University of the Cordilleras

Department of Political Science

MODEL SENATE
Baguio City

SECOND CONGRESS
Regular Session

AGENDA
Session No. 07
FRIDAY, JUNE 17, 2022, | 8:00AM – 12:00PM
F501, University of the Cordilleras

I. NATIONAL ANTHEM
II. PRAYER/ INVOCATION
Lead by Senator Rhona Jane Bernardo
III. CALL TO ORDER
IV. ROLL CALL
V. PRIVILEGE HOUR
VI. APPROVAL OF JOURNAL OF PREVIOUS PROCEEDINGS DATED
(MONDAY, JUNE 13,2022)
VII. AGENDA FOR THE DAY
A. Reading of the Bill (Committee Referral)
1.Senate Bill No. 47 entitled “An act establishing One Town, One
Product (OTOP) centers in in all Cities and Municipalities, and
Appropriating Funds Therefor” authored by Senator Ava Garcia
Annaguey
2. Senate Bill No. 48 entitled “ An act eliminating the exemption
from criminal liability in crimes against property, amending for the
purpose section 332 of Republic Act no. 3815, otherwise known as
the Revised Penal Code” authored by Mark Darcy Arizabal and co-
authored by Jeniffer Dumugon
3. Senate Bill No. 49 entitled “Native Re-Greening Act of 2021”
introduced by Senator Gherald P. Edaño
4. Senate Bill No. 50 entitled “An Act amending section 11 of
Republic Act No. 3019, also known as the Anti-Graft and Corrupt
Practices Act, As Amended by Republic Act No. 10910” introduced
by Senator Gherald P. Edaño
5. Senate Bill No. 51 entitled “Early Voting Option Act of 2022”
introduced by Senator Joshua Cadiogan
6. Senate Bill No. 52 entitled “An act
Postponing the December 2025 synchronized Barangay and
Sangguniang Kabataan Elections, amending for the purpose
Republic Act No. 9164, as amended by Republic Act No. 9340,
Republic Act No. 10632, Republic Act No. 10656, Republic Act No.

Page 1 of 104
 10923, Republic Act No. 10952, And Republic Act No. 11462, and
for other purposes” introduced by Senator Joshua Cadiogan

B. Third Reading
1.Senate Bill No. 12 entitled “An act extending Paternity Leave from
seven (7) to thirty (30) days with full pay for all married and non-
married employees in both public and private sector amending
Republic Act no. 8187 for these purposes” under Committee Report
No. 2 from Committee on Women, Children, Family Relations, and
Gender Equality, authored by Senator Jan Louise Cabanban.

C. Unfinished Business
1. Senate Bill No. 21 entitled “Prevention and Intervention of
Violence against Men act of 2022” under Committee Report No. 03
Committee on Women, Children, Family Relations, and Gender
Equality.
2. Senate Bill No. 30 entitled “National Family Day Act of 2022”
under Committee Report No. 04 from Committee on Women,
Children, Family Relations, and Gender Equality

D. New Order of Business (Second Reading)

1. Senate Bill No. 36 entitled “Student-Teacher Ratio Act of 2022’
under Committee Report No. 03 from Committee on Education, Arts,
and Culture
2. Senate Bill No. 24 entitled “Reproductive Health Education for
OSY” under Committee Report No. 04 from Committee on Education,
Arts, and Culture.
3. Senate Bill No. 42 entitled ‘Women Entrepreneurs Fund Act of
2022’ under Committee Report No. 05 from Committee on Women,
Children, Family Relations, and Gender Equality
4. Senate Bill No. 19 entitled “Philippine Online Library Act” under
Committee Report No. 05 from Committee on Education, Arts, and
Culture
5. Senate Bill No. 41 entitled “Charter of the City of La Trinidad”
under Committee Report No. 02 from Committee on Local
Government

VIII. ANNOUNCEMENT
IX. ADJOURNMENT

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 *******

MEMBERS AVAILING THE PRIVILEGE HOUR

Senator Jan Louise Cabanban

Senator Krizsa Mae Españo
Senator Raymon Badongen

Gherald P. Edaño
UC Model Senate President

Kyshelle Jude A. Rafael

UC Model Senate Secretary General

Page 3 of 104
SECOND CONGRESS OF THE ]
UC MODEL SENATE ]
Second Regular Session ]

UC MODEL SENATE

S.B. NO. 47

Introduced by SENATOR AVA GARCIA

AN ACT
ESTABLISHING ONE TOWN, ONE PRODUCT (OTOP) CENTERS IN IN
ALL CITIES AND MUNICIPALITIES, AND APPROPRIATING FUNDS
THEREFOR

EXPLANATORY NOTE

In the Philippines, numbers of Micro and Small and Medium-Scale

enterprises (MSME’s) are growing, they are known for having a very important
role in developing the Philippine economy as they help reduce poverty by
creating jobs for the country’s growing labor force, stimulating economic
development in rural and far-flung areas.

One Town, One Product since its implementation in 2004, it has proven
its ability to aid and develop the MSME’s generate jobs, increase domestic sales
and exports, and equip the business skills of entrepreneurs while showcasing
Filipino culture, tradition, and creativity.

However, despite its proven contribution to boost the Philippine

economy, One Town, One Product has faced different problems that limits its
capacity to engage the MSME’s in the program such as the lack of centers to
market the products.

This proposed measure seeks to establish One Town, One Product

(OTOP) centers – store or space where products by cities or municipalities are
showcased on a day-to-day basis which aims to promote goods and products
of Filipino towns and cities to provide funding for small businesses.

In this light, the immediate passage of this bill is highly recommended.

SENATOR AVA GARCIA

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 SECOND CONGRESS OF THE ]
UC MODEL SENATE ]
Second Regular Session ]

UC MODEL SENATE

S.B. NO. 47

Introduced by SENATOR AVA GARCIA

AN ACT ESTABLISHING ONE TOWN, ONE PRODUCT (OTOP) CENTERS

IN IN ALL CITIES AND MUNICIAPLITIES, AND APPROPRIATING
FUNDS THEREFOR

Be it enacted by the UC Model Senate in assembly:

1 SECTION 1. There shall be established under the supervision of the

2 Department of Agriculture, a One Town, One Product (OTOP) Center for every
3 cities and municipalities in the Philippines.
4
5 SECTION 2. The Secretary of Agriculture shall include in the department’s
6 program the establishment of OTOP centers in every cities and municipalities
7 of the country. The local government units concerned shall also allocate any
8 amount from any available local revenues, it may deem appropriate for the
9 operationalization and maintenance of said trading centers.
10
11 SECTION 3. This Act shall take effect immediately after fifteen days from its
12 publication to the official

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SECOND CONGRESS OF THE ]
UC MODEL SENATE ]
Second Regular Session ]

UC MODEL SENATE

S.B. No. 48

Authored by SENATOR MARK DARCY D. ARIZABAL

Co-authored by SENATOR JENNIFER H. DUMUGON

AN ACT ELIMINATING THE EXEMPTION FROM CRIMINAL LIABILITY

IN CRIMES AGAINST PROPERTY, AMENDING FOR THE PURPOSE
SECTION 332 OF REPUBLIC ACT NO. 3815, OTHERWISE KNOWN AS
THE REVISED PENAL CODE

EXPLANATORY NOTE

The Revised Penal Code was first established on December 8, 1930,

during the American colonization of the Philippines. From that point forward,
our reality has advanced and conditions are a lot of opposite at this point.

The significance of family and its qualities stay to be relentless,

notwithstanding, we can't overlook the miserable reality that wrongdoings
actually occur among the nearest of family. However, much we mean to protect
the concordance and harmony inside the family, we can't keep on troubling
further the survivors of wrongdoings by exempting their family from their
criminal liability.

In the case of Intestate of Manolita Gonzales vda. De Carungcong,

represented by Mediatrix Carungcong as Administratirix vs. People of the
Philippines, et al., Mediatrix Carungcong, Mediatrix carungcong, in her capacity
as the duly appointed administratrix of petitioner intestate estate of her
deceased mother Manolita Gonzales vda. De Carungcong, filed a complaint-
affidavit for estafa against her brother-in-law, William Sato, a Japanese
national. It was alleged that the said accused feloniously induced Manolita
Gonzales, the owner of the estate and herein deceased, to sign and thumb
mark a special power of attorney (in the pretense of presenting a document
pertaining to taxes) which authorized the sale, assignment, transfer and

Page 6 of 104
disposition of the latter’s properties. In relation to this, the accused moved for
the dismissal of the case.

Withal, Sato, the accused, could not avail of the beneficial application of
ART 332 considering that the crime he committed falls under the nature of a
complex crime and not of a simple crime. Also, while it may be true that he is
qualified to avail of the exemption by virtue of his relationship by affinity to the
accused, still his act warrants no justification.

Even he has been predeceased by his spouse and the cord of

relationship by affinity with the mother-in-law still remains as it was not
dissolved by his wife’s death, the language of Art 332 is clear that only when
simple crimes are committed by certain family members that the latter can avail
of the exemption. This does not apply to the accused as discussed earlier. He
then can be held criminally liable.

To conclude, as we proceed through our lives, our experiences within

the family give rise to some of our strongest and most intense feelings. Within
the family context lies a contradiction. Although most of us hope for affection,
care and support within the family -- a haven in a ruthless world-- the family
can also be a place of vehemence and abuse. Like in this case, Sato has been
considered a family but his fraudulent act cannot be taken for granted. His
inexcusable act constitutes an abuse which cannot be taken lightly. The State
then could not simply close its eyes in exchange of preserving family solidarity
and harmony.

In view of the foregoing, the immediate passage of this bill is earnestly

sought.

SENATOR MARK DARCY D. ARIZABAL

SENATOR JENNIFER H. DUMUGON

Page 7 of 104
 SECOND CONGRESS OF THE ]
UC MODEL SENATE ]
Second Regular Session ]

UC MODEL SENATE

S.B. No. 48

Authored by SENATOR MARK DARCY D. ARIZABAL

Co-authored by SENATOR JENNIFER H. DUMUGON

AN ACT
ELIMINATING THE EXEMPTION FROM CRIMINAL LIABILITY IN
CRIMES AGAINST PROPERTY, AMENDING FOR THE PURPOSE
SECTION 332 OF REPUBLIC ACT NO. 3815, OTHERWISE KNOWN AS
THE REVISED PENAL CODE

Be it enacted by the UC Model Senate in assembly:

1 SECTION 1. Section 332 of Republic Act 3815 is hereby repealed as follows:

2
3 “Article 332. Persons exempt from criminal liability. - No criminal, but only
4 civil liability, shall result from the commission of the crime of theft, swindling
5 or malicious mischief committed or caused mutually by the following
6 persons:
7
8 1. Spouses, ascendants and descendants, or relatives by affinity in the
9 same line;
10 2. The widowed spouse with respect to the property which belonged to
11 the deceased spouse before the same shall have passed into the
12 possession of another; and
13 3. Brothers and sisters and brothers-in-law and sisters-in-law, if living
14 together.
15
16 The exemption established by this article shall not be applicable to
17 strangers participating in the commission of the crime.”
18
19 SECTION 2. Spouses, ascendants and descendants, or relatives by affinity in
20 the same line; the widowed spouse with respect to the property which belonged
21 to the deceased spouse before the same shall have passed into the possession

Page 8 of 104
22 of another; and Brothers and sisters and brothers-in-law and sisters-in-law, if
23 living together may now be criminally liable and civilly as a result of their
24 commission of the crime of theft, swindling or malicious mischief.
25
26 SECTION 3. Effectivity Clause. - This Act shall take effect fifteen (15) days
27 after its publication in at least two (2) newspaper of general circulation.
28
29 Approved,

Page 9 of 104
SECOND CONGRESS OF THE ]
UC MODEL SENATE ]
Second Regular Session ]

UC MODEL SENATE

S.B. No. 49

Introduced by GHERALD P. EDAÑO

AN ACT
INSTITUTIONALIZING AND MANDATING ALL LOCAL GOVERNMENTS
THROUGH THEIR RESPECTIVE ENVIRONMENT AND NATURAL
RESOURCES OFFICE TO INCLUDE IN THEIR PROGRAM, PROJECTS,
AND ACTIVITIES THE PLANTING OF NATIVE TREES WITHIN THEIR
TERRITORIAL JURISDICTIONS TO COMBAT ENVIRONMENTAL
DEGRADATION, PROMOTE ECOLOGICAL BALANCE AND SOUND
ENVIRONMENT, AND FOR OTHER PURPOSES

EXPLANATORY NOTE

The Philippines, being a member-state of the United Nations signed the

millennium declaration which now expanded into 17 sustainable development
goals which includes the promotion and protection of life on land. In a 2019
research article, Turner-Skoff and Cavender cited studies linking trees and
green spaces with mortality with particular association in the increase of
cardiovascular and respiratory deaths. The authors added that planting the
“right” mature species in the right location, pertaining to those endemic, could
reduce mortality and morbidity in urban areas. Further benefits of trees include:
reduction of pollution, improving health, strengthening community ties,
increasing physical activities, decreasing aggression and violence, reducing
crime, improving student performance, reducing stress, improving focus and
concentration even self-discipline. Economically, it provide high returns on
investments and supports tourism, increases home prices and rental rates,
reduces energy use and provide great source of livelihood. Environmentally, it
reduces urban heat and store and sequesters carbon and provides critical
habitat for other species. During calamities, trees store and manages flood and
protect life below water and on land.1

In Gunung Dahu, Indonesia, planting of native trees was sought as a climate

strategy in revegetating degraded tropical lands which could restore habitat for

1Turner-Skoff, Jessica and Nicole Cavender. 2019. The benefits of trees for livable sustainable
communities. Plants, People, Planet: 1-13. DOI:10.1002/ppp3.39

Page 10 of 104
critically endangered species, improved soil characteristics and timber volume,
presence of ectomycorrhiza and reestablished ecotourism potential of the area.
Eventually, water supply was improved and tourism delivered more livelihood
for local residents.2

In 2011, President Benigno Aquino III signed and promulgated a National

Greening Program through Executive Order No. 26. Said policy mandated
government agencies to produce quality seedlings and plant them through the
mobilization of all abled individuals from Grade 5 to college level students, to
plant 10 tree seedlings each annually.

This bill seeks to further expand said program and redefine tree planting
programs with a more endemically sensitive guidelines towards a more genuine
and ecologically sound regreening policy.

Hence, the passage of this bill is earnestly sought!

GHERALD P. EDAÑO

2Rachmat, H.H.; Ginoga, K.L.; Lisnawati, Y.; Hidayat, A.; Fambayun, R.A.; Yulita, K.S.; Susilowati, A.
What Can Native Trees Provide in Revegetating Tropical Degraded Land? An Experience of Man-Made
Dipterocarp Forest in Indonesia. Environ. Sci. Proc. 2021, 3, 79. https://doi.org/10.3390/IECF2020-
08069

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 SECOND CONGRESS OF THE ]
UC MODEL SENATE ]
Second Regular Session ]

UC MODEL SENATE

S.B. No. 49

Introduced by SEN. GHERALD P. EDAÑO

AN ACT
INSTITUTIONALIZING AND MANDATING ALL LOCAL GOVERNMENTS
THROUGH THEIR RESPECTIVE ENVIRONMENT AND NATURAL RESOURCES
OFFICE TO INCLUDE IN THEIR PROGRAM, PROJECTS, AND ACTIVITIES THE
PLANTING OF NATIVE TREES WITHIN THEIR TERRITORIAL
JURISDICTIONS TO COMBAT ENVIRONMENTAL DEGRADATION, PROMOTE
ECOLOGICAL BALANCE AND SOUND ENVIRONMENT, AND FOR OTHER
PURPOSES

Be it enacted by the UC Model Senate in assembly:

1 SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE - This Act shall be known as the “Native Re-Greening
2 Act of 2021.”
3
4 SECTION 2. DECLARATION OF POLICY - It shall be the policy of the State to
5 combat climate change, restore ecological balance and biodiversity, and promote clean
6 environment by planting native trees.
7
8 SECTION 3. NATIVE TREES – Native trees shall refer to all trees that grow naturally
9 and endemically in the Philippines or in a particular locality or region. The term shall
10 include but is not limited to almon, apitong, guijo, kamagong, red and white lawan,
11 molave, tindalo, and yakal. Other endemic or native trees shall be determined and
12 properly identified by the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR).
13
14 SECTION 4. COVERAGE – All vacant spaces but not limited to idle lands, highways,
15 city roads, river banks or other open spaces identified for public purposes as
16 determined by the greening plan of the local government, or school campuses in
17 accordance with P.D. 953, or those other spaces or areas as prescribed by existing
18 and pertinent laws shall be planted with native trees.
19
20 SECTION 5. NATIVE REGREENING PROGRAM ENFORCEMENT AND
21 MONITORING – All barangay officials or designated local focal officer for this act
22 such as the environment and natural resources office are hereby directed and
23 deputized to plant, monitor the planting, and parenting of native trees in their
24 respective territorial jurisdictions and areas of responsibility.

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25
26 SECTION 6. INFORMATION AND MOBILIZATION CAMPAIGN – upon the
27 enactment of this act, the DENR shall conduct applicable and reliable information
28 campaign to all communities with the assistance of local government units and
29 partnership with no-government and civil society organization to mobilize volunteers
30 and potential and abled planters and growers for the planting of native trees.
31
32 SECTION 7. REPLACEMENT AND PENALTY FOR NON-REPLACEMENT – All
33 native trees cut, with or without permit; poisoned; or killed, accidentally or
34 deliberately, by any entity, public or private, shall be replaced by planting at least five
35 (5) native tree seedlings or saplings. Failure to replace shall be fined by the LGU for
36 at least ten thousand pesos (Php 10,000) for each native tree cut down.
37
38 SECTION 8. IMPLEMENTING RULES AND REGULATIONS – the Department of
39 Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) is hereby mandated to craft and develop
40 the implementing rules and regulations of this Act within thirty (30) days from the
41 date of effectivity.
42
43 SECTION 9. REPEALING CLAUSE. – All laws, decrees, orders, resolutions,
44 instructions and rules and regulations or parts thereof which are inconsistent with this
45 Act are hereby deemed repealed or modified accordingly.
46
47 SECTION 10. EFFECTIVITY CLAUSE – This Act shall take effect fifteen (15) days
48 from the date of its publication in at least two (2) newspapers of general circulation
49 in the Philippines.

