Legislation

Senate Bill No. 2179: National Coastal Greenbelt Act of 2014

Last year, super-typhoon Yolanda (Haiyan) hit Eastern Visayas and left thousands of people dead. Millions more became homeless and now, are struggling to cope with the loss of loved ones, life savings and livelihood.

Previous storms, Ondoy, Pablo and Sendong have wrought havoc to other cities and provinces in the past half-decade, crippling the economic and social development of the Filipino people. The Philippines is battered by more than 20 typhoons a year, with an increasing number in the super-typhoon category. These could bring as much damage as Yolanda. The losses attributed were caused by storm surges and strong winds coming from the open ocean. In the age of global climate change, this has unfortunately become the new normal.

The poor coastal communities’ natural exposure to storm surges and lack of resources for preparation and recovery make them most vulnerable.

It is imperative to think of innovative, sustainable and cost-efficient ways for Filipinos to protect themselves, their properties and communities from the devastating impacts of natural disasters.

The Philippines is taking great strides in disaster preparedness. Recent laws created the Climate Change Commission (R.A. No. 9729) and strengthened the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (R.A. No. 10121). In addition, the People’s Survival Fund (R.A. No. 10174) was created to support adaptation activities of local governments and communities to increase their resilience.

Disaster preparedness comprises a whole suite of items, such as early warning systems, elevated shelters, hard engineering (e.g., breakwaters) and green engineering/infrastructure.

An establishment of greenbelts of mangroves and beach forests along coastlines is a proven green engineering intervention. As the Philippines’ 36,000 km coastline is among the longest in the world, coastal greenbelts effectively mitigate the damaging impacts of waves and storm surges. Some of the scientifically proven benefits are:

• Wave height of wind and swell waves can be reduced by 13-66% over 100m of mangroves;

• Storm surge attenuation of 5-50 cm.1 per kilometer width of mangroves;

• Surface wind waves can be reduced by more than 75% over one kilometer of mangroves; ,

• 50% reduction in storm surges by a 7-km band of mangroves.

Furthermore, coastal forests can reduce the force, depth and velocity of a tsunami, lessening damage to property and reducing loss of life. Coastal greenbelts are also cost-effective for disaster preparedness in the long term. The total valuation of mangroves is estimated at US$14, 000-16,000 per hectare, of which about 80% is for coastal protection value. The cost of establishing coastal greenbelts to protect against storm surge and tsunami would only be a fraction of the damages that could be brought by the yearly battering of typhoons.

A number of existing laws, policies and regulations on mangroves have been issued over the years resulting in a fragmented and conflicting policy environment. This bill aims to come up with a strategic program to rationalize the development of mangroves and beach forests for coastal protection; it is anchored on a comprehensive policy framework that addresses the fragmented approach in the past.

Establishing the National Coastal Greenbelt Program shall provide the agency mandates, funding, and general guiding principles for implementing a science-based and· cost-effective program. The proposed National Greenbelt Program mandates establishment of 100-meter protection zones, initially for the Eastern Pacific seaboard, where typhoons make landfall. This Program can also reap added benefits. The establishment of science-based coastal greenbelts is expected to protect biodiversity, improve fisheries productivity, and enhance the tourism and livelihood potential of the area. Transforming vulnerable coastal villages into highly resilient and sustainable communities is a step towards a nation that is inclusive for all.

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

 

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Republic Act No. 10756: Election Service Reform Act of 2014

About 250,000 public school teachers sit as chairmen or member of the board election inspectors when Filipinos elect their president, vice president, senators, and members of Congress, governors, mayors and councilors.

Taking part in upholding the right of the Filipino to suffrage is not that Simple for these teachers. After tirelessly working for the preparation, conduct and counting of votes of the elections, teachers receive insufficient compensation for their service. This is further aggravated by the delay in the release of their honoraria, even taking months.

Teachers are also exposed to high security risks as they perform their election duties, having alarming instances of harassment, violence and death, especially in election hotspot areas. According to a national paper, there were five casualties among the teachers in the 2010 elections.

Moreover, about a hundred teachers end up getting charged before Comelec by losing candidates. These candidates contest the results as they complain about the teachers’ conduct of the elections.

In addition, their mandatory duties have prevented the teachers from voting because most of them are assigned in precincts that they are not registered as voters.

It is essential that assistance be provided to the teachers who have selflessly performed this important task every election year, even as they have developed a moral responsibility for doing it.

The BEl reform bill has had earlier versions in the past Congresses. HB 4096 promoted the voluntary election services and HB 6528 promoted an insurance package for BEl members. This bill aims to integrate the provisions of the two earlier versions into a comprehensive package of reform policy.

The bill attends to the key problems of the BEl members; they are to receive a minimum honoraria, insurance, equitable legal package commensurate of their service, and voting privileges.

The proposed amendment also gives the teachers the liberty to choose whether or not to serve in the elections. This allows them to protect themselves from political pressures and consider their personal welfare.

As teacher training and election operations are straining for the Department of Education’s resources, the rich reservoir of civic volunteers can be tapped as alternative source of manpower for BEl members and poll staff.

