CDV

14 December

HB10623: AN ACT GRANTING FILIPINO CITIZENSHIP TO KYLE JENNERMANN, WITH ALL THE RIGHTS, PRIVILEGES AND PREROGATIVES APPURTENANT THERETO

This bill aims to grant Philippine citizenship to Kyle Jennermann, a Canadian national, in recognition of his significant contributions to promoting Filipino culture and identity globally through his vlogs on his "Becoming Filipino" YouTube channel. By showcasing his interactions and connections with Filipinos and their culture across numerous provinces over eight years, he has garnered a large following and positively influenced how the Philippines is perceived worldwide. The immediate approval of this bill would officially recognize his dedic...

Read More By Congressman Christopher “Toff” V.P. de Venecia

11 November

HB10479: BLUE ECONOMY ACT

This bill establishes the "Blue Economy Act," aiming to create a comprehensive framework for the sustainable use and development of the Philippines' vast marine wealth, recognizing its critical role in the national economy and patrimony. It seeks to transform ocean-based industries into sustainable activities by promoting stewardship of seas and coasts, protecting marine ecosystems, and integrating environmental-economic accounting into national policies. The bill highlights the Philippines' status as an archipelagic and maritime nation with ri...

Read More By Congressman Christopher “Toff” V.P. de Venecia

21 October

HB10397: MANDATORY OFFICE ON ARCHITECTURAL PLANNING AND DESIGN

This bill mandates the creation of an Office of Architectural Planning and Design in all municipalities, cities, and provinces, making the positions of provincial, city, and municipal architects mandatory rather than optional. Historically, the Local Government Code of 1991 only mandated engineers, leaving public architecture and design to chance. This amendment seeks to ensure that both engineers and architects work collaboratively to design public schools, hospitals, markets, housing, and other vital infrastructure, thereby enhancing the func...

Read More By Congressman Christopher “Toff” V.P. de Venecia

18 October

HB10394: LINGAYEN GULF DEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY ACT

This bill proposes the creation of the Lingayen Gulf Development Authority to strategically plan, coordinate, and implement development efforts in the Lingayen Gulf area, which includes parts of Pangasinan and La Union. The bill recognizes the Lingayen Gulf as a major fishing ground and a source of potential sustainable development for the region, with significant economic activities in fisheries, aquaculture, tourism, and salt-making. The establishment of this authority is a response to the current lack of a focused, long-term plan for the are...

Read More By Congressman Christopher “Toff” V.P. de Venecia

17 September

HB10235: AN ACT AMENDING SECTION 12 (A) OF REPUBLIC ACT NO. 7610, OTHERWISE KNOWN AS “SPECIAL PROTECTION OF CHILDREN AGAINST ABUSE, EXPLOITATION AND DISCRIMINATION ACT”, AS AMENDED BY REPUBLIC ACT NO. 9231

This bill aims to standardize the prohibited working hours for all children under eighteen (18) years of age, setting a uniform curfew from 11:00 PM to 7:00 AM. Currently, there's a discrepancy in working hour restrictions based on age groups (under 15 vs. 15-18), which creates logistical challenges for industries employing child actors and other young workers. The proposed amendment seeks to simplify regulations and align the Philippines with practices in other countries like Taiwan and Thailand, which have a single restricted timeframe for mi...

Read More By Congressman Christopher “Toff” V.P. de Venecia

17 September

HB10234: PHILIPPINE ARCHITECTURE ACT OF 2022

This proposed legislation seeks to modernize and elevate the regulation and practice of architecture in the Philippines, aiming to make Filipino architects more globally competitive. It addresses perceived protectionist policies in the existing Architecture Act of 2004 (R.A. No. 9266) that are seen as conflicting with international trade agreements and hindering the professional advancement of Filipino architects. The bill outlines a new framework for the Professional Regulatory Board of Architecture, including qualifications for members, exami...

Read More By Congressman Christopher “Toff” V.P. de Venecia

14 September

HB10210: ASIN LAW REPEAL ACT OF 2021

This bill proposes the repeal of Republic Act No. 8172, also known as the "ASIN Law," which mandates the iodization of all food-grade salt nationwide. The ASIN Law was enacted to combat iodine deficiency disorders but, according to the explanatory note, has inadvertently created significant challenges for the local salt industry, restricting their ability to produce various salt types and compete in the global market. It also highlights how the law has negatively impacted local culinary traditions and related businesses, such as "tinapa" (smoke...

