By Junex Doronio
MANILA — The House of Representatives will reconvene on Monday (04 Nov 2024), with the ratification of the proposed ₱6.352-trillion 2025 national budget as its top agenda item for the remainder of the session.
Majority Leader Manuel Jose “Mannix” M. Dalipe stated on Sunday, November 3, 2024, that the House expects the Senate to pass the budget proposal soon, enabling both chambers to form a bicameral conference committee to draft a unified version of the budget.
“We hope to ratify the bicameral report before our Christmas break on December 20. There is ample time to approve the final version of the budget,” Dalipe said.
He assured the public that the proposed budget would be ready for President Ferdinand “Bongbong” R. Marcos Jr. to sign into law before the end of 2024.
“As in the past, the spending program for the coming year will be in place before the current fiscal year ends to ensure continuity of spending and seamless implementation of activities and programs,” Dalipe added.
He emphasized that the national budget is the most critical piece of legislation Congress passes each year.
In addition to prioritizing the final approval of the 2025 budget, Dalipe noted that the House will continue to exercise its oversight authority through various committees, including the Quad Committee, the panel on Good Government and Public Accountability, and the Quinta Committee created before the recess in September.
“We remain committed to protecting our citizens from abuses and exposing wrongdoing in government,” Dalipe said.
He mentioned that the Quad Committee is set to hold additional hearings on issues such as the controversial war on drugs during the Duterte administration, extrajudicial killings related to it, illegal Philippine offshore gaming operators (POGOs), and the drug crisis.
The committee is scheduled to conduct its 10th hearing on November 7, anticipating the attendance of former President Rodrigo Roa Duterte.
Dalipe added that the House Committee on Good Government and Public Accountability will continue its inquiry into the unexplained confidential funds of Vice President Sara Duterte.
As for the Quad Committee—comprising five House committees—its mandate includes investigating smuggling and price manipulation of essential goods to protect the public from unreasonable price hikes.
Dalipe noted that, in addition to the proposed 2025 national budget, the House will work on passing the remaining measures in the Legislative-Executive Development Advisory Council (LEDAC) priority list: the Budget Modernization Bill, National Defense Bill, amendments to the Agrarian Reform Law, and amendments to the Foreign Investors’ Long-Term Lease.
So far, the House has approved 26 of the 28 bills in the LEDAC list targeted for passage by the end of the current 19th Congress on June 30, 2025. The remaining two measures to be approved are the Amendments to the Agrarian Reform Law and the Amendments to the Foreign Investors’ Long-Term Lease.
Six of the 24 bills have been signed into law by President Marcos: the Amendments to the Government Procurement Reform Act (Republic Act 12009), the Anti-Financial Accounts Scamming Act (RA 12010), the Amendments to the Anti-Agricultural Smuggling Act (RA 12022), the VAT on Digital Transactions (RA 12023), the Self-Reliant Defense Posture Act (RA 12024), and the Academic Recovery and Accessible Learning Program (RA 12028).
Four additional bills have been transmitted to the President for his signature: the CREATE MORE Bill, the Philippine Maritime Zones Act, the Archipelagic Sea Lanes Bill, and the Enterprise-Based Education and Training Program Bill.
Since the start of the 19th Congress up to the last recess—spanning a total of 166 session days—Dalipe reported that the House has processed 4,504 measures, averaging 27 per day. Of these, 103 have been enacted into law.
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By Liezelle Soriano
MANILA — The House of Representatives’ quad committee has invited former president Rodrigo Duterte to attend a hearing on October 22 regarding extrajudicial killings.
“The Joint Committee respectfully invites you to attend the inquiry to provide valuable insights and shed light on the issues under discussion, particularly on extrajudicial killings,” the letter addressed to Duterte stated.
The letter also requested confirmation of Duterte’s attendance to facilitate arrangements for his participation. “If you plan to make a presentation, submit documents, or deliver an opening statement, please provide these to the Committee Secretariat for preparation,” it added.
The hearing is scheduled for October 22 at 9:30 a.m. at the People’s Center Building in the House of Representatives.
Meanwhile, Senate President Chiz Escudero mentioned that the Senate’s blue ribbon committee would lead a parallel investigation into the matter.
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By Junex Doronio
MANILA — Stalwarts of the so-called “Young Guns” in the House of Representatives on Friday, October 19, 2024, strongly condemned Vice President Sara Duterte for her outrageous threat to desecrate the remains of the late President Ferdinand E. Marcos Sr., accusing her of attempting to divert attention from the scandals currently surrounding her.
“Bastos at desperada,” said House Assistant Majority Leader Zia Alonto Adiong (Lanao del Sur, 1st District) and 1-Rider Party-list Rep. Rodge Gutierrez, describing the Vice President’s actions.
