mga ibinalita ni terencius: 2017/10

(READ THE HEADLINES OF THE NEWS ITEMS FIRST)

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IILAN LAMANG PO IYON SA MGA IMPORMASYONG ATING NAKALAP SA KAMARA DE REPRESENTANTES NITONG NAKARAANG MGA ARAW.

MAGANDANG UMAGA PILIPINAS, MAGANDANG UMAGA KATROPA, AT MAGANDANG UMAGA SA LAHAT NG ATING MGA TAGAPAKINIG!

ARAW NA NAMAN PO NG SABADO AT NANDITO NA NAMAN PO KAMI PARA MAGTANGHAL NG ATING PROGRAMANG KATROPA SA KAMARA NI TERENCE MORDENO GRANA.

YES, TERENCE MORDENO GRANA PO ANG INYONG LINGKOD, ANG INYONG KAAGAPAY AT GABAY SA ATING PALATUNTUNAN.

AT KUNG NAIS PO NINYONG MAKIPAG-TALASTASAN O MERON MAN PO KAYONG MGA REAKSIYON AT SUHESTIYON HINGGIL SA ATING MGA PAKSA, TUMAWAG LAMANG O DIDI KAYA AY MAG-TEXT SA MOBILE PHONE NUMBER: 0905 457 7102.

ANG KATROPA SA KAMARA AY MATUTUNGHAYAN, EKSKLUSIBO, DITO LAMANG PO SA DWDD, KATROPA RADIO, ONSE TRENTA'Y KUWATRO SA TALAPIHITAN NG INYONG MGA RADYO.

OKEY, NARITO NA PO ANG ATING NAKALAP NA MGA IMPORMASYON MULA SA KAMARA DE REPRESENTANTES, KABUUAN NG ATING MGA BALITA:

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HUWAG KAYONG BIBITIW AT KAMI PO AY BABALIK KAAGAD MATAPOS ANG ILANG MGA PAALAALA MULA SA ATING HIMPILAN. (STATION ID)

(INSTITUTIONAL MESSAGES)

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SA ATING PAGBABALIK, KAYO PO AY NAKIKINIG SA PATATUNTUNANG KATROPA SA KAMARA NI TERENCE MORDENO GRANA DITO LAMANG SA HIMPILANG DWDD, KATROPA RADIO, AT TAYO AY SINASAMAHAN NI ENGINEER (RONALD ANGELES, DEXTER ORATA OR LEONOR NATAP) SA ATING TECHNICAL SIDE.

KAMI PO AY MATUTUNGHAYAN DIN // SA LIVE STREAMING: SA TripleWdotDWDDdotCOMdotPH AT SA FACEBOOK: FACEBOOKdotCOMslashKATROPADWDD AT SA TWITTER: HASHTAG #KATROPA

TULOY-TULOY NA PO TAYO SA IILAN PANG MGA BALITA NA ATING NAKALAP.

(READ AGAIN THE OTHER NEWS AND INFORMATION)

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WALA NA PO TAYONG ORAS AT KAMI AY MAMAMAALAM NA MUNA PANSAMANTALA SA INYO.

MARAMING SALAMAT AT KAMI PO AY INYONG PINAHINTULUTANG PUMASOK SA INYONG MGA TAHANAN SA PAMAMAGITAN NG ATING PALATUNTUNANG KATROPA SA KAMARA.

BAGO TAYO MAGTAPOS NG ATING PALATUNTUNAN, BATIIN KO MUNA SINA: Dennis at Joanna Melarpis, Cecille Figueroa, Eloisa Lomeda ng Bills and Index Service ng House of Representatives; sina Lumon Ray Mordeno, Oscar Cadenas, aking mga kapatid na sina Edmund, Edith and Jing ng Brisbane, Australia; Ehm, Orland, Myra and Willie ng Jabonga, ADN; those who are listening via live streaming sa internet, wwwdotdwdddotcomdotph, sa Facebook wwwdotfacebookdotcom @dwdd1134 at sa Twitter #Katropa; and everybody.

DAGHANG SALAMAT PUD SA ATONG MGA KAHIGALAANG MGA BISAYA NGA NAMINAW KANATO KARONG TAKNAA.

ITO PO ANG INYONG LINGKOD – KINI ANG INYONG KABUS NGA SULUGUON, TERENCE MORDENO GRANA.

AT SA NGALAN DIN NG LAHAT NA MGA BUMUBUO NG PRODUCTION STAFF SA ATING PALATUNTUNAN, AKO PO AY NAGSASABING: PAGPALAIN SANA TAYONG LAHAT NG ATING PANGINOONG MAYKAPAL, GOD BLESS US ALL, AT PURIHIN ANG ATING PANGINOON! GOOD MORNING.

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STATEMENT BY THE

HONORABLE FREDERICK W. SIAO

Lone District of Iligan City

Vice Chair, Committee on Tourism

Member, Committees on Appropriations, Mindanao Affairs, Youth & Sports Development, and 7 other committees www.freddiesiao.com

COMELEC MUST BE READY AGAINST IDENTIFY THIEVES WHO USE HACKED VOTERS DATA

GIST: [House Committee on Suffrage & Electoral Reforms Member and Iligan Lone District Congressman Frederick W. Siao is concerned about the possibility that the massive security breach suffered by the Commission on Elections (COMELEC) over a year ago could still be used by fraudsters in 2018 Barangay and SK elections and 2019 mid-term elections.]

BACKGROUNDER: [In March and April 2016, the public information website of the COMELEC was hacked causing the personal data of 55 million registered voters, passport details of 1.3 million overseas Filipino voters, and fingerprint records of 15.8 million voters to be uploaded online and be accessible to all.]

STATEMENT:

COMELEC must assure Filipino voters here and overseas that the database of voters is secured. COMELEC must also have measures in place to prevent anyone who has the data hacked from the COMELEC or used data from the hacking to vote.

Now, it is not impossible or improbable for identify thieves to issue fake voter IDs. With the hacked data out there, they have the information they need to produce fake voter IDs and if this is done on a massive scale, the results of future elections could be in serious doubt.

COMELEC should also updated Congress and the Filipino people on the status of the hacking case, including the case/s against the suspects or suspects in the hacking.

Filing of applications for registration and other voter-related registration for the May 13, 2019 National and Local Elections, according to the COMELEC, will be on December 4, 2017 to December 30, 2017 except December 25, 2017 (Christmas Day) and January 2, 2018 to September 29, 2018, except March 29 & 30, 2018 (Maundy Thursday and Good Friday).

But there are reports voter registration could start earlier than scheduled.

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Radio-Tv Monitor

10/23/2017 Monday

DZBB/PDA

“Dobol A sa Dobol B” (10:00AM-11:00AM)

Arnold Clavio and Ali Sotto

(10:50AM)

Panayam kay House Speaker Pantaleon Alvarez

Clavio: May bisita po tayo, walang iba kundi si House Speaker Pantaleon Alvarez. Speaker, good morning! Igan at Ali.

Sotto: Magandang umaga Speaker Pantaleon Alvarez.

Alvarez: Magandang umaga sa inyo Igan at Ali. Kamusta na kayo?

Clavio: Mabuti. Reaksyon lamang…

Sotto: Hingan namin kayo ng panig ninyo dito sa lumabas na ulat na you are motivated by vengeance dito sa impeachment case…

Clavio: Ganti, ganoon…

Sotto: Oo, laban kay Chief Justice Lourdes Sereno.

Alvarez: Alam niyo po, ang tingin ko kasi diyan, kung mahina po yung depensa, ay nagreresort po tayo sa diversionary tactics ano… In fact, wala pa naman, hindi pa nga nag-uumpisa yung committee hearing, at may mga komento na, na kangaroo court, ganito, ganyan, kaya tinitingnan yung motibo ko. Ano naman ang kinalaman ko diyan, bakit hindi nila tingnan yung motibo ni Gadon? Siya yung nag-file ng complaint. Ako, nangyari lang na ako ang Speaker diyan, hindi ko naman pupuwedeng basta i-dismiss iyan, kailangan nating i-proseso iyang complaint na fi-nile ni Gadon…

Sotto: Hindi po kayo malapit kina Atty. Larry Gadon, na nag-file?

Alvarez: Ano po, ano po?

Sotto: Totoo po ba na malapit kayo kay Atty. Larry Gadon? Kasi narinig…

Alvarez: Hindi po, ni hindi ko nga kilala yan.

Sotto: Ahhh..

Alvarez: Opo, opo. Sa amin kasi, talagang Constitutional duty namin iyan, na kapag na may nag-file ng impeachment against any impeachable official, we have to process it… kaya ganyan po ang nangyayari…

Clavio: Hindi kayo kasama Speaker sa nag-endorse sa reklamo ni Gadon?

Alvarez: Hindi po…

Clavio: Hindi rin… okay.

Sotto: So hindi rin naman po kayo mag-iinhibit, kumbaga, dahil nga parang ngayon na nakulayan na, na sinasabi na…

Clavio: Hindi, teka, bakit personal daw siya?

Sotto: Parang may history sila ng PIATCO…

Clavio: Bakit may history? Ahh, sa PIATCO.

Sotto: Sa PIATCO nga.