Approved,

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SECOND CONGRESS OF THE ]
UC MODEL SENATE ]
Second Regular Session ]

UC MODEL SENATE

S.B. No. 50

Introduced by GHERALD P. EDAÑO

AN ACT AMENDING SECTION 11 OF REPUBLIC ACT NO. 3019, , ALSO

KNOWN AS THE ANTI-GRAFT AND CORRUPT PRACTICES ACT, AS
AMENDED BY REPUBLIC ACT NO. 10910

EXPLANATORY NOTE

Public of Office is a Public Trust – a tenet the 1987 Philippine Constitution has
proclaimed and tries to promote thru the decades. This tenet shall be enforced by the
State to ensure that those of power and wealth are equally and equitably repressed
by the rule of law in committing acts of graft and corruption.
This bill rises from the facts of a 2006 case Romualdez vs. Marcelo3 where the
supreme Court granted the Motion for Reconsideration filed by the petitioner Benjamin
T. Romualdez and dismissed their twenty-four (24) criminal cases in violation of
Section 7 R.A. 3019 on the grounds that the offenses had already prescribed.
Romualdez, with the given fact, as abled and moneyed individual, was capable of
leaving the country enjoying overseas sunshine while justice is rolling slowly within
our judicial halls. Romualdez was absent from the Philippines from 1986 to April 27,
2000, a roughly fourteen (14) years.
In the dissenting opinion of Associate Justice Antonio T. Carpio, he reasoned that
the paragraph 2 of Article 91 of the Revised Penal Code (RPC) stating that the absence
of the accused from the Philippines can stop the prescriptive period, can be
suppletorily applied to RA 3019. However, majority of the Supreme Court ruled that
said provisions (par.2, Article 91) of the RPC cannot be suppletorily applied to RA 3019

3 GR No. 165510-33 dated July 28, 2006.

Page 14 of 104
because the latter law is very particular on the matter of the running of the prescriptive
period. The original text of Section 11 of the RA 3019 reads as follows:

Section 11. Prescription of offenses. All offenses punishable under this Act shall prescribe
in ten years.4

The Supreme Court further ruled that it is Section 2 of Act No. 33265 that shall
prevail which states that:

“The prescription shall be interrupted when proceedings are instituted against the guilty
person, and shall begin to run again if the proceedings are dismissed for reasons not
constituting jeopardy.”

The Supreme Court further states that RA 3019, being a special act is covered by
Act No. 3326, not by Article 91 of the RPC. They ratiocinated that:

“Even on the assumption that there is in fact a legislative gap caused by such an omission,
neither could the Court presume otherwise and supply the details thereof, because a
legislative lacuna cannot be filled by judicial fiat.”

This measure, therefore, rises to fill the legislative gap pointed out by this ruling.

In view of the foregoing, the passage of this bill is earnestly sought!

GHERALD P. EDAÑO

4Amended by RA 10910, extended to twenty years

5“An Act establishing periods of prescription for violations penalized by special acts and municipal ordinances and to
provide when prescription shall begin to run” Promulgated on December 1926.

Page 15 of 104
 SECOND CONGRESS OF THE ]
UC MODEL SENATE ]
Second Regular Session ]

UC MODEL SENATE

S.B. No. 50

Introduced by GHERALD P. EDAÑO

AN ACT AMENDING SECTION 11 OF REPUBLIC ACT NO. 3019, , ALSO

KNOWN AS THE ANTI-GRAFT AND CORRUPT PRACTICES ACT, AS
AMENDED BY REPUBLIC ACT NO. 10910

Be it enacted by the UC Model Senate in assembly:

1 SECTION 11. Section 11 of the Republic Act No. 3019 otherwise known as
2 the “Anti-Graft and Corrupt Practices Act,” as amended by Republic Act No.
3 10910, is hereby amended to read as follows:
4
5 “Section 11. Prescription of Offenses – All offenses punishable under this
6 Act shall prescribe in twenty years. PROVIDED, THAT SUCH TERM
7 OF PRESCRIPTION SHALL NOT RUN WHEN THE ACCUSED OR
8 THE OFFENDER IS ABSENT FROM THE PHILIPPINE
9 TERRITORY.”
10
11 SECTION 12. Repealing Clause – All laws, executive orders, presidential
12 decrees, presidential proclamations, letters of instruction, rules, and regulations
13 or parts thereof which are inconsistent with the provisions of this Act are hereby
14 repealed or modified accordingly.
15
16 SECTION 13. Effectivity – This Act shall take effect fifteen (15) days from the
17 date of its publication in at least two (2) newspapers of general circulation in
18 the Philippines.
19 Approved,
20

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SECOND CONGRESS OF THE ]
UC MODEL SENATE ]
Second Regular Session ]

UC MODEL SENATE

S.B. No. 51

Authored by SENATOR JOSHUA R. CADIOGAN

Sponsored by SENATOR JOSHUA R. CADIOGAN
Co-sponsored by SENATOR JAN LOUISE F. CABANBAN

AN ACT
PROVIDING AN EARLY VOTING OPTION FOR SENIOR CITIZENS,
PERSONS WITH DISABILITIES, AND PREGNANT WOMEN IN
ELECTIONS

EXPLANATORY NOTE

Article V, Section 1 of the 1987 Constitution of the Philippines states:

Suffrage may be exercised by all citizens of the Philippines not
otherwise disqualified by law, who are at least eighteen years of
age, and who shall have resided in the Philippines for at least one
year, and in the place wherein they propose to vote, for at least
six months immediately preceding the election. No literacy,
property, or other substantive requirement shall be imposed on
the exercise of suffrage.6

The population of elderly in the country were once the youth recognized
in the 1987 Constitution as nation builders. In Section 13 of Article II of the
1987 Constitution, it provides:
The State recognizes the vital role of the youth in nation-building
and shall promote and protect their physical, moral, spiritual,
intellectual, and social well-being. It shall inculcate in the youth
patriotism and nationalism, and encourage their involvement in
public and civic affairs.1

6
The Constitution of the Republic of the Philippines.
https://www.officialgazette.gov.ph/constitutions/1987-constitution/

Page 17 of 104
 Just as how the State ensured the protection and promotion of the
physical, moral, spiritual, intellectual, and social well-being of the youth, this
should be carried out when they shall become elderly.

Even the disabled are included in the 1987 Constitution. In fact, it was
enshrined in Section 13, Article XIII of the 1987 Constitution that “[t]he State
shall establish a special agency for disabled persons for rehabilitation, self-
development and self-reliance, and their integration into the mainstream of
society.”1

This is the reason why in 2012, Republic Act No. 10366, otherwise known
as “An Act Authorizing the Commission on Elections to Establish Precincts
Assigned to Accessible Polling Places Exclusively for Persons with Disabilities
and Senior Citizens” became a law.7

Commission on Elections (Comelec) Commissioner Aimee Ferolino

pointed that in the May 2022 elections, there were 511,612 PWDs and
10,085,956 senior citizens who registered (Fernandez, 2022).8

In an article of Bacungan (2019), it was reported that Ron Gutierrez,

executive director of ULAN (Upholding Life and Nature), secretariat of The Asia
Foundation’s Fully Abled Nation PWD initiative, pointed out that of 61.8 million
registered voters for the 2019 polls, 342,300 are PWDs and 8,076,306 are
senior citizens. However, only 30,936 PWDs and 211,427 senior citizens
indicated that they would vote in APPs. According to Gutierrez, the senior
citizens and PWDs pointed out that if they are in a polling place where
everybody else is a person with disability or a senior citizen, then they lose their
preferential treatment.9

This bill proposes to provide senior citizens, PWDs, and heavily pregnant
women the option to vote earlier than the date set for the elections. Through
this, the senior citizens, PWDs, and heavily pregnant women are ensured to be
properly assisted so they may easily and properly cast their votes.

7
RA 10366 – An Act Authorizing The Commission On Elections To Establish Precincts
Assigned To Accessible Polling Places Exclusively For Persons With Disablities And Senior
Citizens. https://www.ncda.gov.ph/disability-laws/republic-acts/republic-act-no-10366-an-act-
authorizing-the-commission-on-elections-to-establish-precincts-assigned-to-accessible-polling-
places-exclusively-for-persons-with-disabilities-and-senior-citizens/
8
Aide of PWDs, persons with limited mobility can now vote in ‘emergency accessible polling
places’. https://newsinfo.inquirer.net/1589437/aide-of-pwds-persons-with-limited-mobility-
can-now-vote-in-emergency-polling-places
9
Don’t make us crawl on Election Day: PWD groups. https://verafiles.org/articles/dont-make-
us-crawl-election-day-pwd-groups

Page 18 of 104
In view of the foregoing, early passage of this bill is earnestly sought.

SENATOR JOSHUA R. CADIOGAN

Page 19 of 104
 SECOND CONGRESS OF THE ]
UC MODEL SENATE ]
Second Regular Session ]

UC MODEL SENATE

S.B. No. 51

Authored by SENATOR JOSHUA R. CADIOGAN

Sponsored by SENATOR JOSHUA R. CADIOGAN
Co-sponsored by SENATOR JAN LOUISE F. CABANBAN

AN ACT
PROVIDING AN EARLY VOTING OPTION FOR SENIOR CITIZENS,
PERSONS WITH DISABILITIES, AND PREGNANT WOMEN IN
ELECTIONS

Be it enacted by the UC Model Senate in assembly:

1 SECTION 1. Short Title. – This Act shall be cited and known as the “Early
2 Voting Option Act of 2022”.
3
4 SECTION 2. Declaration of Policy. – The State shall ensure that senior
5 citizens, persons with disabilities (PWDs), and pregnant women are ensured to
6 be properly assisted so they may easily and properly cast their votes.
7
8 SECTION 3. Definition of Terms.
9
10 For the purposes of this Act, the following terms are defined as follows:
11
12 a) “Commission” refers to the Commission on Elections (COMELEC);
13 b) “Elections” refer to national and local elections;
14 c) “Persons With Disabilities” refer to those suffering from restriction or
15 different abilities, as a result of a mental, physical or sensory
16 impairment, to perform an activity in the manner or within the range
17 considered normal for a human being;
18 d) “Pregnant Women” refer to women determined to have one or more
19 embryos or fetuses in utero;
20 e) “Qualified” refers to registered voters in the Philippines;

Page 20 of 104
21 f) “Senior Citizens” refer to any resident citizen of the Philippines at least
22 sixty (60) years old; and
23 g) “Weekdays” refer to Monday through Friday.
24
25 SECTION 4. Option for Early Voting. – For the elections, qualified senior
26 citizens, PWDs, and pregnant women shall be given the choice to cast their
27 ballot within thirty (30) calendar days before the election day at accessible
28 establishments designated by the Commission: Provided, That they may only
29 be allowed to vote early during weekdays.
30
31 SECTION 5. Nationwide Registration for Qualified Senior Citizens,
32 PWDs, and Pregnant Women. – There shall be a nationwide registration of
33 qualified senior citizens, PWDs, and pregnant women who wishes to vote earlier
34 than the election day. The nationwide registration shall happen until ninety (90)
35 calendar days before the election day. Those who did not register under this
36 Act shall vote on the election day.
37
38 SECTION 6. Functions of the Commission. – The Commission shall have
39 the following functions:
40
41 a) Design a registration system that shall allow senior citizens, PWDs, and
42 pregnant women to register and opt for early voting in the elections in
43 coordination with local government units, the National Council on
44 Disability Affairs (NCDA), the Persons with Disabilities Affairs Office
45 (PDAO), or, in case of its unavailability, the designated Focal Person for
46 PWDs at the local government unit concerned, the Office of Senior
47 Citizens Affairs (OSCA), the Commission on Human Rights (CHR), the
48 Department of Health (DOH), the Department of Interior and Local
49 Government (DILG), and the Department of Social Welfare and
50 Development (DSWD);
51 b) Keep a record of qualified senior citizens, PWDs, and pregnant women;
52 c) Mount an intensive information campaign on early voting by qualified
53 senior citizens, PWDs, and pregnant women;
54 d) Ensure the full implementation of Republic Act No. 10366, entitled "An
55 Act Authorizing the Commission on Elections to Establish Precincts
56 Assigned to Accessible Polling Places Exclusively for Persons with
57 Disabilities and Senior Citizens," such that polling places should be safe,
58 highly accessible, and fitted with the necessary communication, visual,
59 and physical aids; and
60 e) Safeguard the sanctity and secrecy of votes of senior citizens, PWDs,
61 and pregnant women.
62
Page 21 of 104
63 SECTION 7. Appropriations. – The amount necessary to fund the early
64 voting by qualified senior citizens, PWDs, and pregnant women in the elections
65 shall be included in the annual General Appropriations Act.
66
67 SECTION 8. Application of Other Laws. – The provisions of Batas
68 Pambansa 22 Blg. 881, otherwise known as the Omnibus Election Code;
69 Republic Act No. 7166, otherwise known as "An Act Providing for Synchronized
70 National and Local Elections and for Electoral Reforms, Authorizing
71 Appropriations Therefor, and for Other Purposes"; and other election laws not
72 inconsistent herewith shall be applied to facilitate the early voting by qualified
73 senior citizens, PWDs, and pregnant women.
74
75 SECTION 9. Implementing Rules and Regulations. – Within sixty (60)
76 days from the approval of this Act, the Commission, the NCDA, the PDAO, the
77 OSCA, the CHR, the DOH, the DILG, and the DSWD in consultation with relevant
78 stakeholders shall issue the implementing rules and regulations of this Act.
79
80 SECTION 10. Repealing Clause. – All laws, decrees, executive orders,
81 proclamations and administrative regulations, or any parts thereof inconsistent
82 with the provisions of this Act are revoked, repealed, or modified accordingly.
83
84 SECTION 11. Separability Clause. – Any portion or provisions of this Act
85 that may be declared unconstitutional or invalid shall not have the effect of
86 nullifying other portions and provisions hereof as long as such remaining
87 portions or provisions can still subsist and be given effect in their entirety.
88
89 SECTION 12. Effectivity – This Act shall take effect upon its publication in
90 the Official Gazette or in a newspaper of general circulation.
91
92 Approved,

Page 22 of 104
SECOND CONGRESS OF THE ]
UC MODEL SENATE ]
Second Regular Session ]

UC MODEL SENATE

S.B. No. 52

Introduced by SENATOR JOSHUA R. CADIOGAN

AN ACT
POSTPONING THE DECEMBER 2025 SYNCHRONIZED BARANGAY AND
SANGGUNIANG KABATAAN ELECTIONS, AMENDING FOR THE
PURPOSE REPUBLIC ACT NO. 9164, AS AMENDED BY REPUBLIC ACT
NO. 9340, REPUBLIC ACT NO. 10632, REPUBLIC ACT NO. 10656,
REPUBLIC ACT NO. 10923, REPUBLIC ACT NO. 10952, AND REPUBLIC
ACT NO. 11462, AND FOR OTHER PURPOSES

EXPLANATORY NOTE

This bill seeks to amend the December 2025 synchronized Barangay and
Sangguniang Kabataan (SK) elections to May 2028.

Moving the Barangay and SK elections from December 2025 to May 2028
will save the country billions of pesos since it will be the same time as the
National and Local Elections. “For every barangay and SK elections, the
government spends around P8 billion.”10

In view of the foregoing, early passage of this bill is earnestly sought.

SENATOR JOSHUA R. CADIOGAN

10
Marcos to Pursue Barangay, SK Term Extension.
http://legacy.senate.gov.ph/press_release/2016/0105_marcos2.asp#:~:text=For%20every%
20barangay%20and%20SK,used%20for%20other%20social%20services.%22

Page 23 of 104
 SECOND CONGRESS OF THE ]
UC MODEL SENATE ]
Second Regular Session ]

UC MODEL SENATE

S.B. No. 52

Introduced by SENATOR JOSHUA R. CADIOGAN

AN ACT
POSTPONING THE DECEMBER 2025 SYNCHRONIZED BARANGAY AND
SANGGUNIANG KABATAAN ELECTIONS, AMENDING FOR THE
PURPOSE REPUBLIC ACT NO. 9164, AS AMENDED BY REPUBLIC ACT
NO. 9340, REPUBLIC ACT NO. 10632, REPUBLIC ACT NO. 10656,
REPUBLIC ACT NO. 10923, REPUBLIC ACT NO. 10952, AND REPUBLIC
ACT NO. 11462, AND FOR OTHER PURPOSES

Be it enacted by the UC Model Senate in assembly:

1 SECTION 1. Section 1 of Republic Act No. 9164, as amended by the Republic

2 Act No. 9340, Republic Act No. 10632, Republic Act No. 10656, Republic Act
3 No. 10923, Republic Act No. 10952, and Republic Act No. 11462 is hereby
4 further amended to read as follows:
5
6 “Section 1. Date of Election. - There shall be synchronized Barangay
7 and Sangguniang Kabataan elections, which shall be held on July 15,
8 2002. Subsequent synchronized Barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan
9 elections shall be held on the last Monday of October 2007 and every
10 three (3) years thereafter: Provided, That the Barangay and
11 Sangguniang Kabataan elections on the second Monday of May 2020
12 shall be postponed to December 5, 2022. Subsequent synchronized
13 Barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan elections shall be held on the
14 second Monday of May 2028 and every three (3) years thereafter.”
15
16 SECTION 2. Appropriations. – The amount necessary for the
17 implementation of this Act shall be taken from the appropriations of the
18 Commission on Elections (COMELEC) under the General Appropriations Act
19 and/or supplementary appropriations thereafter.
20

Page 24 of 104
21 SECTION 3. Repealing Clause. – All other laws, acts, presidential decrees,
22 executive orders, issuances, presidential proclamations, rules and regulations
23 or parts thereof, which are contrary to and inconsistent with any provisions of
24 this Act, are hereby repealed, amended or modified accordingly.
25
26 SECTION 4. Separability Clause. – Any portion or provisions of this Act that
27 may be declared unconstitutional or invalid shall not have the effect of nullifying
28 other portions and provisions hereof as long as such remaining portions or
29 provisions can still subsist and be given effect in their entirety.
30
31 SECTION 5. Effectivity – This Act shall take effect upon its publication in the
32 Official Gazette or in a newspaper of general circulation.
33
34 Approved,

Page 25 of 104
SECOND CONGRESS OF THE ]
UC MODEL SENATE ]
Second Regular Session ]

UC MODEL SENATE

S.B. No. 12

Introduced by SENATOR JAN LOUISE F. CABANBAN

AN ACT EXTENDING PATERNITY LEAVE FROM SEVEN (7) TO THIRTY

(30) DAYS WITH FULL PAY FOR ALL MARRIED AND NON-MARRIED
EMPLOYEES IN BOTH PUBLIC AND PRIVATE SECTOR AMENDING
REPUBLIC ACT NO. 8187 FOR THESE PURPOSES.