The lawmakers criticized Duterte’s remarks as a disgraceful tactic, calling it a “desperate and disrespectful” attempt to shift attention from the real issues.
“Threatening to desecrate the dead just to shift the narrative is utterly unacceptable,” Adiong said. “The Vice President must answer the allegations against her, not stoop to such shameful actions.”
Adiong further condemned Duterte’s comments as “a new low in public discourse” and “a direct attack on our cultural values.”
“This isn’t just political banter—it’s a blatant act of desecration. In our culture, we honor the dead. To use them as pawns in a political game is disgusting,” Adiong emphasized.
He urged Vice President Duterte to focus on addressing the misuse of public funds instead of resorting to such disgraceful tactics.
Gutierrez also voiced his outrage, claiming that Duterte’s actions clearly show her desperation.
“This is pure desperation. Instead of facing the allegations head-on, VP Duterte resorts to vile threats,” Gutierrez said.
“It’s a clear attempt to divert attention, but no amount of disrespect will cover up her mismanagement,” the young solon added.
The lawmakers’ condemnation followed Duterte’s shocking admission that she told Sen. Imee Marcos she would throw the late president’s remains into the West Philippine Sea.
The comment came amid increasing scrutiny of Duterte’s handling of public funds in both the Office of the Vice President (OVP) and the Department of Education (DepEd), where she served as Secretary for two years until her resignation in July this year.
Despite the seriousness of the allegations, VP Duterte has consistently refused to attend congressional hearings to clear her name and address the accusations.
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By Junex Doronio
MANILA — In response to widespread public support for the Ayuda para sa Kapos ang Kita Program (AKAP), the House has earmarked P39.8 billion for cash assistance in 2025, targeting individuals earning P21,000 or less per month.
This allocation is three times larger than the P13 billion provided in 2024.
Ako Bicol Party-list Representative and Appropriations Committee Chairman Zaldy Co explained that AKAP is designed to support the “near poor” or “lower middle class,” including minimum wage earners who are vulnerable to economic shocks such as the sudden loss of a household head, illness, unemployment, or runaway inflation, which could easily push them into poverty.
“The additional funding is crucial to support those in need. We’re providing assistance to struggling families, especially during these challenging times,” Co stated.
He further explained that this funding, part of the P6.352 trillion 2025 national budget, aims to address the needs of vulnerable sectors, including financially-challenged students, farmers, fisherfolk, soldiers, indigent families, and those who are just above the poverty threshold.
This new allocation is in addition to the P591.8 billion already set aside by the Department of Budget and Management (DBM) for cash assistance to impoverished families.
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By Junex Doronio
MANILA — After two weeks of marathon plenary deliberations, the House of Representatives, voting 285-3 with zero abstentions, on Wednesday night (25 September 2024) approved on third and final reading the proposed P6.352-trillion national budget for 2025.
The approval of the spending bill was expedited after President Ferdinand “Bongbong” R. Marcos Jr. certified the measure as urgent.
Speaker Ferdinand Martin G. Romualdez said that the House followed its timeline for deliberations and approvals to treat the national spending program urgently while ensuring transparency.
The leader of the 300-plus-strong House noted that passing the budget before Congress goes on recess would give the Senate ample time for its own debate and passage process.
“We have sufficient time to finally agree on the budget before yearjend. It is the most important piece of legislation Congress passes every year,” he said.
He added: “Next year’s spending legislation will serve as our tool for sustained economic development. It will support the Agenda for Prosperity programs of President Ferdinand ‘Bongbong’ R. Marcos Jr.”
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MANILA – The House of Representatives on Tuesday (24 Sept 2024) approved the proposed PHP10.5-billion budget of the Office of the President (OP) for 2025, with Executive Secretary Lucas Bersamin in attendance to represent the office during the plenary deliberations.
The period of sponsorship and interpellation for the OP’s budget lasted for 33 minutes, with only two interpellators – ACT Teachers Party-list Rep. France Castro and Northern Samar 1st District Rep. Paul Daza.
In his speech, House Appropriations Committee vice chair and Navotas City Rep. Toby Tiangco cited the importance of executive-legislative collaboration to ensure that the country’s interests are advanced and essential government services are delivered to the people.
“The presence here today of the Honorable Executive Secretary and senior officials of the Office of the President manifests the continued cooperation between our branches in upholding our mutual objective of promoting the welfare of our people and the country’s interests,” Tiangco said.
Tiangco underscored the need for continued legislative support to help President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. achieve these objectives.
