06/07/2025
Good Job Sen. Kiko and Sen. Bam
TOP 5 SENATORS WASTE NO TIME: LEGISLATION IN THE FIRST WEEK BRINGS PROMISING SOLUTIONS FOR FILIPINOS
The first week of the Philippine Senate has shown promising signs of momentum, as the top five elected senators quickly filed measures aimed at addressing some of the most urgent and widely felt concerns of the Filipino people.
Leading the Senate roster with strong public mandates, these five lawmakers bring with them a track record of action, either through legislation or public service, and their first week in office underscores that reputation.
1. B**g Go: "Mr. Malasakit" Doubles Down on Healthcare and Social Support
Senator Christopher "B**g" Go, re-elected with overwhelming support, wasted no time living up to his moniker, Mr. Malasakit. Building on the success of his Malasakit Centers, which have provided medical assistance to thousands of Filipino families, Go filed several healthcare-centered bills in his first week.
Key among these is the proposed PhilHealth ID Health Card, aimed at simplifying access to government health benefits. He also pushed for the creation of Mental Health Offices in State Universities and Colleges, recognizing the growing mental health needs of the youth. To ease the burden on the unemployed, his Indigent Jobseekers Assistance Act seeks to provide support to Filipinos seeking employment.
2. Bam Aquino: Champion of Youth and Education Returns with Bold Proposals
Senator Bam Aquino, credited for shepherding the landmark Free College Education Act, made his legislative comeback with a strong focus on young Filipinos.
In his first week, Aquino filed the School-to-Employment Program (STEP) Bill, designed to help graduates transition into the workforce. He also introduced the E-Textbook Para sa Lahat Act, pushing for accessible digital learning materials. Recognizing the realities of online education, his Student Discount Para sa Load Act proposes a 20% discount on mobile load, calls, texts, and internet services for students.
3. Bato dela Rosa: Tough Stance on Crime and Illegal Drugs Continues
Senator Ronald "Bato" dela Rosa, former chief of police and a central figure in the Duterte administration's anti-drug campaign, remains firm in his advocacy for law and order.
Within days of the new Senate's opening, Dela Rosa filed significant measures, including the controversial Death Penalty for Large-Scale Illegal Drug Trafficking, the Anti-Drug Abuse Council Act, and the ROTC Act.
4. Erwin Tulfo: From Public Service on Air to Policy-Making on the Senate Floor
Known for his brand of direct public service through radio and television, Senator Erwin Tulfo translated his advocacy into formal legislation in record time.
Among his first filed measures are the Medical Parole Act, which proposes conditional release for gravely ill detainees, and the Simplified Aid Access Act of 2025, which aims to streamline the process for Filipinos to access government assistance or "ayuda" โ a reflection of Tulfoโs longstanding commitment to the needy.
5. Kiko Pangilinan: A Steady Hand Advocating for Farmers and Food Security
Veteran lawmaker Senator Francis "Kiko" Pangilinan, known for his compassion-driven legislative record, placed agriculture and food security at the center of his Senate agenda.
His first week saw the filing of the Free Breakfast Program and Sustainable Agriculture Act, the Agricultural Land Conversion Ban Act, and the Urban Agriculture and Vertical Farming Act, all intended to uplift farmers, protect agricultural land, and ensure food security for Filipinos.
With three of the top five elected senators (B**g Go, Bam Aquino, and Kiko Pangilinan) having already delivered on campaign promises through concrete legislation in previous terms, and the other two (Bato dela Rosa and Erwin Tulfo) bringing their police and public service experience to national policy, the opening week of the Senate offers renewed hope for responsive governance.
As the new legislative session unfolds, many Filipinos are watching closely, hopeful that this early momentum translates to actual, tangible changes in their daily lives.