NEWS Release 27 October 2017

House approves funding of “Philippine Food Technology Act”

The House committee on appropriations chaired by Rep. Karlo Alexei Nograles (1stDistrict, Davao City) approved the funding provision of a substitute bill regulating the practice of food technology in the country.

The funding provision of the unnumbered substitute bill titled “Philippine Food Technology Act” provides that “The Chairperson of the Professional Regulation Commission shall include in the PRC’s program the implementation of the Act, the funding of which shall be included in the annual General Appropriations Act (GAA).”

The bill substituted House Bill 2310 authored by Rep. Evelina Escudero (1st District, Sorsogon) and HB 2726 by Rep. Gary Alejano (Party-list, Magdalo).

The bill provides that the State recognizes the importance of professional food technologists in nation-building and development.

Hence, the State shall develop and nurture competent, virtuous, productive and well-rounded professional food technologists whose standards of practice and service shall be excellent, world class and globally competitive through honest, effective, relevant and credible licensure examinations and through regulatory programs, measures and activities that foster their professional growth, social responsibility and development.

It defines food technology as “the application of the physical, biological, and behavioral sciences to the conversion of raw materials into safe, stable, palatable, and nutritious foods." It includes the processes of handling, storage, processing, packaging, and utilization of food.

The measures provide for the creation of the Professional Regulatory Board of Food Technology, called the Board, under the administrative supervision of the PRC. It shall be composed of a Chairperson and two members who shall be appointed by the President of the Republic of the Philippines.

The Board chairperson and members shall have a term of three years and may be reappointed for another three years immediately after the expiry of their term.

Among the powers and functions of the Board are to: promulgate, administer, and enforce rules and regulations necessary for carrying out the provisions of the Act; supervise and regulate the registration, licensure, and practice of food technology in the country; adopt a program for the full computerization of the licensure examination; and prescribe and adopt a Code of Ethics and a Code of Technical Standards for the practice of food technology.

The Board shall also ensure, in coordination with the Commission on Higher Education (CHED), that all educational institutions offering food technology education comply with the policies, standards, and requirements of the course prescribed by CHED in the areas of curriculum, faculty, library and facilities; issue special permits to persons admitted to the practice of food technology for a specific duration of time and certificates of recognition for advanced studies, researches and accomplishments that contribute to the enrichment of the profession; and prescribe guidelines and criteria in the Continuing Professional Development (CPD) program for food technologists.

Except as otherwise specifically allowed under the Act, applicants for registration for the practice of food technology shall be required to pass a licensure examination as provided for in the Act in such place and date as the PRC may designate in the Resolution thereof on the Master Schedule for all licensure examinations in accordance with Section 7 (d) of Republic Act 8981, PRC Modernization Act of 2000, as amended.

To pass the licensure examination, the bill provides that a candidate for food technologist must obtain a passing rate of 75 percent in each subject given during the examination.

The bill prohibits the following: representing oneself as a food technologist without passing the licensure examination; representing oneself as a food technologist during the time that the professional license is not valid, or that the certificate of registration has been suspended or revoked, or that the temporary special permit is cancelled ; allowing another person to use one’s certificate of registration and/or professional license or temporary special permit as a food technologist; using the certificate of registration  and/or professional license or temporary special permit of another food technologist.

Violators of the Act shall, upon conviction, be punished by a fine of P40,000 to P150,000 or by imprisonment of six months to four years, or both, at the discretion of the court.

Aside from Escudero and Alejano, other authors of the bill are Reps. Vilma Santos-Recto, Divina Grace Yu, Estrellita Suansing, Maximo Rodriguez, Jr., Bernadette Herrera-Dy,  Mario Vittorio Mariño, Carlos Isagani Zarate, Mercedes Cagas, France Castro, Marisol Panotes, Harlin Neil Abayon III, Gabriel Bordado Jr., and Victoria  Isabel Noel.

NEWS Release

30 October 2017

House fine-tunes bill strengthening GAB

THE House committee on games and amusements chaired by Rep. Gus Tambunting (2nd District, Parañaque City) has formed a technical working group (TWG) that will fine-tune House Bill 4843 which seeks to strengthen the Games and Amusement Board (GAB) by expanding its regulatory powers and supervisory functions over professional sports, allied activities, and other forms of amusement.

The committee named Rep. Mark Aeron Sambar (Party-List, PBA) as head of the TWG that will deliberate further on HB 4843 authored by Reps. Rodel Batocabe (Partylist, Ako Bicol) and Winston Castelo (2nd District, Quezon City).

Sambar suggested a review of the respective powers and jurisdiction of both the local government units (LGUs) and GAB over gaming activities.

