BSA3 Legislative Record

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Senator Benigno S. Aquino IIIs Legislative Record

1.0 Attendance

Attendance PRESENTOFFICIALMISSION(Local)

ABSENT

14th CongressRollCall

LateOM/Late

Total

First Regular SessionSession Nos. 1 88July 23, 2007 June 11, 2008

85 1 - 86 - -

Second Regular Session

Session Nos. 1 84July 28, 2008 June 3, 2009

80 2 - 82 1 1

Third Regular SessionSession Nos. 1 39July 27, 2009 December 14, 2009

27 8 2 37 1 1

2.0 Senate Bills

Senate Bill Summary Status

Bills Authored

Amending theGovernment

Procurement Act(SB 2160)

SBSA filed a bill amending section 4 of RA9184 or the Government Procurement Act tomake it very clear that it applies to allgovernment procurement activities, regardlessof source of funds, whether local or foreign,and that only treaties or international orexecutive agreements entered into by thegovernment prior to its enactment shall beexempt from its coverage. This bill was filed inlight of the declaration by the DOJ of thevalidity of the NBN-ZTE deal citing itsinternational and executive agreement natureas reason for its exemption from theprocurement process as stipulated in RA 9184.

Pending in theCommittees onConstitutionalAmendments,Revision ofCodes andLaws, andFinance

Reform in theappointment ofPNP directors

(SB 2978/CR 242)

Local Chief Executives, by virtue of RA 7160(the Local Government Code) and RA 6970

(DILG Act of 1990) as amended by RA 8551,have operational supervision and control over

Passed in theSenate

Pending in theHouse of


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PNP units assigned at their territorial jurisdiction. They shall also have the power tochoose their provincial police director and chiefof police. They also have the power andauthority to recommend the recall or re-

assignment of the chief of police.

However, conflict arose between the local chiefexecutives and the Philippine National Police/National Police Commission because therewas no clear delineation of powers andfunctions over the appointment of chief ofpolices or their dismissal.

SBSA filed a resolution to ascertain the factssurrounding the conflict and determine whetherthe practice of the appointment and or removal

of chief of polices is consistent with the law.

In conjunction with the resolution, SBSA filedSenate Bill 2978 amending the DILG Act andwhich clarifies with specificity the powers andfunctions of the local chief executives and thePNP/NAPOLCOM with regards to chief ofpolices. It also gives term limits to chief ofpolices in the provinces.

Representatives

BudgetImpoundment

Control Act(SB 3121)

Impoundment is the power of the President to

refuse the release of funds appropriated byCongress. However, this power has been usedand abused by the President and in theprocess emasculating Congress authority tocheck the Presidents authority to spend publicfunds. That is why SBSA filed Senate Bill 3121or the Budget Impoundment Control Act whichrequires the President to submit to Congressfor approval the Rescission or Reservation ofa Budget Appropriation every time he/shedecides to impound part of the budget.

Pending in theCommittee onFinance

IncreasingPenalties for

Non-compliancein the Wage

RationalizationAct

(SB 2036)

SBSA filed Senate Bill 2036 which seeks toincrease the penalties imposed on corporationsor work establishments who are non-compliantwith the minimum wage set by law.

Pending in theCommittee onLabor,Employmentand HumanResourcesDevelopment

Banning the re-appointment of

members of theJBC that already

SBSA filed a bill banning reappointments to theJudicial and Bar Council in order to avoid the

possibility of instances where its members, intheir desire to be reappointed to the Council,

Passed in theSenate

Pending in the


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served a fullterm

(SB 1710/CR 23)

succumb to pressure from the executive tonominate individuals based on politicalconsiderations instead of their actual meritsand qualifications, seriously undermining thequality of judicial appointments and the

independence of the judiciary as a whole.

House ofRepresentatives

Preservation ofPublic

Infrastructures(SB 2035)

Senate Bill 2035 seeks to prevent faulty anddefective infrastructure by raising thestandards in the construction of all publicinfrastructures and by penalizing thecontractors of defective infrastructures. It alsorequires the Bureau of Maintenance under theDPWH to conduct periodic inspections of publicinfrastructures.

Pending in theCommittee onPublic Works

ProductivityIncentives Act

(SB 1370/CR 105)

SBSA filed Senate Bill 1370 which grantProductivity Incentives Bonuses to employeesfor net profits gained by any company orbusiness establishment. This aims to improvethe performance and productivity of employeesin the private sector.

Pending in theCommittee onLabor,Employmentand HumanResourcesDevelopment

Prevention of re-appointment and

bypassing theCA

(SB 1719)

SBSA filed Senate Bill 1719 which enforces thechecks and balances on the Presidentsappointive powers by limiting the number of

times an official may be re-appointed whentheir appointment has not been favorablyacted upon by the Commission onAppointments at the close of the session...

Pending in theCommittee onConstitutional

Amendments,Revision ofCodes andLaws

SuperiorResponsibility

(SB 2159)

SBSA filed Senate Bill 2159 which holdsresponsible superior and senior officers, whoby their consent, toleration or negligence in thecontrol and supervision of their subordinates,violated and abused the rights of the citizens.

Pending in theCommittee onJustice andHuman Rights

Bills Co-authored

Real PropertyValuation

Reform Act(SB 3519/CR 740)

SBSA was co-author of the Real PropertyValuation Bill which seeks to promote thedevelopment and maintenance of a just,equitable, impartial, and nationally consistentreal property valuation based on internationallyaccepted valuation standards

PendingSecondReading

General SantosCity Charter

(SB 3275/CR 454/

SBSA amended the General Santos CityCharter to give ownership of lands of public

domain ceded to General Santos City by theNational Government.

