President Duterte Inks Monumental Legislative Measures

President Rodrigo Roa Duterte on Wednesday, February 20, signed vital legislative measures that would improve the country’s health care, trade and investment system, and sports training.

“I am pleased to be with you today, in coordination with concerned agencies, in facilitating the passage of the key legislative measures which would further support this administration’s development agenda for inclusive growth where no one will be left behind,” President Duterte remarked at the Rizal Hall.

The Chief Executive first signed the much awaited Universal Healthcare Law, which guarantees equitable access to quality and affordable healthcare services for all Filipinos. It will also automatically enroll Filipino citizens into the National Health Insurance Program and expand PhilHealth coverage to include free medical consultations and laboratory tests.

The President also signed the Social Security Act of 2018, which would expand the investing capacity of the Social Security Commission to generate a better income for members and pensioners.

“These legislative measures will improve our existing healthcare and pension services which will benefit the poor and the vulnerable always the reason,” Duterte noted.

In the category of trade and investment, President Duterte inks the Revised Corporation Code. This seeks to simplify corporate governance standards and establish a more business-friendly environment that will enable corporations and other juridical entities to thrive.

On the other hand, the New Central Bank Act will strengthen the financial stability of Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) and granting it more flexibility in the exercise of its regulatory powers. In addition to this, the BSP also turned over to the national government P4 billion worth of partial dividends.

For our local athletes, President Duterte also signed the Philippine Sports Training Center Act, which would establish a center for athletic development to help maximize the potential and competitiveness of the Filipino athletes.

Another significant bill presented was the Act of Reapportioning the Province of Southern Leyte into Two Legislative Districts. Duterte noted that this is one of the “eventful measures” that were presented, adding that he hopes this would promote peace and order in the province.

“The passage of these laws attests to how much the government can achieve when the executive and legislative branches work hand in hand in achieving a common legislative agenda,” President Duterte said.

“I hope that Congress will continue to be our steadfast partner in enacting laws that will significantly improve the lives of our people, especially those who need it,” he added. (PND)