Author: MAIN OFFICE

In observance of World Health Day, CIBAC Party-list Rep. Bro. Eddie Villanueva renewed his push for the swift passage of a measure that mandates the establishment of dialysis centers in all national, regional, and provincial hospitals to ensure accessible and free dialysis treatment for indigent patients.

Rep. Villanueva earlier filed House Bill No. 7148 that mandates the Department of Health (DOH), in coordination with local government units and PhilHealth, to expand hospital-based dialysis facilities and guarantee free treatment for indigent patients.

Data from PhilHealth as of February 2026 show that there are 834 accredited dialysis clinics nationwide—797 of which are privately operated and only 37 government-owned. Of these, 521 are concentrated in Mega Manila, highlighting the stark imbalance in access to life-saving treatment. While the number of centers has increased in recent years, the limited availability of dialysis clinics in rural regions remains a major challenge of the country’s healthcare system. Experts also estimate that at least 13 million Filipinos are affected by various stages of chronic kidney disease (CKD), further underscoring the urgent need to expand accessible and affordable care.

Rep. Villanueva underscored that despite expanded PhilHealth coverage of up to 156 dialysis sessions per year, many patients with end-stage renal disease continue to shoulder out-of-pocket expenses that can exceed ₱1 million annually once the costs of medicines, laboratory tests, transportation, lost income, and limited access to dialysis centers are considered.

“Dialysis may be covered on paper, but for many Filipino families, survival remains painfully expensive,” he said.

Aside from an initial appropriation of Php 1 billion, the bill also authorizes DOH to receive donations and likewise provides for donor’s tax exemption in order to augment funding mechanisms for the establishments of additional dialysis clinics.

“Health care should heal, not impoverish. When a patient must spend close to—or even more than—a million pesos a year just to survive, that is no longer just a medical concern—it is a moral issue and a test of our commitment to justice and compassion,” Villanueva stressed.

Aligned with the call of World Health Day to promote equitable access to health services, CIBAC Rep. Villanueva emphasized that strengthening dialysis care is a necessary step toward a more inclusive and responsive healthcare system.

“A nation that values life must ensure that illness is not a death sentence for the poor. Access to life-saving treatment must never depend on one’s income or location,” ended the CIBAC solon. ###

CIBAC Party-list Rep. Bro. Eddie Villanueva backs the 3rd reading approval at the House of Representatives of House Bill 8418 which seeks to lower oil prices by suspending or reducing the excise taxes on petroleum products during national or global economic emergencies.

“Global fuel price volatility quickly translates into higher transport costs and rising prices of goods and services. At this point of time, it is an imperative moral duty of the government to exhaust all efforts to cushion the adverse impacts of the current oil price surges due to the tension in the Middle East countries. Capacitating the government with the necessary flexibility to act with dispatch to lower the prices of fuel products during the current extraordinary situation is among the necessary steps that must be taken. We call on the swift enactment of this measure,” says Rep. Bro. Eddie Villanueva who is one the principal authors of the House Bill 8418.

House Bill 8418 grants the President power to suspend or reduce the imposition of excise tax on fuel products under statutory conditions, namely: when the average Dubai crude oil price based on Mean of Platts Singapore (MOPS) has reached US 80 dollars per Barrel, or, when a state of national emergency or calamity has been declared by the President and has resulted to extraordinary increases in domestic pump prices of petroleum products.

CIBAC Party-List Rep. Bro. Eddie Villanueva has filed House Bill No. 8262, or the “Social Media Protection for Minors Act,” seeking to prohibit individuals aged 16 and below from accessing social media platforms in the Philippines.

The measure responds to escalating global concern over the impact of social media on children’s mental health, safety, and developmental well-being. Several countries—including Australia, Spain, and France—have recently introduced landmark restrictions on minors’ social media use, while Indonesia has begun laying the groundwork for similar prohibitions.

Rep. Villanueva said these global initiatives highlight the need for governments to adopt a stronger role in ensuring safe digital spaces for young people.

Under HB 8262, social media platforms—not minors or their parents—bear primary responsibility for preventing underage access. The bill mandates platforms to deploy robust age-assurance technologies, promptly remove accounts reasonably suspected to belong to minors, and submit periodic transparency reports detailing their compliance actions.

