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Manila Bulletin devider Philippines devider National devider Romualdez hails Marcos for signing laws to improve these 3 sectors 

Romualdez hails Marcos for signing laws to improve these 3 sectors 

Published Mar 16, 2024 09:55 am

At A Glance

  • Speaker Martin Romualdez gave high praise to President Marcos for enacting three landmark laws that would address issues on educational equity, passport services, and the salt industry. 

viber_image_2023-02-27_13-37-13-360.jpgHouse Speaker Martin Romualdez (left), President Ferdinand "Bongbong" Marcos Jr. (Speaker’s office)

Speaker Martin Romualdez gave high praise to President Marcos for enacting three landmark laws that would address issues on educational equity, passport services, and the salt industry.

Romualdez, in a statement Saturday, March 16, said this underscores the administration’s commitment to driving positive change across sectors.

The laws he is refering to are Republic Act (RA) 11983, or the New Philippine Passport Act; RA No. 11984, otherwise known as the No Permit, No Exam Prohibition Act; and RA No.11985 or the Philippine Salt Industry Act.

Romualdez welcomed the enactment of RA No.11984, which prohibits the “no permit, no exam” policy in all educational institutions. He called it “a crucial milestone in our journey towards educational equity".

“By abolishing the ‘no permit, no exam’ rule, we are breaking down barriers and ensuring that every student, regardless of their financial background, has equal access to education,” Speaker said.

The leader of the 300-plus strong House of Representatives cited the significance of providing equal opportunities for all students to pursue their academic aspirations.

“Education is a fundamental right, and it is our duty to create an environment where every student can thrive,” he pointed out.

Meanwhile, the Speaker said the New Philippine Passport Act signifies a major overhaul of the passport application process in the country, aimed at streamlining procedures and ensuring accessibility for all citizens.

RA No.11983 repeals RA No.8239, also known as the Philippine Passport Act of 1996, and introduces several key reforms to the passport application system.

One of the primary objectives of the law is to develop a new generation of Philippine passports that meet international standards, ensuring greater security and functionality for Filipino travelers.

The new passport law ensures that the application process for regular passports is easily accessible, particularly for specific groups such as senior citizens, persons with disabilities, and overseas Filipino workers.

“By making the application process more accessible and user-friendly, we are empowering every Filipino to obtain travel documents efficiently and with minimal hassle,” said Romualdez, Leyte's 1st district congressman.

Romualdez likewise lauded the Chief Executive for signing into law RA No.11985, or the Philippine Salt Industry Development Act. It aims to revitalize and modernize the salt sector, positioning it for sustainable growth and international competitiveness.

“This legislation represents a crucial step forward in advancing the development and modernization of the salt industry in the Philippines,” the Speaker said. “This legislation underscores our commitment to supporting local industries and fostering sustainable production practices.”

RA No.11985 introduces the Salt Roadmap, aiming to enhance the salt industry's development, management, and modernization for sustainable production, potentially leading to salt exportation.

The law establishes a Salt Council to oversee implementation and exempts salt from certain taxes, designating priority areas for production. It exempts specific salt types from mandatory iodization, facilitating growth in creative industries.

“The ultimate goal is to facilitate sustainable production that could potentially lead to salt exportation, contributing to the country’s economic growth,” Romualdez said.

Related Tags

SALT INDUSTRY passport Martin Romualdez No Permit No Exam President Marcos
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