MANILA—Senator Alan Peter Cayetano will lead the Senate panel in the Bicameral Conference Committee tasked with reconciling conflicting provisions of the “PHIVOLCS Modernization Bill” (House Bill No. 10370 and Senate Bill No. 2825) on Tuesday, January 28.
The Bicameral Conference Committee is responsible for harmonizing differences between the Senate and House versions of the bill. Once finalized, the final copy of the bill will be submitted to Malacañang. Cayetano, the sponsor of the bill, will be joined by Senators Francis “Tol” Tolentino, Joel Villanueva, Juan Miguel “Migz” Zubiri, and Aquilino “Koko” Pimentel III as part of the Senate panel.
Their counterparts from the House of Representatives will be led by Representative Carlito Marquez as chairperson of the house panel. Joining him are Representatives Joey Salceda, Ron Salo, Anna Bondoc, Jeyzel Yu, Angelo Barba, and Gabriel Bordado Jr.
The PHIVOLCS Modernization Bill seeks to enhance the agency’s capacity to improve disaster preparedness and response in the country. Key provisions include upgrading PHIVOLCS’ equipment, increasing the number of seismic stations, and providing better salaries and training for its personnel. The Senate approved the bill on its third and final reading last January 14, 2025.
