MANILA – Senate approved on Tuesday four important measures as it resumes the third regular session of the 19th Congress.
Senate Bill No. 2897 or the proposed amendments to Republic Act (RA) No. 11313 or the Safe Spaces Act was the first one to be unanimously approved.
The bill seeks to address gender-based online harassment involving artificial intelligence (AI) and other emerging technologies.
Authored by Senators Cynthia Villar and Robinhood Padilla, and sponsored by Senate Deputy Minority Leader Risa Hontiveros, the amendments include harassment in virtual spaces and defines grooming as predatory behavior targeting children or their guardians for abuse.
“This bill responds to the urgent calls by our constituents, particularly young women in schools, to reform the law in order to better address their lived realities. When we made the current law [RA 11313], no one knew what AI was. Today, deep fakes are chronic. And pornography is being created with the use of these emerging technologies,” Hontiveros said.
The bill also expands the definition of public spaces to rural areas, such as fields, farms, and coastal regions, and mandates internet intermediaries to take down violating content within 24 hours upon notice.
Violators face fines of up to PHP100,000 or imprisonment of up to six months.
“Although we know that no amount of penalty may be sufficient to give justice to the victims, we hope that the increased penalties will actually deter more crimes of this nature to happen and that the penalties will be commensurate with the severity of the harm it inflicts on its victims,” Senator Grace Poe said in her explanation of vote.
The Senate likewise approved SBN 2825 or the Phivolcs Modernization Act which highlights the critical role of the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (Phivolcs) in monitoring seismic and volcanic hazards.
Senator Joel Villanueva, manifesting his support for the measure, emphasized the need to modernize Phivolcs’ equipment, technology, and workforce.
“This measure ensures Phivolcs can expand its monitoring network, enhance research, and support the professional growth of its personnel,” Villanueva said.
“Modernizing Phivolcs is an investment in the safety and resilience of our nation. We must not wait for another tragedy to remind us of the importance of preparedness.”
Meanwhile, SBN 2863 or the Foreign Affairs Pension Differential Act earned full support from senators, including Senator Loren Legarda who principally authored the measure.
In her manifestation, Legarda underscored the importance of honoring retired Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) personnel who have dedicated their careers to serving the country.
“Our diplomats and foreign service personnel have consistently been at the frontlines, often in challenging and dangerous environments,” Legarda said, highlighting their crucial roles in national security, economic development, cultural diplomacy, and protecting Filipinos overseas.
The bill adjusts the monthly pensions and disability benefits of retired DFA officers and employees, ensuring they live with dignity in retirement.
Legarda said this move also strengthens the institution by inspiring current and future diplomats to uphold excellence and dedication.
Senators Ramon Revilla Jr. and Padilla lauded the approval of SBN 2816, which sets the term for elected barangay officials to four years, citing its practical and constitutional merits during their explanations of vote.
The bill, authored by Senator Imee Marcos, seeks to strengthen barangay governance and improve service delivery nationwide.
Revilla underscored the pivotal role of barangays, as defined under the Local Government Code, as the “basic political unit and primary implementers of government policies and programs.”
“Ito mismo ang binigyan natin ng diin – kung paanong nagsisilbing tulay ang ating mga barangay upang mas mapabilis at matiwasay ang pagpapadaloy ng mga programa ng ating pamahaalan derecho mismo sa mga mamamayan (We emphasize that barangays serve as a bridge to ensure that government programs reach the people swiftly and effectively),” he said, noting their importance in grassroots governance.
Padilla, for his part, said that from a practical perspective, three years is insufficient for barangay officials to implement their platforms and programs effectively.
He added the extended term would bring stability to local governance, reduce the frequency of elections, and allow resources to be reallocated to meaningful government projects.
Aside from the four measures, senators also unanimously approved House Bill No. 7406 which revises the Baguio City Charter. (PNA)