Senate Bills and Resolutions
Education
Empowerment of the youth is an issue that Senator Marcos has always been passionate about. In fact, the very first law that he authored as a neophyte congressman in 1992 was the establishment of the Philippine Youth Commission.
Emphasizing that education is an important factor in nation-building, Senator Marcos filed the following bills to improve the state of education in the country :
Senate Bill No. 3106 : Public School Teachers’ Salary Upgrading Act
The bill sought to raise the compensation of public school teachers from Salary Grade 11 or approximately P18,000 a month to Salary Grade 15 or approximately P25,000 a month. The bill was filed to make the minimum salary of public school teachers more competitive other professionals.
Senate Bill No. 2531 : Teachers Education Act of 2010
The bill mandated continuing education for all private and public school teachers in all levels of education. The bill was filed to strengthen the country’s educational system by supporting its educators.
Senate Bill No. 2532 : First Class Public Schools and Libraries Act of 2010
The bill made it mandatory for all public school libraries to have first class libraries. The bill was filed to promote quality education in public schools.
The bill sought to impose a 3-year moratorium on the creation of new state universities and colleges. The bill was filed to give Congress and the Commission on Higher Education (CHED) more time to assess and upgrade existing state colleges and universities to competitive levels.
Senate Bill No. 1191 : Pag-asa ng Paglaya sa Pagbasa
The “Redemption through Reading” bill emphasized the value of education — even for prisoners who will be socially reintegrated into society after their release from prison.
Senate Bills and Resolutions
Agriculture
It was during former President Ferdinand Marcos’ term in office that the Philippines realized what is now referred to as the “Golden Age of Agriculture”.
Inspired by his father’s legacy, Governor Marcos [1983 – 1986; 1998 – 2007] utilized agriculture for the economic development of Ilocos Norte. Under his leadership, the province saw an exponential growth in rice and corn production as well as livestock output.
As Senator, he filed the following bills to promote economic growth nationwide :
Senate Bill No. 14 : National Irrigation Program of 2013
This bill sought to establish a progressive and effective irrigation method that would accelerate agricultural production. It required various agencies to irrigate ninety-five (95%) of irrigable lands nationwide within a period of three (3) years from the effectivity of the said bill.
Senate Bill No. 1863 : Anti-Rice Wastage Act of 2013
The bill makes it unlawful for restaurants, hotels, inns and other eateries to refuse a customer’s request to serve less than a cup of rice. The bill was filed to encourage consumers from wasting rice when eating out.
Senate Bill No. 112 : National Seeds Production Act of 2013
The bill sought to establish a continuing national program for the production of hybrid and other quality seeds for farming purposes.
Senate Bill No. 409 : Philippine Soybean Authority Act of 2013
This bill sought to create the Philippine Soybeans Authority. It was filed to promote the cultivation, production, processing, marketing and distribution of soybean products.
Tobacco Excise Tax
During his tenure as Senator, BBM was known to constantly defend the interests of tobacco farmers against the unreasonable and disproportionate increase in excise taxes on tobacco products. According to him, the imposition of unreasonable excise taxes would destroy the livelihood of tobacco farmers and the tobacco industry as a whole.
Senate Bills and Resolutions
Tourism
BBM strongly believes that tourism is an effective instrument for economic growth. He would always say that the government should increase strategic investments in tourism development because this would result in long-term benefits. It would help generate jobs and increase income for the local government units.
One of his achievements as Governor of Ilocos Norte was to make the province a major tourist destination for both local and international tourists. He achieved this through marketing opportunities and infrastructure development.
After several trips to China, BBM forged a Sisterhood Agreement with Shandong province, which in effect increased the number of Chinese tourists in Ilocos Norte.
As for infrastructure development, the best example would be the windmills of Bangui. Although the windmills were built as an alternative energy source, it is now regarded as a major tourist attraction in Ilocos Norte.
