Overseas Filipinos pumped $20.7B or P1.035T into PH economy from Jan to Aug 2017

(Rep Ron Salo)

The Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas, our country's constitutionally-mandated central monetary authority, is doing a splendid job at financial inclusion so that more Filipinos are able to avail of financial services wherever they are nationwide or overseas.

One clear sign of this is the growth in Overseas Filipino remittances sent through banks, money transfer firms, and other formal intermediaries.

The latest BSP figures show that personal remittances increased by 6.4 percent in August 2017 while from January to August personal remittances totaled US$20.7 billion, or P1.035 trillion (at P50 to $1.00), which is one-third of the country’s current budget.

Overseas Filipinos, our modern-day heroes, pumped P1.035 trillion into the Philippine economy, and continues to keep the economy afloat!

Working together with the formal financial intermediaries, the BSP, DOLE, DFA, DTI, and other government agencies were able to make the remittance services happen and protect the hard-earned monies of OFWs.

Here at home, there are continuing efforts to enable OFWs and their dependents to acquire financial literacy, including how to save for future emergencies, future needs, sound investments, and entrepreneurship.

Expedite proposed pay hike for soldiers and cops

(Rep Neil Abayon)

[House Assistant Minority Leader and Member of the Committees on Appropriations, National Defense & Security, and Public Order & Safety Representative Neil Abayon wants the pay hike for cops and soldiers implemented ASAP. https://goo.gl/yZGf5c]

I laud the Duterte administration for the compensation adjustment for cops and soldiers. Currently, for example, a Police Officer 1 receives a basic monthly salary of P14,834. Call center agents receive better pay than that.

If the pay adjustment gets implemented, every PO1 shall be receiving a basic monthly salary of P29,668 (a 100% increase). Such move shall boost the morale of our law enforcers.

Relatedly, I filed House Bill 6187 (“Stakeholder Support to Military and Other Armed Services Personnel Act”) last August. HB 6187 seeks to give active duty soldiers and veteran soldiers benefits similar to most of the benefits now available to senior citizens.

While I acknowledge that the killing of terrorist leaders Isnilon Hapilon of the Abu Sayyaf and Maute group figurehead Omar Maute by our brave soldiers is a victory in our war against terror, I maintain that it is prudent not to let our guard down.

I therefore support the continued implementation of Martial Law in Mindanao to prevent the remnants of the Maute group from escaping to provinces outside of Lanao and possibly regroup and infect other parts of Mindanao.

Solon pushes Hapilon, Maute rewards for soldiers

(Rep Joseph Bernos)

Abra Representative JB Bernos calls on the National Government to help the soldiers of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) who helped to neutralize Isnilon Hapilon and Omar Maute last Monday.

According to reports, the Philippine government has offered a PHP 10 million bounty for Hapilon, on top of the USD 5 million reward offered by the United States, and of another PHP 5 million for the Maute brothers.

“It is only proper that our soldiers also become entitled to the bounties for these terrorists,” Bernos said. “After all, it was them who put their lives on the line to track and neutralize Hapilon and Maute.”

With the entire nation, Bernos, also vice chairperson of House Committee on Public Order and Safety, is also deeply relieved that Isnilon Hapilon and Omar Maute, the main perpetrators of the siege in Marawi City, have been killed, citing their respective roles in the said siege which spanned for more than four (4) months, and resulting to thousands of families losing their homes and livelihoods and their loved ones.

“I also cannot stress how unforgiveable is the destruction they had caused to the economy and local culture of Marawi City, which makes the efforts to rebuild the city an utmost consideration for this administration,” Bernos remarked. “The deaths of the two leaders of the terrorist forces usher in a new chapter in the city’s history – one that is centered on maintaining peace and stability amidst diversity of beliefs of its people.”

Bernos commends the elements of the AFP for a job well done, and for their dedication to the mission helped to see the fall of Hapilon and Maute.