Among the recommendations of the committee members that will be included in the TWG discussions are the following: 1) Expand the definition of “professional sports or competitions” and “professional athlete”; 2)  Grant GAB the authority to reduce the 45-day rest period required of boxers, wrestlers, or fighters reckoning from the date of their last fight or bout to not less than 30 days subject to certain conditions; 3) Replace the proposed Athletes’ Welfare Fund with a Trust Fund to cover all professional athletes and not only boxers; and 4) Identify the quasi-judicial powers of GAB in a separate provision.

Batocabe said the bill proposes the widening of the functions and regulatory powers of the GAB due to the proliferation of new games and other sources of amusement that Filipinos have access to.

Likewise, Batocabe said the bill seeks to provide the GAB with expanded functions and powers, including quasi-judicial powers, so it can enforce all laws relevant to professional sports and settle

questions, matters and controversies or disputes in connection with professional sports under GAB's supervision.

During the hearing, GAB Commissioner Mario Masanguid and GAB Legal Service Chief Ermar Benitez supported such recommendation to grant the GAB with quasi-judicial powers so it can enforce pertinent gaming laws more effectively.

Under the bill, the GAB shall also have regulatory and supervisory authority over other forms of amusement such as beauty pageants and concerts, and even maintenance of theme parks.

It also provides for the creation of an Anti–Illegal Gambling Unit (AIGU) attached to the GAB that shall be tasked to combat and prevent the existence and proliferation of illegal bookie joints and other illegal forms of organized gambling in professional sports and amusement games.

Currently, GAB continues to provide protection to the public against illegal betting or bookie joints, and other forms of organized illegal gambling, while ensuring that professional sports activities continue to be a stable source of revenue.

With the development of new forms of professional sports such as the Mixed Martial Arts and new modes of betting made available through new technology, it is imperative to strengthen the powers and duties of the Games and Amusement Board so that it can continue to fulfill its mandate, lawmakers said.

NEWS Release

31 October 2017

House okays bill promoting open access in data transmission

The House of Representatives approved on second reading House Bill 6557 which seeks to promote open access in data transmission and provide additional powers to the National Telecommunications Commission.

As defined under the measure, “data transmission” refers to the process of sending digital or digitized analog signal over a communication medium to one or more computing network/s, communication or electronic device/s. It enables the transfer and communication of devices in a point-to-point, point-to-multipoint and multipoint-to multipoint environment.

The term data transmission includes the provision of Voice Over Internet Protocol (VOIP) services but does not include the provision of Basic Telephone Services.

Meanwhile, the bill refers to “open access” as the system of allowing the use of data transmission and/or distribution systems and associated facilities subject to fair, reasonable, and non-discriminatory terms in a transparent market.

Rep. Victor Yap (2nd District, Tarlac), chairman of the committee on information and communications technology and principal author of the bill, said as the Philippines struggles  with  limitations of infrastructure, it is necessary to ensure open access allowing every option to improve data transmission to be explored.

“Data transmission is a key factor in communications and this measure seeks to establish a regulatory framework to develop efficient and effective data transmission in the long term,” he said.

The bill is in line with the policy of the State to narrow the digital divide in the country by encouraging the development of data transmission infrastructure and removing any barrier to competition in data transmission services.

Likewise, it  aims to establish a strong and independent regulatory body and system to ensure and enhance fair competition in the data transmission sector.

The bill also seeks to create an entrepreneurial ecosystem where persons who wish to engage in the data transmission industry can compete openly and freely in the spirit of fair competition and permission-less innovation.

It also intends to encourage investment in the digital infrastructure of the country.

Furthermore, the proposal seeks to protect the public interest as it is affected by its ability to access data networks.  

The Act shall apply to all persons who participate in the data transmission industry.

The bill provides that any person or entity whose business deals substantially with the transmission of data, including VOIP service provider, Internet Service Providers (ISP), and Data Center service providers shall be governed by the provisions of the Act.

Public Telecommunications entities (PTEs) principally engaged in the provision of basic telephone services, such as international carrier, inter-exchange carrier, local exchange operator, and mobile radio services provider which also provide data transmission services shall likewise be subject to the provisions of this Act with respect to the data transmission services they provide and interconnection to their networks that they extend to data transmission industry participants.

Among the functions of the National Telecommunications Commission (NTC) is to ensure that the data transmission sector remains open and accessible to all qualified participants by implementing an efficient and speedy administrative process in the authorization and registration of data transmission sector participants.

It shall also mandate interconnection so that data transmission industry participants can connect to each other at the various segments and interfaces, such that entities of any size may freely enter and exit the market, and dominance by any single player or group of players is avoided.

The NTC shall adopt a technology-neutral framework that allows data transmission industry participants to use any available technology to provide service.

It shall promote fair and open competition at all multiple layers of the data transmission network, allowing a wide variety of physical networks and applications to interact in an open architecture.

The NTC shall mandate transparency in pricing and the publication of pricing information to ensure fair trading within and between each data transmission segment so as to allow clear, comparative information on market prices and services.