Due to their experience in election monitoring the past elections, they have the competence and integrity operating the polls. The government then allows its citizens to further participate in the ensuring the legitimacy of the election process.

The proposed amendment builds on the recognition of its teachers as they play an important role in the conduct of the democratic processes of the Filipinos and extends the space where citizens can actively participate in the reform of institutions.

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

 

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Republic Act No. 10642: Philippine Lemon Law

Nais ng Philippine Lemon Law na protektahan ang karapatan ng mamimili, lalo na ang mga bumibili ng sasakyan.

Sa idyoma ng Kanluran, ang pagbili ng isang lemon ay pagbili ng isang substandard na sasakyan.

Ang coverage ng batas ay para sa mga sasakyang nai-deliver sa loob ng 12 buwan o mga sasakyang may tinakbo hanggang 20,000 km.

Kapag ang parehong depekto ay hindi nagawa ng kasa hanggang sa ikaapat na beses, papalitan ang sasakyang binili o ibabalik ang perang ipinambili.

Ang mga hindi kasama sa coverage ay ang mga sasakyang hindi sinunod ang obligasyon sa warranty, mga pagbabago sa sasakyan na hindi pinayagan ng dealer,naabusong sasakyan, o mga sira sa sasakyan dahil sa aksidente o kalamidad.

Sa batas na ito, ang binayaran ng mamimili ay masusulit, mapoprotektahan ang consumer at ang industriya mula sa substandard na produkto at maitutulak ang kalidad sa mga sasakyan.

 

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Republic Act No. 10744: Credit Surety Fund Act of 2014

For a developing country like the Philippines, majority of its businesses come from the Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs). As of 2011, the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) accounts that 99.6% are MSMEs, employing about 62% of the Philippine workforce. With that, the sector is a major stakeholder in the economic development of the people.

Yet, one of the roadblocks for the continued growth of the MSMEs is access to financing. The existing requirements for credit do not consider the nature and stature of these micro and small businesses. Current prerequisites for financing are marginalizing the sector, which provides jobs and livelihood to the majority of Filipinos.

It is high time that a structure of extension of credit for MSMEs be developed to further grow micro and small enterprises all over the country.

Thus, the bill proposes the establishment of the Credit Surety Fund (CSF) mechanism to enhance the credit worthiness of MSMEs, broa~en their access to credit facilities, and sustain the continuous flow of credit in the countryside. This will generate more employment and alleviate poverty through increased investments and economic activities.

The challenge is to grow micro businesses into small enterprises and small enterprises to medium enterprises. If this challenge is addressed, we would better enable the kind of economic growth that not only benefits the few rich, but also the majority of the people, including the poorest Filipino.

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

 

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Senate Bill No. 2214: Big Data Act of 2014

The world we live in is in constant change. With these changes, more data are being collected, stored, accessed, analyzed, re-analyzed and disseminated.

Big Data has risen as an alternative source of information. It refers to datasets whose volume is beyond the ability of typical database software tools to capture, store, manage and analyze within a tolerable elapsed period of time.

Today, Big Data from information-sensing smart phones, social media and the Internet, remote sensing and climate sensors is more available and accessible.

Thus, an establishment of a technology center that facilitates Big Data is proposed in order for policy and services to be more relevant to the changing needs of the people.

With the help of the Philippine Big Data Center, disaster response teams will be armed by important information and other data needed during emergency situations and calamities.

The Bill proposes an infrastructure where Big Data is utilized for research and development, and invention and innovation.

The Center will develop a range of standards to use software and tools for analytics on massive amounts of data being generated from the use of the Internet and other technology.

The Center will also be responsible for disseminating and communicating the knowledge gained from its research activities to its stakeholders in both the public and private sectors. The analysis from Big Data will help policy makers to be more responsive to the needs of the public.

Furthermore, the Center will respect the right to privacy of the Filipinos, ensuring data anonymity, establish opt-in permissions and uphold transparency in its data analytics processes.

The passage of this bill will pioneer and institutionalize a technological breakthrough that will support the public and private sectors. It boosts the efforts of the State for more advanced, sustained and inclusive developmental progress.

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

 

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Senate Bill No. 2217: Start-Up Business Bill

The positive economic forecast for the Philippines encourages firms to invest in innovation towards the development of new products that would be able to compete in both local and foreign markets.

Start-up enterprises (“Start-ups”) have the potential to spur and spread such innovation. As these enterprises have likewise the appetite to take on more risks, they would fuel creativity and challenge existing ways of doing business. The establishment and growth of Start-ups would therefore be beneficial for more Filipinos who have the innate talent for shaping contemporary ideas while working with limited resources.

A measure to assist Start-ups would help to develop in the maturation of a community dedicated to fostering new solutions to ever changing complex problems.

The Start-Up Business Act proposes a tax exemption for Start Ups for the first two years of operation provided that these enterprises are duly registered businesses that are not affiliates, subsidiaries or franchises of any existing company and do not have any previous or other existing registered businesses.

This measure encourages Start-ups to get organized, and establish their business operations and market base. It will give these enterprises the proper time to stand on its own.