Believing that infrastructure development is an integral to tourism development, Senator Marcos filed “Senate Bill No. 3201 : An Act Creating the Laoag International Port Authority” The bill was designed to promote international air traffic in Ilocos Norte and other parts northern Luzon by empowering the Port Authority to upgrade the services and facilities of the airport and make the same acceptable to international standards. He believed that if the airport facilities were upgraded, the same would result in an increased number of visitors from China, Taiwan, Japan and South Korea.
Senate Bills and Resolutions
Cooperatives
BBM has always been a staunch advocate of cooperatives. He has always believed that cooperatives are the key to fueling the growth of entrepreneurs. Because of this, he filed several bills to benefit cooperatives :
Senate Bill No. 3245 : Cooperative Development Authority Charter Act
The bill sought to strengthen the powers, duties and functions of the Cooperative Development Authority. It was filed because over 10 million Filipinos or roughly 10% of the Filipino population are members of cooperatives and yet coops have remained in the micro scale and have failed to mature into large scale enterprises.
Senate Resolution No. 1366 : Incentive Schemes for Electric Cooperatives
The resolution pushed for stronger and more logical incentives for electric cooperatives. It sought to reduce the cost of electricity for the benefit of the public.
As Vice Chairman of the Committee on Cooperatives, Senator Marcos hoped to instill a culture of entrepreneurship among Filipinos.
When he took over as the de facto Chairman of the Committee on Cooperatives (2010-2015) he spearheaded various concerns involving cooperatives.
Senate Bills and Resolutions
Energy
Senator Marcos has always been committed to pursuing his vision of providing cheap and reliable energy for the public.
When he was Governor of Ilocos Norte, he established the Bangui Wind Farm – the first power-generating windmill farm in Southeast Asia.
To say that the Bangui Wind Farm bolstered the province’s supply of electricity is an understatement. The farm became a showcase for clean and renewable energy sources and stimulated business activities and investments for the province.
Running along a 9-kilometer beach in Bangui, the imposing line of 70-meters tall wind turbines, each equipped with three 41-meter blades, quickly become a favorite attraction for both locals and tourists alike.
When he became Senator, he continued his quest for energy sufficiency by filing Senate Bill No. 2593. The bill sought to create a Hydrogen & Research Development that would study the use of hydrogen as an alternative source of fuel energy.
He likewise filed Senate Resolution No. 622 which directed the Committee on Energy to conduct inquiries that would look into the status of the country’s power development program and inform the Filipino people of the overall state of the country’s energy infrastructure.
Senate Bills and Resolutions
Environment
BBM has always been a staunch advocate of protecting and preserving the environment. Towards this end, he filed the following bill
Senate Bill No. 2885 : Climate Change Education Act of 2011
The bill makes it mandatory for the Commission on Higher Education (CHED) to include a subject on Climate Change as part of the curriculum in all college and university courses. The bill was filed so that the youth would understand the significance of Climate Change.
Senate Bill No. 2097 : PAGASA Modernization Act (RA 10692)
The bill provides additional funds to modernize the equipment and training facilities of PAGASA weather station. The bill was filed because there was a need for accurate weather forecasts due to the numerous typhoons that would hit the country every year.
Senate Bill No. 410 The Philippine Green Building Act
The bill seeks to encourage investors to built ecologically efficient “green buildings” by giving them tax incentives. The long-term goal of the bill was to encourage developers to construct ecologically safe buildings.
Senate Bill No. 413 : Bicycle Commuters Incentives Act of 2013
This bill provides incentives to bicycle riders and other drivers of other non-motorized vehicles. It seeks to lessen pollution by decreasing the number of oil-powered motorized vehicles on the road.
Senate Bill No. 419 : Regulating the Use of Plastic Bags
The bill intends to reduce and eventually eliminate the use of plastic bags which are harmful to the environment. The bill was filed to help clear our polluted waters by encouraging the use of biodegradable, reusable and unleaded bags as an alternative to plastic bags.