Alvarez: Sa akin kasi hindi naman kailangan na mag-inhibit ako dahil hindi naman ako yung mag… anong tawag dito… yung parang huwes ba?

Sotto: Hindi naman kayo Senator-Judge na uupo…

Alvarez: Hindi po. Ako ay, ano lang ako, passive spectator lang ako diyan. Wala po akong… ang sa akin kasi diyan, para sa kanila, just argue on the merits. Huwag nang kahit saan dalhin yung usapan. Parang sa Customs din iyan, noong inumpisahan namin, kung saan-saan nila gustong dalhin yung usapin. Kaya lang, alam niyo, yung katotohanan talagang lumalabas kapag nag-umpisa na yung hearing. So ganyan din ang mangyayari diyan, hintayin na lang nila na mag-umpisa ang hearing at mag-attend sila dahil bibigyan sila ng pagkakataon na komprontahin yung mga nag-aakusa sa kanila, na bigyan sila ng pagkakataon na komprontahin yung mga testigo at yung mga dokumento na isa-submit. So hintayin na nila yun, at ito naman ay iko-cover ng media, I’m sure, at makikita rin ng taong bayan kung talagang may katotohanan o wala yung reklamo na inihain ni Gadon.

Sotto: Okay. May katotohanan po ba yung nilatag na fact na she testified against you doon sa mga kaso laban sa inyo, mayroon bang ganitong history in between you?

Alvarez: Ito nga yung nakakatawa diyan, itong… sino yung spokesperson nila?

Sotto: Si Jo Perez.

Alvarez: Oo. Yakyak siya ng yakyak hindi muna niya pag-aralan, tingnan niya yung record ng kaso, there was no instance na nagtestigo iyang si Sereno against me. Kung ano-ano ang sinasabi niya, naghahatid siya ng kasinungalingan, hindi pa nga nag-uumpisa yung hearing, kung ano-ano na ang sinasabi. Wala, hindi po, there was no instance in any court na naalala kong nagtestigo iyang si Sereno against me.

Sotto: So that by itself, kumbaga wala na kaagad yung basis for the revenge, para kayo ay magkaroon ng motibo na to get back at her, if it’s true na hindi nga nagtestify against you…

Alvarez: Wala po… at saka… hindi po isyu dito yung motibo ko, wala naman akong kinalaman dito, wala naman akong kasong naka-pending ngayon, lahat na-dismiss na ng Sandigan, ng Ombudsman, wala na po akong ano…

Sotto: But is it within your power na gawing lutong Macao ito?

Alvarez: Alam niyo po, yung sinasabi nilang lutong Macao, iyan ay… it’s a very unfair statement. Kasi nga hindi pa tayo nag-uumpisa. Huhusgahan na agad nila ng lutong Macao, para bang… alam niyo kapag mahina yung depensa mo, ay kino-condition mo yung utak ng tao na ano ito, hindi ito ano… lutong Macao ito, parang ganyan. Bakit hindi muna natin tingnan, komprontahin natin yung mga ebidensya na ilalatag, komprontahin natin yung mga testigo na magsasalita…

Clavio: Speaker…

Alvarez: Huwag po tayo kaagad-agad na maghusga.

Clavio: Kumpara ko lang sa impeachment ni Andy Bautista, bakit naman napabilis naman yun?

Sotto: Kumbaga step one pa lang, form pa lang, wala na ano?

Clavio: Kumbaga, binasura yata ng komite, tapos na-override ng House…

Sotto: Oo…

Alvarez: Ganito kasi yun…

Clavio: May info ba kayo? Ok…

Alvarez: Ganito yun. Yung kay Andy Bautista, dumaan yun sa committee hearing, tiningnan… sabi ng komite hindi siya…

Sotto: Lacking in form, dapat… lacking in form siya…

Alvarez: Oo, hindi siya compliant in form. So under the rules, ididismiss yun. Ngayon, yung dismissal na iyan, magkakaroon ng committee report tungkol doon sa dismissal na yun na isa-submit niya sa plenaryo. Ngayon, under our rules, pagdating sa plenaryo, puwede pong baliktarin ng plenaryo iyan. Yun po ang nangyari kay Andy Bautista.

Clavio: Bakit nga po nabaliktad, Speaker? Ano ang mga impormasyon mo?

Alvarez: Alin po?

Clavio: Bakit nabaligtad po, ano po ang mga impormasyon na mayroon ang Kamara para sabihin na sufficient yung mga reklamo laban kay Andy Bautista po?

Alvarez: Ganito po yun… kasi karamihan ng miyembro ay naniniwala na hindi dapat palampasin yung mga reklamo against Bautista dahil nga insufficient in form lang siya, at mabibigat din yung alegasyon against him. So binaligtad po ng plenaryo yun, kaya umakyat na diretso sa impeachment court.

Clavio: Walang ganti-ganti rin doon? Baka sabihin yung motibo, kuwestiyunin…

Alvarez: Wala po, wala po. So ngayon sasabihin na naman nila may motibo, wala pong motibo iyan.

Clavio: Okay. Kasi ang sinasabi baka ito ay motibo dahil pabor kay Bongbong Marcos, Speaker?

Alvarez: Hindi… hindi ko nga kandidato iyan. Kita mo nga, alam mo kung pabor kami diyan sa mga Marcos, di sana hindi namin iyan hini-hearing doon sa House of Representatives yung anomalya…

Clavio: Yung sa Ilocos…

Alvarez: Yung anomalya doon sa Ilocos.

Clavio: Okay. Speaker, maraming salamat po sa oras na binigay niyo sa amin.

Alvarez: Maraming salamat din po sa inyo Igan at Ali.

Sotto: Thank you very much po.

Clavio: House Speaker Pantaleon Alvarez po.

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Speaker Alvarez: FATE is part of hatchet job to divert public attention

Speaker Pantaleon Alvarez today dismissed the allegations hurled against him by the group Filipino Alliance for Transparency and Empowerment (FATE) as part of a hatchet job in a bid to divert public attention from the substance of the accusations raised against Chief Justice Ma. Lourdes Sereno in the impeachment case against her.

In a radio interview, Alvarez dismissed as baseless FATE’s allegations that the House hearings on Sereno’s impeachment could be railroaded. Such allegation, according to Alvarez, betrays the weakness of Sereno’s evidence in her defense.

“Yung ginagawa nila, doon mo mahahalata na mahina yung ebidensiya. Unang-una yung FATE na iyan, ngayon lang sumulpot iyan, parang kabute iyan na itinayo lang para nga dito sa impeachment hearing ni Sereno. At kapag ganyan, iyan ay trabaho din ng PR, pilit nililihis yung usapin,” Alvarez said.

He pointed out that this was the same PR tactic employed against him and the House of Representatives when they investigated the P6.4 billion shabu smuggling though the Bureau of Customs but eventually the truth came out.

Alvarez also laughed off the claim of FATE that the House is controlling the impeachment hearings because he has an ax to grind against Sereno for allegedly testifying against him in the Philippine International Air Terminals Co. Inc. (PIATCO) case.

He noted that all the cases against him related to the PIATCO case were all dismissed and that Sereno did not testify against him as FATE alleged.

“Nadismiss na po lahat ng kaso. In fact, hindi po totoo na nagtestigo laban sa akin iyan,” Alvarez said.

Alvarez said that aside from the allegations against Sereno’s income derived as member of the government’s counsel, the PIATCO case has nothing to do with the impeachment case against her.

“Ang laki ng kinita nila doon sa kasong iyon, pinagkakitaan nila yung gobyerno doon. Ako naman wala naman akong kinita doon, hindi ko naman pinagkakitaan yung gobyerno. At saka bakit natin ilalabas iyan na wala namang kinalaman dito iyan?”Alvarez said.

Among others, Sereno was charged by complainant Atty. Larry Gadon for failing to declare the estimated US$745,000 or P37 million she earned as a private lawyer from the PIATCO case in any of her Statement of Assets, Liabilities and Net Worth (SALN) from 2010 until 2016.

Alvarez also pointed out that as Speaker of the House he is duty-bound to comply with the constitutional mandate to refer impeachment cases to the House Committee on Justice.

“Unang-una hindi naman ako ang nag-file ng complaint, hindi ba? Nagkataon lang na ako ay Speaker ngayon, at hindi ko naman po pupuwedeng idismiss yun, yung reklamong impeachment laban sa kanya. Ito ay dadaan talaga sa proseso, doon sa House of Representatives kung saan magkakaroon ng pagdinig doon sa Committee on Justice,” Alvarez explained.

He pointed out that if he really wanted Sereno impeached, he could muster enough number to get the required 1/3 vote of the House and immediately bring the case to trial at the Senate.

Instead, Alvarez said he had repeatedly emphasized that the House Committee on Justice must conduct a thorough and careful scrutiny of the evidence submitted against Sereno to determine if there is enough basis to warrant her impeachment.

“Mapapatunayan natin kung talagang may basehan yung reklamo, mayroon ba tayong sapat na ebidensiya para nga ituloy at i-prosecute siya doon sa impeachment court? Kasi paulit-ulit kong sinabi na kaya natin ginagawa itong hearing sa House of Representatives upang sa ganoon ay matiyak natin kung talagang mayroon tayong ebidensya kasi kami yung magpo-prosecute sa impeachment court,” Alvarez said.

