HB 8278 seeks to address the declining salt production in the Philippines, an archipelagic country which has among the longest shorelines in the world yet imports most of its salt.of the industry: urbanization that converted venues for salt production into commercial areas, and the passage of a law that required salt iodization at the expense of small industry players who could not procure more sophisticated technology and machinery.
The bill seeks to exempt domestically-produced salt and industrial salt from mandatory iodization, and direct the Department of Environment and Natural Resources to identify areas suitable for salt production. The bill seeks to repeal antiquated laws – particularly the Philippine Immigration Act of 1940 – which its proponents say are no longer responsive to present day conditions.
Other key provisions include the establishment of an immigration trust fund not exceeding P1.2 billion from its annual income sourced from fees, fines, and penalties. The money can be used for the modernization of the agency’s facilities, payment of employee benefits, and professionalization of BI employees through trainings and seminars.The House, in a speedy pace, was trying to pass several bills before it formally adjourns sine die on Friday, June 2.