Read More By Congressman Christopher “Toff” V.P. de Venecia

14 June

HB09611: AN ACT DECLARING JUNE 3 OF EVERY YEAR TO BE KNOWN AS NATIONAL BIKING DAY

This bill seeks to declare June 3 of every year as a working special holiday to be known as "National Biking Day," aligning with the United Nations General Assembly's declaration of World Bicycle Day. The explanatory note emphasizes the importance of non-motorized transportation for sustainable development, environmental health, and the physical well-being of Filipinos. It aims to raise awareness about road sharing between cyclists and motorists and promote overall road safety, while also addressing issues of pollution and traffic congestion....

Read More By Congressman Christopher “Toff” V.P. de Venecia

16 March

HB09010: AN ACT DECLARING DECEMBER 23 OF EVERY YEAR A NON-WORKING HOLIDAY IN THE CITY OF DAGUPAN, PROVINCE OF PANGASINAN, IN COMMEMORATION OF THE BIRTH ANNIVERSARY OF THE DAGPUPAN-BORN NATIONAL ARTIST VICTORIO EDADES, TO BE KNOWN AS VICTORIO EDADES DAY

This bill proposes to declare December 23 of every year as a non-working holiday in Dagupan City, Pangasinan, in commemoration of the birth anniversary of National Artist Victorio Edades. Edades, known as the "Father of Modern Philippine Painting," was born in Dagupan and is celebrated for his revolutionary artistic style that challenged the conservative art norms of his time, despite initial lack of appreciation from his countrymen. The bill aims to honor his legacy and recognize his significant contribution to Philippine art. The impact and...

Read More By Congressman Christopher “Toff” V.P. de Venecia

08 March

HB08924: AN ACT CREATING THE NATIONAL FILM ARCHIVE OF THE PHILIPPINES

This bill proposes the creation of the National Film Archive of the Philippines (NFAP), a national cultural agency dedicated to the preservation and promotion of Filipino audiovisual and cinematographic works. The explanatory note highlights the alarming loss of historical Filipino films and television programs due to a lack of proper preservation efforts. The NFAP would be mandated to establish a permanent collection, restore, conserve, and make accessible these cultural properties, aligning with the National Cultural Heritage Act of 2009. Th...

Read More By Congressman Christopher “Toff” V.P. de Venecia

26 January

HB08507: AN ACT ESTABLISHING THE PHILIPPINE NATIONAL PUBLIC PARKS SYSTEM, AND APPROPRIATING FUNDS THEREFOR

This bill seeks to establish the Philippine National Public Parks System, creating a framework for the development, preservation, and management of national and local public parks, urban parks, open spaces, and recreational areas. It recognizes the crucial role these spaces play in public health, environmental sustainability, and economic growth, aiming to address the current lack of a clear national mandate for their allocation and maintenance. The bill proposes the creation of the National and Local Public Parks Authority (NALPA) and an Insti...

Read More By Congressman Christopher “Toff” V.P. de Venecia

19 January

HB08428: AN ACT AMENDING SECTION 140 (A) OF REPUBLIC ACT NO. 7160, OTHERWISE KNOWN AS “THE LOCAL GOVERNMENT CODE OF 1991”, AS AMENDED BY REPUBLIC ACT NO. 9640

This bill, also known as the "Film and Live Events Recovery Act," proposes amendments to the Local Government Code of 1991 to address the amusement tax levied on live events and movie industries. It highlights the severe economic impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on these sectors, which employ a significant number of Filipinos and contribute substantially to the economy, despite amusement taxes accounting for a small percentage of local government revenues. The bill seeks to temporarily suspend the amusement tax for two years and allow local gove...