Be it enacted by the Senate in assembly:

SECTION 1. Short Title – This act shall be known as the “Extended Paternity
Leave Act of 2022.”

SECTION 2. Republic Act No. 8187 is hereby amended, where an additional

section shall be added to be read as follows:

“SECTION 2. Declaration of Policy – Section 12 of the 1987 Philippine

Constitution recognizes the sanctity of family, life, and shall protect and
strengthen the family as the basic social autonomous institution and it shall
equally protect the life of the mother and the life of the unborn. With these
facts, the State recognizes the realities that during the post-natal period,
the main role of the father is to help with the infant care and helping the
mother in caregiving and catering to the needs of the child, especially after
birth. Hence, it shall be the policy of the State to extend paternity leave to
help fathers have more time with their child and attend to their wives,
without prejudice to their security of tenure as employees.”

SECTION 3. Section 2 of R.A. 8187 is hereby renumbered as Section 3 and is

amended to be read as follows:

“Notwithstanding any law, rules, and regulations to the contrary, every

married AND NON-MARRIED male employee in the private and public
sectors shall be entitled to a paternity leave of seven (7) THIRTY (30) days
with full pay for the first four (4) deliveries of the legitimate spouse with
whom he is cohabiting EXCEPT FOR THOSE WHO ARE PRACTICING
POLYGAMY ON THE BASIS OF THEIR CULTURE OR RELIGION,

Page 26 of 104
 THEY SHALL ONLY BE ENTITLED TO THIRTY (30) DAYS WITH FULL
PAY BUT ONLY FOR THEIR FIRST DELIVERY FOR EACH WIFE. The
male employee applying for paternity leave shall notify his employer of the
pregnancy of his legitimate spouse and the expected date of such delivery

For purposes of this Act, delivery shall include childbirth or any miscarriage.”

SECTION 4. Section 3 of R.A. 8187 is hereby renumbered as Section 4 and is

amended to be read as follows:

“For purposes of this Act, Paternity Leave refers to the benefits granted to
a married male employee allowing him not to report for work for seven (7)
THIRTY (30) days but continues to earn the compensation therefor, on
the condition that his spouse has delivered a child or suffered a miscarriage
for purposes of enabling him to effectively lend support to his wife in her
period of recovery and/or in the nursing of the newly-born child.

NON-MARRIED SHALL REFER TO MALE INDIVIDUALS WHO ARE

NOT YET MARRIED BUT HAS BEEN COHABITING WITH HIS LIVE-
IN PARTNER FOR FIVE (5) CONSECUTIVE YEARS.

SECTION 5. Section 4 is now renumbered as Section 5.

SECTION 6. Section 5 of R.A. 8187 is hereby renumbered as Section 6 and is

amended to be read as follows:

“Any person, corporation, trust, firm, partnership, association or entity

found violating this Act or the rules and regulations promulgated thereunder
shall be punished by a fine not exceeding Twenty-five thousand pesos
(P25,000) FIVE-HUNDRED THOUSAND PESOS (P500,000) or
imprisonment of not less than thirty (30)days nor more than six (6) months.

X X X”

SECTION 7. Additional sections after Section 6 of R.A. 8187 shall be added as

Sections 7 and 8, which shall be read as follows:

“SECTION 7. Paternity Leave of a Male Worker with Pending Administrative

Case – No Male employees with pending administrative cases within their
respective companies or organizations shall be forbidden or in any way
impeded in availing their rights and privileges of this Act. Such case shall
not affect the benefits afforded to them by this Act in any cause.

SECTION 8. Security of Tenure – Availing the rights, privileges, and benefits

as provided by this Act shall not be used as a basis for demotion in
employment or termination nor reduction in rank, status, salary, or
otherwise amount to constructive dismissal.”

Page 27 of 104
SECTION 8. Sections 7 and 8 of RA 8187 will now be renumbered as Section
9 and 10 respectively.

SECTION 9. Implementing Rules & Regulations – The Secretary of Labor and

Employment, Chairman of the Civil Service Commission, and the Secretary
of Health shall convene, within thirty (30) days from the effectivity of this
Act, to formulate and issue the necessary rules and regulations for the
proper implementation of the provisions hereof.

SECTION 10. Effectivity - This Act shall take effect (15) days from its
publication in the Official Gazette.

Approved,

Page 28 of 104
SECOND CONGRESS OF THE ]
UC MODEL SENATE ]
Second Regular Session ]

UC MODEL SENATE

COMMITTEE REPORT No. 03

Prepared and submitted by the Committee on Women, Children, Family

Relations, and Gender Equality on June 11, 2022.

Re: Senate Bill No. 21 AN ACT ESTABLISHING THE AWARENESS OF

VIOLENCE AGAINST MEN, IMPOSING PENALTIES COMMITTED BY
THE ABUSE PERPETRATOR, PROVIDING AID AND DEVELOPMENT FOR
THE VICTIM, PROVIDING FUNDS THEREOF, AND FOR OTHER
PURPOSES
Recommending its approval in its original form with several noted amendments.

Sponsor: Senator Carrolei Ragual

MR. PRESIDENT:

The Committee on Women, Children, Family Relations, and Gender Equality to

which were referred Senate Bill No. 21, introduced by Senator Carrolei Ragual,
entitled:

AN ACT ESTABLISHING THE AWARENESS OF VIOLENCE AGAINST

MEN, IMPOSING PENALTIES COMMITTED BY THE ABUSE
PERPETRATOR, PROVIDING AID AND DEVELOPMENT FOR THE
VICTIM, PROVIDING FUNDS THEREOF, AND FOR OTHER PURPOSES

Has considered the same and has the honor to report it back to the Senate with
the recommendation that the said bill be approved with Senator Jan Louise
Cabanban as author thereof.

Respectfully Submitted:

SEN. INDIA MARED IGNACIO

Chairperson
Committee on Women, Children, Family Relations and Gender Equality

Page 29 of 104
 SEN. ALMIRA MACALINO
Vice Chairperson
Committee on Women, Children, Family Relations and Gender Equality

Members

SEN. BRENT ALAM-AM

Committee on Member, Women, Children, Family Relations and Gender
Equality

SEN. WALTER BENZ “AVA GARCIA” ANNAGUEY

Member, Committee on Women, Children, Family Relations and Gender
Equality

SEN. MARK DARCY ARIZABAL

Member, Committee on Women, Children, Family Relations and Gender
Equality

SEN. JASPER BAGNI

Member, Committee on Women, Children, Family Relations and Gender
Equality

SEN. JOHN REY BENDEBEL

Member, Committee on Women, Children, Family Relations and Gender
Equality

SEN. JAN LOUISE CABANBAN

Member, Committee on Women, Children, Family Relations and Gender
Equality

SEN. PRINCESS DOMINIQUE CABANTING

Member, Committee on Women, Children, Family Relations and Gender
Equality

Page 30 of 104
 SEN. REY MARK CAJIGAL
Member, Committee on Women, Children, Family Relations and Gender
Equality

SEN. BRITANI CHUYAT

Member, Committee on Women, Children, Family Relations and Gender
Equality

SEN. MARY GRACE DANGTAYAN

Member, Committee on Women, Children, Family Relations and Gender
Equality

SEN. JENNIFER DUMUGON

Member, Committee on Women, Children, Family Relations and Gender
Equality

SEN. CHRISTEEN JHEN HERNANDEZ

Member, Committee on Women, Children, Family Relations and Gender
Equality

SEN. EMERSON JOCSI

Member, Committee on Women, Children, Family Relations and Gender
Equality

SEN. KEVIN MACOI LAIGO

Member, Committee on Women, Children, Family Relations and Gender
Equality

SEN. KEVIN LEO

Member, Committee on Women, Children, Family Relations and Gender
Equality

Page 31 of 104
 SEN. CHLARENZ LIABAN
Member, Committee on Women, Children, Family Relations and Gender
Equality

SEN. DAVE JASM MATUSALEM

Member, Committee on Women, Children, Family Relations and Gender
Equality

SEN. JANNA MAE MAYAPIT

Member, Committee on Women, Children, Family Relations and Gender
Equality

SEN. BENJAMIN OCULTO III

Member, Committee on Women, Children, Family Relations and Gender
Equality

SEN. JOYCELEE GRACE PADILLA

Member, Committee on Women, Children, Family Relations and Gender
Equality

SEN. CARROLEI RAGUAL

Member, Committee on Women, Children, Family Relations and Gender
Equality

SEN. HANNAH RAMOS

Member, Committee on Women, Children, Family Relations and Gender
Equality

SEN. JULLIANE REINOSO

Member, Committee on Women, Children, Family Relations and Gender
Equality

Page 32 of 104
 SEN. LE ANN REYNOSO
Member, Committee on Women, Children, Family Relations and Gender
Equality

Ex Officio Members

SEN. JOSHUA CADIOGAN

President Pro Tempore

SEN. YNA CECILLE RAMOS SEN. ELROSE FERIA

Majority Floor Leader Minority Floor Leader

HON. GHERALD EDAÑO

Senate President

Page 33 of 104
SECOND CONGRESS OF THE ]
UC MODEL SENATE ]
Second Regular Session ]

UC MODEL SENATE

S.B. No. 21

Authored by SENATOR CARROLEI C. RAGUAL

Co-authored by SENATOR JOYCELEE GRACE C. PADILLA
SENATOR YNA CECILLE G RAMOS

AN ACT
ESTABLISHING THE AWARENESS OF VIOLENCE AGAINST MEN,
IMPOSING PENALTIES COMMITTED BY THE ABUSE PERPETRATOR,
PROVIDING AID AND DEVELOPMENT FOR THE VICTIM, PROVIDING
FUNDS THEREFOR, AND FOR OTHER PURPOSES.

EXPLANATORY NOTE

In reference to a 2002 World Health Organization (WHO) study, intimate

partner violence occurs “in all countries, all cultures and at every level of society
without exception” (Krug et al., 2002, as cited by Conway, 2008, p.3). “The
report affirmed that although women can be violent towards their male partners
and violence also occurs between partners of the same sex, and the
“overwhelming burden is bourne by women at the hands of men” (Conway,
2008)
In the Philippines, patriarchy establishes roles of gender roles in society,
which makes the presence of male victims in an intimate partner relationship
largely unrecognized. Therefore, cases of men being victims and women as
aggressors in an intimate partner relationship are perceived as impossible.
Furthermore, public institutions such as hospitals, police, and local
government focus more on protecting women and children. However, this
disregards the possibility of men being victims of marital or domestic violence.
As a result, male victims of violence are predominantly ignored in statistical
reports regarding domestic violence. Despite reports and statistics on male
victims of violence, news articles and documentaries aired on the country’s local

Page 34 of 104
television station featured the phenomenon of battered husbands in the
country11
Furthermore, policies and laws enacted in domestic violence only
recognize women and children as potential victims of such, while men are
perpetrators of abuse. The country’s law on domestic violence, Republic Act
9262 or the Anti Violence Against Women and their Children, promotes safety,
empowers, and protects women and children, victims, from violence. However,
the law only recognizes women and children as victims of abuse. It does not
recognize men being victims but as perpetrators of abuse.
Is it time for men to be included in the policy framework of the
Philippines? Let us all remember that violence does not discriminate: it does
not choose its victims. It is time for us to rethink violence.

SENATOR CARROLEI C. RAGUAL

SENATOR JOYCELEE GRACE C. PADILLA
SENATOR YNA CECILLE G RAMOS

11
Rethinking Domestic Violence: Filipino Men of Abuse from Ms. Arisa Junio (Philippines)

Page 35 of 104
 SECOND CONGRESS OF THE ]
UC MODEL SENATE ]
Second Regular Session ]

UC MODEL SENATE

S.B. No. 21

Introduced by SENATOR Carrolei C. Ragual

Co-authors, SENATOR Joycelee Grace C. Padilla
SENATOR Yna Cecille Grace G Ramos

AN ACT
ESTABLISHING THE AWARENESS OF VIOLENCE AGAINST MEN, IMPOSING
PENALTIES COMMITTED BY THE ABUSE PERPETRATOR, PROVIDING AID
AND DEVELOPMENT FOR THE VICTIM, PROVIDING FUNDS THEREFOR, AND
FOR OTHER PURPOSES.

Be it enacted by the UC Model Senate in assembly:

1 SECTION 1. Short Title – This Act shall be cited and known as the 'Prevention
2 and Intervention of Violence against Men act of 2022'.
3
4 SECTION 2. Declaration of Policy – It shall be the policy of the State to
5 recognize the rights of abused Filipino men, ensure their safety and provide a
6 haven that will help the victim recuperate from any forms of abuse, and support
7 in finding resources specifically for men.
8
9 SECTION 3. Definition of Terms:
10 For the purposes of this Act, the following terms shall be defined as:
11
12 [a.] 1. Domestic Violence - shall be referred to as an intricate or complicated
13 pattern of behaviors that may incorporate physical acts of violence, sexual
14 abuse, psychological abuse, verbal violence, and emotional abuse.
15
16 DOMESTIC VIOLENCE INCLUDES:
17 A. PHYSICAL ABUSE: HITTING, SLAPPING, SHOVING,
18 GRABBING, PINCHING, BITING, HAIR PULLING, ETC.
19 PHYSICAL ABUSE ALSO INCLUDES DENYING A PARTNER
20 MEDICAL CARE OR FORCING ALCOHOL AND/OR DRUG USE.

Page 36 of 104
21 B. SEXUAL ABUSE: COERCING OR ATTEMPTING TO COERCE
22 ANY SEXUAL CONTACT OR BEHAVIOR WITHOUT CONSENT.
23 SEXUAL ABUSE INCLUDES BUT IS CERTAINLY NOT LIMITED
24 TO MARITAL RAPE, ATTACKS ON SEXUAL PARTS OF THE
25 BODY, FORCING SEX AFTER PHYSICAL VIOLENCE, OR
26 TREATING ONE IN A SEXUALLY DEMEANING MANNER.
27 C. EMOTIONAL ABUSE: UNDERMINING AN INDIVIDUAL’S
28 SENSE OF SELF-WORTH AND/OR SELF-ESTEEM. THIS MAY
29 INCLUDE BUT IS NOT LIMITED TO CONSTANT CRITICISM,
30 DIMINISHING ONE’S ABILITIES, NAME-CALLING, OR
31 DAMAGING ONE’S RELATIONSHIP WITH HIS CHILDREN.
32 D. ECONOMIC ABUSE: MAKING OR ATTEMPTING TO MAKE
33 AN INDIVIDUAL FINANCIALLY DEPENDENT BY
34 MAINTAINING TOTAL CONTROL OVER FINANCIAL
35 RESOURCES, WITHHOLDING ONE’S ACCESS TO MONEY, OR
36 FORBIDDING ONE’S ATTENDANCE AT SCHOOL OR
37 EMPLOYMENT.
38 E. PSYCHOLOGICAL ABUSE: CAUSING FEAR BY
39 INTIMIDATION; THREATENING PHYSICAL HARM TO SELF,
40 PARTNER, CHILDREN, OR PARTNER’S FAMILY OR FRIENDS;
41 DESTRUCTION OF PETS AND PROPERTY; AND FORCING
42 ISOLATION FROM FAMILY, FRIENDS, OR SCHOOL AND/OR
43 WORK.
44
45 2. SEXUAL VIOLENCE (ASSAULT/ABUSE) - ANY SEXUAL BEHAVIOR A
46 PERSON
47 HAS NOT CONSENTED TO THAT CAUSES THAT PERSON TO FEEL
48 UNCOMFORTABLE, FRIGHTENED, OR INTIMIDATED IS INCLUDED
49 IN THE
50 SEXUAL ASSAULT CATEGORY.
51
52 SOME EXAMPLES OF SEXUAL ASSAULT INCLUDE:
53 A. SOMEONE PUTTING THEIR FINGER, TONGUE, MOUTH,
54 PENIS, OR AN OBJECT IN OR ON THE MAN’S PENIS OR
55 ANUS WHEN THEY DON’T WANT THEM TO;
56 B. SOMEONE TOUCHING, CARESSING, KISSING, OR
57 MAKING ANY UNWANTED CONTACT WITH THE MAN’S
58 BODY;
59 C. SOMEONE FORCING A MAN TO PERFORM ORAL SEX OR
60 FORCING THEM TO RECEIVE ORAL SEX;
61 D. SOMEONE FORCING A MAN TO MASTURBATE, FORCING
62 THEM TO MASTURBATE THEM, OR RUBBING AND
63 TOUCHING THEM;
64 E. SOMEONE FORCING A MAN TO LOOK AT SEXUALLY
65 EXPLICIT MATERIAL OR FORCING THEM TO POSE FOR
66 SEXUALLY EXPLICIT PICTURES; AND
67 F. A DOCTOR, NURSE, OR OTHER HEALTH CARE
68 PROFESSIONAL GIVING A MAN AN UNNECESSARY

