Author: teambam

Senate Bill No. 695: Ammendments to the Public Service Act

Public utilities or public services are business activities generally characterized as natural monopolies with large sunk costs. They are allowed to operate as regulated monopolies since they provide services that are indispensable or necessary to everyday life.

The Public Service Act (Commonweaith Act No. 146) remains the principal law that enumerates business activities classified as public utilities or public services. It was enacted in 1936 based on even older statutes in the United States and in the Philippines. Since then, vast advances have taken place in technology and modes of delivery of services. Capital and other requirements and ways of doing business, among others, have drastically changed as well. These require a review of the Public Service Act and the introduction of greater market competition with a view to attaining more effective and efficient services to the public, reducing socio-economic inequities and alleviating poverty.

This bill is introduced in order to update the coverage of public utilities or public services in the Public Service Act, reserving it to business activities exhibiting the simultaneous characteristics of natural monopoly and vital public necessity, and to ensure that every Filipino has access to the best quality, value-for-money essential services that effective competition can provide.

In view of the foregoing, the approval of this bill is earnestly sought.


PDFicon DOWNLOAD SBN 695

Senate Bill No. 657: Adolescents and Youth Mental Health Program Act

In 2011, the World Health Organization found that 16% of Filipino students aged 13 to 15 had contemplated suicide, whilst 13% had actually attempted suicide. Suicide, although not often publicly discussed, is closely linked to mental health disorders.

Unfortunately, mental illness is still a relatively misconstrued concept in our nation with limited public discussion on the proper management and care for those affected.

In a fast urbanizing nation, youth find themselves facing increasing amounts of pressure from the demands of school, employment, and various other social pressures. On the other hand, families now have much more diverse set-ups and and limited time, leaving the youth to be more independent in resolving their own conflicts. Unfortunately, many young people are left with few persons from whom they can seek advice when going through symptoms that are linked to mental illness. Efforts must be made to empower the youth in that mental illness is something that can be addressed without prejudice and with the full support of the community and State.

This bill proposes the creation of a Mental Health Program for the youth aged 15 to 30 years old, to be implemented by the Department of Health, in conjunction with various other government agencies such as the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD), the Department of Education (DepEd), and the Commission on Higher Education (CHED).

The Mental Health Program for youth will see a widespread information drive on mental health awareness, to be implemented by all local government units. This bill also seeks for the establishment of a Mental Health Desk at all city and municipal health offices where a mental health practitioner will be able to cater to consultations and queries of adolescents and the youth. 

In addition, this bill seeks for every public or private educational institution to employ at least one qualified guidance counselor who is authorized as a mental health practitioner to provide support and advice to students. 

We must ensure that adolescents and the youth’s rights are protected and their needs addressed. By establishing the Mental Health program, we can better equip them to face the challenges of present-day realities. In doing so, we can fully harness the potential of the bright Filipino youth who are our invaluable partners in building the nation. 

In view of the foregoing, the passing of this bill is earnestly sought. 


PDFicon DOWNLOAD SBN 657

Senate Bill No. 646: Crowdsourcing Act

The Philippines is one of the most active nations on Facebook with 30 million Filipinos registered to the popular social media website. On the Internet, Filipinos are able to share personal stories, talents, products, appeals for donations, and grievances. And in the May 2016 elections, ideas on politics, governance and legislation flooded our social media feeds.

The Internet has proven time and again, through elections, natural disasters, public scandals, and the like, that it has the power to unite public efforts. The Internet has a power that we harness during times of need and that we ought to maximize for the betterment of our country.

This bill seeks the creation of an online platform for ordinary citizens to create petitions for both Houses of Congress to review, amend, repeal or create a law. This platform shall be launched and maintained by the Presidential Legislative Liaison Office and it shall serve as a direct communication channel between the legislative branch of government and the general public. Petitions launched on the website should need to have been electronically signed by at least 300,000 before the proposed measure will be forwarder to the relevant committees in both Congress and the Senate.

In our nation, we strive to achieve full participation in the democratic process. With the advent of widespread Internet access, it has never been easier to improve and democratize our legislative process than it is now, utilizing a fast, efficient, and transparent technology to hear the voice of ordinary citizens.

In view of the foregoing, the passing of this bill is earnestly sought.


