATIONAL FRAMEWORK FOR STUDENTS' RIGHTS AND WELFARE
Explanatory Note
As education plays a vital role in shaping any nation, it provides young citizens the 
key knowledge, skills and attitudes to be able to participate and contribute meaningfully to 
the growth of society.
While there is an effort to improve the technical content and curriculum, and the 
delivery and instruction, there is also a need to reform the non-academic side of education.
This bill proposes to broaden the focus of education institutions towards a more 
holistic formation of students. By providing a national framework for students' rights and 
welfare, this measure seeks to create a conducive atmosphere to maximize their learning 
and growth.
Service-learning modules provide the chance for students to learn about empathy 
and compassion; volunteer organizations present the world outside the four walls of the 
classroom and show the faces of poverty and injustice.
Student-governments and campus publications are spaces where students are able 
to strengthen values of leadership, integrity, transparency and accountability. Dialogues and 
consultations with school administrations further enhance the value for respect and critical 
thinking among future leaders of the country.
Students are no longer just the future of the country. We count on them to be 
leaders in their communities in the here and now.
In view of the foregoing, the approval of this bill is earnestly sought.
Senator Paolo Benigno "Bam " A. Aquino IV
SEVENTEENTH CONGRESS OF THE 
)
REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES 
)
First Regular Session 
)
( f llf it t  of
’■r
*16 MJG-1 P1'-48
SENATE
S.B. No. 951
K V
’’V;
Introduced by Senator SONNY ANGARA
AN ACT
PROMOTING AND AUTHORIZING PUBLIC -  PRIVATE PARTNERSHIPS FOR THE 
FINANCING, CONSTRUCTION, OPERATION AND MAINTENANCE OF INFRASTRUCTURE 
FACILITIES, APPROPRIATING FUNDS THEREFOR, AND FOR OTHER PURPOSES
EXPLANATORY NOTE
With the incoming administration’s thrust of accelerating spending on infrastructure, it is 
appropriate to refile this bill to institutionalize the PPP Center and support the implementation of 
various infrastructure projects throughout the country via public-private partnerships.
The government has traditionally been in charge of providing and financing infrastructure 
in the country. 
However, investment requirements have exceeded the capacities of the 
government, prompting the public sector to enable private participation in infrastructure 
development. In the past two decades, a number of services in utilities, transportation, property 
development, and information technology are provided through contractual arrangements such 
as the build-operate-transfer (BOT).
Reforms to the BOT processes, however, are necessary to better address the needs 
and qualms of the public-private partnerships (PPP) investors. For the country to build on its 
recent economic gains and to ensure the proper investment environment in our country 
forecasted as the 2nd fastest growing economy in the world in 2015,1 the private sector must be 
further encouraged to make investments through a modernized and enhanced PPP law.
Thus, this bill seeks to create an enabling environment for PPPs wherein the rules are 
fair, clear, and equally applied to all, by providing liberalized government regulations and 
procedures incorporating the valuable lessons learned from successful and failed projects in the 
past as well as global test practices in PPP, and by expanding the coverage of PPP to include 
joint ventures, and operation and maintenance contracts.
It also aims to protect public interest by ensuring fair and reasonable pricing and timely 
delivery of quality infrastructure, goods and services, and by requiring full public disclosure of all 
PPP transactions.
Under the bill, temporary restraining orders, preliminary injunctions or preliminary 
mandatory injunctions against any PPP project cannot be issued by any other court except the 
Supreme Court but with a validity period of only six months.
With the additional incentives provided under this bill, we can attract more PPPs to help 
the government hasten and improve the construction of public infrastructure and services to 
boost the growth of the Philippine economy.
In view of the foregoing, the passage of this bill is earnestly sought.
SONNY ANGARA
'•T ! '
SEVENTEENTH CONGRESS OF THE ) 
REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES 
) 
FIRST REGULAR SESSION 
)
‘9 i i i r (  o f  fhp > p t r i  ’l l  1
’16 
AllG -1 
All :40
SENATE
SENATE BILL NO. 9 3 8 , . ,
INTRODUCED BY SENATOR JOSEPH VICTOR G. EJERCITO
AN ACT
PROVIDING FOR THE PROTECTION, SECURITY AND BENEFITS 
OF WHISTLEBLOWERS, APPROPRIATING FUNDS THEREFOR 
AND FOR OTHER PURPOSES
EXPLANATORY NOTE
Public office carries with it a sense of responsibility and duty of 
accountability. While it is always a great privilege to hold a public office, 
goverrunent officials are expected to serve the people and perform their 
respective functions with integrity.
The country has been bombarded with scandals that compromised 
the credibility of government officials. In line with this, actions should be 
undertaken to ensure that misuse and abuse of powers are prevented or 
exposed.
This bill recognizes the vital role of whistleblowers in exposing the 
wrongdoing of public officials. These witnesses have the necessaiy 
knowledge and information to reveal tlie illegal activities, of government 
authorities. However, fear of retaliation and lack of adequate protection 
prevent them from coming out in the open.
