PNoy has vetoed at least 80 bills during his term

The proposed P2,000 across-the-board increase for SSS pensioners was the first legislative measure vetoed by President Benigno Aquino III in the present 16th Congress (2013 to 2016).

This is a stark contrast to the close to 80 bills rejected by Aquino in the previous 15th Congress (2010 to 2013).

Data from the Legislative Information System of the House of Representatives show Aquino vetoed 78 bills in the 15th Congress, most of which were proposals converting local roads to national roads.

At least two measures which required funding from the government—the Magna Carta for the Poor and the Centenarians Act—were also rejected by the President.

The Magna Carta ensures services and benefits for the country's poor while the proposed law on centenarians mandates benefits for Filipinos who are at least 100-year-old.

Aquino then also refused to sign a proposed law that would remove the height requirement for uniformed personnel, and even a bill seeking to declare the Waling-Waling orchid as the national flower.

Article VI, Section 27 gives the president the power to veto a bill passed by Congress.

The same provision, however, also provides that lawmakers can override a veto if the measure is approved by a two-thirds vote of the members of each chamber.

Aside from the conversion of roads, the other bills Aquino vetoed include:

• Prescribing a Fixed Term for the Chief Of Staff of the Armed Forces of the Philippines
• Changing the Name of Southern Philippines Agri-business and Marine and Aquatic School of Technology (SPAMAST) into Davao Del Sur State College (DSSC)
• Rationalizing the Management of the Natural Resources in the Camotes Islands, Province Of Cebu
• Declaring as Agricultural Land Certain Parcels of Land of the Public Domain Situated within the City Of Surigao, Province of Surigao Del Norte
• Increasing the Bed Capacity of Eversly Childs Sanitarium Hospital in the Province of Cebu, from 50 to 100
• Rationalizing the Board of Regents of the Partido State University
• Revised Charter of the City Of Baguio
• Declaring A Parcel Of Land Of The Public Domain, Located In Barangay Sto. Nino, Municipality Of Sablayan, Province Of Occidental Mindoro, An Agricultural Land Open To Disposition For Residential, Commercial, Industrial Or Other Productive Purposes
• Professional Filipino Athletes Retirement, Health Care And Death Benefits Act Of 2011The Western Visayas Medical Center Charter
• Early Years Act of 2011
• Career Executive System Act Of 2011
• Rights of Internally Displaced Persons Act of 2011
• Amending Certain Provisions Of Republic Act No. 6958, otherwise known as the Charter of the Mactan Cebu International Airport Authority; and the
• Career Executive Service Act Of 2013                                -NB, GMA News