PDFicon DOWNLOAD SBN 646

Senate Bill No. 656: Maritime Passenger Safety Act

A large part of Philippine trade, commerce, and travel is reliant on sea travel as we are a nation composed of islands. Many workers around the country commute to and from their jobs by Ro-Ro ships that unfortunately are often overloaded and are lacking in safety equipment and protocols. Despite numerous tragic incidents at sea involving commercial vessels, the problems still persist: many poorly maintained sea vessels are plying heavy traffic routes with inadequate safety measures on board.

This bill seeks to assign the Maritime Industry Authority, aided by the Philippine Coast Guard, to be the implementing body that shall monitor all commercial vessels that engage in the carriage of goods or passengers. Such vessels covered under this act shall be required to provide standard safety features to passengers such as an on-board informational video about the safety and emergency protocols. In addition, vessels will be required to have functional and quality safety equipment and adequate emergency features such as emergency lights and exits. This bill shall also outlaw passenger overloading and bar any vessel from departing without a prepared passenger list.

To encourage compliance with minimum safety standards, this bill seeks to penalize companies for non-compliance with a fine of PHP 50,000 – PHP 200,000 depending on the offense and how many times it has been committed. This bill also seeks to discourage repeat offenders by making the third offense punishable by imprisonment.

In a country where hundreds of thousands must travel by sea on a daily basis, we must hold companies to high standards in providing affordable and safe transport for Filipinos. Improving the safety of sea transport will further boost national business development by strengthening the transport infrastructure needed to move people and goods around. Doing so will surely help our national sail toward the path of inclusive growth.

In view of the foregoing, the passing of this bill is earnestly sought.

PDFicon DOWNLOAD SBN 656

Senate Bill No. 653: Tax Relief in Times of Calamity

As we faced a number of terrible natural disasters in the past years, from super­ typhoons to earthquakes and flash floods, we saw the bayanihan spint of every Fihpino eager to give their time and resources to suffering Filipino families.

Unfortunately, with the Philippines being considered one of the most affected by the effects of climate change, we must brace ourselves for much more calamities in the years t0 come as well as create systems that ensure quick and efficient recovery from such disasters.

One such system that needs to be reevaluated with an eye for victims of calamities is our tax system. As such, this measure seeks to relieve our countrymen affected by terrible distress of the burden of taxes to encourage a quicker recovery.

This bill safeguards donations to victims of calamities by allowing organizations exemption from donor’s tax provided that at least 90% of the donations go directly to the affected community and not administrative costs.

In addition, this bill mandates real estate tax exemption for affected communities for two years from declaration of a state of calamity.

Lastly, in support of our local entrepreneurs who provide for their families and generate jobs within their community through business, business establishments affected by a calamity shall be exempted from tax payments for a period of one year after the

calamity.

This measure adds to the various initiatives of government, civil society, and the private sector to strengthen our resilience to adversity and invigorate the spirit o bayanihan ingrained in the collective heart of Filipinos.

In view of the foregoing, the approval of this bill is earnestly sought.

Senate Bill No. 654: Tax Exemption Act for All Donations, Grants or Gifts to Non-Stock and Non-Profit Educational Inst.

The quest to improve the quality of education and improve the facilities of our schools and institutions is a collective effort that drav\/s like-minded advocates from government, civil society, and the private sector.

In many cases, the non-government sector is enthusiastic to assist the development of education in the Philippines with the hope that the next generation of well-educated Filipinos hold the key to leveling up the country and finally putting an end to longstanding issues that have plagued our nation, such as hunger, poverty, public transport, and even the patronage system that is entrenched in our culture.

It is our responsibility to encourage this enthusiasm and incentivize donations to non-stock and non-profit educational institutions in order to further our cause for improved education and educational facilities across the country.

While non-stock and non-profit educational institutions benefit from tax exemptions, donors aren’t granted similar incentives. This measure extends tax exemptions to donors, mandating that all contributions to non-stock and non-profit educational institutions be tax-exempt and deductible from their taxable income.

Through this bill, citizens with a heart for education can opt to donate hard-earned money, property, or other assets to the cause of education in lieu of contributing tax payments to the State.

Let’s embolden Filipinos to take a more active role in nation-building and have a choice in who benefits from their contributions. Together, all sectors of society can further the cause of quality education in the Philippines and produce intelligent, skillful, and conscientious young Filipinos.