Passed into

Law


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RA 9649)

Amusement TaxExemption(SB 2325/

CR 56/RA 9640)

SBSA authored the bill which decreases theamusement tax which may be charged by thelocal government units from 30% to 10%. This

will aid the already ailing entertainment industryby relaxing their tax burden.

Lapsed intoLaw

Fact FindingInvestigation:Disasters andCalamities dueto storm Ondoy

and Pepeng(SB 3480)

SBSA was co-author of the bill which createsan independent Commission which shallinvestigate the causes, circumstances, costs,and actions to be taken in light of thedevastation brought by Typhoon Ondoy andPepeng.

Pending in theCommittee onClimate Change

Local WaterDistricts IncomeTax Exemption

(SB 3392/CR 551)

SBSA was co-author of the bill which exemptsLocal Water Districts from taxes in order toincrease their savings which will be used toexpand water services and improve waterquality.

ConferenceCommitteeReportapproved byboth Chambers

Adlaw ni Lapu-Lapu

(SB 3284)

SBSA was co-author of the bill whichcommemorates the heroism of Lapu-Lapuagainst the Spaniards by declaring April 27 ofevery year a special non-working holiday.

Pending in theHouse ofRepresentatives

PhilippineDisaster RiskManagement

(SB 3086/CR 248)

SBSA was co-author of the Philippine DisasterRisk Management Act which improves thecountrys disaster risk preparedness andresponse with the goal of protecting the life andproperty of the people.

Pending in theBicameralCommitteeConference

Climate ChangeAct

(SB 2583/CR 99/

RA 9729)

SBSA was co-author of the Climate ChangeAct which adopts a policy of sustainabledevelopment and protects and preserves theenvironment to mitigate the effects of climatechange.

Passed intoLaw

Posting ofSummary ofIncome and

Expenditures ofLGUs

(SB 2006/CR 34)

In an effort to make local government unitstransparent and accountable to its constituents,SBSA co-authored the bill which mandates theposting of the summary of income andexpenditures of LGUs.


Revised FireCode of the

Philippines(SB 2553/

SBSA co-authored the revised Fire Code of thePhilippines which places regulations on

buildings and other infrastructures to preventdestructive fires and ultimately protect the

Passed intoLaw


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CR 94/RA 9514)

citizens from loss of property due to such fires.

BarangayLivelihood and

Skills TrainingAct

(SB 2092/CR 40/

RA 9509)

SBSA co-authored Senate Bill 2092 which

establishes livelihood and skills training centersin 4

th, 5

th, and 6

thclass municipalities to

alleviate poverty and develop the economy inthe rural areas.

Passed intoLaw

LGUs choice ofdepository bank

(SB 2005)

SBSA co-authored the bill which seeks to makeLGUs become more independent in theirchoice of banks in which they could depositfunds.


University of thePhilippines

Charter(SB 1964/

CR 24/RA 9500)

SBSA co-authored the University of thePhilippines Charter which seeks to strengthenthe University of the Philippines as the NationalUniversity which shall protect, foster, nurtureand protect the right of all citizens to accessiblequality education.

Passed intoLaw

3.0 Senate Resolutions

Resolution Summary

Resolutions Authored

Matriculation ofthe SK andBarangay

Officials in SUCs(SRN. 975)

According the Local Government Code, barangay officials andSangguniang Kabataan officials are exempted from tuition andmatriculation fees when in attendance in State Universities andColleges. However, various SUCs imposed limitations on theavailment of these educational benefits.

SBSA filed a resolution investigating the said incident consideringthat these officials are legally entitled to such benefits because of

their significant contributions to peace and order anddevelopment of their respective barangay community.

Investigation intothe possibility ofa Constitutional

Convention(SRN 819)

SBSA filed a resolution questioning the need to elect members ofthe Constitutional Convention that will amend the 1987Constitution through the May 2010 National Elections.

Investigation intothe Bataan Gun

Smuggling(SRN 1327)

SBSA filed a resolution seeking an investigation into the Bataan

gun smuggling which took place last August 21, 2009.


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Investigation intothe warrantless

arrests ofMagdalo

members(SRN 1047)

SBSA filed a resolution questioning the warrantless arrests of agroup alleged of plotting a raid to rescue detained Magdalomembers. The warrantless arrests violates their inherent human

rights as protected in the Constitution.

Investigation intothe human rights

abuses duringthe Manila

Peninsula Stand-off

(SRN 229)

SBSA filed a resolution investigating the events immediatelyfollowing the Manila Peninsula Stand-off wherein mediapersonnel were arrested and their equipment confiscated whichis in violation of the Freedom of the Press.

Investigation intothe Pyrotechnics

Regulation(SRN 877)

SBSA filed a resolution seeking an investigation into theexplosion in the Starmaker Factory at Trece Martirez, Cavite. Theinvestigation is intended to determine whether there was lapse ingovernment regulation of the fireworks industry. It is alsointended to propose legislation to strengthen the regulation of themanufacture and production fireworks and to prevent theoccurrence of accidents which damages not only the surroundingproperty but also endanger the lives of the people in proximity.

Investigation intothe UDHA

implementation(SRN 402)

SBSA filed a resolution questioning the demolition by the MetroManila Development Authority (MMDA) of illegal shelters without

providing relocation sites for the displaced families contrary to RA7270 or the Urban Development and Housing Act.

