STATEMENT: PLCPD urges President Rodrigo Duterte to prioritize rights-based and people-centered legislation

July 24, 2017

July 24, 2017

July 24, 2017 marks President Rodrigo Duterte’s 2nd State of the Nation Address (SONA).

In his previous SONA, President Duterte presented a legislative agenda that prioritized tax reform, federalism, freedom of information, and the Bangsamoro Basic Law among others.

As an organization that engages policymakers in its advocacies, the Philippine Legislators’ Committee on Population and Development (PLCPD) believes that the support and policy direction of the President are instrumental in moving legislative measures towards enactment.

As such, we are hopeful that the President will include in his priority agenda bills that champion food and nutrition security, resilient housing, anti-discrimination, women and children’s rights, and especially—given the current situation in Mindanao—the protection of internally displaced persons and children in situations of armed conflict.

Moreover, we hope that the President will ensure the full implementation of the Responsible Parenthood and Reproductive Health (RPRH) Law, as the Executive has consistently pushed in the Executive Order No. 12, the President’s 10-point socioeconomic agenda, and the Philippine Development Plan 2017-2022.

We also hope that the Juvenile Justice and Welfare (JJWA) Act will be strengthened to protect children in conflict with the law and keep them from being involved in or be exploited for criminal activities.

These measures are rights-based and people-centered; they ensure that lasting solutions are put in place especially to improve the lives of the disadvantaged.

As Congress resumes session, PLCPD also calls on legislators to support these advocacies and include them in their priority agenda.

In the 2nd Regular Session of the 17th Congress, PLCPD vows to continue being vigilant towards the fulfillment of our advocacies and remain committed to the betterment of the lives of all Filipinos.