Legislation

Senate Bill No. 352: Open Door Policy

With the Philippines fast becoming the rising star of Asia and the rest of the world, it is our mandate to build an inclusive and prosperous country for all Filipinos.

We have made strides to build an improved society through policies that uplift and empower the marginalized sectors. However, we often overlook the seemingly trivial but unjust hurdles many Filipinos face on a daily basis, such as their inability to adhere to unnecessary government regulations.

Tragically, not every Filipino can afford to buy shoes and more formal clothing. But every Filipino should be permitted to participate in assemblies that affect them and their community, particularly legislative hearings and sessions. All Filipinos must be granted access to frontline services, especially from public offices.

Unfortunately, needless dress code policies serve as barriers to many of our marginalized Filipinos as they seek to become more participative and rightfully demand services.

How can they raise their voice when they’re standing in the heat and behind cold walls? These are the countrymen we are called to serve.

Thus, it is high time to open our government offices and be more considerate of our policies for all Filipinos, regardiess of our economic status.

The Philippine Government Agency Open Door Act aims to mandate all government offices to accept entry to all Filipinos and to eliminate the dress code that some government agencies and units are following.

We are called to open the doors to those that have the least in our society, those we have the most to learn from, and those that we desperately need to hear.

We have the opportunity and a duty to generate policies that contribute to a nation that is fair, just and inclusive. We have a responsibility to create a Philippines where all Filipinos, even minorities and marginalized sectors can live free from discrimination.

Senate Bill No. 350: Social Value Act

A common practice in government procurement, guided by Philippine procurement laws, is to consider price as the major criterion for awarding government purchases and contracts. However, given the current social climate, there is now a need to consider other factors that enable a product or service to deliver adequate or even added value to both the purchaser and to the community at large.

Thus, we wish to introduce the concept of “social value” as an additional criterion governing Philippine government procurement.

“Social value,” as we define it in this measure, “refers to the additional benefit to society of procuring a good or service, over and above the direct benefit and value of the good or service to the procuring entity. Additional benefits may include support for poor communities or marginalized groups, advancement of human rights and social justice, protection of the environment, and community development.”

At the root of this concept is the recognition that government funds should be allocated to products, services, and programs that offer the greatest good, at the best value. Therefore, when evaluating suppliers for government purchases, contracts, and projects, purchasers must look beyond price and also consider such factors as quality, production practices, and even the impact that these practices have on a larger community.

Legislature is thus urged to pass this proposed “Social Value Act”. By redefining the concept of “social value” and “value for money,” we can enable the state to maximize benefits for society and also drive up service quality and inclusive e-growth. 

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

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Senate Bill No. 178: The National Payment Systems Act

We operate in a world of trade and transactions. Today, thanks to innovations in science and technology, the interchange of resources can be completed quicker and more efficiently through online payments.

But while many countries have embraced these advancements, 99% of payments in the Philippines remain cash-based while only 1% is paid through electronic systems.

According to a study done by Better Than Cash Alliance, the Philippine e-commerce industry makes up less than 1% of total commerce in the country. This is relatively low compared to our ASEAN neighbors who generate 4-5% in e-commerce transactions.

The potential for growth and development of industry as well as the opportunity to improve and bolster of our financial systems must not be put to waste. To drive the economy forward, it is imperative that we empower the market with updated and streamlined payment systems.

Thus, the National Payment Systems Act seeks to organize, manage, and regulate all matters affecting payment instructions in the country under the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas to promote effective interoperability among payment systems, incorporating digital transactions.

In order to ensure the security and efficiency of payments for the benefit of all stakeholders – consumers, businesses, and financial institutions alike, we must upgrade the management and regulation of our payment industry.

Now, more than ever, we are compelled to advance our systems along with our ASEAN neighbors.

Through this measure, we have the opportunity to protect retailers, enhance buyer experience, boost the confidence in our financial sector, and keep pace with the ever-improving technology for cashless payment. 

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

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Legislation will be People Centered — Sen. Bam Aquino

  On the first day of the 16th Congress, Sen. Paolo Benigno “Bam” Aquino IV reiterates his commitment to draft legislation that is people-centered and stakeholder-driven.

“Pinangako ko sa mga kababayan natin ‘nung kampanya ang paggawa ng mga batas na may consultation sa kanila–at ‘yun ang ginagawa natin,” says Aquino, who is currently in Dipolog City, Zamboanga del Norte on a series of consultations, as well as to celebrate the 100th Adlaw sa Dipolog.

“We want to make sure that the bills we will file have sound policy and the requisite quality. As such, we are finalizing our bills with policy experts, socio-civic groups, and stakeholders.”

The first-time lawmaker, who was an award-winning social entrepreneur and Chairperson of the National Youth Commission prior to being elected into the Senate, commits to focus on inclusive growth policy and legislation to help support the government’s mandate the end poverty.

“We have committed to push for inclusive growth and enterprise support. Our legislative agenda will focus on bills that help support entrepreneurs, create more jobs, and end poverty,” Aquino says.

 

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