Bills

SBN-2730: Amending Secs. 32 & 33, Magna Carta for Persons with Disabilities

Filipino Persons with Disabilities (PWDs) have been actively participating in shaping our history and contributing to the advancement of good governance.

We go back to as early as the 1896 Spanish Revolution era, where Apolinario Mabini, a sublime paralytic, wrote subversive manifestos against Spain and became the brains of the revolution’. Moreover, he eventually drafted the framework of the revolutionary government in 1899.

In recent history, Art Borjal, who moved with leg braces and crutches, was a popular columnist and worked for the rights of the PWDs in the early 1990’s, while polio-survivor Grace Padaca, a former Isabela governor and Ramon Magsaysay awardee, is a staunch advocate of governance and election reforms todal.
Furthermore, the National Federation of Cooperatives of Persons with Disability (NFCPWD) has worked with the Department of Education (DepEd) in producing public school chairs”. The organization has generated P80 million in the past twelve years for workers and staff with disabilities5

Still, our country’s challenge is to be truly inclusive to serve the needs of the marginalized, particularly the PWD sector. PWDs have found it difficult to gain employment and earn income for themselves and for their families. Families with PWDs have also had to worry about their daily expenses for medicine and rehabilitation.

Hence, the PWDs Tax Exemption Act of 2015 seeks to give reprieve to the plight of our PWDs and their families and be able to support them in their daily challenges.

This measure proposes for families with PWD dependents to have a yearly uniform P25,OOO tax exemption, in addition to the regular personal deductions, in order to augment their expenses – wheelchairs, hearing aids, nurses and caregivers, and learning disability tutors, among others. In addition, the act seeks to exempt PWDs from value add taxes (VAT). Such accommodation for our PWD sector is part of our larger reform efforts in pushing for a society that is inclusive for the poor and most vulnerable sectors. It is one of our courses in our journey towards achieving a fully abled nation.

In view of the foregoing, the approval ofthis bill is earnestly sought.
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SBN-2744: Tarlac Agricultural University

As we move forward into the future, the challenge for all humanity is how to feed over seven billion people in the world, It is a local and global issue for the Philippines, as an agricultural country with rich and fertile land, and apt climate for farming.

It is no wonder that advancements in agriculture and farming technology have modernized the industry and resulted in new ways to increase production, maximize yield, and efficiently and sustainably utilize land and other resources.

Equipment and other tools are constantly being fine-tuned and improved while strategies in efficient farming are also being studied and developed in research facilities and universities around the world.

The country still has immense room for growth and development in the agricultural sector. There is still a long way for us to go in terms of modernizing and streamlining our agricultural sector.

Taking into account that Filipino farmers have an average age of 57 years, just 3 years shy of retirement, there is a pressing need to involve the youth in improving farming and agriculture in the Philippines.

The Tarlac Agricultural University Bill of 2015 seeks to do just that through advanced, technology-driven education, innovative training, and useful & practical research.

The proposed measure aims to transform the Tarlac College of Agriculture into a state university to cater to the region’s needs and potential for agricultural growth.

The University will seek to offer advanced education, higher technological, professional instruction and training in the fields of agriculture, science & technology, teacher education, engineering, agribusiness management, nontraditional courses and other relevant fields of study.

It will strive to also undertake research, extension services and production activities in support of the development of the Province of Tarlac, and of Central Luzon, an agricultural region, and provide progressive leadership in its areas of specialization.

Considering the unprecedented and growing demands of the community and the labor market for more specialized and expanded services in agricultural education and other related fields, it is high time to have an agricultural university in the region.

Once converted, the institution will become a potential avenue for intensified collaborative researches as well as technology promotion and commercialization, thereby attracting more young Filipinos, and probably other Southeast Asian students as well, to take on agro-development courses to advance our food security efforts in the region. In view of the foregoing, the approval of this bill is earnestly sought.
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SBN-2746: Working Poor Protection Act of 2015

For six decades now, the Social Security System (SSS) has provided social protection to Filipinos against likelihoods and eventualities such as disability and injury, Sickness, maternity, old age, and death.