Page 37 of 104
 69 INTERNAL EXAMINATION OR TOUCHING THE MAN'S
70 SEXUAL ORGANS IN AN UNPROFESSIONAL,
71 UNWARRANTED, AND INAPPROPRIATE MANNER.
72
73 3. BATTERED HUSBAND SYNDROME - IS A TYPE OF POST-TRAUMATIC
74 STRESS DISORDER THAT HAPPENS WHEN A MAN HAS BEEN
75 EMOTIONALLY, PHYSICALLY, OR SEXUALLY ABUSED. IT USUALLY
76 OCCURS IN VIOLENT INTIMATE RELATIONSHIPS, DOMESTIC
77 VIOLENCE, DOMESTIC ABUSE, OR INTIMATE PARTNER VIOLENCE.
78
79 [a)] 4. Abuse Perpetrator – shall refer to anyone who intentionally causes harm
80 to another or enables damage to be done to another. Perpetrators of abuse
81 can be the abuser in domestic violence circumstances, or they may be parents,
82 guardians, spouses/partners, or caregivers who are causing harm to their
83 children. Abuse perpetrators may further be applied to individuals who abuse
84 geriatric people, animals, and the disabled.
85
86 [b)] 5. Haven - is a term that refers to a shelter or a resource center provides
87 services to all survivors whose lives have been affected by physical, emotional,
88 sexual, and economic abuse. It also offers various activities that allow
89 individuals to evade situations that they find disturbing and uncomfortable.
90
91 [c)] 6. Recuperate – it is a change process through which people mend and
92 strengthen their health and wellness, live a motivated life, and strive to achieve
93 their great potential.
94
95 SECTION 4. PENALTIES
96 PERPETRATORS PROVEN IN COURT TO BE GUILTY OF THE CRIME
97 SHALL BE PENALIZED WITH IMPRISONMENT,
98
99 FIRST OFFENSE: IMPRISONMENT FROM ONE (1) YEAR AND ONE DAY
100 TO 20 YEARS, AND A FINE OF P50,000 IN DAMAGES WITH
101 MANDATORY PSYCHOLOGICAL COUNSELING OR PSYCHIATRIC
102 TREATMENT.
103
104 SECOND OFFENSE: IMPRISONMENT FROM TWO (3) YEARS, ONE DAY
105 TO 20 YEARS, AND A FINE OF P100,000 IN DAMAGES WITH
106 MANDATORY PSYCHOLOGICAL COUNSELING OR PSYCHIATRIC
107 TREATMENT.
108
109 THIRD OFFENSE: IMPRISONMENT FROM FIVE (5) YEARS, ONE DAY
110 TO 20 YEARS, AND A FINE OF P300,000 IN DAMAGES WITH
111 MANDATORY PSYCHOLOGICAL COUNSELING OR PSYCHIATRIC
112 TREATMENT.
113

Page 38 of 104
114 SECTION 5. ACTS OF VIOLENCE AGAINST MEN.- THE CRIME OF
115 VIOLENCE AGAINST MEN IS COMMITTED THROUGH ANY OF THE
116 FOLLOWING ACTS:
117
118 A. CAUSING PHYSICAL HARM TO THE MAN;
119
120 B. THREATENING TO CAUSE THE MAN;
121
122 C. ATTEMPTING TO CAUSE THE MAN PHYSICAL HARM;
123
124 D. PLACING THE MAN IN FEAR OF IMMINENT PHYSICAL HARM;
125
126 E. ATTEMPTING TO COMPEL OR COMPELLING THE MAN TO
127 ENGAGE IN CONDUCT WHICH THE MAN HAS THE RIGHT TO
128 DESIST FROM OR DESIST FROM CONDUCT WHICH THE MAN
129 HAS THE RIGHT TO ENGAGE IN, OR ATTEMPTING TO RESTRICT
130 OR RESTRICT THE MAN'S FREEDOM OF MOVEMENT OR
131 BEHAVIOR BY FORCE OR THREAT OF FORCE, PHYSICAL OR
132 OTHER HARM OR THREAT OF PHYSICAL OR FURTHER DAMAGE,
133 OR INTIMIDATION DIRECTED AGAINST MAN. THIS SHALL
134 INCLUDE, BUT IS NOT LIMITED TO, THE FOLLOWING ACTS
135 COMMITTED WITH THE PURPOSE OR EFFECT OF CONTROLLING
136 OR RESTRICTING THE MAN'S MOVEMENT OR CONDUCT:
137
138 1) THREATENING TO DEPRIVE OR DEPRIVE THE
139 MAN'S CUSTODY TO HIS FAMILY;
140
141 2) DEPRIVING OR THREATENING TO DEPRIVE THE
142 MAN OF FINANCIAL SUPPORT LEGALLY DUE TO HIS
143 FAMILY OR DELIBERATELY PROVIDING THE MAN’S
144 INSUFFICIENT FINANCIAL SUPPORT;
145
146 3) DEPRIVING OR THREATENING TO DEPRIVE THE
147 MAN OF A LEGAL RIGHT; AND
148
149 4) PREVENTING THE MAN FROM ENGAGING IN ANY
150 LEGITIMATE PROFESSION, OCCUPATION,
151 BUSINESS, OR ACTIVITY, CONTROLLING THE
152 VICTIM’S MONEY OR PROPERTIES, OR SOLELY
153 CONTROLLING THE CONJUGAL OR COMMON
154 MONEY OR PROPERTIES.
155
156 F. INFLICTING OR THREATENING TO INFLICT PHYSICAL HARM ON
157 ONESELF TO CONTROL HIS ACTIONS OR DECISIONS;
158
159 G. CAUSING OR ATTEMPTING TO CAUSE THE MAN TO ENGAGE IN
160 ANY SEXUAL ACTIVITY WHICH DOES NOT CONSTITUTE RAPE, BY
161 FORCE OR THREAT OF FORCE, PHYSICAL HARM, OR THROUGH

Page 39 of 104
162 INTIMIDATION DIRECTED AGAINST THE MAN OR HIS IMMEDIATE
163 FAMILY;
164
165 H. ENGAGING IN PURPOSEFUL, KNOWING, OR RECKLESS
166 CONDUCT, PERSONALLY OR THROUGH ANOTHER, ALARMS OR
167 CAUSES SUBSTANTIAL EMOTIONAL OR PSYCHOLOGICAL
168 DISTRESS TO THE MAN. THIS SHALL INCLUDE, BUT NOT BE
169 LIMITED TO, THE FOLLOWING ACTS:
170
171 1) DESTROYING THE PROPERTY AND PERSONAL
172 BELONGINGS OR INFLICTING HARM TO ANIMALS
173 OR PETS OF THE MAN; AND
174
175 2) ENGAGING IN ANY FORM OF HARASSMENT OR
176 VIOLENCE.
177
178 [SECTION 4.] SECTION 6. Research and Development –
179 a) For this Act, the Commission on Human Rights shall conduct a thorough
180 study to better the mental, physical, and emotional capacity of men who
181 suffered abuses. A study about male domestic violence is enacted to
182 lessen cases of abused partners for the betterment of the community.
183 The government and the commission shall set up rehabilitation centers
184 for male domestic violence victims.
185
186 The minimum contents of the GST are the following:
187 1. Sex and Gender;
188 2. Social Construction of VAM;
189 3. Manifestations of Gender Bias;
190 4. Discussion on VAM;
191 5. Legal Frameworks (e.g., CEDAW); and
192 6. Vision of a Gender-Fair Society.
193
194 b) Design and Proposal – the Philippine National Police and all barangays
195 should establish and organize a Barangay Violence against Men (VAM)
196 Desk Office. VAM Desk Officers must undergo Gender Sensitivity
197 Training (GST) to be effective and efficient. Agencies and training
198 institutions generally give GST for a fee. The barangay can organize its
199 own GST and invite speakers and lecturers. VAM Desk Officers must be
200 capable of responding to and assisting victim-survivors or witnesses in a
201 gender-sensitive manner, especially if these witnesses are children.
202
203 [SECTION 5. ] SECTION 7. Implementation, Operations and
204 Management

Page 40 of 104
205 Assistance and Protection – The Commissioner on Human Rights and the
206 Government shall formulate an action plan for gender equality; an educational
207 program will be aimed at bodies, sexuality, gender, and setting limits for both
208 boys and girls in senior high school. The program is designed to make children
209 aware of the importance of equal opportunities for all gender.
210
211 Municipal action plans against domestic violence - the program shall assist more
212 municipalities in applying action plans against domestic violence, specifically in
213 men. The policy for developing such projects will be updated and re-launched
214 as a web-based product
215
216 [SECTION 6.] SECTION 8. Non-discriminatory Practice – Non-
217 discrimination is an integral part of the principle of equality. It ensures that no
218 one is denied their rights because of race, color, sex, language, religion, political
219 or other opinions, national or social origin, property, or birth. In addition to
220 those grounds, discrimination on specific other grounds may also be prohibited.
221 These grounds include age, nationality, marital status, disability, place of
222 residence within a country, and sexual orientation.
223
224 Equality affirms that all human beings are born free and equal. Equality
225 presupposes that all individuals have the same rights and deserve the same
226 level of respect. All people have the right to be treated equally. This means that
227 laws, policies, and programs should not be discriminatory. Public authorities
228 should not apply or enforce laws, policies, and programs discriminatory or
229 arbitrary.
230
231 [SECTION 7.] SECTION 9. Appropriations – The amount necessary to
232 establish, operate and manage the prevention and intervention program and
233 their facilities for men that shall be included in the annual General
234 Appropriations Act.
235
236 [SECTION 8.] SECTION 10. Implementing Rules and Regulations –
237 Within forty (40) days from the approval of this Act, the CSC, CHR, DepEd,
238 DOH, DILG, DOJ, DOLE, DSWD, CWC, PNP and NBI. In consultation with
239 relevant stakeholders, shall issue the implementing rules and regulations of this
240 Act.
241
242 [SECTION 9.] SECTION 11. Repealing Clause – All laws, ordinances, rules,
243 regulations, other issuances or parts thereof, which are inconsistent with this
244 Act, are hereby repealed or modified accordingly.
245

Page 41 of 104
246 [SECTION 10.] SECTION 12. Separability Clause – if, for any reason
247 reasons, any part or provision of this act shall be declared as unconstitutional
248 or invalid, other parts of provisions not affected thereby shall continue to be in
249 full force in effect.
250
251 [SECTION 11.] SECTION 13. Effectivity - This Act shall take effect upon
252 its publication in the Official Gazette or in a newspaper of general circulation.
253
254 Approved,

Page 42 of 104
SECOND CONGRESS OF THE ]
UC MODEL SENATE ]
Second Regular Session ]

UC MODEL SENATE

COMMITTEE REPORT No. 04

Prepared and submitted by the Committee on Women, Children, Family

Relations, and Gender Equality on June 12, 2022.

Re: Senate Bill No. 30 AN ACT DECLARING THE 28TH OF SEPTEMBER

AS A STATUTORY HOLIDAY KNOWN AS NATIONAL FAMILY DAY AND
GRANTING PAID LEAVE FOR EVERY FILIPINO WORKERS OF PRIVATE
AND PUBLIC OFFICES, AND FOR OTHER PURPOSES
Recommending its approval in its original form with several noted amendments.

Sponsor: Senator Trixie Jhoy Cariño

MR. PRESIDENT:

The Committee on Women, Children, Family Relations, and Gender Equality to

which were referred Senate Bill No. 30, introduced by Senator Trixie Jhoy
Cariño, entitled:

AN ACT DECLARING THE 28TH OF SEPTEMBER AS A STATUTORY

HOLIDAY KNOWN AS NATIONAL FAMILY DAY AND GRANTING PAID
LEAVE FOR EVERY FILIPINO WORKERS OF PRIVATE AND PUBLIC
OFFICES, AND FOR OTHER PURPOSES

Has considered the same and has the honor to report it back to the Senate with
the recommendation that the said bill be approved with Senator Trixie Jhoy
Cariño as author thereof.

Respectfully Submitted:

SEN. INDIA MARED IGNACIO

Chairperson
Committee on Women, Children, Family Relations and Gender Equality

Page 43 of 104
 SEN. ALMIRA MACALINO
Vice Chairperson
Committee on Women, Children, Family Relations and Gender Equality

Members

SEN. BRENT ALAM-AM

Committee on Member, Women, Children, Family Relations and Gender
Equality

SEN. WALTER BENZ “AVA GARCIA” ANNAGUEY

Member, Committee on Women, Children, Family Relations and Gender
Equality

SEN. MARK DARCY ARIZABAL

Member, Committee on Women, Children, Family Relations and Gender
Equality

SEN. JASPER BAGNI

Member, Committee on Women, Children, Family Relations and Gender
Equality

SEN. JOHN REY BENDEBEL

Member, Committee on Women, Children, Family Relations and Gender
Equality

SEN. JAN LOUISE CABANBAN

Member, Committee on Women, Children, Family Relations and Gender
Equality

SEN. PRINCESS DOMINIQUE CABANTING

Member, Committee on Women, Children, Family Relations and Gender
Equality

Page 44 of 104
 SEN. REY MARK CAJIGAL
Member, Committee on Women, Children, Family Relations and Gender
Equality

SEN. BRITANI CHUYAT

Member, Committee on Women, Children, Family Relations and Gender
Equality

SEN. MARY GRACE DANGTAYAN

Member, Committee on Women, Children, Family Relations and Gender
Equality

SEN. JENNIFER DUMUGON

Member, Committee on Women, Children, Family Relations and Gender
Equality

SEN. CHRISTEEN JHEN HERNANDEZ

Member, Committee on Women, Children, Family Relations and Gender
Equality

SEN. EMERSON JOCSI

Member, Committee on Women, Children, Family Relations and Gender
Equality

SEN. KEVIN MACOI LAIGO

Member, Committee on Women, Children, Family Relations and Gender
Equality

SEN. KEVIN LEO

Member, Committee on Women, Children, Family Relations and Gender
Equality

Page 45 of 104
 SEN. CHLARENZ LIABAN
Member, Committee on Women, Children, Family Relations and Gender
Equality

SEN. DAVE JASM MATUSALEM

Member, Committee on Women, Children, Family Relations and Gender
Equality

SEN. JANNA MAE MAYAPIT

Member, Committee on Women, Children, Family Relations and Gender
Equality

SEN. BENJAMIN OCULTO III

Member, Committee on Women, Children, Family Relations and Gender
Equality

SEN. JOYCELEE GRACE PADILLA

Member, Committee on Women, Children, Family Relations and Gender
Equality

SEN. CARROLEI RAGUAL

Member, Committee on Women, Children, Family Relations and Gender
Equality

SEN. HANNAH RAMOS

Member, Committee on Women, Children, Family Relations and Gender
Equality

SEN. JULLIANE REINOSO

Member, Committee on Women, Children, Family Relations and Gender
Equality

Page 46 of 104
 SEN. LE ANN REYNOSO
Member, Committee on Women, Children, Family Relations and Gender
Equality

Ex Officio Members

SEN. JOSHUA CADIOGAN

President Pro Tempore

SEN. YNA CECILLE RAMOS SEN. ELROSE FERIA

Majority Floor Leader Minority Floor Leader

HON. GHERALD EDAÑO

Senate President

Page 47 of 104
SECOND CONGRESS OF THE ]
UC MODEL SENATE ]
Second Regular Session ]

UC MODEL SENATE

S.B. No. 30

Introduced by SENATOR TRIXIE JHOY A. CARIÑO

AN ACT
th
DECLARING THE 28 OF SEPTEMBER AS A STATUTORY HOLIDAY
KNOWN AS NATIONAL FAMILY DAY AND GRANTING PAID LEAVE FOR
EVERY FILIPINO WORKERS OF PRIVATE AND PUBLIC OFFICES, AND
FOR OTHER PURPOSES

EXPLANATORY NOTE

The United Nations began to pay attention to issues concerning families

in the 1980s. In its resolution on the Role of the Family in the Development
Process (1983/23) in 1983, the Commission for Social Development requested
the Secretary-General to raise awareness of the problems and needs of the
family among decision makers and the general public, based on the
recommendations of the Economic and Social Council. Family relations,
according to psychologists, are essential for healthy development. According to
research, the quality of family interactions has a substantial impact on
happiness. Up to 8.9% (95% CI=8.3–9.6) of young Filipino adults experience
moderate to severe depressive symptoms and the prevalence is higher in
females (10.2%) than males (7.6%). The symptom most often experienced in
the general population was “not enjoying life”, while “loneliness” was the most
frequently reported symptom in those with moderate to severe depressive
symptom. Strong familial ties help individuals to cope with stress, process
trauma, and increase self-esteem. Former President Fidel V. Ramos declared
through Proclamation No. 847 the Fourth Sunday of September as Family
Thanksgiving Day. Without holiday, working members of the family cannot take
an absent from their regular job. Basically, it requires for a statutory holiday for
every citizen to enjoy their family day.

Article XV, Section 1 of the Philippine Constitutions expresses that, “The

State recognizes the Filipino family as the foundation of the nation. Accordingly,

Page 48 of 104
it shall strengthen its solidarity and actively promote its total development.”
Family is considered to be the foundation of social life for most Filipinos. The
family unit is an indispensable part of human society. At its core, the family is
composed of biological relatives like parents, siblings, grandparents, and
cousins, as well as spouses, children, and in-laws.

Families today spend less quality time together, contributing to negative

youth development, poor family fitness and lack of family communication and
trust. This is a growing issue because when there is a lack of family quality
together time many youths get involved in risky and delinquent activities,
family’s health and wellness is passed over and forgotten, and family's either
do not trust one another or do not know how to work together as one.

Thus, there is no better solution to negative youth development and gap

in families than institutionalizing and framing this statutory holiday called
National Family Day to strengthen the foundation of the nation—the family.

In view of the foregoing, approval and enactment of this bill is earnestly

sought.

SENATOR TRIXIE JHOY A. CARIÑO

Page 49 of 104
 SECOND CONGRESS OF THE ]
UC MODEL SENATE ]
First Regular Session ]

UC MODEL SENATE

S.B. No. 30

Introduced by SENATOR TRIXIE JHOY A. CARIÑO

AN ACT
DECLARING [THE 28TH]
EVERY LAST FRIDAY OF THE MONTH OF SEPTEMBER
AS A STATUTORY HOLIDAY KNOWN AS NATIONAL FAMILY DAY AND
GRANTING PAID LEAVE FOR EVERY FILIPINO WORKERS OF PRIVATE AND
PUBLIC OFFICES, AND FOR OTHER PURPOSES

Be it enacted by the UC Model Senate in assembly:

1
2 SECTION 1. Short Title – This Act shall be cited and known as the ‘National Family
3 Day Act of 2022’.
4
5 SECTION 2. Declaration of Policy – The family is the basic social unit of Philippine
6 Society, as such, it is hereby declared the policy of the State to create a statutory
7 holiday known as National Family Day as a basic and primary human right of every
8 Filipino to have a strengthened and totally developed family relations.
9
10 SECTION 3.[ Definition of Terms:] MAIN PROVISION-
11
12 [For the purposes of this Act, the following terms shall be defined as:
13
14 a) Family – shall be referred to the group of two or more persons related by birth,
15 marriage, or adoption who live together in a house; all such related persons
16 are considered as members of one family.
17 b) Statutory Holiday – shall refer as public holidays designated by government to
18 mark special occasions or events. A statutory holiday means that workers are
19 entitled to take the day off without losing pay. But this is a general entitlement,
20 with several exceptions and qualifications, such as what happens when a
21 statutory holiday falls on a weekend or other non-working day.

