By Helen Castaño | 01:51 PM June 24, 2025
TAGBILARAN CITY — Bohol 2nd District Representative Vanessa Aumentado has announced that several of her priority legislative measures will be refiled in the upcoming 20th Congress after these were stalled at various stages in the 19th Congress.
Aumentado said these bills had either been approved in the House of Representatives or had reached the Senate but were overtaken by the adjournment of the 19th Congress, requiring them to be refiled in the next legislative cycle.
Among the priority measures to be reintroduced are:
1. House Bill 4448 — “An Act Establishing Two (2) Additional Schools Division Offices in the Province of Bohol.”
This measure aims to enhance the delivery of basic education services by creating two additional Schools Division Offices in Bohol to address the growing needs of students and educators across the province.
2. House Bill 5415 — “An Act Establishing a Special Economic Zone in the Province of Bohol, Creating for That Purpose the Northern Bohol Special Economic Zone Authority, and Appropriating Funds Therefor.”
The bill seeks to spur economic growth and generate employment opportunities by developing a designated special economic zone in northern Bohol, envisioned to attract investments and industries to the area.
3. House Bill 5950 — “An Act Declaring the Immediate Underwater Environs of the Bien Unido Double Barrier Reef in the Municipality of Bien Unido, Province of Bohol, a Tourist Destination, and Appropriating Funds Therefor.”
This proposed legislation aims to formally recognize and protect the Bien Unido Double Barrier Reef as a tourist destination, promoting marine tourism while ensuring the preservation of its unique underwater ecosystem.
Aumentado reaffirmed her commitment to advancing these measures, stressing their importance to the province’s economic, environmental, and educational development.
“These are bills that will directly benefit Boholanos, create more opportunities for our people, and protect our natural treasures,” she said.
The 20th Congress is expected to open its first regular session in July 2025.
