Committee Daily Bulletin

Vol. I No. 77 A publication of the Committee Affairs Department February 18, 2014

COMMITTEE MEETINGS
MEASURES
COMMITTEE PRINCIPAL SUBJECT MATTER ACTION TAKEN/DISCUSSION
NO.
AUTHOR
Basic Education HB 1876 Rep. Designating Philippine National The Committee, chaired by Rep. Kimi
and Culture Sarmiento Performing Arts Companies, defining their Cojuangco (5th District, Pangasinan), approved
(M.S.) roles and functions as such, and HB 1876 with amendments.
appropriating funds therefor
The Committee agreed to include a provision
on fund allocation and that the amount to be
appropriated for each national performing arts
company shall be subject to adjustment every
five years.

HB 2374 Rep. Escudero Prohibiting elementary schools from The Committee approved HB 2374 with
requiring graduating pupils to wear a toga amendments.
during graduation rites
The Committee agreed to exclude pre-schools
from the coverage of the bill because based on
the new K to 12 Law, graduation rites will be
held only after completion of elementary level.

HB 1117 Rep. Defensor Establishing a career guidance and The Committee agreed to create a technical
counseling program for national high working group (TWG) to study the bill further.
schools

HB 298 Rep. Prescribing certain guidelines on collection The Committee agreed to create a technical
Magsaysay of school contributions from public working group (TWG) to consolidate the
elementary and high school students, provisions of the two bills.
expanding the provision of free public
basic education, appropriating funds
therefor

HB 1194 Rep. Teodoro Prohibiting the unauthorized sale of tickets

and collection of contributions and
solicitations from students in elementary
and secondary public schools, providing
penalties for violations thereof

HB 3212 Rep. Advincula Renaming the General Emilio Aguinaldo
National High School Annex located in
Barangay Pasong Buaya II, Imus City,
Province of Cavite to General Licerio
Topacio National High School and
appropriating funds therefor
The Committee instructed the Secretariat to
prepare a substitute bill to conform to the
Committee standard format of bills seeking the
separation or conversion of schools.

Constitutional Resolution of Speaker Proposing amendments to certain The Committee, chaired by Rep. Mylene
Amendments Both Houses Belmonte economic provisions of the 1987 Garcia-Albano (2nd District, Davao City), will
01 Constitution of the Republic of the deliberate further on RBH 01 in its next
Philippines, particularly on Articles XII, XIV meeting.
and XVI
During its first deliberation on RBH 01, the
Committee heard the views of numerous
resource persons from various fields and
sectors on the proposal to amend the
economic provisions of the 1987 Philippine
Constitution.
Continuation… RBH 01 was filed by Speaker Feliciano
Constitutional Belmonte Jr. (4th District, Quezon City).
Amendments
The proposed amendment of Articles XII
(National Patrimony and Economy), XIV
(Education, Science and Technology, Arts,
Culture, and Sports) and XVI (General
Provisions) of the Constitution entails the
insertion of the phrase “unless otherwise
provided by law” in relevant sections of the
said Articles that gives Congress the flexibility
to adjust, through legislation, the country’s
economic policies in response to the needs of
the times.

Rep. Rufus Rodriguez (2nd District, Cagayan

de Oro City), who sponsored the resolution in
behalf of the author, stressed that amending
the restrictive economic provisions of the
Constitution is important to sustain the
country’s economic growth achieved during the
administration of President Aquino.

The proposed changes, he said, will increase

the flow of foreign direct investments (FDIs)
into the country which will accelerate the
creation of jobs and economic opportunities
and reduce poverty.

On the question of what mode will be adopted

in amending the Constitution, Rep. Elpidio
Barzaga Jr. (4th District, Cavite) explained that
RBH 01 will be processed like a bill which,
after due deliberation and approval at the
Committee level, will be submitted to the
plenary for debate and approval, and then
transmitted to the Senate for concurrence. He
also said that the proposed amendments will
still have to be ratified by the people in a
plebiscite.

Citing Article XVII of the 1987 Constitution,

Rep. Barzaga emphasized that Congress is
empowered to amend or revise the
Constitution upon a vote of three-fourths of all
its members. He elaborated that in the
exercise of its constituent power, Congress
may act on the measure without having to
convene itself into a constituent assembly.

Rep. Neri Colmenares (Party-List, BAYAN

MUNA) earlier stated that a constituent
assembly is a more prudent way of amending
the Constitution to avoid any challenge in the
Supreme Court as to its constitutionality.

The Philippine Bar Association (PBA) agrees

with the proposed mode of amendments while
the Integrated Bar of the Philippines (IBP)
opposes it.

Allaying fears that the Committee might go

beyond amending the economic provisions, as
specifically expressed by Rep. Antonio Tinio
(Party-List, ACT TEACHERS), Rep. Rodolfo
Fariñas (1st District, Ilocos Norte) underscored

2
Continuation… that since riders are prohibited under the
Constitutional Constitution, insertions or amendments to the
Amendments resolution outside the scope of its title are not
allowed.

The Foundation for Economic Freedom,

Makati Business Club, Wallace Business
Forum and the Joint Foreign Chambers of the
Philippines, represented by the American and
Canadian Chambers of Commerce, presented
their study and research on the urgency and
merits of relaxing the foreign equity restrictions
in the Constitution.

Political scientists Dr. Jose Abueva and Dr.

Clarita Carlos expressed favorable views on
the resolution.