Our contributions to SSS translate to investments into our future and the future of our family. Contributions give citizens access to benefits such as disability aid, retirement relief, and life insurance. SSS also offers loans at reasonable rates that can be used for various purposes like putting a child through school or engaging in a small business.

These benefits can make a difference to fellow Filipinos living at subsistence level. As they earn below P100,ooo.oo annually, their contributions, unfortunately, are not regular.

While the poorest of the poor are covered by our social protection programs, only 6.5% of the 12 million self-employed Filipinos are paying their SSS contributions.

It is a lost opportunity for our countrymen that we consider the working poor, our farmers, fishermen, market and street vendors, tricycle drivers and the millions of who have micro businesses across the country.

In view of the foregoing, the approval of this bill is earnestly sought.
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SBN-2764: Amending R.A.No. 7227 (BCDA) Further Amended by R.A.No. 9400 (Subic Special Economic Zone)

With the country experiencing sustained economic growth, we are flooded with opportunities for development in different industries and across a number of geographical areas in the country. Subic Bay in Central Luzon is one such region with immense potential for foreign investment and overall economic development. This economic development in the Subic Bay Freeport Zone (SBFZ) translates to job opportunities and business opportunities for our countrymen.

With this in mind, the Republic Act No. 7227, otherwise known as the Bases Conversion and Development Act of 1992, was passed to assign Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA) the responsibility to build a prosperous and self-sustaining Freeport in Subic Bay.

SBMA is tasked to promote both economic and social development in Subic Bay, creating a model for economic success and inclusive growth in the region and in the Philippines. We are now in a position to clarify provisions of the decade-old legislation and apply revisions based on what we have learned in the past years, improving the policy and making SBMA a more effective and impactful governing body.

The Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA) Reform Bill seeks to update the powers and responsibilities of SBMA in the hope that SBFZ can reach its full potential- attracting more foreign direct investments, supporting growth of local business, providing jobs, livelihood, and a wealth of opportunities for more Filipinos in Central Luzon and in the country as well.

Grow, Subic, grow!

In view of the foregoing, approval of this bill is earnestly sought .
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Senate Bill No. 2702: Youth Participation in Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Act

Our beloved country is one of the most vulnerable nations to the threat of climate change.

In the past years, the Philippines has experienced a consistent battery of alarming natural calamities. In 2013, Typhoon Yolanda or Haiyan, the deadliest typhoon in our history, affected over 14 million people2 and took over 6,000 lives3.

While the Philippines has been on the receiving end of countless disasters, our resilience and spirit of volunteerism has become a source of comfort and inspiration.

In trying times, the youth sector serves as a beacon of hope and catalyst of action. Schools become depositories of donations and efficient centers for packing and deployment of relief goods, never running out of willing volunteers.

Others are volunteer firefighters, first responders and peacekeepers in their respective localities, like the Rescue Assistance Peacekeeping Intelligence Detail (RAPID) of Cebu City and the Ormoc City-based Hayag Youth Organization.

RAPID has vast experience in relief and rescue operation. They were one of the first responders in Tacloban City after the onslaught of Typhoon Yolanda. They also helped rescue passengers of a passenger vessel that collided with a cargo ship in Cebu last year.

Hayag, for its part, has been teaching swimming, disaster preparedness, first aid and open water safety training to youth. They have successfully taught their members when no one among them had a major accident when Typhoon Yalanda hit Ormoc City last year.

With impending disasters in the country’s future, it is important to move from post- disaster relief to proactive disaster preparedness. And as the nation moves in this direction, it is important to include young Filipinos in this evolving discussion.

The Responsive, Empowered and Service-Centric Youth (RESCYouthj Act proposes to include the Filipino youth in the nation’s disaster risk reduction policy body to recognize their role in DRRM and empower them with information and skills to help communities in times of crisis.

