Jasha Gamao

PASAY CITY—The Senate is moving decisively to transform the lives of Filipinos on the autism spectrum with the introduction of Senate Bill No. 1822, also known as the National Autism Care, Support, and Inclusion Act. 

Sponsored by Deputy Majority Leader Risa Hontiveros, this proposed measure aims to replace fragmented support systems with a unified, scientific national policy. 

“A measure that seeks to institutionalize an enabling and coherent national policy on how we as a state respond to autism spectrum disorder.” Senator Hontiveros said during her sponsorship speech. 

By streamlining the government’s response, the bill seeks to ensure that every individual with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) receives the specialized care, protection, and opportunities they deserve, effectively ending years of systemic neglect.

This legislative push marks a critical shift toward a more inclusive society where no Filipino is left behind due to neurodiversity. 

“Siguraduhin na walang Pilipinong may autism ang mapapabayaan at maiiwanan.” The lady senator added.

“Ensure that no Filipino with autism is neglected or left behind” The lady senator added.

The act focuses on creating a "clear, scientific approach" to autism, prioritizing accessible healthcare, tailored educational programs, and stronger social support networks. 

If passed, SBN 1822 will provide a sustainable framework for the government to better understand and address the unique challenges faced by the autism community, fostering an environment where inclusion is the standard, not the exception.

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PASAY CITY—The Senate took a decisive stand against the evolving landscape of cybercrime on Tuesday, February 10, by sponsoring Senate Bill No. 1819 sponsored by Senator Risa Hontiveros.

Senator Risa Hontiveros emphasized in her speech the need for this bill to address online sexual abuse for Filipino children.

“A measure that responds to one of the most brutal crimes of our time, one that hides behind screens but destroys real Filipino children.” Senator Hontiveros noted.

This landmark legislation aims to overhaul existing protections to better shield minors from online sexual abuse and exploitation. 

Lawmakers made it clear that as technology advances, the law must move faster, targeting the sophisticated digital loopholes that currently allow predators to operate in the shadows of the internet.

During the session, officials sounded the alarm on the "triple threat" of artificial intelligence, deepfakes, and instant digital payments, which syndicates now use to bypass traditional safeguards. 

The bill demands unprecedented accountability from tech platforms and financial service providers, stripping away the anonymity that often protects traffickers. 

By prioritizing the dignity of children over corporate negligence, the Senate is signaling an end to the era of digital impunity for those preying on the vulnerable.

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PASAY CITY—The Philippine Senate is taking a decisive stand against predatory lending tactics with the formal sponsorship of Senate Bill No. 1744 otherwise known as the “Fair Debt Collection Practices Act”.

Introduced during the plenary session on February 10, 2026, this landmark legislation aims to strip debt collectors of their "scare tactics" by strictly prohibiting harassment, threats, and deceptive misrepresentations. 

In his sponsorship speech, Senator Joel Villanueva took the plenary to introduce a bill that stands with the people who were victimized by grave debt collection practices.

“This representation rises to sponsor a measure that addresses one of the most silent yet devastating forms of abuse suffered by many of our people—unfair,  abusive, and predatory collection practices particularly those committed by certain lending companies.” The sponsor said.

By establishing a clear regulatory framework, the bill ensures that while financial obligations must be met, the dignity and privacy of every Filipino borrower remain protected from the psychological toll of aggressive collection practices.

“Ang utang ay obligasyon pero hindi po ito kasalanan at lalong hindi ito dahilan upang yurakan ang pagkatao ng iba.” The senator added in the continuation of his speech. 

“Debt is not an obligation, but it is not a sin and it is certainly not a reason to trample on the dignity of others.” The senator added in the continuation of his speech. 

Legislators emphasized that the measure is not an "escape clause" for debts, but a necessary balance to level the playing field between powerful creditors and ordinary citizens. 

The bill introduces stronger safeguards that prevent collectors from using unfair treatment to coerce payments, forcing agencies to operate within ethical boundaries. 

As the measure moves forward, the Senate reinforces a crucial message: financial accountability should never come at the cost of a citizen’s fundamental human rights.

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QUEZON CITY—The House Committee on Suffrage and Electoral Reforms has officially launched its high-stakes deliberations on a massive wave of legislation aimed at finally banning political dynasties in the Philippines. 

Chaired by Rep. Ziaur-Rahman "Zia" Alonto Adiong, the committee is reviewing over 20 separate bills including high-profile proposals from Speaker Faustino "Bojie" Dy III and Rep. Adrian Salceda that seek to enforce a constitutional mandate nearly 40 years in the making. 

The hearing highlights a growing legislative momentum to define exactly how many family members can hold office simultaneously, with some proposals, like Rep. Edgar Erice’s HB 2037, looking to strictly limit elective posts to just two relatives within the second degree of consanguinity.

Lawmakers are pushing these reforms as a direct response to persistent poverty and the "monopoly" of political power in the provinces. 

During the sessions, Chairman Adiong emphasized that the initiative is not an attack on specific families but a necessary step to ensure equal access to public service and leadership renewal. 

With the Anti-Political Dynasty Act now listed as a priority for 2026, the committee is working to consolidate these various versions into a single, constitutionally sound law that can survive the legal scrutiny of the Supreme Court.

PASAY CITY—The Senate Blue Ribbon Committee officially concluded its investigation into the Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR) this Tuesday, February 10, shifting its focus to a sweeping overhaul of the agency's audit protocols. 

The inquiry was originally sparked by a wave of taxpayer complaints detailing systemic corruption and "money-making schemes" orchestrated by revenue officers. 

Senators reviewed the BIR’s latest policy changes, which are specifically designed to strip away the unchecked power previously associated with the issuance of Letters of Authority (LOAs) and mission orders.

The committee emphasized that these reforms are not just administrative tweaks but are essential to restoring the public’s trust and protecting the national economy. 

Senate Blue Ribbon Vice Chairman and Senator Erwin Tulfo lauded the tax reforms but also warned that for the overhaul to be consistent and successful in its implementation.

“To the commissioner, these reforms are really wonderful way forward pero alam niyo naman ho uso sa atin ang ningas kugon…so, expect po dito po sa bagong pamunuan ng Bureau of Internal Revenue that we will continue to monitor.” The senator said.

Meanwhile, Senate Blue Ribbon Chairman Senator Panfilo Lacson ended the hearing with a bold warning to the BIR officials about the consequences they may face if they involve themselves in illegal schemes in the bureau.

“As a parting shot, before you start thinking something foolish, just imagine yourself wearing a yellow uniform na mayroong malaking PDL (Person Deprived of Liberty).” Senator Lacson said.

With the probe now closed, the pressure remains on the BIR to prove that these new safeguards will permanently end the era of audit abuse and help stabilize the country’s revenue streams.

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