The IBON Foundation and WeGovern, led by

former Rep. Liza Maza, were against the
resolution, and so were the representatives
from the sectoral groups including the Kilusang
Magbubukid ng Pilipinas (KMP), Kilusang
Mayo Uno (KMU), Pagkakaisa Para sa Tunay
na Reporma sa Lupa (PATRIA), and the
Ecumenical Bishops Forum.

The Association of Retired Justices of the

Court of Appeals expressed reservations on
the insertion of the phrase “unless otherwise
provided by law” in certain sections of the
Constitution, particularly in reference to the
limitations set on foreign ownership of
corporations, as it may decrease Filipino equity
rather than increase it. The group noted that
the Constitution has been crafted to be pro-
Filipino.

Economic HBs 301, 781 Reps. Yap (S.) Providing for the comprehensive Subic- The Joint Committee, co-presided by Rep.
Affairs jt/ w. & 2242 & Macapagal- Clark Development Program, establishing Enrique Cojuangco (1st District, Tarlac), Chair
Trade and Arroyo (G.) the mechanism for its implementation of the Committee on Economic Affairs, and
Industry Rep. George Arnaiz (2nd District, Negros
Oriental), Vice Chair of the Committee on
Trade and Industry, agreed to create a
technical working group (TWG) to consolidate
and harmonize the three bills.

Subic-Clark Alliance for Development Council

(SCADC) Executive Director Linda Pamintuan
said the passage of the bill will provide
stability to the operations of the SCADC in
developing the Subic-Clark-Tarlac Corridor.
She also briefed the Committee on the
mandate, accomplishments, programs and
activities of the SCADC.

Despite limited funds, Pamintuan said,

SCADC completed the Subic-Clark
Conceptual Land Use Plan (SCOLUP), the
Metro Clark Area (MCA) Framework Plan, and
the Metro Subic Area (MSA) Framework Plan.

Aileen Zosa, Executive Vice President of the

Bases Conversion and Development Authority
(BCDA), expressed her objection to the bill
saying that the current activities of the SCADC

3
Continuation… encroach on the fundamental responsibilities
Economic of BCDA under the Bases Conversion and
Affairs jt/ w. Development Act of 1992 (RA 7227) including
Trade and the formulation of policies and programs to
Industry develop Subic-Clark, and the implementation
of the Comprehensive Subic and Clark
Development Program. That being the case,
she suggests that the SCADC either be
placed under the jurisdiction of the BCDA as a
project management office; or a subsidiary
corporation of the BCDA.

Moreover, Zosa stressed the need to define

the legal nature of SCADC to determine the
proper funding mechanism.

Quirino Rep. Dakila Carlo Cua opined that

should the SCADC be placed under the
BCDA, the latter, being the principal authority,
should be responsible for sourcing out funds
for the development of the Subic-Clark-Tarlac
Corridor.

Rosario Manansan of the Philippine Institute

for Development Studies (PIDS) commented
that it would be difficult for SCADC to raise its
own funds since it does not engage in any
economic activities. She agrees with the view
that creating another council would result in
duplication of functions.

Rep. Susan Yap (2nd District, Tarlac)

explained that HB 301 seeks to institutionalize
the SCADC. As part of the effort to harmonize
all plans and strategies in the Subic-Clark
Corridor, she included local government units
(LGUs) as members of the council. She
manifested that the explanatory note of HB
301 shall be her sponsorship speech.

Foreign Affairs Substitute Bill Rep. Bichara Providing for a new passport law, The Committee, chaired by Rep. Al Francis
to HB 12 repealing for the purpose Republic Act Bichara (2nd District, Albay), approved the
8239, otherwise known as the Philippine substitute bill and the corresponding
Passport Act of 1996 Committee Report.

HB 3234 Rep. Adiong Establishing a Department of Foreign
Affairs (DFA)-Passport Issuance Office in
the City of Marawi, Lanao Del Sur, and
appropriating funds therefor
The Committee decided to substitute HB 3234
with a House Resolution, which urges the DFA
to immediately establish a passport issuance
office in Marawi City. Thereafter, the
Committee adopted the House Resolution and
approved the corresponding Committee
Report.

HR 289 Rep. Co Urging the DFA to include in the Visa
Waiver Program of the government the
Chinese nationals coming to the
Philippines via chartered flights for tourism
purposes
The Committee adopted HR 289.
DFA Executive Director Sulpicio Confiado will
include the concern of HR 289 in the agenda
of the first inter-agency meeting on visa
policies to be held next week. The inter-agency
meeting will be attended by officials from the
DFA, Department of Justice (DOJ),
Department of Tourism (DOT), and Bureau of
Immigration (BI), among others.

Confiado apprised the Committee of the

available visa options for Chinese nationals

4
Continuation… entering the country. Aside from individual
Foreign Affairs tourist visas, Chinese nationals may apply for
a Group Tour Visa which can be secured from
the Philippine Service Post in China. The
Group Tour Visa allows visiting foreigners 59
days of stay in the Philippines. The processing
time to acquire such a visa is 24 to 48 hours.
In addition, those who carry valid US,
Australian, Canadian, Japanese and
Schengen Visas are allowed to stay in the
Philippines for seven days.

