Manila: House Majority Leader Ferdinand Alexander 'Sandro' Marcos of Ilocos Norte announced that the Legislative-Executive Development Advisory Council (LEDAC) has expanded its Common Legislative Agenda (CLA) to include four additional bills, bringing the total to 52 priority measures. This expansion includes significant proposals such as the abolition of the travel tax, aimed at bolstering tourism and economic recovery.
According to Philippines News Agency, the original 48 LEDAC priority measures have been increased to 52, reflecting a strategic focus on economic relief, digital accountability, child protection, and political stability. Marcos emphasized that these additions are in response to urgent public concerns and aim to address pressing issues such as online abuse, digital disinformation, and political stability in the Bangsamoro region.
One of the key measures added is House Bill (HB) 7443, filed by Majority Leader Marcos, which seeks to abolish the travel tax. This levy is considered outdated and detrimental to tourism growth and economic recovery. Marcos stated that abolishing this tax is a pro-people initiative that supports jobs, tourism, and family travel, aligning with the country's economic goals.
In addition to the travel tax abolition, the LEDAC list now includes the Expanded Anti-Online Sexual Abuse or Exploitation of Children (OSAEC) and Anti-Child Sexual Abuse or Exploitation Materials (CSAEM) Act of 2026, a bill to combat fake news and digital disinformation, and a proposal to reset elections in the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM). Marcos stressed the importance of prioritizing these measures to address immediate community threats.
The inclusion of these measures in the LEDAC priority list is expected to accelerate their movement through Congress, thanks to enhanced coordination between the House and the Senate. Marcos expressed readiness to ensure swift action on these priority bills as they progress through the legislative process.
Marcos reiterated his commitment to maintaining a disciplined pace in the House of Representatives to ensure the timely approval of LEDAC bills. He highlighted the House's dedication to keeping President Marcos' legislative agenda on track and focusing on reforms that directly impact crucial areas such as household food, healthcare access, education, and social protection.
Among the previously approved LEDAC measures on the third and final reading are significant reforms like EPIRA amendments, the waste-to-energy bill, the National Center for Geriatric Health, and amendments to the Government Assistance to Students and Teachers in Private Education Act. With 40 measures still pending, Marcos emphasized the priority of LEDAC measures related to agriculture, health, education, and social welfare.
On agriculture and food security, the House will prioritize amendments to the Rice Tariffication Law, Fisheries Code, and Coconut Farmers and Industry Trust Fund Act. In health, pending amendments to the Universal Health Care Act will be advanced to improve access and delivery. In education, the House aims to push forward the Classroom-Building Acceleration Program and amendments to the Universal Access to Quality Tertiary Education Act. Social welfare priorities include amendments to the Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program (4Ps) Act and the Masustansyang Pagkain Para sa Batang Pilipino Act.
Other pending LEDAC measures include modernizing the Bureau of Immigration, the National Land Use Act, the Independent People's Commission, and various proposals related to environmental, digital, and governance reforms. These efforts underscore the House's commitment to advancing legislation that addresses the country's immediate and long-term needs.