Senate Resolution No. 482 : Inquiry on the Environmental Sustainability of the Cement Industry
The Resolution to make the cement industry more environment-friendly.
Relief Efforts for Yolanda
In 2013, BBM was at the forefront of the disaster relief and rehabilitation efforts brought about by Typhoon Haiyan (Yolanda). Since his family hails from Leyte, he went that extra mile to extend aid to the thousands of typhoon victims who were hungry and homeless.
Concerned about reports that a significant number of relief goods never reached the typhoon victims, he called for a senate investigation to probe into what happened to the funds given by local and international donors during this crisis.
In the hope of preventing the recurrence of Ondoy-like tragedies in Metro Manila, Senator Marcos submitted a report regarding the state of Metro Manila’s flood management plans and projects (CRN 73).
He likewise pushed for the institutionalization of effective disaster-preparedness and disaster-responses on a national scale (SRN 1056).
Senate Bills and Resolutions
Housing
Senator Marcos was the Chairman of the Senate Committee on Urban Planning, Housing and Resettlements during the 15th Congress [2010 – 2016]. In this capacity, he filed the following bills relating to housing and urban planning :
Senate Bill 110 : Civil Service Housing Program of 2013
The bill seeks to establish a comprehensive national housing program for all government employees. It sought to create a Civil Service Housing Executive Committee that would implement the Civil Service Housing Program.
Senate Bill 111 : An Act Amending the Urban Development and Housing Act of 1992
The Urban Development and Housing Act of 1992 was passed to uplift the conditions of the underprivileged and homeless citizens in urban resettlement areas. The Act was passed in order to make decent yet affordable housing available to the less fortunate.
Senator Marcos took the bill a step further by providing the private sector tax incentives in order to encourage them to participate in socialized housing.
Senate Bill No. 410 : The Philippine Green Building Act
The bill seeks to encourage investors to built ecologically efficient “green buildings” by giving them tax incentives. The long-term goal of the bill was to encourage developers to construct ecologically safe buildings.
Senate Bill No. 413 : Bicycle Commuters Incentives Act of 2013
This bill provides incentives to bicycle riders and other drivers of other non-motorized vehicles. It seeks to lessen pollution by decreasing the number of oil-powered motorized vehicles on the road.
Senate Bill No. 423 : Department of Housing and Urban Development Act of 2013
The bill sought to create a Department of Housing and Urban Development (DHUD). The said department was tasked to address the problem as to why the massive housing backlog of around 3.6 million housing units remains unresolved.
Senate Bill No. 665 : Establishing Regional Housing One-Stop Shops
This bill sought to establish regional housing “one-stop shops”. It also prescribed deadlines for the issuance of housing-related certifications, clearances, permits and the like and imposed sanctions for non compliance of them same.
Senate Bill No. 2065 : Balanced Housing Development Program Amendment of 2014
The bill sought to improve the policies of the Balanced Housing Development program in the country.
Senate Bill No. 2186 : Family Home Protection Act of 2014
The bill sought to protect the Family Home against unreasonable foreclosures and evictions.
Senate Bills and Resolutions
Local Government
Senator Bongbong Marcos was the Chairman of the Senate Committee on Local Government for several years.
Because of his extensive experience as Governor of Ilocos Norte for a total of four terms (1983 to 1986, 1998 to 2001, 2001 to 2004 and 2004 to 2007), Marcos sought to reform the local government units {LGUs] nationwide. He did this because he firmly believed that an empowered local government translates into an empowered nation. Towards this end, he filed the following bills :
Retirement Fund for Barangay Officials
Senate Bill No. 12 : Retirement Benefit for Barangay Officials and Workers Act of 2013
This bill created a Retirement Fund for barangay officials and workers and granted them a retirement benefit of PhP 50,000.- to PhP 100,000.- based on their positions.