Read More By Congressman Christopher “Toff” V.P. de Venecia

14 January

HB08378: AN ACT CONVERTING THE PROVINCIAL ROAD FROM THE NATIONAL HIGHWAY, PASSING THROUGH BARANGAY PAO IN THE MUNICIPALITY OF MANAOAG, PROVINCE OF PANGASINAN LEADING TO BARANGAY POBLACION IN THE MUNICIPALITY OF POZORRUBIO, PROVINCE OF PANGASINAN, INTO A NATIONAL R

This bill proposes to convert the provincial road connecting Barangay Pao in Manaoag and Barangay Poblacion in Pozorrubio, Pangasinan, into a national road, and to appropriate funds for its improvement and maintenance. The explanatory note emphasizes the strategic importance of this road, as it connects to the Tarlac-Pangasinan-La Union Expressway (TPLEX) Pozorrubio Toll Plaza and is crucial for accelerating economic activity and development in the Fourth and Fifth Districts of Pangasinan and neighboring towns in La Union. The conversion of th...

Read More By Congressman Christopher “Toff” V.P. de Venecia

13 January

HB08377: AN ACT DECLARING THE MUNICIPALITY OF MANAOAG IN THE PROVINCE OF PANGASINAN A TOURISM DESTINATION, AND APPROPRIATING FUNDS THEREFOR

This bill officially declares the Municipality of Manaoag in the Province of Pangasinan as a tourism destination, mandating its development as a priority by the Department of Tourism (DOT) and other concerned government agencies. Within one year of the Act's approval, the DOT, in coordination with the municipal government, is required to prepare a comprehensive tourism development plan. This plan will include the construction and maintenance of facilities and infrastructure to enhance accessibility and security for tourists, while also ensuring...

Read More By Congressman Christopher “Toff” V.P. de Venecia

26 November

HB08101: PHILIPPINE CREATIVE INDUSTRIES DEVELOPMENT ACT

This bill aims to promote and develop the Philippine creative industries, recognizing the significant but often unacknowledged contributions of Filipino creatives in fields such as film, fashion, literature, music, and graphic design. The explanatory note points out that despite global accolades received by Filipino artists, there is a lack of centralized government support and a unified policy direction for the creative sector, unlike neighboring ASEAN countries which have dedicated agencies and substantial funding for their creative economies...

Read More By Congressman Christopher “Toff” V.P. de Venecia

23 November

HB08062: AN ACT PROVIDING FOR THE REVISED INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY CODE OF THE PHILIPPINES, AND FOR OTHER PURPOSES

This bill proposes a "New Intellectual Property Act" with the overarching goal of strengthening the intellectual property rights (IPR) system in the Philippines, thereby encouraging creativity and innovation among scientists, inventors, artists, and other gifted citizens. It aims to strike a balance between the interests of IP owners and users, ensuring that creators are properly rewarded while promoting the widespread benefit of their innovations. The bill seeks to modernize and streamline administrative procedures within the Intellectual Prop...

Read More By Congressman Christopher “Toff” V.P. de Venecia

16 November

HB08014: AN ACT EXTENDING THE EFFECTIVITY OF BAYANIHAN 2 AMENDING FOR THIS PURPOSE REPUBLIC ACT NO. 11494 OTHERWISE KNOWN AS THE BAYANIHAN TO RECOVER AS ONE ACT

This bill proposes a simple yet critical extension of the effectivity of Republic Act No. 11494, also known as the Bayanihan to Recover as One Act (Bayanihan 2). The current deadline for the Act's effectivity is December 19, 2020, and this bill seeks to extend it to January 31, 2021. The primary reason for this extension is to ensure that the entirety of the allocated funds under Bayanihan 2 can be fully disbursed to the respective agencies responsible for implementing programs to combat the COVID-19 pandemic and aid in recovery efforts. The i...

Read More By Congressman Christopher “Toff” V.P. de Venecia

29 September

HB07792: AN ACT STRENGTHENING THE CURRENT FUNCTION OF THE BFAR NATIONAL INTEGRATED FISHERIES TECHNOLOGY DEVELOPMENT CENTER AND RENAMING IT TO PHILIPPINE CENTER FOR AQUACULTURE AND FISHERIES DEVELOPMENT AND APPROPRIATING FUNDS THEREFOR

This bill aims to strengthen the existing BFAR National Integrated Fisheries Technology Development Center by renaming it to the "Philippine Center for Aquaculture and Fisheries Development (PCAFD)" and expanding its functions, with the ultimate goal of achieving food security through sustainable aquaculture and post-harvest practices. It recognizes the current center's success in developing and disseminating aquaculture and post-harvest technologies, contributing to increased fish production and livelihood opportunities for fisherfolk. Th...