“Their death greatly weakens the hold of the terrorist forces in the city. Now, the task on hand is one that should speed up efforts to make Marawi the great city it was. I believe that the AFP has a role to play in the rehabilitation of the city, and rest assured that the People of Abra – despite our great distance from where you are now – will continue to support you for your bravery and heroism, in the memory of our fallen soldiers who, until their last breath, were dedicated to the cause of peace and order in this country,” Bernos ended.

Nograles mulls reconstruction commission for Marawi rehab

Puwersa ng Bayaning Atleta Partylist Rep. Jericho Nograles today said that the death of two of the country's most notorious terrorist leaders- Isnilon Hapilon of the Abu Sayyaf Group and Omar Maute of the Maute Group-- should now jumpstart a massive and well-organized reconstruction effort to rebuild Marawi City.

Nograles, who is also serving as acting congressman for the first district of Sulu, said that the task of rebuilding Marawi City and return its old glory as the center  of Islamic culture in the Philippines is an enormous logistical and financial undertaking that would require an honest and dedicated group of civil work experts, logisticians and city planners.

Nograles proposed the creation of a non-partisan and non-sectarian reconstruction commission which would design and manage the reconstruction of Marawi City which has been flattened to the ground due to nearly five months of armed conflict.

Nograles also proposed that Martial Law should remain in effect even after the last remnant of the Maute militants have been flushed out to ensure the swift and uninterrupted reconstruction effort in Marawi City.

Nograles said that with expected outpouring of financial aid to support the reconstruction of Marawi,  there is a need to establish a single but well-organized government body, fully backed by the Armed Forces of the Philippines, which would manage the funds for the reconstruction of the city.

"I think that we should learn from our Yolanda experience. There were too many cooks that spoiled the broth. Everyone's claiming credit for the projects but when problems began to manifest, everyone's playing the blame game.  We should do this differently in Marawi by creating a single government body that orchestrates all the needed reconstruction projects," Nograles said.

Nograles said that Marawi reconstructions should put priority on the rebuilding of homes and schools to speed up the reinstatement of the tens of thousand of internally displaced residents without sacrificing proper urban zoning and design.

Nograles said that since Marawi City would need complete makeover, urban planners should design the city like true modern metropolis.

"We should make sure that the communities that will re-emerge in a new Marawi City that is modern and responsive to the needs of its people. We should rebuild Marawi to make it a better place for those who have undergone so much pain. As one people, we have a moral responsibility to help heal the wounds of war," Nograles said.

Law passed soon prohibiting unattended children in vehicles

THE House of Representatives has approved on second reading House Bill (HB) 6570 seeking to prohibit leaving children eight-years-old and-below unattended in motor vehicles.

The committee on welfare of children chaired by Rep. Divina Grace Yu endorsed for plenary approval the bill which is principally authored by Reps. Strike Revilla and Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo.

Under the bill, a child must always be attended by someone 18 years or older while onboard a motor vehicle with engine running or the key is inside the vehicle.

It provides for a penalty of P5,000 for the first offense, P10,000 for the second offense and P50,000 with confiscation of the driver’s license for the third offense. Any subsequent offense shall carry the penalty of revocation of the driver’s license.

A public awareness campaign on the prohibition and dangers of leaving children unattended inside motor vehicles shall be undertaken nationwide by the Land Transportation Office (LTO) will also be mandated by the bill if passed into law.

The LTO, in consultation with the member-agencies of the Council for the Welfare of Children shall issue the implementing rules and regulations of the measure once it is enacted into law.

Revilla said the deaths and injuries caused by leaving children unattended in motor vehicles are predictable and preventable.

“These injuries and deaths were caused by heat stroke, a motor vehicle being put in motion by a child, choking while inside a car, being kidnapped, inhaling toxic fumes, activation of automatic power controls, or being trapped in the vehicle’s trunk,” said Revilla.

Once children get into a vehicle, Revilla said they often do not have the skills to get out. “We leave children unaccompanied in motor vehicles every day for a variety of reasons, not knowing of the risks of leaving them alone,” said Revilla.