Good Motu Proprio Inquiry into the alleged spurious entry into
Government and Inquiry the country of 90 container vans
Public containing Indian rice on board an APL
Accountability vessel which arrived at the New Container
Terminal 1, Subic Bay Port in June 2012
Motu Proprio Inquiry into the alleged spurious entry into
Inquiry the country of some 94,000 bags of
imported rice on board the vessel Minh
Tuan 68 originating from Vietnam which
arrived at the Port of Legaspi City, Albay
on September 2, 2012
The Committee, chaired by Rep. Oscar
Rodriguez (3rd District, Pampanga), deferred
its discussion of the reported rice smuggling in
the Ports of Subic Bay and Legazpi City.
The alleged rice smuggling incidents were the
subject matter of an inquiry by the Committee
during the 15th Congress. However, since no
resolution was reached and no Committee
Report was submitted on the matter, Rep.
Andres Salvacion Jr. (3rd District, Leyte)
suggested to the Committee to re-open the
investigation so that the Committee will be
updated on the issue.

The following resource persons will be invited

to attend the Committee’s next meeting:
Chairman of the Subic Bay Metropolitan
Authority (SBMA), Commissioner of the
Bureau of Customs (BOC), BOC Chief Legal
Officer and the BOC District Collector during
the time the alleged smuggling activities were
perpetrated.

HR 698 Rep. Bagatsing Inquiry into the alleged violation of MMC The Committee determined that HR 698 falls
EO 86-09 relative to the misuse of under its jurisdiction and will proceed with its
amusement tax proceeds from the Metro inquiry on the matter.
Manila Film Festival

Inter- HR 435 Rep. Organizing the Philippines-Croatia The Committee, chaired by Rep. Raul del Mar
Parliamentary Rodriguez (R.) Parliamentarians’ Friendship Association (1st District, Cebu City), adopted HR 435 with
Relations and amendment.
Diplomacy
The Office of European Affairs (OEA) of the
Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA), in a
letter sent to the Committee, recommends the
inclusion in the third “whereas” clause of HR
435 the Treaty on Simulation and Protection of
Investments as one of the six agreements
signed by the Philippines and Croatia.

Furthermore, the OEA recommends the

modification of the fourth “whereas” clause
which states that “the trade between the two
countries is estimated at $17 million per
annum.” The OEA explained that the value of
trade between the two countries vary every
year.

HR 436 Rep. Organizing the Philippines-Albania The Committee adopted HR 436 with
Rodriguez (R.) Parliamentarians’ Friendship Association amendment.

During the meeting, the Committee also

approved the list of members to the

5
Continuation… Philippines – Morocco Parliamentarians’
Inter- Friendship Society.
Parliamentary
Relations and
Diplomacy

Peace, HR 302 Rep. Zarate Inquiry into the reported decision of the
Reconciliation government to terminate the Government
and Unity of the Philipppines (GPH)-Moro National
(Special Liberation Front (MNLF)-Organization of
Committee) Islamic Cooperation (OIC) tripartite review
of the 1996 Peace Agreement which led to
a military standoff between the MNLF and
the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP)
that resulted to a humanitarian crisis in
Zamboanga City
HR 416 Rep. Alejano Inquiry into the true cause of the attack in
Zamboanga City by the MNLF which
triggered a crisis resulting in the loss of
hundreds of lives and the destruction of,
and or damage to, homes, establishments
and properties and the displacement of
more than 120,000 people with the end
view of enacting remedial legislation to
prevent the recurrence of similar incidents
in the future
Privilege Rep. Lobregat On the Mindanao peace process
Speech No. 8
The Committee, chaired by Basilan Rep. Jim
Hataman-Salliman, will deliberate further on
HR 302 in its next meeting.
On behalf of the authors of HR 302, Rep.
Luzviminda Ilagan (Party-List, GABRIELA)
presented the issues mentioned in the
resolution. She said the standoff between the
AFP and the MNLF-Misuari faction in
September 2013 in Zamboanga City resulted
in the death of several civilians and
displacement of more than 81,000 persons.
She also mentioned that there had been
several human rights violations allegedly
committed by the military during the siege.
Based on the statements of MNLF
spokesperson Emmanuel Fontanilla, Rep.
Ilagan said the MNLF would not have laid
siege to Zamboanga City if not for what they
believed was the government’s unilateral
move to terminate the tripartite review of the
implementation of the 1996 Final Peace
Agreement (FPA).

Denying these allegations, Office of the

Presidential Adviser on the Peace Process
(OPAPP) Secretary Teresita Quintos-Deles
asserted that these were a manipulation of
facts perpetuated by Nur Misuari.

Deles informed the Committee that the

tripartite review was supposed to end last
September 16, 2013 but was cancelled by the
OIC. The Philippine government sent four
government emissaries to the OIC in Egypt to
discuss the resumption of the review and they
reported that it will be completed before March
ends.

According to Deles, the OIC recognizes that

the end point of the peace talks between the
government and the Moro Islamic Liberation
Front (MILF) is the enactment of the
Bangsamoro Basic Law (BBL). She stressed
that the BBL will not abrogate the 1996 peace
agreement with the MNLF.

MNLF-Central Committee Secretary General

Abdul Sahrin said he is not himself happy with
the status of the tripartite review but, unlike
Misuari, he said he will not resort to hostilities.
He called for unity of the entire MNLF to
support the proposal to integrate the two
peace agreements.