Inhuman andElection-RelatedMassacre and

Carnage ofInnocent

Civilians inMaguindanao

Province

(SRN 1491)

SBSA filed a resolution condemning in the strongest possibleterms the brutal and inhuman massacre of innocent civilians andjournalists in Maguindanao. Likewise, the resolution called for aninvestigation into the incident with the end view of proposinglegislative measures that would promote lasting peace andprosperity in Mindanao.

Commendation;Mary Grace Tan

and KennethRay Agustin(SRN 171/

Adp. SRN 26)

SBSA authored the resolution commending Mary Grace Tan andKenneth Ray Agustin for winning the Gold (Ladies Division) andthe Bronze (Mens Open Junior), respectively, in the EuropeanHandgun Championship level 4 in Cheval-Blanc, France.

Resolutions Co-Authored

Commendingand Honoring

SBSA co-authored the resolution commending and honoringMuelmar Magallenes who sacrificed his life to save his family and


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MuelmarMagallanes(SRN 1390/

Adp. SRN 210)

neighbors who were victims of the flood brought about bytyphoon Ondoy. This is in recognition of the Filipino spirit ofheroism and self sacrifice as exhibited not only by MuelmarMagallanes but also by the countless Filipinos who braved thestorm to reach out and help their fellow Filipinos who were

devastated by such calamities.

Proclamation ofMartial Law inMaguindanao(SRN 1522/

Adp. SRN 217)

SBSA co-authored the resolution expressing the sense of theSenate that the proclamation of Martial Law in Maguindanao isunconstitutional.

Commendingand honoringPrivate First

Class VenancioAncheta and

CorporalAdrianno Regua

(SRN 1389/Adp. 209)

SBSA co-authored the resolution which commends and honorsPrivate First Class Venancio Ancheta and Corporal AdriannoRegua for their selfless sacrifice in the performance of theirduties in recuing victims of typhoon Ondoy in Laguna.

PriorityDevelopment

Assistance Fund(SRN 1378/

Adp. 206)

SBSA co-authored the resolution which enjoins every Senator todonate P1 million from their Priority Development AssistanceFund to aid the victims of Typhoon Ondoy.

International Dayof Democracy(SRN 1362/

Adp. SRN 203)

SBSA co-authored the resolution which commemorates thesecond International Day of Democracy on September 15, 2009.The resolution also enjoins the Senate to instill the spirit andculture of democracy in the youth through legislative measures.

Honoring EranoG. Manalo

(SRN 1331/Adp. SRN 199)

SBSA co-authored the resolution honoring the late Erano G.Manalo leader of the Iglesia Ni Cristo for his steadfastcommitment and his unwavering dedication to spreading themessage of God Almighty

Condolence onthe death of Kim

Dae-Jung,former Presidentof South Korea

(SRN 1326/Adp. SRN 193)

SBSA co-authored the resolution expressing the sincerecondolence of the Philippine Senate on the death of Kim Dae-Jung, former President of South Korea, Nobel Peace PrizeWinner (2000), and democratic leader of South Korea.

Commendation:Four Uniformed

Men in theFuneral

SBSA was co-author in a resolution which commends the fouruniformed men who served as Honor Guards during the funeral

procession of the late former President Corazon Aquino.


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Procession ofthe Late Former

PresidentCorazon Aquino

(SRN 1260/

Adp. SRN 191)

Congratulatingthe Iglesia

FilipinaIndependiente

(SRN 1244/Adp. SRN 189)

SBSA co-authored the resolution congratulating the IglesiaFilipina Independiente on their 107th anniversary on August 3,2009.

Honoring JusticeEmilio A.

Gancayco(SRN 1243/Adp. 188)

SBSA co-authored the resolution honoring the late Justice EmilioA. Gancyaco who exemplified his commitment to justice and

uplifted the plight of Filipino migrant workers when he served asChairperson of the Presidential Fact-Finding and Policy AdvisoryCommission for the Protection of Overseas Filipinos.

Pre-NeedCompanies and

InvestmentScam

(SRN 1118/Adp. SRN 179)

SBSA co-authored the resolution expressing the sense of theSenate that victims of failed pre-need companies and investmentscams should be considered as Indigent Litigants andtherefore, exempt from paying legal and filing fees charged bythe Department of Justice and Supreme Court.

95th

FoundingAnniversary ofIglesia ni Cristo

(SRN 1063/Adp. SRN 175)

SBSA co-authored the resolution honoring the 95th foundinganniversary of the Iglesia ni Cristo and extolling the leadership ofKa Erao G. Manalo and Ka Eduardo V. Manalo.

WarrantlessArrests of therelatives andhelpers of Mr.

Ted Failon Etong

(SRN 1003/Adp. SRN 165)

SBSA co-authored the resolution that expresses the sense of theSenate that the Quezon City Police Officers gravely abused theirauthority in enforcing warrantless arrests of the relatives andhelpers of Mr. Ted Failon Etong.

Amendments tothe Rules of the

Senate(SRN 765)

SBSA co-authored the amendment to the Rules of the Senateallowing Senators to participate in Senate Sessions, Hearingsand/or meetings through remote or electronic means. This willallow Sen. Antonio Trillanes IV to perform his duties as a dulyelected Senator of the country.

National RoadsImprovement

andManagement

SBSA co-authored the resolution which seeks to investigate theirregular bidding and collusive practices of the Department of

Public Works and Highways and Filipino Chinese Contractorswith respect to the World Bank funded National Roads


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Program(SRN 899)

Improvement and Management Program.

