Senate ratifies bicam reports of 3 priority measures

Inquirer files

MANILA, Philippines — The Senate ratified on Wednesday the bicameral conference committee reports of priority measures Magna Carta of Filipino Seafarers, New Government Procurement Act, and the Anti-Agricultural Economic Sabotage Act.

The ratification of the bicameral conference committee reports of the said measures was approved during the chamber’s last session day of the 19th Congress’ 2nd regular session.

Sen. Raffy Tulfo presented to the floor the report on the disagreeing provisions of Senate Bill (SB) No. 2221 and House Bill (HB) No. 7325 or the proposed Magna Carta of Filipino Seafarers.

READ: Magna Carta of Filipino Seafarers still under review–PCO

The measure was supposed to be signed into law in June by President Bongbong Marcos Jr., but it was subjected to further review.

Sen. Sonny Angara, on the other hand, presented in the plenary the bicameral conference committee report on SB 2593 and HB 9648, otherwise known as the New Government Procurement Reform Act.

The proposed New Government Procurement Reform Act, if enacted, will pave the way for an Electronic Procurement System. It is seen to promote  “greater transparency, accountability, operational efficiency, and value for money.”

READ: New gov’t procurement bill breezes through Senate on final reading

Meanwhile, Sen. Cynthia Villar, in the same plenary session, presented the bicameral conference committee report on SB 2432 and HB 3915 or the Anti-agricultural Economic Sabotage Act.

READ: Senate approves on second reading bill on agricultural economic sabotage

Like the two previous bills, the bicameral conference panel report on the Anti-agricultural Economic Sabotage was likewise ratified.

The measure seeks to repeal the Anti-Agricultural Smuggling Act of 2016. It aims to penalize smuggling, hoarding, profiteering, and maintaining a cartel of agricultural and fishery products.