SK Reform
Senate Bill No. 1186 : Act to Postpone the Sangguniang Kabataan Elections on October 28, 2013
Since Congress needed time to reform the youth council, Senator Marcos’ bill allowed the COMELEC to hold the SK elections within the period covering October 28, 2014 and February 23, 2015.
Larger share of LGUs in the National Wealth
Senator Marcos also initiated deliberations on various Senate and House Bills in order that local government units be given a larger share (40%) of the gross collection derived by the national government from taxes. This is only fair since realistically speaking, it is the LGUs who do the collecting of taxes in their respective areas.
Jobs
Senate Bill 1862 : An Act Establishing the Inter-agency Council for the Creation of Jobs
This bill sought to establish an inter-agency council for employment generation. Under the bill, the LGUs are required to map out business opportunities in their respective localities and relay them to the inter-agency council which, in turn, would advise investors. This way, there would be a more focused approach to employment opportunities brought into every province, city and municipality.
Champion of autonomy and self-sufficiency of LGUs:
Senator Marcos spearheaded the creation of new provinces as well as the upgrading to municipalities.
He sought to balance the autonomy of the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region and its Organic Act (SBN 2894).
He adjusted numerous legislative districts in order to obtain effective representation for the people.
He enhanced benefits for senior citizens as well as persons with disabilities (SRNs 953 & 783).
Senate Bills and Resolutions
OFW’s
Senator Marcos supported our Overseas Foreign Workers [OFWs] by initiating various legislative measures to safeguard their rights. He believed that it is the duty and responsibility of government to protect our OFWs.
In 2011, the relations between the Philippines and Taiwan became strained because of the deportation of several Taiwanese nationals. This led to the retaliation against our OFWs in Taiwan. After Senate Resolution No. 379, the Senate Committee on Foreign Relations was tasked to come up with remedial measures so that the Department of Foreign Affairs could further protect the welfare and interests of our OFWs in Taiwan.
In 2014, the government of Saudi Arabia gave illegal migrant workers until March 1st to complete their working papers or face deportation. Senator Marcos called on his office to work overtime and process the undocumented and/or incomplete documentation of these OFWs. The herculean task was completed within 2 months.
Senator Marcos also formulated measures so that a portion of the Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA) fund would be set aside to help distressed OFWs. The said fund would be used to hire more lawyers who could assist the OFWs who were detained, maltreated and victimized by illegal recruiters.
Senate Bills and Resolutions
CHAIRMAN OF THE COMMITTEE
15TH CONGRESS
Bills Sponsored as Chairman of the Committees on Local Government
and Urban Planning, Housing and Resettlement
Senate Bills and Resolutions
CHAIRMAN OF THE COMMITTEE
16TH CONGRESS
Bills and Resolutions Sponsored as Chairman of the Committees on Local Government and Public Works and Highways
Corona Impeachment
Senator Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos, Jr. rejected political pressure from the Aquino Administration during the 2012 Impeachment Trial of Chief Justice Renato Corona. Despite coercion from the ruling Liberal Party, he voted not only with his conscience but with the Filipino People’s collective interest at heart.
BBM stands by his principles without fear of reprisal. Along with the late Senators Miriam Defensor-Santiago and Joker Arroyo, he voted to acquit the embattled magistrate.
As BBM cast his vote, he said:
“When the furor has died down and this political storm has subsided, I know that like Lady Justice, we shall find solace in the fact that this decision, though may be not popular, was fair, impartial, and just.”
BBM added:
“We may be faulted for erring on the side of conservatism. But what we are doing is redefining the relationship between branches of government, and when such great affairs of state are uncertain, the resulting instability puts every Filipino’s future in limbo.”
Pandering to the ruling party’s whims would have been more convenient for him, but BBM believes that might does not make right.
BBM stands by his principles with the future of the Filipino Democracy in mind, even if it entails going against the tide. He strives to be a forward-thinking leader, one who’s willing and able to deeply understand the long-term effect of his present actions.
BBM believes that we need more leaders with a true vision for the future of the Filipino People, and that is the kind of person he aspires to be.