House
pushes 20 years IP claim to ancestral lands
The House
of Representatives has approved on third and final reading House Bill 5350
which extends for another 20 years the period by which cultural
communities/indigenous peoples can secure the Certificate of Title to their
ancestral lands.
Under
Republic Act 8371 or “The Indigenous Peoples Rights Act of 1997,” the ICCs/IPs
have only until October 2017 to avail themselves of their right to own their
ancestral lands.
House
Bill No. 5350, or an “Act Extending The Period For Indigenous Cultural
Communities/ Indigenous Peoples To Exercise The Option To Secure Certificates
Of Title To Their Ancestral Lands Under Commonwealth Act 141, As Amended, Or
The Land Registration Act 496” extends for another 20 years the period for
ICCs/IPs to secure Certificate of Title to their ancestral lands.
Republic
Act No. 8371 defines ancestral land/domain as “such concepts of territories
which cover not only the physical environment but the total environment
including the spiritual and cultural bonds to the area which the ICCs/IPs
possess, occupy and use, and to which they have claims of ownership.”
Section
12 of RA 8371 titled “Option to Secure Certificate of Title Under Commonwealth
Act 141, as amended, or The Land Registration Act No. 496, provides that
“Individual members of cultural communities, with respect to their individually
owned ancestral lands who, by themselves or through their predecessors in interest,
have been in continuous possession and occupation of the same in the concept of
owner since time immemorial or for a period of not less than 30 years
immediately preceding the approval of this Act and uncontested by the members
of the same ICCs/IPs shall have the option to secure title to their ancestral
lands under the provisions of Commonwealth Act 141, as amended, or the Land
Registration Act No. 496. For this purpose, said individually owned ancestral
lands, which are agricultural in character and actually used for agricultural,
residential, pasture, and tree farming purposes, including those with a slope
of 18 percent or more, are hereby classified as alienable and disposable
agricultural lands. The option granted under this section shall be exercised
within 20 years from the approval of this Act.”
The late
Rep. Maximo Dalog (Lone District, Mountain Province), one of the principal
authors of the bill, had said considering that the aforementioned
provision of RA 8371 was never implemented because the concerned national
agencies of the government, the National Commission on Indigenous
Peoples(NCIP), and Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) did
not come up with specific Implementing Rules and Regulations (IRR) to implement
the same, thus the IPs never benefited from the benevolent provisions of the
law.
“It is
imperative that the efficacy and efficiency of Section 12 of RA 8371 be
extended for another 20 years upon the expiration of the first period if we are
to give meaning to the intents and purposes of the said law,” said Dalog.
HB 5350
provides in Section 1 that “The option to secure Certificate of Title under
Commonwealth Act 141, as amended, or the Land Registration Act No. 496, as
mandated in Section 12 of Republic Act No. 8371, is hereby extended to another
20 years, effective upon the expiration of the first period on October
29, 2017.”
Aside
from Dalog, the other authors of the bill are Reps. Maximo Rodriguez (2nd
District, Cagayan de Oro City), Ronald Cosalan (Lone District, Benguet), John
Marvin “Yul Servo” Nieto (3rd District, Manila), Edward Vera-Perez Maceda (4th
District, Manila), Nancy Catamco (2nd District, North Cotabato), Jose
Panganiban (Party-list, ANAC-IP), Emmi de Jesus (Party-list, GABRIELA), Wilter
Palma (1st Dictrict, Zamboanga Sibugay); Fredenil Castro (2nd District, Capiz),
Arlene Arcillas (1st District, Laguna), Gabriel Bordado (3rd District,
Camarines Sur), Sitti DjaliaTurabin-Hataman (Party-list, AMIN), Teddy Baguilat
(Lone District, Ifugao), Arnolfo Teves, Jr. (3rd District, Negros Oriental),
Marlyn Primicias-Agabas (6th District, Pangasinan), and Eleanor Bulut Begtang
(Lone District, Apayao). (30) / ABR
Rep. Neil
Abayon calls for much better HIV-AIDS prevention campaign
as 1,020
aged 15-24 are among new cases this year
Terrifying
are the latest data on HIV AIDS of the Philippines. The victims are getting
younger and there are many young millennial men having sex with men who get
infected with HIV in the process.
These
figures are clear proof our country needs better education of the Filipino
youth on how they care for their sexual health. As a registered nurse, I am
very concerned about this.
We need
much better HIV AIDS prevention campaigns in the education sector, the
workplaces of the young, and at the barangay level. We must train teachers and
human resource department personnel, as well as deploy more barangay health
workers with special training on HIV AIDS education and prevention.
It is
necessary to equip them with engaging information modules which the Filipino
millennials will understand and propagate those modules via the social media,
mainstream media, and the legitimate news outlets.
Ten
children younger than 15 were diagnosed with HIV from January to April of this
year. Those 10 kids are already 16 percent of the 63 listed since January 2012
and eight percent of the 121 recorded since January 1984.
In the first four months of 2017, 1,020 young
Filipinos in the 15 to 24 age bracket were found to have HIV. In the next older
age group (25 to 34), new cases numbered 1,653.
HIV
transmission is not happening only in Metro Manila. Last April, National
Capital Region had 37 percent of new cases. Calabarzon, Central Visayas, and Central Luzon together account for
another 37 percent. Western Visayas and the Davao region combine for
eight percent.
Contrary
to misconception, just a fraction of HIV transmission is through transactional
or paid sex. That is only 314 of the 3,290 new cases in 2017. (END)
House
solon files bill to control and eliminate dengue
With the
onset of the rainy season in the Philippines, the cases of dengue hemorrhagic
fever will once again surge due to various conditions that escalate the
transmission of such disease.
In line
with this, AKO Bicol Rep. Rodel Batocabe filed House Bill 3730 to control and
eliminate the proliferation of dengue. Dubbed as the “Anti-Dengue Act”, the
proposed legislative measure would establish a National Dengue Prevention and
Control Program to control and eliminate the incidence of the disease that
resulted to the death of 600 people in 2015.
“This
policy measure is in cognizance with the current efforts of the Department of
Health to reduce the cases of dengue fever cases and approach the problem in a
much more rudimentary level”, Batocabe said.
“Most
dengue fever cases are transmitted among family members, mainly due to poor
waste collection and incorrect practices of water storing”, Batocabe added.
The
National Dengue Prevention and Control Program would tap various government
agencies to implement various component activities, such as, regular clean-up
drives in barangays, schools, and government offices. Dengue awareness,
self-protection, and prevention programs, dengue consultation in health
centers, and information and education campaign on the prevention and control
of dengue shall also be conducted to help the citizens in understanding the
causes of dengue and how to resolve the issues that allow for it to exist in
their communities.
“In 2015,
there were more than 200,000 dengue fever cases, with an increase of 80,000
incidents compared to 2014. This upward trend in reported cases should be
enough to tackle this problem more aggressively”, Batocabe noted.
