Philippine president seeks for passage of at least 5 priority bills

Philippine President Benigno Aquino III called on Congress on Monday to pass at least five priority measures before he steps down from office in June next year.

Aquino, in his final State of the Nation Address (SONA), expressed hope that the Bangsamo Basic Law, which he considered as the "most important," could be passed during the term of the current Congress.

The proposed BBL will be an instrument for the full realization of the peace pact between the Philippine government and the Moro Islamic Liberation Front, the largest Muslim rebel group in southern Philippines.

Aquino also wished for the passage of the bill on the Rationalization of Fiscal Incentives, the Unified Uniformed Personnel Pension Reform Bill, the proposed 3 trillion peso (65.93 billion U.S. dollars) budget for 2016 and the Anti-Dynasty Law.

The proposed Rationalization of Fiscal Incentives, once enacted into law, will correct many loopholes in the provisions of the incentives and rationalize taxation for the businesses in the country.

The Unified Uniformed Personnel Pension Reform Bill aims for a sustainable and just pension system for the uniformed services.

The Anti-Dynasty Law aims to stop the chances of a corrupt family or individual to keep an indefinite monopoly of public office. Endi