Amendments/

Revision of theConstitution(SRN 811/

Adp. SRN 154)

SBSA co-authored the resolution expressing the sense of theSenate that any attempt of the House of Representatives to

propose amendments to, or revision of, the constitution withoutthe approval by three-fourths (3/4) of the Senate votingseparately is unconstitutional. This is also to prevent any selfserving intention that may be introduced once the Constitution isopened for amendments.

Judicial PostVoting Process

Disclosure{Judicial and Bar

Council}

(SRN 775)

SBSA co-authored the resolution expressing the sense of theSenate that the Judicial and Bar Council should disclose to thepublic the outcome of the voting process for any Judicial post inthe Sandiganbayan, Court of Appeals, and Supreme Court forthe purpose of transparency and accountability in the selection

and nomination process of the Judicial and Bat Council.

Construction ofthe C-5 Road

Extension,renamed Pres.

Carlos P. GarciaAvenue

Extension(SRN 622)

SBSA co-authored the resolution investigating the doubleappropriations for the C-5 Road Project, which allegedly passedthrough the properties of Senator Manuel Villar, receivingpayments for right of way.

CommendingGovernor Grace

Padaca(SRN 544/

Adp. SRN 101)

SBSA co-authored the resolution commending Governor GracePadaca for exemplifying the true spirit of Good Governance forbeing awarded the Ramon Magsaysay Award.

Expression ofCondolence;Death of Rep.Crispin Beltran

(SRN 409/

Adp. SRN 76)

SBSA co-authored the resolution expressing the condolences ofthe Senate on the death of Hon. Crispin Beltran.

Curfew imposedfrom 12 MN until

5 AM onNovember 30,

2007(SRN 233)

SBSA co-authored the resolution expressing the sense of theSenate that the curfew imposed from 12 midnight until 5 in themorning of November 30, 2007 is without legal and constitutionalbasis, and borders on the violation of human rights.

Inquiry, GABInterference with

Billiards andSnooker

SBSA co-authored the resolution inquiring into the alleged undueinterference of the Games and Amusement Board into the

powers, functions, and duties of the billiards and snookerCongress of the Philippines.


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Congress of thePhilippines(SRN 386)

Sympathy and

Investigation;Bomb Explosionat the House ofRepresentatives

(SRN 205/Adp. SRN 38)

SBSA co-authored the resolution condemning the bombing ofone of the countrys democratic institutions, House ofRepresentatives.

Commendation;Madrigal Singers


SBSA co-authored a resolution commending the MadrigalSingers for winning the 2007 European Grand Prix for ChoralSinging in Arezzo, Italy. This recognizes not only the talent of theMadrigal Singers but also their contributions to the promotion of

Filipino culture abroad.

Commendation;Outstanding Tenteachers of 2007


SBSA co-authored the resolution commending the 10Outstanding teachers of 2007 awarded by the MetroBankFoundation, Inc.

Commendation;Senator Jovito

Salonga

(SRN 54/Adp. SRN 8)

SBSA co-authored the resolution commending former SenatePresident Jovito Salonga for exemplifying the true spirit of goodgovernance, and for being bestowed with the 2007 RamonMagsaysay Award for Government Service.

Allowing Sen.Antonio TrillanesIV to participatein the Senate

Session(SRN 22/

Adp. SRN 3)

SBSA co-authored the resolution expressing the sense of theSenate to allow Sen. Antonio Trillanes IV to exercise his mandatefrom his constituency of more than 12 million and perform hisresponsibilities as a duly elected senator of the republic.

ResolutionHonoring the 14

Marines whoperished in theline of duty in

Albarka, Basilan(SRN 4)

SBSA co-authored the resolution condemning the inhumanetreatment of the 14 marines who perished in the skirmish with theAbu Sayyaf and the Moro Islamic Liberation Front in Albarka,Basilan last July 10, 2007. The marines were looking for thekidnapped Italian priest Giancarlo Bossi when the 50 marineswere ambushed by 400 Abu Sayyaf and MILF troops.

4.0 Works in the Committee on Local Government

Bills passed by the Committee on Local Government


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Bills on Local Holidays

HBN 2160 (March 16 as Romblon Foundation Day)R.A. No. 9162 (signed into law on June 11, 2009)

HBN 5280 (March 21 as Victorias City Charter Day in Negros OccidentalR.A. No. 9643 (signed into law on June 11, 2009)

HBN 5288 (August 28 as Cagayan de Oro City Day)R.A. No. 9644 (signed into law on June 11, 2009)

HBN 6014 and SBN 2993 (Amending R.A. 5412 - Charter of the City of GeneralSantos)R.A. No. 9649 (signed into law on July 7, 2009)

HBN 1125 ((July 18 as Tnalak Festival in South Cotabato))

R.A. No. 9654 (signed into law on July 17, 2009)

HBN 1314 (September 18 as Bislig City Charter Day in Surigao del Sur)R.A. No. 9683 (signed into law on August 4, 2009)

HBN 3685 (October 2 as Majayjay Day in Laguna)R.A. No. 9701 (signed into law on August 7, 2009)

HBN 206 (September 29 as Balilihan Day in Bohol)R.A. No. 9706 (signed into law on August 7, 2009)

HBN 5285 (August 10 as San Jose City Charter Day in Nueva Ecija)Approved on Third Reading

HBN 5284 (September 10 as Foundation Day of San Jose del Monte City inBulacan)Approved on Third Reading

HBN 2495 (July 31 as Battle of Paye Day in Marinduque)Approved on Third Reading

HBN 5286 (October 12 as Getafe Foundation Day in Bohol)

Approved on Third Reading

HBN 5287 (January 12 as Charter Day of Talisay City in Cebu)Approved on Third Reading

HBN 521 (June 23 as Palawan and Puerto Princesa City Day)Approved on Third Reading

