FYI: Get to know the landmark new laws signed by Duterte

Darwin Pesco

President Rodrigo Duterte signed numerous laws before this month ends, which some were his priority bills.
Here are the new laws to be implemented in the country:
1. National Integrated Cancer Control Act

Cancer is a dangerous disease not just in the Philippines but globally. The new measure has a goal to lessen the deaths related to cancer.

Source: (RICHARD MADELO/PRESIDENTIAL PHOTO / MANILA BULLETIN)

The said law will benefit poor Filipino patients. The law provides accessible optimal cancer treatment and care for Filipino patients and also make those affordable. It also mandates the creation of the Philippine Cancer Center, which has aims such as cancer research and training to medical professionals.

2. Universal Health Care Law

Dated February 20, President Duterte signed a law that would give wide coverage of healthcare among the citizens.

The signed measure provides equitable access to “quality and affordable health goods and services” and protection against financial risks. Also, all Filipinos are automatic members of the National Health Insurance Program (NHIP), including the PhilHealth.

3. Mobile Number Portability

Under this law, Filipinos will have a lifetime mobile number that cannot be changed whatever mobile network they are registered.

The measure allows cellphone users to retain their numbers and provides convenience for every subscriber.

4. Expanded Maternity Leave

Now, working mothers have additional leave benefits with the signed bill known as the “Expanded Maternity Leave” bill, which will expand the paid leaves from 60-78 days to 105 days.

Based on the new law, all working mothers in the government and private sector as well are guaranteed with 105 days of paid maternity leave credits, with 7 days of the leave transferable to fathers.

5. Rice Tarification

Although many are opposed to it, President Duterte signed the bill that will loosen import and export regulations on rice. Going back to his SONA speech in 2018, he called for the swift passage of the bill.

Also, the role of the National Food Authority is now reduced to supplying “buffer stocks” in times of calamities and removed their role in retailing and selling market staple NFA rice.

6. New department

Department of Human Settlements and Urban Development (DHSUD) is created under the Republic Act 11201. The new department is an amalgamation of the Housing and Urban Development Coordinating Council (HUDCC) and the Housing and Land Use Regulatory Board (HLURB).

The Department will be the primary national government entity responsible for housing and urban development.

7. Philippine Sports Training Center

The new law’s aim is to improve the sports facilities in the country. The law creates a training center, which has a goal to train and prepare the Filipino athletes physically and psychologically.

The law will help to support further the Filipino athletes competing locally or internationally.

Aside from the laws above mentioned, President Duterte signed other important laws such as the “The New Central Bank Act,” which widens the regulatory function of the Bangko Central ng Pilipinas, another law is Republic Act 11206 or the Secondary School Career Guidance and Counseling Act, which will institutionalize a career guidance and counseling program for students in all private and public secondary schools as guidance for tertiary education.

Also, the Republic Act 11232 or the Revised Corporation Code, which will update the 38-year-old Corporation Code to make the country an attractive investment destination.

Moreover, other laws are about making special holidays such as making the September 3 as a special working holiday to commemorate the capitulation of the Japanese forces led by General Tomoyuki Yamashita during World War II.

Check out the infographics by the Philippine Star below for the other bills signed by President Duterte.

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