A new cluster of legislative proposals was filed on Monday, February 9, as Senator Christopher “Bong” Go submitted his new Senate bills for the current Congress, spanning labor protection, education, health services, migration governance, and local development. The measures reflect a wide-ranging legislative agenda that cuts across social protection, public service delivery, and institutional updates.
Go filed Senate Bill No. 1776, also known as the National Reintegration Bill, which seeks to establish a comprehensive framework for returning Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs) and those whose employment contracts abroad have ended. The proposal aims to integrate the roles of concerned agencies to support employment, skills recognition, livelihood, and access to credit. Under the measure, the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) and the Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) are tasked to conduct regular job fairs in strategic locations, while the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA) is mandated to recognize OFWs’ education, training, and work experience through appropriate certifications or diplomas. The bill also provides for business-oriented capacity-building training and access to credit through the Small Business Corporation.
“Kapag umuuwi ang ating mga OFW, hindi dapat doon nagtatapos ang suporta ng pamahalaan. Kailangan tuluy-tuloy ang tulong para may malinaw silang direksyon sa hanapbuhay at kabuhayan,” Go said, stressing the need for coordination among agencies.
Another labor-related proposal, SBN 1778, seeks to grant survivorship benefits to the surviving legitimate spouse and dependent children of a deceased retired Chairperson, Commissioner, or Labor Arbiter of the National Labor Relations Commission (NLRC). The measure aims to place NLRC officials on equal footing with members of the Judiciary in terms of post-retirement benefits. The bill is intended for refiling following consultations with legal stakeholders and the NLRC group.
In the education and youth sector, Go filed SBN 1780, or the Mandatory School Clinics Act, which proposes the establishment of school clinics in every public elementary and secondary school nationwide. The measure seeks to strengthen basic health services within school premises to address common health concerns among learners. Complementing this is SBN 1781 and SBN 1805, which aim to establish Pintatagan National High School in Banaybanay, Davao Oriental, and Barangay San Roque National High School in San Isidro, Davao Oriental, respectively.
“Kung maaga nating natutugunan ang kalusugan ng mga bata sa loob mismo ng paaralan, mas nagiging handa silang matuto at mag-aral araw-araw,” the senator said.
Higher education and regional development are covered under SBN 1782, which proposes the conversion of extension campuses of Davao Oriental State University (DOrSU) in Baganga, Cateel, and Tarragona into regular campuses. The measure seeks to improve access to higher education in the province by strengthening institutional presence in geographically dispersed areas.
Several health-related measures were also included in the fifth batch. SBN 1779, or the Nursing Home for Senior Citizens Act, seeks to establish and institutionalize a nursing home for senior citizens in every region of the country. The proposal is intended to assist families in addressing the specialized needs of the elderly population.
Go also filed SBN 1783, which seeks to establish the Tigaon Mother and Child General Hospital under the Department of Health (DOH), providing maternal, neonatal, and pediatric services. SBN 1784 proposes the creation of a new DOH hospital in Sogod, Southern Leyte, while SBN 1789 seeks to establish the Antipolo-Rizal Tertiary Hospital. Another health facility measure, SBN 1790, aims to convert the Mabini Community Hospital into a general hospital serving both residents and tourists.
“Hindi dapat malayo ang serbisyong medikal sa mga pamilya, lalo na sa mga probinsya. Kailangan may sapat na pasilidad na kayang tumugon sa pangangailangan ng komunidad,” Go said.
Addressing public service personnel concerns, SBN 1786 seeks to grant civil service eligibility to casual and contractual government employees who have rendered the prescribed length of continuous and satisfactory service. The proposal aims to recognize long-serving workers who have remained outside permanent plantilla positions.
For food security and sustainability, SBN 1787, or the Zero Food Waste Act, proposes the establishment of a national program encouraging food producers, manufacturers, retailers, and restaurants to recover and donate excess but safe food to communities and institutions in need. The measure requires food-related businesses to enter into agreements with food banks for redistribution.
In the area of small enterprise support, SBN 1777 seeks to institutionalize the Shared Services Facilities Project for micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs). The bill aims to address gaps in the production value chain by creating common service centers that cater to industry-specific needs and promote cost efficiency through shared resources.
Go also filed SBN 1788, or the Public Dentistry Salary Modification Act, which seeks to upgrade the salary grade of government-employed dentists. Under the proposal, the entry-level Dentist I position would be raised from Salary Grade 13 to Salary Grade 17 to address compensation disparities between public and private practice.
Rounding out the package are SBN 1785, which proposes amendments to the Special Education Fund to expand its allowable uses, and SBN 1791, the Bureau of Immigration Modernization Act. The latter seeks to update Commonwealth Act of 1940, citing the need to align immigration systems with present-day challenges and improve service efficiency through updated structures and position upgrades.
“Ang mga panukalang ito ay bunga ng pakikinig sa mga hinaing at pangangailangan ng iba’t ibang sektor. Mahalagang iakma ang ating mga batas sa kasalukuyang panahon at sa aktuwal na sitwasyon ng mga tao,” Go said.
The fifth batch of measures reflects a legislative agenda that addresses sector-specific concerns while placing emphasis on service access, institutional updates, and regional development through targeted Senate bills filed by the senator.
“Patuloy kaming magseserbisyo sa inyo dahil bisyo ko ang magserbisyo at ako ay naniniwala na ang serbisyo sa tao ay serbisyo ‘yan sa Panginoon, serbisyo ‘yan kay Allah,” underscored Go who is known as Mr. Malasakit for his compassionate service to Filipinos in need.
