First Regular Session of the 14th Congress
Villar: Pro-poor bills highlight Senate accomplishment

Senate President Manny Villar today said the Senate approval of a record number of more than 30 bills on second and third reading is highlighted by eight measures that would help uplift the plight of the Filipino masses during these difficult economic times.

In a statement a day after Congress adjourned sine die Wednesday, Villar said he was proud of the Senate accomplishment, which should put to rest criticisms that the Senate has reneged on its lawmaking functions in favor of oversight congressional investigations on allegations of fraud and corruption in government.

"We will continue to give priority to the passage of bills that would benefit the Filipino masses, particularly the poor," said Villar, who is also Nacionalista Party president. "This is an outstanding accomplishment considering that in the past, most bills were not approved in the first regular session of a Congress." A Congress has three regular sessions.

Villar added the Senate's accomplishment in the First Regular Session of the 14th Congress has the greatest number of bills passed. He noted that in the First Regular Session of the 12th Congress, Senate passed 16 bills in third and second reading. In the First Regular Session of the 13th Congress, eight bills were approved.

"We believe these bills will play an important role in our campaign to improve the lives of the Filipino people in the face of widespread poverty and high prices of food and other basic commodities," Villar added. "I am happy to report to the nation, that despite the unwarranted criticisms, the Senate labored on and fulfilled its mandate to legislate measures designed to alleviate the plight of the masses."

Villar commended his colleagues for the fortitude and commitment they displayed amid the numerous Senate investigations in connection with questionable transactions by the executive branch.

He noted that from July 2007 to May 31 this year, the Senate and its various committees conducted a total of 342 public hearings, 22 of which were related to the oversight functions of Congress to investigate allegations of graft and corruption in government.

During the same period, Villar himself has filed 333 bills and resolutions.

Included in the important bills passed on third reading are eight pro-poor bills:

1. R. A. No. 9501 (S.B. No. 1646) - Promoting Entrepreneurship by Strengthening the Development and Assistance Programs to Micro, Small and Medium Scale Enterprises

This bill encourages the establishments of micro, small and medium enterprises and ensures their continuing viability through entrepreneurship and skills development programs.

2. S. B. No. 1662- Providing for Additional Benefits and Protection to Housekeepers (Kasambahay)

This bill mandates employers to provide a written employment contract in a language known to the housekeepers, which shall include their fixed number of working hours, regular day offs, sleeping quarter arrangements, and their annual salary increase.

3. S.B. No. 1882- Establishing a Provident Personal Savings Plan, Known as the Personal Equity and Retirement Account (PERA)

This bill aims to promote capital market development and savings mobilization by establishing a legal and regulatory framework of retirement plans for persons, comprised of voluntary personal savings and investments.

4. S.B. No. 1648- Extending the Agricultural Competitiveness Enhancement Fund (ACEF)

This bill extends the ACEF program which provides funds for irrigation, farm to market roads, post harvest equipments, and other farming facilities to enhance the competitiveness of Philippine agriculture.

5. R. A. No. 9499 (S.B No. 1659) - Allowing Filipino World War II Veterans to Continue Receiving Philippine Government Pensions and Benefits even when Similar Pensions and Benefits are Provided by the US Government

This bill mandates the government to provide pensions and benefits to World War II veterans similar to what they are receiving from the US government.

6. S.B. No. 2293- An Act Amending Sections 22, 24, 34. 35, 51 and 79 of Republic Act No. 8424, as Amended, Otherwise Known as the National Revenue Code of 1997

This bill seeks to increase the take home pay of the minimum wage earners by providing them more tax exemptions.

7. S.B. No. 2408- Providing for Additional Support and Compensation for Educators in Basic Education

This bill grants an additional compensation of P9,000 to teachers.

8. R. A. No. 9502 (S.B. No. 1658) - Providing for Quality Affordable Medicines

This measure aims to lower the medicine prices in the country to make it within the reach of poor Filipinos.