BACOLOD CITY – Three bills of national significance authored by the lone district solon here are up for committee hearings in the 18th Congress, moving a step closer toward becoming laws in the country.
These are the proposals to establish a Bacolod Export Zone Authority, the regulation of the use of single-use plastics, and the moving of the start of class hours to an earlier time.
The proposed setting up of the BEZA is under House Bill 5540 that Gasataya hopes will “future proof” the city’s economy, and spur more progress and development in this highly-urbanized city of half a million people.
House Bill 00574, meanwhile, seeks to regulate the importation, production, and use of single-use plastic products.
The third, and most controversial measure by far is HB 569 that seeks to regulate class hours, particularly banning schedules earlier than 8:30am.
These bills have been referred to the appropriate committees that will conduct the required public hearings.
The third step before the bill is passed is for it to be submitted to the plenary session for voting.