A
multi-agency committee spearheaded by the Department of Health under its
National Center for Disease Prevention and Control will implement the National
Dengue Prevention and Control Program. The Department of Science and Technology
(DOST), Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG), Department of
Education, Metro Manila Development Authority (MMDA), and Department of
Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) shall support the DOH with the
dengue-related component activities and conduct ancillary projects to combat
dengue.
“There
was a reported chikungunya outbreak in Guinobatan, Albay, affecting 20
individuals. The virus is transmitted by a mosquito bite from Aedes aegypti and
Aedes albopictus, which are also known carriers of dengue”, Batocabe said “If
we can prevent these cases by cleaning our surroundings and disabling their means
to multiply, then we can prevent the proliferation of other diseases”, Batocabe
added.
A fine of
P 2,000.00 would be given to households, business establishments, government
offices, and schools that would fail to reduce the dengue breeding grounds in their
areas.
Solon
urges State U fresh grads to become entrepreneurs, be humble
Graduates
of the University of the Philippines, other state universities and colleges,
and private higher education institutions face more realities of life now they
have finished their college education.
It would
be preferable that SUC graduates not be employees, but employers as new
business owners or entrepreneurs. I am
one of the principal authors of House Bill 5158 which institutionalizes in law
the current P3s program of the Department of Trade and Industry designed to
make small business loans easily available to entrepreneurs.
This bill
has a lot of support in Congress and now has a consolidated version approved at
committee level. HB 5158 is the government's alternative to the high interest
loans many small businesses avail of at the grassroots level.
By being
small business owners, SUC graduates can help create more jobs, bring people
out of poverty in real, concrete, immediate ways.
SUC
graduates can go now to the DTI and ask the Small Business Corporation of the
DTI to find out how they can start their own businesses through the Pondo sa
Pagbabago at Pag-asenso program.
I also
urge all Iskolar ng Bayan graduates to be humble as they now begin their search
for jobs or for new business ideas for ventures they will embark on. Humility I stress because some employers have
expressed some degree of dislike for a sense of entitlement they have found in
some college graduates seeking jobs.
SUC
graduates will now encounter the realities of how difficult it is to look for
jobs even when you have a degree. They must prove their competence in doing
actual work, not just knowledge of theories.
SUC
graduates must also hone their communication, teamwork, and critical thinking
abilities as these are the qualities employers and business partners look for
in the Filipino youth today. (END)
Proper
use of PH flag, official symbols okd
The House
of Representatives approved on third and final reading House Bill 5224, which seeks
to strengthen the rules on the use and display of the country’s national
symbols, expressly repealing Republic Act No. 8491 or the “Flag and Heraldic
Code of the Philippines”.
The bill,
or the proposed “Revised Flag and Heraldic Code”, declares the State policy of
that reverence and respect shall at all times be accorded the flag, the anthem,
and other national symbols, which embody our national ideals and traditions and
express the principles of sovereignty and national solidarity. It further states
that the heraldic items and devices shall manifest the national virtues and
inculcate in the minds and hearts of the people a just pride in their native
land, fitting respect and affection for the national flag and anthem, and the
proper use of the national motto and other heraldic items and devices.
"Heraldic
and heraldic items and devices" as referred in the bill are the
coat-of-arms, seals, logos, insignias, badges, flashes, patches, orders and
decorations, medals, stars citations, lapel pins, trophies, dry wax or wet
seals, and imprints on letterheads, envelopes and cards.
The bill
confirms the official design of the Philippine flag, which shall be blue, white
and red with an eight-rayed golden-yellow sun and three five-pointed stars, and
reiterates that it must be consecrated and honored by the people.
The bill
requires that the flag be permanently hoisted, day and night throughout the
year, in front of government institutions and other places such as the
Malacañang Palace, the buildings of the Senate, the House of
Representatives and the Supreme
Court,
the Rizal Monument in Luneta, and other places as may be designated by the
National Historical Commission of the Philippines (NHCP), among others.
The
period from May 28 (National Flag Day) to June 12 (Independence Day) of each
year is declared as Flag Days, during which all government offices, business
establishments, institutions of learning and private homes are obligated to
display the flag and observe proper ceremonies.
For
private buildings and residences, the flag shall be displayed or raised in
front every April 9 (Araw ng Kagitingan), May 1 (Labor Day), May 28 (National
Day Flag) to June 12 (Independence Day), last Monday of August (National Heroes
Day), November 30 (Bonifacio Day), December 30 (Rizal Day), and on such days as
may be declared by the President and/or local chief executives.
The bill
also provides for the appropriate time for flag-raising/lowering and the manner
of display and hoisting, and the standard protocol when the Philippine flag is
flown or displayed with another flag, as well as the proper use, disposal and
replacement of a worn out flag. All government offices and educational
institutions are to observe the flag-raising ceremony every Monday morning and
the flag-lowering every Friday afternoon. Cloth flags should be displayed
freely waving in the air.
As a sign
of mourning, the flag shall be flown at half-mast on the day of official
announcement of the death of the President or a former President (ten days), or
the incumbent and former Vice President, Chief Justice, President of the Senate
and Speaker of the House of Representatives (seven days), on all buildings and
places where the deceased held office.
As
tribute to the selfless dedication of public school teachers, the flag shall
also be flown at half-mast on the day of the official announcement of the death
of an incumbent public school teacher and for a period of not more than five
days, on Department of Education (DepEd) schools or district offices where the
deceased was assigned to teach.
On the
other hand, the bill also confirms the design of the national coat-of-arms,
which shall have pale ways of two pieces azure and gules; a chief argent
studded with three golden stars equidistant from each other, in point of honor,
ovoid argent over all the sun rayonnant with eight minor and lesser rays; in
sinister base gules, the lion rampant of Spain; in dexter base azure, the
American eagle displayed proper; beneath, a scroll with the words “Republika ng
Pilipinas” inscribed thereon.
For penal
consequences under the bill, it shall be unlawful to mutilate, deface, defile,
trample on or cast contempt, dishonor or ridicule upon the flag, anthem, seal,
motto, coat-of-arms, and other heraldic items and devices. It is likewise
unlawful to use the flag as staff or whip, or as drapery, festoon, tablecloth
or as covering for ceilings, walls, statues, motor vehicles, or other objects.
The bill
also prohibits the wearing of the flag, seal, coat-of-arms as part of a costume
or as a fashion accessory or design element; or adding any word, figure,
picture or advertisement on the flag, seal, coat-of-arms; printing or attaching
thereof on articles of merchandise; or using them for other purposes, like for
advertisements or infomercials, without the approval of the NHCP.
The NHCP
shall be responsible for the strict enforcement of the proposed law, and may
call upon any government office for assistance in the effective discharge of
its enforcement functions.
Violation
of the law and the relevant regulations issued by the NHCP shall subject the
offender to a criminal and/or administrative case and shall be penalized by
public censure, imprisonment and/or fine.
