01-07-2025
More senators file priority bills in 20th Congress
More senators on Tuesday filed their priority legislative measures for the incoming 20th Congress.
Topping the 10 priority bills of returning Senator Panfilo "Ping" Lacson was the proposed legislation expanding the Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program (4Ps).
He also filed bills that seek to prohibit the establishment of political dynasties; regulate the use of social media platforms by minors; and prescribe the order of succession in case of death, permanent disability, removal from office, or resignation of the president.
Lacson, a former chief of the Philippine National Police (PNP), also filed a measure defining and penalizing espionage and other similar offenses against national security.
Meanwhile, Senator Pia Cayetano's first 10 bills focused on health, education, gender equality, sports, and sustainable communities.
These include the proposed Vapes and Heated Tobacco Products Regulation Act, Walkable and Bikeable Communities Act, Ban on Online Gambling Act, Artificial Intelligence Regulation Act, and a measure strengthening Tertiary Education Subsidy.
Senator Lito Lapid, for his part, submitted a proposed News Media Welfare Act, Free Access to Government Websites Act, and Rights of Internally Displaced Persons Act, among others.
Neophyte senator Camille Villar also filed her priority bills, which included a proposed act to establish a cancer medicine and treatment assistance fund for indigent and underprivileged Filipinos.
Also among Villar's pet measures were bills providing for protection of the remittances of overseas Filipino workers; and the enhancement of workers' protection and skills development in the course of job disruption due to artificial intelligence and technological advancements in the digital economy.
Camille's brother, Senator Mark Villar, also filed his top 10 bills pushing for the passage of the Scam Prevention Center Act, Magna Carta of Commuters, Abducted or Missing Persons Alert Act, and Free Annual Medical Check-Up Act of 2025, among others.
The 10 priority bills of Senator Sherwin Gatchalian, for his part, included the Online Gambling Regulatory Framework Act, Three-Year College Education Act, General Tax Amnesty Act of 2025, and the Granting Increase in Take-Home Pay for All Working Filipinos Act.
On Monday, other senators also filed their priority bills and resolutions for the 20th Congress. — VDV, GMA Integrated News