Read More By Congressman Christopher “Toff” V.P. de Venecia

24 September

HB07757: AN ACT STRENGTHENING THE NATIONAL COMMISSION FOR CULTURE AND THE ARTS, ITS COMPOSITION, FUNCTIONS, POWERS, AND MANDATE, AND FOR OTHER PURPOSES

This bill seeks to strengthen and empower the National Commission for Culture and the Arts (NCCA) by enhancing its mandate, powers, and functions, and reorganizing it to be more responsive to the evolving cultural landscape. It declares a comprehensive state policy to preserve and enrich Filipino national culture, recognizing its role as a unifying, humanizing, and modernizing instrument for society, and a fundamental right of every citizen. The bill also emphasizes the importance of cultural education, protecting indigenous and Moro cultu...

Read More By Congressman Christopher “Toff” V.P. de Venecia

10 September

HB07634: AN ACT PROVIDING FOR THE PROMOTION OF FILM AND TELEVISION TOURISM, CREATING THE FILM PHILIPPINES OFFICE, PROVIDING FUNDS THEREFOR AND FOR OTHER PURPOSES

This bill aims to significantly boost film and television tourism in the Philippines by creating the "Film Philippines Office (FPO)" under the Film Development Council of the Philippines, attached to the Tourism Promotions Board. Recognizing film as a powerful promotional tool, the explanatory note cites examples of how international blockbusters have dramatically increased tourist arrivals in other countries like New Zealand and Scotland. The bill addresses the current lack of competitive incentives in the Philippines, which has led to ma...

Read More By Congressman Christopher “Toff” V.P. de Venecia

09 September

HB07622: AN ACT STRENGTHENING THE CONSERVATION AND PROTECTION OF OUR NATIONAL CULTURAL HERITAGE, THROUGH AN ENHANCED CULTURAL POLICY, HERITAGE EDUCATION, AND CULTURAL MAPPING PROGRAM, AMENDING FOR THE PURPOSE REPUBLIC ACT NO. 10066 OR THE NATIONAL CULTURAL HERITAG

This bill seeks to strengthen the conservation and protection of national cultural heritage by amending Republic Act No. 10066, the "National Cultural Heritage Act of 2009". It mandates local government units (LGUs) to conduct comprehensive cultural heritage mapping of their areas, encompassing tangible, intangible, natural, and built heritage, and to utilize these findings as a framework for culture-based governance. The bill also revises and enhances the scope of cultural education in the country, emphasizing the integration of Indigenou...

Read More By Congressman Christopher “Toff” V.P. de Venecia

09 September

HB07621: AN ACT ESTABLISHING A FRAMEWORK FOR FUNDING THE DEVELOPMENT AND OPERATIONS OF THE NATIONAL MUSEUM OF THE PHILIPPINES THROUGH THE ANNUAL GENERAL APPROPRIATIONS ACT TO COMPLEMENT AND SUPPORT THE DEVELOPMENT OF K-12 EDUCATION IN THE COUNTRY

This bill aims to strengthen the National Museum of the Philippines by establishing a dedicated funding framework within the annual General Appropriations Act, specifically allocating at least five percent (5%) of the Department of Education's (DepEd) total budget to the National Museum. It recognizes museums as vital alternative learning institutions and non-formal education spaces that can significantly complement K-12 education by offering immersive learning experiences in history, heritage, culture, and arts. The bill highlights the un...

Read More By Congressman Christopher “Toff” V.P. de Venecia

01 September

HB07563: AN ACT CREATING THE MUSIC DEVELOPMENT COUNCIL OF THE PHILIPPINES, DEFINING ITS POWERS AND FUNCTIONS, APPROPRIATING FUNDS THEREFOR, AND FOR OTHER PURPOSES

This bill proposes the creation of the Music Development Council of the Philippines, aiming to recognize, protect, and promote the country's artistic and cultural heritage as expressed through music, and to safeguard the rights and welfare of artists and other stakeholders in the Philippine music industry. The explanatory note emphasizes music's pervasive role in Filipino life and its foundational importance for other art forms like film and dance. It acknowledges the music industry's resilience and its contributions to society, particular...