Authors
of the bill include Reps. Maximo Rodriguez Jr. (2nd District, Cagayan de Oro
City), Evelina Escudero (1st District, Sorsogon), Christopher de Venecia (4th
District, Pangasinan), Marlyn Alonte (Lone District, Biñan City), Victoria
Isabel Noel (Party-list, AN WARAY), Jose Christopher Belmonte (6th District, Quezon
City), Deogracias Victor Savellano (1st District, Ilocos Sur), Sandra Eriguel
(2nd District, La Union), Pablo Ortega (1st District, La Union), Anna Katrina
Enverga (1st District, Quezon), Lianda Bolilia (4th District, Batangas),
Rossana Vergara (3rd District, Nueva Ecija), Ron Salo (Party-list, KABAYAN),
Mark Go (Lone District, Baguio City), Cecilia Leonila Chavez (Party-list,
BUTIL), Luisa Lloren Cuaresma (Lone District, Nueva Vizcaya), Divina Grace Yu
(1st District, Zamboanga del Sur), Vilma Santos-Recto (6th District, Batangas),
Glona Labadlabad (2nd District, Zamboanga del Norte), Ana Cristina Go (2nd
District, Isabela), Celso Lobregat (1st District, Zamboanga City), Marlyn
Primicias-Agabas (6th District, Pangasinan),Harlin Neil Abayon III (Party-list,
AANGAT TAYO), and Manuel Jose Dalipe (2nd District, Zamboanga City).
House
greens correct rendition of Lupang Hinirang
The House
of Representatives approved on third and final reading House Bill 5224, which
updates, among others, the rules on the rendition of the national anthem,
expressly repealing Republic Act No. 8491 or the “Flag and Heraldic Code of the
Philippines”.
Under the
proposed "Revised Flag and Heraldic Code of the Philippines”, the national
anthem, "Lupang Hinirang", shall be committed to memory by all
students of both public and private educational institutions, and rendered
during the flag ceremony conducted in accordance with the rules and regulations
issued by the NHCP.
As a sign
of respect, all persons shall stand at attention and face the Philippine flag,
if there is one displayed, and if there is none, they shall face the band or
the conductor. Individuals, whose faith or religious beliefs prohibit them from
singing the national anthem, must nonetheless show full respect when the anthem
is being sung or played on record by standing at attention.
The
rendition of the "Lupang Hinirang" shall be in accordance with the
musical arrangement and composition of Julian Felipe, in 2/4 beat when played;
and within the range of 100 to 120 metronome, in 4/4 beat when sang.
The
national anthem shall not be played and sung preceding events of mere
recreation, amusement or entertainment purposes, except on the following
occasions: international competitions where the Philippines is the host or has
a representative; national or local sports competitions; during the “signing
off” and “signing on” of radio and television broadcasting stations; before the
initial and last screening of films and before the opening of theater
performances; and other occasions as may be allowed by the NHCP.
The
singing of the national anthem by means of other languages or dialects other
than the national language within the Philippines may be allowed, subject to
the approval of the NHCP, in consultation with the Komisyon sa Wikang Filipino
(KWF).
Any act
which casts contempt, dishonor or ridicule upon the national anthem shall be
penalized under the proposed law. Violation of the law or the relevant
regulations of the NHCP shall subject the offender to criminal and/or
administrative cases, with the penalty of public censure, imprisonment and/or
fine.
Authors
of the bill include Reps. Maximo Rodriguez Jr. (2nd District, Cagayan de Oro
City), Evelina Escudero (1st District, Sorsogon), Christopher de Venecia (4th
District, Pangasinan), Marlyn Alonte (Lone District, Biñan City), Victoria
Isabel Noel (Party-list, AN WARAY), Jose Christopher Belmonte (6th District,
Quezon City), Deogracias Victor Savellano (1st District, Ilocos Sur), Sandra
Eriguel (2nd District, La Union), Pablo Ortega (1st District, La Union), Anna
Katrina Enverga (1st District, Quezon), Lianda Bolilia (4th District,
Batangas), Rossana Vergara (3rd District, Nueva Ecija), Ron Salo (Party-list,
KABAYAN), Mark Go (Lone District, Baguio City), Cecilia Leonila Chavez
(Party-list, BUTIL), Luisa Lloren Cuaresma (Lone District, Nueva Vizcaya),
Divina Grace Yu (1st District, Zamboanga del Sur), Vilma Santos-Recto (6th
District, Batangas), Glona Labadlabad (2nd District, Zamboanga del Norte), Ana
Cristina Go (2nd District, Isabela), Celso Lobregat (1st District, Zamboanga
City), Marlyn Primicias-Agabas (6th District, Pangasinan),Harlin Neil Abayon
III (Party-list, AANGAT TAYO), and Manuel Jose Dalipe (2nd District, Zamboanga
City).
National Sports Training Center in Clark soon
The House of Representatives approved on third and final reading House
Bill 5615, which seeks to establish a National Sports Training Center (NSTC) in
Clark Green City, Pampanga, which shall be the home and training venue of the
National Team, as well as of the coaches and referees, in the various sports.
It is also intended to become the center for sports science and research
development of the country.
The NSTC shall have facilities and amenities, which shall be at par with
international standards, for the 32 Olympic sports and other non-Olympic
sports, such as: Aquatics; Archery; Arnis; Athletics; Badminton; Baseball;
Basketball; Billiard and Snookers; BMX and Cycling; Bowling; Boxing; Chess;
Dance sport; Equestrian; Fencing; Football; Futsal; Handball; Gymnastics; Judo;
Karatedo; Lawn Tennis; Muay Thai; Pencak Silat; Petanque; Rugby; Shooting;
Softball; Soft Tennis; Squash; Table Tennis; Taekwondo; Triathlon; Volleyball;
Weightlifting; Wrestling; and Wushu. Other sports which are not listed in the
bill shall be made part of the NSTC’s sports training and development program.
The facilities shall include an administration building, dormitories for
athletes, coaches and referees, sports science building, dining hall,
recreation hall, sports library, conference rooms, worship/meditation room, and
medical and dental clinic. The main office of the Philippine Sports Commission
(PSC) and the Philippine Institute of Sports (PIS) under the PSC, including the
Philippine Sports Hall of Fame, shall be transferred to the NSTC.
Rep. Ruwel Peter S. Gonzaga (2nd District, Compostela Valley), a
principal author of the bill, said the present training centers used by
national athletes are outdated and not in tip-top condition.
“The athletes train day in and day out, but despite their efforts,
winning in international competitions has always been an uphill battle. The
absence of modern and scientific facilities to boost their skills and
potentials is seen as a major liability. This bill seeks to mend the situation
through the establishment of the NSTC,” said Gonzaga.
Gonzaga said that while the Rizal Memorial Sports Complex remains to be
the biggest sports complex in the country and the main facility for the
development and promotion of grassroots sports and multi-sectoral sporting
activities, its facilities have now become obsolete. Also, with all the
pollution and unfavorable conditions, Rizal Sports' location at the heart of
Manila has ceased to become an ideal environment for the training and well-being
of the athletes, according to Gonzaga.