Contrary to FATE’s allegation, Alvarez said, the House is in fact giving Sereno the opportunity to air her side in the impeachment case against her.

“Talagang bibigyan natin sila ng pagkakataon, si Sereno na dumalo doon sa House of Representatives sa Committee on Justice. Ngayon, kung hindi siya pupunta doon, wala kaming magagawa dahil yun ang pagkakataon na puwede niyang komprontahin yung mga nag-akusa sa kanya at saka yung mga testigo.”

Sereno’s lawyers earlier asked the House committee on justice to allow them to cross-examine the witnesses against the Chief Justice on behalf of Sereno. However, Alvarez said it should be Sereno who should conduct the cross examination.

Alvarez said the House committee on justice will resume its hearings on the Sereno impeachment case when Congress resumes session on November 13.

Last October 5, the Justice committee declared that there are sufficient grounds alleged in the complaint to impeach Sereno. The next committee hearings will focus on whether or not there is probable cause to pursue her impeachment.

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NEWS Release

23 October 2017

House approves bill granting benefits to day-care workers

The House of Representatives has approved on second reading House Bill 6550 which seeks to grant benefits and privileges to day-care workers.

House Bill No. 6550 or the proposed “Magna Carta of Day Care Workers,” seeks to improve the social and economic welfare of day-care workers in recognition of their vital role in providing pre-school education and social development services to children.

The measure defines day care workers as persons primarily engaged in the provision of early child development services and programs such as care, social development, education, protection, and other needs of children aged four years old and below in all government-sponsored day care centers.

It mandates the creation of plantilla positions in all day care centers nationwide, which would grant day care workers with security of tenure and other rights and benefits provided under civil service rules and regulations.

Moreover, the bill seeks to professionalize the ranks of day care workers by setting qualifications and standards, and mandates the establishment of personnel selection boards to ensure systematic and merit-based screening, shortlisting, and hiring of applicants.

Likewise, it prescribes the compensation, additional allowances such as overtime pay, hazard allowance, subsistence allowance, and other benefits and privileges such as free medical examination and treatment in government hospitals for work-related ailments, access to livelihood programs, continuing education and skills training, same-area assignment for married couples who are both day care workers, and other benefits such as automatic membership in the Government Service Insurance System (GSIS), Pag-IBIG, and PhilHealth.

The bill protects the current day care workers from disenfranchisement through transition measures that can help them comply with the hiring requirements.

Section 7 of HB 6550 provides that day care workers legitimately serving as such upon the passage of the Act, who are above 17 years old but below 18 years old, shall continue to serve as such and are qualified to be covered under the Act.

Same section also provides that day care workers who have no college education upon the effectivity of the Act shall be given two years within which to complete equivalent training to be able to continue in the service…”

Furthermore, the bill provides funding for the program from the Internal Revenue Allotment (IRA) and Special Education Fund of local government units, national government subsidy for poorer municipalities, and contribution of the Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation (PAGCOR) to and other collections of the Early Childhood Care and Development Council (ECCDC).

The authors of HB 6550 are Deputy Speakers Romero Quimbo (2nd District, Marikina City) and Linabelle Ruth Villarica, Reps. Emmeline Aglipay-Villar (Party-list, DIWA), , Rosenda Ann Ocampo (6th District, Manila), Lawrence Fortun (1st District, Agusan del Norte), Romeo Acop (2nd District, Antipolo City), Estrellita Suansing (1st District, Nueva Ecija), Horacio Suansing Jr. (2nd District, Sultan Kudarat), Yedda Marie Romualdez (1st District, Leyte), Sol Aragones (3rd District, Laguna), Julieta Cortuna (Party-list, A TEACHER), Peter Unabia (1st District, Misamis Oriental), Strike Revilla (2nd District, Cavite), Bernadette Herrera-Dy (Party-list, BH), Maximo Rodriguez (2nd District, Cagayan de Oro City), Arlene Brosas (Party-list, GABRIELA), Emmi De Jesus (Party-list, GABRIELA), Carlos Isagani Zarate (Party-list, BAYAN MUNA), Antonio Tinio (Party-list, ACT TEACHERS), France Castro (Party-list, ACT TEACHERS), Ariel Casilao (Party-list, ANAKPAWIS), Sarah Jane Elago (Party-list, KABATAAN), Winston Castelo (2nd District, Quezon City), Alexandria Gonzales (Lone District, Mandaluyong City), Jose Panganiban (Party-list, ANAC IP), Micaela Violago (2nd District, Nueva Ecija), Deogracias Victor Savellano (1st District, Ilocos Sur), Anna Marie Villaraza-Suarez (Party-list, ALONA), Maria Vida Espinosa Bravo (1st District, Masbate), Jose Antonio Sy-Alvarado (1st District, Bulacan), Carmelo Lazatin II (1st District, Pampanga), Celso Lobregat (1st District, Zamboanga City), Marlyn Alonte (Lone District, Binan City), Makmod Mending Jr. (Party-list, AMIN), Manuel Monsour Del Rosario III (1st District, Makati City), Salvador Belaro (Party-list, ANG EDUKASYON), Greg Gasataya(Lone District, Bacolod City), Pablo Ortega (1st District, La Union), Vini Nola Ortega (Party-list, ABONO), Michael Romero (Party-list, 1-PACMAN), John Marvin Nieto (3rd District, Manila), Marlyn Primicias-Agabas (6th District, Pangasinan), Wilter Palma II (1st District, Zamboanga Sibugay), Dale Malapitan (1st District, Caloocan City), Lianda Bolilia (4th District, Batangas), Johnny Ty Pimentel (2nd District, Surigao del Sur), John Enrique Garcia III (2nd District, Bataan), Tricia Nicole Velasco-Catera (Party-list, MATA), Emmanuel Madrona (Lone District, Romblon), Divina Grace Yu (1st District, Zamboang del Sur), Alberto Ungab (3rd District, Davao City), Vicente Veloso (3rd District, Leyte), Aniceto Bertiz III (Party-list, ACTS OFW), Jericho Jonas Nograles (Party-list, PBA), Richard Eusebio (Lone District, Pasig City), Frederick Siao (Lone District, Iligan City), Ma. Lucille Nava (Lone District, Guimaras), Ma. Theresa Collantes (3rd District, Batangas), Lorna Bautista-Bandigan (Lone District, Davao Occidental), Leopoldo Bataoil (2nd District, Pangasinan), Alfredo Garbin (Party-list, AKO BICOL), Angelina Tan (4th District, Quezon), Joseph Bernos (Lone District, Abra), Cesar Sarmiento (Lone District, Catanduanes), Edgar Mary Sarmiento (1st District, Samar), Vilma Santos-Recto (6th District, Batangas), Cristina Roa-Puno (1st District, Antipolo City), Ma. Lourdes Aggabao (4th District, Isabela), Roger Mercado (Lone District, Southern Leyte), Manuel Jose Dalipe (2nd District, Zamboanga City), Gus Tambunting (2nd District, Paranaque City), Karlo Alexei Nograles (1st District, Davao City), Joey Sarte Salceda (2nd District, Albay), Mohamad Khalid Dimaporo (1st District, Lanao del Norte), Ana Cristina Go (2nd District, Isabela), Mark Aeron Sambar (Party-list, PBA), Jorge Almonte (1st District, Misamis Occidental), Isagani Amatong (3rd District, Zamboanga del Norte), Arlene Arcillas (1st District, Laguna), Kaka Bag-ao (Lone District, Dinagat Islands), Evelina Escudero (1st District, Sorsogon), Mark Go (Lone District, Baguio City), Virgilio Lacson (Party-list, MANILA TEACHERS), Carlito Marquez (Lone District, Aklan), Teodoro Montoro (Party-list, AASENSO), and Manuel Zubiri (3rd District, Bukidnon).

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NEWS Release

22 October 2017

House acts to provide Pinoys comprehensive mental care

WITH at least one study claiming that one out of every three Filipinos grapples with mental issues, the House of Representatives passed on second reading a measure that would address the growing need for a national mental health system that really works for Filipinos needing psychological care.

Coming just one more step for approval with the formality of a third reading is House Bill 6252 entitled "The Comprehensive Mental Health Act" which intends to deliver

an integrated mental health services, while protecting the rights of persons availing psychiatric, neurologic and psychosocial health services.

The bill's principal author, Deputy Speaker Rep. Romero Quimbo cited several studies in the Philippines which called attention to the lack of proper care for mental health patients who are prone to abuses in the health care system.

Mental health refers to a state of well-being in which every individual realizes one’s own potential; is able to cope with the normal stresses of life, can work productively and fruitfully, and make a contribution to the community.

Rep. Angelina Tan (4th District, Quezon), chairperson of the committee on health, and Rep. Chiqui Roa-Puno (1st District, Antipolo City) sponsored the bill on the floor.

Ultimately, the proposed law wants to ensure that Filipinos are able to contribute to the development of the country and are able to attain better quality of life because their mental needs are assured along with their overall physical and health needs.

The bill integrates mental health care in the general health delivery system, especially in the programs of the Department of Health (DOH) and the Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG). It also promotes the study of mental health in both elementary and secondary educational systems to prevent depression, obesity, and teenage pregnancy among students of this age group.

