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S Congressional Record O H th PLENARY PROCEEDINGS OF THE 17 CONGRESS, FIRST REGULAR SESSION 1 P 907 H S ILIPPINE House of Representatives

Vol. 4 Monday, May 8, 2017 No. 86

CALL TO ORDER As Your children, we never cease to be faced with social, political, economic and environmental At 4:00 p.m., Deputy Speaker Frederick “Erick” challenges. We acknowledge that these challenges make F. Abueg called the session to order. us stronger and firmer in love and faith. But we need You always to be with us in order that we will not falter, THE DEPUTY SPEAKER (Rep. Abueg). The that we will not get lost, that we will not be afraid, and session is now called to order. that we will make only decisions that will follow Your will and Your wishes. NATIONAL ANTHEM We are a people who depend on You for guidance and wisdom. We pray that You will lead us always to THE DEPUTY SPEAKER (Rep. Abueg). Everybody the way of the righteous for the well-being of all. We is requested to rise for the singing of the National ask these in the name of the Almighty God. Amen. Anthem. THE DEPUTY SPEAKER (Rep. Abueg). The Dep. Everybody rose to sing the Philippine National Majority Leader is recognized. Anthem. REP. MERCADO. Mr. Speaker, I move that we THE DEPUTY SPEAKER (Rep. Abueg). Please defer the calling of the roll. remain standing for a minute of silent prayer and meditation—I stand corrected, we will have the THE DEPUTY SPEAKER (Rep. Abueg). Is there Invocation to be led by the Hon. Arlene B. Arcillas. any objection? (Silence) The Chair hears none; the motion is approved. Everybody remained standing for the Invocation. REP. MERCADO. Mr. Speaker, I move that we defer INVOCATION the approval of the Journal of the previous sessions.

REP. ARCILLAS. Let us submit ourselves in the THE DEPUTY SPEAKER (Rep. Abueg). Is there presence of our God Almighty. any objection? (Silence) The Chair hears none; the Dear Lord, we are gathered here today to honor motion is approved. You and praise Your glory. Please accept our deepest gratitude for all the blessings You continue to bestow REP. MERCADO. Mr. Speaker, I move that we upon us in Your mighty goodness and unconditional proceed to the Reference of Business. love. Even when oftentimes we are not worthy of Your I so move, Mr. Speaker. absolute love, You always keep us under Your care and affection, and never fail to manifest Your presence THE DEPUTY SPEAKER (Rep. Abueg). Is there especially when we need You most. any objection? (Silence) The Chair hears none; the We are here today, gathered as Your faithful people, motion is approved. asking for Your mercy and benedictions, begging for The Secretary General will please read the Your kindness and understanding, and praying for Your Reference of Business. clemency and love. Teach us to always be kind to each other and know REFERENCE OF BUSINESS that although our emotions and actions differ at times, we have similar intentions and that is to promote The Secretary General read the following House goodness and justice to all. Bills and Resolutions on First Reading, Messages from 2 Congressional Record • 17th Congress 1RS v.4 MONDAY, MAY 8, 2017 the Senate and Committee Reports, and the Deputy VEGETABLE OF THE PHILIPPINES’ ” Speaker made the corresponding references: By Representative De Venecia TO THE COMMITTEE ON REVISION OF BILLS ON FIRST READING LAWS