“Our national athletes deserve the best possible training opportunities
so they can excel in international competitions. Our expectations must be
coupled with support and action,” said Gonzaga.
Other principal authors of the bill include Reps. Mark Aeron H. Sambar
(Party-list, PBA), Bellaflor J. Angara-Castillo (Lone District, Aurora), Marlyn
L. Primicias-Agabas (6th District, Pangasinan), and Manuel Monsour T. del
Rosario III (1st District, Makati City).
Public safety tops consideration in
re-opening of RWM: House
House
members have demanded an assurance from the Resorts World Manila management and
concerned agencies such as the Philippine National Police (PNP), Bureau of Fire
Protection (BFP), Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation (PAGCOR),
Philippine Export Zone Authority (PEZA) and the local government of Pasay City
to ensure public safety and security before even considering the re-opening of
RWM where 37 guests and employees died last June 2 after an attack by a lone
gunman.
The
lawmakers sought the assurance during the third and last hearing on the RWM
tragedy conducted jointly by the committees on public order and safety, games
and amusement, and tourism, chaired by Reps. Romeo Acop (2nd District, Antipolo
City), Gus Tambunting (2nd District, Parañaque City), and Lucy Torres-Gomez
(4th District, Leyte), respectively.
David
Chua Ming Huat, chairman of the Board Of Directors of Travellers International
Hotel Group, Inc., which is the owner and operator of RWM, assured the
committees that RWM will never compromise safety and security because it will
impact on its stakeholders.
To
this, House Majority Leader Rodolfo Fariñas reacted and asked Chua to affirm
that the RWM management will never compromise safety and security if given the
opportunity to still be allowed to operate its casino.
“Yes,
your Honor,” replied Chua,
Fariñas
said public safety and security are the lawmakers’ concern now after reviewing
the circumstances behind the June 2 RWM tragedy.
“We
can no longer bring any (of the fatalities) of them back. But we want to get an assurance from you that
we look forward with peace of mind, that given a similar circumstance in the
future, you would be better equipped, you would address the situation better as
we already know what happened. You know, everybody waited until daylight while
people were dying inside the rooms. There was a lone assailant who was already
way up in the fifth floor but there was
no response. So, knock on wood, God forbid,
if anything of this sort happens in the future, would we expect a better
response from Resorts World?,” said Fariñas.
Chua
again gave an affirmative reply.
Fariñas
also sought an assurance from the PNP, BFP, PAGCOR, PEZA and the local
government of Pasay. “Let us not anymore draw lines. Please ensure that the
public is safe before you even consider re-opening this (RWM) facility. Do we
have your assurance?,” said Fariñas.
The
representatives of the concerned agencies individually gave their assurance to
never compromise public safety and security.
On
the part of the lawmakers, Fariñas said they have been taking notes during the
hearing so they will be able to accordingly legislate to have a clear
definition of the powers, duties and especially responsibilities of every
agency involved in the monitoring or licensing or regulating of all the
businesses concerned.
Moreover,
Fariñas expressed his full support for the BFP as he addressed its failure to
immediately enter the premises of RWM during the fire incident, due to the
restriction imposed by the PEZA.
Fariñas
told the BFP to “call me, call the Speaker…you can come to us” if the same
impediment surfaces again.
Tambunting
supported this by affirming that the BFP can enter an establishment during a
fire incident without the consent of PEZA, and stated that the House mandates
the BFP to implement the Fire Code of the Philippines.
Rep.
Rozzano Rufino Biazon (Lone District, Muntinlupa City) pointed out the
incorrect interpretation of PEZA’s internal rules and regulations. “PEZA is
overreaching the implementation of its laws. Their interpretation is suited sa
kung ano gusto nila mangyari,” he said.
The
possible amendment of the Revised Fire Code Act of 2008 was brought up by the
committees but Biazon objected, saying that “PEZA is hard headed on this (fire
code). There’s no need to amend the law”.
Gomez
recommended instituting a Fail-Safe Regulatory and Administration System, whose
goal will be to address the problems in the casino hotels and other tourism
enterprises, and ensure the resiliency, safety and security against violence
and terrorism. It will be consolidated in the Tourism Infrastructure and
Enterprise Zone (TIEZA), in partnership with PEZA, BFP, LGUs and the other
relevant agencies.
“I
would like to reiterate that we have to protect the Filipinos, our guests and
the tourism industry. There is no better time to institute a fail-safe
regulatory and administration system, that: (a) addresses the industry's
problems as a whole, and not piecemeal, and (b) ensure resiliency, safety and
security against violence, terrorism and calamities. It is time for us to let
go of fragmentation, and instead, unite and work together to find systematic
and integrated solutions,” said Gomez. JMC/SE
Magdalo representative slams rape
claims of leftist groups against troops in Marawi
Magdalo
Representative Gary Alejano lambasted the claims of leftist groups alleging
that the military and police in Marawi City threatened to rape women. Rep.
Alejano tagged the statement of leftist groups as “insensitive, duplicitous,
and a case of double standard”.
“The
statement of the leftist groups alleging soldiers and police of threatening
Maranao women of rape is insensitive to the sacrifices of our troops who put
their lives in harm’s way to save trapped Maranaos and liberate Marawi from the
terrorists, As they battle with the terrorists, raping women is nonexistent in
their minds. That is an insult to our professional soldiers and police,” Rep.
Alejano exclaimed, while noting that almost 70 servicemen have already died
fighting the Maute terrorist group.
Rep.
Alejano said that the malicious claims of the leftist group are only meant to
taint the image of the military and police against the people of Marawi. “This
is duplicitous in the sense that their objective is to destroy the image and
sacrifices of our soldiers and police so people will develop hatred and
distrust instead of respect and appreciation,” Rep. Alejano stressed.
The
Magdalo lawmaker questioned the leftist groups in turning a blind eye to
atrocities perpetrated by their comrades in the New People’s Army (NPA). “NPA
members have, in numerous incidents, killed soldiers, police and even innocent
civilians and destroyed government and private properties all over the country,
undertaken during a supposed peace talks with the government. This is a clear
case of double standard,” Rep. Alejano emphasized.
Addressing
the leftist groups, Rep. Alejano also questioned their silence when it comes to
President Duterte, who has repeatedly made inappropriate and derogatory remarks
against women and has been plagued by issues of human rights violations due to
his drugs policy.
“These
leftist groups should rather have raised strong protest and condemnation
against the President when he made offensive remarks of rape before the
soldiers in Iligan City. Even on the issue of extra-judicial killings of
thousands of poor and hapless drug suspects, did you condemn the President of
this blatant violation of due process and human rights? Did you attempt to
leave his supermajority coalition in Congress? Did your colleagues resign from
their posts in government? You did not.”
On
the other hand, Rep. Alejano expects the AFP and PNP to ensure that soldiers
and police will be held accountable if there would be violations of the law.
