Newly signed laws open more opportunities for Filipinos, says President Duterte
President Rodrigo Roa Duterte leads the re-enactment of the signing of several bills held at the MalacaΓ±ang Palace on June 16, 2021. ARMAN BAYLON/ PRESIDENTIAL PHOTO
President Rodrigo Roa Duterte leads the re-enactment Wednesday of the signing of several legislative measures, assuring the Filipino people that his government will continue to pursue measures that will improve their quality of life especially as the nation recovers from the impacts of the coronavirus pandemic.
Speaking
during the event held in Malacanang, President Duterte said Wednesday’s event
attest to the fruitful collaboration between the legislative and executive
branches of government.
The
President thanked the members of Congress for their steadfast efforts in
ensuring that his administration’s legislative agenda will be translated into
relevant policies and programs that will improve the life of every Filipino.
“These
laws – which open more opportunities for our people to serve in government and
enable some of our LGUs to render more efficient and inclusive service – are
part of our vision of bringing government closer to the people,” he said.
“I
hope that when both houses of Congress resume sessions this year, priority will
be given to the remaining flagship programs of my administration.”
These
measures include the Comprehensive Tax Reform Program and the Retail Trade
Liberalization Act, the Foreign Investments Act, and the Public Service Act.
The
President rallied the support of lawmakers to act on these legislative measures
so that he could sign them into law at the earliest possible time.
And
as the country takes more concrete steps to revive the economy and help the
people recover from the effects of the pandemic, President Duterte expressed
optimism that more government agencies will foster greater cooperation with
each other.
“Now,
more than ever, we need to follow the whole-of-nation approach in ensuring an
inclusive and seamless response to the current challenges facing the nation,”
he said.
“To
the Filipino people, let me assure you that your government will continue to
pursue measures that will improve and enhance your way of life.”
With
the help of Congress, the President said he is confident that his
administration can pursue its legislative agenda and create an environment
conducive for the people’s growth and nation’s progress.
Among
the recently signed laws that the President ceremonially signed were Republic
Act (RA) No. 11549 or An Act Lowering the Minimum Height Requirement for
Applicants of the Philippine National Police (PNP), Bureau of Fire Protection
(BFP), Bureau of Jail Management and Penology (BJMP), and Bureau of Corrections
(BuCor); RA No. 11544 or An Act Converting the Municipality of Calaca in the
Province of Batangas Into a Component City To Be Known as the City of Calaca;
RA No. 11545 or An Act Reapportioning the First Legislative District of the
City of Caloocan Into Two Legislative Districts; and RA No. 11546 or An Act
Reapportioning the Province of Bulacan Into Six Legislative Districts.
Also
present during the ceremony were Executive Secretary Salvador Medialdea, Senate
President Vicente Sotto III, House Speaker Lord Allan Jay Velasco, Sen.
Christopher Lawrence “Bong” Go, and other legislators. PND
