11 out of 28 Duterte priority bills passed in 17th congress

Only 11 out of the 28 priority bills identified by the administrations consultative body, the
legislative consultative advisory council were passed in the 17th Congress.

Of the 11 measures delivered, 9 have been signed into law including the Universal Healthcare
Act, Free Higher Education Act, The Comprehensive Tax Reform Program, and the Law creating the
National ID System.

Moreover, two priority bills are awaiting the President’s signature; the so-called Murang
Electricity Bill that seeks to reduce electricity rates by tapping the Malampaya Funds to pay the
National Power Corporation’s debts and the proposed Security of Tenure Law which seeks to end
illegal forms of contractualization or ENDO.

With the president’s allies composing the majority number, 120 laws were produced that is
likely higher compared to the 111 laws approved in the 16th congress but much lower compared to
the 174 in the 15th congress. Included in the 120 laws is the Bangsamoro Organic Law which created
the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Mindanao. It was signed into law 2 days after the president
called for its passage in his 2018 State of the Nation address.

EXTRO

ARCHIE S. OTERO
Reporter, ONC

With administration allies again set to

dominate to senate and the house in the
incoming 18th congress, it remains to be seen
if the controversial bills being pushed by the
president be passed into law in the last 3
years of his term.