Declaring a State of Imminent Disaster bill: Senate President Pro Tempore Jinggoy Ejercito Estrada has introduced Senate Bill No. 2643, a measure proposing the establishment of a system for declaring a “State of Imminent Disaster” and allowing the implementation of proactive measures before natural calamities strike based on risk assessments by agencies such as the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC). “This measure introduces the concept of ‘anticipatory action’ to reduce the impacts of a forecast hazard before it occurs, or before its most acute impacts are felt to mitigate its impact on people, animals, and properties that are likely to be affected,” Estrada said. (photo credit)