Another year has passed, and for the Senate of the Philippines, it was a remarkable one as it passed measures aimed at alleviating the lives of Filipinos.
With 32 bills becoming legislation of local and national significance, Senate President Juan Miguel "Migz" Zubiri has reasons to be happy.
"I am very proud to say that this was a banner year for the Senate with the passage of numerous important measures and resolutions," Zubiri said in a statement.
"The products of the Senate's legislative mill in 2023 were a testament to our commitment to improve the life of every Filipino by crafting new laws that will boost the economy, generate jobs and expand social protection," he said.
A total of 32 bills were signed into law by President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. last year, including the 2024 General Appropriations Act which contained the P5.768-trillion national budget for this year and 15 local measures.
"On behalf of the Senate, we express our gratitude to President Marcos for signing these measures into law, including the national budget that has significantly increased the funds for defense spending, while also giving significant increases to the budget of the Philippine Coast Guard," Zubiri said.
"This highlights our shared vision of promoting the welfare of the people and the nation," he added.
32 measures
The Senate chief said that among the key measures that were signed into law last year was Republic Act 11959, or the Regional Specialty Centers Act, which will pave the way for the construction of specialty health facilities in hospitals managed by the Department of Health in all regions.
The Public-Private Partnership Act and the Internet Transactions Act were also enacted into law last year. The PPP Act will mobilize private resources to finance infrastructure projects related to transportation, healthcare, the internet, supply chain, and logistics, among others, while the ITA will provide much-needed protection to consumers in online transactions.
Other key measures were Republic Act 11939, or An Act Further Strengthening Professionalism and Promoting the Continuity of Policies and Modernization Initiatives in the Armed Forces of the Philippines; RA 11953, An Act Emancipating Agrarian Reform Beneficiaries from Financial Burden by Condoning All Principal Loans, Unpaid Amortizations and Interests and Exempting Payment of Tax on Agricultural Lands Awarded under CARP; RA 11960, the One Town One Product Philippines Program; RA 11962, the Trabaho Para sa Bayan Act, which establishes the National Employment Master Plan; and RA 11961, the Strengthening the Conservation and Protection of Philippine Cultural Heritage Through Cultural Mapping.
Maharlika Investment Fund Law
Among controversial measures approved by Congress was the Maharlika Investment Fund Law which aims to establish the country's first sovereign wealth fund.
During the upper chamber's marathon plenary session, senators unanimously approved the measure shortly after it was approved on second reading.
A total of 19 senators voted in favor of the passage of the Maharlika bill, while only one senator voted against it, and one abstained. Senate Deputy Minority Leader Risa Hontiveros objected to the measure while Senator Nancy Binay abstained from voting.
According to Zubiri, a total of 29 measures, including the measure that prohibits the "No Permit, No Exam" policy and the proposed expansion of the coverage of the Centenarians Act of 2016, are awaiting the President's signature.
Also ready for the President's approval are the proposed New Philippine Passport Act; Magna Carta for Seafarers; Ease of Paying Taxes Act; Strengthening and Revitalizing the Salt Industry in the Philippines Act; and the Tatak Pinoy Act.
Likewise, a total of 22 local bills are also awaiting the signature of the President.
Ratified treaties
In February, the Senate gave its concurrence to the ratification of the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership, or RCEP agreement, allowing the Philippines to finally join the 14 other countries that had begun to implement the agreement.