NATIONAL
Advocates Philippines
Several Priority Bills On Third And Final Reading At House Of Representatives
Photo credit: Congress PH
The House of Representatives, under the leadership of Speaker Ferdinand Martin Romualdez, successfully passed several priority bills on third and final reading. These bills were endorsed by the Legislative Executive Development Advisory Council (LEDAC) and are aimed at advancing various sectors of the country's development.
The first major accomplishment of the day was the approval of House Bill (HB) 8078, titled the "30-Year National Infrastructure Program." With an overwhelming majority of 254 affirmative votes and only four negative votes, the bill seeks to ensure the sustained implementation of crucial infrastructure projects until 2052. These projects encompass a wide range of areas such as transportation, energy, water resources, information and communications technology, as well as agri-fisheries modernization and food logistics.
Another significant piece of legislation that received resounding support from the House was HB 8162. This bill aims to establish a national land use policy and provide the necessary mechanisms for its implementation. The proposed legislation includes the creation of the National Land Use Commission (NLUC) as the lead agency responsible for executing this policy. HB 8162 garnered 262 affirmative votes and only two opposing votes, further emphasizing the broad consensus on the issue.
In addition to these landmark bills, the House approved several other important measures on their final reading. These include:
1. HB 1171, also known as the "One Town, One Product Philippines Act," which focuses on providing assistance packages to micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs). The financial aid is intended to support these enterprises in enhancing their product quality, development, design, packaging, compliance with standards, marketability, production capabilities, and brand development.
2. HB 7767, referred to as the "Integrated Coastal Management Act," which addresses the need for a comprehensive and sustainable strategy for managing coastal areas and associated ecosystems at the national level.
3. HB 7922, which seeks to establish a voucher system to support economically disadvantaged yet academically qualified students pursuing education in private higher education institutions and private technical-vocational institutions.
4. HB 8009, known as the "Expanded Anti-Violence Against Women and Their Children (E-VAWC) Act," which aims to protect women and children from electronic violence in its various forms.
5. HB 7600, which strengthens the powers and functions of the Intellectual Property Office of the Philippines, enhancing the protection of intellectual property rights in the country.
6. HB 7939, a bill that rationalizes the disability pension of veterans, ensuring fair and equitable benefits for those who have served the nation.
7. HB 7986, declaring August 1 of each year as a special working holiday known as the "Promulgation of the Solemn Declaration of Philippine Independence."
8. HB 8008, which offers discounted or waived fees and charges for indigent job seekers in the issuance of certain pre-employment documents issued by government agencies.
Furthermore, the House also passed two bills on the second reading. The first, HB 7941, aims to promote the development of the bamboo industry, recognizing its economic and environmental significance. The second, HB 7942, focuses on establishing an Agriculture Information System in all cities and municipalities. This system will facilitate the exchange of up-to-date information between farmers and potential buyers of agricultural and fisheries products, among other valuable functions.
During the plenary session, Speaker Ferdinand Martin Romualdez and Deputy Speaker Roberto Puno presided over the proceedings, underscoring their commitment to effective leadership and the successful advancement of these critical legislative efforts. With the passage of these bills, the House of Representatives demonstrates its dedication to driving the country forward and addressing key challenges facing the country.
The first major accomplishment of the day was the approval of House Bill (HB) 8078, titled the "30-Year National Infrastructure Program." With an overwhelming majority of 254 affirmative votes and only four negative votes, the bill seeks to ensure the sustained implementation of crucial infrastructure projects until 2052. These projects encompass a wide range of areas such as transportation, energy, water resources, information and communications technology, as well as agri-fisheries modernization and food logistics.
Another significant piece of legislation that received resounding support from the House was HB 8162. This bill aims to establish a national land use policy and provide the necessary mechanisms for its implementation. The proposed legislation includes the creation of the National Land Use Commission (NLUC) as the lead agency responsible for executing this policy. HB 8162 garnered 262 affirmative votes and only two opposing votes, further emphasizing the broad consensus on the issue.
In addition to these landmark bills, the House approved several other important measures on their final reading. These include:
1. HB 1171, also known as the "One Town, One Product Philippines Act," which focuses on providing assistance packages to micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs). The financial aid is intended to support these enterprises in enhancing their product quality, development, design, packaging, compliance with standards, marketability, production capabilities, and brand development.
2. HB 7767, referred to as the "Integrated Coastal Management Act," which addresses the need for a comprehensive and sustainable strategy for managing coastal areas and associated ecosystems at the national level.
3. HB 7922, which seeks to establish a voucher system to support economically disadvantaged yet academically qualified students pursuing education in private higher education institutions and private technical-vocational institutions.
4. HB 8009, known as the "Expanded Anti-Violence Against Women and Their Children (E-VAWC) Act," which aims to protect women and children from electronic violence in its various forms.
5. HB 7600, which strengthens the powers and functions of the Intellectual Property Office of the Philippines, enhancing the protection of intellectual property rights in the country.
6. HB 7939, a bill that rationalizes the disability pension of veterans, ensuring fair and equitable benefits for those who have served the nation.
7. HB 7986, declaring August 1 of each year as a special working holiday known as the "Promulgation of the Solemn Declaration of Philippine Independence."
8. HB 8008, which offers discounted or waived fees and charges for indigent job seekers in the issuance of certain pre-employment documents issued by government agencies.
Furthermore, the House also passed two bills on the second reading. The first, HB 7941, aims to promote the development of the bamboo industry, recognizing its economic and environmental significance. The second, HB 7942, focuses on establishing an Agriculture Information System in all cities and municipalities. This system will facilitate the exchange of up-to-date information between farmers and potential buyers of agricultural and fisheries products, among other valuable functions.
During the plenary session, Speaker Ferdinand Martin Romualdez and Deputy Speaker Roberto Puno presided over the proceedings, underscoring their commitment to effective leadership and the successful advancement of these critical legislative efforts. With the passage of these bills, the House of Representatives demonstrates its dedication to driving the country forward and addressing key challenges facing the country.
May 23, 2023
