MANILA — President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. and leaders of Congress on Tuesday agreed on 44 measures under the Common Legislative Agenda (CLA) of the 20th Congress, aiming to uplift farmers and fisherfolk, strengthen social services, modernize governance, promote energy security, and prepare the nation for future challenges.
During the Legislative-Executive Development Advisory Council (LEDAC) meeting in Malacañan Palace, both branches committed to prioritize reforms in agriculture and fisheries. Key measures include amendments to the Rice Tariffication Law, the Fisheries Code, and the Coconut Farmers and Industry Trust Fund Act, alongside legislation to empower coconut farmers and improve fisheries management.
On social protection, education, and health, the CLA covers amendments to the 4Ps Act and the Universal Health Care Act, plus new measures such as the National Center for Geriatric Health and the Assistance to Individuals in Crisis Situations (AICS) Act. Education reforms include enhancements to the Government Assistance to Students and Teachers in Private Education Act, improvements in teachers’ professionalization, and expanded nutrition programs through amendments to the Masustansyang Pagkain para sa Batang Pilipino Act.
The agenda also advances environmental and energy security initiatives. These include the Department of Water Resources Bill, Waste-to-Energy Bill, amendments to the EPIRA Law, the National Land Use Act, and the Blue Economy Act. Fiscal and environmental responsibility will also be reinforced through an excise tax on single-use plastics and reforms to the Biofuels Act.
Governance and transparency are major themes, with measures such as the Progressive Budgeting Act, the Right to Information Act, amendments to the Anti-Money Laundering Act, a review of the Local Government Code, and requiring civil servants to waive bank secrecy protections. Tax amnesties and reforms to civil service accountability are also included.
To foster economic growth, the CLA proposes amendments to the Bank Deposits Secrecy Law, reforms to support micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs), and measures to strengthen the Bases Conversion and Development Authority. Other bills include a Masterplan for Infrastructure and National Development, the National Reintegration Bill, and the Presidential Merit Scholarship Program.
The digital economy also receives emphasis, with bills on cybersecurity, digital payments, online gambling regulation, and fair use of social media, artificial intelligence, and internet technology in elections.
On disaster resilience, the agenda highlights amendments to the National Building Code and the proposed Disaster Risk Financing Insurance Act. Meanwhile, modernization of the Bureau of Immigration is expected to improve frontline services, enhance national security, and streamline the movement of people across Philippine borders.
President Marcos emphasized the importance of prioritizing amendments to the Local Government Code and the Rice Tariffication Law, saying these reforms will strengthen governance efficiency and bolster agricultural competitiveness.
With 44 measures under the Common Legislative Agenda, the executive and legislative branches reaffirmed their partnership in passing laws that respond to immediate needs while laying the groundwork for long-term national development.