The bill strengthens the functions and reconstitutes the composition of the Philippine Council for Mental Health (PCMH) which was created under Executive Order 470 and attached to the DOH to provide a coherent, rational and unified response to mental health problems, concerns, and efforts through the formulation and implementation of the National Mental Health Care Services Delivery System.

Likewise, it provides for the rights of person with mental illnesses or who is being treated for a mental illness such as the right to freedom from social, economic, and political discrimination and stigmatization.

Under the bill, mental health professionals shall have the right to have a safe and supportive health environment; participate in a continuous professional development program; and participate in the planning, development, and management of health services.

Aside from Quimbo, Roa-Puno and Tan, the other authors of the bill are House Speaker Pantaleon Alvarez, Majority Leader Rodolfo Fariñas, Minority Leader Danilo Suarez, Deputy Speakers Pia Cayetano and Linabelle Ruth Villarica, among others.

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Rep Tom Villarin

Akbayan filed versions of the mental health bill in both House and the Senate through Sen Risa Hontiveros, the principal author in the upper chamber. Rep Edcel Lagman of the independent minority bloc introduced floor amendments particularly providing appropriations of at least two percent from new taxes aside from GAA provisions.

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NEWS Release

22 October 2017

House sets pension system for Ombudsman workers

The House of Representatives has approved on second reading House Bill 6578 that provides retirement benefits and hazard allowance to workers of the Office of the Ombudsman (OMB).

Under the proposed “Retirement Law of the Office of the Ombudsman”, the Ombudsman shall enjoy the same retirement and other benefits as those of the Presiding Justice of the Court of Appeals, while the Deputies and the Special Prosecutor shall enjoy the same retirement and other benefits as those of the Associate Justice of the Court of Appeals.

All other officials and employees covered by the Act, from Salary Grade 26 to 29,

shall enjoy the same retirement and other benefits as those of the Judges of the Regional Trial Courts (RTC), Municipal Trial Courts in Cities, Municipal Trial Courts and Municipal Circuit Trial Courts with the same salary grades.

HB 6578 provides for the automatic increase in the pension benefits of OMB retired officials or employees whenever there is an increase in the salary and allowance in the same position from which they retired.

It also provides for additional monthly hazard allowance not exceeding 50 percent of the basic monthly salary to officials and employees exposed to hardships, security risks and other hazards by reason of their assigned tasks and responsibilities.

Upon the death of a retired or incumbent official or employee covered by the Act, the surviving legitimate spouse and dependent children of said official or employee shall be entitled to receive on a monthly basis all the retirement benefits the deceased had been receiving or entitled to receive at the time of death under the provisions of the applicable retirement laws then in force.

The amounts necessary to implement the proposed Act shall be included in the annual General Appropriations Act.

Rep. Ann Hoffer, (2nd District, Zamboanga Sibugay), co-author of the bill, said the benefits and allowances of the employees and officials of the OMB are still not comparable to those of their counterparts in other government agencies and in other anti-graft and corruption bodies in the Pacific Region.

Hofer said the OMB also suffers from a high turnover of personnel, who eventually join other government agencies or the private sector that offer better compensation and retirement benefits.

Co-author Rep. Sherwin Tugna (Party list Cibac), said the work force of the OMB has been receiving salaries and benefits that are not commensurate to their heavy task of gathering evidence and establishing air-tight cases against erring public officials.

The House committee on justice has endorsed the said bill for plenary approval.

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NEWS Release

21 October 2017

House tackles reforms in retirement benefits of uniformed services

A technical working group (TWG) of the House committees on government enterprises and privatization and on national defense and security this week started consolidating two measures seeking to reform the retirement benefit and pension system of the seven major uniformed services of the government.

TWG head Rep. Mark Go (Lone District, Baguio City), said President Rodrigo Duterte himself emphasized the need to reform the benefits and pension system of the uniformed services in his budget message to Congress for fiscal year 2017.

Go said the bills aim to address the many concerns of the major uniformed services of the government.

The seven major uniformed services are the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP), Philippine National Police (PNP), Philippine Coast Guard (PCG), Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP), Bureau of Jail Management and Penology (BJMP), Bureau of Corrections (BuCor), and National Mapping and Resource Information Authority (NAMRIA).

The TWG is harmonizing House Bills 1137 and 5673 filed by Reps. Gary Alejano (Party list, Magdalo) and Francisco Jose Matugas (1st District, Surigao del Norte), respectively. The bills are both titled “Unified Uniformed Personnel Retirement Benefits and Pension Reform Act.”

The bills provide that the State duly recognizes the vital role of the uniformed services in providing internal and external security, promoting peace and order, ensuring public safety and further strengthening local government capability aimed towards the effective delivery of basic services to the citizenry.

The State also recognizes the extraordinary hazards, risks, perils and dangers the uniformed personnel of the uniformed services encounter in the performance of their duties.

It shall therefore be the prime concern of the State to provide all uniformed with personnel adequate remuneration and benefits, including retirement benefits and pension. To this end, the State shall ensure that the retirement benefits and pension scheme of the uniformed personnel is secure, reliable and sustainable.

The bills provide that existing retirees and future retirees of the uniformed services shall be entitled to receive a monthly retirement pay equivalent to two-and-a-half percent for each year of active service rendered, but not exceeding 90 percent of the monthly base and longevity pay of the grade next higher than the permanent grade last held, amending Section 17 of Presidential Decree 1638 also known as “Establishing A New System Of Retirement And Separation For Military Personnel Of The Armed Forces Of The Philippines” issued in 1979 by former President Marcos.

All new entrants, who at the time of their actual retirement, are eligible to receive retirement benefits and pension under existing laws applicable to the uniformed services, shall be entitled to receive their lump sum benefit equivalent to three years within one month of their effective date of retirement.

All uniformed personnel who are disabled in the line of duty shall be eligible to receive a monthly pension, the rates of which shall be determined by the respective department concerned.

The bills seek to provide a new fund-sourcing scheme for the unified retirees’ pension and benefits that is sustainable in the long term.

They mandate the creation of a Uniformed Personnel Retirement Fund (UPRF) to be managed by the Government Service Insurance System (GSIS) for the sustainability of the retirement benefits and pension of uniformed personnel.

The GSIS shall create a new department which shall exclusively administer the UPRF.

Upon the effectivity of the Act, it shall be mandatory for new entrants to contribute a percentage of their monthly compensation as personal share and for the national government to contribute a corresponding share sourced from the general appropriations for the maintenance of the UPRF.

The additional funding for the maintenance of the UPRF shall be sourced from the sale or disposition of public lands, as may be authorized by the President.

During the hearing, the seven major uniformed services presented their respective retirement and pension system.

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NEWS Release

20 October 2017

House pushes for shorter processing of permit or license

Securing a business permit or license will soon be just a piece of cake for investors and businessmen planning to put up businesses in the country

The House of Representatives has approved on second reading a bill which seeks, among others, to simplify permit and licensing system procedures and streamline the requirements at the national and local levels.

House Bill 6579 entitled “An Act Establishing A National Policy On Ease Of Doing Business, Creating For The Purpose The Ease Of Doing Business Commission” also aims to provide a business environment that is conducive for the establishment and operation of enterprises in the country.

Likewise, it intends to promote transparency in government with regard to business registration and other manner of public transactions, to reduce red tape and expedite permitting, licensing, and other similar transactions in government.

It also seeks to ensure timely and expeditious processing of business requirements by national government agencies (NGAs) and local government units (LGUs).

Rep. Vilma Santos-Recto (6th District, Batangas), principal author of the bill, said it takes 16 procedures to navigate and an average of 29 days to start a business in the country.

“Compared to our other ASEAN neighbors in the “Ease in Starting a Business” rankings, the Philippines has performed poorly,” Santos-Recto said.

She said the Philippines placed at 165th in the ranking of 189 economies and lags behind Singapore ranked in 1st place, Malaysia in 14th place, Thailand in 96th place, Vietnam in 119th place, and Laos in 153rd place.

The bill calls for the creation of the National Policy in the Ease of Doing Business which is a comprehensive and regulatory management policy to improve competitiveness and ease undue bureaucratic and regulatory burden to business entities.

Furthermore, it seeks the creation of the Ease of Doing Business Commission, an attached agency to the Office of the President which shall be the policy-making body on business registration and regulatory management and shall set the overall direction for the implementation of the National Policy on Ease of Doing Business.

As the lead agency in the implementation of the National Policy on Ease of Doing Business, the Commission has the powers and functions to among others, plan, implement, and oversee a national policy on ease of doing business; receive complaints and institute investigations for violations of this Act; assist complainants in filing necessary cases without prejudice to the jurisdiction of the Civil Service Commission and the Office of the Ombudsman, as the case may be; compel or petition any NGA or LGU to issue the permit, license, or clearance of business entities deemed approved; and periodically review and assess the country’s competitiveness performance, challenges and issues.

The measure directs all NGAs and LGUs issuing licenses, clearances, or permits to business entities to post a comprehensive checklist of requirements for every type of license, clearance, or permit to be issued.

It mandates the NGAs and LGUs involved in the processing and issuance of licenses, clearances, or permits to business entities to process the application of such business entities and communicate the decision regarding the approval or disapproval of the application along with the reasons for such disapproval.

