EDITORIAL: Legislative Breakthrough

THE recent developments in the Senate, under the leadership of Senate President Francis Escudero, mark a significant stride in fulfilling the administration’s legislative priorities. With nine key measures awaiting President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s signature, the Senate has demonstrated its commitment to not only addressing the immediate needs of the nation but also to setting the groundwork for long-term progress.

Escudero’s statement highlights both the urgency and the depth of these legislative actions, emphasizing that quality trumps quantity when it comes to making laws that will shape the future of the country.

Among these nine priority measures is the much-discussed value-added tax (VAT) on digital transactions. This tax reform aims to level the playing field between traditional and digital businesses, a move necessitated by the growing digital economy.

As the world becomes increasingly reliant on online platforms, it’s only fitting that the government adapts its revenue mechanisms accordingly. Ensuring that digital services contribute their fair share to the economy is not just a matter of fiscal responsibility—it’s about modernizing the country’s tax framework to keep pace with technological advances.

Other measures up for signing include the Corporate Recovery and Tax Incentives for Enterprises to Maximize Opportunities for Reinvigorating the Economy (CREATE MORE) Act and the amendments to the Rice Tariffication Law.

These reforms focus on economic resilience and agricultural stability, two crucial pillars for a nation striving to recover from the global economic downturn and the challenges posed by climate change.

CREATE MORE is designed to enhance corporate competitiveness, while the amendments to the Rice Tariffication Law aim to safeguard the agricultural sector, ensuring food security and support for local farmers.

Equally important are measures like the Magna Carta of Filipino Seafarers and the Anti-Agricultural Smuggling Economic Sabotage Act. These laws protect vital sectors of our economy and secure the livelihoods of countless Filipinos.

The Magna Carta will ensure the rights and welfare of Filipino seafarers, a group that has long contributed to the global maritime industry. Meanwhile, the Anti-Agricultural Smuggling Act tackles the pervasive issue of smuggling, which undermines local farmers and destabilizes the agricultural market.

By classifying large-scale smuggling as economic sabotage, this law provides the teeth needed to deter and punish those who harm the nation’s food security.

Another notable inclusion is the Academic Recovery and Accessible Learning Program (ARAL) Act, a response to the educational setbacks caused by the pandemic.

With the global education crisis deepening, this legislation seeks to address learning gaps and ensure that Filipino students, especially those most affected by school closures, have access to quality education.

These legislative successes underscore the harmonious collaboration between Malacañang and Congress, a dynamic that has been crucial to driving forward the common legislative agenda. Escudero’s leadership has steered the Senate towards passing impactful laws, and as he rightly points out, there is no time to waste.

Looking ahead, the Senate will soon shift its focus to the proposed P6.532-trillion national budget for 2025. This will be a critical moment for lawmakers to allocate resources where they are needed most, ensuring that the priorities of the Filipino people are reflected in the nation’s spending plan.

In the end, these legislative victories are not just about passing laws; they are about ensuring that these laws translate into real, tangible benefits for the Filipino people.

It is now up to President Marcos Jr. to sign these measures into law, ushering in a new chapter of governance marked by innovation, economic recovery, and social equity. The journey toward national progress continues, but with these significant steps, the Philippines is on a promising path.