Press Release
June 26, 2014

Grace Poe Pushes Strong Gov't Reform Measures

In her first year in the Senate, Sen. Grace Poe has steered the passage of crucial measures and pushed for much-needed reforms to strengthen governance and empower and protect the citizenry.

"Our people are relentless in pursuing strong government reforms, and so must we match their efforts with the same fervor," Poe said.

Poe has filed and co-authored 107 measures consisting of 34 bills and 73 resolutions. She sponsored five bills, three of which have been approved by the Senate during the first regular session of the 16th Congress.

Approved bills The Senate earlier passed the People's Freedom of Information Act which advocates a clean government by institutionalizing transparency and accountability in all government transactions and operations.

A bill seeking to amend Sec. 21 of the Dangerous Drugs Act to enable the government to effectively go after big-time drug pushers was also approved by the Chamber, along with a measure providing for free text alerts to citizens to bolster disaster preparedness and reduce risks during calamities.

Up for approval on second reading are two of Poe-sponsored bills: closed-caption TV system to provide the hearing-challenged with access to information; and the Film Tourism bill which seeks to promote the country as a prime shooting destination and create jobs and opportunities for Filipinos.

Recovery and rehabilitation Poe's Bakod Central Visayas bill formed the core of the P14.5-billion Supplemental Budget for the recovery and rehabilitation of Yolanda-affected and earthquake-hit areas in the Visayas.

Electoral reforms In her privilege speech to refresh the nation's memory about the "Hello Garci" election fraud in 2004, Poe pushed for urgent electoral reforms to ensure the credibility of automated elections. She filed a resolution to prevent computer-aided election fraud; called for a review of the Anti-wiretapping law to fortify government efforts to bar election fraud while ensuring respect for human rights; and urged the immediate passage of the Whistleblowers Protection Act.

Basic services Representing Poe's main advocacy is her Sustansya sa Batang Pilipino bill, up for public hearing by the committee on education. The bill aims to institutionalize a free lunch program for elementary and high school students in public schools as a foundation for the country's human resource to drive and sustain economic growth.

The senator has consistently raised citizens' concerns during the public hearings on the PDAF issue, emphasizing high standards of accountability for government officials and the due return of embezzled public funds.

Poe participated in public hearings to protect the country's highest interest in the Mactan-Cebu International Airport expansion, stressing that airports "provide the international community the first crucial glimpse of the country and mirror its progress."

The senator has also called for an inquiry into the Philippine government's development program for Mindanao to ensure the region's comprehensive inclusion in the path of accelerated growth pursued by the country.

At the same time, Poe has filed measures to provide credit assistance to displaced overseas Filipino workers, to set up a cancer assistance fund for indigent patients, to promote corporate farming, to assist the youth with agricultural and livelihood programs, and to promote plain writing in government to enable informed public participation in policy making.

Poe's committees The committee on public order and dangerous drugs and the committee on public information and mass media, among the most active committees, have conducted a total of 14 public hearings on various issues that have led to key legislative outputs.

As she enters her second year in the Senate, Poe looks forward with optimism to pursuing core advocacies that will uplift governance and support the most vulnerable sectors, especially children.

With steadfast public support and solid government commitment, Poe strongly believes that said goals can be attained.

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