Page 50 of 104
22 c) Workers- shall refer to every Filipino citizen that has a regular job in public and
23 private sector of the country. ] EVERY LAST FRIDAY OF THE MONTH OF
24 SEPTEMBER OF EVERY YEAR IS HEREBY DECLARED AS NON-
25 WORKING HOLIDAY.
26
27 [SECTION 4. Appropriations – The amount necessary to pay the leave of workers
28 who are member of family for government offices, all appropriating necessary for this
29 act shall be included in the annual General Appropriations Act.]
30
31 [SECTION 5.] SECTION 4. Implementing Rules and Regulations – Within forty
32 (40) days from the approval of this Act, the DEPARTMENT OF LABOR AND
33 EMPLOYMENT AND National Commission on the Family in consultation with relevant
34 stakeholders, shall issue the implementing rules and regulations of this Act.
35
36 [SECTION 6.] SECTION 5. Repealing Clause – All laws, ordinances, rules,
37 regulations, other issuances or parts thereof, which are inconsistent with this Act, are
38 hereby repealed or modified accordingly.
39
40 [SECTION 7.] SECTION 6. Separability Clause – In case any provision of this act
41 shall be invalid, illegal or unenforceable, the validity, legality and enforceability of the
42 remaining provisions shall not in any way be affected or impaired thereby.
43
44 [SECTION 8.] SECTION 7.Effectivity – This Act shall take effect upon its
45 publication in the Official Gazette or in a newspaper of general circulation.
46
47 Approved,

Page 51 of 104
SECOND CONGRESS OF THE ]
UC MODEL SENATE ]
Second Regular Session ]

UC MODEL SENATE

COMMITTEE REPORT No. 03

Prepared and submitted by the Committee on Education, Arts and Culture on June
10, 2022.

Re: Senate Bill No. 36 AN ACT REGLATING CLASS SIZE AND STUDENT – TEACHER
RATION IN ALL PUBLIC SCHOOLS TO ENSURE THE QUALITY OF BASICEDUCATION
AND APPOINTING FUNDS THEREFOR
Recommending its approval in its original form with several noted amendments.

Sponsor: Walter Benz G. Annaguey

MR. PRESIDENT:

The Committee on Educations, Arts and Culture to which were referred Senate Bill No.
36, introduced by Senator Walter Benz G. Annaguey entitled:

AN ACT REGLATING CLASS SIZE AND STUDENT – TEACHER RATION IN ALL

PUBLIC SCHOOLS TO ENSURE THE QUALITY OF BASICEDUCATION AND
APPOINTING FUNDS THEREFOR

Has considered the same and has the honor to report it back to the Senate with the
recommendation that the said bill be approved with Senator India Mared Ignacio as
author thereof.

Respectfully Submitted:

SEN. RHONA JANE BERNARDO

Chairperson
Committee on Education, Arts and Culture

SEN. MARK DARCY ARIZABAL

Vice Chairperson
Committee on Education, Arts and Culture
Members

Page 52 of 104
 SEN. WALTER ANNAGUEY
Member, Committee on Education, Arts and Culture

SEN. MARK DARCY ARIZABAL

Member, Committee on Education, Arts and Culture

SEN. JASPER BAGNI

Member, Committee on Education, Arts and Culture

SEN. JOHN REY BENDEBEL

Member, Committee on Education, Arts and Culture

SEN. RHONA JANE BERNARDO

Member, Committee on Education, Arts and Culture

SEN. JHEBA BIADNO

Member, Committee on Education, Arts and Culture

SEN. JOSHUA CADIOGAN

Member, Committee on Education, Arts and Culture

SEN. REY MARK CAJIGAL

Member, Committee on Education, Arts and Culture

SEN. BRITANI CHUYAT

Member, Committee on Education, Arts and Culture

SEN. LYKA MELICINTH CONCEPCION

Member, Committee on Education, Arts and Culture

SEN. INDIA MARED IGNACIO

Member, Committee on Education, Arts and Culture

48

Page 53 of 104
 SEN. CHRISTEEN JHEN HERNANDEZ
Member, Committee on Education, Arts and Culture

SEN. JOMAR HERRY

Member, Committee on Education, Arts and Culture

SEN. EMERSON JOSCI

Member, Committee on Education, Arts and Culture

SEN. JUNALYN LADWINGON

Member, Committee on Education, Arts and Culture

SEN. MARY ANN LAWAGAN

Member, Committee on Education, Arts and Culture

SEN. ALMIRA MACALINO

Member, Committee on Education, Arts and Culture

SEN. VISION MANUEL

Member, Committee on Education, Arts and Culture

SEN. JANNA MAE MAYAPIT

Member, Committee on Education, Arts and Culture

SEN. JOYCELEE PADILLA

Member, Committee on Education, Arts and Culture

SEN. WAREN QUELA

Member, Committee on Education, Arts and Culture

SEN. ANGELO QUICHO

Member, Committee on Education, Arts and Culture

SEN. CARROLEI RAGUAL

Member, Committee on Education, Arts and Culture

Page 54 of 104
 SEN. HANNAH RAMOS
Member, Committee on Education, Arts and Culture

SEN. YNA CECILLE RAMOS

Member, Committee on Education, Arts and Culture

SEN. KIMBERLY RATIVO

Member, Committee on Education, Arts and Culture

Ex Officio Members

SEN. JOSHUA CADIOGAN

President Pro Tempore

SEN. YNA CECILLE RAMOS SEN. ELROSE FERIA

Majority Floor Leader Minority Floor Leader

GHERALD P. EDAÑO
Senate President

49

Page 55 of 104
SECOND CONGRESS OF THE ]
UC MODEL SENATE ]
Second Regular Session ]

UC MODEL SENATE

S.B. No. 36

Introduced by SENATOR WALTER BENZ G. ANNAGUEY

AN ACT
REGLATING CLASS SIZE AND STUDENT – TEACHER RATION IN ALL PUBLIC
SCHOOLS TO ENSURE THE QUALITY OF BASICEDUCATION AND
APPOINTING FUNDS THEREFOR

EXPLANATORY NOTE
One major challenge in the Philippines education system today is the lack of
funding appropriated to increase teacher salaries, construction of new classrooms and
facilities such as laboratories, and to standardized school libraries.

As the COVID-19 pandemic strikes in the country, quality education become

more inaccessible to all Filipino students as they continue missing education
opportunities. In 2020, Save the Children organization warned us of an
“unprecedented global education emergency,” where more than 1 billion children
around the world are out of school due to the pandemic and almost 10 million children
may never return to school following the COVID-19 lockdown.
According to figures from the Department of Education (DepEd), enrollment in
kindergarten up to senior high school for the school year 2020-2021 dropped more
than 25 percent from the previous school year. Private schools reported the biggest
decline in enrollment as more than 300,000 students from their schools had
transferred to public schools as the COVID-19 pandemic is negatively affecting the
country’s economy.

After almost two years since schools closed due to the COVID-19 pandemic,
the Philippines resumed limited face-to-face classes in 4,000 schools, according to
the latest update from the Department of Education (DepEd). Similarly, UNICEF
supports the safe reopening of more schools in the Philippines by providing technical
assistance through guidelines and standard operating procedures for the safe
reopening of school, helping local governments, and providing schools with WASH
facilities.

According to data from the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural
Organization (UNESCO) Institute for Statistics, classrooms in the Philippines are
among the most crowded in Asia. The country’s public elementary schools’ average

Page 56 of 104
class size of 43.9 is far bigger than Malaysia’s 31.7, Thailand’s 22.9, Japan’s 23.6, and
India’s 40. In public high schools, the country registered an average size of 56.1,
higher than Malaysia’s 34, Thailand’s 41.5, Japan’s 33.9, and India’s 39.

The rapid increase of grossly oversized classes is one of the main causes of the
decline in the quality of education in the country. Therefore, the oversized classes
found in public school classrooms today violate the Constitutionally-guaranteed right
of Filipino schoolchildren to quality education. Likewise, Oversized classes also violate
the right of teachers to just compensation and humane working conditions.

Thus, to address the concerns in education in the country and to ensure quality
education among our Filipino students, this bill mandates the regulation of class size
and student-teacher ratio among public schools.

SENATOR WALTER BENZ G. ANNAGUEY

Page 57 of 104
 SECOND CONGRESS OF THE ]
UC MODEL SENATE ]
Second regular Session ]

UC MODEL SENATE

S.B. NO. 36

Introduced by SENATOR WALTER BENZ G. ANNAGUEY

AN ACT
REGULATING CLASS SIZE AND STUDENT-TEACHER RATIO IN ALL PUBLIC
SCHOOLS TO ENSURE THE QUALITY OF BASIC EDUCATION AND
APPOINTING FUNDS THEREFOR

Be it enacted by the UC Model Senate in assembly:

1 SECTION 1. Short Title - This Act shall be cited and known as the ‘Student-
2 Teacher Ratio Act of 2022’.
3
4 SECTION 2. Declaration of Policy – It shall be the policy of the State to
5 protect and promote the rights of all students to quality education at all levels.
6 Therefore, the State shall take appropriate steps to make education accessible
7 to all.
8 To ensure access to quality education, it is necessary to legislate standards for
9 class size in the country’s public schools.
10
11 SECTION 3. Definition of Terms.
12 For the purposes of this Act, the following terms are defined as follows:
13 a. Collective Bargaining Agreement – shall refer to process where the
14 parties agree to fix and administer terms and conditions of employment
15 which must not be below the minimum standards fixed by law, and set
16 a mechanism for resolving their grievances.
17 b. Public School Teacher – shall refer to all teachers employed on
18 public schools under the Government
19 c. Special Education – shall refer to the education of students with
20 disabilities.
21 d. Standard Class Size - shall refer to the maximum number of
22 students in a class identified under this bill
23 SECTION 4. Coverage – This Act shall apply to all educational institutions
24 operating in the Philippines under the Department of Education (DepEd) and
25 the Commission on Higher Education (CHED), and to all classroom teachers
26 therein, whether paid by the national or local government, or under the

Page 58 of 104
27 Collective Bargaining Agreement. Further, DepEd and CHED shall observe the
28 maximum number of class size of the following:
29 a. Special Education (SPED) classes/centers.
30 b. Pre-schools.
31 c. Primary Level
32 d. Secondary Level (Both Junior and Senior High School)
33 e. Tertiary Level
34 SECTION 5. Standard Class Size and Qualifications of Teachers –
35 a. Special Education (SPED) classes/centers. From the previous ideal
36 student-teacher ratio of 15:1 based from the SPED Handbook, this act
37 amends the student-teacher ratio to maximum of 10:1. Requirements
38 for hiring of SPED teachers, however, remains the same. All SPED
39 teachers to be hired must be holders of Bachelor of Science in Education
40 major in Special Education (SPED), or Bacherlor’s degree holders with
41 18 units in SPED. Further, priority shall be given to teachers who have
42 handled a SPED program for more than ten (10) years and still occupying
43 Teacher 1 plantilla item.
44
45 b. Pre-school. The ideal student-teacher ratio, which is 25:1, based on
46 Executive Order No. 349 is hereby amended by this act to maximum of
47 20:1. However, requirements for the application of teacher remains the
48 same. Teachers to be hired must be holders of Bachelor of Science in
49 Education major in Early Childhood Education (ECE), or Bachelor’s
50 degree holders with 18 units ECE.
51
52 c. Primary Level. Each class to be handled by a single teacher in primary
53 level shall have a maximum standard size of 30 students. The
54 qualification of hiring of primary school teachers remains the same under
55 RA No. 4670 The Magna Carta for Public School Teachers; a Bachelor's
56 degree in Elementary Education (B.S.E.ED.)
57
58 d. Secondary Level. For secondary level including both Junior and Senior
59 high school, the maximum standard size to be handled by a single
60 teacher is 35 students. The qualification of hiring of primary school
61 teachers remains the same under RA No. 4670 The Magna Carta for
62 Public School Teachers; for teachers of the secondary schools,
63 Bachelor's degree in Education or its equivalent with a major and a
64 minor; or a Bachelor's degree in Arts or Science with at least eighteen
65 professional units in Education ; for teachers of secondary vocational
66 and two years technical courses, Bachelor's degree in the field of
67 specialization with at least eighteen professional units in education.
68
69 e. Tertiary Level. The maximum standard size for college and universities
70 shall be a student-teacher ratio of 50:1. The qualification of hiring of
71 primary school teachers remains the same under RA No. 4670 The
72 Magna Carta for Public School Teachers; for teachers of courses on the

Page 59 of 104
 73 collegiate level, other than vocational, master's degree with a specific
74 area of specialization;
75
76 “Provided, further, That in the absence of applicants who possess the
77 minimum educational qualifications as hereinabove provided, the school
78 superintendent may appoint, under a temporary status, applicants who
79 do not meet the minimum qualifications: Provided, further, That should
80 teacher-applicants, whether they possess the minimum educational
81 qualifications or not, be required to take competitive examinations,
82 preference in making appointments shall be in the order of their
83 respective ranks in said competitive examinations: And provided, finally,
84 That the results of the examinations shall be made public and every
85 applicant shall be furnished with his score and rank in said
86 examinations.”
87
88 SECTION 6. ESTABLISHMENT OF ADDITIONAL CLASSROOMS –
89 Additional classrooms shall be built constructed to accommodate the
90 number of enrolled students.
91
92 SECTION 7. Salary, Benefits and Compensation of Teachers. The salary
93 of Public School teachers is determined by RA No. 4670 The Magna Carta for
94 Public School Teachers.
95 Section 15. Criteria for Salaries. Teacher's salaries shall correspond to
96 the following criteria:
97 (a) they shall compare favorably with those paid in other occupations
98 requiring equivalent or similar qualifications, training and abilities;
99 (b) they shall be such as to insure teachers a reasonable standard of life
100 for themselves and their families; and
101 (c) they shall be properly graded so as to recognize the fact that certain
102 positions require higher qualifications and greater responsibility than
103 others: Provided, however, That the general salary scale shall be such
104 that the relation between the lowest and highest salaries paid in the
105 profession will be of reasonable order. Narrowing of the salary scale shall
106 be achieved by raising the lower end of the salary scales relative to the
107 upper end.
108 I. State Universities and Colleges follow the Salary Grade System in the
109 Philippines.
110 II. For Private Higher Education Institutions, Universities follow their
111 Collective Bargaining Agreements.
112 Benefits and compensation of Public School Teachers are based under
113 Salary Standardization Law of 2019.
114
115 Under the Salary Standardization Law of 2019, benefits and compensation of
116 Public teachers are the following:
117
YEARLY BENEFITS

Page 60 of 104
 Clothing/Uniform
Allowance P6,000

Mid-year Bonus 1-month basic salary

Year-end Bonus 1-month basic salary

Cash gift P5,000

Productivity
Enhancement Incentive
(PEI) P5,000/year

P3,000 (NOTE: given only during a milestone year which is

Anniversary Bonus every 5 years)

Performance-Based Ranges from 50-65% of the basic monthly salary

Bonus – depending on school performance

Proportional Vacation 70 days PVP during summer and Christmas break for those
Pay (PVP) who have rendered full services during the school year

Before- P3,500/year/teacher
Nov. 9, 2020, Under Senate Bill 1092, will increase as
follows:
SY-2021-2022- Php 5,000
SY 2022-2023- Php 5,000
SY 2023-2024- Php 7,500
Cash/Chalk Allowance SY 2024-2025- Php 10,000
118
119 SECTION 8. Implementing Rules and Regulations - The Department of
120 Education, Commission on Higher Education, Technical Education And Skills
121 Development Authority, and Department of Labor and Employment shall
122 promulgate the rules and regulations necessary for the implementation of this
123 Act within a period of thirty (30) days after its effectivity.
124
125 SECTION 9. Appropriations - The amount of Five Hundred Billion Pesos (P
126 500,000,000,000) is hereby appropriated for the initial implementation of this
127 Act. Thereafter, such sums as may be necessary for the continued
128 implementation of this Act shall be included in the appropriations for the
129 Department of Education and Commission on Higher Education in the annual
130 General Appropriations Act.
131
132 SECTION 10. Separability Clause - If, for any reason, any provision of this
133 Act is held unconstitutional, all other provisions not affected thereby shall
134 continue to be in full force and effect.
135

Page 61 of 104
136 SECTION 11. Repealing Clause - All laws, decrees, rules and regulations,
137 and other issuances inconsistent with this Act are hereby repealed or modified
138 accordingly.
139
140 SECTION 12. Effectivity - This Act shall take effect fifteen (15) days after its
141 publication in the Official Gazette or one (1) newspaper of general circulation.
142
143
144 Approved,

Page 62 of 104
SECOND CONGRESS OF THE ]
UC MODEL SENATE ]
Second Regular Session ]

UC MODEL SENATE

COMMITTEE REPORT No. 04

Prepared and submitted by the Committee on Education, Arts and Culture on

June 10, 2022.

Re: Senate Bill No. 24 AN ACT PROVIDING A POLICY ON THE IMPROVEMENT

OF REPRODUCTIVE HEALTH AMONG OUT-OF-SCHOOL YOUTH IN THE
PHILIPPINES, AND ALS STUDNETS IN THE PHILIPPINES AMONG
APPROPRIATING FUNDS THEREFOR
Recommending its approval in its original form with several noted
amendments.

Sponsor: Senator Jomar Salbino Herry

MR. PRESIDENT:

The Committee on Educations, Arts and Culture to which were referred Senate
Bill No. 36, introduced by Senator Rydn Corpuz and co-authored by Senators
Jasper Bagni and Christeen Jhen Hernandez entitled:

AN ACT PROVIDING A POLICY ON THE IMPROVEMENT OF

REPRODUCTIVE HEALTH AMONG OUT-OF-SCHOOL YOUTH IN THE
PHILIPPINES, AND ALD STUDENTS IN THE PHILIPPINES AMONG
APPROPRIATING FUNDS THEREFOR

Has considered the same and has the honor to report it back to the Senate with
the recommendation that the said bill be approved with Senator Rydn Corpuz,
Senator Jasper Bagni and Christeen Jhen Hernandez as author thereof.