Read More By Congressman Christopher “Toff” V.P. de Venecia

03 February

HB06157: AN ACT PROVIDING FOR CREATIVE INDUSTRY WELFARE PROTECTION

This bill aims to safeguard the welfare of Filipino creative workers, recognizing their crucial role in shaping national consciousness and cultural development, despite often lacking the professional status and benefits enjoyed by regular workers. It seeks to establish a system of accreditation for artists and other creative workers, granting them social security, labor, medical, and legal protections, including SSS/GSIS, PagIBIG, and PhilHealth benefits. The bill also addresses workplace safety by mandating accident insurance for hazardou...

Read More By Congressman Christopher “Toff” V.P. de Venecia

20 August

HB04081: AN ACT PROMOTING INTEGRATED URBAN AGRICULTURAL DEVELOPMENT IN ALL CITIES AND METROPOLITAN AREAS NATIONWIDE TO ADDRESS FOOD SECURITY CONCERNS AND APPROPRIATING FUNDS THEREFOR

This bill, known as the "Integrated Urban Agricultural Act," seeks to promote integrated urban agriculture development in all cities and metropolitan areas nationwide to address food security concerns. Recognizing agriculture as a fundamental aspect of the Philippine economy and the declining number of farmers, particularly young ones, the bill proposes urban agriculture as a sustainable alternative method for food production. Urban agriculture, defined as the practice of agricultural production of food and goods in urban areas, is seen as...

Read More By Congressman Christopher “Toff” V.P. de Venecia

20 August

HB04080: AN ACT DECLARING MANAOAG, PROVINCE OF PANGASINAN, A TOURIST DESTINATION, PROVIDING FOR ITS DEVELOPMENT AND APPROPRIATING FUNDS THEREFOR

This bill declares the Municipality of Manaoag in the province of Pangasinan as a tourist destination, aiming to prioritize its development and ensure the preservation of its historical significance. The explanatory note highlights the immense popularity of Our Lady of Manaoag, which attracted approximately 7 million local and foreign tourists in 2018, making Manaoag one of the most visited places in the Philippines and necessitating comprehensive development plans. The proposed legislation mandates the Department of Tourism (DOT) and its...

Read More By Congressman Christopher “Toff” V.P. de Venecia

20 August

HB04079: AN ACT PROVIDING FOR THE CREATION OF THE PANGASINAN RIVER CONTROL SYSTEM COVERING THE PROVINCE OF PANGASINAN, AND APPROPRIATING FUNDS THEREFOR

This bill proposes the creation of the "Pangasinan River Control System" to address the perennial flooding issues in the province of Pangasinan, particularly in areas traversed by the Sinocalan, Marusay, Bued, Cayanga, and Aloragat Rivers. The explanatory note highlights the severe impact of past typhoons and monsoons, which have affected over 200,000 individuals and their livelihoods due to overflowing rivers and a lack of adequate flood control systems and infrastructure. The bill emphasizes the necessity of a coordinated and encompassin...

Read More By Congressman Christopher “Toff” V.P. de Venecia

14 August

HB03951: AN ACT PROVIDING PROTECTION AND INCENTIVES FOR FREELANCERS

This bill, known as the "Freelancers Protection Act," aims to provide crucial protections and incentives for freelancers in the Philippines, a rapidly growing sector with an estimated 800,000 Filipino users on platforms like Freelancer.com. Recognizing the prevalence of non-payment for services rendered, lack of remedial channels, and the competitive nature of freelance jobs, the bill seeks to address the vulnerabilities faced by this workforce, including artists, actors, writers, singers, dancers, composers, and directors. It mandates wri...

Read More By Congressman Christopher “Toff” V.P. de Venecia

25 July

HB02863: AN ACT ESTABLISHING THE EDADES AND BERNAL CULTURAL CENTER AND MUSEUM IN DAGUPAN CITY, PROVINCE OF PANGASINAN, DEFINING IT PURPOSES AND OBJECTIVES, AND APPROPRIATIONS.

This bill proposes the establishment of the "Edades and Bernal Museum" in Dagupan City, Pangasinan, as a tribute to two distinguished National Artists from the city: Victorio Edades and Salvador "Badong" Bernal. The legislation underscores the State's policy to conserve, promote, and popularize the nation's historical and cultural heritage and artistic creations, aiming to preserve the works of these national artists in a dedicated space that acknowledges their significant contributions. Victorio Edades is celebrated as the "Father of Mode...