In view of the foregoing, the approval of this bill is earnestly sought.


PDFicon DOWNLOAD SBN 654

Senate Bill No. 655: Philippine High School for Sports Act

The development of grassroots sports in the country has long been overdue. In order to be able to compete internationally on a sustained level in the different sports, a basic education program is needed that is focused and specialized for the youth who have the gifts and potential.

While many of our students have proved their excellence in mathematics, science, languages, and other subjects, we have also seen many young Filipinos who have achieved excellence through sports.

Our young athletes have paved their own roads to victory and international acclaim. Our country is home to world champions in boxing, bowling, swimming, Brazilian Jiu Jitsu, shooting, and wushu, among others.

We have the opportunity to support young athletes and provide them valuable education along with quality sports training through the passing of the Philippine High School for Sports (PHSS) Bill.

The PHSS will offer, on a scholarship basis, a secondary course with special emphasis on developing the athletic skills o f the students through subjects pertaining to physical education and sports development.

It will then enable student-athletes to gain their secondary education while ensuring opportunities for their training, exposure and participation to sports competitions.

For a sports-loving nation like the Philippines, it is apt that an establishment of a high school for sports where the future Gilas and Azkals are honed, and future Paeng Nepomucenos and Eric Buhains are developed.

In view of the foregoing, immediate approval of this bill is earnestly sought. 


PDFicon DOWNLOAD SBN 655

7 na bago sa UAAP Season 79

UAAP Season na naman! Sa katunayan, last week ay nagsimula na ang pinakabagong season na pinangunahan ng host na UST. Tiyak na magiging usap-usapan na naman ang men’s college basketball sa mga darating na araw dahil nagbalik na din ang senior basketball competition. Narito ang ilan sa mga bagong aabangan sa UAAP court sa darating na mga araw .

 

1.New courtside reporters. Hindi pa man naglalabas ng complete line up ang mga schools na kasali sa UAAP, ipinakilala na ang mga courtside reporters na syang tututok at sasama sa bawat laban ng basketball team ng mga schools. Karamihan sa kanila ay nagbabalik lang pero meron pa ring fresh faces na pwedeng abangan ng mga fans tulad nina Denice Dinsay ng Ateneo at Bea Escudero ng DeLa Salle.

UAAPReporter

2.New rules. Change has come pati na rin sa UAAP. Ilan sa mga bagong rules ng UAAP basketball ngayong season ay ang pagtanggal sa thrice to beat advantage sa sinumang team na makaka-sweep ng eliminations round. Ang finals ay best-of-3 pa rin. Bukod pa dito, isang adjustment din na maeexperience ng mga fans ay ang pagkanta ng school hymn, BAGO magsimula ang laro.

School Hymn (Arvin Lim) 

3.New Players. Every season, ang mga new players o mga rookies ang di pwedeng mawala sa mga basketball team. Tuwing may gagraduate na role player, pinaghihirapan din ng bawat school ang makarecruit ng mga talents na pupuno at magpapalakas ng kanilang pwersa sa court. Ilan sa mga pwedeng abangang rookies ay sina JV Gallego (NU), Jerrick Ahanmisi (AdU), Aljun Melecio (DLSU), Shaggy Almond (ADMU), Javi Gomez de Llaño (UP) at marami pang iba.


newuaapplayers

4.New coaches. Isa sa mga exciting na pagbabago sa season na ito ay ang mga beterano nang UAAP coaches na gagabay sa bagong school na nagrecruit sa kanila. Si Coach Bo Perasol na nakilala bilang Ateneo coach ang bagong leader ng UP squad. Si Franz Pumaren na seasoned coach ng DLSU dati, ay ang negdevelop ng bagong Adamson team at si Coach Aldin Ayo naman na nagbigay ng trophy sa Letran sa NCAA, ang gagawa ng mga plays sa DLSU ngayong season. Exciting di ba?

