In a year marked by bold decisions and the controversial collapse of a once-formidable alliance, President Marcos enacted laws reflecting his commitment to economic revitalization, social equity, and national security.

From fortifying the country's maritime sovereignty to revitalizing its defense industry, overhauling tax incentives, and championing education recovery, the landmark laws signed by Marcos this year signal that the Philippines is ready to stand on the global stage while ensuring prosperity and justice at home.

Ahead of the signing of the 2025 National Budget on Dec. 30, here's a quick look at the landmark laws signed by President Marcos this past year.

Maritime Rights and National Security

In a bold move to assert the Philippines' maritime claims, particularly in the disputed South China Sea, Marcos signed the Philippine Maritime Zones Act (Republic Act No. 12064) and the Philippine Archipelagic Sea Lanes Act (RA 12065) in November.

These laws, designed to align domestic legislation with international maritime law, reinforce the country's jurisdictional boundaries and rights. They define the country's maritime zones, including internal waters, archipelagic waters, territorial sea, contiguous zone, exclusive economic zone, and continental shelf, per the 1982 United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS) and the 2016 Arbitral Tribunal ruling.

This legislative action has sparked international dialogue, notably with China, which strongly objected to these laws.

Marcos said that by clearly defining maritime zones and rights, the government could protect Filipino fishermen and strengthen its national defense.

In a parallel effort, President Marcos signed RA 12024, or the Self-Reliant Defense Posture Revitalization Act in October, which aims to reduce dependence on foreign defense imports by promoting local production of military equipment, from small arms to advanced systems. This law likewise seeks to foster innovation in security technology tailored to Filipino needs.

Economic Reforms and Investment Incentives

One of the most pivotal laws signed by President Marcos in 2024 was RA 12066, or the Corporate Recovery and Tax Incentives for Enterprises to Maximize Opportunities for Reinvigorating the Economy (CREATE MORE) Act. This legislation, signed in November, reduces corporate income tax rates for registered business enterprises from 25 percent to 20 percent and extends fiscal incentives for strategic investments.

The reform aims to attract foreign investors by offering enhanced deductions and flexible work arrangements, such as permitting up to 50 percent of employees in registered enterprises to work from home while retaining tax benefits.

Meanwhile, President Marcos also signed RA 12023, which imposes a 12-percent value-added tax (VAT) on digital services on Oct 2. This measure enhances the Bureau of Internal Revenue's (BIR) capability to collect taxes from digital transactions.

Social and Educational Advances

On the social and education front, Marcos signed RA 12080, or the Basic Education Mental Health and Well-Being Promotion Act, this month. It introduces comprehensive mental health support in schools, including establishing counselor positions.

In signing the law, Marcos cited the need to acknowledge the growing need for mental health education and support among the youth, aiming for a more resilient future generation.

In addition, RA 11984, or the Anti-No Permit, No Exam Act, signed in March this year, ensures that financial constraints do not hinder educational opportunities, allowing students to take examinations even without a permit.

In October, President Marcos signed the Academic Recovery and Accessible Learning (ARAL) Program Act or RA 12028. It establishes a national learning intervention program to help students recover from learning gaps exacerbated by the Covid-19 pandemic.

The law focuses on essential learning areas, such as reading, mathematics, and science. It offers flexible delivery modes such as face-to-face, online, or blended learning to accommodate diverse learner needs.

Meanwhile, in support of the workers in the movie and television industry, Marcos signed, in May, RA 11996, or the Eddie Garcia Law which provides for the implementation of work hours, wages and other wage-related benefits, social security, and welfare benefits, basic necessity, health and safety, working conditions and standards, and insurance.

The new law, named after the late veteran actor Eddie Garcia who died while filming on the set, states that the worker and the employer or principal shall execute an agreement or an employment contract in a language or dialect understood by both parties before the commencement of service.

In September, Marcos signed RA 10201, or the Magna Carta of Filipino Seafarers. This law aims to protect the rights and overall welfare of domestic and overseas Filipino seafarers and promote their full employment.

Agricultural Sector Support

Addressing challenges in agriculture, President Marcos signed RA 12022, or the Anti-Agricultural Economic Sabotage Act, in September. It defines and penalizes crimes related to agricultural economic sabotage, including large-scale smuggling of agricultural products, hoarding, profiteering, and cartelization.

This law likewise grants jurisdiction to the Court of Tax Appeals and strengthens enforcement mechanisms to protect farmers and consumers from illicit activities that disrupt the agricultural economy.