THE House of Representatives (HRep) on Tuesday approved on third and final reading House Bill (HB) 10145, the measure which recognizes physicians collectively as fundamental pillar in a healthcare model that provides access to quality and cost-effective health services.
HB 10145, which will be known as the “Philippine Medical Act” when enacted, passed with 188 affirmative votes and three negative votes.
The measure shall govern the: a) standardization, upgrading and regulation of the basic medical education, medical internship, and postgraduate medical education and training; b) licensure and registration of physicians; c) supervision and regulation of the practice of medicine; d) integration of the medical profession under one national professional organization of physicians; and e) upholding preventive, promotive and curative disease prevention and promotion of health, patient welfare and patient safety as the primary consideration in the practice of medicine.
Meanwhile, a measure seeking to make sustainable transportation more affordable and reduce greenhouse gas emissions also hurdled third and final reading, with 196 affirmative, three negative votes and one abstention.
HB 10960, entitled “An Act Providing for the Tax and Duty Treatment of Electric Vehicles, amending for the purpose Republic Act 11697, otherwise known as the ‘Electric Vehicle Industry Development Act,’” is principally authored by House Ways and Means Committee chairperson Rep. Joey Salceda together with Representatives Margarita Nograles-Almario and Midy Cua.
Under HB 10960, the importation of completely built units of EVs shall be subject to a tariff rate of zero percent for a period of five years from the date of effectivity of the bill once enacted.
With 208 affirmative votes, the HRep also approved on third and final reading HB 11113 which shall mandate the installation of bigger plates in front of motorcycles; and aims to rationalize the penalties provided under Republic Act 11235 (Motorcycle Crime Prevention Act) commensurate to the offenses committed.
The House also approved on third reading (HB) 111072 enlarging the franchise area of Davao Light and Power Company Inc. to cover the areas of Davao City, Panabo City, Tagum City, Island Garden City of Samal and the municipalities of Asuncion, Carmen, Dujali, Kapalong, New Corella, San Isidro, Santo Tomas and Talaingod in Davao del Norte, and Maco, Davao de Oro.
HB111072 obtained 181 affirmative votes, nine negative votes and one abstention.
Deputy Speaker Antonio “Tonypet” Albano presided over Tuesday’s session.
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