It mandates further that the prescribed processing time shall in no case be longer that one working day for barangay governments.

For NGAs and LGUs for simple application, the prescribed processing time shall be three working days while for national government agencies and LGUs in case of complex applications, the prescribed processing time shall be 10 working days from the time of receipt of the application.

For special types of businesses that require clearances, accreditation, or licenses issued by government agencies, including regulatory agencies as provided for by law, where technical evaluation or such necessary condition is required in the processing of license, clearances, or permits, the prescribed processing time shall in no case be longer than 30 working days or as determined by the government agency or instrumentality concerned whichever is shorter.

Where the prescribed processing time is fixed by special laws, the time prescribed by such laws shall apply.

Violations of the Act include refusal to accept an application within the prescribed period or any document being submitted by the applicant, this despite all required documents have been submitted and the necessary fees have been paid.

Other considered violations are; failure to refer back to the applicant an application which cannot be acted upon due to lack or incomplete requirements or non-payment of required fees or charges within the prescribed period; failure to act on application despite the complete submission of requirements and payment of required fees or charges within the prescribed period; failure to give the applicant a written notice on the disapproval of an application within the prescribed period or inform the applicant of any error, omission or deficiency in the application; and imposition of additional irrelevant requirements other than those provided by the concerned agency or LGU.

Penalties for said violations are: for the first offense, 30 days suspension without pay; second offense, three months suspension without pay; and third offense, dismissal and perpetual disqualification to hold public office, cancellation of civil service eligibility and forfeiture of retirement benefits.

Among the other authors of the bill are House Speaker Pantaleon Alvarez, Majority Leader Rodolfo Fariñas, Minority Leader Danilo Suarez, Reps. Linda Bolilia, Jose Antonio Sy-Alvarado, Ferjenel Biron, Arthur Yap, Gus Tambunting, Maximo Rodriguez Jr., Winston Castelo, Salvador Belaro Jr., Linabelle Ruth Villarica, Manuel Zubiri, Sherwin Tugna, Ricardo Belmonte, Marlyn Primicias-Agabas, Luis Raymund Villafuerte, Joaquin Chipeco Jr., Xavier Jesus Romualdo, Lorna Silverio, Rosanna Vergara, Lucy Gomez, Jerry Treñas, Franz Alvarez, Rene Relampagos, Jose Christopher Belmonte, Jocelyn Limkaichong, Maria Lourdes Acosta-Alba, Mark Go, Deogracias Victor Savellano, Carlo Lopez, Juliette Uy, Jose Enrique Garcia III, Francis Gerald Abaya, Sabiniano Canama, Ben Evardone, Paolo Javier, Mercedes Cagas, Abdullah Dimaporo, Rodante Marcoleta, Raul Tupas, Raymond Democrito Mendoza, Arlene Arcillas, Cecilia Leonila Chavez, Richard Eusebio, Karlo Alexei Nograles, Rozzano Rufino Biazon, Oscar Garin Jr., Scott Davies Lañete, Celso Lobregat, and Federico Sandoval II.

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STRIKING A BALANCE IN PUV TRANSPORT MODERNIZATION--The two-day transport strike last Monday and Tuesday could have been prevented if there were avenues for dialogue and exchange of facts between affected sectors and proponents of the public utility vehicle (PUV) modernization program, according to House Committee on Transportation Chairman Rep. Cesar V. Sarmiento. President Rodrigo Duterte declared that PUV modernization will be implemented starting January 1, 2018. Other lawmakers who were present during the meeting were Reps. Edgar R. Erice, Johnny Ty Pimentel, Rodel M. Batocabe, Carlos Isagani T. Zarate, Emmi A. de Jesus, Ron P. Salo, Harry L. Roque, Jr., Arlene D. Brosas, Carlo V. Lopez, Gavini C. Pancho and Teodoro G. Montoro. Meanwhile, the Executive Department was represented by officials from DoTR, MMDA, LTFRB, LTO, DBP, LandBank, Office of Transport Cooperatives, PNP Highway Patrol Group. Transport groups such as PISTON, FEJODAP, ACTO, L-TOP, ALTODAP and PASANG-MASDA were also in attendance.

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NEWS Release

19 October 2017

Anti-Elder Abuse Act backed

The House committee on appropriations chaired by Rep. Karlo Alexei Nograles (1stDistrict, Davao City) has approved the funding provision of a substitute bill seeking to protect senior citizens from violence.

The approved Section 27 of the unnumbered substitute bill provides that the amount necessary to implement the provisions of the “Anti-Elder Abuse Act” shall be included in the annual General Appropriations Act.

The bill, which was referred to the appropriations committee by the committee on population and family relations chaired by Rep. Sol Aragones (3rdDistrict, Laguna), will now be endorsed to the plenary for approval.

The bill is authored by Reps. Victor Yap, Wes Gatchalian, Magnolia Rosa Antonino, Rodel Batocabe, Alfredo Garbin, Jr., Christopher Co, Linabelle Ruth Villarica, Estrellita Suansing, Raul del Mar, and Jose Antonino Sy-Alvarado.

The bill declares it is the policy of the State to value the dignity of senior citizens and thereby guarantee full respect for human rights. The State shall also recognize the need to protect the family and its members, particularly the senior citizens from all forms of violence, abuse, neglect, exploitation and coercion, especially acts deleterious to their personal safety and security.

Towards this end, the State shall exert efforts to address all forms of violence, abuse, neglect, exploitation and coercion, especially acts deleterious to their personal safety, security, dignity or any discriminatory act committed against senior citizens in keeping with the fundamental freedoms guaranteed under the Constitution and the provisions of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights.

The bill identifies the context of elder abuse or acts of violence against senior citizens. This includes single or repeated acts that cause harm or distress to an elderly committed through threatening or attempting to cause of the following: emotional or psychological abuse; financial or material exploitation; physical abuse; neglect by refusal or failure to fulfil any part of a person’s obligations or duties to an elderly person; mental or emotional suffering; abuse to include withdrawal of financial support, deprivation of financial resources; deprivation of food, comfortable clothing, essential medication, personal and basic financial services; battery, physical assault, or arbitrary deprivation of liberty; abandonment; coercion especially acts deleterious to their personal safety and security.

In addition to those provided for under existing laws during the pendency of the case, a victim of violence shall have the right to avail of protection and legal assistance from the Public Attorney’s Office (PAO) of the Department of Justice (DOJ) or any public legal assistance office; be entitled to support services from the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) and the Local Government Unit (LGU) concerned; be entitled to all legal remedies and support as provided for under the Family Code; be informed of the rights and services available including the right to apply for a protection order; and be entitled to actual compensatoy, moral and exemplary damages.

The DSWD Secretary, in coordination with the LGUs shall provide the senior citizen, who is a victim of violence and similar acts, the following services: a safe place or temporary shelter; counselling, healing, recovery and rehabilitation programs; grants for non-profit organizations to support projects in local communities; and make grants to develop and implement outreach programs directed toward assisting senior citizens who are victims of abuse and violence.

The bill also mandates the Philippine National Police (PNP) to adopt a written protocol establishing written guidelines and procedures to be followed by police officers in responding to request for assistance and calls related to violence against senior citizens.

Moreover, the bill provides for education and training programs for law enforcement officers and persons involved in responding to cases of violence against senior citizens; mandatory reporting by public and private hospitals and their attending physicians or nurses, barangay health workers, therapists or counsellors of the outcome of treatment or examination of domestic violence within 48 hours to the nearest police station; establishment of a Senior Citizen Help Desk in every barangay; and establishment of DOJ Special Prosecution Units that will handle cases of violence against senior citizens.

It mandates the Regional Trial Court (RTC), as a Family Court, to have original and exclusive jurisdiction over cases of violence against senior citizens.

Protection Orders (POs) to prevent further acts of elder abuse or violence against senior citizens may be issued. These include Barangay Protection Order (BPO), Temporary Protection Order (TPO), and Permanent Protection Order (PPO).

Criminal acts constituting attempted, frustrated or consummated parricide or murder or homicide shall be punished in accordance with the provisions of the Revised Penal Code. Other acts shall be punished by prision correctional, a fine in the amount of P100,000 to P300,000. The perpetrator shall also undergo mandatory psychological counselling or psychiatric treatment.

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RESENDING: SPELLING MISTAKES CORRECTED

STATEMENT BY THE

HONORABLE FREDERICK W. SIAO

Lone District of Iligan City

www.freddiesiao.com

COMELEC MUST BE READY AGAINST IDENTITY THIEVES WHO USE HACKED VOTERS DATA

STATEMENT:

Now, it is not impossible or improbable for identity thieves to issue fake voter IDs. With the hacked data out there, they have the information they need to produce fake voter IDs and if this is done on a massive scale, the results of future elections could be in serious doubt.

COMELEC should also updated Congress and the Filipino people on the status of the hacking case, including the case/s against the suspects or suspects in the hacking.

But there are reports voter registration could start earlier than scheduled.

STATEMENT OF MUNTINLUPA CITY REP. RUFFY BIAZON, SENIOR VICE CHAIRMAN OF HOUSE COMM. ON NATIONAL DEFENSE AND SECURITY ON THE END OF COMBAT OPERATIONS IN MARAWI CITY

October 23, 2017

With the formal declaration by the Secretary of National Defense that military operations have ended, we can finally say "Mission Accomplished".