The passage of this measure will strengthen accountabiUty and 
reduce corruption in public sectors. It wiU also encourage citizens to 
report improper use of government office as weU as corrupt practices of
'■ 
of thfi 
• i"’ n
SEVENTEENTH CONGRESS
REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES 
First Regular Session
cnah’
'16 JUL20 A 9 35 
'
SENATE
S. No. 643
Introduced by Senator Antonio “Sonny” F. Trillanes IV
AN ACT
AMENDING SECTION 450 OF REPUBLIC ACT NO. 7160, OTHERWISE KNOWN 
AS THE LOCAL GOVERNMENT CODE OF 1991, AS AMENDED BY REPUBLIC 
ACT NO. 9009, ALLOWING THE CONVERSION OF A MUNICIPALITY WHICH 
HAS A LAND AREA OF AT LEAST FIFTY (50) SQUARE KILOMETERS OR 
INHABITANTS OF AT LEAST TWENTY FIVE THOUSAND (25,000) INTO A 
COMPONENT CITY IF IT HAS AN ANNUAL AVERAGE LOCALLY GENERATED 
INCOME 
OF 
AT 
LEAST 
TWO 
HUNDRED 
FIFTY 
MILLION 
PESOS 
(P250,000,000.00) FOR THE LAST TWO CONSECUTIVE YEARS BASED ON 2012 
CONSTANT PRICES
EXPLANATORY NOTE
Section 450 of the Local Government Code provides for the conversion of a municipality or 
barangay into a component city. Section 450 of the Local Government Code as amended by 
Republic Act No. 9009 provides:
"Section 450. Requisites for Creation:
(a) A municipality or a cluster of barangays may be converted into a component city 
if it has a locally generated average annual income, as certified by the Department 
of Finance, of at least One Hundred Million Pesos (Php 100,000,000.00) for the 
last two (2) consecutive years based on 2000 constant prices, and if it has either of 
the following requisites:
(I) 
contiguous territory of at least one hundred (100) square kilometers, as 
certified by the Land Management Bureau, or;
(II) 
a population of not less than one hundred fifty thousand (150,000) 
inhabitants, as certified by the National Statistics Office.
The creation thereof shall not reduce the land area, population and income of the 
original unit or units at the time of said creation to less than the minimum 
requirements prescribed herein."
It can be noted however that there are some municipalities who are capable of providing 
much needed social services to their constituents. These municipalities even exceed other 
existing cities in the efficient delivery of services to their inhabitants. However, these 
municipalities are not eligible to be converted to a city due to their failure to comply with 
either the required number of population or land area. It is therefore unfair for the inhabitants
SEVENTEENTH CONGRESS 
)
REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES 
)
First Regular Session 
)
•16 
JUL19 A10-.17
S E N A T E  
S.B. No 425
FlVi-.l) IlY; _
In tro d u ced  by SENATOR LOREN LEGARDA
AN ACT TO MANAGE MEDICAL RESIDENCY TRAINING PROGRAMS IN THE 
PHILIPPINES
Explanatory Note
The decreasing enrollm ent of students in the field of medicine in the 
Philippines has been showing an alarm ing trend. Add to th at the recent 
phenom enon of doctors foregoing their medical education and training in order 
to pursue nursing abroad, and w hat we have is a country faced with a crisis in 
health service provision. 
Some governm ent and private hospitals were 
reportedly filling up their medical resident vacancies by hiring foreign doctors. 
In a survey done in 2011 by the D epartm ent of Health (DOH), am ong its 
retained training and teaching hospitals, 12% of plantilla positions for medical 
residents rem ain unfilled. It is feared th at with Filipinos opting for out-of­
residency training, there will no longer be Filipino medical specialists in the 
future.
Resident doctors are the m ain workforce in hospitals and as such, they are 
som etim es on duty for three straight days; during which, m eals and sleep are 
missed. Surely, these dism al conditions m ake raising a family and living 
decently a very difficult endeavor for Filipino doctors in the country.
Changes m ust be m ade so th at a potential health crisis may be averted. This 
bill seeks to upgrade the salary and benefits of doctors while upgrading the 
quality of their training as well.
This bill seeks to m ake our Filipino medical residents stay in the country in 
order for them  to continue looking after the health of Filipinos. Through this 
bill, it is hoped th at our country will produce com petent medical specialists 
who are willing to stay in the country and serve their fellow citizens.
In view of the foregoing, the im m ediate passage of this bill is sought.
LOREN" LEGARDA
Senator
IP
SEVENTEENTH CONGRESS 
)
REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES 
)
First Regular Session 
)
( t l t t . n  . ' l . j ,
JUL 1H p5 56
S E N A T E
412
S.B. No. 
^
■11
In tro d u ced  by S en ato r LOREN LEGARDA
AN ACT EXPANDING THE COVERAGE OF THE DEFINITION OF THE CRIME 
OF SEXUAL HARASSMENT TO INCLUDE UNWANTED TEXT MESSAGES, 
ELECTRONIC MAIL OR COMMUNICATIONS, OR OTHER SIMILAR MEANS, 
AMENDING FOR THIS PURPOSE REPUBLIC ACT NUMBERED SEVENTY 
EIGHT HUNDRED AND SEVENTY-SEVEN, OTHERWISE KNOWN AS THE 
"SEXUAL HARASSMENT LAW”
Explanatory Note
This bill seeks to expand the m edium  of com m unication by which dem ands 
and requests for sexual favors constituting acts of sexual harassm ent, are 
defined under RA 7877, otherwise known as the “Sexual H arassm ent Law.” 