On the suggestion to invite Nur Misuari in the

Committee’s next meeting or in peace
consultations, Rep. Francisco Ashley Acedillo
(Party-List, Magdalo) strongly objected to it

6
Continuation… saying that it will dishonor those who died in
Peace, the Zamboanga Attack.
Reconciliation
and Unity Undersecretary Pio Lorenzo Batino of the
(Special Department of National Defense (DND)
Committee) informed the Committee that Misuari is
considered right now a fugitive from justice,
with a number of cases, such as rebellion and
human rights violations, filed against him in
court.

Rep. Celso Lobregat (1st District, Zamboanga

City) aired his concerns about the effects of
the Mindanao peace process on Zamboanga
City, reiterating what he said during his
privilege speech at the House plenary on July
30, 2013.

Rep. Lobregat expressed grief over the

destruction and havoc in Zamboanga City
caused by the MNLF-Misuari faction’s armed
attack on the city last year. He recalled that
the Zamboanga siege occurred 41 days after
he delvered his privilege speech in the plenary
wherein he pleaded with MNLF Chair Nur
Misuari to limit his group’s activities within the
confines of the Autonomous Region in Muslim
Mindanao (ARMM) and spare Zamboanga
City. He lamented that while Zamboanga City
is not part of the ARMM, it has become a
“collateral damage” in the rigorous and long
overdue Mindanao peace process.

While he supports the peace process, Rep.

Lobregat believes that Zamboanga City
should not be part of the proposed
Bangsamoro. He also asked the OPAPP and
the GRP peace panel to conduct genuine
consultations prior to the signing of the peace
agreement in Kuala Lumpur.

Poverty HBs 154, 195 Rep. Yap (S.), Institutionalizing the conditional cash The Committee, chaired by Rep. Salvio
Alleviation & 1802 Yap (A.) & transfer (CCT) program of the government Fortuno (5th District, Camarines Sur), will
Macapagal – to reduce poverty and promote human deliberate further on the six measures in its
Arroyo (G.) capital development and providing funds next meeting.
therefor
Expressing support for HB 1494, Ronaldo
HB 1494 Rep. Antonino- Expanding the Pantawid Pamilyang Liveta, Commission on Higher Education
Nadres Pilipino Program (4Ps) by providing (CHED) Chief Education Programs Specialist,
government scholarship grant to the 4Ps said the bill will provide access and widen
beneficiaries and providing funds therefor opportunities to quality higher education
among economically disadvantaged but
HR 332 Rep. De Jesus Inquiry into the implementation of the CCT deserving students.
program as a centerpiece poverty
alleviation program of the Aquino Liveta said CHED has been implementing the
administration, and seeking more Students’ Grants-in-Aid Program for Poverty
sustainable programs that raise the Alleviation (SGP-PA) since 2012, in
standards of living and quality of life of partnership with the Philippine Association of
poor families State Universities and Colleges (PASUC),
Department of Social Welfare and
HR 591 Rep. Suansing Inquiry into the implementation of the 4Ps Development (DSWD), and the Department of
with the end in view of addressing the Labor and Employment (DOLE).
complaints and problems affecting the
program The SGP-PA provides financial assistance to
4,041 students from DSWD’s 4Ps
beneficiaries, with 35 state universities and

7
Continuation… colleges (SUCs) participating.
Poverty
Alleviation This year, the CHED spearheads the
implementation of the Expanded SGP-PA
which has been provided a budget of P2.5
billion under the FY 2014 General
Appropriations Act. Aside from the 4,041
existing beneficiaries of the SGP-PA, an
additional 36,412 tertiary students from the
DSWD’s 4Ps beneficiary-families will also be
covered by the expanded program. Each
student will receive P60,000 in financial
benefits every school year.

Christian Deloria of the DSWD apprised the

Committee of the status of implementation of
the 4Ps. He said that as for 2013, a total of
P41.71 billion in education and health grants
has been released. As of January 29, 2014,
the 4Ps accomplished 100% coverage of all
regions, provinces, cities and municipalities.
However, at the level of the barangay, program
coverage is 99.77% or 41,263 barangays out
of the target 41,358 barangays.

Aside from the DSWD’s participation in the

ESGP-PA, Deloria added that the Department
also partners with the Philippine Health
Insurance Corp. (PhilHealth) in the provision of
health insurance to 3.8 million households; and
with the Department of the Interior and Local
Government (DILG), Bureau of Fire Protection
(BFP) and the Department of Natural
Resources (DENR) in the implementation of
the “Buying a Living Tree System (BLTS)”
program. This program aims to provide
livelihood opportunities, through peatland
(marshland) rehabilitation, to 4Ps beneficiaries
in selected areas of Agusan and Leyte. The
pilot implementation for the BLTS is set for this
year.

Deloria also reported that pursuant to National

Advisory Committee (NAC) Resolution No. 12,
series of 2013, the 4Ps expands to include not
only children-beneficiaries aged 0-14 years old
but also those about 14 up to 18 years old.
The program maintains the limit of three
children beneficiaries per household.

The resource persons present were requested

to submit to the Committee their respective
position papers on the measures at hand.