HBN 1349 (September 29 asAraw ng San Rafael)Pending in the Committee

HBN 4227 (September 11 as Valenzuela City Day)


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Pending in the Committee

HBN 839 (September 11 as President Ferdinand Edralin Marcos Day, Ilocos Norteand Laoag City)Pending in the Committee

HBN 5289 (July 7 as City of Carcar Charter Day)Pending in the Committee

HBN 5290 (September 5 as Charter Day of the City of Naga)Pending in the Committee

HBN 1823 (January 2 asAraw ng Bonifacio)Pending in the Committee

HBN 2460 (November 4 as the anniversary of Hermano Puli)


HBN 4919 (May 22 as a special non-working holiday in Guimaras, anniversary as aprovince)Pending in the Committee

HBN 5029 (December 16 as Sorsogon City Foundation Day)Pending in the Committee

HBN 5758 (December 8 as Marikina City Day)Pending in the Committee

HBN 5759 (September 15 as San Juan Municipality Day)Pending in the Committee

HBN 340 (September 7 as Foundation Day of the City of Cavite)Pending in the Committee

HBN 344 (September 29 asAraw ng Bacoor)Pending in the Committee

HBN 2181 (November 22 as Sultan Kudarat Foundation Day Anniversary)Pending in the Committee

HBN 2227 (June 20 as a special non-working holiday in Dagupan City)Pending in the Committee

HBN 5757 (Second to the last Friday of August as Indigenous Peoples Day)Pending in the Committee

HBN 5764 (June 15 asAraw ng Opol)Pending in the Committee

HBN 5765 (January 31 asAraw ng Tagoloan)


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HBN 5766 (June 8 asAraw ng Gitagum)Pending in the Committee

HBN 5767 (August 18 asAraw ng Alubijid)Pending in the Committee

HBN 5768 (July 29 asAraw ng Villanueva)Pending in the Committee

HBN 5770 (September 1 asAraw ng Jasaan)Pending in the Committee

HBN 5771 (July 21 asAraw ng Claveria)Pending in the Committee

HBN 5772 (July 12 asAraw ng Libertad)Pending in the Committee

HBN 5773 (June 14 asAraw ng Naawan)Pending in the Committee

HBN 5774 (February 7 asAraw ng Manticao)Pending in the Committee

HBN 5775 (March 16 asAraw ng Lugait)Pending in the Committee

HBN 5810 (August 25 as a special non-working holiday in Gapan City, Nueva Ecija)Pending in the Committee

HBN 5811 (April 27 as Kadaugan sa Maktan Day)Pending in the Committee

HBN 5813 (January 25 as Municipal Foundation Day, Carigara, Leyte)Pending in the Committee

HBN 5814 (December 6 as Inopacan Day)Pending in the Committee

HBN 5815 (September 3 as Iriga City Foundation Anniversary)Pending in the Committee

HBN 5817 (September 12 as Capital Town Day, Siquijor, Siquijor)Pending in the Committee

HBN 5818 (October 18 as Semaphore Signal Day)Pending in the Committee


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HBN 5639 (July 6 as Santiago City Charter Day)Pending in the Committee

HBN 6265 (August 12 as a special non-working holiday in Dapa, Surigao del Norte)Pending in the Committee

HBN 6941 (July 20 as Lepanto-Mankayan Victory and Liberation Day)Pending in the Committee

HBN 6942 (June 15 as Daet Day)Pending in the Committee

Bills on Redistricting/ Reapportionment

HBN 3224 (Reapportionment of the Lone Legislative District of Agusan del Sur)R.A. No. 9508 (signed by the President on Oct. 20, 2008)

HBN 3693 (Reapportionment of the Lone Legislative District of Malolos City,Bulacan)R.A. No. 9591 (lapsed into law on May 1, 2009)

HBN 4163 (Reapportioning the Province of Camarines Norte from lone to 2Legislative Districts)R.A. No. 9725 (signed by the President on October 22, 2009)

HBN 4254 (Reapportioning the Province of Cavite from 4 to 7 Legislative Districts)R.A. No. 9727 (signed by the President on October 22, 2009)

HBN 4264 (Reapportioning the Province of Camarines Sur from 4 to 5 LegislativeDistricts)R.A. No. 9716 (signed by the President October 12, 2009)

HBN 5007 (Reapportioning the City of Lapu-Lapu as Lone Legislative District)R.A. No. 9726 (Signed by the President on October 22, 2009)

HBN 4054 (Reapportionment of Iligan City as Lone Legislative District)R.A. No. 9724 (Signed by the President on October 20, 2009)

HBN 4053 (Reapportionment of the Province of Lanao del Norte)R.A. No. 9774 (Signed by the President on November 17, 2009)

HBN 4267 (Reapportionment of Pangasinan from 6 to 7 Legislative Districts)Conducted Committee Hearings

HBN 5273 (Reapportionment of Puerto Princesa City as Lone Legislative District)Conducted Committee Hearings

HBN 4256 (Reapportioning Iloilo City)



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HBN 5761 (Creating the 7th legislative district in the Province of Cebu)Pending in the Committee

HBN 5989 (Creating the 3rd

legislative district in Cebu City)Pending in the Committee

HBN 6029 (Reapportioning the Province of Cotabato into three legislative districts)Pending in the Committee

Bills on Cityhood and Creation of Municipality

HBN 5226 (Converting the Municipality of Bian, Laguna into a component City)R.A. No. 9740 (Signed by the President on October 30, 2009)

