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Manila Bulletin devider Philippines devider National devider Neophyte solon Nazal vows to make predecessor Herrera proud

Neophyte solon Nazal vows to make predecessor Herrera proud

Published Jun 30, 2025 05:51 pm

At A Glance

  • First-time congressman, Bagong Henerasyon (BH) Party-list Rep. Robert Nazal has vowed to carry on the work begun by his predecessor, former Rep. Bernadette Herrera in the 20th Congress.
Bernadette Herrera (left), Bagong Henerasyon (BH) Party-list Rep. Robert Nazal (Facebook)
Bernadette Herrera (left), Bagong Henerasyon (BH) Party-list Rep. Robert Nazal (Facebook)


First-time congressman, Bagong Henerasyon (BH) Party-list Rep. Robert Nazal has vowed to carry on the work begun by his predecessor, former Rep. Bernadette Herrera in the 20th Congress.
“This is a new chapter for Bagong Henerasyon, but our commitment to inclusive, pro-people legislation remains. I’m here to carry forward the work Rep. Bernadette Herrera started—with urgency, passion, and a clear focus on serving all Filipinos,” Nazal said in a statement Monday, June 30.
Monday coincided with the first day of the filing of bills in the 20th Congress. Nazal didn't waste any time and filed a total of 10 measures--the maximum that was allowed on day one.
He said his 10 priority bills were aimed at addressing urgent concerns such as healthcare, food security, solo parent support, consumer protection, government reform and sustainable development.
Herrera--completed her full three terms spanning nine years from 2016 to 2025--had pursued bills of similar general themes.
Among the first measures that Nazal filed was the proposed Private Hospital Malasakit Centers Act, which seeks to establish Malasakit Centers in private hospitals to provide easier access to medical assistance for patients in need.
He also filed the proposed Right to Adequate Food Framework Act of 2025, which sought to create a comprehensive legal framework to secure every Filipino’s right to adequate and nutritious food.
The Financial Assistance for Solo Parents Program (FASPP) bill institutionalizes monthly aid for solo parents through the Department of Social Welfare and Development. This was the main advocacy of Herrera, a one-time deputy speaker.
Meanwhile, the proposed Goodbye 5-6 Act of 2025 aims to eliminate loan sharking by setting a nationwide interest rate cap, promoting responsible lending, protecting debtors, and banning abusive collection practices. It also seeks to empower government and private banks, as well as financial institutions, to expand microlending services for micro and small entrepreneurs.
The bill seeks to correct that injustice by institutionalizing, permanently and independently of Republic Act (RA) No.9501, a mandatory micro-lending quota backed by steep financial and criminal penalties for non-compliance. It imposes fines of up to four times the monetary shortfall, ineligibility for government credit programs; and, for willful or repeated violators, revocation of lending licenses and imprisonment of responsible officers.
Nazal also filed the proposed Gobyernong Walang Padrino Act, which promotes meritocracy and transparency in government by banning political patronage in appointments, promotions, and distribution of benefits.
To prepare Filipinos for a tech-driven and climate-resilient future, he filed the Philippine Future Skills Act, which institutionalizes training in artificial intelligence, coding, data science, climate adaptation, and green technologies in both basic and higher education.
''As your voice in Congress, I’ll ensure BH [Party-list] continues crafting laws grounded in compassion, common sense, and empowerment,” Nazal said.
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