Senator Loren Legarda lauded the Senate’s unanimous passage of Blue Economy Bill on the third reading on Monday.
Legarda, the principal author and principal sponsor of Senate Bill No. 2450, emphasized the importance of the proposed law since it provides more ways to protect and strengthen the Philippines' marine biodiversity.
“I welcome the support of our colleagues in voting to approve the Blue Economy bill on the third reading. This proposed measure establishes a comprehensive framework for the sustainable development and stewardship of our coastal and marine resources, which are vital to our nation's economy, environment and heritage,” Legarda said.
“The Blue Economy Act aligns with the Philippines' commitment to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, particularly Goal 14, which focuses on conserving and sustainably managing the oceans, seas, and marine resources,” she added.
Once the bill is signed into law, the potential of the Philippines' marine resources could be maximized through the adoption of more holistic approaches in coastal communities. This could be achieved through the promotion and adoption of sustainable practices and the protection of the country's rich marine biodiversity.
Blue bonds shall also be issued by the government, in which the proceeds will be exclusively applied to finance or refinance eligible blue programs, activities, and projects catering to the maritime industry.
“The Blue Economy Act represents a porthole, if you may, from which we can see what surrounds us. It is like the biblical talents left by the master for the servant to enrich. We are all given this wealth so we may be worthy stewards,” remarked the lawmaker.
“With the bill’s approval on the third reading, we fulfill our sacred duty to the planet and our people to protect the health and resilience of our coastal and marine ecosystems, while maximizing their potential to foster inclusive economic growth and enhance the well-being of present and future generations of Filipinos,” she concluded
Senator Loren Legarda filed a Resolution for the Senate to investigate, in aid of legislation, the recent series of child rape to strengthen the implementation of laws against it.
"We are very concerned with the alarming increase of child rape cases, especially that many of the perpetrators are relatives of the victims, trusted individuals," Legarda said.
"We need to find out whether our current laws are enough or are even being properly implemented to punish the guilty, protect the victims, and empower the state to help the victims recover anew," she added.
It may be recalled that the Commission on Human Rights (CHR) released a statement strongly condemning reported rape cases involving children.
The CHR also emphasized that the cases are a grave violation of human rights and stressed the need for effective protective measures for children.
According to the Child Protection Network Foundation, Inc. (CPN), 2,890 of the 4,079 child violence cases reported from January 1 to May 26, 2024, were sexual abuse/assault.
"We are seeking for Congress to pass Senate Bill No. 2401, which we filed, to institutionalize the establishment of Women and Children Protection Units in all government hospitals," asserted Legarda.
"We are also seeking to assess if the substantial amount spent regularly on gender issues is making a significant impact on the most critical issues on gender and child rights," she added.
Legarda, who pushed for the passage of numerous laws championing women's and children's rights, called for better implementation of them, such as the Anti-Violence Against Women and Their Children Act and the Special Protection of Children Against Abuse, Exploitation and Discrimination Act.
Also sought to be implemented properly are the Anti-Trafficking in Persons Act and its expanded version, and An Act Promoting for Stronger Protection Against Rape and Sexual Exploitation and Abuse, Increasing the Age for Determining the Commission of Statutory Rape.
