President Marcos and Congress leaders agreed yesterday to prioritize 44 key bills aimed at uplifting farmers and fisherfolk, expanding social services, modernizing governance, ensure energy security and strengthen the country’s readiness for future challenges.
At the Legislative-Executive Development Advisory Council (LEDAC) meeting, Marcos and the congressional leaders agreed to prioritize amendments to the Rice Tariffication Law and Fisheries Code to protect producers and consumers, empower coconut farmers and strengthen fisheries management.
In social protection, health, and education, priority bills include amendments to the 4Ps and Universal Health Care Act, creation of a National Center for Geriatric Health and passage of the Assistance to Individuals in Crisis Situations Act.
Other key education and nutrition-related bills include amendments to the Masustansyang Pagkain para sa Batang Pilipino Act, expanded aid to students and teachers in private schools and reforms in teachers’ professionalization.
The agenda also included critical environment and infrastructure-related bills: the Department of Water Resources Bill, Waste-to-Energy Bill, amendments to the EPIRA Law, National Land Use Act, excise tax on single-use plastics, Blue Economy Act and biofuels reforms.
Governance and accountability measures include the Progressive Budgeting Act, Right to Information Act, amendments to the Anti-Money Laundering Act, a review of the Local Government Code, proposed tax amnesties, bank secrecy waivers for civil servants and the Magna Carta for Barangays.
To boost economic growth, priority measures include amendments to the Bank Deposits Secrecy Law, pending further study on foreign currency deposits, and reforms supporting micro, small and medium enterprises.
Additional economic drivers include the National Reintegration Bill, a Masterplan for Infrastructure and National Development and the strengthening of the Bases Conversion and Development Authority.
The President and Congress also agreed to prioritize bills on cybersecurity, digital payments, the regulation of online gambling and fair use of social media, artificial intelligence and internet technology in elections to ensure the safe and responsible use of digital platforms in governance and public life.
On disaster resilience, the proposed amendments to the National Building Code and the proposed Disaster Risk Financing Insurance Act will enhance safety standards and provide financial safeguards for communities vulnerable to calamities.
The government also pushed for the modernization of the Bureau of Immigration to enhance frontline services, strengthen national security and improve cross-border mobility.
‘With these 44 measures, both the executive and legislative branches reaffirm their shared commitment to enact reforms that not only address immediate needs but also lay the groundwork for long-term national development,’ Marcos said in a Presidential Communications Office statement.
‘The House of Representatives adheres to the call of the people through the creation of laws that have direct effect on their lives,’ House Speaker Faustino Dy III said in a separate statement. ‘With the President’s leadership and the collective will of this Council, we are confident that we can achieve these legislative goals.’
‘Prioritize education, too’
At the same meeting, Education Secretary Sonny Angara urged Congress to prioritize key amendments that directly address access, equity and accountability in education programs, aside from the 44 key bills.
Among the education bills endorsed to Congress are amendments that include provisions to incorporate marginalized groups such as indigenous learners and adolescent mothers; allow milk-based substitutes in the milk feeding program; provide weekly micronutrient supplementation for female learners and establish central kitchens in every School Division Office.
He also proposed amendments to the Expanded Government Assistance to Students and Teachers in Private Education coverage, reform teacher licensure, increase the Special Education Fund levy and fast-track classroom construction through the Classroom Building Acceleration Bill.