Read More By Congressman Christopher “Toff” V.P. de Venecia

24 July

HB02648: AN ACT ESTABLISHING THE LINANGAN NG LIKHANG-BAYAN (INSTITUTE FOR LIVING TRADITIONS) TO ENSURE THE PROTECTION, PROMOTION AND DEVELOPMENT OF THE COUNTRYꞌS COMMUNAL TRADITIONS, AMENDING FOR THE PURPOSE REPUBLIC ACT NO. 10066 OR THE NATIONAL CULTURAL HERITAGE

This bill aims to establish the "Linangan Ng Likhang-Bayan (Institute for Living Traditions)" to protect, promote, and develop the communal traditions of the Philippines. This institute will serve as a central hub for technical, basic, and higher education, focusing on traditional and indigenous knowledge systems, and will be attached to the National Commission for Culture and the Arts (NCCA). Its creation signifies a crucial step in preserving the rich and diverse cultural identity of the Philippines, which is currently threatened by fore...

Read More By Congressman Christopher “Toff” V.P. de Venecia

11 July

HB01999: AN ACT AMENDING REPUBLIC ACT NO. 8370, OTHERWISE KNOWN AS THE "CHILDRENꞌS TELEVISION ACT OF 1997"

This bill proposes amendments to Republic Act No. 8370, also known as the "Children's Television Act of 1997," specifically regarding the composition of the National Council for Children's Television (NCCT) Advisory Committee. The explanatory note highlights the alarming statistics on Filipino children's television viewing habits, with many exceeding recommended daily exposure, often watching programs not specifically created for children during prime time. The bill emphasizes that such exposure can be detrimental to children's growth, pot...

Read More By Congressman Christopher “Toff” V.P. de Venecia

11 July

HB01998: AN ACT PROVIDING FOR THE DEVELOPMENT AND PROMOTION OF FILM AND TELEVISION TOURISM, PROVIDING FUNDS THEREFOR AND FOR OTHER PURPOSES

This bill seeks to develop and promote film and television tourism in the Philippines by establishing the "Philippine Film and Television Tourism Authority (PFTTA)". Recognizing film tourism as an effective promotional tool, as evidenced by its success in other countries like New Zealand and Scotland, the bill aims to fully realize the Philippines' potential as a viable filming location given its breathtaking scenery and rich culture. The PFTTA will replace the Philippine Film Export Service Office (PFESO) and will be tasked with promoting...

Read More By Congressman Christopher “Toff” V.P. de Venecia

11 July

HB01997: AN ACT PROVIDING FOR THE MAGNA CARTA OF YOUNG FARMERS

This bill, titled "The Magna Carta of Young Farmers," aims to promote the social and economic well-being of young Filipino farmers, defined as individuals aged 15-35 whose primary income comes from agriculture. The explanatory note highlights the alarming average age of Filipino farmers (57-59 years old) and the declining interest of younger generations in agriculture due to perceived low employment opportunities and the fact that farmers are among the poorest sectors in the country. The bill seeks to address this crisis by providing an en...

Read More By Congressman Christopher “Toff” V.P. de Venecia

04 July

HB01374: AN ACT PROVIDING FOR MANDATORY APPOINTMENT OF TOURISM OFFICERS IN PROVINCES AND CITIES AND OPTIONAL APPOINTMENT IN MUNICIPALITIES, AMENDING FOR THE PURPOSE REPUBLIC ACT NO. 7160, OTHERWISE KNOWN AS THE LOCAL GOVERNMENT CODE OF 1991 AS AMENDED, AND FOR OTH

This bill mandates the appointment of Tourism Officers in provinces and cities, with optional appointments in municipalities, by amending Republic Act No. 7160, also known as the "Local Government Code of 1991". The proposed legislation recognizes tourism's significant impact on the Philippine economy, citing its contribution to GDP and employment generation, with the industry creating approximately 100,000 jobs in 2017. The bill addresses the current non-compliance of most local government units with Republic Act No. 9593, which requires...

Read More By Congressman Christopher “Toff” V.P. de Venecia

House Bills