Speaker Feliciano Belmonte Jr. cited the Philippine Competition Act, which aims to level the playing field for business and ensure better delivery of services to consumers, as among the major accomplishments of the 16th Congress.
Belmonte said the Congress complemented the landmark passage of this law by modernizing shipping and lowering shipping costs through amendments to the Cabotage Law and by providing better tax incentives and mechanisms to strengthen tax payments through the Tax Incentive Management and Transparency Act.
“We have moved to assure that in all fields of endeavor, especially in transportation, telecommunications, power and water, we will level the playing field, smash the cartels and ensure better service at lower tariff by passing the Philippine Competition Act,” he said.
In terms of domestic peace, the Speaker said the collective commitment to the Comprehensive Agreement on the Bangsamoro remains steadfast and, confidence building continues among all parties with the support of many foreign governments.
“The Basic Law for the Bangsamoro Region (BLBAR) is part of the journey towards peace. And the legislative process is a process of give-and-take, of reciprocity if you will, that will now go beyond the life of this 16th Congress,” Belmonte noted.
He enumerated the other measures lawmakers have passed and which are now awaiting President Aquino’s signature:
- Acquisition of Right of Way for Government Infrastructure Projects
- Amendments to the Customs Modernization and Tariff Administration
- Declaring Large-Scale Agricultural Smuggling as Economic Sabotage
- Creating the Department of Information and Communications Technology
- Overseas Workers Welfare Act Amendments
- Voluntary Election Service for Teachers
- Extending the Life of the Human Rights Victims Claims Board
- Providing Emergency Relief and Protection for Children before, during and after Disasters
The 16th Congress also passed Republic Act 10742 which reforms the Sangguniang Kabataan system by ensuring that it is truly non-partisan, and by prohibiting relatives of politicians currently in office from running and from treating SK as part of their dynasty.
Belmonte said nationalism guided the work of lawmakers and enabled the government to keep the peace abroad and at home.
“Nationalism has never been more evident as in the assertion of our legal rights and sovereignty over the West Philippine Sea. Indeed while we are a small nation, we want all nations to see that our love of country is written large,” he said.
Belmonte said it was both his honor and privilege to lead the government delegation to The Hague for the oral arguments on the country’s maritime dispute with China involving the West Philippine Sea before the International Court of Justice.