Rep. Villanueva underscored the urgency of the measure, citing the mounting risks posed by algorithm-driven addiction, exposure to violent or sexual content, and online exploitation.

“Protecting minors from unfiltered and harmful social media exposure is a moral and national responsibility. The unchecked impact of social media on young people—seen in addiction, exposure to sexual and violent content, exploitation, and identity confusion—poses long-term dangers not only to individual well-being but also to social cohesion and civic life,” he said.

The bill also integrates the complementary roles of parents, schools, and digital platforms, emphasizing that safeguards must be carefully designed to avoid unintended consequences. “This measure avoids simplistic or punitive approaches. Overly strict restrictions may drive minors into less regulated online spaces. HB 8262 must be understood as part of a broader protective framework—one that includes digital literacy, school engagement, and parental guidance—to ensure we do not increase vulnerability while attempting to promote safety,” Rep. Villanueva added.

CIBAC Party-List Representative Bro. Eddie Villanueva is pushing for the passage of House Bill No. 8261, a measure that would allow the temporary suspension of excise taxes on gasoline and diesel once global crude oil prices reach USD 80 per barrel.

The bill amends Section 148 of the National Internal Revenue Code to establish a trigger-based mechanism tied to the average Dubai crude oil price, based on the Mean of Platts Singapore (MOPS) or other internationally recognized benchmarks.

Rep. Villanueva said the measure comes amid renewed volatility in global oil markets driven by geopolitical tensions and threats to key shipping routes, developments that have already led to domestic pump price hikes and inflationary pressure.

“The purpose of this bill is to provide a fiscal tool and mechanism that allows for the temporary suspension or reduction of excise taxes when global crude price benchmarks reach levels that pose significant inflationary risk to the Philippine economy,” he said.

He stressed that the proposal does not mandate automatic tax removal. Any recommendation must be based on inflationary pressures, consumer price impact, fiscal position and revenue implications, macroeconomic stability, and the presence of extraordinary geopolitical or supply disruptions.

The measure also provides that any suspension or reduction must specify its duration and will automatically lift once average Dubai crude prices fall below USD 80 per barrel for at least 30 consecutive days. The Department of Finance is required to submit a report to Congress detailing the economic and fiscal basis for its recommendation.

“This approach aligns public fiscal policy with real-world market conditions, protecting consumers and the broader economy from rapid fuel price inflation while preserving the State’s ability to safeguard revenue and macroeconomic stability,” Rep. Villanueva ended.#

In celebration of the EDSA People Power Day, CIBAC Party-List Rep. Bro. Eddie Villanueva renewed his push for the passage of a measure that will allow direct people participation in legislation.

The CIBAC solon had earlier filed House Bill 7147, or the proposed “Crowdsourcing Act,” which aims to provide a mechanism through internet and mobile applications where people can directly provide and initiate legislative ideas. He emphasizes that the spirit of “People Power” must not be a thing of the past but must translate into substantial, concrete and actual citizen participation in governance.

“The true essence of People Power is not confined to a single historic moment. It must be embedded in our institutions,” he said. “Through this measure, we open wide the doors of legislation and governance to the Filipino people wherever they are — at home or abroad.”

Under the bill, both Houses of Congress will open their legislative processes to public inputs through official online portals. Committees may consider citizen submissions in their deliberations and issue feedback reports acknowledging public participation. The comments from the public shall be part of committee deliberations.

Further, the measure mandates the Presidential Legislative Liaison Office (PLLO) to provide an online platform where people can start a campaign or petition to review, amend or repeal a law, or create a bill, the result of which will be transmitted to Congress for appropriate action.

The bill also requires registration safeguards consistent with the Data Privacy Act and mandates monitoring systems to analyze public sentiment and emerging policy concerns.

“The Constitution declares that sovereignty resides in the people and all government authority emanates from them. In the digital age, that democratic mandate must evolve and adapt. We must take advantage of the technological advancement to give flesh to this principle. By bridging the gap between the people and the halls of legislation, this measure makes policymaking more democratic, participative, transparent, inclusive, and responsive. In doing this, we give more voice to the real people power,” Rep. Villanueva ended. #

CIBAC Party-List Representative Bro. Eddie Villanueva underscored the importance of clear and inclusive communication in governance as the country marks International Mother Language Day on February 21.

