The administration of President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. remains on track in achieving its legislative agenda of further expanding the Philippine economy while protecting the welfare of Filipinos and the country’s interests.
This year, President Marcos has signed into law several bills of national significance. Eleven of these priority measures came from the Legislative-Executive Development Advisory Council (LEDAC).
Among these priority laws, the President was clear on his directive on making public procurement practices at par with international standards. This is now becoming reality with the newly-signed Republic Act (RA) No. 12009, also known as the New Government Procurement Act.
With the country’s journey to digital transformation, the government has also set in place a legislation that would protect financial consumers through the Anti-Financial Accounts Scamming Act (RA 12010).
The VAT on Digital Transactions Act (RA 12023), on the other hand, expands and streamlines the authority of the Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR) to collect Value Added Tax on foreign digital services.
Since Day One of his leadership, President Marcos has been a staunch supporter of the growth of the agricultural sector, hoping to replicate the passion of his late father in farming. Thus, the enactment of the Anti-Agricultural Economic Sabotage Act (RA 12022) and the Agricultural Tariffication Act (RA 12078).
The said priority measures are expected to fortify support to Filipino farmers and also protect consumers from unjust increases in prices of basic commodities.
President Marcos also leads in championing the interests of the country by further asserting the country’s rights among its domain by way of the Philippine Maritime Zones Act (RA 12064), and the Archipelagic Sea Lanes Act (RA 12065).
He also fortified support to local defense industries through the Self-Reliant Defense Posture (SRDP) Revitalization Act (RA 12024).
President Marcos has also signed the Corporate Recovery and Tax Incentives for Enterprises to Maximize Opportunities for Reinvigorating the Economy (CREATE MORE) Act (RA 12066), a landmark legislation enhancing the country’s business landscape, making the Philippines tax incentives competitive, and investment-friendly.
While the country eyes on becoming an investment hub in Asia, President Marcos has stressed the need to produce a competitive workforce using a multi-faceted approach. This is where the Academic Recovery and Accessible Learning Program Act (RA 12028) and the Enterprise-Based Education and Training (EBET) Program Act (RA 12063) take role in increasing young Filipinos’ competencies and bridging the gap between education and industry demands.
While several laws were not initially part of the administration’s legislative agenda, President Marcos underscored the need to ensure enacted laws support its vision for a Bagong Pilipinas. These emphasize the welfare of stakeholders in the education sector and strengthen the country’s capacity in disaster risk response.
In the same year, President Marcos signed laws providing students and teachers the driving force and relentless opportunities through the No Permit, No Exam Prohibition Act (RA 11984), and the Kabalikat sa Pagtuturo Act (RA 11997), granting teaching allowances for public school teachers.
The President also addressed the issue of mental health by passing Basic Education Mental Health and Well-Being Promotion Act (RA 12080) for learners and school staff.
In case of disasters and emergencies, the President signed RA 12076 or Ligtas Pinoy Centers Act, ordering the establishment of safe evacuation centers for every city and municipality, and the Student Loan Payment Moratorium During Disasters Emergencies Act (RA 12077).
For 2024, President Marcos has signed and approved over 100 laws for both local and national levels. These laws are highly valuable and aligned with the government’s pursuit of national progress. | PND