Moreover, this bill recognizes the role of Start-ups in the economy and demonstrates the State’s commitment to innovation.

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

 

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Senate Bill No. 2215: Community Disaster Warehouse Bill

In the past few years, the country has been battered by more than twenty typhoons a year, with an increasing number in the super-typhoon category.

As super-typhoon Yolanda (Haiyan) hit Eastern Visayas, particularly Leyte, last year, Filipinos who were seriously affected needed to contend with an insurmountable shortage of food, clean water, medicine and first aid, and clothing to weather the storm. Supplies weren’t able to reach the survivors immediately due to wrecked ports, airports and roads.

Thus, it is important that every community in the country be equipped and prepared for disasters, and make relief and basic goods as accessible as possible. The first few days after storms or earthquakes hit are crucial in mitigating further tragedies to individuals and families.

Hence, the establishment of community disaster warehouses aims to extend assistance to survivors of calamities, natural or man-made, by ensuring access to basic goods and prime commodities.

It intends for goods sold in these warehouses to be tax-exempt, and ensure that goods in the market would be available to avoid hoarding in affected areas. Furthermore, it seeks to protect citizens from price manipulation during times of crisis.

This intervention is important for the days and weeks right after the calamity to enable people and communities to start rebuilding and normalizing their lives.

Equipping communities with proper mechanism to assist its people during adversity is empowering and inclusive towards a nation that works for all.

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

 

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Senate Bill No. 2216: Mandatory Appointment of a Cooperative Officer in Every LGUs

In his travels in Europe in the 19th century, Philippine National Hero Dr. Jose P. Rizal was impressed with the success of a new economic movement that transformed the economic and social life of the Europeans. When he was incarcerated in Dapitan, Rizal he put up a school for the poor community where the community itself was the owner, a business model that he learned in his travels in the West. He also established the first cooperative store with his students. In addition, he organized the La Sociedad de los Abaceleros (Society of Abaca Producers), the first cooperative of its kind in the country.

Cooperative businesses are about meeting the needs of the people, where profit making is side by side with the development of the community. Since cooperatives are owned and democratically controlled by their members, the decisions taken balance the need for profitability and the wider interests of the community. Thus, cooperatives empower communities where they own and manage their own enterprise and share the economic benefits among all members.

Such a model where everyone has an interest in the participatory and developmental efforts of the community need to be replicated and scaled up to further the State’s interest in providing progress even to the marginalized sectors of society.

The Cooperatives Officer Bill mandates all municipal governments to have a designated officer attending to the needs of cooperatives and promoting cooperative-building in their localities.

The Cooperatives Officer shall steward the cooperatives in the areas of registration, market linkage, product development, training and mentoring, and access to capital and financing. Cooperatives are then promoted and further developed, organizing communities and building an economic movement for the people.

The challenge is to continue what Rizal fought for – not only political freedom – but economic freedom and poverty alleviation as well.

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

 

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Senate Bill No. 2227: Amending Secs. 22, 24 (A) 52 ) (2), Nirc (Marginal Income Earners)

In a country where 2.96 million Filipinos are unemployed, the poor turn to various forms of self-employment to be able to make ends meet. The farmers and fisherfolk in the rural areas, and the tricycle drivers, vendors and small sari-sari storeowners in the cities, think of innovative ways everyday just to earn decent income for their families. More than anything else, these micro-entrepreneurs, or Marginal Income Earners (MIEs), need the right opportunity to grow their small businesses into a more sustainable source of living. Charging taxes does not help them in any way; rather, it becomes a burden to a sector that is situated below the poverty line.

This bill seeks to amend the National Internal Revenue Code of 1997 so as to exempt from taxes the MIEs, whose gross sales from their small engagements in business would just be enough to sustain the needs of their families. Such a measure provides a less repressive and more enabling environment for MIEs to thrive and be given a chance to succeed. It further continues our campaign in achieving growth that includes everyone, even and especially the poor and marginalized.

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

 

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Senate Bill No. 2637: Safer Internet Day (SID) Act of 2015

The Internet has been integrated into the daily lives of billions around the world, with the Philippines ranked 16th out of 196 nations in 2014 with over 39 million local Internet users.

Thanks to the World Wide Web, families here and abroad stay connected, news is readily available, our disaster preparedness has improved, and the business landscape is forever changed.

This bill calls for the celebration of National Safer Internet Day to acknowledge both the challenges and opportunities brought forth by this technology that has been integrated in the lives offamilies, communities and the country.

Through the celebration of National Safer Internet Day, the public would be made aware of the importance of creating a safe, secure and favorable online environment.

The Internet exposes the public to a wealth of information and varying perceptions. The lack of safeguards and controls on the web has allowed cyber abuses never before thought of.

What’s more, the Internet is constantly growing and changing. We are only beginning to understand its implications and tap into its capabilities.

National Safer Internet Day should be an annual reminder of our responsibilities as patrons ofthe Internet.

Beyond this, it is also a venue to discuss the constantly changing landscape of the World Wide Web and discover how best to maximize the ever-expanding online realm.

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

 

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