“Through education and legislation, the injuries and deaths caused by the dangerous practice of leaving children unattended in motor vehicles can be greatly reduced. Parents, relatives or guardians should always be made aware that unsupervised children in a motor vehicle pose a great threat to their safety and unnecessary emotional burden to their families,” said Macapagal-Arroyo.

House approves proposed "Philippine Qualifications Framework Act"

THE House of Representatives has approved on second reading House Bill 6572 which seeks to institutionalize the Philippine Qualifications Framework (PQF) that would put in place an integrated system of quality education and training to address the mismatch in jobs and skills and generate employment.

The proposed “PQF Act” was sponsored on the floor by the committee on higher and technical education chaired by Rep. Ann Hofer (2nd District, Zamboanga Sibugay), who is also an author of the bill along with Reps. Sherwin Tugna (Party-list, Cibac), Evelina Escudero (1st District, Sorsogon), and Luis Raymund Villafuerte, Jr., (2nd District, Camarines Sur).

Pursuant to the constitutional guarantee for the State to promote the right of all citizens to quality and accessible education at all levels, the bill provides that the State shall establish, maintain and support a complete, adequate and integrated system of education relevant to the needs of the people and society.

In recognition of the important role of education and training in national development, the bill declares it is the policy of the State to institutionalize the PQF to encourage lifelong learning of individuals and provide employees specific training standards and qualifications aligned with industry standards.

The State shall also ensure that training and educational institutions comply with specific standards and are accountable for achieving corresponding learning outcomes.

The bill provides for the establishment of a PQF which shall describe the levels of educational qualifications and sets the standards for qualification outcomes.

The PQF shall have the following objectives: support the development and maintenance of pathways and equivalencies which provide access to qualifications and assist people to move easily and readily between the different education and training sectors and between these sectors and the labor market; and align the PQF with international qualifications to support the national and international mobility of workers through increased recognition of the value and comparability of Philippine qualifications.

Furthermore, the bill mandates the establishment of the PQF-National Coordinating Council that will harmonize and promote seamless education and training system.

The PQF-NCC shall be composed of the Secretary of Education as chairperson, and the Secretary of Labor and Employment, Commission on Higher Education (CHED) Chairperson, Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA) Director General, Professional Regulation Commission (PRC) Chairperson and one representative of the economic sector as members.

Among the powers of the PQF-NCC are: harmonize qualification levels across basic, technical vocational and higher education; rationalize the quality assurance mechanisms in the country’s education; maintain the national registry of qualifications; ensure the international alignment of the PQF with the qualification frameworks of other countries or regions; and represent the country in international fora or negotiations in line with qualifications agreements or arrangements.

The bill requires the DepEd, TESDA, and the CHED to make detailed description for each qualification level based on learning standards in basic education, competency standards of training regulations and the policy standards of higher education academic programs. The DOLE shall provide the pertinent labor market information on the highly in-demand and emerging occupations as bases for prioritization.

The bill mandates the PRC and the CHED to review the framework and contents of licensure examinations of each of the professions and align them with the PQF.

It also mandates the PRC, DOLE, Department of Science and Technology (DOST), National Economic Development Authority (NEDA and the Department of Budget and Management (DBM) and other related agencies to extend the necessary support and relevant inputs towards the effective implementation of the PQF.

Other authors of the bill are Speaker Pantaleon Alvarez, Majority Leader Rodolfo Fariñas, Minority Leader Danilo Suarez, Reps. Karlo Alexei Nograles, Juan Pablo Bondoc, Ramon Durano, Mark Go, Mercedes Cagas, Pablo Ortega and Federico Sandoval, among others.

House approves bill expropriating lands for socialized housing

The House of Representatives has approved on second reading a bill seeking to strengthen the right of government to expropriate lands for socialized housing.

The approved House Bill 159 or “An Act Strengthening the Right Of Government To Expropriate Lands For Socialized Housing” is principally authored by Rep. Jose Christopher Belmonte (6th District, Quezon City).