HBN 5258 (Converting the Municipality of Dasmarias, Cavite as a component City)R.A. No. 9723 (Signed by the President on October 15, 2009)

HBN 6518 (Creating the Municipality of Dr. Juan C. Angara in Aurora Province)Pending in the Committee

Bills on Barangays

HBN 3223 (Creating Barangay Mangmanga in San Emilio, Ilocos Sur)Certification from the NCIP has been submitted to the Committee

HBN 3727 (Creating Barangay Nipojnoc in Aguinaldo, Ifugao)Pending in the Committee

HBN 5652 (Creating Barangay Banawa-Englis in Cebu City)Approved on Third Reading

Bills Amending a Local Territory

HBN 3206 (Creating the Municipality of San Jose, Dinagat Islands)The House of Representatives concurred with the Senate amendments

HBN 6374 (Revising the Charter of the City of Baguio)Pending in the Committee

Bills Renaming Political Subdivision

HBN 534 (Changing the name of Barangay Matacla in Goa, Camarines Sur toBarangay Mayor Lorenzo P. Padua)Pending in the Committee

HBN 6650 (Changing the name of Southern Leyte to Leyte del Sur)Pending in the Committee

Bills Increasing the Number of Seats in the Local Sanggunian

HBN 4255 (Increasing the number of Sangguniang Panlungsod seats in the city of


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Valenzuela)Pending in the Committee

HBN 5647 (Increasing the number of Sangguniang Panlungsod seats in the city ofMeycauayan)


Bills Creating of a Council/ Board

HBN 3389 (Creating the Bacolor Rehabilitation Council)R.A. No. 9506 (Signed into law by the President on September 28, 2008)

HBN 4252 (Creating a Local Housing Board in every municipality, city, and province)Pending in the Committee

Bills Amending the Local Government Code

SBN 2005 (LGUs choice of depository banks)Pending in the House of Representatives

SBN 2006 (Posting and publishing of summary of income and expenditures)Pending in the House of Representatives

SBN 2325 and HBN 5624 (Reducing the Amusement Tax)R.A. No. 9640 (lapsed into law on May 26, 2009)

HBN 4916 (Empowering the Local Sanggunians)


Other Bills from the Committee

HBN 3389 (Creating the Bacolor Rehabilitation Council)R.A. No. 9506 (signed by the President on September 28, 2008)

HBN 3206 (Amending the Territorial Jurisdiction of San Jose, Dinagat Islands)R.A. No. 9859 (signed by the President on December 20, 2009)

SBN 1757 (Regulating the Use of Sidewalks for Commercial and Other Purposes)

Pending in the House of Representatives

SBN 2978 (Department of Interior and Local Government Act, Substitute bill for P.S.Res. No. 190 - Implementation of PNP Laws)Pending in the House of Representatives

HBN 3195 (Providing for direct remittance to the host local government units of its40% share of gross collection derived by the national government)Pending in the Committee

HBN 3726 (Devolving the regulatory and franchising powers over the operation ofhabal-habal to cities and municipalities)Pending in the Committee


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HBN 3728 (Requiring all LGUs to adopt a Recognition Day for Boy Scouts and GirlScouts)Pending in the Committee

SRN 402 (Implementation of UDHA)Pending in the Committee

SBN 1993 (Local Management Information System)Pending in the Committee

SBN 2, 199, 539, 1441, 1529, 2513, 2516, 247, 441, 522, 599, 2137, 2138, 2414,and 2427 (Benefits for Barangay Officials, Tanods and Volunteers)Pending in the Committee

HBN 3791 (Rationalizing the income requirements for the declaration of highlyurbanized status in the case of component cities and for the creation of a province)Pending in the Committee

HBN 4913 (Transfer of Administration and Properties, Intramuros)Pending in the Committee

HBN 6014 (Amending the Charter of the City of General Santos)R.A. No. 9649 (Signed by the President on July 7, 2009)

HBN 6205 (Changing the appointment of the Environment and Natural Resources

Officer from optional to mandatory)Pending in the Committee

HBN 333 (Prohibiting city mayors, municipal mayors, and provincial governors frommaking appointments two months immediately before the next local elections)Pending in the Committee

HBN 6589 (Making mandatory the appointment of cooperatives officer)Pending in the Committee

5.0 Budget Amendments by SBSAFY 2008 General Appropriations Act (GAA)

SBSA amended the provision on the release and administration of the Kilos AsensoSupport Fund under the section on the Allocations to Local Government Unit in theFiscal Year 2008 General Appropriations Act. The following is the amendment ofSenator Aquino III;

Oversight Committee. An inter-agency Oversight Committee,hereinafter referred to as the Committee, is hereby constituted for

purposes of coordinating and overseeing the implementation of theprojects under the Kilos Asenso Program.


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The Committee shall be composed of the Secretary of the Department ofBudget and Management (DBM) as Chairman and its members are theChairmen of the Committee on Local Government of the Senate andHouse of Representatives and the Secretary of the Department of

Interior and Local Government. The Committee shall promulgate theimplementing rules and regulations (IRR) which will provide theguidelines pertaining to the release and administration of the KilosAsenso Support Fund. Provided that: (a) no release of the Kilos AsensoSupport Fund shall be made until the constitution of the OversightCommittee and the subsequent promulgation of the IRR as mandatedunder this Act; and (b) all releases to this fund will be subject to aSpecial Audit by the Commission on Audit, results of which shall besubmitted to the Oversight Committee.

