Manila: The Senate on Wednesday approved on third and final reading three key measures aimed at enhancing agriculture and food security, providing multi-faith prayer rooms, and streamlining government financial assistance processes.
According to Philippines News Agency, the first measure, Senate Bill 1624, received 17 affirmative votes, two negative, and no abstentions. It establishes a Congressional Commission on Agriculture, Fisheries and Food Security (AGRICOM). This commission will conduct a comprehensive assessment of the agriculture and fisheries sector, review the performance of related agencies, and recommend policy reforms. The commission, consisting of 10 members-five from the Senate and five from the House of Representatives-will be co-chaired by the agriculture committee heads and will be allocated an initial PHP200 million for operations.
Additionally, the Senate unanimously approved Senate Bill 1629, with an 18-0-0 vote, which mandates the provision of at least one multi-faith prayer and quiet room in public offices and establishments. These rooms are required to be neutral, inclusive, and free from permanent religious symbols that favor any specific faith. Senator Mark Villar emphasized the importance of accessible prayer spaces, particularly for Muslims who observe scheduled daily prayers. Senator Robinhood Padilla described the bill's passage as a victory for believers of all religions.
Furthermore, Senate Bill 155, known as the Direkta at Agad na Lingap at Interbensiyon (DALI) Act, was approved with a 19-0-0 vote. This measure aims to simplify and standardize documentary requirements for financial assistance by requiring only three documents: a valid government-issued ID, a billing statement, and a medical certificate or abstract. The bill mandates that complete requests be processed within the day or the next working day if submitted outside office hours. Senator Erwin Tulfo, the principal author, highlighted that the bill ensures government assistance becomes more accessible and efficient, emphasizing that assistance should be provided with compassion rather than complication.
The DALI Act also permits authorized relatives to file requests on behalf of beneficiaries and mandates digital processing of aid applications through government systems, in coordination with the Anti-Red Tape Authority, to prevent delays and ensure compliance.