The measure seeks to have the National Youth Commission (NYC) Chairman be included in the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC) to voice out the concerns and proposals of the Filipino youth on disaster prevention, promotion, education, rescue, and rehabilitation, among others.

There is nothing to lose, but so much to gain from engaging the youth in our quest to build a Philippines that is capable of efficiently responding to natural calamities and able to reduce its negative impact on society.

 

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Senate Bill No. 2699: Consumer Act of the Philippines as Amended

AN ACT GRANTING BROADER PROTECTION FOR CONSUMERS ADDING NEW PROVISIONS AND AMENDING CERTAIN PROVISIONS FOR THE PURPOSE REPUBLIC ACT NO. 7394, OTHERWISE KNOWN AS THE CONSUMER ACT OF THE PHILIPPINES

 

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Senate Bill No. 2698: Online Network Establishment Policy for the Philippines

Filipinos have been known to be a social and relational people. Its culture of inclusiveness features close-knit families living in compounds, Friday night barkada gimmicks and being the social media capital of the world.

Maintaining a level of closeness with our family and friends are vital to our happiness!.

Through information communications technology (leT), we have found ways to make human connections perpetual and instantaneous through the digital world. The Internet allows us to stay eternally connected with loved ones living in other parts of the country and other parts of the world.

Being a nation with over 7,000 islands and with an estimated 10 million Filipinos living abroad, it is imperative that we establish quality access to the Internet, and other means of communication, across the country.

What’s more, ICT facilities, such as the Internet, can improve the local economy. According to a study by the Nathan Institute and the Oxford Institute, improving access to leT can improve GDP by up to 1 percent.

However, according to a report by a United Nations (UN) agency, the Internet remains inaccessible to 7 out of 10 Filipinos and only 18.9% of households have Internet connection.

There is an urgent need to address the lack of Internet access in the Philippines so Filipinos can sustain their connections alive and strong and businesses can continue to thrive.

The Online Network Establishment (ONE) Philippines Act is a concrete step to build and develop basic leT infrastructure through the solidarity of both public and private agencies.

This bill calls for the establishment of ICT Hubs in every legislative district and the development of an advanced Internet superhighway.

The approval of this bill will not only lead to stronger personal connections between Filipino families and friends, it will also advance industry and support the country’s exceptional economic growth.

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

 

 

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Senate Bill No. 2697: 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 of 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 ofthe foregoing, the approval of this bill is earnestly sought.

 

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Senate Bill No. 2696: Walingwaling as National Flower of the Philippines

The popularity of the Walingwaling flower has had a steady increase among flower enthusiasts and in the industry worldwide.

Discovered in Mt. Apo and first introduced to orchid enthusiasts in London back in 1882 , its ornamental value has spread to countries like Singapore, Thailand, Hong Kong, and Hawaii making the cultivation of Walingwaling hybrids a highly profitable and lucrative business.

Once worshipped by the native Bagobos as a “diwata” or tree goddess, the Walingwaling is touted as the queen of Philippine flowers. Moreover, there are a number of Filipino short stories and legends that feature the Walingwaling, as it is rooted much in our history and culture.

Thus, this bill seeks to declare the Walingwaling as the National Flower of the Philippines to better illustrate our country’s homegrown beauty and international acclaim.

Its immense potential is not only in the promotion of our natural resources and beauty, but also in its contribution to livelihood and income for our Filipino people.

Hence, there is also a need to pursue programs for its proper preservation and further promotion as it takes four to five years to blossom.

The Walingwaling’s historic value, international popularity, and economic viability, partnered with the fact that it is homegrown and native to the Philippines makes it most suitable as our national flower.

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

 

 

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Senate Bill No. 2679: Unified Student Financial System for Tertiary Education (UNIFAST) Act

AN ACT PROVIDING FOR A COMPREHENSIVE AND UNIFIED STUDENT FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE SYSTEM FOR TERTIARY EDUCATION (UNIFAST), THEREBY RATIONALIZING ACCESS THERETO, APPROPRIATING FUNDS THEREFOR AND FOR OTHER PURPOSES

 

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