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)
By Junex Doronio
MANILA — Saying that efforts in the House of Representatives to amend the 37-year-old Constitution to make the Philippines more friendly to foreign investments, Deputy Majority Leader and Iloilo 1st District Representative Janette Garin has expressed confidence that if passed by both houses of Congress and approved in a plebiscite, this will perk up the country’s economy and improve the quality of lives of Filipinos.
Garin pointed out that on March 29, the US Trade Representative cited foreign ownership limitations in the Philippines as one of the barriers to trade and investments, while the Milken Institute’s Global Opportunity Index (GOI) report for 2024 said the country ranked 91st out of 130 nations when it comes to attractiveness to foreign investors due to financial access.
“Kasi iyan nga, kitang-kita na may problema ang Constitution ng Pilipinas. Ang nagiging hadlang para magtake-off tayo ay ang ating sariling Constitution. Natural iyan, kasi walang perpekto. So inaamin ngayon iyan pero hindi naiintindihan ng tao sa ibaba,” the Ilongga lady solon said on Monday (01 April 2024) in a press conference.
Asked whether economic amendments as contained in Resolution of Both Houses No. 7 (RBH 7) recently approved on final reading in the House of Representatives can make the Philippines more “investment-friendly,” Garin responded enthusiastically with, “Definitely!”
She stressed that one of the concerns of foreign investors is not being able to own land in the Philippines because the 1987 Constitution prohibits it.
“So, kung ikaw ay investor na inutang mo ang bilyong-bilyong capital, kunyari sabihin na natin, kuryente, tubig or internet connectivity. Eh kung ang paglalagyan mo ng iyong power plant, may that be renewable energy or not, kung iyung lupa hindi sa iyo, ano ang mangyayari duon sa investment mo?” Garin asked.
(el Amigo/MNM)
By Junex Doronio
MANILA — The so-called ‘Young Guns’ of the House of Representatives have strongly assailed the recent Pulse Asia survey on Charter amendments, citing concerns about the use of biased and leading questions that may have influenced the results.
On Sunday (31 March 2024), House Assistant Majority Leaders Jil Bongalon of Ako Bicol Party-list, Paolo Ortega V of La Union, and Zia Alonto Adiong of Lanao del Sur noted that the survey questions appeared to conflate various aspects of constitutional reform, potentially leading to confusion among respondents.
“The wording of the questions used by Pulse Asia seemed designed to lead respondents towards a particular viewpoint on Charter amendments,” Bongalon quipped.
As a lawyer, Bongalon specifically criticized Pulse Asia for including in the survey what it termed as proposed amendments, which do not align with those currently under discussion in Congress.
For his part, Ortega said the survey also contained a biased question regarding “allowing foreign individuals and companies to exploit Philippine natural resources.”
“The survey questions, particularly those addressing contentious issues such as term extension, foreign exploitation of natural resources, and a shift from a presidential to a parliamentary system of government, may have inadvertently skewed responses and fostered opposition to Cha-cha,” Ortega said.
Adiong also pointed out the importance of accurately reflecting the content of proposed amendments in survey questions.
“The wording of survey questions should accurately reflect the actual provisions being proposed for amendment,” Adiong said.
(el Amigo/MNM)
By Junex Doronio
MANILA — In line with the envisioned Bagong Pilipinas by the administration of President Ferdinand Bongbong R. Marcos Jr., the House of Representatives resolved on Wednesday (20 March 2024) night the immediate transmittal to the Senate of both the resolution on economic constitutional reform and the bill revoking the franchise of Swara Sug Media Corporation, which operates as Sonshine Media Network International (SMNI) of controversial televangelist Pastor Apollo C. Quiboloy.
Voting 288-8-2, the lower chamber passed on the third and final reading RBH No. 7, which seeks to amend specific economic provisions in the 1987 Constitution concerning public utilities, education, and advertising by inserting the phrase “unless otherwise provided by law” to give more flexibility regarding foreign ownership and participation in certain investments.
RBH 7, which mirrors RBH No. 6, is still being deliberated in the Senate.
The House has also invoked Article 17 Section 1 of the Constitution which allows it to propose amendments to the electorate by a 3/4 vote of all members.
Speaker Ferdinand Martin G. Romualdez, who co-authored RBH No. 7 with several other House leaders and members, underscored that the proposed economic constitutional amendments represent the final component of the investment measures pursued by the administration of President Ferdinand “Bongbong” R. Marcos Jr.