“As the President values the cooperation between our branches in the fulfillment of our common goal of development, it is but appropriate for us to likewise show our support to a presidency that constantly advances the interests of our nation and strives to deliver good government services for the good of our people,” he said.
Tiangco noted that the proposed 2025 budget for the OP is 1.88 percent lower than the previous year’s allocation, emphasizing that the reduction reflects the administration’s commitment to delivering services “prudently and economically.”
“Despite the reduction of the proposed budget of the Office of the President for fiscal year 2025, the President, through the Executive Secretary, assures us that the same will not affect the delivery of services of the President to the people,” he said.
As the central policy hub of the government, Tiangco highlighted the Office of the President’s crucial role in supporting the Chief Executive in his constitutional duties as head of state, head of government, chief architect of foreign policy, and Commander-in-Chief.
“Thus, it is only fitting that we complement the same by providing the necessary budget for the President to fulfill his sacred mandate for the people, whom we are all accountable to,” he said.
Tiangco also praised the Office of the President’s responsible fiscal management, noting its “unmodified opinion” from the Commission on Audit as proof of its accountable use of public funds.
The proposed budget of the Office of the President constitutes “a mere 1/9th of 1 percent of the total national budget,” he said.
Despite this modest share, Tiangco stated that the administration’s work had produced results that have been “positively felt by the people.”
“More money does not always mean more services or better performance. With the Bagong Pilipinas brand of governance espoused by the President, this chamber is assured that the government is always mindful of the need to fulfill his constitutional mandate with less financial requirement but with the same quality results,” he said.
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By Junex Doronio
MANILA — Leaders of the House Committee on Appropriations formally presented the proposed P6.352-trillion national budget for 2025 to the plenary on Monday (16 Sept 2024), marking the start of crucial debates on the country’s fiscal priorities for the coming year.
Education remains a top priority, with an allocation of P977.6 billion aimed at ensuring accessible, quality education for all Filipinos. The Department of Public Works and Highways is set to receive P900 billion, while the health sector will be granted P297.6 billion to bolster healthcare services nationwide.
A significant portion of the budget—P2.120 trillion, or 33.38%—is earmarked for human and social development programs, reflecting the government’s commitment to improving the quality of life for Filipinos.
House Appropriations Committee Chair, Rep. Zaldy Co of Ako Bicol, and Senior Vice Chair, Rep. Stella Luz Quimbo of Marikina City’s 2nd District, called on their colleagues to prioritize the swift passage of House Bill (HB) No. 10800, also known as the General Appropriations Bill (GAB). Their appeal followed six weeks of rigorous budget hearings that shaped the proposed 2025 national spending plan.
In his sponsorship speech, Co underscored the critical role of the budget in addressing the needs of the Filipino people, describing it as an essential exercise of Congress’ “power of the purse.” He stressed the importance of ensuring that public funds are spent transparently and in accordance with the law.
“The government is focused on ensuring that we have well-equipped hospitals to care for Filipinos, sufficient food supplies, and decent housing,” Co remarked.
Quimbo echoed these sentiments, emphasizing that the national budget is more than a set of figures—it represents a strategic plan to address the daily challenges faced by Filipino families.
“This budget is not just about numbers. It is a plan to ensure that every peso is spent wisely and felt by every Filipino, especially those most in need. Together, we will push for a budget that brings hope and progress,” Quimbo concluded.
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By Junex Doronio
MANILA — The House of Representatives is set to commence plenary debates on the proposed P6.352-trillion national budget for 2025, with Speaker Ferdinand Martin G. Romualdez affirming that the allocation is designed to support President Ferdinand “Bongbong” R. Marcos Jr.’s Agenda for Prosperity and Bagong Pilipinas programs.
“This budget will directly aid the poor through various social protection measures, financial assistance, and healthcare programs. It also aims to stabilize food prices, particularly reducing the cost of rice, which has dropped to P42 per kilo,” Romualdez noted.
The Speaker, leading the 300-plus-member House, emphasized that the proposed budget is key to assisting farmers and fisherfolk in boosting their harvests, which would help ensure an adequate food supply and lower prices, benefiting all Filipinos.
Romualdez further stressed that the 2025 budget will serve as a blueprint for expanding infrastructure and enhancing education. “It will fund the construction of more road networks and classrooms, especially in underserved communities,” he said.
Additionally, Romualdez highlighted the budget’s role in sustaining economic growth, which the government aims to maintain at six percent or higher, in line with forecasts from international financial institutions.
The Speaker expressed his gratitude to the House Committee on Appropriations, led by Ako Bicol Party-list Rep. Zaldy Co and senior vice chairperson Marikina City Rep. Stella Quimbo, for completing budget hearings on time and endorsing the proposal.