Respectfully Submitted:

SEN. RHONA JANE BERNARDO

Chairperson
Committee on Education, Arts and Culture

Page 63 of 104
 SEN. MARK DARCY ARIZABAL
Vice Chairperson
Committee on Education, Arts and Culture

Members

SEN. WALTER ANNAGUEY

Member, Committee on Education, Arts and Culture

SEN. MARK DARCY ARIZABAL

Member, Committee on Education, Arts and Culture

SEN. JASPER BAGNI

Member, Committee on Education, Arts and Culture

SEN. JOHN REY BENDEBEL

Member, Committee on Education, Arts and Culture

SEN. RHONA JANE BERNARDO

Member, Committee on Education, Arts and Culture

SEN. JHEBA BIADNO

Member, Committee on Education, Arts and Culture

SEN. JOSHUA CADIOGAN

Member, Committee on Education, Arts and Culture

SEN. REY MARK CAJIGAL

Member, Committee on Education, Arts and Culture

SEN. BRITANI CHUYAT

Member, Committee on Education, Arts and Culture

SEN. LYKA MELICINTH CONCEPCION

Member, Committee on Education, Arts and Culture

Page 64 of 104
 SEN. INDIA MARED IGNACIO
Member, Committee on Education, Arts and Culture

SEN. CHRISTEEN JHEN HERNANDEZ

Member, Committee on Education, Arts and Culture

SEN. JOMAR HERRY

Member, Committee on Education, Arts and Culture

SEN. EMERSON JOSCI

Member, Committee on Education, Arts and Culture

SEN. JUNALYN LADWINGON

Member, Committee on Education, Arts and Culture

SEN. MARY ANN LAWAGAN

Member, Committee on Education, Arts and Culture

SEN. ALMIRA MACALINO

Member, Committee on Education, Arts and Culture

SEN. VISION MANUEL

Member, Committee on Education, Arts and Culture

SEN. JANNA MAE MAYAPIT

Member, Committee on Education, Arts and Culture

SEN. JOYCELEE PADILLA

Member, Committee on Education, Arts and Culture

SEN. WAREN QUELA

Member, Committee on Education, Arts and Culture

SEN. ANGELO QUICHO

Member, Committee on Education, Arts and Culture

Page 65 of 104
 SEN. CARROLEI RAGUAL
Member, Committee on Education, Arts and Culture

SEN. HANNAH RAMOS

Member, Committee on Education, Arts and Culture

SEN. YNA CECILLE RAMOS

Member, Committee on Education, Arts and Culture

SEN. KIMBERLY RATIVO

Member, Committee on Education, Arts and Culture

Ex Officio Members

SEN. JOSHUA CADIOGAN

President Pro Tempore

SEN. YNA CECILLE RAMOS SEN. ELROSE FERIA

Majority Floor Leader Minority Floor Leader

GHERALD P. EDAÑO
Senate President

Page 66 of 104
SECOND CONGRESS OF THE ]
UC MODEL SENATE ]
Second Regular Session ]

UC MODEL SENATE

S.B. No. 24

Authored by RYDN S. CORPUZ

Co-author by SENATOR JASPER BAGNI
SENATOR CHRISTEEN HERNANDEZ
Sponsored by SENATOR JOMAR HERRY

AN ACT
PROVIDING A POLICY ON THE IMPROVEMENT OF REPRODUCTIVE
HEALTH AMONG OUT-OF-SCHOOL YOUTH IN THE PHILIPPINES, AND
APPROPRIATING FUNDS THEREFOR

EXPLANATORY NOTE

According to a 2018 World Bank report, Filipino women in the poorest

areas of the country have more than five children on average, with one in ten
of them being girls aged 15-19 years old. These particular girls of younger age
are at higher risk of unwanted pregnancies, unsafe abortions, sexually
transmitted infections and diseases including HIV, and dangerous childbirth.
Young boys are similarly at risk, as well.

However, despite the presented risks of early pregnancy, many young

people continue to participate in unsafe sexual acts that compromise their
welfare. Despite the fact that adolescent and youth reproductive health is a
major concern in the Philippines, Filipino youth have insufficient reproductive
health knowledge and access to resources. According to the Young Adult
Fertility and Sexuality Study conducted in 2013, only 27% of Filipino teenagers
believe they have sufficient information about sex.

Additionally, youth with lower educational attainment, especially out-of-

school youth (OSY) tended to exhibit sexual behaviors more while having little
knowledge about sex and reproduction.

As such, it is high time that intervention programs that deviate from the
mainstream school-based programs and focus on OSY that educate young
people about their reproductive health are needed in order to promote positive
reproductive health behavior among the Filipino youth, especially for OSY.

In view of the foregoing, the passage of this bill is earnestly sought.

Page 67 of 104
 RYDN S. CORPUZ

SENATOR JASPER BAGNI

SENATOR CHRISTEEN HERNANDEZ

Page 68 of 104
 SECOND CONGRESS OF THE ]
UC MODEL SENATE ]
Second Regular Session ]

UC MODEL SENATE

S.B. No. 24

Authored by RYDN S. CORPUZ

Co-author by SENATOR JASPER BAGNI
SENATOR CHRISTEEN HERNANDEZ
Sponsored by SENATOR JOMAR SALBINO HERRY

AN ACT
PROVIDING A POLICY ON THE IMPROVEMENT OF REPRODUCTIVE
HEALTH AMONG OUT-OF-SCHOOL YOUTH YOUTH NOT IN
EMPLOYMENT, EDUCATION, AND TRAINING AND IN THE
PHILIPPINES, ALS STUDENTS IN THE PHILIPPINES AND
APPROPRIATING FUNDS THEREFOR

Be it enacted by the UC Model Senate in assembly:

1 SECTION 1. Title. – This Act shall be known as the “Reproductive Health

2 Education for OSY”
3
4 SECTION 2. Declaration of Policy. – It shall be the policy of the State to:
5 a) Protect and promote the health of the people, instill health consciousness
6 among them, and endeavor to make essential goods, health, and other
7 social services available to all the people at an affordable cost;
8 b) Recognize the role of the youth in nation-building and promote and protect
9 their physical, moral, spiritual, intellectual, and social well-being; and
10 c) Establish, maintain and support a complete, adequate, and integrated
11 system of education relevant to the needs of the people and society.
12
13 SECTION 3. Definition of Terms. – For the purposes of this Act, the
14 following terms shall be defined as follows:
15 a) Youth – refers to the population aged 15-24 who are not attending
16 school and are not working.
17 b) Out-of-School Youth Youth not in employment, education and
18 training – refers to the population aged 15-24 who are not attending
19 school and are not working.

Page 70 of 104
20 c) Reproductive Health – refers to the state of complete physical, mental, and
21 social well-being and not merely the absence of disease or infirmity, in all
22 matters relating to the reproductive system and to its functions and
23 processes.
24 d) Alternative Learning System – refers to the parallel learning system created
25 based on RA 11510 (Alternative Leaning System Act) which provides
26 opportunities for out-of-school youth and adult learners to develop basic
27 and functional literacy skills and access equivalent pathways to complete
28 basic education.
29
30 SECTION 4. Inclusion of Reproductive Health Education in the
31 Alternative Learning Curriculum – The Department of Education (DepEd)
32 in collaboration with the Department of Health (DOH) and respective Local
33 Government Units (LGU) shall develop and promote educational materials,
34 modules, and a comprehensive and responsive reproductive health education
35 plan in conjunction with the existing Alternative Learning System (ALS)
36 curriculum. The curriculum on reproductive health shall be standardized with
37 the DOH to ensure accurate and factual information.
38
39 SECTION 5. Organization and Mobilization – Organization and
40 implementation at the local level shall be headed by the respective DepEd
41 division. To ensure participation of the targeted Youth not in employment,
42 education and training OSY, representatives of local youth organizations
43 and other government and non-government organizations shall hold
44 consultations and recruitments with Youth not in employment, education
45 and training OSY within their jurisdiction. Reports of the youth
46 representatives shall be integrated into the organization and mobilization of the
47 ALS program.
48
49 SECTION 6. Appropriation. - Upon effectivity of this Act, the amount
50 necessary to carry out the provisions of this Act shall be included in the annual
51 General Appropriations Act (GAA).
52
53 SECTION 7. Implementing Rules and Regulations. – Within 90 days from
54 the effectivity of this Act, the DepEd and DOH shall promulgate the necessary
55 rules and regulations for the implementation of this Act.
56
57 SECTION 8. Separability Clause. – If for any reason or reasons, any part or
58 provision of this Act shall be declared unconstitutional or invalid, other parts or
59 provisions not affected thereby shall continue to be in full force and effect.
60
61 SECTION 9. Repealing Clause. – All laws, decrees, orders, rules, and
62 regulations, or other issuances or parts thereof inconsistent with the provisions
63 of this Act are hereby repealed or modified accordingly.
64

Page 71 of 104
65 SECTION 10. Effectivity Clause. – This Act shall take effect 15 days after
66 its publication in the Official Gazette or in any two (2) newspapers of general
67 circulation.
68
69 Approved,

Page 72 of 104
SECOND CONGRESS OF THE ]
UC MODEL SENATE ]
Second Regular Session ]

UC MODEL SENATE

COMMITTEE REPORT No. 05

Prepared and submitted by the Committee on Women, Children, Family Relations,

and Gender Equality on June 14, 2022.

Re: Senate Bill No. 42 AN ACT AUTHORIZING THE ESTABLISHMENT OF

NATIONAL WOMEN ENTREPRENEURS FUND, PROVIDING LOANS AND
ACCESS TO CAPITAL
Recommending its approval in its original form with several noted amendments.

Sponsor: Senator Walter Benz ‘Ava Garcia’ Annaguey.

MR. PRESIDENT:

The Committee on Women, Children, Family Relations, and Gender Equality to which
were referred Senate Bill No. 42, introduced by Senator Walter Benz ‘Ava Garcia’
Annaguey, entitled:

AN ACT AUTHORIZING THE ESTABLISHMENT OF NATIONAL WOMEN

ENTREPRENEURS FUND, PROVIDING LOANS AND ACCESS TO CAPITAL

Has considered the same and has the honor to report it back to the Senate with the
recommendation that the said bill be approved with Senator Walter Benz ‘Ava Garcia’
Annaguey as author thereof.

Respectfully Submitted:

SEN. INDIA MARED IGNACIO

Chairperson
Committee on Women, Children, Family Relations and Gender Equality

Members

SEN. BRENT ALAM-AM

Committee on Member, Women, Children, Family Relations and Gender Equality

Page 73 of 104
 SEN. WALTER BENZ “AVA GARCIA” ANNAGUEY
Member, Committee on Women, Children, Family Relations and Gender Equality

SEN. MARK DARCY ARIZABAL

Member, Committee on Women, Children, Family Relations and Gender Equality

SEN. JASPER BAGNI

Member, Committee on Women, Children, Family Relations and Gender Equality

SEN. JOHN REY BENDEBEL

Member, Committee on Women, Children, Family Relations and Gender Equality

SEN. JAN LOUISE CABANBAN

Member, Committee on Women, Children, Family Relations and Gender Equality

SEN. PRINCESS DOMINIQUE CABANTING

Member, Committee on Women, Children, Family Relations and Gender Equality

SEN. REY MARK CAJIGAL

Member, Committee on Women, Children, Family Relations and Gender Equality

SEN. BRITANI CHUYAT

Member, Committee on Women, Children, Family Relations and Gender Equality

SEN. MARY GRACE DANGTAYAN

Member, Committee on Women, Children, Family Relations and Gender Equality

Page 74 of 104
 SEN. JENNIFER DUMUGON
Member, Committee on Women, Children, Family Relations and Gender Equality

SEN. EMERSON JOCSI

Member, Committee on Women, Children, Family Relations and Gender Equality

SEN. JUNALYN LADWINGON

Member, Committee on Women, Children, Family Relations and Gender Equality

SEN. KEVIN MACOI LAIGO

Member, Committee on Women, Children, Family Relations and Gender Equality

SEN. KEVIN LEO

Member, Committee on Women, Children, Family Relations and Gender Equality

SEN. CHLARENZ LIABAN

Member, Committee on Women, Children, Family Relations and Gender Equality

SEN. DAVE JASM MATUSALEM

Member, Committee on Women, Children, Family Relations and Gender Equality

SEN. JANNA MAE MAYAPIT

Member, Committee on Women, Children, Family Relations and Gender Equality

SEN. BENJAMIN OCULTO III

Member, Committee on Women, Children, Family Relations and Gender Equality

SEN. JOYCELEE GRACE PADILLA

Member, Committee on Women, Children, Family Relations and Gender Equality

Page 75 of 104
 SEN. HANNAH RAMOS
Member, Committee on Women, Children, Family Relations and Gender Equality

SEN. JULLIANE REINOSO

Member, Committee on Women, Children, Family Relations and Gender Equality

SEN. LE ANN REYNOSO

Member, Committee on Women, Children, Family Relations and Gender Equality

Ex Officio Members

SEN. JOSHUA CADIOGAN

President Pro Tempore

SEN. YNA CECILLE RAMOS SEN. ELROSE FERIA

Majority Floor Leader Minority Floor Leader

HON. GHERALD EDAÑO

Senate President

Page 76 of 104
SECOND CONGRESS OF THE ]
UC MODEL SENATE ]
Second Regular Session ]

UC MODEL SENATE

S.B. NO. 42

Introduced by SENATOR WALTER BENZ G. ANNAGUEY

AN ACT AUTHORIZING THE ESTABLISHMENT OF NATIONAL WOMEN

ENTRPRENEURS FUND, PROVIDING LOANS AND ACCESS TO CAPITAL

EXPLANATORY NOTE

Philippines as patriarchal country, governed by mostly male Presidents,

women tend to feel the inferiority complex as a result of their absence in most
important positions in the country.

Through the years, Filipina women exemplified great advances in the

Philippine society. Today, women advancement is likely seen politics, academic and
professional excellence, legislation, and even entrepreneurship.

In a data from the Philippine Statistics Authority, the labor force statistics
shows that more males are employed than females. Employment rate was higher
among men compared to women. In April 2020, three in every five (61.9%) of the
estimated 33.8 million employed persons were males while employed females were
reported at 38.1 percent.

In the Philippines, women constitute more than half of the population of 113
million Filipinos and have a very significant role to play in the sociocultural and
economic spheres of the society. Women entrepreneurs, in particular, make a
substantial contribution to national economies, through their participation in start-ups
and their growth in the informal sector, in achieving sustainable and competitive
growth of
businesses (United Nations, 2006).

During the 3A program, an integrated training program of the DTI-Regional

Operations Group (ROG), Bureau of Small and Medium Enterprise Development
(BSMED), and the Philippine Trade Training Center (PTTC). Department of Trade and
Industry (DTI) Secretary Ramon Lopez highlighted the important role of women
entrepreneurs especially as the country pushes for post-COVID economic recovery.
Meanwhile, Undersecretary Lantayona urge the public officials and partners to
strengthen their efforts for women’s economic empowerment.

Page 77 of 104
 In 2015, MasterCard Worldwide Index of Women’s Advancement showed the
Philippines is one of only two countries in Asia Pacific with more than 50 female
business and government leaders and business owners for every 100 of their male
counterparts.

According to studies, it has revealed that women are very good entrepreneurs
as they can maintain work balance in life. It is observable that women entrepreneurs
have proved to be a strong driving force in today‘s corporate world. They are
competent to balance their duties of both motherhood and entrepreneurship but they
comprise of almost half of all businesses owned today. They serve as contributors in
the country’s economy and they keep it afloat. Thus, to further support our women
entrepreneurs and the continuing of their impact in the economy, there is a need to
authorize the establishment of national women entrepreneurs fund, providing loans
and access to capital.

It is for this reason that the early approval of this bill is earnestly sought.

SENATOR WALTER BENZ G. ANNAGUEY

Page 78 of 104
 SECOND CONGRESS OF THE ]
UC MODEL SENATE ]
Second Regular Session ]

UC MODEL SENATE

S.B. NO. 42

Introduced by SENATOR WALTER BENZ G. ANNAGUEY

AN ACT AUTHORIZING THE ESTABLISHMENT OF NATIONAL WOMEN

ENTRPRENEURS FUND, PROVIDING LOANS AND ACCESS TO
CAPITAL

1 SECTION 1. Short Title - This Act shall be cited and known as the ‘Women
2 Entrepreneurs Fund Act of 2022’.
3
4 SECTION 2. Declaration of Policy – The State recognizes the role of Filipina
5 women entrepreneurs and their contribution to keep the Philippine economy
6 afloat. Recognizing that women entrepreneurs have the potential for more
7 employment generation and economic growth and therefore can help provide
8 a self-sufficient industrial foundation for the country, it is here by declared the
9 policy of the State to promote, support, strengthen and encourage the growth
10 and development of women entrepreneurs in all productive sectors of the
11 economy.
12 Likewise, the State shall recognize the specific need of women entrepreneurs
13 and shall undertake to promote entrepreneurship, support entrepreneurs, and
14 ensure their continuing viability and growth and thereby attain countryside
15 industrialization by:
16 a) intensifying and expanding programs for training in entrepreneurship
17 and for skills development for labor;
18 b) facilitating their access to sources of funds and access to capital
19 c) assuring to them access to a fair share of governments contracts and
20 related incentives and preferences;
21 d) complementing and supplementing financing programs for women
22 entrepreneurship and providing only easy requirements doing away with
23 stringent and burdensome collateral requirements that women
24 entrepreneurs invariably find extreme difficulty complying with;
25 e) instituting safeguards for the protection and stability of the credit
26 delivery system;
27 f) raising government efficiency and effectiveness in providing assistance
28 to women entrepreneurs throughout the country, at the least cost; and

Page 79 of 104
29 g) making the private sector a partner in the task of building up women
30 entrepreneurship through the promotion and participation of private
31 voluntary organizations viable industry associations, and cooperatives.
32
33 SECTION 3. NATIONAL WOMEN ENTREPRENEURS AS BENEFICIARIES
34 – NATIONAL WOMEN ENTREPRENEURS SHALL BE DEFINED AS ANY
35 WOMEN OR A GROUP OF WOMEN ENGAGED IN INDUSTRY SMALL
36 BUSINESSES, AND/OR SERVICES WHETHER SINGLE
37 PROPRIETORSHIP, COOPERATIVE, PARTNERSHIP OR CORPORATION
38 WHOSE TOTAL ASSETS, INCLUSIVE OF THOSE ARISING FROM LOANS
39 BUT EXCLUSIVE OF THE LAND ON WHICH THE PARTICULAR
40 BUSINESS ENTITY’S OFFICE, PLANT AND EQUIPMENT ARE SITUATED,
41 MUST HAVE VALUE OF NOT MORE THAN 500,000 – 10,000,000
42
43 SECTION 4. GUIDING PRINCIPLES – TO SET THE PACE FOR WOMEN
44 ENTREPRENEURSHIP DEVELOPMENT, THE STATE SHALL BE GUIDED
45 BY THE FOLLOWING PRINCIPLES: A) COORDINATION OF
46 GOVERNMENT EFFORTS. B) GOVERNMENT EFFORTS SHALL BE
47 COORDINATED TO ACHIEVE COHERENCE IN OBJECTIVES. C) ALL
48 APPROPRIATE OFFICES, PARTICULARLY THOSE UNDER THE
49 DEPARTMENTS OF TRADE AND INDUSTRY, FINANCE, BUDGET AND
50 MANAGEMENT, AGRICULTURE, AGRARIAN REFORM, ENVIRONMENT
51 AND NATURAL RESOURCES, LABOR AND EMPLOYMENT,
52 TRANSPORTATION AND COMMUNICATIONS, PUBLIC WORKS AND
53 HIGHWAYS, SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY, INTERIOR AND LOCAL
54 GOVERNMENT AND TOURISM AS WELL AS THE NATIONAL ECONOMIC
55 AND DEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY, PHILIPPINE INFORMATION
56 AGENCY AND THE BANGKO SENTRAL NG PILIPINAS, THROUGH
57 THEIR NATIONAL, REGIONAL AND PROVINCIAL OFFICES SHALL, TO
58 THE BEST OF THEIR EFFORTS AND IN COORDINATION WITH LOCAL
59 GOVERNMENT UNITS, PROVIDE THE NECESSARY SUPPORT AND
60 ASSISTANCE TO WOMEN ENTREPRENEURS.

