Manila: The Senate on Monday approved three priority measures covering classroom construction and national health programs, all passing unanimously with 22 affirmative votes, no negative votes, and no abstentions.
According to Philippines News Agency, the approved legislation includes Senate Bill No. 1482, known as the Classroom-Building Acceleration Program (CAP) Act. This bill establishes a program under the Department of Education (DepEd) and allows local government units (LGUs) and civil society organizations to undertake classroom construction projects. Senator Bam Aquino, chairperson of the Senate Committee on Basic Education, highlighted that the PHP65-billion classroom fund under the 2026 national budget is expected to address the country's estimated 165,000-classroom backlog while generating over 100,000 jobs nationwide.
Aquino stated that classroom construction typically requires four to six workers over a period of three to four months, providing local workers with a steady income. He noted that under the measure, LGUs can access funds to build classrooms once they enter into memoranda of agreement with DepEd, subsequently stimulating local economies and benefiting small businesses through taxes generated from hiring local contractors.
The Senate also approved Senate Bill No. 1513, which establishes a national health program to combat systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) and allocates funds for its implementation. Senator Mark Villar, in explaining his affirmative vote, emphasized the measure's importance in addressing the challenges of lupus diagnosis and treatment, ensuring that PhilHealth covers the costs of early detection and screening for patients unable to afford diagnostic tests.
Senator Robinhood Padilla highlighted the bill's response to long-standing gaps in access to medical services, pointing out the struggles faced by Filipinos with lupus, including delayed diagnosis, limited access to specialized care, and high treatment costs. Padilla noted that the bill's provisions for prevention, early detection, treatment, research, and public information campaigns aim to raise awareness, reduce stigma, and bolster public confidence in the healthcare system.
Additionally, Senate Bill No. 1510 was passed, establishing a national health service outreach program for senior citizens and indigent persons with functional disabilities. This measure provides for inter-agency and LGU coordination and funding support.
