The Senate building at the GSIS Complex in Pasay City. (Photo by LYN RILLON / Philippine Daily Inquirer)

MANILA, Philippines – The Senate will prioritize four key legislative measures when sessions resume on Jan. 13.

In a press briefing in Pasay on Tuesday, Jussi Hoikka, Airbus chief representative to the Philippines, said Airbus was offering the H225M helicopter, a multirole vehicle that can be used also for tactical transport, medical evacuation, and special operations.

“The delay was caused by force majeure,” Agriculture Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel Jr. said, pointing out that several storms and weather disturbances, including recent typhoons, stalled the release of imported agricultural goods.

“Major Senate priorities include postponing barangay elections and modernizing Phivolcs (Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology),” Senate Majority Leader Francis Tolentino said in a news release on Friday.

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“Additionally, the chamber will tackle amendments to the Baguio City Charter and DFA (Department of Foreign Affairs) pension adjustments.”

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Tolentino said the proposal to reset the barangay elections and extend the terms of incumbent officials for two years will be the top priority.

Under Senate Bill (SB) 2816, the term of office of all elected barangay and SK officials shall be four years. In addition, no elective barangay official shall serve for more than three consecutive terms in the same position.

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The bill further states that the next regular Barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan Elections (BSKE) shall be held on the first Monday of October 2027 and every four years thereafter.

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This is expected to assure that BSKE will never coincide with the national and local elections, ensuring a more focused and effective governance cycle, while giving the Commission on Elections adequate time to ensure peaceful and orderly elections.

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Tolentino also underscored the urgency of the Phivolcs modernization bill, citing the recent eruptions of Kanlaon and Taal Volcanoes.

Modernization efforts would include the acquisition of advanced forecasting technology to enhance disaster preparedness and protect vulnerable communities.

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Senate Bill No. 2825 or the Phivolcs Modernization Act aims to address these gaps by modernizing Phivolcs’ equipment, increasing the number of seismic stations, and ensuring better salaries and training for its personnel.

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Meanwhile, House Bill No. 7406 aims to correct flaws in the Baguio City Charter which is seen to downgrade Baguio city’s status as an independent, highly urbanized local government, and for granting another agency power in the titling of properties.

SBN 2863 or the Foreign Affairs Pension Differential Act was formulated to benefit Filipino foreign service personnel who have reached the age of 65 and have served for at least 15 years, offering them a lifeline or a chance at a dignified retirement befitting their service.

Covered by the bill are retired officers and employees of the DFA who retired under Republic Act No. 1616, provided they have also reached the age of 65, served the agency for at least 15 years, and remained Filipino citizens.

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“Tolentino said other measures include local bills up for second reading and legislative efforts such as improving the mining fiscal regime and strengthening the National Housing Authority.”6dcasino

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