Author: MAIN OFFICE

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.#

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. #