House Bill No. 5514, entitled: House Bill No. 5520, entitled: “AN ACT DECLARING THE BOARD OF “AN ACT PROHIBITING THE IMPOSITION TRUSTEES OF THE VETERANS OF OF THE CAPITAL GAINS TAX ON THE WORLD WAR II AS A PUBLIC OFFICE TRANSFER OF TAX DECLARATION, AND THE FUNDS ENTRUSTED TO IT AS AMENDING FOR THE PURPOSE SECTION PUBLIC FUNDS, AMENDING FOR THE 24 (D) AND 27 (D) OF REPUBLIC ACT PURPOSE REPUBLIC ACT NO. 3518” NO. 8424, AS AMENDED, OTHERWISE By Representative Acop KNOWN AS THE NATIONAL INTERNAL TO THE COMMITTEE ON VETERANS AFFAIRS REVENUE CODE OF 1997” AND WELFARE By Representative Alvarez (P.) TO THE COMMITTEE ON WAYS AND House Bill No. 5515, entitled: MEANS “AN ACT INSTITUTIONALIZING THE ESSENTIAL HEALTH CARE PROGRAM House Bill No. 5521, entitled: FOR PUBLIC SCHOOL CHILDREN AND “AN ACT AMENDING REPUBLIC ACT NO. APPROPRIATING FUNDS THEREFOR” 9184, OTHERWISE KNOWN AS ‘AN ACT By Representative Suansing (E.) PROVIDING FOR THE MODERNIZATION, TO THE COMMITTEE ON HEALTH STANDARDIZATION AND REGULATION OF THE PROCUREMENT ACTIVITIES OF House Bill No. 5516, entitled: THE GOVERNMENT’ AND FOR OTHER “AN ACT GRANTING THE NORTH PURPOSES” COTABATO MULTI-MEDIA By Representative Alvarez (P.) ADVERTISING CORPORATION A TO THE COMMITTEE ON APPROPRIATIONS FRANCHISE TO CONSTRUCT, INSTALL, ESTABLISH, OPERATE AND MAINTAIN House Bill No. 5522, entitled: RADIO BROADCASTING STATIONS “AN ACT ADJUSTING THE AMOUNTS OR THROUGHOUT THE PHILIPPINES” THE VALUE OF PROPERTY ON WHICH By Representative Catamco A PENALTY IS BASED, AND THE FINES TO THE COMMITTEE ON LEGISLATIVE IMPOSED UNDER THE REVISED PENAL FRANCHISES CODE, AMENDING FOR THE PURPOSE ACT NO. 3815, OTHERWISE KNOWN House Bill No. 5517, entitled: AS ‘THE REVISED PENAL CODE’, AS “AN ACT DECLARING THE MONTH OF AMENDED” NOVEMBER OF EVERY YEAR AS THE By Representative Chipeco NATIONAL MALUNGGAY MONTH” TO THE COMMITTEE ON JUSTICE By Representative De Venecia TO THE COMMITTEE ON HEALTH RESOLUTIONS

House Bill No. 5518, entitled: House Resolution No. 940, entitled: “AN ACT ESTABLISHING THE EDADES “RESOLUTION STRONGLY URGING THE AND BERNAL MUSEUM IN THE CONCERNED TRANSPORTATION CITY OF DAGUPAN, PROVINCE OF AGENCIES TO IMPLEMENT THE PLANS, PANGASINAN, AND APPROPRIATING PROGRAMS AND PROJECTS THAT FUNDS THEREFOR” WILL IMPROVE THE CONNECTIVITY By Representative De Venecia AND EFFICIENCY OF THE COUNTRY’S TO THE COMMITTEE ON BASIC EDUCATION NAUTICAL HIGHWAYS” AND CULTURE By Representative Sarmiento (C.) TO THE COMMITTEE ON TRANSPORTATION House Bill No. 5519, entitled: “AN ACT DECLARING MALUNGGAY House Resolution No. 941, entitled: (MORINGA) AS ‘THE NATIONAL “RESOLUTION DIRECTING THE MONDAY, MAY 8, 2017 17th Congress 1RS v.4 • Congressional Record 3