The bill seeks to amend Sections 9, 10, and 11 of Republic Act No. 7279, otherwise known as the “Urban Development and Housing Act of 1992,” by granting local government units (LGUs) the power to identify and prioritize areas to be acquired as sites for socialized housing.

It provides LGUs with the power to identify and prioritize areas to be acquired or the proper agency acquiring land for socialized housing.

However, LGUs shall give budgetary priority to on-site development of government lands to be converted into housing sites.

The areas that could be converted into sites for socialized housing include those owned by the government or any of its subdivision, alienable lands of the public domain, unregistered or abandoned and idle lands and those declared areas of priority development, zonal improvement program sites, and slum improvement and resettlement program locations.

While the bill allows the expropriation of lands, even if ownership is still the subject of a pending court litigation, it exempts parcels of land owned by “small property owners” from acquisition by the local government.

Private lands and locations of the Bagong Lipunan Improvement of Sites and Services (BLISS) housing which have not yet been acquired may also be converted as sites for socialized housing.

The modes of land acquisition provided for in the bill are community mortgage, land swapping, land assembly or consolidation, land banking, donation to the government, joint venture agreement, negotiated purchase and expropriation.

Government-owned and foreclosed properties shall be acquired by the LGUs or by the National Housing Authority (NHA) primarily through negotiated purchase. Qualified beneficiaries who are actual occupants of the land shall be given the right of first refusal.    

Other authors of the bill are Deputy Speaker Raneo Abu (2nd District, Batangas), Reps. Xavier Jesus Romualdo (Lone District, Camiguin), Joseph Stephen Paduano (Party-list, Abang Lingkod), Strike Revilla (2nd District, Cavite), Winston Castelo (2nd District, Quezon City), Rodrigo Abellanosa (2nd District, Cebu City), and Joaquin Chipeco (2nd District, Laguna).

Blood Type in ID cards endorsed

The House of Representatives has unanimously approved on third and final reading House Bill 1530 which mandates all government agencies to indicate the blood type of the individual applying for an identification card, certificate and license.

The bill states it is the policy of the the State to protect and promote the right of health of the people and instill health consciousness among them.

In order to achieve this goal, the State shall implement measures that would ensure the safety of lives during disasters and medical emergency situations.

Rep. Alexandria Gonzales (Lone District, Mandaluyong City), principal author of the bill, said knowing one’s blood type is crucial for both the recipient and the donor for the immediate transfusion of the appropriate blood during medical emergency situations.

She said accidents and other medical emergency situations could affect and happen to everyone. “In case of emergency, which results in excessive blood loss, there is immediate matching so the correct blood type may be transfused in order to save the life of the victim,” Gonzales said.

The measure states government-issued documents that shall bear the blood type of an individual are the identification card issued by the Social Security System (SSS) and the Government Service Insurance System (GSIS).

Likewise, passports issued by the Department of Foreign Affairs and the professional identification card issued by the Professional Regulation Commission (PRC) shall show the same.

Furthermore, the blood type of the individual shall be indicated in the birth certificate issued by the Local Registrar’s Office or the Philippine Statistic Authority (PSA) as well as in the driver’s license issued by the Land Transportation Office (LTO).

Aside from these, firearms license issued by the Philippine National Police (PNP) and other certificates, licenses or identification documents that have yet to be issued by agencies to be created after the effectivity of the Act shall also bear the blood type of the individual.

The measure requires the individual to secure a certificate from a pathologist to validate the individual’s blood type.

The amount necessary for the implementation of this Act shall be charged to the appropriations or corporate funds of the implementing agencies and corporations.

The bill tasks the Department of Health (DOH), in coordination with all concerned government implementing agencies and corporations, to formulate the rules and regulations necessary to implement the provisions of this Act within 90 days from its effectivity.