61 [SECTION 3.] SECTION 5. Definition of Terms –

62
63 a) Women Entrepreneur/s – shall refer to Women or a group of women
64 who initiate, organize and operate a business enterprise
65 B) GOVERNMENT ASSISTANCE – SHALL REFER TO GOVERNMENT
66 AIDS LIMITED TO THE RELEASE OF LOANS FOR WOMEN
67 ENTREPRENEURS OF SMALL BUSINESS
68
69 [SECTION 4.] SECTION 6. Eligibility for Government Assistance – To
70 qualify for assistance, counseling, incentives and promotion under this Act,
71 businesses falling under the above definition must be:
72
73 a) duly registered with the appropriate agencies as presently provided by
74 law. For small entrepreneurship, registration with the office of the

Page 80 of 104
 75 municipal or city treasurer shall be deemed sufficient compliance with
76 this requirement;
77 b) one hundred percent (100%) owned, capitalized by Filipino citizens,
78 whether single proprietorship or partnership;
79 c) a business activity of all sectors of the economy, namely; industry, trade,
80 services, including the practice of one’s profession, the operation of
81 tourism-related establishments, and agri-business, which for purposes
82 of this Act refers to any business activity involving the manufacturing,
83 processing, and/or production of agricultural produce.
84 [d)]
85
86 [SECTION 5. Guiding Principles – To set the pace for Women
87 Entrepreneurship development, the State shall be guided by the following
88 principles:
89
90 a) Coordination of government efforts.
91 b) Government efforts shall be coordinated to achieve coherence in
92 objectives.
93 c) All appropriate offices, particularly those under the Departments of
94 Trade and Industry, Finance, Budget and Management, Agriculture,
95 Agrarian Reform, Environment and Natural Resources, Labor and
96 Employment, Transportation and Communications, Public Works and
97 Highways, Science and Technology, Interior and Local Government
98 and Tourism as well as the National Economic and Development
99 Authority, Philippine Information Agency and the Bangko Sentral ng
100 Pilipinas, through their national, regional and provincial offices shall,
101 to the best of their efforts and in coordination with local government
102 units, provide the necessary support and assistance to women
103 entrepreneurs.]
104
105
106 [SECTION 6. Appropriations – To finance its activities and operational
107 expenses, such sum as may be necessary is hereby authorized to be
108 appropriated from the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) which shall be
109 provided in the General Appropriation Act starting in the fiscal year immediately
110 following the approval of this Act. ]
111
112 SECTION 7. Creation of Women Entrepreneurs Guarantee and Finance
113 Corporation – There is hereby created a body corporate to be known as the
114 Women Entrepreneurs Guarantee and Finance Corporation, hereinafter
115 referred to as the Women Entrepreneurs Corporation (WES) which shall be
116 charged with the primary responsibility of implementing comprehensive policies
117 and programs to assist women entrepreneurs in all areas, including but not
118 limited to finance and information services, training and marketing.
119
120 There shall be a Composition of the Board of Directors and its Powers and
121 Corporate Structure and Powers to be set by the Department of Trade and
122 Industry.

Page 81 of 104
123
124 SECTION 8. Capitalization and Funding of the WE Corporation – The
125 WE Corporation shall have an authorized capital stock of [Ten billion pesos
126 [(P10,000,000,000.00)] FIVE BILLION PESOS (5,000,000,000.00). The
127 initial capital of [Ten billion pesos (10,000,000,000.00)] FIVE BILLION
128 PESOS (5,000,000,000.00) shall be established from a pool of funds to be
129 contributed in the form of equity investment in common stock by the Land Bank
130 of the Philippines (LBP), the Development Bank of the Philippines (DBP), in the
131 amount of Two hundred million pesos (P200,000,000.00) each. The Social
132 Security System (SSS) and the Government Service Insurance System (GSIS)
133 shall also set aside Two hundred million pesos (P200,000,000.00) each for the
134 WE Corporation.
135
136 [SECTION 9. Mandatory Allocation of Credit Resources to Women
137 Entrepreneurs – For the period of ten (10) years from the date of the
138 effectivity of this amendatory Act, all lending institutions as defined under
139 Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas rules, whether public or private, shall set aside at
140 least eight percent (8%) for women entrepreneurs of their total loan portfolio
141 based on their balance sheet as of the end of the previous quarter, and make
142 it available for MSME credit as herein contemplated. ]
143
144 [The Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas shall formulate rules for the effective
145 implementation of this provision: Provided, That the purchase of government
146 notes, securities and other negotiable instruments shall not be deemed
147 compliance with the foregoing provisions: Provided, further, That the Bangko
148 Sentral ng Pilipinas shall establish an incentive program to encourage lending
149 to women entrepreneurs beyond the mandatory credit allocation to said
150 enterprises, such as possible reduction in bank’s reserve requirement.]
151
152 [The WE Corporation set up the appropriate systems to monitor all loan
153 applications of women entreprenerus in order to account for their absorptive
154 capacity. The Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas shall furnish to the WE Corporation
155 on a quarterly basis comprehensive reports on the banks’ compliance,
156 noncompliance and penalties of the above provisions on the mandatory credit
157 allocation for women entrepreneurs. ]
158
159 SECTION 9. APPROPRIATIONS – TO FINANCE ITS ACTIVITIES AND
160 OPERATIONAL EXPENSES, SUCH SUM AS MAY BE NECESSARY IS
161 HEREBY AUTHORIZED TO BE APPROPRIATED FROM THE
162 DEPARTMENT OF TRADE AND INDUSTRY (DTI) WHICH SHALL BE
163 PROVIDED IN THE GENERAL APPROPRIATION ACT STARTING IN THE
164 FISCAL YEAR IMMEDIATELY FOLLOWING THE APPROVAL OF THIS
165 ACT.
166
167 SECTION 10. Implementing Rules and Regulations – The Department of
168 Trade and Industry with the Women Entrepreneurs Corporation, in consultation
169 with other concerned government agencies, nongovernment organizations and
170 private sector involved in the promotion of women entrepreneurship shall

Page 82 of 104
171 formulate the implementing Rules and Regulations (IRR) necessary to
172 implement the provisions of this Act within ninety (90) days from the approval
173 of this Act. The IRR issued pursuant to this Section shall take effect thirty (30)
174 days after publication in a national newspaper of general circulation.
175
176 SECTION 11. Separability Clause – The provisions of the Act are hereby
177 declared to be separable. If any provision of this Act shall be held
178 unconstitutional, the remainder of the Act not otherwise affected shall remain
179 in full force and effect.
180
181 SECTION 12. Repealing Clause – All laws, executive orders, rules and
182 regulations, or parts thereof, inconsistent herewith are hereby repealed or
183 modified accordingly.
184
185 [SECTION 14.] SECTION 13. Effectivity Clause – This Act shall take effect
186 within fifteen (15) days from its publication in at least two (2) national
187 newspaper of general circulation.
188
189 Approved,

Page 83 of 104
SECOND CONGRESS OF THE ]
UC MODEL SENATE ]
Second Regular Session ]

UC MODEL SENATE

COMMITTEE REPORT No. 05

Prepared and submitted by the Committee on Education, Arts and Culture on

June 13, 2022.

Re: Senate Bill No. 19 AN ACT ESTABLISHING A FRAMEWORK FOR THE

CREATION OF A DIGITALIZED ONLINE LIBRARY FOR PUBLIC EDUCATION IN
THE PHILIPPINES
Recommending its approval in its original form with several noted
amendments.

Sponsor: Senator John Rey Bendebel

MR. PRESIDENT:

The Committee on Educations, Arts and Culture to which were referred Senate
Bill No. 19, authored by Senator Almira Macalino and co-authored by Senator
John Rey Bendebel entitled:

AN ACT ESTABLISHING A FRAMEWORK FOR THE CREATION OF A

DIGITALIZED ONLINE LIBRARY FOR PUBLIC EDUCATION IN THE
PHILIPPINES

Has considered the same and has the honor to report it back to the Senate with
the recommendation that the said bill be approved with Senator Almira
Macalino and Senator John Rey Bendebel as author thereof.

Respectfully Submitted:

SEN. RHONA JANE BERNARDO

Chairperson
Committee on Education, Arts and Culture

SEN. MARK DARCY ARIZABAL

Vice Chairperson
Committee on Education, Arts and Culture

Page 84 of 104
 Members

SEN. MARK DARCY ARIZABAL

Member, Committee on Education, Arts and Culture

SEN. JASPER BAGNI

Member, Committee on Education, Arts and Culture

SEN. JOHN REY BENDEBEL

Member, Committee on Education, Arts and Culture

SEN. RHONA JANE BERNARDO

Member, Committee on Education, Arts and Culture

SEN. JHEBA BIADNO

Member, Committee on Education, Arts and Culture

SEN. REY MARK CAJIGAL

Member, Committee on Education, Arts and Culture

SEN. BRITANI CHUYAT

Member, Committee on Education, Arts and Culture

SEN. LYKA MELICINTH CONCEPCION

Member, Committee on Education, Arts and Culture

SEN. INDIA MARED IGNACIO

Member, Committee on Education, Arts and Culture

SEN. CHRISTEEN JHEN HERNANDEZ

Member, Committee on Education, Arts and Culture

SEN. EMERSON JOSCI

Member, Committee on Education, Arts and Culture

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 SEN. JUNALYN LADWINGON
Member, Committee on Education, Arts and Culture

SEN. MARY ANN LAWAGAN

Member, Committee on Education, Arts and Culture

SEN. ALMIRA MACALINO

Member, Committee on Education, Arts and Culture

SEN. VISION MANUEL

Member, Committee on Education, Arts and Culture

SEN. JOYCELEE PADILLA

Member, Committee on Education, Arts and Culture

SEN. WAREN QUELA

Member, Committee on Education, Arts and Culture

SEN. ANGELO QUICHO

Member, Committee on Education, Arts and Culture

SEN. HANNAH RAMOS

Member, Committee on Education, Arts and Culture

SEN. YNA CECILLE RAMOS

Member, Committee on Education, Arts and Culture

SEN. KIMBERLY RATIVO

Member, Committee on Education, Arts and Culture

Ex Officio Members

SEN. JOSHUA CADIOGAN

President Pro Tempore

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SEN. YNA CECILLE RAMOS SEN. ELROSE FERIA
Majority Floor Leader Minority Floor Leader

GHERALD P. EDAÑO
Senate President

Page 87 of 104
SECOND CONGRESS OF THE ]
UC MODEL SENATE ]
Second Regular Session ]

UC MODEL SENATE

S.B. No. 19

Authored by SENATOR JOHN REY BENDEDEL

Co-authored by SENATOR ALMIRA MACALINO

AN ACT
ESTABLISHING A FRAMEWORK FOR THE CREATION OF A
DIGITALIZED ONLINE LIBRARY FOR PUBLIC EDUCATION IN THE
PHILIPPINES

EXPLANATORY NOTE

A populace that is literate in the use of information and communications

technology is necessary to produce globally competitive Filipinos in a world that
is becoming increasingly digital. It can no longer be considered a luxury to
ensure that pupils have enough training in the use of computers for educational
purposes. Rather, it is a requirement that, if disregarded, will inevitably cause
a people to fall behind as the rest of the world continues to progress along an
information superhighway.

Students in provinces, municipalities, and barangays that are so

geographically dispersed that it is impractical to construct and maintain quality
library buildings in schools are able to enhance their learning experience
through the digitization of textbooks and the establishment of the Philippine
Online Library. This creates more opportunities for students, which in turn
creates more opportunities for the country as a whole. Kids would be
submersed in a digital world that prioritizes education over other activities, such
as playing video games online or remaining ignorant as is the case with the
vast majority of students.

For the goal of gaining access to this digital collection of educational

resources, the Department of Information and Communications Technology
may be given the responsibility of ensuring that public elementary and
secondary schools have consistent and dependable internet connectivity.

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 In light of what has been stated above, it is imperative that this bill be
approved and passed into law. We will put our faith in consolidation efforts to
improve educational standards!

SENATOR JOHN REY BENDEDEL

SENATOR ALMIRA MACALINO

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 SECOND CONGRESS OF THE ]
UC MODEL SENATE ]
Second Regular Session ]

UC MODEL SENATE

S.B. No. 19

Authored by SENATOR ALMIRA MACALINO

Co-authored by SENATOR JOHN REY BENDEBEL

AN ACT
ESTABLISHING A FRAMEWORK FOR THE CREATION OF A
DIGITALIZED ONLINE LIBRARY FOR PUBLIC EDUCATION IN THE
PHILIPPINES

Be it enacted by the UC Model Senate in assembly:

1 SECTION 1. Short Title – This Act shall be cited and known as the “Philippine
2 Online Library Act”
3
4 SECTION 2. Declaration of Policy – It shall be the policy of the state to
5 make certain that its citizens have a working knowledge of computers and are
6 given access to a world that is becoming increasingly digitized. Therefore, the
7 state is obligated to give its citizens the opportunity to improve their
8 adaptability with information and communication technology, as well as to
9 improve the quality of their educational experiences by giving them access to
10 digital copies of the textbooks that are required for the provision of higher
11 quality education.
12
13 SECTION 3. Definition of Terms:
14 For the purposes of this Act, the following terms shall be defined as:
15 a) Digitized Copies of Textbooks- meaning a copy that has the same
16 content as a paper copy but is stored electronically in read-only
17 mode or portable-document format or another appropriate
18 electronic format as determined by the Department of Education.
19 b) Online Library- A digital library, also known as an online library,
20 an internet library, a digital repository, or a digital collection, is a
21 database of digital objects that are stored online through the
22 official website created by the DICT in collaboration with
23 Department of Education.
24
25 SECTION 4. Philippine Online Library- All textbooks and reference books
26 deemed necessary for public education in the primary and secondary schools

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27 must be digitized by the Department of Education. This information will be
28 compiled in the Philippine Online Library, which will be handled collaboratively
29 by the Departments of Education and Information and Communications
30 Technology.
31
32 SECTION 5. Provision for Access to the Digitized Copies of Textbooks-
33 It is the responsibility of the Department of Education to ensure that all public
34 elementary and secondary schools in the country have access to digitized
35 copies of their textbooks by distributing computers to these institutions. In a
36 similar manner, the Department of Information and Communications
37 Technology is obligated to provide high-speed and dependable internet
38 connectivity to each and every public elementary and secondary school in the
39 country in order to facilitate access to digitized textbooks.
40
41 SECTION 6. PROVISION FOR PROTECTING AUTHOR’S RIGHTS IN
42 DIGITALIZED TEXTBOOKS- In accordance with Philippine legislation
43 known as the Intellectual Property Code or Republic Act No. 8293.
44 The responsibility of ensuring that all authors of digitized publications
45 that are distributed in primary and secondary educational institutions
46 are provided with the appropriate level of legal protection is assigned
47 to the Department of Education, which works closely with the
48 Intellectual Property Office of the Philippines to carry out this duty.
49
50 SECTION 7. DIGITAL RIGHTS MANAGEMENT - the Department of
51 Education, in close collaboration with the Department of Information
52 and Communications Technology, to set a cap of two downloads for
53 each individual student. This is to ensure that there will be no abuse
54 of usage among students and other illegal activities such as piracy
55 and copyright infringement that would violate the rights of the
56 authors for each digitalized textbook. The Department of Education
57 and the Department of Information and Communications Technology
58 shall adopt digital rights management technology in its textbooks and
59 reference books by embedding such materials with codes to protect
60 the materials from being copied or downloaded without inhibition by
61 locking the access of these digital documents to certain computers,
62 tracking users who has viewed or accessed these digital documents
63 and restricting its number of downloads.
64
65 SECTION 8. PROVISION FOR AUTHORS EMOLUMENTS- it is the
66 responsibility of the Department of Education, working closely with
67 the National Book Development Board, to monetize the author's fees
68 for each download of digitalized textbooks. This is done to ensure that
69 the fees that the authors will get for each download are properly
70 monitored.
71
72 SECTION 9. Computer Recycling– In order to offset expenses related to
73 procurement of computers necessary for the immediate execute of the
74 provision this Act, national government agencies, government-owned and

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 75 control corporations and other government financial institutions which shall
76 procure new computers shall endorse their old units to the Department of
77 Information and Communications Technology to check if the computers can still
78 be used for the intent of this Act and afterwards shall be given to the
79 Department of Education for the deployment to primary and secondary public
80 schools nationwide.
81
82 SECTION 10. Additional Online Educational Materials – The Department
83 of Education can use the National Library of the Philippines to supplement the
84 textbooks with additional works that are indicative of Filipino culture and
85 literature. This can be done with the assistance of the Department of Education.
86 It should also be authorized for the Department of Education to make available
87 additional online content that it deems necessary for increasing the total
88 number of educational opportunities that are available to students. This would
89 be an excellent way to expand the number of educational options that are
90 available to students.
91
92 SECTION 11. Custody over Digitized Copies of Textbooks – The digitized
93 copies of the textbooks will be held in joint custody by the Department of
94 Education and the National Library of the Philippines. In same vein, the
95 Department of Information and Communications Technology is tasked with the
96 responsibility of ensuring the technological management of the digital
97 repository in order to protect the system's credibility.
98
99 SECTION 12. Appropriations- The necessary amount for the
100 implementation if the provisions of this Act are hereby authorized to be
101 appropriated out of any funds in the National Treasury not otherwise
102 appropriated. Thereafter, the amount needed shall be included in the Annual
103 General Appropriations of the Department of Education.
104
105 SECTION 13. Implementing Rules and Regulations– the Department of
106 Education, Department of Information and Communications Technology and
107 National Library of the Philippines shall have joint responsibility over the
108 formulation of Implementing Rules and Regulations necessary for the effective
109 execution enforcement of this Act. They shall do in close coordination with the
110 Department of Science and Technology, the Intellectual Property Office of
111 the Philippines, and the National Book Development Board and other
112 stakeholders.
113
114 SECTION 14. Repealing Clause- All laws, ordinances, rules, regulations,
115 other issuances or parts thereof, which are inconsistent with this Act, are
116 hereby repealed or modified accordingly.
117
118 SECTION 15. Separability Clause- If, for any reason, any section or
119 provision of this act, or any portion thereof, or the application of such section,
120 provision, or portion to any person, group or circumstance is declared invalid
121 or unconstitutional, the remainder of this Act or the application of such section,

Page 98 of 104
122 provision, or portion thereof to other persons, groups, or circumstances shall
123 not be affected by such declaration.
124
125 SECTION 16. Effectivity- This Act shall take effect upon its publication in the
126 Official Gazette or in a newspaper of general circulation.
127
Approved,

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SECOND CONGRESS OF THE ]
UC MODEL SENATE ]
Second Regular Session ]

UC MODEL SENATE

COMMITTEE REPORT No. 02

Prepared and submitted by the Committee on Local Government on 15 June

2022.

