PASAY CITY—The Senate closed out last week by approving nine bills, adopting one resolution, and ratifying two bicameral conference committee reports. The session covered a broad range of national priorities, including youth welfare, housing access, labor support, economic growth, and national security.

Youth protection and educational access were central to the week's legislative output. Lawmakers ratified the bicameral report for the Presidential Merit Scholarship Programs Act, sponsored by Senator Joel Villanueva, establishing expanded financial aid for deserving students pursuing higher education and technical-vocational courses. 

The chamber also passed on third and final reading the SMART KIDS Act, sponsored by Senator Robin Padilla, which restricts social media account creation for minors under 18 to enhance online safety.

Housing reform and labor support saw significant action with the passage of multiple measures. Senators approved four key housing bills sponsored by Senator Chiz Escudero, the Residential Emancipation for Calamity Survivors Act, the Affordable and Decent Rental Housing Incentives Act, the Rental Housing Subsidy Act, and amendments to the Urban Development and Housing Act while also ratifying the Condominium Redevelopment Act. 

To support Filipino workers, the Senate passed the Bagong Balikbayan Act for returning overseas workers, sponsored by Sen. Raffy Tulfo, as well as two measures sponsored by Sen. Erwin Tulfo to grant formal recognition and expanded insurance benefits to line workers nationwide.

The legislative package concluded with key measures addressing local industry and international relations. Senators passed on third reading the Kawayan Act, aimed at developing the national bamboo industry to stimulate rural economic growth. 

In foreign affairs, the chamber formally concurred in the ratification of the Philippines-France Status of Visiting Forces Agreement—marking the country's first status of forces pact established with a European nation.

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