A number of legislative proposals addressing the country’s socioeconomic priorities have been passed at the House of Representatives. Tagged as priority bills by President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s advisors, and backed by the Private Sector Advisory Council (PSAC), these bills are one step closer to becoming law ahead of the House’s June 2024 deadline for priority proposals.
The PSAC identified three proposals that should be prioritized for their passage. These include a bill to impose value-added tax on digital services, the E-Governance bill, and a bill creating the Department of Water Resources and Services. House Speaker Martin Romualdez said the bills and 16 others were approved on third and final reading at the House of Representatives on 19 March.
Notably, the PSAC Infrastructure Sector, led by PSAC lead convenor and Aboitiz Group president and chief executive officer (CEO) Sabin Aboitiz, emphasized the need for a national governing body for water resources since March of last year. PSAC had recommended it be certified as urgent while additionally suggesting the adoption of an Integrated Water Resources Management Program.
“As a member of the Private Sector Advisory Council, we help to urge swift action by recommending to the President the passing of key bills like digital service tax, E-Governance, and the Department of Water Resources. Establishing a national governing body for water resources is crucial for sustainable management,” said Aboitiz.
Having cleared at the House, the bills are sent to the Senate for their approval.
Speaker Romualdez said the House has already taken up all but three of the 59 priority bills raised by the Legislative-Executive Development Advisory Council (LEDAC).
To date, President Marcos Jr. has signed into law 14 such measures, including the recently passed Philippine Salt Industry Development Act and the New Philippine Passport Act.
