Speaker Romualdez applauds PBBM for signing 15 new laws during congressional recess

President Ferdinand “Bongbong” R. Marcos Jr. has signed 15 new laws while Congress is on recess, advancing significant reforms across agriculture, education, defense, and the judiciary—a move Speaker Ferdinand Martin G. Romualdez hailed as a testament to the administration’s commitment to resilience and national progress.

“The signing of these 15 new Republic Acts (RA) during the recess shows a relentless commitment to our people,” Speaker Romualdez, the leader of the 300-plus-strong House of Representatives said Monday.

“From strengthening our agricultural economy to enhancing judicial capacity and supporting education, these laws represent concrete steps to ensure a safer and more prosperous Philippines,” the Speaker added.

Among the newly enacted measures, which were signed between September 26 and October 30, are laws targeting agricultural smuggling, expanding judicial branches, and establishing a nationwide program for academic recovery. Congress will resume session this Monday, November 4.

Since President Marcos assumed office on June 30, 2022, a total of 103 bills have been signed into law, with 50 of national importance and 53 for local application.

The full list of newly signed laws is as follows:

1. RA 12022 defines the crimes of agricultural economic sabotage, prescribes penalties, vests jurisdiction over such offenses with the Court of Tax Appeals (CTA), and provides mechanisms for implementation and enforcement, repealing Republic Act No. 10845 or the “Anti-Agricultural Smuggling Act of 2016.”
2. RA 12023 amends sections of the National Internal Revenue Code of 1997, introducing new provisions to enhance tax administration and compliance.
3. RA 12024 revitalizes and strengthens the self-reliant defense posture program, promoting the development of a national defense industry and allocating necessary funds.
4. RA 12025 establishes five additional branches of the Regional Trial Court in the National Capital Judicial Region, stationed in Muntinlupa City, to improve judicial efficiency.
5. RA 12026 creates four additional branches of the Regional Trial Court in the Fourth Judicial Region, stationed in Calauag, Quezon Province, to enhance access to justice.
6. RA 12027 suspends the implementation of the use of the mother tongue as the medium of instruction for Kindergarten to Grade 3, as provided under the “Enhanced Basic Education Act of 2013.”
7. RA 12028 establishes the Academic Recovery and Accessible Learning (ARAL) program, allocating funds to support educational recovery initiatives.
8. RA 12029 creates two additional branches of the Regional Trial Court in the Fourth Judicial Region, stationed in Silang, Cavite, to address case backlogs.
9. RA 12030 establishes three additional branches of the Metropolitan Trial Court in the National Capital Judicial Region, stationed in Parañaque City, to expedite legal proceedings.
10. RA 12031 creates two additional branches of the Regional Trial Court in the Second Judicial Region, stationed in Cabagan, Isabela, to improve judicial services.
11. RA 12032 establishes three additional branches of the Regional Trial Court and two additional branches of the Municipal Trial Court in the Tenth Judicial Region, stationed in Dinagat Islands, to enhance judicial accessibility.
12. RA 12033 creates one additional branch of the Regional Trial Court, designated as a special court for drug cases, in Baybay City, Leyte, to strengthen anti-drug efforts.
13. RA 12034 establishes six additional branches of the Regional Trial Court in the Ninth Judicial Region, stationed in Diplahan, Zamboanga Sibugay, to improve legal services.
14. RA 12035 creates three additional branches of the Regional Trial Court in the Tenth Judicial Region, stationed in Valencia City, Bukidnon, to address judicial needs.
15. RA 12036 establishes four additional branches of the Regional Trial Court in the Eighth Judicial Region, stationed in Tacloban City, Leyte, to enhance judicial capacity.

“Our new law against agricultural economic sabotage directly targets those who seek to exploit our farmers and consumers through smuggling and other illicit activities,” Speaker Romualdez said, referring to RA 12022.

“Agriculture is the backbone of our economy, and this law will protect it by enforcing strict penalties and giving jurisdiction to the CTA, ensuring those responsible are held accountable,” he pointed out.

The Speaker noted that the other new laws address specific challenges facing Filipinos today as he emphasized the importance of expanded judicial access and strengthened educational support.

“The additional trial court branches will reduce case backlogs and ensure timely justice, while initiatives like the ARAL program and the strengthened defense posture reflect our commitment to education and national security,” he said.

The House chief emphasized that the new laws demonstrate a shared commitment to enhancing national resilience and improving public services, even while the 19th Congress is on recess.

“The passage of these laws underscores our dedication to meaningful progress and a stronger future for every Filipino,” he said.

The Speaker added: “These 15 new laws are only the beginning. We remain focused on legislation that brings real change, prioritizing safety, justice, and prosperity for all.”