Authors of the bill are House Speaker Pantaleon Alvarez, Majority Leader Rodolfo Fariñas, Mark Villar, Gary Alejano, Marlyn Primicias-Agabas, Linabelle Ruth Villarica, Manuel Jose Dalipe, Gus Tambunting, Ma. Lucille Nava,Jose Antonio Sy-Alvarado, Emmeline Aglipay-Villar, Raul Del Mar, Mohamad Khalid Dimaporo, Joey Sarte Salceda, Celso Lobregat, Francis Gerald Abaya, Isagani Amatong, Arlene Arcillas, Leopoldo Bataoil, Wilfredo Caminero, Cecilia Leonila Chavez, Arthur Defensor Jr, Harry Roque, Rogelio Neil Roque, Edgar Mary Sarmiento, Deogracias Victor Savellano, Estrellita Suansing, Jose Tejada, Raul Tupas, Divina Grace Yu, Karlo Alexei Nograles, and Juan Pablo Bondoc.

Solon bats for Marawi reconstruction bonds in small and large denominations so that OFWs and the middle class can also invest

(Rep Ron Salo’s reaction to the statement of the DBM secretary)

The budget requirements for rebuilding Marawi are simply too big to be loaded on the national budget in one or a few tranches. Reconstruction bonds are really the way to spread out the cost over many years while getting the funds in the present and near term. We need those funds soon, not later.

The details of computing how much is needed, the terms and conditions will be the tasks of the Department of Budget and Management, Department of Finance and National Economic and Development Authority. Our role in Congress is to make sure government is circumspect, has the diligence of a good father, and adheres to proper accounting, auditing, and oversight.

The P30 billion worth of debt securities that the DoF considers issuing might be too small for the magnitude of work that needs to be done. There should be a master plan that should not simply focus on Marawi, but also connect it to Iligan City, Cotabato City, and the rest of Mindanao, so the city would be an integral part of Mindanao and national development.

I trust that NEDA shall immediately facilitate the preparation of that Master Plan for the rehabilitation which shall involve all relevant stakeholders, particularly the Maranaos. Also, let us ensure that the learnings we acquired in the Tacloban rehabilitation will guide us in facilitating our current efforts.

The bonds will give all who invest in them, both local and foreign investors, the opportunity to be direct stakeholders in the future of Marawi, Mindanao, and in peace and progress for the while country.

I suggest to the DBM, DoF, and NEDA that the bonds also have small denominations to allow middle class Filipinos and Overseas Filipino to be among the investors.

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STATEMENTS:

Statement of Rep. Ruffy Biazon, Senior Vice Chair of the House Committee on National Defense and Security, on the Neutralization of Isnilon Hapilon and Omar Maute.

October 16, 2017

At the outset, I would like to congratulate the officers and enlisted personnel of the Armed Forces of the Philippines for this accomplishment which will bring peace closer to Marawi in particular and the Country in general. Oorah and Hooah to the soldiers of the Republic!

The neutralization of Isnilon Hapilon and Omar Maute is a significant blow dealt by the Armed Forces of the Philippines on the terrorist groups. In eliminating the top leaders, the strategic decision making and direction of the terrorists will be impaired, giving the AFP an advantage in going after the rest of the group which may experience a setback due to the leadership vacuum. The AFP should exploit this opportunity.

Of course it must be realized that this may be a temporary window of opportunity because successors may soon take over, unless those potential leaders are likewise neutralized or the pressure on the terrorists sustained enough to prevent them from reorganizing.

With the conflict in Marawi nearing the end and the mission almost accomplished, the government must prepare for the return of the troops, paying particular attention to their mental health.

The trauma and stress of the protracted battle the likes of which has never been seen before by our soldiers has surely taken its toll on those who fought against the terrorists. Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) has surely afflicted many of our soldiers and they need the appropriate mental health care as they return from the conflict. Beyond giving them a hero's welcome, we must ensure that they return to regular life with a normal state of mind.

The rise and drop in a President's approval ratings are bound to happen in the course of his/her term. It is part of the territory. It reflects the pulse of the people at a particular time. A drop though does not mean erosion of public support but merely a sentiment on particular policies.

But the job of a president is not to make popular decisions. He should make decisions for the greater good though unpopular. I had to endure this process myself when I made tough and unpopular decisions that ultimately redounded to the common good.

