Refiling Disaster Resilience Dep’t bill tops Bong Go priorities in 19th Congress

Senator Bong Go's top priority bill in the 19th Congress is the measure creating the Department of Disaster Resilience, a government agency which was requested by the Duterte administration.

In the 18th Congress, Go filed Senate Bill 205, creating a focused department that will ensure a proactive approach to natural disasters.

The House of Representatives passed its version of the bill in 2020.

However, the bills filed in the Senate were not approved at the committee level, as some senators cited impracticability and possible lack of funding.

In May, the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC) said it wants the bill creating the department  to be passed under the new administration.

Go also refiled the bill creating the Virology Science and Technology Institute of the Philippines and the Center for Disease Control and Prevention.

Go also filed the following bills upon the opening of the 19th Congress:

• Free Annual Medical Check Up Bill
• Comprehensive Dialysis Benefit Package Bill
• Advanced Nursing Education Bill
• Rental Housing Subsidy Bill
• Mandatory Evacuation Center Bill
• E-Governance Bill
• Magna Carta for Barangays

Completing his top 20 measures for this Congress are the Magna Carta for PDEA Personnel Bill, Rural Employment Assistance Bill, Emergency Medical Services System, Free Legal Assistance to AFP and PNP Bill, Philippine National Games Bill, One Town, One Product Bill, Bill amending the Insurance Code, National Housing Development Production and Financing Program Bill, Barangay Health Workers Benefits and Compensation Bill, and Drug Abuse Treatment and Rehabilitation Centers Bill. — BM, GMA News