Senate to prioritize 4 key bills when session resumes Jan. 13

The Senate building at the GSIS Complex in Pasay City. (Photo by LYN RILLON / Philippine Daily Inquirer)

MANILA, Philippines – The Senate will prioritize four key legislative measures when sessions resume on Jan. 13.

“Major Senate priorities include postponing barangay elections and modernizing Phivolcs (Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology),” Senate Majority Leader Francis Tolentino said in a news release on Friday.

“Additionally, the chamber will tackle amendments to the Baguio City Charter and DFA (Department of Foreign Affairs) pension adjustments.”

Tolentino said the proposal to reset the barangay elections and extend the terms of incumbent officials for two years will be the top priority.

Senate Bill No. (SBN) 2816 seeking to postpone the 2025 Barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan Elections (BSKE) to May 2029 and extend the terms of local village officials to six years has been sponsored in the Senate plenary by Electoral Reforms Committee Chairperson Imee Marcos in November last year.

This is expected to assure that BSKE will never coincide with the national and local elections, ensuring a more focused and effective governance cycle, while giving the Commission on Elections adequate time to ensure peaceful and orderly elections.

Tolentino also underscored the urgency of the Phivolcs modernization bill, citing the recent eruptions of Kanlaon and Taal Volcanoes.

Modernization efforts would include the acquisition of advanced forecasting technology to enhance disaster preparedness and protect vulnerable communities.

Senate Bill No. 2825 or the Phivolcs Modernization Act aims to address these gaps by modernizing Phivolcs’ equipment, increasing the number of seismic stations, and ensuring better salaries and training for its personnel.

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Meanwhile, House Bill No. 7406 aims to correct flaws in the Baguio City Charter which is seen to downgrade Baguio city’s status as an independent, highly urbanized local government, and for granting another agency power in the titling of properties.

SBN 2863 or the Foreign Affairs Pension Differential Act was formulated to benefit Filipino foreign service personnel who have reached the age of 65 and have served for at least 15 years, offering them a lifeline or a chance at a dignified retirement befitting their service.

Covered by the bill are retired officers and employees of the DFA who retired under Republic Act No. 1616, provided they have also reached the age of 65, served the agency for at least 15 years, and remained Filipino citizens.

Tolentino said other measures include local bills up for second reading and legislative efforts such as reorganizing the National Tax Research Center, improving the mining regime, and strengthening the National Housing Authority.