Author: MAIN OFFICE

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.#

In celebration of the International Day of Education on January 24, CIBAC Party-list Representative Bro. Eddie Villanueva renewed his call to strengthen access to higher and technical education.

The CIBAC solon called support for his House Bill 7160 which expands the coverage and benefits of the Tertiary Education Subsidy (TES) under the Universal Access to Quality Tertiary Education Act (UAQTE).

HB 7160 seeks to clarify and expand TES coverage to include all state universities and colleges (SUCs), local universities and colleges (LUCs), public and private higher educational insitutions (HEIs), and public and private technical vocational institutions (TVIs).

The bill also broadens the allowable use of TES to cover essential education-related expenses such as transportation, learning materials, digital equipment, room and board, internship and related learning experience fees, and one-time costs for licensure and professional certification.

The measure further ensures continuity of TES support until program completion, subject to reasonable retention and residency requirements, shifting the focus from mere access to actual completion.

Rep. Villanueva said the observance of International Day of Education is a timely reminder that education must go beyond enrollment and address the real barriers that prevent students from completing their studies.

“Education is a fundamental right and a powerful equalizer. But for many Filipino students, especially the poor and near-poor, hidden and out-of-pocket costs continue to stand in the way of finishing college or skills training,” he said.

The CIBAC solon emphasized that the bill strengthens TES as both a social protection mechanism and a long-term investment in human capital. The bill counterparts a similar measure filed by Senator Joel Villanueva at the Senate.

“As we mark International Day of Education, we affirm that no student should be forced to abandon their dreams due to financial hardship. Investing in education is investing in justice, opportunity, and the future of our nation. This bill is our commitment to make education truly accessible, inclusive, and transformative for every Filipino learner,” Rep. Villanueva ended. #

Celebrating the international anti-corruption day today, CIBAC Party-list Rep. Bro. Eddie Villanueva calls on Congress anew for the immediate passage into law of the Freedom of Information (FOI) bill.

“On this special day, we renew our call for the swift passage of the long-overdue FOI bill. The passage of the FOI law is the most appropriate response to all the corruption scandals and exposes that shocked us in the past months and years. If we will not pass this now, we have already missed the point of it all. We will easily and immediately backslide to that miry clay of corruption again,” Rep. Villanueva said.

“Questionable budget insertions, ghost projects and substandard infrastructures will be easily spotted by a watching public. This is the most opportune time to give birth to this legislation. The FOI law will give life to the principles of transparency, accountability and people empowerment which are the best antidote to corruption in the government. No administration, even how well-intentioned, can fight corruption alone. The insatiable appetite for stealing in the government can only be counter by the perpetual oversight of an informed, empowered and vigilant citizenry. That is the gap the FOI bill will address,” added the CIBAC

CIBAC Party-List has been championing the FOI bill since 2002. This 20th Congress, CIBAC files House Bill 634 or the People’s Freedom of Information Act.

The bill creates the legal presumption in favor of access to information. Mandatory disclosure is the general rule and there is only itemized exceptions. Among those which shall be open to the public are asset declarations of officials, procurement contracts, bidding processes and results, government loans and guarantees, program of works of infrastructure projects, to name a few.

Information relating to national security, diplomacy, law enforcement, privacy, and trade secrets are exempt only if properly justified. Otherwise, courts may override in favor of public interest.

The bill also prescribes the statutory procedures as well as time line in accessing government information. Requests must be answered within certain number of days.

Any violation of the bill will be meted with fines and/or administrative and criminal prosecution.

“For decades, corruption has persisted not because we lack laws, but because we lack access. Every corruption scandal shares the same pattern: the public learns of the stealing post-factum, only after the fact; it does very little to prevent it. The FOI bill is a potent preventive weapon, the missing piece in the country’s anti-corruption arsenal,” underscored the CIBAC solon.

“Ako po ay nananawagan, iregalo po natin ito sa ating bayan, ipasa na po natin ang FOI bill,” Bro. Eddie emphasized.

Since 2003, the United Nations has designated December 9 of each year as the International Anti-Corruption Day to raise awareness about corruption and its effects and the need to fight it.

CIBAC Party-List Rep. Bro. Eddie Villanueva extends his deepest condolences to the family, friends, and loved ones of former Senate President Juan Ponce Enrile, who passed away after a fruitful lifetime of illustrious service to the Filipino nation.

“We mourn the passing of one of the most enduring figures in Philippine public service,” Rep. Villanueva said.