The Battle of Marawi will go down the annals of Philippine Military history as one of the fiercest and most bitterly fought campaigns the AFP has engaged in. The high casualty count on both sides, the duration of the siege and the impact it has had on the lives of civilians make it a conflict which has taken a huge toll not only on the AFP resources but on the country's efforts to bring development to that part of Mindanao.

It is appropriate for the nation to give honor, recognition and thanksgiving to the men and women of the AFP who were deployed there to fight the terrorists and take back Marawi, whether in the frontlines or in rear positions.

For those who gave the ultimate sacrifice in fighting against the terrorists, perhaps a marker or memorial with an eternal flame can be erected in Marawi, as a way of honoring them for giving their lives so that others may live and that the country's major Islamic city is liberated from the clutches of extremist terrorists.

Of course, more than the memorial, the government should make sure that the families left behind by the fallen heroes are well taken cared of with regard to the benefits and welfare they deserve.

The process of recognizing and giving honor to the individual soldiers through awards and medals should likewise proceed immediately, following the prescribed vetting and selection system of the AFP. Honor and recognition is best served immediately.

As the troops come home from the battlefield, there will be those who will require medical care. Those with wounds and injuries should be given the appropriate medical care to heal their bodies back into fighting form or at least enable them to live productive lives. But for some, the military operations may have ended in Marawi but the battle still rages in their heads. The soldiers who have been affected by Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) should likewise be given mental health care, because while their bodies may not have any wound or injury, the damage may have been psychological. The ravages of war can push anyone's sanity on the brink.

Finally, with the fighting over, there must be some form of assessment or inquiry into how this all came about. If the Defense establishment says that there was no failure of intelligence but only failure of appreciation of intelligence, shouldn't somebody be held liable for that failure to appreciate? What is going to be done to prevent that from happening again?

If the military suffered casualties from friendly fire, how did this happen? Was it failure in equipment? In leadership? In operations? In tactical training?

These and other questions and issues could not be taken up during the height of the conflict but now that the fighting is over, we must be prepared to search for answers, with the end in view of avoiding them in the future.

The snappiest salute goes to the officers and men of the AFP. Ooorah and Oooah!

STATEMENT BY THE

HONORABLE RON P. SALO

KABAYAN Party-list

Assistant Majority Leader

SOLON ASKS PALACE TO CONSIDER DECLARING OCT 30 A SPECIAL HOLIDAY

I ask Malacanang to consider declaring October 30, 2017 a special non-working holiday, as a National Day of Thanksgiving and Prayer for Peace in Marawi and Mindanao.

This will give all Filipinos a time to pause to honor the sacrifice of our men in uniform who gave their lives, who suffered serious injuries, and who fought bravely, so that Marawi would be free of the extremist terrorists who tried to separate Marawi City from the Republic of the Philippines and establish a way of life that is against what makes all of us Filipinos.

It is a special day for Filipinos everywhere to internalize the heroism displayed by our soldiers and to consider how they can concretely manifest their heroism as well in helping to rebuild Marawi City and to attain lasting peace in Mindanao. One of which is by supporting the reconstruction bonds to be issued by the government.

If palace would declare October 30 a holiday,that would give students, government workers, and private employees ample time to enjoy a long-weekend holiday from October 28 to November 1. That would reduce disruption to business and production schedules, and encourage domestic tourism.

On October 30, let us personally thank the soldiers, volunteers, rescuers, and news reporters who went to Marawi.

NEWS Release

24 October 2017

Negros Oriental solon says allegations vs Speaker are FAKE

Negros Oriental 3rd District Rep. Arnolfo Teves yesterday said the allegations raised against Speaker Alvarez by the so called Filipino Alliance for Transparency and Empowerment (FATE), are FAKE and utterly baseless and malicious.

He said the allegation that the Speaker is manipulating the outcome of the impeachment hearings because he has an ax to grind against Chief Justice Ma. Lourdes Sereno for testifying against him in the PIATCO (Philippine International Air Terminals Co. Inc.) case is FAKE and a mere fabrication.

By alleging that the Speaker is manipulating outcome, ID is like saying that all congressmen are like puppets and the House is just a rubber stamp which is never true.

“They should rather be called FAKE because based on the information I have, it appears that Sereno never testified against Speaker Alvarez in the Piatco case. Apparently it is one organization that sprouted suddenly like a mushroom and solely meant to serve the interest of Sereno,” said Teves.

He said that contrary to the group’s allegations, the impeachment case against Sereno had nothing to do with the Piatco case per se.

“But it has something to do with the income that Sereno earned as counsel in case that she allegedly did not declare in her Statement of Assets, Liabilities and Net worth (SALN), like the allegations raised in the impeachment case of the late CJ Renato Corona,” Teves said.

Atty. Larry Gadon, the complainant against Sereno, alleged that Sereno ever declared the estimated US$745,000 or P37 million she earned as a private lawyer in the PIATCO case, among others.

Teves decried the FATE statement as malicious too. He pointed out that if Speaker Alvarez really wanted Sereno impeached, he could have mustered enough numbers to get the 1/3 vote of the House to automatically bring the case to the Senate for trial.

“Yet, it did not happen. Instead, the House Committee on Justice decided to give CJ Sereno an opportunity to cross examine the witnesses and rebut the evidence against her. How can FATE now say the Speaker is manipulating the impeachment hearings?” he said.

On the contrary, he noted that in various interviews Speaker Alvarez categorically said he does not want the House to rush its decision on the impeachment case against Sereno and that the Justice committee must carefully weigh if the evidence presented would warrant her impeachment.

“The only thing that Speaker Alvarez really insisted is that Sereno herself should do the cross-examination of the witnesses against her, not her lawyers. But there is nothing wrong with that,” Teves said.

He noted that the position of Speaker Alvarez is appropriate considering that several SC justices have reportedly expressed willingness to testify against Sereno. Atty. Gadon had claimed that up to six SC justices may testify against the Chief Justice in the impeachment hearings.

“It may be awkward for ordinary lawyers to cross-examine justices of the Supreme Court, which exercises disciplinary powers over law practitioners,” Teves said.

Besides, he pointed out, Sereno is in the best position to examine the evidence against her which includes certified documents issued by the Supreme Court.

“If CJ Sereno really has nothing to hide, then she should not hesitate to face her accusers and instead welcome the opportunity to prove them wrong,” he said.

Instead of issuing statements, which only serve to muddle the impeachment case against Sereno, he said, FATE should attend the hearings and find out if there is really enough ground or not to warrant the impeachment of the Chief Justice.

“Any unfounded allegations coming from FATE or any other similar group is irresponsible and doing the entire nation a disservice. They only serve to strengthen suspicions that a coordinated PR campaign is underway

STATEMENT OF CONG. MILAGROS AQUINO-MAGSAYSAY, Senior Citizens Party-list on the alleged exploitation of Philippine National Living Treasure Apo Whang-Od Oggay in ManilaFAME

"In light of the controversy concerning the last 'mambabatok' of the Philippines and Kalinga centenarian Apo Whang-Od Oggay's participation at this year's ManilaFAME, we at Senior Citizens Party-List calls for clarification from the event organizers, ManilaFAME and the DTI Design Center of the Philippines, on the alleged exploitation of our Philippine National Living Treasure.

While Senior Citizens Party-list lauds our government's efforts in upholding our national heritage through our traditional, indigenous crafts, as well as their preservation and propagation for our succeeding generations, it is also of utmost importance for us that we observe this without making it a venue for abuse and ill-treatment, particularly for one of our country's most respected and valued elderlies.

The Kalingan tradition of 'batok' tattoo holds a special significance for the Cordilleran identity and heritage, and we understand their people's, as well as the public's, concern on how their most-revered artisan, as well as their most respected tradition, could have been exploited at the said 3-day trade event.

While it is understood that Apo Whang-Od's transfer from her native Buscalan to Manila was ensured of her safety and protection by the Philippine Air Force, we at Senior Citizens Partylist have noticed a few lapses in the organizer's handling of her recognition and participation on the said event.

While Apo Whang-Od may welcome such an event as an opportunity for her to share her and her people's precious craft, having a centenarian of that stature and state undergo a rigorous activity of servicing close to 300 people may prove taxing on her waning health.

The venue by which it was also presented, by having her tattoo done for a fee, as though it were peddling a service, could also prove demeaning for an artist representing a priceless artistry.

And, lastly, it is also quite disconcerting how the organizers may have failed in according her the proper treatment, importance, and honor she deserves; one that upholds her dignity and prestige as one of the last living pillars of our national identity and heritage.

As this issue brings to light the vulnerability of our elderly artisans and traditional craftsmen to commercial exploitation, as well as the public's consternation for the respect and the protection of our elderly's health, welfare, and dignity, this representation is calling for a clarification by the ManilaFAME and the DTI-Design Center of the Philippines on the said issue.

We hope that the said warranted clarification would assure our people, particularly our elderly, that our state respects and upholds their health, honor, and heritage above commercial or popular gains."