The House has allocated eight days for plenary debates, which will begin at 10 a.m. each day and continue until the scheduled agenda is completed. The controversial reduced funding for the Office of the Vice President (OVP) is slated for discussion on September 23.
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By Junex Doronio
MANILA — Visibly disappointed, the so-called “Young Guns” of the House of Representatives on Monday (12 Aug 2024) criticized the “deafening silence” of Vice President Sara Duterte on the heels of the latest harassment by China in the West Philippine Sea.
This was in contrast to the quick action by Malacañang on Sunday (11 August 2024) when it said President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. “strongly condemns” the air incident and stands by the brave men and women of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP), especially the Philippine Air Force (PAF).
In a press conference, Rep. Jil Bongalon (Ako Bicol Partylist) could not hide his disappointment with VP Sara for “not issuing a statement against China” since she assumed office in July 2022.
House Assistant Majority Leader and La Union Rep. Francisco Paolo Ortega V echoed Bongalon’s sentiment and expressed bewilderment over VP Sara’s “deafening silence” on China’s aggressions in the West Philippine Sea.
Rep. Zia Alonto Adiong (Lanao del Sur, 1st District) commented that how the public will interpret Duterte’s refusal to condemn China over its aggression at sea will “define the kind of leader she is.”
“I’m trying to question why, with all of these things happening, especially with the recent flare of the Chinese government in the West Philippine Sea, she remains silent about it,” Adiong said.
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MANILA, Philippines — Lawmakers in the House of Representatives criticized Vice President Sara Duterte for her recent public attacks on President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s administration. They urged her to collaborate rather than cast blame.
Duterte’s criticisms, which centered on governance failures and budget concerns within the Department of Education, were cited as reasons for her resignation from the Cabinet.
Deputy Majority Leader and Iloilo 1st District Rep. Janette Garin emphasized that the Department of Education has consistently received the largest budget allocation. She attributed any issues to poor leadership and implementation during Duterte’s tenure as Education Secretary.
“It’s easy to claim a lack of support after stepping down, but true leadership is about making a difference when it matters,” Garin said.
Majority Leader and Taguig 2nd District Rep. Amparo Maria “Pammy” Zamora also rebuked Duterte for her comments on flood control projects and her reduced security detail, calling them divisive and unproductive.
Zamora highlighted that Duterte still retains almost 390 security personnel despite her claims.
Lawmakers are urging Duterte to focus on constructive collaboration with the administration instead of fueling division.
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MANILA, Philippines — The House of Representatives has officially started the committee hearings on the proposed ₱6.352 trillion national budget for 2025.
The budget, themed “Agenda for Prosperity: Fulfilling the Needs and Aspirations of the Filipino People,” focuses on enhancing social services and promoting economic growth.
Key allocations include ₱977.6 billion for education, ₱900 billion for public works, and ₱297.6 billion for health, among others.
During the initial hearing, the Committee on Appropriations began its review with the Development Budget Coordination Committee (DBCC).
Discussions covered the formulation of the National Expenditure Program (NEP) and its funding sources.
Scheduled Hearings:
August 7 (Wednesday): Department of Environment and Natural Resources / Department of Human Settlements and Urban Development
August 8: Department of Energy / Energy Regulatory Commission / Commission on Higher Education
August 12: Department of Agriculture
August 13: Department of Foreign Affairs / Commission on Audit
August 14: Department of Trade & Industry
August 15: Department of Agrarian Reform / Office of the Vice President / Department of the Interior and Local Government
August 20: Department of Migrant Workers / Department of Tourism
August 22: Department of Labor and Employment / Department of Information and Communications Technology / Department of Social Welfare and Development
August 27: Civil Service Commission / Office of the Ombudsman
August 28: Department of Transportation
August 29: Commission on Elections / Commission on Human Rights / Department of Science and Technology
September 2: Department of Education
September 3: Office of the President / Presidential Communications Office
September 4: Department of Health
September 5: The Judiciary / Department of Justice / Department of Public Works and Highways
September 9: Department of National Defense
The 2025 NEP was submitted to Congress on July 29, marking the earliest submission by the executive branch under President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.
This proactive approach ensures ample time for legislative review and adjustments.
(el Amigo/mnm)
MANILA — The House of Representatives approved House Bill 10439 on third and final reading, legalizing medical marijuana for qualified patients.
The bill passed with 177 votes in favor, 9 against, and 9 abstentions.
Under the bill, medical marijuana use is permitted for patients diagnosed with certain medical conditions by accredited physicians. The legislation also establishes the Medical Cannabis Office (MCO) to regulate and oversee the use of medical cannabis.
Prohibited activities under the bill include:
Importing, cultivating, manufacturing, storing, or distributing medical cannabis without an MCO permit.
