Marcos, Congress leaders push 44 priority bills

President Marcos and Congress leaders agreed yesterday to prioritize 44 key bills aimed at uplifting farmers and fisherfolk, expanding social services, modernizing governance, ensure energy security and strengthen the country's readiness for future challenges.

- By HELEN FLORES

At the Legislative-Executive Development Advisory Council (LEDAC) meeting, Marcos and the congressional leaders agreed to prioritize amendments to the Rice Tariffication Law and Fisheries Code to protect producers and consumers, empower coconut farmers and strengthen fisheries management.

In social protection, health, and education, priority bills include amendments to the 4Ps and Universal Health Care Act, creation of a National Center for Geriatric Health and passage of the Assistance to Individuals in Crisis Situations Act.

Other key education and nutrition-related bills include amendments to the Masustansyang Pagkain para sa Batang Pilipino Act, expanded aid to students and teachers in private schools and reforms in teachers' professionalization.

The agenda also included critical environment and infrastructure-related bills: the Department of Water Resources Bill, Waste-to-Energy Bill, amendments to the EPIRA Law, National Land Use Act, excise tax on single-use plastics, Blue Economy Act and biofuels reforms.