MANILA – In a significant legislative move, the Senate passed seven major bills on Monday (27 Jan 2025) aimed at bolstering governance, national security, the economy, agriculture, and environmental conservation. The bills received strong bipartisan support, demonstrating a unified approach to addressing some of the nation’s most pressing challenges.

Among the approved measures was Senate Bill No. 2781, also known as the E-Governance Act, which aims to streamline government services through digital platforms. This bill ensures that essential public services can continue even during disruptions, ensuring greater accessibility and trust in government processes. Senator Sherwin Gatchalian, who sponsored the bill, stressed its role in building a more inclusive, digital-first government.

“Digital governance will enable continuous service delivery even during emergencies. It is about making services more accessible to all Filipinos, including those with disabilities,” said Gatchalian.

Another landmark measure was Senate Bill No. 2865, the Capital Markets Efficiency Promotion Act, which seeks to democratize access to capital markets, offering new investment opportunities for ordinary Filipinos and stimulating economic growth.

“This bill will make the capital markets more inclusive and fairer, not just for individual investors, but for the entire nation,” Gatchalian added.

The Senate also passed Senate Bill No. 2900, which establishes a Special Defense Economic Zone in Limay, Bataan. This measure aims to attract investments in the local defense industry, advancing the nation’s self-reliance in defense capabilities. Senate President Miguel Zubiri voiced support for the bill, calling it essential for strengthening the country’s defense posture.

“This zone will foster a self-reliant defense industry, empowering Filipinos to manufacture our own armaments,” Zubiri said.

Additionally, the Senate approved Senate Bill No. 2814, providing free legal assistance to military and uniformed personnel involved in legal matters related to their official duties. Senate President Pro Tempore Jinggoy Ejercito Estrada, who authored the bill, highlighted the risks faced by security forces in the line of duty and the necessity for legal support.

“This bill ensures that our men and women in uniform, who risk their lives to protect the country, have access to legal assistance when needed,” Estrada stated.

The Senate also passed Senate Bill No. 2895, proposing amendments to the Comprehensive Firearms and Ammunition Regulation Act, to strengthen gun ownership regulations and promote public safety. Senator Ronald Dela Rosa emphasized the need for responsible gun ownership to enhance national security.

“We need stricter regulations and increased compliance to ensure a safer and more secure Philippines,” Dela Rosa explained.

In a move to support the media, House Bill No. 6505 was approved, granting a fresh franchise to state-run IBC-13. Senator Raffy Tulfo praised the approval, noting that it would revitalize the network and provide job opportunities for Filipinos.

“This renewal is a chance to strengthen IBC-13’s role in combatting fake news while promoting Filipino culture and values,” Tulfo said.

Also approved was Senate Bill No. 2906, the Philippine Agriculturists Act, which provides professional recognition and better career opportunities for agriculturists. Senate leaders, including Zubiri, welcomed the bill as long overdue for those who play a vital role in the nation’s food security and rural development.

“This bill ensures that our agriculturists receive the recognition and compensation they deserve,” Zubiri remarked.

The Senate also approved a series of bills, including House Bill No. 8839, which grants Philippine citizenship to Li Duan Wang. However, the bill sparked controversy, with Senator Risa Hontiveros casting the only dissenting vote due to concerns about Wang’s alleged ties to questionable activities.

Hontiveros explained, “While I’m not declaring Wang guilty, the red flags surrounding his background make it unwise to grant citizenship without further scrutiny.”

Other approved measures include Senate Bill No. 1536, which seeks to expand the buffer zone of the Las Piñas – Parañaque Wetland Park, as part of the country’s commitment to environmental conservation and disaster resilience.

The Senate also approved various bills related to the establishment and renaming of schools across the country to improve access to education, ensuring better opportunities for students in different regions.

This productive session marks a significant step forward in addressing critical national issues through thoughtful and effective legislation.

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