MANILA – When the Senate resumes sessions on January 13, four (4) key legislative measures will be at the forefront of its agenda.
Senate Majority Leader Francis Tolentino highlighted these priorities, which include the (1) postponement of the barangay elections and the (2) modernization of the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (Phivolcs). Other focal points will be (3) amendments to the Baguio City Charter and (4) pension adjustments for Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) personnel.
The top priority will be Senate Bill No. 2816, which seeks to reschedule the 2025 Barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan Elections (BSKE) to May 2029. This bill also proposes extending the terms of local officials by two years, ensuring that the BSKE does not coincide with national elections and providing the Commission on Elections with ample time to ensure peaceful polls.
Tolentino emphasized the urgency of modernizing Phivolcs, citing recent volcanic eruptions in Kanlaon and Taal. Senate Bill No. 2825, the Phivolcs Modernization Act, aims to enhance the agency’s capabilities by upgrading its technology, expanding seismic stations, and improving personnel training and salaries.
Another priority is House Bill No. 7406, which seeks to amend the Baguio City Charter to maintain the city’s status as a highly urbanized independent local government. The bill also aims to rectify issues regarding property titling.
Additionally, Senate Bill No. 2863, known as the Foreign Affairs Pension Differential Act, would provide improved retirement benefits to Filipino foreign service officers aged 65 and older, who have served at least 15 years with the DFA.
Tolentino also noted that other ongoing legislative efforts will include measures to reorganize the National Tax Research Center, improve the mining sector, and strengthen the National Housing Authority.
The Senate will address these measures when sessions resume next week.
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