“Abusive soldiers and police must be held accountable of their actions. It must
not be tolerated. Cases should be filed accordingly should they violate laws of
the land rather than accuse them without basis,” Rep. Alejano said.##
Solon mulls probe on Boracay's decay
due to pollution, overpopulation
Samar
Congressman Edgar Mary Sarmiento today said there might now be a need for the
government to strictly regulate the development and the influx of tourists on
some of the country's major tourism spots such as Boracay to ensure their
long-term sustainability.
Sarmiento
said that while Boracay and other popular tourism destinations in the country
are bringing a lot of revenues for the people and the government, there is a
need to protect these places from over development and overcapacity which is
the main cause of pollution.
Sarmiento
said that Congress now needs to intervene so he filed House Resolution 1087
which urges the House Committee on Tourism to conduct an inquiry "into the
roadmap, programs, projects and action plans of the Department of Tourism (DOT)
that
aim to regulate tourists spots in order to promote sustainability."
As
it is, Sarmiento noted that the DOT's thrust only seems to be centered on how
to generate tourists but not on how to protect the country's tourist
destinations.
He
noted that when the members of the House of Representatives embarked on the
so-called " Western-Eastern National Highway Expedition" which was a
brainchild of Speaker Pantaleon Alvarez and House Majority Leader Rodolfo
Fariñas, he immediately noticed the rapid degradation of Boracay Island which
is one of the country's top tourism
spots.
"The
members of the House have also observed what several news agencies have
reported, specifically, that there is an abundance of algal growth which may be
related to pollution and the presence of waste matter surrounding the
island," Sarmiento said in his resolution.
Sarmiento
expressed concern that overdevelopment and overpopulation is now causing too
much stress on Boracay which has attracted 1.7 million visitors in 2016 alone
and has long been considered as one of the best islands in the world.
"
Several studies have shown the detrimental environmental impacts that tourism
has cause Boracay, such as poor water quality, beach erosion, and decrease in
coral cover. The Department of
Environment and Natural Resources also found out that some areas around Boracay
are too dirty to swim on," Sarmiento's resolution said.
"
The massive influx of tourists and the explosive population growth in the
island places it at the risk of destruction. This is highly detrimental as our
citizens are reaping numerous benefits from the thriving tourism industry in
the area. Moreover, the environmental degradation is a proof of the State's
failure to preserve our natural resources," Sarmiento lamented in his
resolution.
Sarmiento
said that to save Boracay from turning into a wasteland, there is a need for
DOT and the DENR to immediately adopt policies and practices that would stop
the island's rapid environmental decline.
Congress
should also come up with a law that would clearly define policies in managing
tourist destinations such as Boracay to promote tourism while ensuring the
protection of the environment.
In
the case of Boracay, Sarmiento said that the DOT should start setting up
specific parameters in terms of capacity and start limiting the number of
resorts and inns that are coming out like mushrooms even in interior areas.
Vargas Proposes Incentives for Indie
Filmmakers
WITH
the rise of the indie film industry in the country today, as more and more
indie films are acclaimed internationally, it is time for the government to
provide support and incentives to local filmmakers.
This
is the call of Quezon City Rep. Alfred Vargas as he filed House Bill 1570 or
the Philippine Independent Film Incentives Act.
According
to Vargas, the indie film industry is opening doors to better, more
thought-provoking, world-class films and is introducing the prowess of Filipino artists in the international arena.
However,
the “growth” of indie films and even the mainstream local production remains a
big challenge among moviemakers and producers.
“In
the Philippines, alternative cinema production is on the rise with 84 percent
of locally-made movies every year consisting of indie films. Challenges
remain,” Vargas said.
The
actor-turned-politician said his bill seeks to motivate Filipino producers and
directors to make quality independent films by providing full tax exemptions to
award-winning indie movies.
Film
Development Council of the Philippines (FDCP)
Chairperson Liza Diño expressed support for the said bill, underscoring
the need to increase the amount of the grant given to independent filmmakers
considering the high cost of film production.
She suggested that the FDCP be designated as
the implementing agency for the proposed law.
Independent
films or alternative cinemas usually include short films, documentaries,
experimental or avant-garde films, and the like.
“Most
of these films are made without the capitalization, machinery and influence
found in major films studios. This form of filmmaking is outside the confines
of commercial moviemaking,” Vargas added.
Under
the measure, those independent films that have been awarded Best Picture or
their equivalent, including those that merited recognition for technical
excellence in respected international film competitions shall be given the
following grants:
*
A grant of P5 million to the film
production or entity that produces the award winning full-length feature or
documentary film.
* A grant of P3 million to the film production
or entity that produces the award-winning short feature or documentary film
The
award-winning films should also be given full tax exemption relevant to the
screening of the film and its commercial exhibition, those levied by local
government film, the bill said.
And
the award winning film shall be considered and shall have the honor of being
given an automatic rating of an “A” film being granted by the Cinema Evaluation
Board, Vargas also proposed.
A
special fund of P5 million should be
sourced from the Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corp. (Pagcor) while other
amounts needed for the implementation should be appropriated from the National
Treasury.
Once
the bill is enacted into law, the National Commission for Culture and the Arts
will be authorized and directed to adopt
a system to implement and carry out the provisions of this Act.
The
Philippine cinema has had a significant decline in production and distribution
from the 1990s to 2000s due to a 30-percent amusement tax that the government
collected.
In
2009, the tax was decreased to 10 percent, which triggered a surge in the
number of films produced yearly. (END)
House to transport agencies: go back
to basics to avoid road crashes
An
average of 34 Filipinos are killed daily in road crashes according to
government statistics, prompting the House Committee on Transportation to
discuss solutions with concerned agencies at a public hearing Tuesday to
prevent road tragedies.
In
his opening remarks, committee chairman Rep. Cesar Sarmiento (Lone District,
Catanduanes) said road crashes could be avoided if only the basics, such as
proper screening of drivers, inspection of vehicles and strict implementation
of road safety laws, were strictly followed.
“Do
we really value the lives of our people or are we treating them as mere death
statistics?”, Sarmiento asked wryly. He said road incidents are no longer called
'road accidents', but are now officially referred to as 'road crashes'.
Based
on Philippine National Police (PNP) data, road crashes are caused by human
error, mechanical defects and faulty road structures.
Addressing
the issue of mechanical defects, Sarmiento said the Land Transportation Office
(LTO) should not allow the registration of a motor vehicle if it fails to pass
the roadworthiness test.
“The
purpose of registration is identification and inspection, and that is why we
have this motor vehicle inspection report. Basically, the objective of having
the motor vehicle inspected before it is registered is to ensure that the
vehicle is roadworthy,” Sarmiento said. Hence, he argued that if the vehicle is
not roadworthy, then the LTO should not register the vehicle.
“In
short, if the vehicles are roadworthy and the driver is issued a license to
drive, then maybe we will not be witnesses daily to accidents happening on the
roads. How come we have these daily road crashes leading to thousands of
deaths?” he said.
On
the issue of driver capability, Sarmiento said the barometer of the Land
Transportation Office (LTO) with respect to the issuance of drivers’ licenses
should not be the volume of licenses issued, but the issuance of driver’s
licenses only to deserving applicants.