FY 2009 General Appropriations Act (GAA)

SBSA proposed amendments to the General Provisions of the FY 2009 GAA toprevent the over release of funds as what happened in FY 2008. The following is theSenators amendment;

The provisions of this Act shall take effect after fifteen days following itspublication in the Official Gazette. Provided, however, that in the eventthat this Act takes effect at any date other than January 1, 2009, anamount equivalent to the re-enacted portion of the 2008 appropriationsthat was expended pending the effectivity of this Act shall be consideredas withheld portion and shall automatically revert back to the NationalTreasury.

Amendments to the General Provisions regarding funds transferred to NGOs andPOs were also introduced by Senator Aquino III. SBSA wanted to limit the transfer ofgovernment funds to NGOs and POs who still have not fully liquidated previousfunds released to them. The amendment also mandates government agenciespartnering with NGOs and POs to ensure that their partners are legitimate. Thefollowing is the amendment of the senator;

Sec. 75. Limitations on Fund Transfers to NGOs and POs. It is

hereby declared a policy of the government not to allow non-governmentorganizations and peoples organizations to participate in theimplementation of any program or project of the national and localgovernment until such time that any earlier fund releases availed of bythe said non-government organizations and peoples organization shallhave been fully liquidated pursuant to pertinent accounting and auditingrules and regulations, as certified by the head of the agency concernedand the COA auditor.

It shall be the duty of any government agency seeking to partner withnon-government organizations and peoples organizations to ensure that

these are not of questionable legitimacy. For this purpose, the head ofthe agency and the COA auditor shall be jointly responsible for the


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annual preparation and submission to the House Committee onAppropriations and Senate Committee on Finance of the Annual Reportof Fund Releases indicating the names of the recipient non-governmentorganizations and peoples organizations."

SBSA also proposed for the dissolution of the Kalayaan Barangay Program Fundand Kilos Asenso Support Fund.

The final amendment introduced by SBSA is the amendment which will preventreleases from the Unprogrammed Funds unless there are excess funds after theexpenditures for one fiscal year. The following is the amendment of the senator;

It shall be understood that the excess of the original revenue targetsshall mean the excess of the revenue targets for the entire fiscal year.

6.0 Legislative Concerns of SBSA

Amendments to EPIRA

SBSA introduced amendments to Senate Bill 2121, seeking to strengthen theprevention of market power abuse and unfair trade practices in the power industryand in the furtherance of which, increases the penalties for violations of prohibitedacts.

Opposition to the sale of TRANSCO

SBSA opposed the privatization of the National Transmission Corporation

(TRANSCO) on the grounds that it is a revenue generating monopoly whichgenerates P16.7 Billion in revenues, thus depriving additional government income forpublic service use. He also opposed the franchise because the National GridCorporation of the Philippines, the one to whom the TRANSCO franchise wasawarded, only has a financial capacity of P8.157 Billion with an authorized capitalstock of P2 Billion for 2008. SBSA questions how NGCP can manage a corporationtwice its size. Also, the downpayment for the corporation amounts to P46 Billionwhich the NGCP does not have. In the end, SBSAs concern is that energyconsumers might suffer from the deal because he is not convinced that NGCP iswilling and able to manage, operate and expand the national grid

Opposed JPEPA

SBSA voted against the Japan-Philippines Economic Partnership Agreementbecause the treaty is one-sided benefiting Japan more than it would benefit thePhilippines. SBSA wants a renegotiation of the treaty which is much moreadvantageous and beneficial to the Filipino people.

Opposed the Supplemental Budget for the Implementation of Automated Elections

SBSA opposed the P11.4 Billion supplemental budget for the implementationof the Automated Elections because the Commission on Elections cannot effectively


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implement automated polls with the little time that they had. Also, there are severalvulnerabilities in the system that may cause problems for the May 2010 elections.

Amended the Pre-Need Code

SBSA amended SBN 2077 to further protect the plan holders and to preventofficers of the Pre-need firms from engaging in irregular practices within the firmwhich might endanger the financial interests of the policy holders.

Amended the COOP Code

SBSA amended substitute SBN 2264 (Amending RA 6963 or the CooperativeCode). SBSA seeks to make cooperatives as vehicles for social and economicprogress for the marginalized sectors by organizing themselves in addressing theirsocial and economic needs in their communities while fulfilling their socialresponsibilities.

Sen. Aquino amended the law by clearly defining the concept of socialauditing in the Cooperative Code to make cooperative more socially responsible tothe communities it seeks to serve so that their impact are felt by those who aresupposed to benefit from their various services.

Amended the Anti-Trust Legislation

Sen. Aquino introduced substantial amendments to the proposed Antitrustlegislation which was passed by the Senate on third reading. The senator introducedclear definitions of anti-competition practices taken from the best practices inantitrust legislations based on international standards to maintain healthycompetition in a working market economy which is one of the hallmarks of a vibrantdemocracy.

The National Budget

SBSA scrutinizes the budget in an effort to prevent the administration fromfurther corrupting public funds and become more prudent in its fiscal spending. Healso introduced the following amendments;

(1) Clarifying the term excess of the original revenue targets to meanexcess revenue target for the whole fiscal year. This aims to prevent theDepartment of Budget and Management from over releases.

(2) Limiting fund transfers to NGOs and POs until funds previouslytransferred to such organizations have been liquidated. This aims toprevent another Fertilizer Fund Scam from occurring.

(3) Effectivity of the 2009 General Appropriations Act will start on January 1,2009 and requires that the funds released prior to the approval of this Actfor the operations for FY 2009 be subtracted from the 2009 Budget.

(4) SBSA increased the budget of the Commission on Human Rights by

P1.514 Million.


