Press Release
December 13, 2007

Senate approves 5 out of 9 LEDAC priority bills

Fresh from the passage of the P1.227 trillion national budget for next year, the Senate resumes deliberation of other priority bills in line with its commitment to pass more bills before the Christmas break.

Senate President Manny Villar today said this shows that the Senate honors its commitment during the Legislative-Executive Development Advisory Council meeting to pass more priority bills before adjournment.

Last night, the Senate unanimously passed on third reading the bill extending the life of the Agriculture Agricultural Competitiveness Enhancement Fund (ACEF). This fund ensures more benefits for our farmers with more agricultural infrastructure, post-harvest facilities, research and development and training.

"A new provision is added indicating that 10 percent of the fund will be used to support scholarships in agriculture and fisheries, and in courses such as veterinary medicine," he added.

"Next week we are set to ratify the bicameral report on the national budget and present it to the President for her signature. We will also work on the passage of the bill creating the Credit Information Bureau and bills for the benefit of the Armed Forces of the Philippines," Villar said.

The passage of the ACEF bill, the national budget and the ratification of the RP-Spain Transfer of Prisoners Treaty brings to 14 the measures approved by the Senate after only four months of holding plenary sessions, Villar noted.

"The passage of these bills indicates that the Senate recognizes the real need to institute reforms in governance. This feat belies allegations that the Senate engages in too much politics at the expense of its legislative work," Villar said.

Of the nine priority legislation identified by the LEDAC, five bills were approved by the Senate, namely:

� 2008 General Appropriations Act � Magna Carta for Small and Medium Enterprises � Cheaper Medicines Bill � Personal Equity and Retirement Account Act � Agriculture Agricultural Competitiveness Enhancement Fund

The LEDAC also included in their priority list the amendments to the Electric Power Industry Reform Act, Civil Aviation Authority bill, the University of the Philippines Charter and the Credit Information System.

"The Senate is willing to extend a hand of cooperation to the administration in order to fast track the enactment of laws needed by the people," Villar said.

News Latest News Feed