After a whole year of stratospheric ratings, the President should not be unduly worried by the drop in his ratings for the 3rd quarter of the year. This is a blip, especially because the survey was taken at the height of the controversy over so-called EJK’s in the war against drugs.

During my term, I too suffered even more serious problems with my ratings, precipitated by the same kind of vicious opposition now working to bring down President Duterte. I responded by focusing instead on performance, performance, performance. It was my intention to leave a real legacy of achievement, because it was only the judgment of history that mattered to me.

The President has started several historic initiatives that too will comprise his real legacy. I refer to his initiatives on comprehensive tax reform, infrastructure buildout, Charter change, and securing and rebuilding Marawi city. All of them can produce major changes early enough to improve his ratings by early next year.

Press Release

Office of Rep. Gary Alejano

Magdalo Party-List

Oct 16, 2017

STATEMENT OF MAGDALO REP. ALEJANO ON THE DEATH OF TERRORISTS ISNILON HAPILON AND OMAR MAUTE

Ang pagkakapatay kay Omar Maute at Isnilon Hapilon ay isang maliwanag na tagumpay sa ating AFP at sa ating bansa laban sa terorismo. Nais kong pasalamatan at saluduhan ang ating Secretary of National Defense Lorenzana, AFP Chief of Staff General Año, mga opisyales at mga tropa sa kanilang pagpupursige na wakasan ang krisis sa Marawi sa pamamagitan ng pag-alay ng kanilang buhay at serbisyo. To those who went ahead, my snappy salute. You will forever be remembered. You did not die in vain.

In view of recent event, I hope that the lifting of martial law in the whole of Mindanao be considered sooner than later, as also promised by the President. Rehabilitation of Marawi City must also commence the soonest possible time. These are critical factors in restoring the normalcy in the area. Ang hangad po natin ay makabalik na ang ating mga kapatid na Maranao sa kanilang mga tahanan at makapagsimula ng bagong buhay.

Subalit, hindi matatapalan ng imprastruktura at kabuhayan ang sugat ng giyera sa kanilang mga puso. Ang ugat ng paghihimagsik ay dapat masusing tignan at matugunan ng ating gobyerno. Healing and not division, good governance rather than war, livelihood rather than bullets and bombs, understanding rather than curses and threats.

Ganun pa man, alam kong hindi nagtatapos sa Marawi ang banta sa seguridad sa ating bansa. The government should continue to support and equip our soldiers to lessen our casualties in battle. This is the time when we need all the support from our allies rather than isolate ourselves.

I call on the President to be the instrument of peace, stability, unity and progress. Ilagay niya ang kanyang tapang sa lugar dahil ang napakaraming problema sa bansa ay hindi nadadaan at nalulutas sa giyera, patayan, at pananakot. Hindi rin nito matatabunan ang mga isyu ng kurapsyon, unfitness at inefficiency.

Statement of Samar Rep. Edgar Mary Sarmiento on the death of Isnilon Hapilon and Omar Maute

The death of Omar Maute and Isnilon Hapilon and looming defeat of the remaining terrorists in Marawi City is a true reminder that good will always triumph against evil. Although their death came at a heavy price and has left an indelible scar that would haunt the people of Marawi for many years to come, it has also defined the  character of our men and women  in the Armed Forces of the Philippines who unselfishly sacrificed their lives to liberate the city from these mindless thugs.

We can never measure the courage, the dedication and selflessness that was demonstrated by our soldiers and they should be commended for a job well done. They have shown to the whole world that even without modern weapons, our soldiers have the unrelenting valor and resolve to complete their mission, even it means losing their lives. For this, we are truly grateful.

I really hope and pray that after this dark episode in our history, our brothers and sisters who still embrace the twisted ideals of Maute and Hapilon should realize by now that they are fighting for the wrong side and for the wrong reason.  Maute and Hapilon died without honor and would forever be regarded as true enemies of Islam.They hoped to be martyred but in the end, even their own people despised them for destroying a historic Islamic city.