APPROPRIATE COMMITTEES TO House Resolution No. 947, entitled: CONDUCT AN INQUIRY ON THE “A RESOLUTION URGING THE HOUSE UNDERWATER-THEMED PARK PROJECT COMMITTEE ON HOUSING AND OF CORAL WORLD PARK UNDERSEA URBAN DEVELOPMENT, AND OTHER RESORTS AND NICKELODEON IN CORON, APPROPRIATE HOUSE COMMITTEES, TO PALAWAN” DIRECT THE COMMISSION ON AUDIT By Representative Biazon (COA) TO CONDUCT A COMPREHENSIVE TO THE COMMITTEE ON RULES AUDIT OF THE AFP/PNP HOUSING PROGRAM BASED ON ADMINISTRATIVE House Resolution No. 942, entitled: ORDER NO. 9 DATED 11 APRIL 2011 IN “A RESOLUTION EXPRESSING PROFOUND ORDER TO AID CONGRESS IN COMING CONDOLENCES OF THE HOUSE OF UP WITH SOUND HOUSING POLICIES REPRESENTATIVES ON THE DEMISE THAT WOULD BENEFIT THE UNIFORMED OF HIS EXCELLENCY ALFONSO T. PERSONNEL OF THE COUNTRY AS YUCHENGCO ALSO KNOWN AS ‘AY’, WELL AS TO HOLD ACCOUNTABLE, IF PHILIPPINE AMBASSADOR” PROVEN TRUE, CONCERNED HOUSING By Representative Olivarez OFFICIALS, PRIVATE DEVELOPERS, AND TO THE COMMITTEE ON RULES LOCAL GOVERNMENT OFFICIALS WHO CONNIVED TO PROFIT FROM SUCH House Resolution No. 943, entitled: HOUSING PROGRAMS” “A RESOLUTION CONFERRING THE By Representative Alejano CONGRESSIONAL MEDAL OF TO THE COMMITTEE ON RULES ACHIEVEMENT TO HIS EXCELLENCY ALFONSO T. YUCHENGCO ALSO KNOWN House Resolution No. 948, entitled: AS ‘AY’, PHILIPPINE AMBASSADOR” “RESOLUTION CALLING ON THE HOUSE OF By Representative Olivarez REPRESENTATIVES, TO INVESTIGATE, TO THE COMMITTEE ON RULES IN AID OF LEGISLATION, THE ALLEGED SECRET DETENTION FACILITY OF THE House Resolution No. 944, entitled: MANILA POLICE DISTRICT STATION “A RESOLUTION EXPRESSING PROFOUND 11. WHERE 12 DRUG SUSPECTS WITH CONDOLENCES OF THE HOUSE OF HORRIFIC TALES OF TORTURE, ILL- REPRESENTATIVES ON THE DEMISE TREATMENT AND EXTORTION, WERE OF MR. MARIANO QUE, FOUNDER OF DISCOVERED IN A RECENT RAID MERCURY DRUG CORPORATION” CONDUCTED BY THE COMMISSION ON By Representative Olivarez HUMAN RIGHTS” TO THE COMMITTEE ON RULES By Representative Roque (H.) TO THE COMMITTEE ON RULES House Resolution No. 945, entitled: “A RESOLUTION EXPRESSING PROFOUND House Resolution No. 949, entitled: CONDOLENCES OF THE HOUSE OF “RESOLUTION STRONGLY URGING THE REPRESENTATIVES ON THE DEMISE CONCERNED TRANSPORTATION OF MR. ROBERTO EDUARDO ‘BOBBY’ AGENCIES TO ADDRESS THE SAFETY ABOITIZ, PRESIDENT OF THE RAMON RISKS AND OTHER ISSUES BROUGHT ABOITIZ FOUNDATION INCORPORATED ABOUT BY ADVERTISEMENTS ALONG (RAFI)” THE MRT 3 LINE” By Representative Olivarez By Representative Sarmiento (C.) TO THE COMMITTEE ON RULES TO THE COMMITTEE ON TRANSPORTATION

House Resolution No. 946, entitled: House Resolution No. 950, entitled: “A RESOLUTION URGING THE COMMITTEE “A RESOLUTION URGING THE OVERSIGHT ON METRO MANILA DEVELOPMENT COMMITTEE PROVIDED UNDER R.A. TO INQUIRE INTO THE OPERATIONS OF 9745, OR THE ANTI-TORTURE ACT ONLINE GAMING FIRMS INSIDE PEZA- OF 2009, TO CONVENE IN ORDER TO ACCREDITED BUILDINGS” INVESTIGATE ALLEGED VIOLATIONS By Representative Batocabe OF THE ANTI-TORTURE LAW BY SOME TO THE COMMITTEE ON RULES MEMBERS OF THE PHILIPPINE NATIONAL 4 Congressional Record • 17th Congress 1RS v.4 MONDAY, MAY 8, 2017