Enacted in 1995, this is a landm ark law providing a comprehensive policy and 
legal framework for the recognition of the problem of sexual harassm ent and 
penalizing perpetrators of said crime. Since its enactm ent alm ost 15 years ago, 
there 
has 
been 
an 
unprecedented 
expansion 
in 
electronic 
and 
telecom m unications such as cellular phones, text m essaging, internet and 
electronic mail. D ata from the National Telecom m unications Commission (NTC) 
shows th at as of 2015, there are around 42.6 million subscribers of internet 
services and according to the B usiness Monitor International, the num ber of 
telecom m unication subscribers in the Philippines is expected to reach 117 
million by the end of 2016. Such m odern forms of com m unication are widely 
used today and have been a common m edium  of work-related and personal 
com m unication.
Like traditional forms of com m unication, these new forms of com m unication 
can be used to convey m essages th at are vulgar, sm utty, sexist as well as push 
for, dem and, or request, for sexual favors. This bill am ends Section 3 of RA 
7877 by expanding the coverage of sexual harassm ent acts to include sending 
SMS m essages, electronic mail, internet chat and other sim ilar m eans of 
conveying m essages via electronic com m unication th at constitute sexual 
harassm ent under the said law.
In view of the foregoing, the im m ediate passage of this bill is earnestly sought.
LEGARDA
Senator
, \ 
\ i
SEVENTEENTH CONGRESS OF THE 
) 
REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES 
)
First Regular Session 
)
S E N A T E
s. b.No.300
'O\o 1HE
'/mBmV-
2
O0 A T E jU k J L U ! ! lf *
Vj?> time: 
" /
BY;
BILLS &
Introduced by Senator Aquilino “Koko” Pimentel III
AN ACT
CREATING TWO ADDITIONAL BRANCHES OF THE REGIONAL
TRIAL COURT WITH SEATS AT ORMOC, LEYTE IN THE 
EIGHTH JUDICIAL REGION, AMENDING FOR THE PURPOSE 
SECTION 14 (I) OF BATAS PAMBANSA BLG. 129, OTHERWISE 
KNOWN AS THE JUDICIARY REORGANIZATION ACT OF 1980, 
AS AMENDED, AND APPROPRIATING FUNDS THEREFOR
EXPLANATORY NOTE
The great civil rights advocate Martin Luther King, Jr., while 
incarcerated in Birmingham Jail decades ago, famously decried the phrase 
that never gets hackneyed “justice delayed is justice denied.” Sadly, Mr. 
King’s words, which were probably a critique on the administration of justice 
during his time, still very much resonate to this day with the plight of many 
Filipinos whose cases have long languished or are still languishing in our 
courts. While the members of our judiciary are some of the most brilliant 
luminaries in the legal community, the sheer volume of their caseload 
sometimes render it impossible for them to resolve these cases judiciously 
and with dispatch.
The Regional Trial Court in Ormoc City, Leyte, for which there are two 
(2) branches, has a total combined caseload of 1,637 as of February 2015. 
This translates to an almost similar average caseload of 819 per branch per 
year and again exceeds the manageable caseload of 300 for second level 
courts by almost 519 cases per branch.1 Hence, the need to increase the courts 
therein by two.
With the passage of this bill, it is my hope that soon, no Filipino will be 
denied justice simply due to the delay in the disposition of their cases.
AQUILINOv‘KOKO” PIMENTEL HI
1 Office of the Court Administrator, Supreme Court
SEVENTEENTH CONGRESS OF THE ) 
REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES ) 
First Regular Session 
)
SENATE 
S. No. 1525
'* ‘C lf irc  of !'■
•!6
9
Introduced by Senator Antonio “Sonny” F. Trillanes IV
AN ACT
ESTABLISHING AN INTER-AGENCY ENERGY CONSERVATION COMMITTEE 
TO DEPLOY COST-EFFECTIVE ENERGY CONSERVATION MEASURES AND 
TECHNOLOGIES AND FOR OTHER PURPOSES
EXPLANATORY NOTE
Utility services and energy represent a significant and growing cost to our economy, even 
with existing opportunities that can notably reduce the operating costs of government 
buildings and other facilities in the country. It is in the public interest to provide for the 
planning and technical analyis necessary for cost-effective energy conservation measures, 
and for alternative methods of financing energy-related improvements in such buildings and 
facilities.
For the reason that there is a limited amount of nonrenewable energy sources on Earth, it is 
important to conserve our current supply in order for our natural resources to be available for 
future generations. Cost-effective energy conservation measures aiming to minimize energy 
consumption and costs indicate that the government is exercising prudent management over 
publicly-owned assets.
Recognizing the need for us to do our part in saving as much energy as we can, this bill 
further gives value to efficient use of energy by making the people do their part in using the 
energy wisely.
In view of the foregoing, the approval of this bill is earnestly requested.
ANTrf^Mo^^so^Y” i.
