Senate approves 39 key bills, local measures

MANILA – The Philippine Senate approved 39 key bills during its regular session on Monday, covering measures on infrastructure, healthcare, education, judiciary reforms, and public services.

Senators unanimously approved Senate Bill No. 2647, which seeks to strengthen the Bases Conversion and Development Authority (BCDA) by amending the Bases Conversion and Development Act of 1992.

Meanwhile, Senate Bill No. 2942, which proposes to defer the first regular elections in the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM), was also approved, albeit with a single negative vote.

Senator Juan Miguel Zubiri thanked his colleagues for supporting the measure, saying this is a big help in sustaining the momentum of peace in Mindanao.

“Kami sa Mindanao, ayaw na namin ng gulo. Ayaw na namin ng gyera, ng away (We, in Mindanao, don’t want disorder. We don’t want war, conflict). I get emotional because we’re all affected by it,” he said.

Other significant measures passed include Senate Bill No. 2826, which seeks to enhance the fiscal regime for large-scale metallic mining, introducing new tax structures; Senate Bill No. 2893, which shall establish the Virology Institute of the Philippines to advance research on viral diseases; Senate Bill No. 2818 that shall strengthen the National Housing Authority (NHA) by extending its corporate term and rationalizing its powers; and Senate Bill No. 2669 which is seeking to upgrade the Polytechnic University of the Philippines (PUP) to the National Polytechnic University.

Explaining her affirmative vote on the NHA Strengthening Bill, Senate Deputy Minority Leader Risa Hontiveros thanked Senator Imee Marcos, the bill’s sponsor, for incorporating her proposed amendments, particularly on loan condonation and transit-oriented housing development.

Hontiveros underscored the need for a new and more effective condonation program for families struggling with unpaid housing loans.

The Senate also passed several healthcare-related measures, including Senate Bill No. 2838 or the Magna Carta of Barangay Health Workers (BHWs), granting benefits and protections to community health personnel; Senate Bill No. 2928 or the expansion of the Philippine General Hospital from 1,334 to 2,200 beds; as well as several provincial and regional hospitals.

For Senator Grace Poe, Senate Bill No. 2838 recognizes BHWs’ indispensable role in the country’s healthcare system and provides the much-needed incentives, benefits and opportunities for education and skills training that they deserve.

She said it is the BHWs who people run to for vaccinations and severe illnesses.

“Panahon na para suklian natin ang sakripisyo at pagsisikap sa ating mga bayaning BHWs (It is time to return the favor on the sacrifices and efforts of our BHWs),” she added.

Meanwhile, to improve the judicial system and address case backlogs, the Senate approved bills creating new regional trial court branches in Zamboanga del Norte, Davao del Sur, and Palawan.

Also, House Bill No. 10926, which seeks to renew the 25-year franchise of Manila Electric Company (Meralco) to distribute electricity in Metro Manila and nearby provinces, including the expansion of the Davao Light and Power Company’s franchise area to include additional municipalities in Davao del Norte and Davao de Oro, was also approved by the Senate.

Senator Joel Villanueva appreciated the approval of House Bill No. 10926, which he sponsored.

“With this, we stand by our ‘yes’ vote, knowing that this measure not only renews a franchise but also strengthens our country’s energy security and consumer rights,” he said.

Three bills were also approved granting Philippine citizenships to Grace Tan To, a citizen of the Republic of China (Taiwan) who was born in the Philippines and served as principal and school director of the Oro Christian Grace School in Cagayan de Oro; Stephen Decatur Haines, a US citizen priest who has regularly visited Koronadal City, has worked under the Catholic Diocese of Marbel in South Cotabato, and has held mass at the Christ the King Cathedral in Koronadal City; and Job Callarackal Oommen, an Indian national and the parish priest of Sto. Niño de Congreso Parish in Bagumbong, Caloocan City  who has been in the country for the last 42 years.

Additionally, the Senate also ratified the bicameral report on the disagreeing provisions of Senate Bill No. 2555 and House Bill No. 11113, which both seek to amend Republic Act No. 11235 or the Motorcycle Prevention Act. — Wilnard Bacelonia  (PNA)

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Credit belongs to: www.pna.gov.ph