LTO
Chief Assistant Secretary Edgar Galvante admitted the need to strengthen the
procedures on the granting of licenses and to amend present legislation. Under
the present procedure, Galvante said one can get a driver’s license--from
student to regular driver--in such a short period of time.
“We
find it sort of disturbing, because there is no sufficient time to develop
driving skills to become a professional driver,” he said.
Galvante
said they are now in the process of reviewing the system, including the written
and practical examinations given to license applicants.
On
the process of motor vehicle inspection, Galvante admitted there is much to be
desired, because out of so many motor vehicle inspection systems (MVIS)
available, only one MVIS is presently working, and only partially, at that.
“But
we are in the process of procuring mobile MVIS, which will then be distributed
to different regions,” he said.
For
his part, Rep. Rozanno Rufino Biazon (Lone District, Muntinlupa City) asked
Galvante how the inspection of motor vehicles could possibly be done with only
one MVIS functioning, and which is located in faraway Alaminos, Laguna.
Galvante replied that inspection of motor vehicles is presently being done
manually by evaluators.
On
the competence of these evaluators, Biazon asked whether the evaluators have
undergone formal training as mechanics, or were just chosen indiscriminately.
Galvante admitted that the evaluators were not mechanics, and merely underwent
relevant training and evaluation. Biazon then urged the LTO to stringently
ensure evaluators' competence simply because human lives are at stake in the
process.
Meanwhile,
Rep. Johnny Pimentel (2nd District, Surigao del Sur) advised Galvante to
conduct a nationwide information campaign on the Anti-Distracted Driving Act,
whose enforcement will resume on July 6, 2017.
28
June 2017
CHACHA ON A ROLL:
The House committee on constitutional amendments chaired by Rep. Roger Mercado
(Lone District, Southern Leyte) on Wednesday held a hearing to discuss with
officials of the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM) and the Cordillera
Autonomous Region (CAR) their current situation, structure and functions in
relation to the possible creation of federal states in case of a shift from a
unitary to a federal system of government. Among the resource persons present
during the hearing were: Baguio City Mayor Mauricio Domogan, chairman of the
Cordillera Regional Development Council (CRDC); Dir. Milagros Rimando, CRDC
vice chairperson; Engr. Marlo Iringan, Regional Director of the Department of
Interior and Local Government (DILG)-CAR; Atty. Anwar Malang, Regional
Secretary of the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI)-ARMM; Atty. Ishak
Mastura, chairperson/managing head of the Bureau of Investments (BOI)-ARMM; and
Atty. Randolph Parcasio, consultant to the ARMM Governor. /MS/RL/RBB
Coop Rep in every LGU soon
The
House of Representatives has approved on second reading House Bill 5682,
seeking to mandate the appointment of a cooperatives officer in every
municipality, province and city to ensure the concerns of cooperatives in these
local government units (LGUs) are harmonized with the sustainable economic
development plans of the government.
The
proposed “An Act Making the Position of a Cooperatives Officer Mandatory in the
Municipal, City and Provincial Levels,” seeks to amend Republic Act No.7160,
otherwise Known As The Local Government Code of 1991.”
The
bill seeks to amend Article 443, Book III, Title Two Chapter 2 of RA 7160, so
that “There shall be in each municipality a municipal mayor, a municipal
vice-mayor, sangguniang bayan members, a secretary to the sangguniang bayan, a
municipal treasurer, a municipal assessor, a municipal accountant, a municipal
budget officer, a municipal planning and development coordinator, a municipal
engineer/building official, a municipal health officer, a municipal civil
registrar, and a municipal cooperatives officer."
Secondly,
the bill seeks to amend Article 454, Book III, Title Three, Chapter 2 of RA
7160 so that “There shall be in each city a mayor, a vice-mayor, sangguniang
panlungsod members, a secretary to the sangguniang panlungsod, a city
treasurer, a city assessor, a city accountant, a city budget officer, a city
planning and development coordinator, a city engineer, a city health officer, a
city civil registrar, a city administrator, a city legal officer, a city
veterinarian, a city social welfare and development officer, a city general
services officer, and a city cooperatives officer.”
Thirdly,
the bill seeks to amend Article 463, Book III, Title four, Chapter 2 of RA
7160, so that "There shall be in
each province a governor, a vice-governor, members of the sangguniang
panlalawigan, a secretary to the sangguniang panlalawigan, a provincial
treasurer, a provincial assessor, a provincial accountant, a provincial
engineer, a provincial budget officer, a provincial planning and development
coordinator, a provincial legal officer, a provincial administrator, a
provincial health officer, a provincial social welfare and development officer,
a provincial general services officer, a provincial agriculturist, a provincial
veterinarian, and a provincial cooperatives officer."
Lastly,
it seeks to amend Section 484, Book III, Title Five, Article 14 of RA 7160 so
that “A) No person shall be appointed cooperatives officer unless one is a
citizen of the Philippines, a resident of the LGU concerned, of good moral
character, a holder of a college degree preferably in Business Administration
with special training in cooperatives or any related course from a recognized
college or university, and a First Grade Civil Service Eligible or its
equivalent. One must have experience in cooperatives organization and
management of at least five years in the case of a provincial or city
cooperatives officer and three years in the case of a municipal cooperatives
officer; 😎
The Cooperatives Officer shall take charge of the Office for the Development of
Cooperatives; and C) Exercise such other powers and perform such other duties
and functions as may be prescribed by law or ordinance."
Deputy
Minority Leader and COOP NATCCO Rep. Anthony M. Bravo, one of the principal
authors of the bill, said cooperatives promote the “fullest participation of
all people” and facilitate a more equitable distribution of the benefits of
globalization.
To
answer the clamor, Bravo said RA 7160 allows for the appointment of
cooperatives officers to take charge of the office for the development of
cooperatives, among others.
“However, the words of the law were vague and
the implementation became optional on the part of the LGUs, resulting in either
LGUs with cooperatives officers who serve other functions or no cooperatives
officers at all. In the long run, the cooperatives sector will be left to
suffer by this inverse proportional line towards success," said Bravo.
Another
principal author, Rep. Estrellita B. Suansing (1st District, Nueva Ecija)
pointed out that the 1987 Constitution provides for the promotion of growth and
viability of cooperatives as instruments of equity, social justice and economic
development under the principles of subsidiarity and self-help.
“Cooperatives play a significant role in our
country’s local economic development, especially in rural areas where the
absence of large spending power does not attract private investment. Given the
importance of cooperatives, it is therefore imperative to amend RA 7160 to
provide for the mandatory appointment of a cooperatives officer in every LGU in
the country,” said Suansing.
Rep.
Roy M. Loyola (5th District, Cavite), also a principal author, said the measure
affirms the importance of cooperatives in bringing sustainable economic
development to the country.
In
order to maximize their potential, Loyola said the LGUs should be at the
forefront of fostering creation and growth of cooperatives by the provision of
technical guidance, financial assistance, and other similar services to enable
cooperatives to develop into viable and responsive economic enterprises.