It shall promulgate policies that will encourage distributed local solutions rather than centralized ones, encouraging services that are closer to the user.

Aside from Yap, the other authors of the bill are House Speaker Pantaleon Alvarez (1st District, Davao del Norte), Xavier Jesus Romualdo (Lone District, Camiguin), Manuel Luis Lopez (1st District, Manila), Arnolfo Teves Jr. (3rd District, Negros Oriental), Aniceto Bertiz III (Party-list, ACTS-OFW) and Enrico Pineda (Party-list,1-PACMAN).

NEWS Release

01 November 2017

House approves bill protecting members of non-stock savings and loan associations

The House of Representatives approved on second reading House Bill 6598 imposing stiffer penalties against officers and trustees of non-stock savings and loan associations who commit unscrupulous activities.

The bill aims to protect members of such associations by amending Section 15 of Republic Act No. 8367 or "The Revised Non-Stock Savings and Loan Associations Act of 1997’ to Foster the Industries’ Frugality and the Accumulation of Savings to Promote Judicious Utilization of Credit Among the Members of Non-Stock Savings and Loan Associations, Providing Still Penalties and Sanctions, and For Other Purposes,” which is principally authored by Rep. Michael Romero (Party-list, 1-PACMAN).

The amendment on the “limitations on lending authority” provision provides that the terms of transactions of all trustees-officers with the associations shall not be under terms more favorable than those transacted with other members.

The office of any trustee or trustee-officer of an Association who violates the provisions of this subsection shall immediately become vacant and the trustees or officers shall be punished by imprisonment of not less than two years nor more than 10 years and by a fine of not less than P50,000, the amendment said.

RA No. 8367 or the “Revised Non-Stock Savings and Loan Association Act of 1997” defines ‘non-stock savings and loan associations’ as “a non-stock, non-profit corporation engaged in the business of accumulating the savings of its members and using such accumulations for loans to members to service the needs of households by providing long term financing for home building and development and for personal finance.”

Under the current law, the punishment imposed against the officers and trustees of such association is imprisonment of not less than one year nor more than 10 years and a fine of P5,000 to P50,000.

HB 6598 also amends subsection D, E, and F of Section 23, “Penalties,” of RA No. 8367 as follows:

            “d) Whenever any officer, employee, or agent of an Association accepts gifts, fees of commissions or any other form of remuneration in connection with the approval of a loan from said Association; or overvalues or aids in overvaluing any security for the purpose of influencing in any way the action of the Association on any loan, such officer, employee or agent shall be punished by a fine of not less than P50,000 or three times the loan amount involved, whichever is higher, or imprisonment for not less than one year, at the discretion of the court.

            e) Whenever any applicant for a loan, or borrower of an Association fraudulently overvalues property offered as security for loan from the said Association; or furnishes false, or makes willful misrepresentation of material facts for the purpose of obtaining, renewing, or increasing a loan or extending the period thereof; or attempts to defraud the said Association in the event of a court action to recover a loan; or offers any officer, employee or agent of an Association any gift, fee, commission, or other form of compensation in order to influence such Association personnel into approving a loan application; such applicant or borrower shall be punished by a fine of not less than P50,000 or three times the loan amount involved, whichever is higher, or imprisonment for not less than one year, at the discretion of the court.

            f) Whenever any examiner, officer or employee of the Bangko Sentral, who is assigned to examine, assist or render technical service to an Association, overvalues or aids in overvaluing any security for the purpose of influencing in any way the action of the Association on any loan or connives or aids in the commission of the same, he shall be punished by a fine of not less than P50,000 or three times the loan amount involved, whichever is higher, or imprisonment for not less than one year, at the discretion of the court.”

Currently, the punishment imposed under subsections D and E, Section 23 of RA No. 8367 is a fine of not more than P5,000 or imprisonment of not more than one year.

            Moreover, under subsection F, Section 23 of the present law, the penalty imposed is not more than P10,000 or imprisonment of not more than one year.

NEWS Release

02 November 2017

House tackles bill addressing oil pilferage and adulteration

A technical working group (TWG) of the House committee on energy chaired by Rep. Lord Allan Jay Velasco (Lone District, Marinduque) started discussing and fine-tuning House Bill 27 which seeks to amend Sections 3-A and 4 of Presidential Decree 1865 by raising the penalties for prohibited acts such as adulteration and pilferage of petroleum products which are inimical to public interest.

The TWG chaired by Rep. Carlos Roman Uybarreta (Party-List, 1-CARE) is handling HB 27 or the proposed “Oil Anti-Adulteration Act of 2016” principally authored by Rep. Reynaldo Umali (2nd District, Oriental Mindoro).

 Uybarreta asked the Department of Energy (DOE) on how it intends to address oil pilferage or “paihi” in the local industry parlance.

