Former Senate President Juan Miguel “Migz” Zubiri on Sunday, May 26, welcomed the ratification of three important priority measures that aim to stem corruption, prevent smuggling of agricultural goods and protect the rights of Filipino seafarers.

Both the Senate and the House of Representatives were able to ratify the proposed New Government Procurement Act (NGPA) (Senate Bill No. 2539), the Magna Carta of Filipino Seafarers Act (SB No. 2221) and the Agricultural Economic Sabotage Act (SB 2432) before they adjourned side die last week.

“I am confident that these soon-to-be enacted measures will address some of the most pressing concerns of our people,” Zubiri said.

“Mahalaga na nakikinig tayo sa boses ng taumbayan at matukoy ang mga dapat baguhin sa ating pamamalakad ng pamahalaan (It’s very important that we heed the call of the people and be able to identify what needs to be changed in government),” he noted.

The former Senate leader pointed out the ratification of these 3 measures is living proof that the Senate is doing its mandate in serving the Filipino people. 

“The laws we endeavor to pass are consistent with the government’s efforts to improve the lives of Filipino families and help our economy grow,” Zubiri explained.

“Allow me to thank my fellow senators who made sure that these measures are closely scrutinized so that they will serve their intended purpose,” he said.

Zubiri said the NGAP, principally authored and sponsored by Sen. Juan Edgardo “Sonny” Angara, aims to introduce introduce major reforms in the government procurement process, specifically in ensuring transparency and efficiency in the bidding process and awarding of government contracts.

“We started defending this measure several months ago. I have committed to the President that we will prioritize this, and we were able to deliver on that promise,” Zubiri said of the measure which was one of the priority bills identified in the Legislative Executive Development Advisory Council (LEDAC).

The Agricultural Economic Sabotage Act, meanwhile, repeals Republic Act No. 10845, or the Anti-Agricultural Smuggling Act, and will impose harsher penalties on individuals behind the smuggling, hoarding and cartels manipulating the supplies and prices of agricultural products once signed into law.

“I’m optimistic that this measure will not only protect our local farmers from greedy opportunists but will also help us attain food security in the years to come,” said Zubiri, a trained agriculturist.

“Moreover, I’m proud that we were able to shepherd these bills into fruition despite the outside partisan political noises that only serve the interests of a few,” he emphasized.