On the other hand, the revocation of SMNI’s franchise was prompted by a series of violations, including spreading fake news, involvement in red-tagging, and committing serious corporate offenses.
“Tinutupad lamang po natin ang mandatong ini-atang sa atin ng Konstitusyon at ng taumbayan. Walang personalan dito. Trabaho lang,” Romualdez quipped.
(el Amigo/MNM)
By Junex Doronio
MANILA — Debunking unfounded fears of having a political agenda, the House of Representatives under the “proactive” leadership of Speaker Ferdinand Martin G. Romualdez on Wednesday (20 March 2024) approved the third and final reading Resolution of Both Houses 7 which seeks to amend the 1987 Constitution and allow foreign ownership in vital industries.
Romualdez pointed out that the proposed removal of constitutional limitations on foreign ownership in certain sectors was the “last piece in the puzzle of investment measures” of the administration of President Ferdinand “Bongbong” R. Marcos Jr.
“These changes, if ratified by our people in a plebiscite, will greatly boost these measures, including our President’s investment missions abroad which have generated actual investments and pledges in the billions of dollars and created thousands of jobs,” the leader of the 300-plus-strong members of the lower chamber said in a statement.
RBH 7, which removes the 40% foreign ownership limit for public utilities, education, and advertising firms, garnered 289 yes votes, seven no votes, and two abstentions.
“We heard the wise counsel and suggestions of the resource persons and experts we invited to our hearings. We assure the business community and our people that we are working on the other factors that affect investments, like the ease of doing business, the high cost of electricity, infrastructure, and similar issues,” Romualdez said.
The 19th Congress will take a month-long Holy Week break starting today, Wednesday (20 March 2024).
(el Amigo/MNM)
MANILA — President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. has announced that both chambers of Congress have aligned in their efforts to amend the economic provisions of the 1987 Constitution.
In a media interview in Prague on Friday (15 March 2024), President Marcos stated, “The Senate is continuing with the hearings, and the House [of Representatives] has already passed the proposal on second reading. What is crucial to note is that the resolutions put forward by both chambers are practically identical. This convergence signifies a significant milestone in our legislative process. We have reached a consensus.”
Reflecting on the journey of these discussions, President Marcos remarked, “We were well aware of the initial contentious nature of this endeavor. However, we are now traversing a common path between the two chambers. This unity is paramount.”
House Speaker Martin Romualdez emphasized the substantial deliberation the lower chamber has dedicated to the Resolution of Both Houses No. 7 (RBH 7), indicating a focused commitment to advancing the discussions.
RBH 7, which seeks to enhance foreign ownership in critical industries, was approved by the House of Representatives on Wednesday (13 March 2024).
Senate President Juan Miguel Zubiri affirmed that the Senate’s progress is on schedule, with approximately three more hearings remaining before advancing to further deliberation.
President Marcos previously underscored that existing economic provisions are impeding potential investors from engaging in operations within the country.
(el Amigo/MNM)
By Junex Doronio
MANILA — As the Senate seemingly foot-dragged in approving the economic reforms in the 37-year-old Constitution, the House of Representatives under the leadership of Speaker Ferdinand Martin G. Romualdez passed the economic charter change (Cha-Cha) after only six days of marathon deliberations.
On Wednesday, the House Committee of the Whole approved via voice vote Resolutions of Both Houses No. 7 (RBH 7), which seeks to amend the 1987 Constitution by allowing increased foreign ownership of vital industries.
It was learned that the Charter amendments under RBH 7 provide for the easing of the 40%-foreign ownership limit on education, public utilities, and advertising sectors by adding the phrase “unless provided for by law.”
Former finance secretary Margarito Teves lauded the swift action of the House of Representatives.
“Foreign equity limitations in the Constitution are binding constraints to investors. As of 2022, Vietnam, Malaysia, Indonesia, and Thailand have already surpassed us in terms of foreign direct investments,” Teves said.
The Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) also agreed with Teves that the RBH 7 will pump in much-needed foreign capital to address low wages and increase the productivity of the country’s labor force.
(el Amigo/MNM)
By Junex Doronio
MANILA — Good news to all lotto bettors if the Senate acts fast and approves the bill that lowers to 10 percent from 20 percent tax on lotto jackpot winnings that was immediately passed by the House of Representatives.
