MANILA – The Senate approved on Tuesday (14 Jan 2025) four important measures as it resumed the third regular session of the 19th Congress.

The first bill to be unanimously approved was Senate Bill No. 2897, which proposes amendments to Republic Act (RA) No. 11313, also known as the Safe Spaces Act. The bill addresses gender-based online harassment, particularly involving artificial intelligence (AI) and other emerging technologies.

Authored by Senators Cynthia Villar and Robinhood Padilla and sponsored by Senate Deputy Minority Leader Risa Hontiveros, the amendments target harassment in virtual spaces, and define grooming as predatory behavior aimed at children or their guardians for abuse.

“This bill responds to the urgent calls from our constituents, especially young women in schools, to reform the law in order to better address their lived realities. When we made the current law [RA 11313], no one knew what AI was. Today, deep fakes are chronic, and pornography is being created with the use of these emerging technologies,” Hontiveros explained.

The bill also expands the definition of public spaces to include rural areas such as fields, farms, and coastal regions. It mandates internet intermediaries to take down violating content within 24 hours upon notice. Violators face fines of up to PHP100,000 or imprisonment of up to six months.

“Although we know that no amount of penalty may be sufficient to give justice to the victims, we hope that the increased penalties will actually deter more crimes of this nature and be commensurate with the severity of the harm it inflicts on its victims,” Senator Grace Poe said in her explanation of vote.

The Senate also approved SBN 2825, or the Phivolcs Modernization Act, which emphasizes the critical role of the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (Phivolcs) in monitoring seismic and volcanic hazards.

Senator Joel Villanueva, supporting the measure, highlighted the need for modernization of Phivolcs’ equipment, technology, and workforce. “This measure ensures Phivolcs can expand its monitoring network, enhance research, and support the professional growth of its personnel,” Villanueva said. “Modernizing Phivolcs is an investment in the safety and resilience of our nation. We must not wait for another tragedy to remind us of the importance of preparedness.”

Meanwhile, SBN 2863, the Foreign Affairs Pension Differential Act, also received full support. Principal author Senator Loren Legarda emphasized the importance of honoring retired Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) personnel who have served the country in challenging and dangerous environments. The bill adjusts the monthly pensions and disability benefits of retired DFA officers and employees, ensuring they can live with dignity in retirement.

Finally, senators praised the approval of SBN 2816, which sets the term for elected barangay officials to four years. The bill, authored by Senator Imee Marcos, seeks to strengthen barangay governance and improve service delivery nationwide. Senators Ramon Revilla Jr. and Padilla cited its practical and constitutional merits in their explanations of vote.

Revilla underscored the pivotal role of barangays as the “basic political unit and primary implementers of government policies and programs.” He emphasized that barangays serve as a bridge to ensure that government programs reach the people swiftly and effectively.

Padilla noted that three years is insufficient for barangay officials to implement their platforms and programs effectively. The extended term would bring stability to local governance, reduce the frequency of elections, and allow resources to be reallocated to meaningful government projects.

In addition to these four measures, the Senate also unanimously approved House Bill No. 7406, which revises the Baguio City Charter.

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