Senator Legarda helps steer 5 of 7 laws enacted in 20th Congress

Senator Loren Legarda contributed to the passage of five of the seven laws enacted so far under the 20th Congress, reflecting her involvement in measures focused on education, fiscal policy, governance, and veterans’ welfare.

As vice chairperson of the Senate Committee on Finance and a former committee chair, Legarda helped craft the P6.793-trillion General Appropriations Act for Fiscal Year 2026, or Republic Act (RA) 12314. The national budget earmarked P1.34 trillion for education, including P37.4 billion for the Universal Access to Quality Tertiary Education program.

She also authored and principally sponsored RA 12315, which extends the mandate of the Second Congressional Commission on Education (EDCOM II). In her role as EDCOM II co-chair, Legarda worked alongside education stakeholders to advance reforms aimed at addressing learning gaps.

Legarda likewise authored and co-sponsored RA 12316, known as the Fuel Tax Relief Act, which allows the suspension of excise taxes on petroleum products during periods of rising fuel prices to help reduce transportation and electricity costs.

In the area of governance and peace-building, she authored and co-sponsored RA 12317, the BARMM Governance Act, which reschedules the first regular elections in the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao to September 2026.

The senator also principally authored and sponsored RA 12320, or the Philippine Veterans’ Month Act, which institutionalizes programs recognizing Filipino veterans through education, remembrance activities, and benefits.

The remaining two laws enacted by the 20th Congress involve the naturalization of athletes Maodo Diouf (RA 12318) and Elizabeth Jeanette Means (RA 12319).

“In the Senate, every decision carries weight. Laws must always deliver real relief, open doors for learning, and honor those who gave their lives for the country. My duty is to stand firm, to act with conviction, and to make sure that the work we do leaves a lasting impact on the lives of our people,” Legarda said.

The senator also noted an increase in her legislative output during the first regular session of the 20th Congress. She has filed 170 bills, exceeding the 146 measures she authored throughout the entire three-year term of the 19th Congress. She has likewise authored 15 resolutions covering a range of issues, including education, agriculture, innovation, fiscal reform, climate action, culture, governance, social protection, defense, and veterans’ recognition.

Among the measures that advanced before the session adjourned were the proposed Aklan Piña Museum and Cultural Center Act, the bill institutionalizing Schools of Living Traditions, and the Geographically Isolated and Disadvantaged Areas Schools Act, which reached the enrolled bill stage following bicameral approval.

During the Senate’s special session on June 17, 2026, lawmakers approved on third reading Legarda’s proposed Waling-Waling bill, which she principally authored and sponsored. She also took part in the passage of other priority measures, including amendments to the Universal Access to Quality Tertiary Education Act and bills concerning barangay health workers, anti-political dynasty reforms, and agricultural cooperatives.