By Junex Doronio

MANILA — Displaying their patriotism, Cavite Representatives Lani Mercado-Revilla and Ramon Jolo Revilla III, along with Agimat party-list Rep. Bryan Revilla have jointly introduced a measure seeking to establish a lighthouse in the Ayungin Shoal.

In House Bill 10226, the Revillas underscored the necessity of asserting the territorial rights of the county in the West Philippine Sea (WPS), amid the persistent presence of Chinese vessels in the area.

“It is imperative that we also enhance our presence in the Ayungin Shoal, and constructing a lighthouse there is a vital step forward,” the Revillas said in the explanatory note of their bill.

The Revillas said they agreed with former Supreme Court Associate Justice Antonio Carpio that diplomatic protests alone may be inadequate in addressing China’s aggressiveness in WPS.

Under the measure, the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) will be tasked to plan, design, and construct the proposed lighthouse.

The Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) will be responsible for the maintenance and upkeep of the lighthouse in the Ayungin Shoal.

They added that the necessary funds will be included in the annual budgets of the DPWH and PCG.

(el Amigo/MNM)

By Liza Soriano

MANILA — Senator Bong Revilla urged the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) and the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) on Tuesday (April 30, 2024) to ensure that the country is ready for the impending La Niña season.

“The rainy season is fast approaching, and we are wary of the impending La Niña phenomenon that will bring heavier rains than usual,” Revilla said.

“Now is the best time to ensure that all waterways are clean and that drainage systems are clear of any blockages,” he added.

The senator also emphasized the importance of adequate preparation, urging the agencies to prepare beyond what is expected.

“Right now, we should be keeping all drainage systems and other tributaries clean. There should be no blockages. Waterways should be clear to prevent flooding. Pumping stations must ensure they are 100% operational,” Revilla emphasized.

According to the weather agency PAGASA, there is a 55 percent chance of La Niña developing starting June 2024.

(el Amigo/MNM)

By Liza Soriano

MANILA — Senator Bong Revilla is set to undergo an operation after sustaining an injury while filming a new movie project.

“My Achilles tendon has a partial tear, so it requires surgery,” Revilla announced during his Facebook live session.

The senator mentioned that the incident occurred during the first day of taping for “Alyas Pogi,” alongside actors Ara Mina and Epi Quizon.

“Sometimes, unforeseen events happen, and it’s inevitable. What’s important is to pray that it’s not too serious… 50 percent of my Achilles heel tore due to the strain from running,” shared the actor.

Following the operation, Revilla stated that the expected healing period would be three to five months.

“It’s frustrating. It’s somewhat sad news, but I am okay. We’ll have more updates by tomorrow,” he added.

(el Amigo/MNM)

By Liza Soriano

MANILA — The Senate has given its approval to measures aimed at converting roads, as well as renumbering and establishing district engineering offices, in their third and final reading.

In the province of Romblon, four municipal roads are set to be upgraded to national highways.

Senator Ramon Bong Revilla Jr., Chairperson of the Committee on Public Works, emphasized that these bills are designed to assist local governments in meeting the needs of their constituents.

“In converting these roads, local government units are relieved of the responsibility of maintaining these highly useful and valuable routes, allowing them to allocate resources more effectively to the needs of the community,” Revilla stated.

“While entrusting the preservation of these roads to the national government, leveraging their expertise, we are essentially achieving two objectives at once,” he added in his omnibus sponsorship speech.

The following bills were approved in their third reading: House Bill No. (HBN) 1028, proposing the conversion of the Sawang-Macalas Road; HBN 1029, focusing on the conversion of the road stretching from Barangay Tuguis in the Municipality of Odiongan to Barangay Tugdan in the Municipality of Alcantara; HBN 1030, considering Senate Bill No. 1943, for the conversion of the road stretching from Sitio Boliganay in Barangay Panique, Municipality of Odiongan, to Sitio Kabaliwan in Barangay Bachawan, Municipality of San Agustin; and HBN 1031, taking into account Senate Bill No. 1952, which aims to convert the Sablayan-Agpanabat-Bagacay Road, a section of the Romblon Circumferential Road.

Additionally, three bills for renumbering and establishing district engineering offices in Cebu, Leyte, and Zamboanga City were also approved.

(ai/mnm)

By Dang Samson-Garcia

A BILL filed by Sen. Ramon “Bong” Revilla Jr. seeks to strengthen the special program in creative arts for Junior and Senior High School.

Senate Bill 2364 or the proposed Special Program in the Creative Arts Act of 2023 aims to promote creative arts education towards a more developed creative industries.

The measure will complement the enactment of the Creative Industries Charter which was passed recently.

Revilla said that in 2022, the Philippine Statistics Authority reported that the creative economy amounted to P1.60 trillion with a contribution of 7.3% to the country’s Gross Domestic Product.

In the same year, 6.8 million Filipinos were employed in the creative industries.

The senator further explained that these numbers highlight the big role that creative arts play in the economy.

“Training for students admitted in this program will be under a special curriculum to cater for their unique needs as learners in the creative arts,” Revilla said in his explanatory note.