Sen. Leila M. de Lima's Ulat sa Bayan: Bills and Resolutions filed
(as of 29 June 2017)

ACCOMPLISHMENT REPORT
BILLS AND RESOLUTIONS FILED

Electoral Reforms

Senator Leila M. de Lima (SLML) was one of the few Senators who pushed for the postponement the 2016 Barangay Elections (Senate Bill No. 371). It was enacted into law as Republic Act No. 10923 last 15 October 2016.

SLML, as Chairman of the Committee on Electoral Reforms and People's Participation, filed a Proposed Senate Resolution No. 260 (PSRN 260) directing an Inquiry into the current state of Voters Database in the custody of COMELEC.

This year, SLML filed a PSRN 339 directing an Inquiry into President Duterte's proposal to further postpone the 2017 Barangay and Sanguniang Kabataan Elections.

Extrajudicial killings and the War on Drugs

SLML was the first Senator to file a Resolution directing an Inquiry into the recent rampant extrajudicial killings and summary executions under the Duterte Administration (PSRN 9).

SLML, as Chairman of the Committee on Justice and Human Rights, conducted hearings on extrajudicial killings. On the 4th Hearing, SLML presented Mr. Edgar Matobato, confessed killer and member of the so-called Davao Death Squad, as a witness.

Four days later, SLML filed PSRN 153 extending an invitation to UN Special Rapporteur on EJK, Summary or Arbitrary Execution to visit the country and look into the extrajudicial killings and summary executions amidst the Administration's War on Drugs. On the very same day, SLML was ousted as the Chairperson of the Committee on Justice and Human Rights .

Last October, SLML filed SBN 1197 criminalizing Extrajudicial killing. Under the proposed measure, those found guilty will be meted out a penalty of life imprisonment. SBN 1197 also aims to provide compensation to families of EJK victims.

Recently, SLML filed PSRN 358 directing an Inquiry in Aid of Legislation on the revelation of a Catanduanes Policeman that his Senior Police Officers have ordered him to commit other illegal acts including killing a suspected pusher in connection with the Administration's War on Drugs.

Death Penalty

SLML is a staunch Anti- Death Penalty advocate. SLML is the only Senator who has filed a bill creating an antidote and an alternative to Death Penalty, Qualified Reclusion Perpetua (SBN 368).

Justice Sector Reforms

One of the advocacies of SLML is to introduce reforms to the Justice Sector.

SLML filed SBN 369 which institutionalizes a Criminal Investigation System. She was one of two Senators who filed SBN 1364 which seeks to preserve evidence generated from Security Cameras.

She also filed SBN 1230 which strengthens the Commission on Human Rights (CHR) as a National Human Rights Institution. She also filed SBN 1373 which aims to strengthen the Human Rights Affair Office in PNP. In PSRN 365, SLML, through a resolution recognized the important role of CHR on the occasion of its 30th Anniversary.

SLML also filed SBN 1345 which aims to redefine the mandate of the Public Attorney's Office.

To ensure independence in the Judiciary, SLML filed SBN 1346 which revokes authority from Local Government Units to provide discretionary allowances to judges and prosecutors. She also filed SBN 1347 which grants Hazard Pay to Justice Sector Officials.

SLML also introduced several resolutions directing an Inquiry in aid of Legislation on the state of Jails and penitentiaries, ts inmates and the operations of concerned government agencies - PSRN 97 on Current State of Jails and Penitentiaries; PSRN 174 on the apparent mismanagement of the Bureau of Corrections and the Philippine National Police (PNP) which lead to the death of high profile inmate Tony Co and injuries of many others; PSRN 357 on the Secret Jail in Manila Police District Station; and PSRN 312 on the dehumanizing and degrading treatment of the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA), PNP and the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) in the Cebu Provincial Detention and Rehabilitation Center.

She also filed PSRN 300 which seeks to conduct an inquiry in aid of legislation on the recent killings of members of the Philippine Bar in line of their duty.

Women and Children

In response to calls from sector to lower the Minimum Age of Criminal Responsibility (MACR), SLML filed SBN 195 which seeks to impose stiffer penalties to individuals who engage, promote, facilitate or induce a child in unlawful activities. She also filed a resolution directing an inquiry into the implementation of Juvenile Justice Welfare Act of 2006 or Republic Act No. 9344 and to ensure that proposals are in place against lowering MACR from 15 years old to 9 years old.