Revision of Substitute Bill Deputy Rationalizing and strengthening the The Committee, chaired by Rep. Marlyn
Laws to HBs 117, Speaker probation system, amending for the Primicias-Agabas (6th District, Pangasinan),
1066, 1087, Aggabao, purpose the pertinent provisions of approved the substitute bill. The Secretariat
2177 & 3568 Majority Leader Presidential Decree No. 968, otherwise was instructed to prepare the corresponding
Gonzales, known as the Probation Law of 1976 Committee Report.
Reps.
Rodriguez (R.),
Escudero &
Primicias-
Agabas

8
Continuation… Substitute Bill Reps. Providing for a revised Anti-Carnapping The Committee approved the substitute bill.
Revision of to HBs 312, Macapagal- Act, repealing for the purpose Republic The Secretariat was instructed to prepare the
Laws 664, 912, Arroyo (G.), Act 6539, otherwise known as the Anti- corresponding Committee Report.
1170, 1009, Sarmiento (C.), Carnapping Act of 1972
1218, 2039 & Tieng, Lacson-
2829 Noel, Fortuno,
Rodriguez (R.),
Escudero and
Castelo

HB 1315 Rep. Escudero Mandating the imposition of penalty lower The Committee approved HB 1315. The
than that prescribed by law in criminal Secretariat was instructed to prepare the
cases the civil case of which is settled corresponding Committee Report.
through or by alternative dispute
resolution, amending for the purpose RA
9285, otherwise known as the Alternative
Dispute Resolution Act of 2004

HB 1318 Rep. Escudero Amending certain sections of RA 7309, or
the law creating a Board of Claims under
the Department of Justice (DOJ) or victims
of unjust imprisonment or detention and
victims of violent crimes
The Committee approved HB 1318. The
Secretariat was instructed to prepare the
corresponding Committee Report.

HB 3425 Deputy Amending Section 11 of RA 3019, The Committee approved HB 3425. The
Speaker otherwise known as the Anti-Graft and Secretariat was instructed to prepare the
Aggabao Corrupt Practices Act by increasing the corresponding Committee Report.
prescriptive period for its violation from 15
years to 30 years Deputy Speaker Giorgidi Aggabao (4th District,
Isabela) said that HB 3425 seeks to expand
the prescriptive period for filing graft cases
from 15 years to 30 years to give ample time
for gathering pieces of evidence and building
up a case. The bill considers the fact that graft
and corrupt practices have become
sophisticated and complex as they cross
international boundaries.

HB 2729 Rep. Fortuno Authorizing the punong barangay to The Committee approved HB 2729. The
administer the oath of office of any Secretariat was instructed to prepare the
government official, including the corresponding Committee Report.
President of the Republic of the
Philippines, further amending for the
purpose Section 41 of Executive Order
No. 292, otherwise known as the
Administrative Code of 1987

HB 3570 Rep. Primicias- Amending Act No. 3326, or the law
Agabas establishing periods of prescription for
violators penalized by special acts and
municipal ordinances and to provide when
prescription shall begin to run
The Committee approved HB 3570. The
Secretariat was instructed to prepare the
corresponding Committee Report.

HBs 665, Reps. Declaring non-working holidays in certain The Committee approved the five bills. The
2258, 3341, Sarmiento (C.), parts of the country Committee Secretariat was instructed to
3348 & 3424 Cueva, prepare the Committee Report on each of the
Lagdameo (A.), bill.
Gerona-
Robredo &
Acosta-Alba

HB 1585 Rep. Escudero Penalizing influence peddling The Committee agreed to create a technical
working group (TWG) to fine tune the bill.

9
 PUBLIC HEARING
MEASURES
COMMITTEE PRINCIPAL SUBJECT MATTER ACTION TAKEN/DISCUSSION
NO.
AUTHOR
Higher and HR 574 Rep. Romulo Inquiry into the necessity of The Committee, chaired by Pasig City Rep. Roman
Technical restructuring public higher education Romulo, conducted the first of a series of public hearings
Education institutions through amalgamation on the necessity of restructuring pubic higher education
institutions (HEIs) through amalgamation (merger) as
raised in HR 574. The public hearing was held on
February 15, 2014 at the Marinduque Provincial Capital,
Boac, Marinduque.

The Committee listened to the comments of

representatives of the four affected state universities and
colleges (SUCs) − Marinduque State College (MSC),
Romblon State University (RSU), Occidental Mindoro
State College (OMSC) and Mindoro State College of
Agriculture and Technology (MinSCAT) – to determine if
they are in favor of the MIMARO Regional University
System model of amalgamation that the Commission on
Higher Education (CHED) has initiated.

The Committee will conduct public hearings in other

regions to determine if the CHED-proposed
amalgamation of SUCs can be legislated to replace the
existing charters of SUCs and if the Higher Education
Modernization Act (RA 8292) should be amended.

The SUCs present during the meeting were required to

submit their position papers stating their stand on the
proposed MIMARO Regional University System , as well
as their recommendations on how to address the issues
and concerns raised during the meeting such as the
downgrading of the salary grades of incumbent
presidents; displacement of faculty; determination of
which SUC should be the main campus and who should
become president of the Regional University System;
problem of mobilizing students; and financial cost, among
others.

The public hearing was also attended by Marinduque

Rep. Regina Ongsiako Reyes, CHED officials, National
Economic and Development Authority (NEDA) Regional
Director and MinSCAT, RSU and MSC presidents, faculty
regents, alumni representatives and student regents.

SUBCOMMITTEE MEETING
MEASURES
COMMITTEE PRINCIPAL SUBJECT MATTER ACTION TAKEN/ DISCUSSION
NO.
AUTHOR
Human Rights Draft Reps. Protecting the rights of internally displaced The Subcommittee, chaired by Rep. Ibarra
(Subcommittee Consolidate Relampagos, persons, providing penalties for violations “Barry” Gutierrez III (Party-List, AKBAYAN),
on Internally d Bill to HBs Rodriguez (R.), thereof approved the draft consolidated bill subject to
Displaced 239, 2247, Tambunting & style and amendments, incorporating therein
Persons) 3003 & 3146 Gutierrez the recommendations of the resource persons
present.

