Summary
Highlights
Consideration of Senate Bill Number 1743 is suspended to allow colleagues further study. Senator Loren Legarda's manifestation on Senate Resolution 256 is inserted into the record. The session is then adjourned until 3:00 PM on Tuesday, February 10, 2026.
The 43rd session of the Senate in the first regular session of the 20th Congress is called to order. Senator Raffy Tulfo leads the chamber in prayer, emphasizing humble hearts, service, and seeking wisdom and integrity.
The Manila Chamber singers lead the singing of the Philippine National Anthem, followed by a musical performance. The secretary proceeds with the roll call of members, with 21 senators declared present, establishing a quorum.
Various guests from Kibawi, Bukidnon; Davao del Norte; Caloocan; Magsaysay, Negros; and Catbalogan City, Samar, are welcomed to the Senate. The journal of the previous session (42nd session, February 4, 2026) is approved without objection.
Messages from the House of Representatives regarding House bills (HB 6676 on energy storage systems and HB 7239 on mandatory insurance for frontline workers) are referred to relevant committees. Several Senate bills are also introduced and referred to committees, covering topics such as city conversion, tourism development, hospital establishment, natural resource protection, and social welfare.
Committee Report Number 25, jointly submitted by the Committees on Sports, Ways and Means, and Finance, recommends approval of a bill amending the National Athletes and Coaches Benefits and Incentives Act. Committee Report Number 26, from the Committee on Banks, Financial Institutions and Currencies, proposes a bill regulating debt collection practices.
Senator Francis Kiko Pangilinan sponsors proposed Senate Resolution Number 256, condemning recent public statements from the Chinese Embassy. Senator Alan Peter Cayetano interpolates, seeking clarification on the scope of the resolution and the diplomatic approach to China, emphasizing the need for clarity and avoiding oversimplified narratives.
The discussion delves into the appropriateness of public statements by officials, particularly concerning the caricature of the Chinese president by Commodore Tarlac. Senator Cayetano argues for adherence to diplomatic decorum, while Senator Pangilinan defends the resolution as a response to perceived systematic propaganda and attacks on Filipino officials.
Senators continue to debate the approach to the West Philippine Sea, with Senator Pangilinan emphasizing the need to stand firm against aggressive actions and Senator Cayetano stressing the importance of diplomatic channels and avoiding unnecessary provocations by officials.
The period of interpolation for Senate Resolution Number 256 is closed. Senator Pangilinan proposes amendments to the resolution, including statements from the Chinese Embassy, DND, and various senators and congresspersons, highlighting their controversial comments and calls to action.
Following the discussion and proposed amendments, Senate Resolution Number 256, condemning the public statements of the Chinese Embassy, is adopted without objection, with the additional statements to be incorporated subject to style.
Senate Bill Number 155, an act simplifying documentary requirements for government financial assistance, enters the period of amendments. Senator Irwin Tulfo introduces individual amendments, notably changing the short title to 'Direct Financial Assistance and Intervention (DAFI) Act' and streamlining processing timelines.
Further amendments to Senate Bill 155 are made, particularly regarding the representation for assistance requests, requiring representatives to be close relatives or legal guardians and limiting the number of beneficiaries per representative. The bill also streamlines the processing of requests.
Senate Bill Number 1629, mandating the establishment of multi-faith prayer and quiet rooms, is brought up for amendments. Senator Robin Padilla proposes changes to the short title and redefines 'government offices' and 'multi-faith prayer and quiet room' and 'public-facing establishments'.
Further amendments to Senate Bill 1629 focus on the recommended design and facility requirements for multi-faith prayer and quiet rooms, including minimum floor area, ventilation, appropriate flooring, configurable areas, ablution facilities, and signage. Importantly, smoking areas and comfort rooms are excluded from being designated as prayer rooms, with a clarification on ablution area placement.
Senator Pia Cayetano proposes amendments to Senate Bill 1629 to integrate the voluntary establishment of multi-faith prayer rooms as a non-obligatory criteria under the Seal of Good Local Governance for incentives. Senator Legarda introduces amendments for local government support funds to include the establishment of these rooms as eligible projects. Budget appropriation details for the bill are also outlined.
Following the period of amendments, Senate Bill Number 1629 is approved on second reading. Congratulations are extended to the sponsors and authors for their work on the bill.
Senate Bill Number 1743, amending the National Athletes and Coaches Benefits and Incentives Act, is sponsored by Senator Christopher Go. He highlights the bill's aim to provide equal incentives for para-athletes and to recognize their contributions, particularly after the Philippines' strong performance in recent games. The death of Master Sander Severino is acknowledged, and his contributions are honored.
Senator Go discusses funding for the increased incentives, citing the National Sports Development Fund (NSDF). He emphasizes the importance of providing tax exemptions for incentives, bonuses, and rewards granted to national athletes and coaches, whether from public or private entities. Senators Legarda, Padilla, and Cayetano express their support and intention to co-author the bill, with Senator Cayetano specifically advocating for the removal of the 6% donor's tax on awards.