Selling or trading medical cannabis without MCO authorization.
Planting or growing cannabis for research without MCO approval.
Prescribing or administering medical cannabis by non-accredited physicians or beyond one year.
Using medical cannabis without a prescription or exceeding the prescribed dosage.
A similar bill is under consideration in the Senate, having been sponsored in March.
(ia/mnm)
MANILA – The House of Representatives is set to receive Malacañang’s proposed P6.352-trillion national budget for 2025 on Monday (29 July 2024).
Speaker Martin Romualdez announced that Budget Secretary Amenah Pangandaman will formally submit the budget and related documents at 10 a.m.
Romualdez pledged to convene the House Committee on Appropriations immediately to deliberate on the proposal and secure its approval before the first congressional recess in October.
“We will ensure adequate funding for social services and programs that sustain our economic growth,” he said, promising thorough scrutiny of each allocation to guarantee judicious spending by agencies.
The 2025 proposed budget is P585 billion higher than this year’s P5.768 trillion outlay. As of May 31, the Department of Budget and Management had released PHP5.114 trillion, or 88.7 percent, of the 2024 national budget. Government agencies received PHP3.417 trillion for key programs and projects.
“For FY 2025, we will continue to advance our agenda for prosperity,” Pangandaman stated at a recent economic forum. “We have laid the groundwork for sustainable economic development where no Filipino is left behind. Now, we will build on our gains and strive to fulfill the aspirations of the Filipino people.”
(el Amigo/mnm)
By Junex Doronio
MANILA — The so-called “Young Guns” in the House of Representatives composed of young and visionary lawmakers on Sunday (07 July 2024) praised President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. and Department of Budget and Management (DBM) Secretary Amenah Pangandaman for releasing the P27.4 billion in unpaid COVID-19 health emergency allowance (HEA) claims owed to healthcare workers during the pandemic.
Reps. Jay Khonghun of Zambales, Paolo Ortega V of La Union, Rodge Gutierrez of 1-Rider Partylist, Jil Bongalon of Ako Bicol Partylist, Mika Suansing of Nueva Ecija, Joel Chua of Manila, Migs Nograles of PBA Partylist, Cheeno Miguel Almario of Davao Oriental, Zia Alonto Adiong of Lanao del Sur, and Inno Dy V of Isabela welcomed the move.
“We are very happy that President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. ordered the allowance release for our health workers. This decision demonstrates his commitment to supporting those on our healthcare system’s front lines. By providing this financial assistance, the government acknowledges the vital contributions of our healthcare workers and helps alleviate some of the burdens they face,” said Khonghun, chairman of the House Committee on Bases Conversion.
Ortega, an Assistant Majority Leader, commended President Marcos for ensuring the release of long-awaited benefits for healthcare workers during the pandemic.
“We thank the President for consistently recognizing and reciprocating our health workers’ selfless sacrifices and invaluable service. Their contributions during the pandemic were truly invaluable. We must honor their dedication by ensuring they receive the support and appreciation they rightfully deserve,” Ortega emphasized.
Gutierrez, a lawyer, expressed relief that the funds were finally released. “We appreciate the President’s dedicated efforts to compensate our health workers, who have made tremendous sacrifices, including laying down their lives so that others may live. This underscores the President’s steadfast commitment to championing the interests and welfare of our healthcare heroes.”
“Kudos to President BBM and DBM Sec. Pangandaman! They just helped families of our frontline health workers cope with the never-ending problem of recurring inflation. Now they can use the money for whatever needs their family members have,” Bongalon, a lawyer, remarked.
“We will fully support our hardworking health care workers. Like everyone else, they are facing the same challenges as the rest of the population. It is fortunate that the government has been able to improve their situation with the order of the President to release the allowance,” Suansing, an Assistant Majority Leader, said.
Chua was glad that “the government was able to release the funds.”
“The financial support will uplift the spirits of health care workers and ensure they can continue making essential contributions during these challenging times,” Chua said.
“Our unsung heroes during the two-year pandemic can now finally breathe a sigh of relief with the release of their allowances,” remarked Nograles, a Deputy Majority Leader who also practices law. “The release is very significant in alleviating the burdens faced by our dedicated health care workers, whose relentless efforts have been crucial in battling the challenges of the pandemic.”
Almario said “the allowance will significantly boost their morale and enable them to sustain their vital services to the community.”
“We owe our health workers a lot in terms of taking care of our COVID-stricken fellow kababayans. And they fully deserve all this remuneration,” Almario said.