“For decades, Juan Ponce Enrile was a witness and participant in the nation’s most critical moments. Whether one agreed or differed with his views, no one can deny that he devoted his life to the service of the Republic.”

CIBAC honors Enrile’s valuable contribution to the country’s legal and political institutions—from his early years in government, to his pivotal roles during historic transitions in Philippine democracy. His longevity in service and intellect left an indelible mark on the Senate and the nation’s collective memory.

“On behalf of CIBAC and our constituents, we offer our sincere prayers and sympathies to the Enrile family,” Rep. Villanueva added.

“May they find comfort in the promise of God’s peace and eternal rest. As it is written in 2 Timothy 4:7, ‘I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith.’”

CIBAC joins the nation in honoring the life, legacy, and service of Juan Ponce Enrile, whose story will forever be part of the tapestry of Philippine history.

CIBAC Party-List Rep. Bro. Eddie Villanueva lauds the enactment of Republic Act No. 12312, or the Anti-POGO Act of 2025, which officially bans and declares illegal all offshore gaming operations in the Philippines, including related service providers and hubs.

The new law, signed by President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., repeals Republic Act No. 11590, which previously allowed the taxation of Philippine Offshore Gaming Operations (POGOs).

As principal author of the measure, Rep. Villanueva emphasized that the passage of this law marks a long-awaited moral and social victory.

“From the very beginning, we have warned that POGOs are not just an economic concern—they are a social menace,” he said. “Behind the revenues are stories of human trafficking, money laundering, and broken lives. This law finally puts an end to that deception.”

The Anti-POGO Act includes the following key provisions:

A total ban on all forms of offshore gaming operations, including service providers, hubs, and related businesses;


2. Revocation of all existing POGO licenses, permits, and accreditations previously issued by PAGCOR, freeport authorities, or other agencies;
3. Cancellation of work permits and visas for all individuals engaged in offshore gaming, with deportation for foreign nationals;
4. Inclusion of POGO-related violations as predicate crimes under the Anti-Money Laundering Act and as human trafficking offenses under the Expanded Anti-Trafficking in Persons Act;
5. Creation of a Filipino Workers’ Transition Program, through DOLE and TESDA, to assist displaced workers through reskilling and employment support; and
6. Establishment of an Administrative Oversight Committee led by the Presidential Anti-Organized Crime Commission (PAOCC), DOJ, DICT, and DILG to monitor implementation and compliance.

Rep. Villanueva also highlighted the bill’s broader moral implications. “We cannot build a nation on addiction, vice, and greed. This law reaffirms that we value human dignity over easy money,” he said. “Ang perang galing sa sugal ay perang may sumpa. Gambling destroys families, corrodes values, and invites corruption—and this law finally says: enough.”

The CIBAC solon reiterates its full commitment to ensuring the law’s faithful implementation and to advancing complementary measures such as the anti-online gambling bill which he is also pushing in Congress.

“Our stand remains clear: we will fight every form of gambling that preys on human weakness and undermines our nation’s moral foundation. we need to promote among our people the culture of hard work and industry which is a more reliable and God-approved path to better life,” Rep. Villanueva concluded. #

CIBAC Party-List Representative Bro. Eddie Villanueva extends his deepest sympathies and prayers to the people of Cebu and the Visayas region following the devastating 6.9 magnitude earthquake that struck last night, claiming lives and displacing families.

“We mourn with the families who lost loved ones in this tragedy and pray for those who are in hospitals. Our prayers rise to the Lord for comfort and strength for those who grieve, and for protection over our rescuers, volunteers, and emergency responders who are risking their lives to save others,” Rep. Villanueva said.

The CIBAC solon also called on government agencies and local authorities to ensure swift relief and safety measures.

“In times like these, we must stand united as one people—government, civil society, and church communities alike—to extend compassion, provide aid, and uphold the dignity of our kababayans affected by this calamity,” he added.

“As it is written in Psalm 46:1, ‘God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble.’ May this truth be our source of courage as we rebuild and recover,” Villanueva concluded. #

CIBAC Party-List Rep. Bro. Eddie Villanueva is urging Congress to scrap—or at the very least, strictly itemize—projects under Unprogrammed Appropriations (UA) in the national budget.

The CIBAC solon warns that while UA is supposed to be a standby authority to spend once revenues exceed targets, it has now grown into a massive lump sum that gives the Executive branch wide discretion which weakens transparency.

