MANILA—The Philippine Senate approved three significant bills on Monday aimed at revitalizing the economy, enhancing forensic capabilities of law enforcement, and amending agricultural tariffs.

According to the Philippines News Agency, the approved legislation includes the Corporate Recovery and Tax Incentives for Enterprises to Maximize Opportunities for Reinvigorating the Economy (CREATE MORE) Act, the Philippine National Police (PNP) Forensic DNA Database Act, and amendments to the Rice Tariffication Law (RTL). Senator Juan Miguel Zubiri, the principal author of the CREATE MORE Act, emphasized that the bill is designed to attract more investments to the Philippines, which has seen increased interest since joining the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement. The act proposes to lower corporate income tax from 25% to 20% and eliminate value-added tax on essential services, alongside other fiscal incentives.

Senator Ronald Dela Rosa, advocating for the PNP Forensic DNA Database Act, described it as a crucial step toward a more effective justice system, facilitating crime resolution and enhancing police investigative capabilities. The DNA database will store samples from convicted criminals, suspects, legally detained individuals, and law enforcement personnel, and aid in identifying missing persons and disaster victims.

The amendments to the Rice Tariffication Law seek to triple the funding for the Rice Competitiveness Enhancement Fund to PHP30 billion annually until 2031, aiming to bolster the agricultural sector's competitiveness and address rice shortages proactively.

These legislative measures represent a multifaceted approach by the Philippine government to foster economic growth, improve public safety, and support the agricultural sector amid evolving domestic and global challenges.