NEWS Release

24 October 2017

House approves bill rationalising DAR rules for land registration

The House of Representatives has approved on second reading House Bill 6589 seeking to rationalize the requirements imposed by the Department of Agrarian Reform regarding land registration to enable smooth and speedy transactions between DAR agents and the public.

The bill principally authored by Speaker Pantaleon Alvarez provides it is the policy of the State to warrant the efficiency and responsiveness of the government by ensuring the implementation of national policies and procedures that reduce, if not eradicate, bureaucratic red tape, and enable smooth and speedy transactionsbetween government agents and the public.

It mandates that clearance or permits from the DA for registering land shall only apply to those lands which are covered by the Comprehensive Agrarian Reform Program (CARP).

For the registration of lands not covered by the CARP, as provided for in Section 10 of Republic Act 6657, as amended, otherwise known as the Comprehensive Agrarian Reform Law (CARL), as well as those lands with a size below the five hectare retention limit imposed by Section 6 of the same Act, no clearance or permit from DAR shall be required.

A Certificate or Order of Exclusion issued by the DAR shall be submitted as adequate proof that the agricultural land still possesses the status of being exempt or excluded from coverage of the CARP as provided for in Section 10 of the CARL.

Moreover, an affidavit of aggregate total agricultural lands by both the transferor and the transferee shall be presented in case of lands with a size below the five hectare retention limit.

No deed of sale of agricultural lands under cultivation by an agricultural lessee or lessees shall be recorded in the Registry of Property unless accompanied by the affidavit required of the vendor as contemplated in Section 13 of RA 3444, otherwise known as the Agricultural Land Reform Code.

Any public officer or employee who violates the Act shall be removed from service and shall suffer the penalty of perpetual absolute disqualification without prejudice to other criminal, civil, or administrative penalties imposable as provided for by law, the bill provides.

Alvarez said it is the State policy to create conditions that eliminate unnecessary red tape that prolong public processes to the prejudice of the interests of the people – and serve as potential areas for corruption.

“One such area exists in the realm of land registration wherein the DAR, which reasonably should be the clearing house before land covered by the CARP could be registered, also serves, unnecessarily, as the clearing house for the registration of lands which are not covered by the CARP,” said the Speaker.

To rationalize the process, the Speaker said he proposed that clearance permits from the DAR for the purpose of land registration shall only apply to lands covered by CARP.

The bill was endorsed for plenary approval by the House committee on agrarian reform chaired by Rep. Rene Relampagos (1st District, Bohol). It is co-authored by Relampagos, Reps. Melencio Yap Jr., Ruwel Peter Gonzaga, Arnolfo Teves, Jesulito Manalo, Roger Mercado, Fernando Gonzalez, Henry Oaminal, Orestes Salon, Wilter Wee Palma, Manuel Jose Dalipe and Delphine Gan Lee.

PRESS RELEASE

OCTOBER 25, 2017

REFERENCE:

REP. JOSEPHINE Y. RAMIREZ-SATO – ‎(0918) 9068294

RACHEL MORALA, Legislative Focal Person – ‎(0917) 852 3380

32 provinces do not have a component city

Sato files bill mandating creation of component city for all PHL provinces

To spur economic growth and development, Occidental Mindoro Rep. Josephine Ramirez Sato filed a bill last week seeking to allow the conversion of a municipality into a city in provinces with no component city.

Sato, vice chair of the economic affairs committee of the House of Representatives, said a total of 32 provinces in the country still do not have a component city because the municipalities fail to meet the minimum requirement in terms of income, population, or land area.

The provinces with no component city are spread across Luzon (16 provinces), Visayas (6 provinces) and Mindanao (10 provinces).

Sato filed House Bill No. 6624 last October 19, 2017, seeking to amend Section 450 of Republic Act 7160 or the Local Government Code as amended by Republic Act 9009.

The said provision sets the minimum requirement for the conversion of a municipality into a component city.

Currently, under the said provision, a municipality must have generated an income of P100 million in the last two years, with a contiguous territory not less than 100 square meters and a population not less than 150,000.

A former Governor of Occidental Mindoro, Sato’s proposed measure aims to exempt a municipality in a province with no component city from such requirement.

“Having a component city is a catalyst for change and development in a province. Its character complements each other and carries economic gains in adjacent municipalities,” Sato stressed.

Instead of waiting for a municipality to reach its financial target or quota to qualify for cityhood, Sato said the measure, once enacted into law, will exempt a municipality from the minimum requirements under the current law, to attract more investments that will spur economic activities and boost growth and development.

“Having at least one component city in a province is instrumental in boosting socio-economic development in the area. It promotes commerce, improves delivery of services, tourism and alternative sources of income to the communities,” she said.

“To function and become a city is more of a character rather than just financial, population or land requirement. Even a small municipality can qualify as a city when it can perform and has the character and functions of a city,” Sato explains.

She added that a municipality can even excel further if the qualified municipality is the center of trade and commerce, provides services and maintains the supply of goods to neighboring towns.

The bill sets other requirements and categories for compliance for candidate municipalities, including established offices and units with an adequate number of personnel, local government plans, and public infrastructure. The candidate town should also have an economic characteristic similar to a city to qualify as a component city.

Once enacted into law, the proposed measure mandates the Department of Budget and Management (DBM) to allocate funds for the first three years of Internal Revenue Allotment (IRA) of the newly established component cities.

The allocation will be an additional and separate from the IRA of already existing cities, so as to not drastically decrease the allocation of all cities, Sato stressed.

MOOT AND ACADEMIC: Deliberation on the Articles of Impeachment pertaining to COMELEC Chairman Andres Bautista was terminated by the House Committee on Justice as President Rodrigo Duterte accepted the former’s resignation effective immediately. The hearing was called by Chairman Reynaldo V. Umali after House Members sitting in plenary overruled the committee’s decision to declare the charge against Bautista as insufficient in form. Also present during the hearing were Deputy Speaker Gwendolyn Garcia, vice chair Doy Leachon and Reps. Romeo Acop, Salvador Belaro, Jr., Anthony Bravo, Luis Jose Angel Campos, Jr., Eugene Michael De Vera, Rodante Marcoleta, Harry Roque, Jr. and Jerry Treñas.

OFFICIAL STATEMENT OF THE

KABAYAN PARTY-LIST

By Joshua P. Sebastian,

Secretary General

‎09178917755 /kabayan Party-list/ @Kabayan_Ron

Reports that erstwhile member of KABAYAN Party-list Atty. Harry Roque is being considered for the post of Presidential Spokesperson is a positive development for his public service career. KABAYAN Party-list is happy with this exciting development as very few and select individuals are given the opportunity to work closely with, and speak on behalf of, the President.

The podium there at Malacanang is clearly a more powerful position although it is appointive, not elective in nature.

The KABAYAN Party-list is ready when Atty. Roque assumes the post. All the necessary documents are being readied and all the necessary protocols are being prepared for the proclamation of the third nominee, Atty. Ciriaco S. Calalang.

All these are necessary to ensure KABAYAN Party-list constituents are ably and adequately represented in Congress.

THE HONORABLE RON P. SALO

KABAYAN Party-list

Assistant Majority Leader

‎09178917755 /kabayanParty-list/ @Kabayan_Ron

KABAYAN PARTY-LIST CONGRATULATES HARRY ROQUE FOR BEING CONSIDERED FOR A PALACE SPOKESPERSON POST

“Reports that erstwhile member of KABAYAN Party-list Atty. Harry Roque is being considered for the post of Presidential Spokesperson is a positive development for his public service career,” reads the official Statement of KABAYAN Party-list.

“The podium there at Malacanang is clearly a more powerful position although it is appointive, not elective in nature,” Salo, who used to be Undersecretary of then Executive Secretary Eduardo Ermita, said.

Salo also noted that the Spokesperson post will be a better avenue for Roque to showcase his intellectual prowess.

“Very few and select individuals are given this kind of opportunity to work closely with, and to speak on behalf of, the President,” added Salo.

“We wish him well for this exciting development in Atty. Roque’s public service career,” Joshua Sebastian, KABAYAN Party-list Secretary General said.

KABAYAN Party-list is now preparing for the proclamation of its third nominee, Atty. Ciriaco S. Calalang vice Atty. Roque.

“As founder and Chairman of KABAYAN Party-list, it is part of my responsibility to make sure that our constituencies are not under-represented in Congress, so prudence dictates that we set in motion preparatory processes to ensure that Atty. Calalang is ready, able, and can immediately take his oath of office as KABAYAN Party-list representative,” Rep. Salo added.

Salo also said that he has advised the KABAYAN Party-list Secretariat and Atty. Calalang to exercise due diligence and be ready to ensure that KABAYAN Party-list is ably and adequately represented in Congress.

Atty. Calalang is a certified public accountant. He is an alumnus of Manuel L. Quezon University and passionately shares the advocacies of KABAYAN Party-list.

NEWS Release

25 October 2017

System loss to be exempt from VAT

The House of Representatives approved on second reading House Bill 1616 seeking to exempt the system loss charge component in the sale of electricity by distribution companies and electric cooperatives from the coverage of the value added tax (VAT) to lower power rates.