Senator
TRILLANES IV
SEVENTEENTH CONGRESS OF THE) 
REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES ) 
First Regular Session)
SENATE
SENATE BILL NO. 331
L</> TIME:
BILLS &
INTRODUCED BY SENATOR JOSEPH VICTOR G. EJERCITO
AN ACT ESTABLISHING AN ON-SITE, IN-CITY OR NEAR-CITY 
RESETTLEMENT PROGRAM FOR INFORMAL SETTLER FAMILIES IN 
ACCORDANCE WITH A PEOPLE'S PLAN AND MANDATING 
RELOCATING LOCAL GOVERNMENT UNITS TO PROVIDE OTHER 
BASIC SERVICES AND LIVELIHOOD COMPONENTS IN FAVOR OF THE 
RECIPIENT LOCAL GOVERNMENT UNIT, AMENDING FOR THE 
PURPOSE REPUBLIC ACT NO. 7279, AS AMENDED, OTHERWISE 
KNOWN AS THE "URBAN DEVELOPMENT AND HOUSING ACT OF
1992"
EXPLANATORY NOTE
The 1987 Philippine Constitution, Article Xlll, Section 9 and 10 provides:
"The State shall, by law, and for the common good, undertake, in 
cooperation with the private sector, a continuing program of urban 
land reform and housing which will make available at ajfordabk cost, 
decent housing and basic services to underprivileged and homeless 
citizens in urban centers and resettlement areas. It shall also promote 
adequate employment opportunities to such citizens. 
In tlte 
implementation of such program the State shall respect the rights of 
small property owners" (Section 9);
"Urban or rural poor dxvellers shall not be evicted nor their dxvelling 
demolished, except in accordance uhth law and in a just and humane 
manner.
No resettlement of urban or rural dwellers shall be undertaken 
without adequate consultation xoith them and the communities xvhere 
they are to be relocated. "(Section 10)
There is a growing and continuing demand for affordable and adequate 
housing both in the urban and rural areas, despite the government's effort to
P R r I 1
SEVENTEENTH CONGRESS 
)
REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES 
)
First Regular Session 
)
(f it jt rr I ' *  '■)' ^  f  ■ T r{;i'
'16 
vlUL 19 
AlO 3 4
S E N A T E
442
S.B. No. 
^
,1^ 
: l>¥;
In tro d u ced  by SENATOR LOREN LEGARDA
AN ACT TO STRENGTHEN THE SUSTAINABILITY AND COMPETITIVENESS 
OF THE PHILIPPINE MOTOR VEHICLE MANUFACTURING INDUSTRY
Explanatory Note
With poverty incidence am ong Filipinos reaching 26.3% in the first sem ester of 
2015 and unem ploym ent and underem ploym ent rates hitting 5.8% and 18.9%, 
respectively as of Jan u ary  2016, the quality of growth recorded recently by the 
economy leaves m uch to be desired. Policymakers have partly attributed this 
lack of inclusive growth to the declining share of the industry sector in the 
overall economy which together w ith the agricultural sector is expected to 
generate jobs suitable for low-skilled workers. In its M arch 2014 report entitled 
Philippine Economic Update: Pursuing Inclusive Growth Through Sustainable 
R econstruction 
and Job 
Creation, 
the 
World 
B ank recom m ends 
th at 
governm ent enact industrial policies to lend support to the sector.
One sub-sector offering trem endous potential for the industry’s rebound is the 
m anufacture of m otor vehicle parts. As noted by former National Economic and 
Development Authority Director-General Cielito Habito, it has “strong backward 
linkages w ith local industries, indicating strong m ultiplier effects for the 
economy”. F urther citing a 2010 paper, he explained th a t every PlOO worth of 
production in industry leads to a rise in total economic output by P367. Apart 
from its spillover effects to other industries, it provides for technology transfer 
to local firms th u s increasing overall potential of the local economy.
Though the D epartm ent of Trade and Industry (DTI) has started crafting its 
m otor vehicle industry roadm ap, there is a need to enact a specific law to 
ensure consistency of policy. Apart from the crafting of a  National Motor Vehicle 
M anufacturing Development Plan (NMVMDP), this bill seeks to provide the 
following fiscal incentives:
• 
Tax and duty-free im portation of capital equipm ent
• 
Deduction on training expenses
• 
Double deduction on research and development
• 
Option to deduct from taxable income the net operating loss incurred 
during the first three years of operations for the seven consecutive 
taxable years
In view of the foregoing, the immediate passage of this bill is sought.
LORENLEGARDA
Senator
SEVENTEENTH CONGRESS OF THE ) 
REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES 
)
First Regular Session 
)
S E N A T E
SB. 325
BILLS
Introduced by SENATOR CYNTHIA A. VILLAR
AN ACT
PROVIDING GUIDELINES FOR THE ESTABLISHMENT AND OPERATION OF 
LOCAL COLLEGES AND UNIVERSITIES, AND FOR OTHER PURPOSES
EXPLANATORY NOTE
Article XIV, Section 1 of the 1987 Philippine Constitution provides for the right 
of all citizens to quality education at all levels and that appropriate steps should be 
taken by the government to make such education accessible to all.