Now it's time to start picking up the pieces and start rebuilding, and healing Marawi City.

Press Release

Office of Rep. Gary Alejano

Magdalo Party-List

Oct 17, 2017

Statement on the liberation of Marawi City

Aking pinapaabot sa ating sandatahang lakas ang saludo at pasasalamat sa inyong pinakitang kagitingan at katapangan. The liberation of Marawi City today is a testament of your undying love and service for our country. I especially give my respect to our soldiers who  passed away and who offered the extreme sacrifice in line of duty.

After the liberation of Marawi City, another long and serious work begins – bringing back the glory of the city. The rehabilitation of Marawi City should have a comprehensive, multi-agency plan in order to properly address all fronts.  Provision of basic needs, building of houses and infrastructures, and return of economic activity are things that must be acted upon immediately. Psychological services should also be provided for the residents and soldiers who have been in the frontlines and have endured the conflict on the ground.

I hope that the rehabilitation would be swift and reliable. We do not want to add more sufferings to the people of Marawi. May all of us in the government and civil society offer our helping hands to our Maranao brothers and sisters.

Aside from the rehabilitation, I also reiterate my call for the government to identify and understand the root cause of the Marawi crisis. Terrorism is a global problem which needs our urgent attention. Likewise, continued support for our armed forces is imperative in order to respond to various security threats that we may face in the future.

STATEMENT BY THE

HONORABLE RON P. SALO

KABAYAN Party-list

Assistant Majority Leader

WIN THE PEACE, ADOPT A SCHOOL

KABAYAN Party-list congratulates the Armed Forces of the Philippines on accomplishing the first part of the mission to liberate Marawi City from the hands of the Maute terrorists.

Now that no less than the Commander-in Chief President Rodrigo Duterte has declared “Marawi City liberated from terrorist influence,” the next phase of the mission is to win the peace and assure the rebuilding and progress of the battle-torn city and restore its residents’ confidence.

We must now come together to mobilize all the resources needed for the rebuilding efforts.

Priorities are basic health services, education, and governance.

In line with this, KABAYAN Party-list would like to adopt a school and build one or two classrooms especially for grade school students.

KABAYAN Party-list will coordinate with officials on the ground and community leaders and national officials on the particulars.

Also let me once again urge my colleagues in the House of Representatives, as I expressed in House Resolution 1083 that I filed in June, to express our collective support and commendation to the men and women of the AFP and the Philippine National Police in their valiant efforts and heroic deeds in order to uphold peace, order, and security in Marawi City and the whole Island of Mindanao.

KABAYAN PARTY-LIST “MAG-AAMPON” NG ESKWELAHAN SA MARAWI BILANG KONGKRETONG TULONG

Matapos ideklara ni Pangulong Rodrigo Duterte na malaya na ang lungsod ng Marawi mula sa mga teroristang Maute, nakiisa sa panawagang rehabilitasyon ng Pangulo si KABAYAN Party-list Congressman Ron Salo.

Sabi ni Salo na isa sa mga lider ng Kamara bilang Assistant Majority Leader, prayoridad sa rehabilitasyon ang pagsasaayos ng mga pampublikong paaralan at bahay-pamahalaan na nasira dahil sa mahigit limang buwang bakbakan.

“Dahil dyan, mag-aampon ng eskwelahan ang KABAYAN Party-list at tutustusan namin ang pagpapatayo ng isa o dalawang classroom na pang-grade-school bilang kongkretong tulong sa mga kababayan nating nasalanta ng digmaan,” ani Salo.

Makikipag-ugnayan din si Salo sa mga community leaders ng Marawi at sa mga national agencies kung paano mabilis na maisasakatuparan ang planong ayuda ng KABAYAN Party-list.

Si Salo ang may akda ng House Resolution 1083 na humihimok sa mga kapwa mambabatas sa Kamara na bigyang papuri ang mga sundalo at pulis na nagtaguyod ng kapayapaan at seguridad sa Marawi City at sa buong Mindanao.

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