Director Rino Abad of the DOE’s Oil Industry Management Bureau said that P.D. 1865 does not have specific regulations on the transport of petroleum products as it is the oil companies that are responsible in preventing oil pilferage which usually occurs during the transport of petroleum products.

Presidential Decree No. 1865 issued in 1983 by former President Marcos is titled “Amending Batas Pambansa Bilang 33, Entitled “An Act Defining And Penalizing Certain Prohibited Acts Inimical To The Public Interests And National Security Involving Petroleum And/Or Petroleum Products, Prescribing Penalties Therefor And For ther Purposes”, By Including Shortselling And Adulteration Of Petroleum And Petroleum Products And Other Acts In The Definition Of Prohibited Acts, Increasing The Penalties Therein, And For Other Purposes”.

According to representatives of oil firms, while they impose strict regulations in the transport of fuel, there are some deceitful tanker drivers who would make detours from their original destinations and pilfer petroleum products they are transporting by siphoning off fuel to separate containers.

The scheming drivers then substitute the stolen petroleum products with kerosene or even water before delivering these products to gasoline stations, according to representatives of oil companies.

The TWG requested the oil firms to submit copies of their contracts with their respective petroleum haulers.

Meanwhile, Biosyn PowerGen, Inc. Chief Executive Officer Deo Reloj Jr. updated the TWG on the basic refining process for gasoline and diesel. He explained that straight-run diesel is mixed with light cycle oil (LCO), a waste product in gasoline production, which is harmful to the environment and to the health and wellbeing of the people.

Reloj encouraged the use of “zero sulfur diesel fuel,” citing that the current Euro 4 vehicle emission standard being used in the country only cuts the fuel’s sulfur content.

The Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) in 1995 came out with a directive requiring the use of cleaner fuel and imposing stricter vehicle emission standards. It adjusts  the Philippine national standards (PNS) to Euro 4, meaning the use of fuel comes with substantial low concentration of sulfur and benzene.

Engineer. Dave Garcia of the National Jeepney Federation for Environmental Sustainable Transport (NJFEST) proposed a review of the PNS for fuel and vehicle emission. He said the best way to attain a cleaner emission and less air pollution is to remove the LCO in diesel fuel.

Michael Alunan of Atin ‘To Development Services suggested the implementation of a “polluter pays principle” wherein the party responsible for triggering pollution will have to compensate for the damage it has caused to the environment.

Section 2 of HB 27 declares it is the policy of the State to promote and protect the right of the people to public health and safety and instill health consciousness among them. The State shall adopt and implement a policy mandating the importation, production, distribution, marketing and sale environmentally clean and safe to promote the general welfare and public interest.

The bill mandates the DOE to issue rules and regulations necessary to implement the provisions of the Act, subject to the approval of the Secretary of Energy, after consultation with the affected industry sectors. Said rules and regulations shall take effect 15 days from the date of its publication in two newspapers of general circulation.

The DOE is empowered, in an administrative proceeding after due notice and hearing, to impose sanctions upon any person who violates any provisions of such rules and regulations.

Erring oil importers, refiners, haulers, marketers, refillers, dealers, sub-dealers or retail outlets shall be penalized with a fine of not more than P100,000 or their license or permit suspended or revoked.

News Release

03 November 2017

House does away with unnecessary preventive suspension

The House of Representatives approved on second reading House Bill 6590 which seeks to amend Republic Act (RA) 3019, as amended, entitled the “Anti-Graft and Corrupt Practices Act" by providing an exception to the imposition of preventive suspension against public officers.

 House Speaker Pantaleon Alvarez (1st District, Davao del Norte), principal author of the bill, said the exception shall be applicable to public officers who are no longer connected with the office wherein the offense charged was committed.

The Speaker explained that as preventive suspension is imposed to avert an accused from influencing potential witnesses or tampering with records, the change in circumstances of the public officer effectively removes this threat, making the provision in line with the spirit and intent of the law.

The bill seeks to amend in particular Section 13 of RA No. 3019, as amended, to now read as follows: “SEC. 13. Suspension and Loss of Benefits. – Any incumbent public officer against whom any criminal prosecution under a valid information under this Act or under Title 7, Book II of the Revised Penal Code or for any offense involving fraud upon government or public funds or property whether as a simple or as a complex offense and in whatever stage of execution and mode of participation, is pending in court, shall be suspended from office for a period not exceeding 90 days: Provided, that in case such elected public officer is no longer connected with the office wherein the offense charged was committed, the preventive suspension order shall no longer be implemented.”

Should the incumbent public officer be convicted by final judgment, he shall lose all retirement or gratuity benefits under any law. But if he is acquitted, he shall be entitled to reinstatement and to the salaries and benefits which he failed to receive during suspension, unless in the meantime administrative proceedings have been filed against him.

