Villar committees list priority legislation

Sen. Manny Villar today outlined the priority legislations which will be tackled by the two Senate committees under his helm when hearings start tomorrow, Wednesday.

The Senate Committees on Economic Affairs and on Trade and Commerce will commence its hearings with a consultative meeting on August 25 at 1pm and 2 pm, respectively. Lodged with these committees are two of the seven priority legislation identified by the present administration, namely the Anti-Trust Law, which will address the existing cartel problem and monopolies and the New Investments and Incentives Code of the Philippines.

"I am glad that the Senate leadership trusted me to lead the committees that will help shape the economic policies of the country. We are more than willing to share our knowledge and expertise so we can find solutions to our urgent economic problems," Villar said.

Also prioritized are the following measures:

a. The Lemon Law or the law providing warranties to buyers of second-hand vehicles;

b. The LPG Regulation and Safety Act or the law which will protect Filipinos against defective LPG tanks;

c. The compliance of telecommunication companies with regard to the National Telecommunications Commission memorandum regarding call/text rate (Joint with Public Services Committee);

d. The various consumer welfare and protection issues, such as price stability and accessibility of prime commodities, labeling of consumer products that may lead to the amendment and updating of the Consumer Code of the Philippines;

e. Copyright issues on the arts (films, music industry, etc.) and the promotion of intellectual properties.

Among the invited resource speakers are Dir. Gen. Cayetano Paderanga, National Economic and Development Authority, Department of Trade and Industry Usec. Cristino Panlilio, in-charge of the Board of Investments, DTI Usec. Zenaida Maglaya, representing Sec. Gregory Domingo who is in Vietnam for the ASEAN meeting, and Dir. Gen. Ricardo Blancaflor, Intellectual Property Office.