The bill principally authored by Rep. Isagani Zarate (Party-list, Bayan Muna) seeks to amend Section 109 (1) of the National Internal Revenue Code of 1997, as amended by Republic Act 9337 and RA 10378, so that the system loss component in the sale of electricity by distribution companies and electric cooperatives shall be among the transactions exempt from VAT.

Another amendment provides the VAT exemption of sale or lease of goods or properties or the performance of services, the gross annual sale and/or receipts do not exceed the amount of P1.5 million. Provided that not later than January 31, 2009 and every three years thererafter, the amount herein stated shall be adjusted to its present value using the consumer price index as published by the National Statistics Office (NSO).

Zarate said the VAT is a form of sales tax. It is a tax on consumption levied on the sale, barter, exchange or lease of goods or properties and services in the Philippines and on importation of goods into the country.

“VAT is an indirect tax. It is shifted or passed on to the buyer, transferee or lessee of goods, properties or services. Being a pass-on tax, the tax burden of paying the VAT is therefore ultimately left upon the shoulder of the end users – the consuming public,” said Zarate.

Meanwhile, Zarate said system loss is the part of one’s electric bill representing the cost of electricity lost during transmission, pilferage, and due to technical and administrative inefficiency. Even pilfered power and electricity used by the distribution companies such as the Manila Electric Company (Meralco) and electric cooperatives are passed on to consumers, according to Zarate.

In a report by independent think-tank Ibon Foundation, the lawmaker said the system loss charge comprises about eight percent of the total electricity bill. Worse, this system loss charge is also subjected to the coverage of VAT which further drives electricity bills up, said Zarate.

As a tax on consumption, Zarate said VAT ought to be imposed upon the goods and services people actually buy and consume. By its very definition, therefore, Zarate said the imposition of VAT upon the system loss charge is unfounded and illegal as the people are taxed for goods/services they have not actually consumed.

“For instance, in 2013, based on Meralco’s tariffs, which averaged 24 US cents per kilowatt hour, the price Filipinos paid for their electricity was the fifth highest in the world. It also showed that electricity in the Philippines costs nearly twice that of Thailand’s, while about five times that of Indonesia,” said Zarate.

In another study conducted by the International Energy Consultants (IEC), a Perth-based consultancy firm commissioned by Meralco to conduct the study, Zarate said the rates in Luzon were placed at ninth highest electricity tariffs of the 44 countries surveyed.

He said per the IEC study, the primary reason for such higher power rates as compared to other countries is the absence of government subsidies for electricity, unlike countries such as Indonesia, Thailand, and Malaysia, where electricity rates are subsidized by the government. These subsidies comprise a large part of their public budget, he said.

“With this backdrop, along with the rising prices of consumer goods and commodities, fuel, education and medical costs, worsening inflation, and unabated sinking of the purchasing power of the peso, it is high time that the Congress devise means which could readily help in keeping the pockets of Filipinos, especially those coming from the lower income class, from completely running dry,” said Zarate.

The bill was endorsed for plenary approval by the House committee on ways and means chaired by Rep. Dakila Carlo Cua (Lone District, Quirino).

House ends deliberation on impeach bid against Bautista

The House committee on justice chaired by Rep. Reynaldo Umali (2nd District, Oriental Mindoro) on Tuesday terminated the deliberation on the impeachment complaint against Commission on Elections (Comelec) Chairman Andres Bautista following the acceptance by President Rodrigo Duterte of the poll chief’s resignation “effective immediately.”

Umali said the former Comelec chairman’s resignation was good news as the committee would be able to focus on other matters involving national interest.

He thanked the President for his prompt action in accepting the resignation.

“The resignation of former Comelec Chairman Andres Bautista was good news for us in the committee on justice, House of Representatives, and the Senate because this will relieve us of the many things that we have to do,” Umali said.

“We wish to thank the President for his swift and decisive action in accepting the resignation,” Umali said.

Umali explained that for purposes of formally terminating Bautista’s impeachment bid, the committee would have to present a report to the plenary.

Rep. Rodante Marcoleta (Party-list, SAGIP) said the impeachment complaint against Bautista has been mooted by the former poll chief’s resignation and the President’s acceptance of his resignation.

Rep. Doy Leachon (1st District, Oriental Mindoro) requested the lawyers of Bautista to submit a letter to the justice committee stating categorically the effective date of his resignation.

“For record purposes, may we request a categorical and definitive letter from the former Comelec Chairman stating the effective date of his resignation,” Leachon said.

Rep. Harry Roque (Party-list, KABAYAN) pointed out that the announcement of Bautista at a press conference that he was vacating his post and that he was no longer attending the meetings of the Comelec en banc indicated that the poll chief has already resigned immediately.

“There is judicial precedent for what Bautista had just done yesterday, that is, the case of (former President Joseph) Estrada. When he left the Palace, the SC (Supreme Court) ruled that that he in effect performed constructive resignation,” Roque said.

“His (Bautista) pronouncement that he was vacating his post, that he is no longer attending the en banc and that the en banc in turn will elect an acting Chair, are acts indicating that he has, for all intents and purposes, resigned immediately,” Roque said.

NEWS Release

25 October 2017

System loss to be exempt from VAT

The bill was endorsed for plenary approval by the House committee on ways and means chaired by Rep. Dakila Carlo Cua (Lone District, Quirino)

House approves bill restoring authority of PNP-CIDG to issue subpoena

ad testificandum or subpoena duces tecum

The House of Representatives has approved on second reading House Bill 4863 which seeks to restore the authority of the Philippine National Police-Criminal Investigation Group (PNP-CIDG) to issue Subpoena Ad Testificandum or Subpoena Duces Tecum by amending Republic Act No. 6975, otherwise known as “The Department of the Interior and Local Government Act of 1990.”.

The bill seeks to strengthen the capacity of the PNP-CIDG in gathering documents and securing witnesses in the conduct of its investigations.

Rep. Francisco Jose Matugas II (1st District, Surigao del Norte), principal author of the bill , said the CIDG was created pursuant to Republic Act 6975, otherwise known as "An Act establishing the National Police, under a reorganized Department of the Local and Interior Government, and for other purposes," primarily to undertake the monitoring, investigation and prosecution of all crimes involving economic sabotage and other crimes of such magnitude and extent and to investigate all major cases involving violation of the Revised Penal Code (RPC) and to conduct operations against organized crime groups (OCGs).

“A perusal of the provisions of RA 6975 shows that it did not provide the PNP or the CIDG with the power to administer oath and to issue subpoena and subpoena duces tecum. On the other hand, RA 6975 gave the NAPOLCOM the power to issue subpoena and subpoena duces tecum in matters pertaining to the discharge of its own powers and duties pertaining to cases against its personnel,” he said.

Matugas said it bears stressing that present statutes allowed some agencies with the power to issue administrative subpoena and subpoena duces tecum such as the Ombudsman, Department of Justice, the National Bureau of Investigation, the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency, NAPOLCOM, Bureau of Internal Revenue, and the Cybercrime Operation Center of the Cybercrime Investigation Coordination Center.

“It is surprising that the PNP-CIDG, the main enforcement agency of the country, does not possess such power to issue administrative subpoena which plays a significant role in any fact finding or investigation,” he said.

Rep. Romeo Acop (2nd District, Antipolo City), chairman of the committee on public order and safety and one of the authors of the bill, said the deletion of the authority of the Chief and Deputy Chief of the now CIDG to administer oaths and to issue subpoena or subpoenas duces tecum in investigations it conducted affected the unit’s efficiency and effectiveness in the discharge of its mandated duties.

Matugas said the life blood of the investigation is the flow of fact, the gathering, the organization and the analysis of evidence.

“Investigations are useful for all administrative functions, not only for rule making, adjudication, but also for prosecuting, for supervising and directing, for determining general policy, for recommending legislation, and for purpose no more specific than illuminating obscure areas to find out what if anything should be done,” he explained.

Matugas further explained an administrative agency may be authorized to make investigations, not only in proceedings of a legislative or judicial nature, but also in proceedings whose sole purpose is to obtain information upon which future action of a legislative or judicial in nature may be taken and require the attendance of witnesses in proceedings of a purely investigatory nature.

“Along this line, it is with more reason that the PNP-CIDG, an investigative unit should be given the power to issue subpoena and subpoena duces tecum in the furtherance of its mandated functions, especially in the fight against the evils of illegal drugs,” he added.

The CIDG shall likewise investigate all cases involving violations of the Revised Penal Code and operate against organized crime groups, unless the President assigns the case exclusively to the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI).

The Director and the Deputy Directors of the Criminal Investigation and detection Group shall have the power to administer oath upon cases under investigation and to issue subpoena ad testificandum or subpoena duces tecum: Provided, that the attendance or submission of evidence of an absent or recalcitrant witness may be enforced by application to any trial court.”

Other authors of the bill are Deputy Speaker and Cebu Third District Rep. Gwendolyn Garcia, Reps. Horacio Suansing Jr. (2nd District, Sultan Kudarat), Teodoro Montoro (Party-list, AASENSO), Johnny Ty Pimentel (2nd District, Surigao del Sur), Manuel Jose Dalipe (2nd District, Zamboanga City), and Henry Oaminal (2nd District, Misamis Occidental) (30) MVIP

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mga ibinalita ni terencius

Thursday, October 26, 2017

Script for 20171028 KSK Edition

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