In the event that such convicted officer, who may have been separated from the service, has already received such benefits, he shall be liable to restitute the same to the government.”

The bill is co-authored by Majority Leader Rodolfo Fariñas, Minority Leader Danilo Suarez, Reps. Harry Roque, Jose Christopher Belmonte, Marilyn Alonte, Alex Advincula, Alexandria Gonzales, Jose Atienza, Jr., Jose Enrique Garcia III, Arthur Defensor, Jr., Victoria Isabel Noel, Arnel Ty, Jericho Jonas Nograles, Ron Salo, Benhur Lopez, Jr., Johnny Ty Pimentel, Salvador Belaro, Jr., Michael Odylon Romero, Ann Hofer, Arcadio Gorriceta, Ma. Lucille Nava, Ferdinand Hernandez, Francisco Jose Matugas II, Cristal Bagatsing, Rolando Andaya, Jr., Luis Raymund Villafuerte, Jr., John Michael Duavit, Gerald Anthony Gullas, Jr., Strike Revilla, Vini Nola Ortega, Jennifer Austria Barzaga, Chiqui Roa-Puno, Joseph Sto. Nino Bernos, Alfredo Garbin, Jr., Ramon Nolasco, Cesar Sarmiento, Randolph Ting, Fernando Gonzalez, Antonio Tinio, Salvio Fortuno, Eugene Michael De Vera, Deogracias Ramos, Jr., Richard Eusebio, Edcel Lagman, Reynaldo Umali, Ronaldo Zamora, Rodolfo Albano III, Bayani Fernando, Pablo Ortega, Eric Martinez, Luis Jose Angel Campos, Jr., Dale Malapitan, Juan Pablo Bondoc, Edward Vera Perez Maceda, Vicente Veloso, Florida Robes, Delphine Gan Lee, Marlyn Primicias-Agabas and Victor Yap.

THE HONORABLE RON P. SALO

KABAYAN Party-list

Assistant Majority Leader

 ‎09178917755 Twitter: @Kabayan_Ron

KABAYAN SOLON APPEALS TO AEGIS JURIS LEADER’S CONSCIENCE

“MAKONSIYENSIYA KA NAMAN,” – SOLON SA AEGIS JURIS LEADER

Kasuklam-suklam at kahila-hilakbot – ganyan inilarawan ni KABAYAN Party-list Congressman Ron Salo ang tahasang pagtanggi ni Arvin Balag na hazing ang ikinamatay ni UST law school freshman Horacio “Atio” Castillo, III.

Si Balag ang pinaniniwalaang pinakamataas na lider ng Aegis Juris fraternity, at isa sa mga kinasuhan ng murder, violation of Anti-Hazing Law, at iba pang asunto kaugnay ng pagkamay ni Castillo.

Giit ni Balag sa affidavit nito, wala umanong testigong makakapagpatunay na litaw ang mga elemento ng murder kung kaya’t lusot siya sa kaso.

Ang testimonya ni Balag ay kontra sa salaysay ni Marc Ventura, ang Aegis Juris secretary na naglarawan kung paano pinahirapan hanggang sa mapatay sa initiation rites si Castillo.

“Bilang law professor, ako na ang magsasabing may karapatan si Balag na pangatawanan ang sarili niyang depensa ayon sa tagubilin ng kanyang mga abogado, labag man ito sa moralidad; ang hiling ko na lamang ay makonsensiya siya at magsabi ng katotohanan sa tunay na sinapit ni Atio,” apela ni Salo, isang abogado at kasapi ng House Justice Committee.

“May kinabukasan pang naghihintay kay Balag sa kabila ng mga asuntong kinakaharap niya. Kung magsasabi siya ng katotohanan, maisasalba pa niya ang natitira niyang dangal at respeto sa sarili,” ani Salo.

Dagdag pa ni Salo: “Nawa’y makasumpong ng kaliwanagan si Balag at ang iba pang suspek sa pagpaslang kay Castillo sa mga winika ni Fr. Herminio Dagohoy, Rector ng University of Santo Tomas.”

“Please pray to God that the perpetrators of this abominable crime admit their faults so that justice may be served. Let us appeal to their conscience and to that little goodness, that they may value their faith as Thomasians,” winika ni Fr. Dagohoy kamakailan sa isang homilya.

Press release

November 1, 2017

For reference: Anakpawis party-list Rep. Ariel Casilao, ‎0998-985-2143

Investigate other SSS investments solon urged SSS management

Anakpawis party-list Rep. Ariel Casilao today urged the Social Security System leadership to look into other investment dealings of SSS. This is in lieu on the reported shady transaction of some SSS officials using investment stocks to rake personal revenues.