POLICE AND TO DETERMINE WHETHER PURPOSE OF LAND DISTRIBUTION TO SUCH PRACTICES ARE OF WIDESPREAD QUALIFIED FARMER-BENEFICIARIES” USE IN OUR LAW ENFORCEMENT By Representatives Casilao, Zarate, De Jesus, Tinio, AGENCIES” Brosas, Castro (F.L.) and Elago By Representative Rocamora TO THE COMMITTEE ON RULES TO THE COMMITTEE ON HUMAN RIGHTS House Resolution No. 954, entitled: House Resolution No. 951, entitled: “RESOLUTION DIRECTING THE “A RESOLUTION URGING THE HOUSE COMMITTEE ON AGRARIAN REFORM COMMITTEE ON AGRICULTURE AND TO CONDUCT AN INQUIRY, IN AID FOOD, AND HOUSE SPECIAL COMMITTEE OF LEGISLATION, ON THE POSSIBLE ON FOOD SECURITY TO CONDUCT MISCONDUCT AND CONTEMPT BY AN INQUIRY, IN AID OF LEGISLATION, THE PHILIPPINE NATIONAL POLICE REGARDING THE POSSIBLE EXISTENCE REGION XI OFFICE (PRO XI) DUE TO OF A RICE SHORTAGE IN THE PHILIPPINES ITS FAILURE TO PROVIDE POLICE IF THE DIRECTIVE OF PRESIDENT ASSISTANCE ON THE APRIL 18, 2017 RODRIGO DUTERTE TO TEMPORARILY - EXECUTION OF THE DEPARTMENT HALT THE IMPORTATION OF RICE IS OF AGRARIAN REFORM’S (DAR) WRIT CARRIED OUT” OF INSTALLATION OF 159 AGRARIAN By Representative Lopez (M.L.) REFORM BENEFICIARIES BELONGING TO THE COMMITTEE ON RULES TO THE MADAUM AGRARIAN REFORM BENEFICIARIES ASSOCIATION, INC. House Resolution No. 952, entitled: (MARBAI) ON THE 145-HECTARES “A RESOLUTION POSTHUMOUSLY LAND IN BRGY. SAN ISIDRO, TAGUM COMMENDING 2LT ESTELITO SALDUA CITY, DAVAO DEL NORTE, WHICH JR., SGT JOHN DEXTER DUERO, WAS STRONGLY OPPOSED BY THE CORPORAL MELJUN CAJABAN AND LORENZO-OWNED LAPANDAY FOODS SWAT SPO2 REY ANTHONY NAZARENO CORP. WHICH DEPLOYED ABOUT 800 FOR THEIR GALLANTRY IN ACTION ARMED GUARDS AT THE DISPUTED WHICH FOILED THE PLAN OF THE LANDS” ABU SAYYAF FORCE THAT LANDED IN By Representatives Casilao, Zarate, De Jesus, Tinio, BARANGAY INNABANGA, BOHOL FOR Brosas, Castro (F.L.) and Elago POSSIBLE TERRORISTIC ATTACK AT TO THE COMMITTEE ON RULES THE ASEAN SUMMIT AND KIDNAPPING HOSTAGES FOR RANSOM” House Resolution No. 955, entitled: By Representative Alejano “RESOLUTION DIRECTING THE COMMITTEE TO THE COMMITTEE ON NATIONAL DEFENSE ON HUMAN RIGHTS AND THE AND SECURITY COMMITTEE ON AGRARIAN REFORM TO CONDUCT A JOINT INVESTIGATION, IN House Resolution No. 953, entitled: AID OF LEGISLATION, ON THE MARCH 22, “RESOLUTION DIRECTING THE 2017-ABDUCTION OF ROMMEL TUCAY, COMMITTEE ON AGRARIAN REFORM PEASANT ORGANIZER OF ALYANSA TO CONDUCT AN INQUIRY, IN AID OF NG MGA MAGBUBUKID SA GITNANG LEGISLATION, TO DETERMINE THE LUSON (AMGL), BY ELEMENTS OF AFP ACTUAL REMAINING HECTARAGE OF AND PNP IN CARRANGALAN, NUEVA DAVAO PENAL COLONY (DAPECOL) ECIJA” AND URGING FOR THE DEED OF By Representatives Casilao, Zarate, De Jesus, Tinio, TRANSFER FROM DAPECOL - BUREAU Brosas, Castro (F.L.) and Elago OF CORRECTIONS (BUCOR) TO TO THE COMMITTEE ON RULES THE DEPARTMENT OF AGRARIAN REFORM (DAR), PARTICULARLY THE House Resolution No. 956, entitled: 5,212.46-HECTARES LAND UNDER THE “RESOLUTION DIRECTING THE HOUSE JOINT VENTURE AGREEMENT (JVA) COMMITTEE ON AGRICULTURE AND BETWEEN BUCOR AND THE TAGUM FOOD TO CONDUCT AN INQUIRY, IN AID AGRICULTURAL DEVELOPMENT OF LEGISLATION, ON THE STATUS OF COMPANY, INC. (TADECO), FOR THE THE IMPLEMENTATION OF RA 10816 OR MONDAY, MAY 8, 2017 17th Congress 1RS v.4 • Congressional Record 5

