Manila – With only 11 session days remaining before the Second Regular Session of the 19th Congress concludes on May 24, 2024, Philippine senators are poised to approve 20 priority bills. These bills are part of the Common Legislative Agenda set by the Legislative Executive Development Advisory Council (CLA-LEDAC).
According to Philippines News Agency, in an interview with Bagong Pilipinas Ngayon, the Senate is determined to pass measures focusing on education, economy, and health, despite the challenges. "We can do it, because each senator has his/her own priority measures, and we defend our priority bills. Each one of us has a committee to focus on and monitor," Gatchalian stated. He also mentioned that several bills are at an "advanced stage," including his proposal for a tax refund for non-resident tourists.
Senate President Juan Miguel Zubiri confirmed the Senate's progress, asserting that the chamber is "on track" for the approval of priority measures advocated by President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. "We are confident that the Senate can pass 20 of these measures before the session ends, and the rest of our commitment before this year ends," Zubiri said.
Among the significant legislative advances, the Philippine Ecosystem and Natural Capital Accounting System (PENCAS) Act is ready for President Marcos' signature. Additionally, the bicameral report on the Philippine Maritime Zones Act and the legislation for establishing the Negros Island Region have been ratified and are in the enrollment process. The Senate has also ratified the Real Property Valuation and Assessment Reform Act.
Other priority measures such as the Anti-Agricultural Economic Sabotage Act and the Self-Reliant Defense Posture Act are awaiting approval from the bicameral conference committee. The Academic Recovery and Accessible Learning (ARAL) Program Act has passed its final reading and was sent to the House of Representatives.
Pending approval on second reading are several bills, including the Anti-Financial Accounts Scamming Act, VAT on Digital Services/Transactions Act, amendments to the Government Procurement Reform Act, and the Blue Economy Act, among others. The E-Government/E-Governance Act, the Department of Water Resources Act, and the Konektadong Pinoy Act are still under committee review. The Corporate Recovery and Tax Incentives for Enterprises to Maximize Opportunities for Reinvigorating the Economy (CREATE MORE) Bill, already passed in the House, has been transmitted to the Senate.
Zubiri emphasized the Senate's commitment: "We will focus all our energies on these 20 measures before we adjourn for the 3rd Regular Session. But we are confident we can fulfill all of our legislative commitments to the President and to the people before this year ends."