During the past Congressional hearings, the numbers show the alarming trend. In 2023, UA allocations soared to ₱807.2 billion, followed by ₱731.4 billion in 2024. For 2025, the General Appropriations Act included ₱363.42 billion in UA, while the proposed 2026 budget still sets aside ₱249.99 billion.

“Kahit pa standby authority lang pero kung ganito kalaki ang pera, dapat nakalista ang mga line item projects kung saan ito gagamitin. Accountability means that from the very beginning, government must be clear where people’s money will go,” said CIBAC Rep. Bro. Eddie.

The CIBAC solon stressed that this practice undermines Congress’ constitutional power of the purse.

“Right now, Congress approves huge UA funds without knowing the actual projects or beneficiaries. Only the executive knows how the funds are utilized, and Congress finds out only after the fact. This puts Congress on a reactive rather than a proactive position in preventing possible corruption,” he added.

To address this, Rep. Villanueva proposes to scrap UA entirely and just require the submission of a supplementary budget whenever revenues exceed projections. Or, or at the very least, itemize all UA projects in the General Appropriations Act to ensure transparency and scrutiny. He also warned of the risks if UA remains unchecked. Billions of pesos in previous years have been released without sufficient scrutiny, creating what he called a “dangerous opportunity” for political patronage and unaccountable spending.

“Public office is a public trust. Every peso must be accounted for through clear, itemized allocations that are subject to congressional debate and public oversight,” Villanueva said.

He further underscored that responsible fiscal management is also a moral responsibility.

“Excess revenues is a blessing from God and from the hard work of the Filipino people. The proper response is not to hide it under a catch-all appropriation, but to deliberately and transparently allocate it to vital services—health, education, agriculture, and jobs,” the CIBAC solon noted.

CIBAC reaffirmed its commitment to fight for reforms in Congress that will mandate itemized GAAs, regular reporting of UA releases, or the complete abolition of discretionary lump sums.

“Kung seryoso tayo sa pagbabago ng kultura ng pamahalaan, kailangan nating alisin ang kultura ng lump sum at palitan ito ng kultura ng transparency at pananagutan,” Rep. Villanueva concluded. #

CIBAC Party-List Representative Bro. Eddie Villanueva expresses strong support to Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) Secretary Vince Dizon for defunding and resetting the flood control projects for 2026 budget as the agency is looking for a science-based and integrated flood control master plan.

During the DPWH budget hearing at the House of Representatives this morning, Secretary Dizon said that the agency slashed P252 billion pesos worth of locally funded flood control projects for next year 2026 budget.

“We welcome Secretary Dizon’s resolve to clean up the flood control budget, defund inefficient and non-delivering projects, and remove duplicate projects, to come up with a really genuine and responsive flood control plan. This is exactly what CIBAC has been saying since 2023: there must be a real flood control masterplan and every project component of it must be really responsive to the problem so that there will be no room for corruption and wastage of funds. We believe it’s better to take a spending pause than to spend just for the sake of spending, especially that we know that we will just fund same kinds of projects that have been ineffective and corruption-laden,” he said.

Rep. Villanueva said that he filed House Resolution No. 208 which pushes for the adoption of a comprehensive, interconnected, and corruption-free national flood control master plan based primarily on finding by experts in the field like the Project NOAH. The resolution cites the worsening floods across Metro Manila and the provinces despite more than ₱1.5 trillion already allocated to DPWH flood control budgets since 2019.

In a budget briefing in 2023, Rep. Villanueva already stood up to question the effectiveness of flood control projects that has received substantial funding of more than 1 billion pesos a day. He said flooding has been worsening despite the billions of pesos spent. He was one of the first lawmakers to call for an investigation on flood control projects.

The CIBAC lawmaker stressed that the stakes are high as the Philippines remains the world’s most disaster-prone country for the third consecutive year.

“Lives and livelihoods are being washed away every typhoon season. It is not enough to keep building riverwalls and revetments without a coherent, science-backed framework. As experts have said, real flood control is not only an engineering or hard infrastructure intervention but a mix of reef to ridge solutions which will address environmental degradation and sustainability at its root,” the CIBAC solon added.

“Our people deserve real solutions—not ghost or overpriced projects, not piecemeal intervention, not corruption-ridden deals. We call for a flood control master plan that truly safeguards Filipino families and reflects the highest standards of stewardship and accountability,” Rep. Villanueva concluded.#