Rep. Villanueva said language is not only a tool for expression but also a gateway for citizens to access their rights and government services.

“When the government speaks in language the people cannot understand, it creates exclusion. But when communication is clear and accessible, it empowers citizens and strengthens trust in institutions,” he said.

In line with this, the CIBAC solon is pushing for the passage of the Plain Language in Government Documents Act or House Bill No.7166, which requires all government-issued advisories, notices, forms, and similar documents to be written in clear and understandable language.

The measure mandates the use of English, Filipino, and, when appropriate, regional languages or dialects to ensure that government information is easily understood by ordinary Filipinos, especially those in underserved communities.

The proposed bill also aims to promote transparency and accountability by removing overly technical and legal language that often limits access to public services and benefits. It includes provisions for training government personnel, in coordination with the Komisyon sa Wikang Filipino, to ensure proper and consistent implementation across agencies.

Rep. Villanueva further emphasized that making government communication easier to understand is key to inclusive governance and called for the swift passage of the measure to ensure that no Filipino is left behind due to language barriers.

 “Truth must be spoken plainly. A government that values integrity must also value understanding. Clear language is an act of justice and service to the people,” he ended.

CIBAC Party-List Rep. Bro. Eddie Villanueva filed House Bill No. 7736 or the proposed “Fair Debt Collection Practices Act,” a measure that seeks to regulate debt collection practices and protect borrowers from abuse, harassment, and deception.

The bill serves as House counterpart of similar Senate measure being sponsored by Senator Joel Villanueva, which aims to address the rising complaints against financing companies, lending firms, and online lending platforms about unfair and oppressing debt collection practices.

Rep. Bro. Eddie stressed that while access to credit is vital for financial inclusion, the rapid expansion of lending — especially through online platforms — has been accompanied by widespread reports of abusive and unfair collection methods.

“These practices include harassment, public shaming, intimidation, misuse of personal data, and threats of criminal prosecution, which undermine human dignity and erode public trust in the financial system,” he said.

The measure establishes a rights-based framework that clearly defines allowable and prohibited debt collection conduct. It expressly bans harassment, threats, repeated and indiscriminate calls and messages, public disclosure of debts, misuse of personal data, and false representations involving arrest or imprisonment. The measure also requires loan cost transparency, including a built-in loan calculator for online lending platforms, so borrowers can clearly see the true cost of credit before entering into any agreement.

The CIBAC solon clarified that the bill protects borrowers without blocking lawful collection.

“Importantly, the measure does not interfere with legitimate debt recovery or judicial remedies. It ensures that collection efforts remain lawful, proportionate, and respectful of due process. While debts may be enforceable, harassment, humiliation, and coercion are not,” added Rep. Bro. Eddie.

The proposed law also provides civil remedies for victims of abusive collection practices, and imposes solidary liability on creditors for violations committed by their agents and/or contractors.

CIBAC underscored that the measure is part of its continuing consumer protection agenda and urged swift congressional action, emphasizing the need to safeguard ordinary Filipinos — especially low-income and first-time borrowers — from exploitative lending and collection practices.#

As the nation welcomes the new lawyers during the oath-taking of the 2025 Bar Examination passers at the Philippine Arena in Bocaue, Bulacan on February 6, 2026, CIBAC Party-List Representative Bro. Eddie Villanueva congratulated the new lawyers and urged the swift passage of the Abogado Para sa Bayan Act, a proposed measure aimed at supporting the next generation of aspiring lawyers and expanding access to justice for the poor and marginalized.

“Congratulations to our new lawyers. Your success is not only a personal victory—it is a calling,” Rep. Villanueva said. “As we celebrate this milestone today, we must also act to help the next batch of Bar examinees who have the heart to serve but lack the financial means. The law must be accessible not only to those who can afford it, but also to those who are willing to use it in service of the people.”

