PNoy signs pro-poor laws

MANILA, Philippines – President Benigno “Noynoy” Aquino III signed into law several pro-poor bills, including the mandatory immunization for children and the extension of the lifeline electricity rates for poor consumers.

Aquino signed on Tuesday the extension of the lifeline rate for electricity which, he said, would “allow the less fortunate among us to put more of their resources into feeding themselves, or into saving enough to pay hospital or medicine bills. In short, extending this lifeline rate allows those shackled by poverty to focus more of their resources into keeping themselves and their families alive, while also giving them access to electricity.”

Also on the power sector, the President signed an act extending the existence of the Joint Congressional Power Commission (JCPC).

The JCPC was tasked to ensure the reforms in the Electric Power Industry Reform Act of 2001.

He also signed the Mandatory Infants and Children Health Immunization Act, which requires that all children under 5-years-old be given basic immunization against vaccine-preventable diseases.

Another one he signed into law is a bill allowing the employment of female night workers.

“Right now, industries, specially our BPOs, who are hiring women workers to perform night work are first required to secure an exemption from the
Department of Labor and Employment–and the strange thing is that this is not necessary in hiring male workers for the same assignment,” he said.

He noted this technicality should not give rise to discrimination.

“We are not satisfied yet. And these bills we are signing today do not mean we can rest. In fact, these bills symbolize the beginning of even more work, even more long nights of discussions and arguments, even more programs and support legislation to be instituted and passed all for the benefit of our people. These bills are only part of the foundation of the Philippines we want to build,” Aquino said. –abs-cbnNEWS.com