Rizal Hall, Malacañan Palace
October 9, 2018
President Rodrigo Roa Duterte led the presentation of three (3) Republic Acts (R.A.) in the sectors of education, labor, and property security, in a ceremony at the Rizal Hall in Malacañan Palace.
In his speech, the President conveyed his gratitude to the exerted collaborative efforts between the Executive and Legislative branches of the government, leading to the passage of the three (3) laws.
“These three legislative measures do not only represent the vibrant and constructive relationship between the Executive and Legislative branches of government, but also signify our common desire to set aside partisan and political interests so may — may we work together in securing the well-being of our people.”
The R.A. No. 11057, or the ‘Personal Property Security Act,’ is expected to promote economic activity by increasing access to least cost credit. The legislation was designed to be heavily beneficial to micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) by establishing a unified and modern framework on using personal property for securing obligations.
The second law, the R.A. No. 11058, or ‘An Act Strengthening Compliance with Occupational Safety and Health Standards’, recognizes the pivotal role of the labor force in nation building. As such, the law focuses on giving the labor force a more secure, safe, and healthy workplace.
It reinforces the Labor Code of the Philippines, established domestic laws, and internationally recognized standards, by making the employers comply with the necessary requirements for assuring healthy occupational conditions for the workers.
“This law will protect workers from the hazards of their own work environment by ensuring that existing labor laws and social legislation, as well as international standards in occupational safety, are strictly enforced,” the President stressed out.
Moreover, the Chief Executive also presented R.A. No. 11079, which provides for the Integration of the Maasin City College into the Southern Leyte State University (SLSU).
The new Education Law aligns with the government’s agenda on meeting the demands and improving quality of tertiary level education across the nation.
“It is my sincere hope that by affording the youth of Maasin City access to quality university education, they will be further inspired to take part in nation-building through highly specialized research programs in various fields of endeavor,” President Duterte stated, previously disclosing Maasin City as his place of birth.
“The passage of these laws speaks well of a new brand of leadership steering both Houses of Congress. It is only by working together can we – as elected representatives of our people – truly promote their welfare and serve public interest,” the President ended.
R.A. No. 11057, R.A. No. 11058, and R.A. No. 11079 were respectively received by Department of Finance (DOF) Secretary Carlos Dominguez III, Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) Secretary Silvestre Bello III, and Commission on Higher Education (CHED) Chairman Prospero De Vera III.
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