20170627 News Releases

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. ###