Re: Senate Bill No. 41 AN ACT CONVERTING THE MUNICIPALITY OF

LA TRINIDAD INTO A COMPONENT CITY OF THE PROVINCE OF
BENGUET

Recommending its approval in its original form with several noted

amendments.

Sponsor: Senator Elrose Feria

MR. PRESIDENT:

The Committee on Local Government to which were referred Senate Bill No.
041, introduced by Senator Elrose Feria, entitled:

AN ACT CONVERTING THE MUNICIPALITY OF LA TRINIDAD INTO A

COMPONENT CITY OF THE PROVINCE OF BENGUET

Has considered the same and has the honor to report it back to the Senate with
the recommendation that the said bill be approved with Senators Elrose Feria
and Joshua Cadiogan as authors thereof.

Respectfully Submitted:

SEN. JULLIANE REINOSO

Chairperson
Committee on Local Government

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 SEN. TRIXIE JHOY CARIÑO
Vice Chairperson
Committee on Local Government
Members

SEN. BRENT ALAM-AM

Member, Committee on Local Government

SEN. WALTER BENZ “AVA GARCIA” ANNAGUEY

Member, Committee on Local Government

SEN. RAYMON BADONGEN

Member, Committee on Local Government

SEN. JASPER BAGNI

Member, Committee on Local Government

SEN. RHONA JANE BERNARDO

Member, Committee on Local Government

SEN. PRINCESS DOMINIQUE CABANTING

Member, Committee on Local Government

SEN. VINCE HARVEY CANUTO

Member, Committee on Local Government

SEN. KRIZSA MAE ESPAÑO

Member, Committee on Local Government

Page 101 of 104

 SEN. MYGZ JOBO JOSE HAYA
Member, Committee on Local Government

SEN. JOMAR HERRY

Member, Committee on Local Government

SEN. KEVIN MACOI LAIGO

Member, Committee on Local Government

SEN. CHLARENZ LIABAN

Member, Committee on Local Government

SEN. VISION MANUEL

Member, Committee on Local Government

SEN. DAVE JASM MATUSALEM

Member, Committee on Local Government

SEN. BENJAMIN OCULTO III

Member, Committee on Local Government

SEN. RAFAEL PAYOYO

Member, Committee on Local Government

SEN. KIMBERLY MAE RATIVO

Member, Committee on Local Government

Page 102 of 104

 Ex Officio Members

SEN. JOSHUA CADIOGAN

President Pro Tempore

SEN. ELROSE FERIA

Minority Floor Leader

HON. GHERALD P. EDAÑO

Senate President

Page 103 of 104

SECOND CONGRESS OF THE ]
UC MODEL SENATE ]
Second Regular Session ]

UC MODEL SENATE

S.B. No. 41

Authored by SENATOR ELROSE M. FERIA

Co-authored by SENATOR JOSHUA R. CADIOGAN

AN ACT CONVERTING THE MUNICIPALITY OF LA TRINIDAD INTO A

COMPONENT CITY OF THE PROVINCE OF BENGUET

EXPLANATORY NOTE

LA TRINIDAD, Benguet – Benguet Caretaker Congressman and Anti-

Crime and Terrorism through Community Involvement and Support (ACT-CIS)
Party-list Rep. Eric Go Yap underscored the importance of converting the
province’s capital town to a component city to allow the same to be at part with
similarly situated cities in the different parts of the country, especially in terms
of the achieved development in their respective areas of jurisdiction.

Speaking before municipal and barangay officials of this capital town

headed by Mayor Romeo K. Salda, Vice Mayor Roderick Awingan and Liga ng
mga Barangay president Charles Canuto during the turnover of cash assistance
to the identified beneficiaries of the labor department’s Tulong
Panghanapbuhay sa ating Disadvantaged/Displaced Workers (TUPAD)
Program, Congressman Yap, who chairs the powerful House Committee on
Appropriations, said that the proposed cityhood should not be misinterpreted
and equated to increase in taxes but what should be viewed should be the
enormous delivery of public services that will come with the upgrading of the
capital town’s status from a first-class municipality to a component city.

For businessmen and real property owners, the lawmaker pointed

out that what comes to their mind when the cityhood is being discussed is the
projected increase in business and real property taxes but they should also
consider that the prices of their properties will multiply several times that will
be advantageous to them.

Page 104 of 104

 f his proposed bill converting La Trinidad into a component city of
Benguet side by side with another bill that seeks to convert all the capital towns
of provinces without component cities to such cities so that the required
consultations will push through to solicit the suggestions and recommendations
of the residents on how to improve the contents of the bill before being passed
by both chambers of Congress.

According to him, it is high time that La Trinidad will be converted to a

city so that investors will continue to be enticed to open their desired businesses
in the locality.

He recognized the deficiency of La Trinidad in terms of land area but it

was able to comply with the other remaining requirements of the Local
government code for a first-class municipality to be converted to a city.

Former Benguet Rep. Ronald M. Cosalan filed a number of proposed bills

during the previous Congresses for the conversion of La Trinidad to a
component city following its compliance to the standards prescribed under
existing laws and regulations but such bills were not passed by the concerned
committee where the same were referred.Mayor Romeo K. Salda stated that
people of the municipality will be consulted by the local government and the
concerned committees in both chambers of Congress for possible inputs that
will further enhance the contents of the proposed cityhood measure to ensure
that the same will be for the greater interest of the constituency.

La Trinidad is a first-class municipality that is adjacent to Baguio City

and was able to sustain its tax collection of over P100 million annually
exceeding the prescribed threshold for towns eyeing to be converted to cities.

SENATOR ELROSE M. FERIA

Page 105 of 104

 SECOND CONGRESS OF THE ]
UC MODEL SENATE ]
Second Regular Session ]

UC MODEL SENATE

S.B. No. 41

Authored by SENATOR ELROSE M. FERIA

Co-authored by SENATOR JOSHUA R. CADIOGAN

AN ACT CONVERTING THE MUNICIPALITY OF LA TRINIDAD INTO A

COMPONENT CITY OF THE PROVINCE OF BENGUET

Be it enacted by the UC Model Senate in assembly:

1 SECTION 1. Short Title – This Act shall be known as the “Charter of the
2 City of La Trinidad.”
3
4 SECTION 2. Declaration of Policy - The Municipality of La Trinidad, Benguet
5 shall be converted into a component city to be known as the City of La Trinidad,
6 hereinafter referred to as the City.
7
8 SECTION . 3. Territorial Boundary of the City of La Trinidad. - The City
9 of La Trinidad shall comprise the present jurisdiction of the Municipality of La
10 Trinidad in the Province of Benguet over which it has jurisdiction. The territorial
11 jurisdiction of the City shall be within the present metes and bounds of the
12 Municipality of La Trinidad. The foregoing provision shall be without prejudice
13 to the resolution by the appropriate agency or forum of existing boundary
14 disputes or cases involving questions of territorial jurisdiction between the City
15 of La Trinidad and the adjoining local government units: Provided, That the
16 territorial jurisdiction of the disputed area or areas shall remain with the local
17 government unit which has existing administrative supervision over said area
18 or areas until the final resolution of the case.
19
20 SECTION . 4. Corporate Powers of the City. - The City constitutes a
21 political body corporate and as such is endowed with the attributes of perpetual
22 succession and possessed of the powers which pertain to a municipal
23 corporation to be exercised in conformity with the provisions of this Charter.
24 The City shall have the following corporate powers:

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25 (a) To have a continuous succession in its corporate name;
26 (b) To sue and be sued;
27 (c) To have and use a corporate seal;
28 (d) To acquire, hold and convey real or personal property;
29 (e) To enter into contracts; and (To exercise such other powers as are
30 granted to corporations, subject to the limitations as provided for in this Act
31 and other laws.
32
33 SECTION . 5. General Powers of the City. -The City shall have a common
34 seal and may alter the same at pleasure. It shall exercise the powers to levy
35 taxes and close roads, streets, alleys, parks or squares. It may take, purchase,
36 receive, hold, lease, convey and dispose of real and personal property for the
37 general interests of the City; to condemn private property for public use; to
38 contract and be contracted with; to sue and be sued; to prosecute and defend
39 to final judgment and execution suits , 3 wherein said City is a party; and to
40 exercise all the powers as are granted to corporations or as hereinafter
41 conferred.
42
43 SECTION . 6. Liability for Damages. -The City and its officials shall not be
44 exempt from liability for death or injury to persons or damage to property done
45 or caused as a result or consequence of the discharge or the performance of
46 official function within the scope of their duties.
47
48 SECTION . 7. Jurisdiction of the City. -The jurisdiction of the City of La
49 Trinidad, for police purposes only, shall be coextensive with its territorial
50 jurisdiction and, for the purpose of protecting and ensuring the purity of the
51 water supply of the City, such police jurisdiction shall also extend over all the
52 territory within the drainage area of such water supply or within one hundred
53 meters (100 m.) of any reservoir, conduit, canal, aqueduct or pumping station
54 used in connection with the city water service. The city court of the City shall
55 have concurrent jurisdiction with the city or municipal court of the adjoining
56 municipalities or cities to try crimes and misdemeanors committed within the
57 said drainage area or within said spaces of one hundred meters (100 m,). The
58 court first taking cognizance of such an offense shall have jurisdiction to try
59 said cases to the exclusion of others. The police force of several municipalities
60 and cities concerned shall have concurrent jurisdiction with the police force of
61 the City for the maintenance of good order and the enforcement of ordinances
62 throughout said zone, area and spaces. But any license that may be issued
63 within said zone, area or spaces shall be granted by the proper authorities of
64 the city or municipality concerned, and the fees arising therefrom shall accrue
65 to the treasury of the said city or municipality concerned and not to the City.
66

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 67 SECTION . 9. The City Mayor. - (a) The city mayor shall be the chief
68 executive of the City. He shall be elected at large by the qualified voters of the
69 City. No person shall be eligible for the position of the city mayor unless, at the
70 time of the election, he is at least twenty-one (21) years of age, an actual
71 resident of the City for at least one year immediately preceding the day of the
72 election and a qualified voter therein. He shall hold office for three years, unless
73 sooner removed, and shall receive a minimum monthly compensation
74 corresponding to Salary Grade Thirty (30) as prescribed under Republic Act No.
75 6758 and the implementing guidelines issued pursuant thereto.
76 (b) The city vice mayor shall:
77 (1) Act as the presiding officer of the sangguniang panlungsod and sign
78 all warrants drawn on the city treasury for all expenditures appropriated for
79 the operation of the sangguniang panlungsod;
80 (2) Subject to civil service law, rules and regulations, appoint all officials
81 and employees of the sangguniang panlungsod, except those whose manner
82 of appointment is specifically provided for under existing laws;
83 (3) Assume the office of the city mayor for the unexpired term of the
84 latter in the event of permanent vacancy;
85 (4) Exercise the powers and perform the duties and functions of the city
86 mayor in case of temporary vacancy; and
87 (5) Perform such other duties and functions and exercise such other
88 powers as provided for under Republic Act No. 7160, otherwise known as
89 the Local Government Code of 1991, and those that are prescribed by law
90 or ordinance.
91
92 SECTION . 10. Internal Rules of Procedure - (a) On the first regular
93 session following the election of its members and within ninety (90) days
94 thereafter, the sangguniang panlungsod shall adopt or update its existing rules
95 of procedure.
96 (b) The rules of procedure shall provide for the following:
97 (1) The organization of the sanggunian and the election of its officers as
98 well as the creation of standing committees which shall include, but shall not
99 be limited to, the committees on appropriations, women and family, human
100 rights, youth and sports development, environmental protection and
101 cooperatives; the general jurisdiction of each committee; and the election of
102 the chairman and the members of each committee:
103 (2) The order and calendar of business for each session;
104 (3) The legislative process;
105 (4) The parliamentary procedures which include the conduct of members
106 during sessions;
107 (5) The discipline of members for disorderly behavior and absences
108 without justifiable cause for four consecutive sessions for which they may

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109 be censured, reprimanded or excluded from the session, suspended for not
110 more than sixty (60) days, or expelled: Provided, That the penalty of
111 suspension or expulsion shall require the concurrence of at least two-thirds
112 (2/3) vote of all the sanggunian members: Provided, further, That the member
113 convicted by final judgment to imprisonment of at least one year for any
114 crime involving moral turpitude shall be automatically expelled from the
115 sanggunian; and
116 (6) Such other rules as the sanggunian may adopt.
117
118 SECTION . 11. Full Disclosure of Financial and Business Interests of
119 Sangguniung Panlungsod Members. - (a) Every sangguniang panlungsod
120 member shall, upon assumption to office, make a full disclosure of his business
121 and financial interests. He shall also disclose any business, financial,
122 professional relationship or any relation by affinity or consanguinity within the
123 fourth civil degree, which he may have with any person, firm or entity affected
124 by any ordinance or resolution under consideration by the sanggunian of which
125 he is a member, which relationship may result in conflict of interest. Such
126 relationship shall include:
127 (1) Ownership of stock or capital, or investment in the entity or firm to
128 which the ordinance or resolution may apply; and
129 (2) Contracts or agreements with any person or entity which the
130 ordinance or resolution under consideration may affect. In the absence of a
131 specific constitutional or statutory provision applicable to this situation,
132 “conflict of interest” refers in general to one where it may be reasonably
133 deduced that a member of a sanggunian may not act in the public interest
134 due 22 to some private, pecuniary or other personal considerations that
135 may tend to affect his judgment to the prejudice of the service or the
136 public.
137
138 SECTION . 12. Municipal Ordinances Existing At the Time of the
139 Approval of this Act - All municipal ordinances of the Municipality of La
140 Trinidad existing at the time of the approval of this Act shall continue to be in
141 force within the City of La Trinidad until the sangguniang panlungsod shall, by
142 ordinance, provide otherwise.
143
144 SECTION . 13. Suspension of Increase in Rates of Local Taxes. - No
145 increase in the rates of local taxes shall be imposed by the City within a period
146 of five years from its acquisition of corporate existence.
147
148 SECTION . 14. Plebiscite. - The City of La Trinidad shall acquire corporate
149 existence upon the ratification of its creation by a majority of the votes cast by
150 the qualified voters in a plebiscite to be conducted in the present Municipality

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151 of La Trinidad within thirty (30) days from the approval of this Act. The
152 expenses for such a plebiscite shall be borne by the Municipality of La Trinidad
153 . The Commission on Elections shall conduct and supervise such plebiscite.
154
155 SECTION . 15. Officials of the City of La Trinidad. - The present elective
156 officials of the Municipality of La Trinidad shall continue to exercise their powers
157 and functions until such time that a new election is held and the duly elected
158 officials shall have already qualified and assumed their offices. The appointive
159 officials and employees of the municipality shall likewise continue exercising
160 their functions and duties and they shall be automatically absorbed by the City
161 Government of the City of La Trinidad .
162 SECTION . 16. Jurisdiction of the Province of Benguet. - The City of La
163 Trinidadshall, unless otherwise provided by law, continues to be under the
164 jurisdiction of the Province of Benguet.
165
166 SECTION . 17. Legislative District. - Until otherwise provided by law, the
167 City of La Trinidad shall continue to be a part of the Lone District of the Province
168 of Benguet.
169
170 SECTION . 18. Applicability of laws. -The provisions of Republic Act No.
171 7160, otherwise known as the Local Government Code of 1991, and such laws
172 as are applicable to component cities shall govern the City of La Trinidad insofar
173 as they are not inconsistent with the provisions of this Act. SEC. 56. Exemption
174 from Republic Act No. 9009. - The City of La Trinidad shall be exempted from
175 the income requirement prescribed under Republic Act No. 9009.
176
177 SECTION. 19. Separability Clause. - If, for any reason or reasons, any part
178 or provision of this Charter shall be held unconstitutional, invalid or inconsistent
179 with the Local Government Code of 1991, the other parts or provisions hereof
180 which are not affected thereby shall continue to be in full force and effect.
181 Moreover, in cases where this Charter is silent or unclear, the pertinent
182 provisions of the Local Government Code of 1991 shall govern, if so provided
183 therein.
184
185 SECTION . 20. Effectivity. - This Act shall take effect fifteen (15) days after
186 its complete publication in at least two newspapers of general and local
187 circulation.
188
189 Approved,

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