Consistent with his advocacies since his first term of office, Bohol First District Representative Rene L. Relampagos’ priority bills for the 17^th Congress are those that protect human rights and promote sustainable and resilient development.

“My priority bills are those that espouse the advocacies that I have been known for— human rights with focus on the vulnerable sectors, tourism and economic development, poverty reduction, efficient public service, good governance, education, environmental preservation and energy efficiency, said Relampagos, who is in his third term as Congressman of Bohol.

“I will also work on legislation on education, health, and technological development, to capacitate our youth especially the less fortunate as well as measures that will make local communities socially-inclusive and responsive to the needs of different sectors of society,” he added.

Relampagos is set to initially file the following bills for the 17^th Congress:

House Bill No. 1303, or the proposed Commission on Human Rights Charter, aims to strengthen the institution by providing expanded charter for the CHR, replacing Executive Order 163, which the CHR has been using since the late President Corazon Aquino’s time. Human rights protection in the country only cover civil and political rights but human rights abuses “have expanded to concerns on the right to housing and health care, and discrimination on the basis of gender and age” among others.

And House Bill No. 1304, or the proposed Rights of Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) Act, shall ensure the promotion and protection of the rights of the victims of armed conflict, generalized and/or organized violence, clan wars, human rights violations, implementation of development projects, natural, human-induced and human-made hazards in accordance with international humanitarian rights law. Humanitarian assistance shall be afforded to IDPs by the national authorities in close collaboration with LGUs, military and law enforcement agencies conducting operations, the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD), the Department of Health (DOH), local government hospitals and other concerned agencies.

The seasoned lawmaker is also set to file more bills and resolutions in the coming weeks such as those aimed at improving the country’s internet connectivity; promoting environmental preservation; preserving the culture and language of indigenous tribes such as the “Eskayas” of Bohol through literacy programs for language and cultural preservation and livelihood trainings; promoting food tourism and energy efficiency by tapping renewable energy sources, among others.