The draft consolidated bill will be presented to

the mother Committee for its consideration
and approval.

10
 TECHNICAL WORKING GROUP MEETINGS
MEASURES
COMMITTEE PRINCIPAL SUBJECT MATTER ACTION TAKEN/ DISCUSSION
NO.
AUTHOR
Banks and HBs 3112, Speaker Amending RA 7653, otherwise known as The technical working group (TWG), presided
Financial 860, 1692, Belmonte, the New Central Bank Act by the Committee Chair himself Rep. Sonny
Intermediaries 2485, 2999 Deputy Speaker Collantes (3rd District, Batangas), terminated
(Technical & 3021 Apostol, Reps. its deliberations on the proposed New Central
Working Group) Nograles, Bank Act.
Teodoro &
Rodriguez (R.) The bill will be submitted to the mother
and Deputy Committee for consideration and approval.
Speaker Padilla
The TWG requested the resource persons
present to submit their position papers on or
before the end of February.

Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC)

Chair Teresita Herbosa spoke of a possible
double accreditation of investment houses and
brokerage dealers if the Bangko Sentral ng
Pilipinas (BSP) is also granted regulatory
powers over these entities, as proposed under
the bills. Herbosa maintained that the SEC is
at present the sole regulator of investment
houses, registered lending companies and
brokerage firms operating in the country.

Rep. Collantes also requested SEC to submit

its comments on the provision in the proposed
law empowering the BSP to examine the
transactions of “parent corporations” which
may have material impact on the safety and
soundness of the bank or the supervised
institution, to determine if this proposed
additional power of the BSP encroaches on
the SEC’s authority. (HB 3122 describes a
parent company as a corporation which owns
directly or indirectly voting stock of a
supervised institution sufficient to control its
management and operations.)

Other resource persons present in the

meeting who also aired their views on the bills
were: Executive Vice President Ma. Cristina
Orbeta and General Counsel Romeo
Mendoza Jr. of the Philippine Deposit
Insurance Corporation (PDIC); Vittorio
Almario, President of the Rural Bankers
Association of the Philippines (RBAP);
Executive Director Suzanne Felix and Atty.
Rudy Fernandez of the Chamber of Thrift
Banks (CTBs); Assistant Vice President
Flordeliza Leong and Atty. Ron Salo of the
Philippine Exporters Confederation, Inc.
(Philexport); and former Finance Secretary
Ernesto Leung.

Public Consolidate Reps. Del Mar, Strengthening the right of citizens to The technical working group (TWG), presided
Information d Bill to HBs Teodoro, information held by the government by the Committee Chair himself Rep. Jorge
(Technical 26, 34, 94, Baguilat, Almonte (1st District, Misamis Occidental), will
Working Group) 149, 347, Paquiz, continue its deliberation on the consolidated
485, 843, Colmenares, bill in its next meeting.
1082, 1450, Biazon, Tugna,
1555, 1646, Castelo, Ramos, The TWG discussed Sections 1-7 in today’s
11
Continuation… 1940, 2003, Suansing, meeting. Among the agreements reached were
Public 2067, 2656, Fortuno, as follows:
Information 2946, 3004, Antonino-
(Technical 3131, 3147, Nadres,  Sections 1 (Short Title), 2
Working Group) 3183, 3237, Gutierrez, (Declaration of Policy), 4 (Definition
3323, 3643 Nograles, of Terms), and 6 (Presumption) of
and Petition Macapagal the consolidated bill were adopted
No. 0001 Arroyo (D.), without amendments.
Paez,  Section 3 (Coverage) of the
Tambunting, Freedom of Information (FOI) bill
Romualdo, approved in the 15th Congress,
Aglipay, which enumerates all the
Belmonte (J.C.), government agencies and
Gerona- institutions covered by the proposed
Robredo, law, was adopted in lieu of the
Rodriguez (R.) & proposed Section 3 of the
Cruz-Gonzales consolidated bill.
and Right to  Section 5 (Access to Information) of
Know, Right the consolidated bill was amended to
Now Coalition specifically state the duty of public
officials to disclose and make
available to the public all information
pertaining to official acts,
transactions or discussions, as well
as government research data used
as basis for policy development, in
the manner prescribed by the
proposed law and subject to certain
exceptions. This section also
excludes from mandatory disclosure
“private acts, transactions or records
of public officials and private
individuals” except income tax
returns and the Statement of Assets,
Liabilities and Networth (SALN),
subject to certain limitations.
 Section 7 (Exceptions) will be
deliberated on further in the next
meeting, with the Presidential
Communications Development and
Strategic Planning Office (PCDSPO),
Office of the President, being asked
to clarify certain provisions of the
administration bill.

Lawyer Sarah Sison, representing

Undersecretary Manuel Quezon III of the
PCDSPO, presented the salient points of the
administration bill on FOI. She said the
administration bill is similar to HB 3237, filed
by Rep. Maria Leonor Gerona-Robredo (3rd
District, Camarines Sur) and which is part of
the consolidated bill.

