Mark Villar unveils priority legislative agenda for 20th Congress

MANILA, Philippines — Sen. Mark Villar opened the 20th Congress by filing 10 priority bills aimed at bolstering digital infrastructure, consumer protection and public welfare programs. The proposed legislation reflects his commitment to addressing emerging challenges in the digital era while enhancing social safety nets and public service delivery.

“Our legislative priorities were crafted to respond to the pressing needs of our people across various sectors,” said Villar.

A major focus of Villar’s agenda lies in strengthening protections in the digital space. The Scam Prevention Center Act introduces the Philippine Scam Prevention Center, a dedicated agency to coordinate nationwide efforts against online and financial fraud.

Meanwhile, the Enhanced Protection for Consumer Act updates the existing Consumer Act to impose tougher penalties on fraudulent schemes and improve product labeling standards.

The Use of Digital Payments Act promotes the government-wide adoption of secure digital transactions to improve efficiency and transparency in public services.

To improve safety and emergency responsiveness, Villar proposed the Abducted or Missing Persons Alert Act, inspired by the Amber Alert system in the United States. Complementing this, the Road Safety and Comprehensive Drivers Education Act aims to integrate road safety and traffic education into the K-12 curriculum.

Villar also seeks to expand support for underrepresented communities. The Magna Carta of Commuters advocates for better transportation services and commuter rights. The Universal Social Pension for Senior Citizens Act ensures a standardized pension system for all elderly Filipinos, removing barriers to access.

Additionally, the Educational Assistance Act for Children of Farmers and Fisherfolk proposes targeted support for rural families to guarantee their children’s access to quality education.

Two bills round out Villar’s agenda focusing on health care and grassroots leadership. The Free Annual Medical Check-Up Act of 2025 offers all Filipinos complimentary health screenings through PhilHealth. Lastly, the Adjusted Benefits for Barangay Officials Act aims to increase compensation and benefits for barangay leaders to improve governance and accountability at the local level.

These initiatives mark Villar’s continued drive for inclusive legislation that adapts to technological change while uplifting the most vulnerable sectors of society.