“It is disgusting that these corrupt SSS officials are raking personal huge pay-out using SSS remittances as investments. This goes to show that it is wrong to blame pension hike over the slow depletion of the fund but in fact; it is the corrupt practice, fund mismanage and the improper collection of remittances are behind the dwindling SSS fund shortage”,  said Casilao.

He suggested that the SSS management should look into other investments as this discovered shady dealing is not an isolated case.

“We also call the SSS board to discharge from post those who are involved on the stock grabbing. We are one with fellow Makabayan bloc lawmaker Bayan Muna Rep. Zarate’s call that SSS commissioners Reginald Candelaria and Ernesto Francisco financial accounts and their stocks should be sequestered by SSS management. Also this includes SSS Executive Vice President Rizaldy Capulong and chief actuary George Ongkeko Jr as they were also named in a complaint. Make no mistake; Anakpawis will back Bayan Muna’s call for a congressional inquiry, once congress resumes session in November”, the party-list lawmaker also said.

“Anakpawis also urged SSS members and pensioners to demand the immediate resignation of these crooked SSS officials. It is very enraging that SSS members are having a hard time to access their benefits but these SSS officials are having a killing on the remittances of its members through shady investment transactions”, Casilao ended ###.

THE HONORABLE HENRY C. ONG

2nd District of Leyte

Vice Chair, Committee on Banks & Financial Intermediaries

Member, Committees on Transportation, Visayas Development,

Economic Affairs, and 8 other committees

BUSINESSMAN-SOLON OF LEYTE DISAPPOINTED BY PH RANKINGS IN WORLD BANK REPORT

I am deeply concerned about the significant slippage in the Philippines’ ranking in the latest Doing Business report of the World Bank from 99th to 113th because I supported the proposed Ease of Doing Business Act (House Bill 6579) here at the House where I am Vice Chair of the Committee on Banks and Financial Intermediaries and Member of the Committees on Economic Affairs, Visayas Development, and Trade and Industry.

HB has passed second reading here at the House. The 2018 Doing Business Report will certainly inform how the bill will progress henceforth.

I have read the WB-IFC report. I am aware that the Department of Trade and Industry will conduct a press conference about the Doing Business Report morning of November 2. I will digest what comes out of that and will closely follow developments.

The Philippines’ latest results are disappointing.

Good news first. The Philippines ranks 31st among 190 countries evaluated mainly because it takes only four procedures.

Now the bad news. The glaring effects of our legendary bureaucratic red tape are revolting!  Rank 173 on starting a business, rank 101 on dealing with construction permits, rank 114 on registering property, rank 105 on paying taxes, and rank 149 on enforcing contracts.

Clearly local governments and national agencies must do much, much more than they are doing now.

Starting a business (Rank 173 among 190)

- procedures - 16

- time - 28 days

- cost 15.8 percent

- minimum capital 3 percent of income per capita

Dealing with construction permits (Rank 101 among 190)

- procedures - 23                                                                    

- time - 122 days

- cost - 2.6 percent of warehouse value

- building quality control index 12.0 (on a scale of 0 to 15)

Getting electricity (Rank 31 among 190)

- procedures - 4

- time - 37 days

- cost - 25.3 percent of income per capita

- reliability of supply and transparency of tariffs 5 (on a scale of 0 to 8)

Registering property (Rank 114 among 190)

- procedures - 9

- time - 35 days

- cost - 4.3 percent of property value

- quality of land administration 12.5 (on an index of 0 to 30)

Paying taxes (Rank 105 among 190)

- number of payments in a year - 20

- time in hours per year - 182 hours

- total tax and contribution rate - 42.9 percent of profit

- postfiling index 50 (on an index of 0 to 50)

Enforcing contracts (Rank 149 among 190)

- time - 962 days

- cost - 31 percent of claim

- quality of judicial processes index - 7.5 (0 to 18)

HB06579

http://www.congress.gov.ph/legisdocs/first_17/CR00436.pdf

AN ACT ESTABLISHING A NATIONAL POLICY ON EASE OF DOING BUSINESS, CREATING FOR THE PURPOSE THE EASE OF DOING BUSINESS COMMISSION, AND FOR OTHER PURPOSES

Main Referral: RULES

Status: Approved on Second Reading on ‎2017-10-10

GRAB PUTS UP P100K BOUNTY FOR KILLERS OF JUNJIE MAQUIDATO

I favor the move of Grab Philippines to put up a bounty for the killers of Grab driver Gerardo "Junjie" Maquidato Jr.

Grab can take that move one step further. They can, and I think they should, let Grab passengers help increase that bounty. Frequent Grab passengers would be willing to contribute to that bounty and to a fund for the immediate family of Junjie Maquidato to help them weather at least the financial difficulties of losing their provider.

The holidays honoring the dearly departed and come December would be particularly difficult for the Maquidato family. Aside from our prayers, some Grab passengers would be willing, in the spirit of bayanihan, to manifest their sympathies with the welfare fund and the bounty for Maquidato’s murderers.