Other
authors of HB 5682 include committee on cooperatives development chairman Rep.
Rico B. Geron (Party-list, AGAP), Reps. Carlito S. Marquez (Lone District,
Aklan), Carlos Roman L. Uybarreta (Party-list,1-CARE), Vicente S.E. Veloso (3rd
District, Leyte), Sabiniano S. Canama (Party-list, COOP NATCCO), Wilter Wee
Palma II (1st District, Zamboanga Sibugay), Ramon V.A. Rocamora (Lone District,
Siquijor), and Henry C. Ong (2nd District, Leyte). (30)/ RBB
29
June 2017
Alvarez pushes tougher ASEAN drive
vs. drugs
House
Speaker and ASEAN Inter-Parliamentary Assembly (AIPA) President Pantaleon
Alvarez will spearhead the effort of ASEAN (Association of Southeast Asian
Nations) lawmakers for stronger regional cooperation in the drive against
illegal drugs.
Alvarez
will lead Philippine lawmakers in highlighting the country’s gains in the
anti-drug campaign when the 10-member countries of the AIPA holds its 13th
Meeting of the AIPA Fact-Finding Committee (AIFOCOM) to Combat the Drug Menace
at the Conrad Hotel in Pasay City from July 4 to 8, 2017.
Pursuant
to its term of reference, the AIFOCOM should meet at least once a year, preferably
in the country where the AIPA General Assembly will be held on that year. The
Philippines is host to the 38th AIPA General Assembly this year.
In
his welcome address at the opening session of the AIFOCOM Meeting, Alvarez is
expected to discuss this year’s theme of “Forging Inclusive Partnership Towards
a Drug-Free ASEAN Community.”
The
AIFOCOM meet in the Philippines this year is relevant and timely in view of
President Rodrigo Duterte’s unrelenting anti-drug campaign.
During
the AIFOCOM meeting, the Philippines will present its country report, which
includes the magnitude of our drug problem, law enforcement campaigns, drug
control policies, laws and necessary policy reforms, preventive education and
international cooperation, among others.
The
AIFOCOM Meeting formally begins its meeting on July 5 with the opening remarks
of AIPA Secretary-General Isra Sunthornvut and the welcome address of Speaker
Alvarez.
The
First Session starts with the appointment of the Chairperson and the Vice
Chairperson for the AIFOCOM Meeting. This will be followed by the introduction
of the delegations, and the discussion and approval of the program of
activities and agenda.
The
presentation of Regional Reports will follow and will be done by the United
Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC); ASEAN Senior Officials on Drug
Matters (ASOD); and ASEAN Secretariat.
The
Second Session will follow in the afternoon with the presentation of country
reports by the 10 member-countries of AIPA, namely Brunei Darussalam, Cambodia,
Indonesia, Lao PDR, Malaysia, Myanmar, Philippines, Singapore, Thailand and
Vietnam.
House
Deputy Speaker and Batangas Second District Rep. Raneo Abu will present the
Philippine Country Report in his capacity as Head of Philippine Delegation. Rep.
Robert Ace Barbers (2nd District, Surigao del Norte) is a member of the
Philippine delegation as chairman of the House committee on dangerous drugs,
On
July 6, the Third Session will focus on two proposed resolutions, namely:
“Resolution Transforming AIFOCOM into AIPA Council on Dangerous Drugs
(AIPACODD) and Strengthening its Role and Mandate as a Parliamentary Tool to
Combat Dangerous Drugs” and “Resolution on Forging Inclusive Partnership
towards a Drug-Free ASEAN Community.” The body is expected to adopt the twin
resolutions on the same day.
The
Closing Session follows with the announcement on the Host of 14th Meeting of
the AIFOCOM and capped by the closing remarks of Alvarez.
On
July 7, officials of the Department of Health-Treatment and Rehabilitation
Center will give a presentation about their work to the AIFOCOM delegates in
Tagaytay City. The delegates will then visit the DOH-TRC located at Kaybagal
South, also in Tagaytay.
The
AIFOCOM came into being on September 19, 1999 by virtue of a resolution passed
by the 22nd ASEAN Inter-Parliamentary Organization General Assembly or AIPO,
which established a fact-finding committee to study the integrated rural
development programs, especially alternative farming in the Golden Triangle
area, and to find ways and means to encourage more opium and cannabis farmers
to crop substitution.
Noting
that the drug menace is still unabated and is in fact even on the rise, the
AIPO established the fact-finding committee to be called AIPO Drug Fact-Finding
Committee (AIFOCOM).
In
its first meeting held from January 29 to February 1, 2002 in Hanoi, Vietnam,
the AIFOCOM drafted a resolution on the Terms of Reference defining its
functions and processes.
The
AIFOCOM is mandated to submit its report to the AIPO General Assembly on the
progress of its activities for the current year and its working agenda for the
following year.
ASEAN
parliamentarians formed the ASEAN Inter-Parliamentary Organization or AIPO on
September 2, 1977. To put up a more effective and closely integrated
institution, AIPO transformed itself from an organization into an assembly in
2007 and changed its name to the ASEAN Inter-Parliamentary Assembly or AIPA.
(30) RBB
On proposed Federalism: House
consults ARMM, CAR on autonomy
The
House of Representatives committee on constitutional amendments on Wednesday
held a consultation with the officials of the Autonomous Region in Muslim
Mindanao (ARMM) and the Cordillera Autonomous Region (CAR) on their current
situation, in view of proposals to shift to a federal system of government.
Rep.
Roger Mercado (Lone District, Southern Leyte), committee chairman, said the
committee wished to learn from the experiences of the autonomous regions, the
problems they encounter and the challenges they face, in order to help guide
the committee, as it acts on the proposal to amend the Constitution and shift
from unitary form of government to federalism.
Mercado
said the committee hopes to use the ARMM and the CAR as a benchmark for its
discussions.
The
ARMM officials present at the hearing expressed support for the federal form of
government. Randolph Parcaso, consultant to the ARMM Regional Governor, said at
the outset that the ARMM is an implementation of the peace strategy of the
national government to empower the Bangsamoro people. He explained that the
existing ARMM is an execution of the 1996 peace agreement, which resulted in
the expansion of the area from four provinces to its present territorial
jurisdiction of five provinces, which includes Marawi City.
He
pointed out that the failure to devolve the powers of the line agencies of the
national government to the ARMM is hampering the delivery of basic services, a
problem that has not been properly addressed up to the present. He said that
the agencies delegated to the ARMM must have the appropriate power, authority,
functions, and budget to carry out peace and development programs and projects
for the ARMM.
He
cited the absence in the ARMM of various government agencies which are vital in
addressing the important concerns of the Moro people, namely, the Government
Service Insurance System (GSIS), Social Security System (SSS), Philippine
Overseas Employment Administration (POEA), National Anti-Poverty Commission
(NAPC), National Irrigation Administration (NIA), and the Department of Foreign
Affairs (DFA).
