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Politics

LEGARDA TO LEAD RCEP RATIFICATION

Presiding over the resumption of the Senate deliberations on its concurrence on the ratification of the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (RCEP), Senate President Pro Tempore Loren Legarda shared the frustration of farmers, who are among the direct stakeholders of currently the world’s biggest free trade pact. During the public hearing conducted by a special […]

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SENATE RATIFIES EDCOM II BILL – GATCHALIAN

The Senate ratified the bicameral conference committee report on the creation of the Second Congressional Commission on Education (EDCOM II). For Senator Win Gatchalian, this will ensure the pursuit of much-needed reforms to address the country’s education crisis. The bicameral conference committee report of the measure, now entitled “Second Congressional Commission on Education (EDCOM II) […]

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HOUSE RATIFIES ANTI-SEXUAL ABUSE OF CHIDREN BILL

The House of Representatives ratified a bicameral conference committee report on a bill seeking to prohibit all forms of sexual abuse or exploitation of children, either online or offline. During the plenary session, the chamber approved the final version that reconciles the disagreeing provisions of House Bill 10703 and Senate Bill 2209, or the “Anti-Sexual […]

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SENATE, HOUSE RATIFY BILL VS HUMAN TRAFFICKING

Senator Win Gatchalian has declared victory in upholding the rights and safety of Filipino children after the Senate and the House of Representatives ratified the bicameral conference committee report on a measure that seeks to strengthen the country’s anti-trafficking laws. Gatchalian is one of the co-authors and co-sponsors of the measure. The bicam report resolved […]

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PROPOSED AMENDMENTS TO PUBLIC SERVICE ACT HAILED

Senator Grace Poe hailed the ratification of the proposed amendments to the Public Service Act (PSA), saying she hopes this would be “start of the era of inclusive economic gains and development” in the country. “Our overarching goal is to enhance competition, provide better quality services and create jobs,” said Poe, the chairperson of the […]

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GATCHALIAN HAILS APPROVAL OF STATUTORY RAPE BILL

Senator Win Gatchalian hailed the ratification of the bicameral conference committee report on a measure that increases the statutory rape age to 16, calling it a big leap forward in upholding the rights of Filipino children. The bicameral conference committee report resolved differences between House Bill No. 7836 and Senate Bill No. 2332. Gatchalian is […]

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SENATE RATIFIES NUCLEAR WEAPONS BAN TREATY

The Senate adopted a resolution expressing its concurrence to the ratification of a treaty on the prohibition of nuclear weapons (TPNW). Proposed Senate Resolution 620, introduced and sponsored by Senator Koko Pimentel III, was unanimously adopted with 23 votes. The resolution was co-sponsored by Sen. Risa Hontiveros and all other senators. “The Treaty further reinforces […]

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SENATE RATIFIES BILL RAISING E-CIGARETTES, ALCOHOL TAXES

The Senate has ratified the bicameral conference committee report on the measure that will tax electronic cigarettes and raise excise taxes on alcohol, which is expected to give the government an additional P24.9 billion in revenues. The bicameral conference committee earlier reconciled Senate Bill No. 1074 and House Bill No. House Bill No. 1026. Distilled spirits, fermented […]

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Politics

HOUSE RATIFIES BILL ON HIGHER SIN TAXES

The House of Representatives has ratified the bicameral conference committee report on a bill seeking to raise the excise tax rates on alcohol products as well as heated tobacco and vapor products in the country. The proposal seeks to amend the Republic Act No. 8424 or the “National Internal Revenue Code of 1997.” This is […]

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SENATE RATIFIES PROPOSED 2020 BUDGET – ANGARA

The proposed P4.1 trillion national budget for 2020 now only needs the signature of President Rodrigo Duterte to be enacted into law after the Senate ratified the bicameral conference committee report on House Bill 4228 or the General Appropriations Bill (GAB). The House of Representatives had earlier ratified the national expenditure plan. The Senate swiftly […]