Adiong, chairman of the Ad Hoc Committee on Marawi Rehabilitation and Victims Compensation, emphasized the importance of providing comprehensive assistance to healthcare workers who have demonstrated unwavering commitment and sacrifice in serving the nation.
“Our health workers deserve all the support they can receive, particularly from the government, to whom they have diligently paid taxes and gone beyond the call of duty,” Adiong said.
Dy, also Deputy Majority Leader, highlighted the significance of the fund release, saying, “This support is crucial for our health workers who can now address various needs. I hope this will be given immediately to the beneficiaries so that they can allocate these resources to ensure their children are ready for the upcoming school term by purchasing essential school supplies. Additionally, they can provide medications for their elderly family members or ensure food is on their tables.”
“These funds aim to alleviate financial pressures and enable health workers to focus on their crucial roles in healthcare delivery,” Dy said.
The amount, released last Friday to the Department of Health through Secretary Teodoro Herbosa, will cover the arrears in HEA, and will cover as well the payment of Public Health Emergency Benefits and Allowances (PHEBA) of eligible health and non-healthcare workers.
PHEBA includes Special Risk Allowance (SRA), compensation for COVID-19 sickness and death, and additional benefits like meals, accommodation and transportation allowances for healthcare workers.
The fund is expected to compensate a total of 5,039,926 unpaid HEA and 4,283 COVID-19 Sickness and Death Compensation claims.
The DBM approved the release of a Special Allotment Release Order (SARO) for the purpose amounting to P27.453 billion on July 5.
(el Amigo/mnm)
By Junex Doronio
MANILA — Expelled by the House of Representatives in August 2023 over his continued absence from his duties amid allegations of masterminding the assassination of Negros Oriental Gov Roel Degamo and five others in March 2023, former Negros Oriental Rep. Arnolfo Teves is now under house arrest in Timor-Leste.
This was confirmed on Thursday by Department of Justice (DOJ) Undersecretary Raul Vasquez after Teves’ lawyer Ferdinand Topacio claimed that his client had been released.
“We learned from Timor Leste Prosecutor General that former Cong. Teves is now on house arrest,” Vasquez quipped.
The DOJ also said extradition proceedings were ongoing.
“Regardless of whether he is in custody, rearrested, or on house arrest, he is under the control of the police authorities. Simply put, he is deprived of liberty,” Vasquez pointed out.
The DOJ further disclosed that Teves would be under “24-hour security, with only family members permitted to visit him.”
“The government will maintain close oversight of the situation to ensure that all procedures are both valid and appropriate,” the justice department said.
Local websites in Timor-Leste reported about the house arrest issue, which was also confirmed by Topacio.
“After having determined that he is not a flight risk and that he has not violated any laws, he was placed under guard in his residence simply to ensure his attendance in the hearings,” Topacio said.
(el Amigo/mnm)
By Junex Doronio
MANILA — Peeved by the seemingly snail-paced Senate on important bills that have been passed by the House of Representatives, the reputed “Young Guns” in the lower chamber have appealed anew to their counterparts in the upper chamber to consider passing the economic charter reforms bill that they approved early this year.
“After nearly 40 years since the post-Marcos Sr. era, do we need a status quo? We have seen our neighbors progress. We have been a laggard; that’s the hard truth. But do we need to be a laggard forever?” asked House Assistant Majority Leader Paolo Ortega V of La Union’s 1st District.
Aside from Ortega, Representatives Jay Khonghun of Zambales’ 1st District, Rodge Gutierrez of 1-Rider Partylist, Zia Alonto Adiong of Lanao del Sur’s 1st District, and Jil Bongalon of Ako Bicol Partylist invoked the latest survey of reputable pollster Tangere, where a convincing 57 percent of Filipinos have supported moves for constitutional amendments primarily for economic reasons.
“In this era of fast global digitalization, the Philippines needs to level up by trying to compete, or at least be at par with advanced economies. We are sorely lacking infrastructure, which is why our Asian neighbors left us behind,” noted Khonghun, chairman of the House Committee on Bases Conversion.
“We urge the Senate to join us in unlocking our nation’s full potential and ensuring sustained economic growth through constitutional economic amendments. By attracting foreign investments and fostering a competitive, inclusive business environment, we can generate more jobs for Filipinos,” Gutierrez, a lawyer, said.
“Don’t we need to catch up? Can we not entertain change at all? Can we not try something new?” Adiong, chairman of the House Ad Hoc Committee on Marawi Rehabilitation and Victims Compensation, stressed. “Status quo is the last thing we need. We have to wake up from our long slumber, so to speak.”
“We need some economic adjustments to keep pace with the demands of the global economy. Opening specific economic provisions can create a more dynamic and resilient economy facing future challenges. The proposal will help attract more foreign direct investments crucial for the Philippines’ financial expansion and infrastructure development,” Bongalon, also a lawyer, for his part said.