On Monday (4 March 2024), the House of Representatives under the leadership of Speaker Ferdinand Martin G. Romualdez approved on third and final reading House Bill No. 9277 or the proposed Capital Markets Efficiency Promotion Act, with 270 affirmative votes, three negative votes and one abstention.
HB 9277 seeks to cut the final tax rate for Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office (PCSO) lotto jackpot winnings, as well as the documentary stamp tax on ticket cost for PCSO lotto and horse-race betting to 10 percent from 20 percent.
At the same time, the bill aims to lower the taxes on stock transactions, in an effort to help boost capital markets and the country’s investment competitiveness.
It is eyeing the stock transaction tax to be immediately reduced to 0.1 percent from 0.6 percent.
HB 9277 also proposes to lower the dividends tax rate for non-resident aliens to 10 percent from 25 percent.
(el amigo/MNM)
By Junex Doronio
MANILA — With their common goal to further enhance the capabilities and performance of the employees of the lower chamber of Congress, House of Representatives Secretary General Reginald “Reggie” Velasco has lauded the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA) as they inked their Memorandum of Agreement (MOA).
Velasco, who recently signed the MOA on behalf of the House of Representatives, credited Speaker Ferdinand Martin G. Romualdez for the idea of collaborating with TESDA.
Velasco underscored that Romualdez told him “to find ways of increasing the fringe benefits of the (House) employees, congressional staff and everybody working in Congress, including their dependents.”
For his part, TESDA Director General Suharto Mangudadatu, who was a former Sultan Kudarat 1st district Representative, noted that the collaboration is also an opportunity for TESDA and the House to provide opportunities to the unemployed, underemployed, out-of-school youths, and to those belonging to the marginalized group to become productive and self-sufficient.
Baguio City Rep. Mark Go, the House Committee on Higher and Technical Education chairperson said the collaboration with TESDA is crucial for continuously advancing in life, with upskilling and adopting a life-learning stance, regardless of age.
(el Amigo/MNM)
By Liza Soriano
MANILA — Senators criticized certain members of the House of Representatives for deeming Resolution of Both Houses No. 6 “unconstitutional” due to its proposed voting method.
The House of Representatives recently introduced RBH No. 7, similar to RBH 6, except that the lower house advocates for a “joint vote” between the House and Senate.
“Those four words ‘each House voting separately’ are not in the Constitution. Our colleagues in the Senate cannot and should not insist on that language… I am not a lawyer, but that is unconstitutional,” stated House Senior Deputy Speaker Aurelio Gonzales Jr.
Senator Jinggoy Estrada emphasized the importance of separate voting for the Senate and the House.
“When you say Congress, there are both Houses, there are two Houses. The House of the Senate, and the House of Representatives. Okay?” remarked Estrada.
“In joint voting, we only have 24 members. We will be outnumbered by the congressmen,” he added.
Senator Win Gatchalian also criticized the allegations made by the congressman, stating that it was not fabricated by the Senate.
“It’s not made up because it’s very clear in the first hearing (on RBH6). Justice Villanueva stated that the intention is indeed bicameral… It might not be explicitly stated, but the intention is to vote through a bicameral system. So, that’s why the Senate included it,” explained Gatchalian.
(el Amigo/MNM)
By Liezelle Soriano
MANILA — The deliberations on Resolution of Both Houses (RBH) No. 7 in the House of Representatives have been rescheduled for Monday, February 26, 2024. It was originally slated for Wednesday (21 Feb 2024).
RBH No. 7 mirrors RBH No. 6 filed in the Senate, focusing on amending the economic provisions of the 1987 Constitution.
“It (Committee of the Whole discussions on RBH 7) will be moved to Monday (26 Feb 2024) due to the availability of the resource persons [on that day]. As you know, the input from these resource persons is crucial to our endeavor,” stated Quimbo during a press conference.
“Since we will be conducting it in the plenary [as Committee of the Whole], the proceedings will be expedited,” Quimbo added.
Quimbo mentioned that foreign investors, business chambers, small enterprises, academics, economists, and the nation’s economic managers are among the resource persons.
(el Amigo/MNM)
By Liezelle Soriano
The House of Representatives has issued a subpoena to Kingdom of Jesus Christ pastor Apollo Quiboloy, compelling his attendance at a hearing scheduled for Tuesday (12 March 2024).
The hearing will investigate alleged violations by Swara Sug Media Corporation of its franchise, potentially leading to the possible revocation of the corporation’s license observers aver.