Giving due importance to this constitutional mandate, a number of our local 
government units have taken the initiative to make higher education accessible to 
their constituents 
by establishing, 
through 
ordinances of their respective 
sanggunians, 
local colleges and universities 
(LCUs) within their territorial 
jurisdiction under the provisions of the Local Government Code of 1991 or Republic 
Act No. 7160. 
While the reasons behind the establishment of these LCUs on the 
part of the local government units are commendable, it has been observed that the 
absence of definite guidelines on the establishment of these LCUs (e.g. composition 
of the governing boards of these LCUs, 
the qualifications of the administering 
authority) has taken a toll on the delivery of quality education to the constituents it 
serve.
The attached bill recognizes the need to rationalize the creation of LCUs to 
bring about an upgrade in the delivery of quality and accessible higher education of 
these institutions of higher learning.
It is therefore recommended that the foregoing bill be approved.
CYNTHIA A. VILLAR
SEVENTEENTH CONGRESS 
REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES
First R egular Session
S E N A T E  
S. B. No. 
' ^ 8 0
'i6 JUL 18 P5 57
Introduced by SENATOR LOREN LEGARDA
AN ACT FACILITATING AND REGULATING INTERNATIONAL DISASTER 
RELIEF 
AND 
INITIAL 
RECOVERY 
ASSISTANCE 
AND 
FOR 
OTHER 
PURPOSES
Exp lan a tory Note
Following the declaration by President Aquino of a State of N ational Calam ity 
for the Philippines on 11 November 2013 or three days after it w as stru ck  by 
Typhoon H aiyan an d  a U S$348 million em ergency aid appeal lau n ch ed  by the 
U nited N ations, th e country received significant level of a ssistan ce in the form 
of donations, both in cash  and in kind. A part from donations, m edical 
personnel and search -an d -rescu e team s w ere also deployed by countries like 
Ja p a n , South Korea, Israel an d  the US to aid in th e relief an d  recovery efforts 
by the governm ent.
At th a t tim e, the D epartm ent of Foreign Affairs set u p  a coordinating u n it to 
facilitate the offer of aid from other countries while also providing inform ation 
or directing the query to concerned Philippine agencies related to issu es su ch  
as landing perm its of aircrafts bringing relief goods and equipm ent, visa and 
visa concerns of foreign h u m a n ita ria n  m issions an d  entry of goods, m edicines 
and equipm ent.
In order to facilitate the ease of flow of in ternational assistan ce by foreign 
governm ents and aid agencies and en su re th a t the aid being offered is w hat is 
needed on the ground, th is bill seeks to establish the N ational D isaster Risk 
R eduction an d  M anagem ent Council (NDRRMC) as the central focal point 
agency betw een the governm ent of Philippines an d  assistin g  international 
actors in order to prom ote the effective facilitation, coordination an d  oversight 
of international d isaster assistance. It requires the NDRRMC to consult w ith the 
local governm ent u n its affected by a calam ity in determ ining th e list of goods, 
equipm ent an d  service needed for relief an d  recovery. A Single W indow 
International Facilitation Team s (SWIFTs) is also proposed to be established in 
order to consolidate and expedite the legal requirem ents concerning entry of 
international d isaster relief an d  personnel, goods, equipm ent an d  tran sp o rt.
By providing the m echanism s to en su re the tim ely an d  efficient entry and 
delivery of in tern atio n al aid assistan ce in the country, it is hoped th a t 
resources available will be p u t into good use. In view of the foregoing, 
im m ediate passage of th is bill is earnestly sought.
nOREN LEGARDA
S enator
SEVENTEENTH CONGRESS OF THE 
REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES 
First Regular Session
of th'’**■ rr.-r^Tr^
'16 
,!UL 19 
P 5 5 7
SENATE
S. No. 6.10
H
-Y:
O
Introduced by Senator Antonio “Sonny” F. Trillanes IV
AN ACT
GRANTING DISASTER SERVICE VOLUNTEERS A PAID LEAVE DURING 
PERIOD OF DISASTERS
EXPLANATORY NOTE
Several countries have been assisted by the Red Cross during times of disasters. Disaster 
preparedness, one of the major components of the Red Cross program, aims to prepare the 
vulnerable communities in the event of calamities. The Philippine National Red Cross 
(PNRC), specifically, has been offering a wide array of humanitarian services that include 
relief operations in times of disasters in the country.
In response to the increasing number of disasters in recent years and to the rising costs 
brought about by these calamities, it is timely and favorable to have a legislation authorizing 
a paid leave for employees who volunteer for the PNRC disaster operations. Those 
employees who possess skills that can be useful to disaster operations, such as shelter 
management, mass feeding, damage assessment and family services, deserve to be granted 
with particular kinds of benefits.
This bill grants public and private employees, who are also disaster service volunteers, a 
leave from work with pay in any twelve-month period to participate in specialized disaster 
relief services for the PNRC. This also considers it essential for the government to allow and 
encourage the employees to request for disaster leave during periods of disasters and 
humanitarian need to assist the PNRC.
In view of the foregoing, the immediate passage of this measure is earnestly requested.
