JUNE 7, 2012 DATE

NR # 2763C
REF. NO.

Congress adjourns sine die sin tax reform bill approved

The House of Representatives ended its second regular session capped by the passage of yet another landmark socio-economic measure the controversial sin taxes reform bill. Speaker Feliciano Belmonte, Jr., before banging the gavel, proudly credited all members of the Chamber for having delivered their collective commitment to promote public welfare through responsive legislation. The impeachment of Chief Justice Renato Corona was likewise cited by Belmonte as historic and first that now sets the standard for fitness and integrity of public officials. The dictum that no person is above the law finds its resonance and meaning in the impeachment of the Chief Justice, Belmonte said. Despite many challenges facing the nation, the Speaker cited encouraging indicators or positive news that contributed to the economic growth of 6.4 percent in the first three months of the year. This is much higher than the 4.9 percent consensus forecast made by analysts, the highest first quarter growth in the region, he stressed. Belmonte also pointed out that the 2nd regular session began with the House and its leaders receiving the highest public approval rating since 1987, an encouraging sign of the publics recognition of the work done by the lower chamber. We close the 2nd regular session riding once again the crest of public trust referring to the latest Pulse Asia survey where the House received a 45% public approval rating. Since the first regular session, the House processed a total of 3,387 bills and resolutions for an unsurpassed record of 27 measures per session in 128 session days, or 38% of all measures filed in the 15th Congress -- the highest performance rate since the start of Congress in 1987. House secretariat records show that of the measures passed to date, 253 are of national interest, 16 of which have been enacted into law and the rest awaiting the signature of the President and/or pending action by the Senate. Also passed were 556 local bills and 1,458 resolutions, 1,180 of which were resolutions of inquiries in aid of legislation. The resolutions on inquiries touched on a wide spectrum of national issues that needed the mobilization of Congress oversight powers. The House passed 15 measures listed as priority of the Legislative Executive Development Advisory Council (Ledac), five of which are now Republic Acts.

JUNE 7, 2012 DATE

NR # 2763C
REF. NO.

Taking pride in the quality of legislative measures passed, the Speaker noted measures passed that focus on sustaining economic growth, good governance, and measures covering direly needed social and other welfare services. In the economic field, the landmark measures include: The Investments and Incentives Code; The Customs Modernization and Tariff Act; The Lifeline Power Rate Act; The Government Employees Entrepreneurship Act of 2011; Real Property Valuation Reform Act; The Subdivision and Condominium Buyers Protection Act amendments; The Micro Enterprise Development Act; The Act Strengthening the Anti-Money Laundering Law; The Sustainable Forest Ecosystem Act; The Rationalization of Taxes on International Air Carriers Act; and The Corporate Responsibility Act. In the area of good governance, the House initiatives include: The Data Privacy Act; The Anti-Cybercrime Act; Anti-Terrorism Financing Act; Archipelagic Sea Lanes Act; The ARMM Synchronized Elections Act; The Philippine Maritime Zones Act; the Whistleblowers Protection Act; The Department of Information Technology Act; and The Act conferring on Members of Municipal, City and Provincial Sanggunians the appropriate Civil Service Eligibility. The Witness Protection Act is expected to be passed on final reading as soon session resumes in July this year after the much awaited State-of-the-Nation Address of President Benigno Aquino III at the opening of the 3rd regular session. There is also the Magna Carta for the Poor which has been approved on second reading. Belmonte also mentioned in an ambush interview after adjournment that the controversial RH, FOI and divorce bills will be part of the agenda for the next regular session. Earlier, the House passed the GOCCs Governance Act of 2011, now RA 10149, to curb financial excesses in publicly owned enterprises. Another list of initiatives passed by the House in the area of social and other welfare services include: The expansion of prohibited acts against women; Institutionalize Crisis Assistance for Women; Universal Health Care Act; The Juvenile Justice Reform Act; The Anti-Professional Squatters Act; The Balanced Housing Development Program Act; The Health Facilities Regulation Act; The Mandatory Basic Immunization Services for Infants and Children Act; The Early voting for Media Act; The Open High School Act; The Open Learning and Distance Education Act; and The Underprivileged Post-Secondary and Tertiary Students Discounts Act. (30) mrs