Ishak
Mastura, chairperson/managing head of the Board of Investments (BOI) of ARMM,
said the ARMM is the country’s only practical experience in terms of regional
government. According to him, the current structure of the ARMM could serve as
a basis for study as Congress deliberates on moves towards federalism. He
stressed that the Moro people want a unique system considering their history,
culture, way of life, and grievances.
Mastura
lamented that although there is an ARMM law, the national government still
prevails in terms of implementation of the policies towards the ARMM.
Anwar
Malang, Secretary of the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) of ARMM, said
the structural defect in the law that created the ARMM is that it does not
provide fiscal autonomy. Malang said that ARMM officials have to come to Manila
to defend their budget before the Senate and the House of Representatives.
According
to Malanag, the ARMM has no definite share in the national income and still
depends on the Executive on the amount of budget to be allocated to the Region.
He complained that the ARMM could not properly chart its direction as it
remains dependent on funds from the national government.
On
the Cordillera Autonomous Region (CAR), Baguio City Mayor Mauricio Domogan,
Chairman of the CAR Regional Development Council, said the Cordilleras has not
yet achieved its autonomy, and only has a special status that is preparatory to
autonomy. He bewailed that the CAR has the lowest share in terms of Internal
Revenue Allotment (IRA) among the regions of the entire country, with a mere
3.05 percent. He further said the budget of the line agencies existing in CAR
is also the lowest, with only 3.08 percent.
Domogan,
a former member of the House, likewise expressed support for federalism, but
pointed out that there are many preliminary issues that should be tackled, such
as which type of federal system to put in place. He thus proposed that a
transitory government must first be established to prepare the local government
units (LGUs) for the shift, as many LGUs may not yet be financially and
administratively prepared.
Rep.
Alfredo Benitez (3rd District, Negros Occidental) pointed out that most of the
issues confronting the autonomous regions boil down to funding, or the fact
that funds are not proportionate to the authority given to them. Benitez asked
Domogan if the autonomous regions could sufficiently raise funds to fend for
themselves if they were to be given fiscal autonomy, to which Domogan replied
in the affirmative.
Benitez
emphasized that under a federal system, the national government cedes some
sovereign powers to the federal states, while under an autonomous set-up, there
is no concession of sovereign powers from the national government.
Benitez
expressed his support for CAR to be recognized as an autonomous region. “I
fully support the idea of fiscal autonomy. Because once the authorities given
to the local government for them to share or probably receive most of those revenues
being given in their area, they will strive to increase their revenues coming
from their natural resources, from their businesses, from their economies, if
they are given a fair share,” said Benitez.
On
the issue of funds or taxes, Rep. Eugene Michael de Vera (Party-list, ABS)
pointed out that the big businesses register with the national office, such
that they pay their taxes to where their head offices are located.
Rep.
Romeo Acop (2nd District, Antipolo City) said it is unfair to say that the ARMM
is an experiment, adding that justice must be given to those who worked hard to
craft the ARMM law. Acop, a lawyer, cited a Supreme Court ruling in the case of
Sumangkop vs Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) Secretary, and
explained that the 1987 Constitution created two autonomous regions, the ARMM
and the CAR, to allow the separate development of peoples with distinctive
cultures and traditions.
Based
on the SC decision, Acop said autonomy is more pressing among the Filipino
Muslims and the Cordillera people, citing their political struggles highlight
their unique culture and the unresponsiveness of the unitary system. Acop said
the Muslim Mindanao and the Cordillera region have been neglected for a long
time.
A
native of Benguet, Acop expressed support for CAR’s endeavor for autonomy.
“What is happening in CAR is unfair. The Cordilleras have been neglected for a
long time,” said Acop.
Rep.
Johnny Ty-Pimentel (2nd District, Surigao del Sur) said the consultation with
the ARMM and CAR officials was held so that House members could gain a deeper
understanding of the strengths and the flaws in the actual grant of autonomy to
certain regions, before they zero in on the proposed constitutional shift to
federalism.
Resumption of peace talks with Reds,
a saving grace for Duterte presidency - Anakpawis
Manila,
Philippines – Less than a month before the second State of the Nation Address
of President Rodrigo Duterte, Anakpawis Party-list Representative Ariel “Ka
Ayik” Casilao urged for the resumption of the formal peace negotiations with
the National Democratic Front of the Philippines (NDFP) and claimed that it is
a “saving grace” for his presidency.
“We
all know that his appointments of the progressive cabinet members are connected
with the talks with the NDFP, hence, his pro-people governance are only
manifestation of his peace agenda and inclusive governance, without the talks,
his regime will only be dominated by ‘rightists’ and ‘neoliberals’ whose
philosophy favors the rich businesses, big landlords, and foreign monopoly, at
the cost of further marginalizing the basic sectors,” Casilao said.
Casilao,
who served as a government observer for the cancelled fifth round of the formal
talks in Netherlands said that the present agenda of the talks, Socio-Economic
Reforms (SER) involves the fundamental issues of land monopoly in the country
and agrarian reform. NDFP on its draft
Comprehensive Agreement on Socio-Economic Reforms (CASER) is pushing for free
distribution of land to farmers, which “in principle” was agreed upon by their
GRP counterparts.
“One
key factor with the GRP’s appreciation of the free land distribution, is the
the leadership of Ka Paeng Mariano over DAR, and if these pushes through, tens
of millions of farmer families will benefit from it, hence, it is good prospect
to be expected from the Duterte presidency,” the lawmaker said.
Mariano
is a peasant leader and former national chairperson of Kilusang Magbubukid ng
Pilipinas (KMP), also a former representative of Anakpawis Party-list, who
principally authored the Genuine Agrarian Reform Bill (GARB), since the 14th
congress. It is now House Bill No. 555,
chiefly advocated by Casilao and other Makabayan Coalition lawmakers.
Casilao
urged the president to keep threading the right path to peace and resist peace
spoiling and warmongering from the militarist cabinet members. The lawmaker and his group has been
consistently denouncing the undermining measures of Defense Secretary Delfin
Lorenzana, who recommended the cancellation of the talks, aside from the
intensifying military operations in the countryside victimizing farmer
communities; and the proclamation of martial law in Mindanao to stem the
growing strength of the New People’s Army (NPA), in addition to their claimed
response to the Marawi City crisis.
“It
has been publicly revealed that the militarists are already denting the
president’s agenda for governance, especially on peace and foreign policy, when
they facilitated the intervention of US military forces under the guise of aiding
on the Marawi City crisis,” Casilao said.
Casilao
said that the peace talks with the NDFP, and the fulfillment of fundamental
reforms for the welfare of majority in the country remains a significant
expectation from the Duterte presidency.
A long-and-just peace has been a steady clamor of many sectors,
especially by the peasantry.
“It
is really up to the president, which track he wants to traverse, whether its
toward peace or war, instinctively, we urge him the former, for the sake of the
Filipino poor, resume the talks with the NDFP and address the root causes of
the armed conflict,” Casilao ended. ###