A N T ^ lb  “SONNY’'F . TRILLANES IV
' 
Senator
■ , ; ,'V (I^Kirr of llif iM iTri;ir
SEVENTEENTH CONGRESS OF THE ) 
REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES 
) 
First Regular Session 
)
■16 
JUL ,19 
All :24
SENATE
s.No. 474
Introduced by Senator Antonio “Sonny” F. Trillanes IV
AN ACT
GIVING TAX CREDIT TO PHYSICIANS RENDERING PRO BONO SERVICES TO 
POOR PATIENTS
EXPLANATORY NOTE
The Constitution provides that the State shall protect and promote the right of the people to health 
and instill health consciousness among them. Further, the State shall also adopt an integrated and 
comprehensive approach to health development with the end view of making essential health 
services available to all the people at affordable cost, giving priority to the needs of the 
underprivileged, the sick, the elderly, the disabled and the women and children.
Unfortunately, many of our countrymen cannot afford the cost of seeking medication. Most 
choose spending for their basic necessities first over their health. Many seek medical attention 
after their condition has gone worse. Some, sadly, die without even seeking.
To make matters worse, some of the doctors in our country take up nursing courses to land a job 
as a nurse abroad since it promises a higher salary than the ones being offered domestically. This 
worsens the shortage of healthcare workers thus lessening the access of our poor countrymen to 
basic health care services. Thus, there is a need to give certain incentives to doctors to persuade 
them not to leave our country. This bill seeks to give tax credit to doctors who render pro bono 
services to indigents.
In view of the foregoing, immediate enactment of this measure is earnestly sought.
ANTONIO ^ONNY” F. \ rILLANES IV
I 
Senator
SEVENTEENTH CONGRESS 
)
REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES 
)
First Regular Session 
)
S E N A T E  
S.B. No. 4 4 0
S t n a t r
l9(t<rr Ilf Kir *rrrTft.T-y
'16 JUL19 A10 33
ixi ■ <-:iV U )  HY;
In tro d u ced  by SENATOR LOREN LEGARDA
AN ACT TO PROFESSIONALIZE THE PRACTICE OF PRISON MANAGEMENT 
AND 
SET 
FOR 
THAT 
PURPOSE 
THE 
QUALIFICATION 
FOR 
SUPERINTENDENTS 
OF THE NATIONAL PRISON 
SYSTEM AND OF 
WARDENS OF PROVINCIAL, CITY OR MUNICIPAL JAILS
Explanatory Note
This bill seeks to professionalize the practice of prison m anagem ent and set the 
qualifications of superintendents and w ardens of prisons all over the country to 
ensure th at the officials heading our penal system  are duly capable and 
com petent in performing their responsibilities.
This m easure requires th at superintendents of the country’s national prison 
system should hold a bachelor’s degree in law, or have a bachelor’s degree in 
public adm inistration, and have educational training in psychology or 
sociology. Further, the w ardens of provincial, city or m unicipal jails m ust have 
a bachelor’s degree in law, public adm inistration, psychology or its equivalent 
with an educational background in behavioral science or social sciences. 
Nominees and incum bent superintendents and w ardens are obliged to attend 
courses and sem inars on jail m anagem ent and corrections adm inistration.
Furtherm ore, this bill ensures th at superintendents and w ardens enjoy the 
benefits and privileges of their rank and position provided they satisfy the 
requirem ents stated in this Act. The incum bents shall continue to perform the 
roles and responsibilities of their respective rank and position until they are 
reassigned, retire, separated from office or replaced by the appointing authority 
by a qualified official.
The country’s penal system  and the officials th at head the organization play 
significant roles in the adm inistration of justice in our country. To guarantee 
that this integral agency and its officials continue to appropriately carry out 
their functions, the timely passage of this bill is earnestly sought.
LORENLEGARDA
Senator
SEVENTEENTH CONGRESS 
)
REPUBLIC OP THE PHILIPPINES 
)
First Regular Session 
)
S E N A T E  
S. B. No. _ 2 4 B
date'
INDEX
In tro d u ced  by SENATOR LOREN LEGARDA
AN ACT GRANTING MANDATORY PHILHEALTH COVERAGE TO 
ATT. 
PERSONS WITH DISABILITY (PWDs), AMENDING FOR THE PURPOSE 
REPUBLIC ACT NO. 7277, AS AMENDED, OTHERWISE KNOWN AS THE 
“MAGNA CARTA FOR PERSONS WITH DISABILITY”, PROVIDING FUNDS 
THEREFOR AND FOR OTHER PURPOSES
Explanatory Note
Article 2, Section 11 of the Constitution provides that “the State values the 
dignity of every human person and guarantees full respect for human rights.” 
Furthermore, Article 2, Section 15 of the Constitution also mandates that “the 
State shall protect and promote the right to health of the people and instill 
consciousness among them.”
Based on the 2010 Census on Population and Housing, there are sixteen (16) 
in every one thousand (1000), or about 1.6 million Filipinos who have 
disabilities. According to the World Health Organization, people with 
disabilities tend to seek more health care than people without disabilities, thus, 
having greater unmet needs.
This bill aims to ensure that all PWDs are covered by the National Health 
Insurance Program of the Philippine Health Insurance Corporation (Philhealth). 
With this measure, PWDs will not have to pay for their contribution. The funds 
necessary to guarantee the enrollment of all PWDs shall be sourced from the 
National Health Insurance Fund of Philhealth from proceeds of RA No. 10351 
also known as the “Sin Tax Reform Act of 2012.”