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Amended the Kilos Asenso Fund

SBSA amended the 2008 General Appropriations Act seeking greatertransparency in the release of the P3 billion Kilos Asenso Support Fund.

Corruption and irregular government practices (NBN-ZTE deal, Fertilizer Fund Scam,Euro Generals controversy, etc.)

SBSA has always been a champion of anti-corruption efforts and has alwaysparticipated in committee hearings and plenary discussions on how to address suchissues in order that it may not be repeated. Public funds should be used for publicservices for the general welfare and should not be used for the luxuries of those whocontrol the funds.

Amendments to the Motorcycle Helmets

SBSA made amendments to SBN 1863 requiring motorcyclist to wear helmetsof the quality approved by the Bureau of Product Standards under the Department ofTrade and Industry.

7.0 Voting Record of SBSA

VOTES SENATE BILLS ON THIRD READING

First Regular Session (July 23, 2007 June 11, 2008)

YESSBN 1532; Compensation for Victims of Human Rights Violationduring the Marcos Regime

YES SBN 1620; Judiciary Retirement Benefits

YES SBN 1647; Good Conduct Time Allowances to Detention Prisoners

YES SBN 1662; Additional Benefits and Protection to Househelpers

YES SBN 1697; Anti-theft and Robbery of Mobile Phones and Devices

YES SBN 1698; Expanding the Promotion of Breastfeeding

YES SBN 1699; Environmental Awareness and Education Act

YES SBN 1710; Judiciary Independence Enhancing Act

YES SBN 1874; Health Workers Day

YES SBN 1881; Establishing the Credit Information System

YES SBN 1965; Decriminalizing Vagrancy

YES SBN 2077; Pre-Need Code of the Philippines


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YES SBN 2092; Barangay Livelihood and Skill Training Act

YES SBN 2116; Special Program for Employment of Students

YES SBN 2213; Tourism Act

YES SBN 2325; Amusement Tax Exemption

YES SBN 2361; Providing a Mechanism for Free Legal Assistance

YES S. Jt. Res. 4; Presentation of Suspects to Media

Second Regular Session (July 28, 2008 June 3, 2009)

YESSBN 31; Prescribing a Fixed Term for the Chief of Staff of the ArmedForces of the Philippines

YESSBN 233; Prohibiting a Person from being appointed as DNDSecretary within 3 years after retirement from active duty as aCommissioned Officer of a Regular Component of the AFP

YES SBN 1757; Regulating the use of sidewalks for commercial

YESSBN 1976; Creating 6 additional branches of Metropolitan TrialCourts in the National Capital Region

YESSBN 1978; Penalizing Torture and Other Cruel, Inhuman andDegrading Treatment or Punishment

YESSBN 1980; Establishing 2 branches of the Regional Trial Court to bestationed at the Municipality of Surallah, South Cotabato

YESSBN 1981; Creating 2 additional branches of the Regional Trial Courtin the 11th Judicial Region at Korondal City, South Cotabato

YES SBN 2005; LGUs choice of Depository Bank

YESSBN 2006; Posting of Summary of Income and Expenditures ofLGUs

Did not vote SBN 2121; Electric Power Industry Reform Act

YES SBN 2150; Granting the Right of Reply

YES SBN 2317; Prohibiting Child Pornography

YES SBN 2394; Establishing the Tubbataha Reefs Natural Park

YESSBN 2408; Additional support and compensation for educators inBasic Education

YES SBN 2410; Providing Research on Postpartum Syndrome


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YESSBN 2583; Mainstream Climate Change into Government PolicyFormulations

ABSTAINEDSBN 2639; Providing the Regulatory Framework for Real EstateInvestment Companies

ABSTAINEDSBN 2666; Strengthening the Comprehensive Agrarian ReformProgram

YESSBN 2669; Defining and Penalizing Crimes Against InternationalHumanitarian Law

YES SBN 2978; Department of the Interior and Local Government Act

YESSBN 2991; Act to Strengthen the Office of the Government CorporateCounsel

Did not vote SBN 3014; National Cultural Heritage Act

YES SBN 3106; Magna Carta for Homeowners

YESSBN 3111; Providing for the Legitimation of Children Born to Parentswho are below marrying age

YES SBN 3197; Anti-Trust Act

YES SBN 3275; Amending the Charter of General Santos

YES SBN 3285; Philippine National Red Cross Charter

Did not vote SBN 3286; Migrant Workers and Overseas Filipinos Act

8.0 Issues of SBSA

Executive Clemency

While SBSA recognizes that Executive Clemency is part of the powers andprerogatives of the President, of late it has been abused and its abuse is leading to

the deterioration of law and order.

MOA-AD, Bangsamoro

SBSA opposes the signing of the Memorandum of Agreement on AncestralDomain because it is unconstitutional and its signing would violate national integrity.

EO 464 (Executive Privilege)

EO 464, or the gag order from the President on her executives is a clear

violation of the principle of checks and balances. With this executive order, the


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government is neglecting its responsibility to inform the public, which is consequentlythe publics right.

Pardon of Former President Erap Estrada

SBSA lauds the former President for undergoing court proceedings. In theend, the rule of law should prevail.

JDV Amnesty Bill

SBSA cautions the passing of an all-encompassing amnesty bill, becausewhile amnesty may be given for political crimes, such amnesties must be given on acase to case basis with a rigorous assessment of the case and the facts surroundingwhich.

Public Safety and Security

SBSA has consistently questioned the agencies who were supposed to haveprevented disasters such as fireworks factory blasts and sinking of ships, for theirlack of regulation of the industries which they monitor, with the end view ofpreserving public safety.

Documents

BSA3 Legislative Record