Public Order HBs 2199 & Reps. Bataoil Providing for the Philippine National Police The technical working group (TWG), presided
and Safety 2518 and Rodriguez (PNP) modernization program by Committee Vice Chair Rep. Samuel
(Technical (R.) Pagdilao Jr. (Party-List, ACT-CIS), will
Working Group) deliberate further on HBs 2199 and 2518 in its
next meeting.

The members of the TWG agreed that the

PNP modernization program will consist of six
components, namely: Organizational
Development, Human Resource and
Management Development, Doctrine
Development, Infrastructure Development,

12
Continuation… Equipment Acquisition and Modernization and
Public Order Financial Development.
and Safety
(Technical The TWG created six small groups which will
Working Group) study and formulate the provisions of each
component. Each group will consist of
representatives from the PNP, National Police
Commission (NAPOLCOM), Department of the
Interior and Local Government (DILG),
Department of Budget and Management
(DBM), and the House of Representatives.

NAPOLCOM Vice Chair and Executive Officer

Eduardo Escueta emphasized the need to re-
examine the profile of the policemen and re-
tool them to be able to comply with the three
mandates of the institution, namely: to
maintain peace and order, to ensure public
safety and security, and to assist local
government units (LGUs) in the effective
delivery of basic services. He also sees the
importance of developing the police force as a
community leader and not just a law enforcer.

However, Rep. Romeo Acop (2nd District,

Antipolo City), pointed out that the PNP should
focus on its primary role of preventing and
solving crimes rather than aiming to be
community leaders. Rep. Acop was once the
Director for Comptrollership of the PNP.

Rep. Magnolia Rosa Antonino-Nadres (4th

District, Nueva Ecija) said the PNP should do
something about its negative image in the
community and restore people’s trust and
confidence in the establishment.

Rep. Pagdilao urged the PNP to identify and

recommend funding sources noting that its
modernization program will require P86 billion
spread over five years.

Police Chief Superintendent Allen Fortes of the

PNP Directorate for Plans conveyed the PNP’s
support for the two bills. He said the PNP’s
reorganization plan will be included in the
modernization program.

The small groups will present their output to

the TWG on May 2 and 20, 2014. The
consolidated output will then be submitted to
the Mother Committee on May 27, 2014.

Ways and HB 5, 10 & Reps. Biazon, Prescribing the Customs Modernization The technical working group (TWG), presided
Means 3339 Umali (R.) & Act by Committee Vice Chair Rep. Sharon Garin
(Technical Abu (Party-List, AAMBIS-OWA), will deliberate
Working Group) further on the nine bills in its next meeting.
HB 3504 Rep. Rodriguez Prescribing the Customs and Tariff
(R.) Modernization Act Rep. Garin clarified that the TWG intends to
consolidate the customs modernization and
HB 166, Reps. Singson Further strengthening the anti-smuggling anti-smuggling bills.
1348 & 1461 (E.), Rodriguez mechanism, amending for the purpose
(R.) & Romualdo certain provisions of Presidential Decree Rep. Reynaldo Umali (2nd District, Occidental
No. 1464, otherwise known as the Tariff Mindoro) sought the designation of HB 10 as
and Customs Code of the Philippines, as the lead bill as it also covers the provisions of
amended the anti-smuggling bills and is similar to the bill

13
Continuation… HB 1583 Rep. Escudero Amending certain provisions of PD No. exhaustively deliberated on and approved on
Ways and 1464, as amended third reading during the 15th Congress.
Means
(Technical HB 3536 Rep. Guanlao Amending certain provisions on the Rep. Garin, however, recommended a quick
Working Group) disposition of seized smuggled rice and review of all the nine bills before a draft
corn and increasing penalties for substitute bill is prepared and submitted to the
smuggling under the Tariff and Customs mother Committee.
Code, as amended

Welfare of Draft Reps. Teodoro, Providing for the special protection of The technical working group (TWG), presided
Children Substitute Sahali & children in situations of armed conflict and by Rep. Gustavo Tambunting (2nd District,
(Technical Bill to HBs Tambunting providing penalties for violations thereof Parañaque City), terminated its deliberations
Working Group) 823, 1332 & on the draft substitute bill.
3005
The draft substitute bill will be submitted to the
Mother Committee for its consideration and
approval.

In explaining the importance of the proposed

law, Rep. Tambunting said the children need
to be protected and reared in a positive
environment to ensure that they will grow up
to be morally upright and responsible citizens.
He noted that many of the children caught in
the middle of armed conflicts become victims
of all forms of abuse, violence, neglect,
cruelty, discrimination and other conditions
prejudicial to their development; and many of
them do not receive proper assistance.

The TWG discussed lengthily various sections

of the draft substitute bill, among which were
Section 5 (Definition of Terms), Section 8
(Unlawfulor Prohibited Acts), Section 9
(Penalties), Section 19 (Requirement and
Procedures on Age Verification and
Presumption of Minority), and some sections
of Chapter VII (Prevention, Rehabilitation and
Reintegration, Rescue and Demobilization).

During the discussion of the proposed

definition of the term “child,” the agencies
present gave differing opinions which led the
Chair to request them to submit their
respective proposals on how best to define the
term.

Dr. Roque Morales of the National

Commission on Muslim Filipinos (NCMF)
hinted at lowering the age of discretion from
18 years old to 15 years old since under the
Islamic Law, a child reaching the age of
puberty (13-15 years old) can already
distinguish between right and wrong and
should be held accountable for his/her
wrongful acts. He added that in many cases,
teenagers deliberately commit crimes and get
away with it owing to their age. He opined
that the law must not only protect the children
but also the society which bear the
consequences of criminal acts deliberately
committed by some of them.