In view of the foregoing, ecirly passage of this bill is requested.
'^ ^ E N  LEGARDA
Senator
SEVENTEENTH CONGRESS OF THE 
]
REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES
F irst R egular Session
1
S. No.
SENATE
204
mt
DATE
TIME
INDEX
In tro d u ced  by SEN. SHERWIN T. GATCHALIAN
AN ACT
ESTABLISHING THE PHILIPPINE BASIC EDUCATION NUTRITION AND 
PERFORMANCE ACCELERATION PROGRAM, APPROPRIATING FUNDS 
THEREFOR, AND FOR OTHER PURPOSES
EXPLANATORY NOTE
According to the United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF), early 
childhood until the age of eight is critical for the cognitive, physical, and 
emotional development of a child.
Based on this statem ent, education im parted to a child during their first 
decade of learning will in large part determ ine the opportunities available to 
him or her in the future. In order to give today's children every opportunity of 
succeeding, fulfilling their nutritional requirem ents during these formative 
years is essential. Doing so is m ade even more imperative given th at hunger 
im pairs a child's ability to learn by ham pering their cognitive and physical 
growth and leaves them  more vulnerable to disease . 1-2
1 I reedoin fro m  H unger, "W o rld  H unger F a d s ", U R L  < littp s ;//w w w .fre e d o m fro m liu n g e r.o rg /w o rld -h u n g e r- 
facts>
2 N a tio n a l E ducation A sso cia tio n , "Facts A b o u t C h ild  N u tritio n ". U R L  < h ttp ://w w w .n e a ,o rg /h o m e /3 9 2 8 2 .h tm
SEVENTEENTH CONGRESS OF THE REPUBLIC } 
OF THE PHILIPPINES 
First Regular Session
}
}
S E N A T E  
S.B.No. 
49
BILLS
Introduced by SENATOR LACSON
EXPLANATORY NOTE
Article II, Section 26 of the 1987 Constitution provides that “the state shall 
guarantee equal access to opportunities for public service, and prohibit political 
dynasties as may be defined by law. ”
While the State recognizes the pernicious effects of political dynasties, there is 
still no enabling law to prohibit its existence in the political arena. Influential clans 
and families that are well-entrenched in the political arena have made positions in 
government their virtual playgrounds, resulting in the proliferation of small 
monarchies all over the country. This makes a mockery of what should otherwise be a 
level-playing field in politics and espouse political inequities.
During the debates in the Constitutional Commission of 1986, Commissioner 
Sarmiento explained the rationale of prohibiting political dynasties:
“By including this provision, we widen the opportunities of competent, 
young, and promising poor candidates to occupy important positions in 
the government. While it is true we have government officials who have 
ascended to power despite accident of birth, they are exemptions to the 
general rule. The economic standing of these officials would show that 
they come from powerful clans with vast economic fortunes. ”
Unfortunately, despite numerous attempts to introduce an anti-political dynasty 
law as early as the 8th Congress to effect electoral reforms and level the political 
landscape. Congress failed to pass such a law.
This encumbrance can be attributed to the fact that many members of Congress 
came from politically dominating political clans. Over the years, they have 
successfully argued for the electorate’s right to choose their elected leaders using the 
oft-repeated principle that “sovereignty resides in the people and all government 
authority emanates from them”.
This proposed measure seeks to strike a balance between the two competing 
fundamental principles of electorate’s sovereignty and political dynasty. This Law is 
in consonance with the constitutional precept that laws should be interpreted not in the 
letter that killeth but to the spirit that vivifieth.
Hence, the proposed measure seeks to prohibit the spouse or person related 
within the second degree of consanguinity or affinity, whether legitimate or 
illegitimate, full or half blood, to an incumbent elective official seeking re-election, to
SEVENTEENTH CONGRESS OF THE REPUBLIC 
OF THE PHILIPPINES 
First Regular Session
S E N A T E  
Senate Bill No. 44
/
BILLS
Introduced by SENATOR LACSON
EXPLANATORY NOTE
Real property is the country’s most important resource and biggest financial 
asset. A World Bank study indicated that 50% to 75% of the national wealth is 
contained in land alone. Real property, therefore, has the largest potential contribution 
to national income for funding economic and social developments.
One of the principal sources of income of local government units (LGUs) is 
derived from the taxes imposed on real properties. The LGU Taxation and Revenue 
Practices report of the Bureau of Local Government Finance (BLGF) shows that, on 
the average, real property taxes contribute about 31% of the LGUs’ local sources over 
the period of 2009 to 2014.
While the LGUs are given powers by the Local Government Code of 1991 to 
generate local income in order to be effective partners in nation building, it is a fact 
that there are still municipalities that remain dependent on national government 
revenues. BLGF data shows that, of the 286 first class municipalities in the country, 
116 municipalities (40%) remain dependent on their share from the Internal Revenue 
Allotment (IRA). This dependence is partly because 199 municipalities (70%) have 
poor collections for real property taxes, making up less than 15% of their respective 
local incomes.
