Building on our commitment, anchored in sipag, malasakit, and more serbisyo for fellow Filipinos, I filed in the Senate on 15 July a third set of my priority bills. These measures are grounded in the real-life struggles I have witnessed firsthand during my many visits to different places nationwide.
As we continue to advocate for a holistic approach to drug rehabilitation, I filed Senate Bill No. 665, which proposes to establish drug abuse treatment and rehabilitation centers in every region. Aligned with this is SBN 683, also known as the Simplified Drug Rehabilitation Admission Process Bill, which aims to establish a more straightforward process for drug rehabilitation admissions.
To strengthen the standards of midwifery practice, I also filed Senate Bill 675, also known as the New Philippine Midwifery Bill. This aims to help strengthen our so-called guardians of people’s health.
To institutionalize the Assistance to Individuals in Crisis Situations (AICS) program, we filed SBN 676. For our senior citizens and persons with disabilities, we will advocate for more accessible and earlier voting times during elections through Section 677 of the SBN.
To elevate national standards in infrastructure safety, we filed SBN 666, also known as the New Building Code Bill. We also introduced SBN 685, which aims to expand housing programs through the National Housing Development, Production, and Financing Program, as well as SBN 671, also known as the Pambansang Pabahay para sa Pilipino Program Bill.
For our social workers, I filed SBN 668, also known as the Social Workers Welfare and Compensation Bill, which proposed additional benefits, including hazard pay, insurance, non-cash benefits and training. We also filed SBN 667, also known as the Media and Entertainment Workers’ Welfare Bill. This initiative aims to provide additional benefits and compensation to workers in the entertainment sector.
Through SBN 669 or the Hazard Pay for Disaster Personnel Bill, we propose institutionalizing hazard pay to those who put their lives at risk during calamities. We also seek to pass SBN 670, also known as the Freelance Workers Protection Bill, to enhance the welfare and provide improved compensation for our freelance workers.
As we promote and support our local businesses, we are advocating for SBN 679, also known as the Sustainable Financing Program for MSEs Bill, which aims to establish a financing program without requiring collateral. To empower our youth to be future business leaders, SBN 672 aims to integrate financial literacy and entrepreneurship into our education system.
For our agriculture sector, I filed SBN 673, the Full Crop Insurance Coverage for Agrarian Reform Beneficiaries Bill; SBN 680, the Post-Harvest Facilities in Every Agricultural Municipality Bill; and SBN 681, the Fertilizer Subsidy for Farmers Bill. These bills aim to ensure that those who feed the nation are adequately protected, supported, and rewarded.
Moreover, we also recognize the sacrifices of our fallen heroes through SBN 684, also known as the Scholarship for Children of Military and Uniformed Personnel Killed-in-Action Bill. If the measure is approved, their children will be able to finish their studies. We also filed SBN 682, also known as the Philippine Coast Guard Modernization Bill, which aims to improve the PCG over the next 10 years, if enacted into law.
We also filed SBN 678, also known as the National Tertiary Games Bill, which seeks to institutionalize a collegiate multi-sport tournament.
To champion the welfare of government accountants, we are advocating for SBN 674, also known as the Magna Carta of Government Accountants Bill, which aims to institutionalize benefits and safeguard their rights.
With the help of my fellow lawmakers in the 20th Congress, we will continue to advocate for more laws and programs to alleviate the burden on every Filipino and bring government services closer to the people.
As your Mr. Malasakit, I will continue to work hard to fulfill the mandate you have given me. Bisyo ko ang magserbisyo at naniwala ako na ang serbisyo sa tao ay serbisyo sa Diyos.