Based on the answers of 1,500 respondents nationwide, the survey, held from May 21 to 25 this year indicated that 57 percent – or a slight 2 percent increase from April’s figures – wanted key economic provisions in the fundamental law of the land tweaked.
(el Amigo/MNM)
MANILA – Leaders of the House of Representatives urged the Senate on Thursday (30 May 2024) to act on the proposed amendments to the 1987 Constitution’s restrictive economic provisions, following a new nationwide survey showing majority support for these changes.
Senior Deputy Speaker and Pampanga Representative Aurelio Gonzales Jr. emphasized the need for the Senate to heed public opinion. He cited a recent poll by big data research firm Tangere, conducted from May 21 to 25, which revealed that 57 percent of Filipinos favor amending the economic provisions of the 1987 Constitution.
“New Senate President Francis Escudero should address what his predecessor could not, and it should be done promptly,” Gonzales stated.
The House of Representatives had already passed Resolution of Both Houses (RBH) No. 7 its version of the economic Charter change in March this year. However, the Senate’s counterpart, RBH No. 6, remains pending.
Gonzales pointed out that RBH No. 6 is currently “in limbo” due to recent changes in the Senate leadership. The resignation of Senator Juan Edgardo Angara, former chairman of the Senate special committee on constitutional amendments, has disrupted public consultations. Angara, along with Senators Juan Miguel Zubiri and Loren Legarda, who also resigned from her Senate post, were the authors of RBH No. 6.
“We are uncertain about the future of RBH No. 6, considering its authors have stepped down,” Gonzales added.
Majority Leader Manuel Jose Dalipe expressed optimism that the Senate could pass RBH No. 6 after the third and final regular session of the 19th Congress convenes in July. However, he cautioned that the opportunity for approval is narrowing, as the election campaign season for the May 2025 elections will begin once candidates file their certificates of candidacy in October.
“Post-October, legislative accomplishments will be minimal. That’s the reality we face,” Dalipe noted.
Deputy Speaker David Suarez urged the new Senate leadership to prioritize RBH 6 amid the recent turmoil in the upper chamber. “Senate President Escudero needs to focus on this critical issue,” he said.
The Tangere survey highlighted the perceived benefits of the amendment proposals: job creation (72 percent), higher economic growth (68 percent), increased salaries and benefits (67 percent), and lower prices of goods and services (63 percent). The survey included 1,500 mobile-based respondents.
Tangere, a market research firm owned by Acquisitions Apps, Inc., began as an opinion poll survey before the Covid-19 pandemic. It utilizes mobile application technology, social media engagement, and big data analytics.
(el Amigo/MNM)
By Junex Doronio
BOTOLAN, Zambales — Leaders and members of the House of Representatives on Friday (24 May 2024) promised to help thousands of fisherfolk in the province of Zambales pursue their fishing activities in Bajo de Masinloc and other areas despite the threat of bullying and harassment from China.
They committed during the hearing of the House Committee on National Defense and Security and the Special Committee on the West Philippine Sea (WPS) on the supposed secret deal between former President Rodrigo Roa Duterte and Chinese President Xi Jinping on the state of affairs in the WPS, which is part of the country’s exclusive economic zone (EEZ).
The hearing was jointly presided over by Iloilo Rep. Raul Tupas, House Committee on National Defense chairman, and Senior Deputy Speaker and Pampanga 3rd District Rep. Aurelio “Dong” Gonzales Jr., who read a message from Speaker Ferdinand Martin G. Romualdez.
In his message, Speaker lRomualdez declared that Bajo de Masinloc, the traditional fishing ground of Zambales and Pangasinan fisherfolk, is inside the country’s EEZ and Filipinos should be free to fish there.
During the hearing, fishermen aired their experiences when they were water cannoned by the Chinese Coast Guard and their difficulty in fishing in the Bajo de Masinloc or Scarborough Shoal, which the Chinese seized in 2012.
They also expressed their concerns for their safety. In particular, they are worried that the Chinese would carry out their threat to arrest them starting on June 15.
Gonzales and his colleagues promised the fishermen that they would relay their concerns to Speaker Romualdez and even to President Ferdinand “Bongbong” R. Marcos Jr.
“Sa utos po ni Speaker, nandito po kami kahit kami ay nasa-recess ngayon para pakinggan kayo. Huwag po kayong mag-alala, makakarating po kay Speaker ang mga hinaing at concern ninyo,” Gonzales said at the end of the hearing.
Zambales Rep. Jay Khonghun and other congressmen suggested that assistance from the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) be tailored to the fisherfolk’s needs.