Hence, this proposal seeks to promote the development and maintenance of 
just, equitable, impartial, and nationally consistent real property valuation by 
establishing appraisal standards, methods, and procedures of property valuations and 
assessment. The Bill’s enactment will assist the LGUs in maximizing revenue 
collections, which in turn, will promote genuine local autonomy.
The passage of the proposed Real Property Valuation and Assessment Reform 
Act is intended to resolve the following issues in the present valuation system, to wit:
1. Multiple land valuation systems and methodologies used by at least 
23 national government agencies and 1,712 LGUs, including private 
individuals and institutional appraisers—each using their own systems and 
measures, resulting in as many conflicting values for the same piece of real 
property;
2. Multiple impositions of national and local taxes on land and property 
ownership and transactions which encourage tax evasion and rampant 
underreporting of sales prices in official documents;
r
SEVENTEENTH CONGRESS OF THE ) 
REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES ) 
First Regular Session 
)
of the(!i*rrrrtinj
*16 JUL 19 P2 -t)7
SENATE
s. No. 506
H F r i . n
nv;
Introduced by Senator Antonio “Sonny” Trillanes IV
AN ACT
PROMOTING 
AND 
PERMITING 
THE 
USE 
OF 
WASTE-TO-ENERGY 
TECHNOLOGY, AMENDING FOR THIS PURPOSE REPUBLIC ACT NUMBERED 
8749, OTHERWISE KNOWN AS THE CLEAN AIR ACT OF 1999
EXPLANATORY NOTE
Waste management has become an issue and has posed serious problems in the country. 
Evidently, we need an approach that can deal with the worsening problem of waste disposal, 
which at the same time, can also contribute to the conservation of the environment. This does 
not only mean that waste must be properly disposed of; but this also requires that waste 
should be disposed of in a manner such that it would not become a significant environmental 
burden.
Existing technology permits the incineration of waste as a mode of waste disposal while at 
the same time, generating much needed electric power. Although there are serious 
environmental concerns about incineration, advances in emission control designs, along with 
strict standards and monitoring system, have caused large reduction of pollution in the 
atmosphere. In Japan, concerns over the health effects of Dioxin and furan emissions from 
incinerators have been proven to be significantly lessened by advances in emission control 
designs and very stringent new governmental regulations that have resulted in large 
reductions in the amount of dioxins and flirans emissions.
Incineration reduces the volume of waste very effectively and destroys disease-causing 
bacteria. This is suitable for use in the country since it is difficult to secure final disposal sites 
due to our becoming limited land space. It is estimated that when incinerated, waste shall be 
reduced to approximately one-tenth of its weight and one-twentieth of its volume. More 
importantly, incinerators can be used for generating electricity or to provide energy in other 
forms such as generating steam for heating. Such a use is known as waste-to-energy (WTE) 
or energy recovery.
This bill aims to amend Republic Act No. 8749, otherwise known as the “Clean Air Act of 
1999”, by repealing the original Section 20 thereof and revising the same to take advantage, 
promote and/or permit the use of recent advances in waste-to-energy (WTE) technology. 
Through incineration, the most common waste-to-energy implementation, this bill intends to 
promote WTE technology.
I 1* 
M
SEVENTEENTH CONGRESS OF THE ) 
REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES ) 
First Regular Session 
)
!!ll. 1 9  
P 2  ;3 3
SENATE 
S. No. S20
" ’ Y i
Introduced by Senator Antonio “Sonny” F. Trillanes IV
AN ACT
INTEGRATING ALL AGENCIES AND OFFICES ON VETERANS WELFARE, 
CREATING FOR THE PURPOSE THE PHILIPPINE VETERANS AUTHORITY 
(PVA), APPROPRIATING FUNDS THEREFOR, AND FOR OTHER PURPOSES
EXPLANATORY NOTE
At least eight (8) separate agencies today are working and operating for the welfare of 
veterans and military retirees. These include the Philippine Veterans Affairs Office (PVAO), 
the Philippine Veterans Assistance Commission (PVAC), the Board of Trustees of the 
Veterans of World War II (BTVWWII), the Philippine Veterans Investment and 
Development Corporation (PHIVIDEC), the PHIVIDEC Industrial Authority (PIA), the 
Philippine Veterans Bank, the Veterans Federation of the Philippines (VFP), and the AFP 
Retirement and Separation Benefits System (RSBS).
Despite the number of offices working for veterans' welfare, a lot still remains to be done to 
uplift the status of our veterans; majority of whom are now elderly, sick, underprivileged, 
disabled, and poor. There are still many reported cases of delayed pensions and double­
listing, and some application for old-aged pension and other benefits are still left pending in 
the PVAO.
In the face of these realities, the need for systematic administration of veterans' benefits is 
clear. This bill, therefore, seeks to integrate the agencies working for veterans' welfare which 
have similar functions and mandate. It proposes to abolish the Philippine Veterans Affairs 
Office (PVAO), the Philippine Veterans Assistance Commission (PVAC), and the Board of 
Trustees of the Veterans of World War II (BTVWWII), thereby creating the Philippine 
Veterans Authority (PVA).
The Authority's main function shall be to harmonize all efforts in generating and maximizing 
financial sources and facilities that support all veterans welfare programs designed to 
alleviate the plights of our veterans.