 uAAPcoach

5.New(ly) improved players. Bukod sa mga rookies, inaasahan din sa court ang mga old and experienced players na paniguradong nagimprove mula last season. Marami sa kanila ang sabik ng ipakita ang pinakabagong version nila at the same time ay magtake on ng role as leaders ng kani kanilang team. For sure sabik din ang mga fans sa pagbabalik nina Jeron Teng (DLSU), Raymar Jose (FEU), Jett Manuel (UP), Louie Vigil (UST), Thirdy Ravena (ADMU), Papi Sarr (AdU), Alfred Aroga (NU), at Bonbon Batiller (UE)

improvedplayers 

6.New MVP. Sino nga ba sa mga college ballers ang magsstand out sa lahat sa katapusan ng season 79? Sa dame ng mga experienced players na magbabalik, mahigpit ang magiging kompetisyon. Sa mga huling season, usually hindi galing sa champion team ang pinaparangalang MVP. Maiba kaya to this year o di kaya naman patuloy itong magiging trend? Dadalhin ba ng mapipiling MVP ang kanyang team sa championship? Abangan nating lahat!

UAAP2016MVP

7.New Champion! Alam naming maaga pa para masabi or matanong ito pero ilang sports analysts na ang nagsabi na magkakaroon ng bagong UAAP champion this year. DLSU ang isa sa mga nakikita nilang may potential na makakuha ng korona pero hindi ito sapat na dahilan para maliitin ang ibang teams. Palagi namang may mga surprises sa mga nagdaang season at for sure gagawin ng defending champions na FEU Tamaraws ang lahat para protektahan ang kampeonato

lasalle versus FEU

Senate Bill No. 699: People’s Fund Act

At a time when public funding is under intense scrutiny, when the Filipino people are crying out for full transparency and accountability, and when government is being called on to implement massive reforms, how can we ensure that it is the PEOPLE of the Philippines who ultimately have a say on where public funds are being spent?

The People’s Fund seeks to revolutionize public budgeting and funding by giving the taxpayers of the Philippines the choice on where a portion of their hard- earned money should go.

It allows an individual taxpayer to allocate five percent (5%) of his or her income tax to be allocated for any of the following:

  1. An accredited charity or civil society organization;
  2. A priority national or local government project;
  3. A legitimate political party.

Under this bill, the Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR) shall establish the mechanism that would enable individual taxpayers to select beneficiaries upon filing of their annual income tax returns.

Meanwhile, an inter-agency committee led by the Department of Budget and Management (DBM) shall determine the eligibility of respective organizations, and shall likewise set the conditions, guidelines, and reporting requirements for the receipt and use of the funds by the benefitting organizations.

This gives the Filipino public greater control over how their monies are spent, ultimately empowering Filipinos to support institutions and initiatives that they deem worthy.

In view of the foregoing ,the approval of the bill is earnestly sought.

PDFicon DOWNLOAD SBN 699

Senate Bill No. 665: Philippine Bamboo Industry Development Council Act

Bamboo is gaining in popularity as construction material as a result of the declining supply of wood and is now widely distributed in private lands in the lowlands as well as in forest lands.

On a global scale, the value of the world’s bamboo market was estimated to be US$8 billion1for traditional and non-traditional bamboo products.

It can be concluded that the development of the bamboo industry in the Philippines can be a vehicle for generating more jobs and self-employment opportunities, especially in the rural areas. However, this potential cannot be met until we address the issue of the low supply of the raw bamboo materials.

The reported demand for bamboo poles in the country by all industry sectors is about 22 million culms a year while the estimated supply of the preferred species bamboo, such as kawayan tinik, giant Bamboo, bulo, buho, bayog, kawayan killing, kayali and laak, is only about 10 million culms.

Though the government has previously attempted to spur the bamboo industry’s growth through Executive Order No. 879 in May 2010, which created the Philippine Bamboo Industry Development Council (PBIDC), we have yet to draft a national bamboo development plan.

One of the main reasons for this is that the Council was not imbued with sufficient power to direct other government agencies and the private sector that are members of the Council to formulate the industry development program. Furthermore, The Secretariat of the Council does not have permanent personnel and the Council does not have a regular budget.

The twenty million pesos (PhP20 million) that was originally allocated for the operations of the Council has long been expended and it has not been replenished. Furthermore, the budget request for the Council for 2016 has been scrapped by the Department of Budget and Management.

This Act seeks to remedy these issues so that the Council can effectively develop the bamboo industry to generate employment, help the bamboo export sector capture a greater market, promote environmental sustainability and help mitigate the impacts of climate change, and assist the government in achieving inclusive economic growth.

In view of the foregoing, immediate passage of the bill is earnestly sought. 


PDFicon DOWNLOAD SBN 665

Scroll to top