Rizal Hall, Malacañan Palace
June 16, 2021
President Rodrigo Roa Duterte recognized the efforts of both the legislative and executive branches in the enactment of several laws which he considers an attestation of the government’s steadfast efforts in ensuring that the administration’s agenda will be translated into programs that would improve the lives of the Filipinos.
In his remarks during the ceremonial re-enactment of the signing of bills, President Duterte said that these laws shall bring the government closer to the Filipino people by opening more opportunities and more inclusive services to the nation.
Among the recently signed laws that the President ceremonially signed were the following: Republic Act (RA) No. 11549 or An Act Lowering the Minimum Height Requirement for Applicants of the Philippine National Police (PNP), Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP), Bureau of Jail Management and Penology (BJMP), and Bureau of Corrections (BuCor); RA No. 11544 or An Act Converting the Municipality of Calaca in the Province of Batangas Into a Component City To Be Known as the City of Calaca; RA No. 11545 or An Act Reapportioning the First Legislative District of the City of Caloocan Into Two (2) Legislative Districts; and RA No. 11546 or An Act Reapportioning the Province of Bulacan Into Six (6) Legislative Districts.
The Chief Executive appealed to both Houses of Congress to give priority to pending bills that cater to the current flagship programs of the administration.
“And this will include the Comprehensive Tax Reform Program, the Retail Trade Liberalization Act, the Foreign Investments Act and the Public Service Act. I ask Congress to act on these legislative measures so that they may be sent back to my desk for signature at the earliest possible time,” President Duterte said.
Amid the effects of the Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic in the country, the President encouraged more government agencies to foster greater cooperation with each other.
Further, he assured his ‘kababayans’ of the government’s relentless efforts to improve the nation’s way of life.
“Now, more than ever, we need to follow the whole-of-nation approach in ensuring an inclusive and seamless response to the current challenges facing the nation. Together, let us remain partners in securing a more promising future for our beloved country and for the next generation,” President Duterte said.
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