Safety of Grab drivers also means safety of their passengers.

With our collective vigilance, technology, and effective police work, the murderers will be brought to justice. (END)

Press release

November 2, 2017

For reference: Anakpawis party-list Rep. Ariel Casilao, ‎0998-985-2143

Solon slams series of MRT3 off-loading incidents 

Anakpawis party-list Rep. Ariel Casilao today slams the series of off-loading incidents involving the MRT3. He said that the three consecutive incidents of passenger off-loading was a grave sign and that the gov’t should immediately do something and not just wait for another serious accident occur to MRT commuters.

Yesterday, November 1, there was a reported passenger off-loading due to technical problem and today, there have been three consecutive passengers off-loading due to a door, brake and atp failure.

Casilao said that the technical failures are a part of the bigger problem of the MRT operation and its maintenance. Despite the Dep’t of Transportation's filing of complaints against former DOTC officials to the Office of the Ombudsman, the DoTR has yet to cancel the contract of Busan Universal Railway Inc. (BURI) to give way for other providers’ that will handle MRT3’s maintenance. 

“The DoTR had already issued a notice of termination to BURI but how come it still handling the maintenance of MRT3?. Mukhang ang kaya lang ni Sec. Tugade at ng gobyernong Duterte ay mga maliliit na jeepney drivers at operators, nagkukumahog mag-modernized ng jeepney pero itong sa kaso ng BURI,  na madami ng sablay at malinaw na may kakulangan sa karanasan sa pangangalaga ng mga tren ay hindi nito kayang kanselahin ang kontrata. Ang lakas ng loob na magtulak ng modernisasyon sa jeepney pero hindi maayos-ayos ang bulok na serbisyo ng MRT”, Casilao added.

Casilao also said that the DoTR should be ashamed not only to MRT commuters but also to tax payers as it cannot do its work properly. Millions if not hundreds of million pesos of gov’t resources are spent for the maintenance of MRT 3 but in return, it gives a horrific service. 

“They should learn from the 2014 MRT3 accident when one of its train off-shoot from the rail that caused a number of serious injuries in Pasay-Edsa station. The Duterte gov’t and the MRT management should be accountable if that kind of accident happens again”, Casilao ended

PRESS RELEASE

Reference: Gil Bugaoisan

Contact: ‎09053398753

Gov't agencies must deliver under Build Build Build--Nograles

House Appropriations Chairman Davao City Representative Karlo Nograles enjoined the concerned government agencies to deliver in the implementation of the Build Build Build program after President Rodrigo Duterte brought home the bacon yet again from his working visit to Japan.

"The Philippines has proven to be a magnet for investments under the Duterte administration. But all of these won't mean a thing if the concerned agencies fail to follow through with the implementation of projects that the foreign assistance was meant to bankroll," Nograles said.

Nograles was alluding to the financial assistance that Duterte was able to secure during his second visit to Japan from October 29 to 31.

Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe, who has shown good working relationship and chemistry with the populist Filipino leader, vowed to provide the Philippines with a ¥1-trillion economic assistance package. This amounts around P456 billion when converted.

A key portion of this financial package is a ¥104.5-billion loan for the first phase of the Metro Manila Subway Project--one of the crowned jewels of the Build Build Build program. The project is aimed at easing the perennial traffic problem in the metropolis.

"Now that we have the funding to jumpstart the Metro Manila Subway Project, all that we have to focus on doing is work work work," Nograles said, adding "this is the best way to show our appreciation to the gesture of our generous neighbor."

The Davao lawmaker in particular called on the Department of Transportation (DOTr) to step it up and avoid a project backlog at all costs, as not doing so would lessen the luster from the Duterte administration's vaunted "Golden Age of Infrastructure."

"Unfortunately, the people view the DOTr as one of the most underperforming agencies under President Duterte's watch, mostly due to the never-ending traffic jams and MRT woes. In the end, the Chief Executive's alter-egos in the Cabinet, in this case Secretary Art Tugade, must deliver," Nograles underscored.

During the Appropriations Committee's deliberations last August on the proposed budgets of the different agencies for 2018, it was learned that some projects pencilled under the DOTr for 2016 and 2017 weren't progressing.

"We can no longer afford to work at this pace especially if we are to prove to Japan and our other benefactors that we are worth giving loans to," pointed out Nograles, who oversees the power of the purse in his capacity as Appropriations panel chairman.

The Metro Manila Subway Project requires a total of P356 billion (¥800 billion) for completion.

The Mindanao Railway Project Phase 1 (Tagum-Davao-Digos Segment), Malolos-Clark Railway Project (PNR North 2), Clark International Airport Expansion Project, and the new LRT Line 1 North Extension Project (Common Station / Unified Grand Central Station are among the transportation projects approved under Build Build Build.