“Please be advised that failure to comply with this Order will necessitate the Committee to resort to Section 11 of the Rules of Procedure Governing Inquiries in Aid of Legislation of the House of Representatives, granting the power of contempt,” the subpoena addressed to Quiboloy read, signed by House Speaker Martin Romualdez.
On Monday, February 19, 2024, Senate President Juan Miguel Zubiri signed the subpoena summoning Quiboloy to appear before the Senate regarding allegations of sexual abuse and human trafficking next Monday (26 Feb 2024).
“By Authority of Section 17 of the Rules of Procedure Governing Inquiries in Aid of Legislation of the Senate, Republic of the Philippines, you are hereby commanded and required to appear before the Senate, then and there to testify under oath on what you know relative to the subject matter,” the Senate-issued subpoena read.
(el Amigo/MNM)
By Liezelle Soriano
MANILA — House of Representatives leaders have filed Resolution of Both Houses (RBH) No. 7 on Monday which mirrored the resolution filed by the Senate on amending economic provisions of the 1987 Constitution.
RBH No. 7 was authored by Senior Deputy Speaker and Pampanga 3rd District Rep. Aurelio “Dong” Gonzales Jr., Deputy Speaker and Quezon 2nd District Rep. David “Jay-jay” Suarez, Majority Leader Manuel Jose Dalipe, and other House leaders, was almost an exact reproduction of Resolution of Both Houses No. 6, filed by Senate President Juan Miguel Zubiri and Senators Juan Edgardo Angara and Loren Legarda.
The resolution is titled “A Resolution of Both Houses of Congress proposing amendments to certain economic provisions of the 1987 Constitution of the Republic of the Philippines, particularly on Articles Xll, XlV, and XVl,” similar to the Senate version.
In filing RBH No. 7, Gonzales, Suarez, Dalipe, and other House leaders said the Constitution “is the supreme law of the land, enshrining the foundations of our nationhood and reflecting the consensus of our citizenry.”
“The nation’s economic policy must be reframed under the demands of this increasingly globalized age, while still protecting the general policy of Filipino-first that guides the economic provisions of the Constitution,” the House leaders said.
The lawmakers also stressed the need to institutionalize the reforms laid down in the amended Public Service Act to liberalize industries.
(el Amigo/MNM)
MANILA — In a move expected to benefit over a million Filipino professionals, the House of Representatives has approved on its second reading a bill extending the validity of Professional Regulation Commission (PRC) license IDs from three to five years.
The bill, deemed non-controversial, is anticipated to receive smooth sailing and full support in both chambers of Congress.
The extension of the PRC license ID’s validity period aligns with the Ease of Doing Business and Anti-Red Tape Law, aiming to streamline processes for professionals registering and renewing their licenses. With approximately one million professionals renewing annually, this move is poised to significantly impact their lives and that of their families.
Rep. Joey Salceda, the bill’s proponent, expressed optimism for its swift approval in the Senate, projecting potential passage by May, contingent upon Senate workload and agenda. He emphasized coordination with Senate leaders to ensure timely deliberation.
Amid cybersecurity concerns, Salceda urged the PRC and Civil Service Commission (CSC) to bolster internet portal security to safeguard against potential breaches. He advocated for secure electronic interfaces between PRC and CSC databases and those of other key agencies like PhilSys National ID, SSS, GSIS, PAG-IBIG, BIR, and PhilHealth.
In parallel efforts, discussions on regulating the psychology and audiology professions progressed in a joint public hearing led by the House Committee on Civil Service and Professional Regulation and the Committee on Health.
Technical working groups were established to refine substitute bills for the Philippine Psychology Act of 2009 and regulations governing audiology and audiometry practices.
Highlighting the urgency of addressing mental health challenges, Rep. Anna York P. Bondoc’s House Bill 9611 proposes expanding the role of psychometricians in mental health service delivery.
Bondoc stressed the need to capitalize on the significant number of licensed psychometricians to bolster mental health services, especially amid the pandemic’s impact.
Moreover, the bill seeks to rename psychometricians as “associate registered psychologists,” emphasizing their supportive role to registered psychologists and psychiatrists. While delineating areas of distinction, the bill empowers associate registered psychologists to undertake specified roles autonomously, underscoring their complementary function within the mental health sector.
As discussions on these bills advance, stakeholders anticipate broader access to mental health and audiological services, addressing critical gaps in these essential areas of healthcare provision.
(By el Amigo/MNM)