In a productive session, the Philippine Senate greenlit 39 significant bills, touching on a wide array of sectors including infrastructure, health, education, judicial reforms, and public services. The session, held in Manila, saw unanimous approval for Senate Bill No. 2647, aimed at bolstering the Bases Conversion and Development Authority (BCDA) through amendments to the 1992 Bases Conversion and Development Act.
Another notable bill, Senate Bill No. 2942, which delays the initial elections in the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM), passed with near unanimity, receiving only one dissenting vote. Senator Juan Miguel Zubiri expressed gratitude for the support, emphasizing the importance of maintaining peace in Mindanao. He emotionally stated, “We in Mindanao no longer want chaos. We are tired of war and conflict.”
The Senate also passed Senate Bill No. 2826 to reform the fiscal regime for large-scale metallic mining, introducing new taxation methods. Senate Bill No. 2893 was approved to establish the Virology Institute of the Philippines, focusing on viral disease research. Additionally, Senate Bill No. 2818 aims to enhance the National Housing Authority (NHA) by extending its corporate life and refining its powers, while Senate Bill No. 2669 seeks to elevate the Polytechnic University of the Philippines (PUP) to the National Polytechnic University status.
Senate Deputy Minority Leader Risa Hontiveros praised the NHA Strengthening Bill, thanking Senator Imee Marcos for including her amendments on loan forgiveness and transit-oriented housing development. She highlighted the necessity for a more effective loan condonation program to assist families struggling with housing debts.
In the healthcare sector, the Senate passed Senate Bill No. 2838, the Magna Carta of Barangay Health Workers (BHWs), to provide benefits and protections to these community health workers. Senator Grace Poe lauded the bill, recognizing the vital role BHWs play in the healthcare system and the need to reward their dedication with incentives and training opportunities. She noted, “It’s time we repay the sacrifices and efforts of our heroic BHWs.”
To tackle judicial backlogs, new regional trial court branches were approved in Zamboanga del Norte, Davao del Sur, and Palawan. The Senate also approved House Bill No. 10926, extending the 25-year franchise of Manila Electric Company (Meralco) and expanding the franchise area of Davao Light and Power Company. Senator Joel Villanueva, who sponsored the bill, emphasized its importance in enhancing energy security and consumer rights.
Three bills granting Philippine citizenship were also passed, benefiting Grace Tan To from Taiwan, Stephen Decatur Haines from the US, and Job Callarackal Oommen from India, all of whom have contributed significantly to the Philippines. Lastly, the Senate ratified a bicameral report on amendments to the Motorcycle Prevention Act.