Khonghun said BFAR is giving fishermen “small fiberglass boats good for rivers while we need big vessels for the high seas.”
He said Subic town in his district received one 20-foot boat from BFAR.
Masinloc fishermen said, “No,” when he asked them if they were given the larger boat.
“We will make sure in the next budget hearing that BFAR will extend the kind of assistance fisherfolk need. They have the funds for it,” Khonghun said.
Rep. Dan Fernandez of Laguna suggested a program for fishermen similar to the public utility vehicle modernization project in Metro Manila.
“You have to consolidate and form cooperatives to obtain low-interest loans from Land Bank and even subsidies from the national government like jeepney drivers, so you can have modern fishing boats,” he said.
In response, Zambales Gov. Hermogenes Ebdane informed lawmakers that the provincial government has already started a similar undertaking for fisherfolk.
“We are making available P5 million for every group of fishermen without interest, but they will have to repay it,” he said.
However, he said out of the 65 “clusters” of fisherfolk consisting of more than 4,500 members, only the group in Sta. Cruz Town has successfully organized itself and has received financial assistance.
Ebdane said they would welcome funding from the national government.
Camiguin Rep. Jurdin Jesus Romualdo suggested that fisherfolk families should have other means of livelihood other than fishing.
“You cannot depend on fishing alone, especially during the rainy season, when it is hard to go out to sea,” he said.
Representatives Robert Ace Barbers of Surigao del Norte and Johnny Ty Pimentel of Surigao del Sur told the fishermen that the so-called Duterte-Xi agreement made the Chinese more aggressive in bullying and harassing the Filipinos.
Rep. Doris Maniquiz of Zambales and Masinloc Mayor Arsenia Lim thanked the lawmakers for conducting the hearing in their province and listening to her constituents.
(el Amigo/MNM)
By Junex Doronio
MANILA — Saying that annulment of marriage in the Philippines is very expensive and lengthy in process, several lawmakers in the House of Representatives have asked their counterparts at the Senate to pass the divorce bill in this 19th Congress to give everyone in the country another crack at happiness and marital bliss.
Maharlika NuMedia learned that filing an annulment of marriage takes years to be decided upon by a court and costs about P350,000 with no assurance that the judge will rule favorably.
To recall, in the 17th Congress, the House of Representatives under the leadership of ex-House Speaker Pantaleon “Bebot” Alvarez approved on third reading a divorce bill.
But the Senate just sat on it.
On Wednesday (15 May 2024), the House of Representatives passed on second reading House Bill 9349, sponsored by Albay Rep. Edcel Lagman, which provides divorce as a fourth way for couples to separate.
There are currently only three ways in which spouses who got married in the Philippines can terminate their relationship: (1) file a petition to dissolve the marriage, (2) seek an annulment, or (3) legal separation.
HB 9349, or the draft Absolute Divorce Act, calls for a fourth mode of terminating what he described as “irreparably broken or dysfunctional” marriages in the country.
The three other modes allowed under the Family Code are (1) canonical dissolution, (2) annulment, and (3) legal separation.
It also aims to “save the children from the pain, stress, and agony consequent to their parents’ marital clashes or irreconcilable differences and grant the divorced spouses the right to marry again for another chance to achieve marital bliss.”
At present, there are four pending proposals in the Senate.
Senate Bills 147, 213, 237, 554, 555, 1198, and 2047 consolidated under SB 2443, an act expanding grounds for dissolution of marriage, instituting divorce authored by Senators Risa Hontiveros, Raffy Tulfo, Robinhood Padilla, Pia Cayetano, and Imee Marcos.
(el Amigo/MNM)
By Junex Doronio
MANILA — Garnering 188 affirmative votes without objection, the House of Representatives has approved on third and final reading House Bill (HB) 10173, also known as the proposed Condominium Redevelopment Act.
Maharlika NuMedia gathered that the bill seeks to establish livable communities that provide equitable, inclusive and resilient opportunities for the improvement of human well-being while contributing to the economic vitality of the communities.
The bill was lodged in substitution of HB 7618 filed by San Jose del Monte City lone district Rep. Florida “Rida” Robes.
“This is meant to ensure the safety and integrity of existing and future condominium developments to protect the public against hazards of aged buildings that pose threats to the owners and the general public,” said Speaker Ferdinand Martin G. Romualdez, leader of the 300-plus members House of Representatives.
Moreover, HB 10173 establishes rules for the proper maintenance, repair, reconstruction and redevelopment of condominium projects.
“It ensures that the property rights of unit owners are respected while addressing the needs of the community and improving the overall quality of life of Filipinos,” Romualdez noted.
(el Amigo/MNM)