Because of numerous reports of Cybersex den raids, SLML filed PSRN 379 directing an inquiry in aid of legislation on the implementation of the Cybercrime Prevention Act with the end in view of imposing higher penalties for Child Pornography through a computer system and cybersex involving children.

She is one of the few Senators who filed the Anti-Corporal Punishment Act (SBN 1348).

SLML also filed SBN 1433 which seeks to institutionalize a National Comprehensive Program for Persons with Autism Spectrum Disorders.

SLML also filed SBN 1040 which provides Free Tertiary Agricultural Education.

She also filed SBN 1438 which aims to protect women in state custody by prescribing minimum standards for their treatment and penalizing violations of such acts.

ICCs/IDPs

SLML filed PSRN 195 which directs an Inquiry into the Root Causes of Internal Displacement of Indigenous Cultural Communities and Indigenous Peoples. She also co-authored SBN 1142 which seeks to protect the Rights of Internally Displaced Persons.

Amendments to Codes/Special Laws

SLML is the only Senator in the 17th Congress who filed a new simpler Criminal Code (SBN 1227).

She also filed SBN 1479 criminalizing Cadaver Desecration.

She also filed SBN 1361 and SBN 1360 which both seeks to amend the Anti-Graft and Corrupt Practices Act , in particular, absence in the Philippines will now be a ground for tolling of prescriptive period.

SLML filed SBN 197 which seeks to abolish penalty of imprisonment in Libel Cases. She also filed SBN 1359 which provides for stiffer penalties for Perjury and which also criminalizes Subornation of Perjury.

SLML also filed SBN 959 and 961 which both seeks to redefine Crime of Syndicated Estafa and Crime of Illegal Recruitment committed by a Syndicate.

She also filed SBN 1039 which seeks to rationalize penal laws against Smuggling.

Accountability of Government Officials and Employees

SLML filed SBN 196 which seeks to remove government officials and employees from the coverage of the Bank Secrecy Law.

SLML also filed PSRN 359 directing an Inquiry into the alleged involvement of Cabinet Members and High Ranking Military Officials in the operation of Small Town Lotteries nationwide.

Environment and Climate Change

SLML was the only Senator in the 17th Congress who filed a bill prohibiting black sand mining in the Philippines.

In light of recent earthquakes in many parts in the Philippines, SLML field SRN 322 which directs an inquiry in aid of Legislation on the Preparedness of Greater Metro Manila Area and other Earthquake prone areas for the "Big One".

Duterte Administration

Regarding President Duterte's relations with China, SLML filed several resolutions directing Inquiry in aid of legislation - PSRN 222 on the various investment deals signed or entered into by the President during his visit to China; PSRN 377 on possible onerous and long term financial and economic repercussions of the multi-billion dollar loan and investment package offered by China; and PSRN 334 on the suspicious maritime activities of China in Benham Rise.

With the recently proclaimed Mindanao Martial Law, the Minority Bloc, including SLML, filed a Resolution to convene Congress and deliberate on Presidential Proclamation No. 206. She also filed a resolution commending the bravery and heroism of Members of AFP and PNP in Marawi.

SLML also filed PSRN 405 which seeks to conduct an inquiry into the recent lapses of the Philippine News Agency.

SLML, together with the Senate Minority Bloc, filed a PSRN 417 expressing grave concern over DOJ Decision to downgrade charges of members of CIDG in Albuera, Leyte for killing Mayor Espinosa Sr.

National Security

SLML filed a PSRN 311 directing an Inquiry into the recent Criminal activities of the Abu Sayyaf Group and other lawless groups including the beheading of a German National.

She also filed PSRN 370 directing an Inquiry into the recent bombings in Metro Manila.

Jobs and Employment

SLML filed PSRN 402 directing an Inquiry into the rising unemployment rate.

She also filed PSRN 406 directing an Inquiry into the impact of Diplomatic Row between Qatar and its neighboring countries on our Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs).

SLML filed PSRN 407 directing an inquiry in aid of legislation on impact of Duterte Administration's Tax Reform Program.