Over P8 trillion worth of funds will be poured into the Build Build Build program during President Duterte's six-year term.

Nograles also praised the President for bagging $6 billion worth of business deals during his Japan trip. Duterte took home P1.85 billion in business pledges from his first trip to Abe's country last year, it can be recalled.

"The Philippines is lucky to have a leader who is as magnetic to the people as he is to foreign investments," Nograles said.

PRESS RELEASE

NOVEMBER 3, 2017

REFERENCE:

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

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

Urgent executive action for ‘access and benefit-sharing’ of PH genetic resources needed - Sato

Cong. Josephine Ramirez Sato of the Lone District of Occidental Mindoro has underscored the need for urgent executive action to protect the country’s genetic resources against biopiracy by putting in place a stronger policy on access and benefit-sharing of Philippine genetic resources.

Sato, vice chairman of the economic affairs committee of the House of Representatives, said the country has the potential of becoming a global leader in the supply of plant-based raw materials for health and wellness products given its rich biodiversity.

The Cabinet Cluster on Climate Change held a meeting last week wherein Undersecretary Analiza Teh of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) presented a draft Executive Order on access- and benefit-sharing.

Teh is DENR’s Undersecretary for Climate Change and acts as head of the Secretariat of the Climate Change Adaptation, Mitigation and Disaster Risk Reduction Cabinet Cluster (CCAM-DRR)

The draft E.O. titled “Strengthening the National Policy on Access- and Benefit-Sharing from the Utilization of Philippine Genetic Resources and for Other Purposes highlights the country’s economic potential of grabbing a foothold of the supply of plant-based raw materials for the multi-billion-dollar global pharmaceutical, and health, and wellness industries.

During her presentation, Teh said market trends and potentials from genetic resources is enormous.  For the pharmaceutical industry alone, the market value as of 2008 is pegged at $643 million while the estimated market value of healthy foods, including functional foods, natural and organic, is pegged at 120 billion.

Representatives from key National Government Agencies who took part in the meeting have expressed support behind the initiative.

Sato is championing a United Nations Development Program (UNDP) initiative called Biodiversity Finance Initiative (BioFIN) which aims to close the financing gap for the protection and conservation of the country’s rich biodiversity.

Sato noted that adequate financing is imperative to protect the country’s animal and plant-based genetic resources against biopiracy.

“We need to put in place a stronger national policy to ensure that the country, especially the communities where our resources are found, will benefit from the conduct of research and development to extract active ingredients from plants with high medicinal and other commercial value,” Sato said.

Sato has filed a bill seeking to institutionalize access and benefit-sharing of Philippine genetic resources, underscoring the potential economic benefits of sustainably managing the country’s plant biodiversity.

Filed during the 17th Congress, House Bill 2163 is consistent with the country’s commitment as party to several international treaties, including the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD), Nagoya Protocol on Access and Benefit Sharing or ABS, which states that if access is given to do research and ultimately use of genetic resources, fair and equitable benefit-sharing must be observed.

Sato said pending the approval by Congress of a law on access and benefit-sharing of Philippine genetic resources, an Executive Order can serve as guidelines on bioprospecting where investors and the state, which owns these resources, and the communities as its protectors can fairly and equitably share the benefits. 

Prior to the Cabinet Cluster on Climate Change meeting, Sato and DENR Secretary Roy A Cimatu met to tackle ways to strengthen existing national policy on access and benefit-sharing, essentially, to prevent biopiracy.

During the meeting, the country’s chief steward of the environment and natural resources made a commitment to integrate biodiversity protection and conservation in policies involving the management of the country’s environment and natural resources.

Cimatu had committed to work for the passage of an E.O. that will regulate bioprospecting and prevent biopiracy within the year.

Sato said an important component of the E.O. is to ensure collaboration among concerned agencies of the government, with adequate budget allocation, to ensure that there is fair and equitable sharing of the benefits from bioprospecting.

“There is nothing that hinders researchers and investors when it comes to access. It is the benefit-sharing part that remains unfair,” she stressed.

THE HONORABLE HENRY C. ONG

2nd District of Leyte

Vice Chair, Committee on Banks & Financial Intermediaries

Member, Committees on Transportation, Visayas Development,

Economic Affairs, and 8 other committees

Email: cong.henryong@gmail.com 

Mobile: ‎‎0995-996-3760

SSS MUST PROVE THAT STOCKS FIASCO IS NOT A CONTAGIOUS INFECTION

I am reasonably assured that no Social Security System funds were used in the conflict of interest transactions uncovered at the SSS.

However, with the ethics and morals of SSS officials now in question, the public must be assured that the infection has not spread and does not involve other years.

It is now clear internal audit and control protocols did not work fast enough and red flags were not raised or were ignored.