President Marcos Endorses 21 Priority Legislative Measures in LEDAC Meeting
In a significant move to advance national development, President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. has approved 21 priority legislative measures during the third full meeting of the Legislative-Executive Development Advisory Council (LEDAC) for the 20th Congress. The meeting, held at Malacañan Palace, marks a pivotal step in the administration's legislative agenda.
Targeted Passage and Objectives
According to Palace Press Officer Undersecretary Claire Castro, the administration aims to pass these bills before June. The primary goals of these measures are to enhance the quality of life for Filipinos, strengthen social protection systems, and promote greater transparency and accountability within the government.
Key Priority Bills
The approved list includes a diverse range of legislative proposals designed to address critical national issues. Among the most notable are:
- Anti-Political Dynasty Law: Aims to regulate political dynasties to foster fairer governance.
- Travel Tax Abolition: Seeks to eliminate travel taxes to boost tourism and ease financial burdens on travelers.
- Anti-Fake News and Digital Disinformation Bill: Targets the spread of misinformation online to protect public discourse.
- Expanded Anti-Online Sexual Abuse or Exploitation of Children Act: Strengthens protections against online exploitation of minors.
- BARMM Elections: Focuses on electoral processes in the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao.
Additional Legislative Priorities
Other significant measures on the list encompass reforms and new initiatives across various sectors:
- Right to Information Act: Enhances public access to government data.
- CADENA Act: Addresses chain migration and related immigration policies.
- Party-List System Reform Act: Aims to improve representation in the party-list system.
- Independent People’s Commission Act: Establishes a commission for independent oversight.
- Amendments to the Bank Deposits Secrecy Law (BRIGHT Act): Updates financial transparency regulations.
Further priorities include amendments to the 4Ps Act for social welfare, the Coconut Farmers and Industry Trust Fund Act for agricultural support, and the Masustansyang Pagkain Para sa Batang Pilipino Act to promote child nutrition. Also featured are the GASTPE Act for education funding, the Classroom-Building Acceleration Program Act for infrastructure, and the establishment of a National Center for Geriatric Health to address elderly care needs.
Environmental and Economic Measures
The list also includes the Waste-to-Energy Bill to promote sustainable energy solutions, amendments to the EPIRA and Rice Tariffication Law (RICE Act) for energy and agricultural reforms, the creation of a Department of Water Resources to manage water security, and an Estate Tax Amnesty to provide financial relief.
This comprehensive legislative package reflects the administration's commitment to addressing a wide array of social, economic, and environmental challenges, with a clear timeline for implementation to drive progress in the Philippines.