The Abogado Para sa Bayan Act proposes the establishment of a Legal Scholarship and Return Service Program (LSRS) that will provide full tuition support and education-related allowances for qualified law students pursuing a Juris Doctor or Bachelor of Laws degree in State Universities and Colleges (SUCs) or partner private institutions. Covered benefits include books, review classes, and licensure fees. In return, graduates who pass the Bar will be required to render two years of mandatory public service in government institutions such as the Public Attorney’s Office, the National Prosecution Service, the courts, and other legal aid offices serving underserved communities.

The measure authorizes the Legal Education Board (LEB) to determine the number and geographic allocation of scholars based on the shortage of government lawyers nationwide, ensuring that assistance is directed to areas most in need.

Rep. Villanueva said the bill is a timely response to the high cost of legal education and the continuing shortage of lawyers in government service, stressing that many qualified and service-oriented law students are unable to pursue or complete their studies due to financial constraints.

“CIBAC has always stood for integrity, accountability, and moral leadership,” he added. “A society anchored on justice must invest in lawyers who will defend not only the law, but the people it is meant to protect.”#

As January marks a tax compliance season, CIBAC Rep. Bro. Eddie Villanueva, renews his call for the urgent passage of House Bill No. 5438 which mandates a three-year income tax holiday for newly registered micro-enterprises to help them recover, stabilize, and grow amid rising costs and economic uncertainty.

Under the bill, micro-enterprises with fewer than ten employees will be exempt from paying income taxes for their first three years of operation, allowing small entrepreneurs to reinvest earnings into operations, wages, and expansion instead of immediately bearing heavy tax obligations. CIBAC stressed that this measure is especially critical during tax season, when compliance costs often weigh heaviest on the country’s smallest businesses.

“For micro-entrepreneurs, the first few years determine whether a business survives or shuts down. A three-year income tax holiday gives them the breathing room they need to recover capital, create jobs, and become sustainable contributors to the economy—without fear of being crushed by taxes before they even gain footing,” said the Rep. Bro. Eddie.

Villanueva emphasized that micro-enterprises comprise 99.63% of all businesses nationwide and generate over 6.4 million jobs, yet are the most vulnerable to economic shocks and rising operating costs.

“If we want MSMEs to grow, formalize, and hire more Filipinos, we must stop treating them like large corporations,” he said. “This tax holiday is not a giveaway—it is an investment in jobs, livelihoods, and inclusive growth.”

The CIBAC solon underscored that easing tax burdens during the critical start-up years encourages formalization, broadens the tax base in the long term, and ensures that public policy supports—not stifles—entrepreneurship.

As also an indirect anti-corruption mechanism, the bill complements the income tax holiday with simplified compliance requirements and a mandate for the Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR) to establish a fully digital registration and filing system.#

In a privilege speech delivered on National Bible Day, CIBAC Party-List Representative Bro. Eddie Villanueva reminded the nation that the Bible remains a moral and spiritual compass for the Filipino people, urging leaders and citizens to return to Biblical teachings on truth and transparency as well as warning against greed for money as foundations of national reformation and renewal.

At the heart of speech, Villanueva delivered a pointed reminder on upholding truth and accountability, which he described as essential to national freedom.

“Mr. Speaker, kung patuloy po nating itatago ang katotohanan, nilalagay po natin ang buong bansa sa patuloy na sumpa, kung saan walang kaayusan, walang kalayaan at walang kasaganaan,” said Bro. Eddie, referring to the country’s leading challenges on addressing rampant corruption and chronic poverty.

He warned that suppressing the truth places the nation under a continuing curse of disorder and unrest, and might lead to social revolution.

“This is not a political speech. I do not mean any political color or whatsoever. This is just plain Word of God from the Bible. Ito po ang simpleng mensahe ng Diyos ngayong National Bible Day,” said Bro. Eddie.

The CIBAC solon concluded by calling on the Filipino people to heed Biblical teachings, citing Deuteronomy 28:1–2 which promises blessings to those who obey God but curses for those who disobey what the Bible say.

Pursuant to Republic Act 11163, National Bible Day is observed annually to recognize the crucial role of the Bible in shaping the faith, values, and moral life of the Filipino people.#