However, Jacquiline Ruiz, Executive Director

of the Children’s Rehabilitation Center (CRC),
countered that children below 18 years old are

14
Continuation… afforded special protection under the UN
Welfare of Convention on the Rights of the Child as well
Children as under Philippine laws.
(Technical
Working Group) Also present in the meeting were
representatives from the Department of
Justice (DOJ), Department of Social Welfare
and Development (DSWD), Supreme Court,
Commission of Human Rights (CHR), Office of
Civil Defense (OCD), Philippine National
Police (PNP), Armed Forces of the Philippines
(AFP), Council on the Welfare of Children
(CWC), National Office of the Presidential
Adviser on the Peace Process (OPAPP),
Salinlahi Alliance for Children’s Concerns and
the UNICEF.

AGENCY BRIEFING

COMMITTEE SUBJECT MATTER DISCUSSIONS

Inter-Parliamentary Briefing on the bilateral relations between The Committee, chaired by Rep. Raul del Mar (1st District, Cebu City),
Relations and Taiwan and the Philippines listened to the briefing conducted by David Chen, 3rd Secretary of the
Diplomacy Tapei Economic and Cultural Office (TECO) in the Philippines, on the
bilateral relations between Taiwan and the Philippines.

Chen said that Taiwan and the Philippines enjoy mutual economic
and juridical cooperation and strong bilateral trade and investments
relations. He added that Taiwan conducts humanitarian assistance
and medical missions in the Philippines.

With its robust economy, Taiwan employs nearly 90,000 Filipino

workers who enjoy minimum wage and health insurance, he added.

Chen also apprised the Committee of Taiwan’s economic

development, particularly in the areas of agriculture, aquaculture and
medical technology.

Among the future perspectives of TECO in partnership with the

Philippines are the following:
 Signing of the Economic Cooperation Agreement (ECA);
 Visa waiver to the Taiwanese nationals;
 Conduct of the 3rd round TECO-MECO fishery meeting and
the signing of the agreement on maritime law enforcement
on fishery matters;
 Signing of an agreement combating transnational crimes
and developing police cooperation; and
 Seeking support for Taiwan’s meaningful participation in the
international community.

He extends his invitation to House Members to visit Taiwan in order to

see the recent developments in his country.

Briefing by the Department of Foreign Affairs Randy Arquiza, DFA Office of ASEAN Affairs Director, briefed the
(DFA) on the Association of Southeast Asian Committee on the country’s preparation for integration in the ASEAN
Nations (ASEAN) Community 2015 Economic Community (AEC) by 2015.

The AEC 2015 envisions a politically cohesive, economically

integrated and socially responsible ASEAN community by 2015 by
developing its 10-member countries into a single market and
production base for the free flow of goods, services, investment,
capital and skilled labor.

Arquiza said the objectives of ASEAN integration is to develop

15
Continuation… physical connectivity through intermodal transport, information
Inter-Parliamentary communications technology and energy networks; institutional
Relations and connectivity through institutional mechanisms, strategies and mutual
Diplomacy agreements; and people-to-people connectivity through increased
investment in education, human resource development, innovation,
and entrepreneurship, and ASEAN cultural exchanges and tourism.

Ultimately, he added, the AEC aims to intensify and strengthen

ASEAN community building efforts; enhance trade, investment and
tourism; infrastructure development; enhance competitiveness; and
narrow development gaps among ASEAN countries.

Arquiza admitted that the Philippines is faced with challenges on the

road to AEC 2015, but he said the way forward is through the 3C’s:
compliance, competitiveness and communication.

OTHER MATTERS

COMMITTEE SUBJECT MATTER DISCUSSIONS

Basic Education and Discussion on the proposed four-day school The Committee, chaired by Rep. Kimi Cojuangco (5th District,
Culture week by the Metropolitan Manila Development Pangasinan), discussed the proposal of the Metropolitan Manila
Authority (MMDA) Development Authority (MMDA) for a four-day school week as one of
possible solutions to the expected heavy traffic once the
government’s road projects are implemented simultaneously.

Department of Education (DepEd) Assistant Secretary Tonisito Umali

said that the proposed 4-day school week will greatly affect schools
with varying class shifts. The DepEd needs more time to prepare the
schools, employees, teachers and students before the proposal is
implemented.

Pasay City Parent-Teacher Association (PTA) Federation President

Willy Rodriguez explained that public schools need not be included in
the proposal considering that most of their students live near or within
the vicinity where the school is located. He opined that the four-day
school week should only apply to private schools where most
students go to school in private cars thus contributing to road
congestion.

Rep. Evelina Escudero (1st District, Sorsogon) stressed that the

MMDA’s proposal is not a solution to the traffic congestion in Metro
Manila. Besides, she said, the students’ daily activities are already
crammed such that they may not be able to cope with additional
school work on a given day resulting from a compressed school week.
The DepEd is requested to submit to the Committee its position paper
on the proposal.

Comments, suggestions and requests for copies may be sent to the Editorial Unit, Committee Administrative Support Service, 3rd
Floor, Ramon V. Mitra, Jr. Bldg., Batasan Complex, Constitution Hills, Quezon City. Tel. Nos. 9326118; 9315001 local 7122.
Also available at http://www.congress.gov.ph

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