THE ‘FARM TOURISM DEVELOPMENT House Resolution No. 961, entitled: ACT OF 2016’ ” “RESOLUTION CALLING FOR AN By Representative Garin (S.) INVESTIGATION, IN AID OF LEGISLATION, TO THE COMMITTEE ON RULES BY THE APPROPRIATE COMMITTEE OF THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES House Resolution No. 957, entitled: ON CONVERTING EXISTING COAL- “RESOLUTION REQUESTING THE FIRED POWER PLANTS INTO LIQUEFIED COMMITTEE ON HIGHER AND TECHNICAL NATURAL GAS POWER PLANTS” EDUCATION TO CONDUCT AN INQUIRY, By Representative Suarez IN AID OF LEGISLATION, ON THE DIRE TO THE COMMITTEE ON RULES CONSEQUENCES OF THE COMMISSION ON HIGHER EDUCATION ORDER TO House Resolution No. 962, entitled: CLOSE THE VARIOUS BUKIDNON STATE “A RESOLUTION HONORING MR. ROBERTO UNIVERSITY EXTERNAL STUDIES EDUARDO MELENDEZ ABOITIZ, CENTERS (BSU-ESCs) TO STUDENTS AND CHAIRMAN OF THE BOARD AND COMMUNITIES IN MISAMIS ORIENTAL” PRESIDENT OF THE RAMON ABOITIZ By Representative Uy (J.) FOUNDATION INC. AND CO-CHAIRMAN TO THE COMMITTEE ON RULES OF THE METRO CEBU DEVELOPMENT AND COORDINATING BOARD, HIS House Resolution No. 958, entitled: LEADERSHIP AND CONTRIBUTION IN “RESOLUTION DIRECTING THE COMMITTEE BUSINESS AND SOCIAL DEVELOPMENT ON GAMES AND AMUSEMENT AND AND EXPRESSING CONDOLENCES ON OTHER APPROPRIATE COMMITTEES HIS DEMISE” TO CONDUCT AN INQUIRY, IN AID By Representatives Del Mar, Durano, Salimbangon, OF LEGISLATION, ON THE ALLEGED Garcia (G.), Abellanosa, Gullas, Radaza, Cortes IRREGULARITIES IN THE OPERATIONS OF and Calderon THE SMALL TOWN LOTTERY (STL) AND TO THE COMMITTEE ON RULES THE CONTINUED PROLIFERATION OF ILLEGAL NUMBERS GAMES DESPITE THE ADDITIONAL COAUTHORS EFFORTS OF THE PHILIPPINE CHARITY SWEEPSTAKES OFFICE (PCSO)” Reps. Orestes T. Salon, Melecio J. Yap Jr., Pablo C. By Representatives Pineda, Belmonte (R.), Ortega, and Edgar R. Erice for House Bill No. 2881; Canama, Salo, Lopez (B.), Villarin, Bertiz, Rep. Micaela S. Violago for House Resolutions Montoro, Belaro and Salon No. 673 and 674; TO THE COMMITTEE ON RULES Rep. Franz E. Alvarez for House Bills No. 1068 and 4975; House Resolution No. 959, entitled: Reps. Joseph Stephen S. Paduano, Aurora Enerio “A RESOLUTION OF THE HOUSE OF Cerilles, and Henry S. Oaminal for House Bill No. REPRESENTATIVES EXPRESSING 4174; PROFOUND CONDOLENCES ON THE Reps. Benhur L. Salimbangon, Ramon “Red” DEMISE OF HONORABLE MARK H. Durano VI, Gwendolyn F. Garcia, Rodrigo A. JIMENEZ, REPRESENTATIVE OF THE Abellanosa, Aileen C. Radaza, Jonas C. Cortes, Gerald 6TH DISTRICT OF MANILA” Anthony “Samsam” V. Gullas Jr., and Peter John D. By Representative Olivarez Calderon for House Bill No. 148; TO THE COMMITTEE ON RULES Rep. Edward Vera Perez Maceda for House Bills No. 62, 286, 3282, and 3718; House Resolution No. 960, entitled: Rep. Geraldine B. Roman for House Bills No. 2286, “A RESOLUTION DIRECTING THE HOUSE 2627, 2628, and 2881; OF REPRESENTATIVES COMMITTEE Reps. Wilfredo S. Caminero, Fredenil “Fred” H. ON HUMAN RIGHTS TO CONDUCT AN Castro, Julieta R. Cortuna, Luis Jose Angel N. Campos INVESTIGATION, IN AID OF LEGISLATION, Jr., Luis “Jon-Jon” A. Ferrer IV, Jesulito A. Manalo, INTO THE SECRET DETENTION CELLS Arnel M. Cerafica, Rodante D. Marcoleta, and Lorna ALLEGEDLY MAINTAINED BY THE C. Silverio for House Bill No. 4774; PHILIPPINE NATIONAL POLICE” Rep. Salvador B. Belaro Jr. for House Bills No. By Representative Baguilat 4774 and 5045, and House Resolution No. 16; TO THE COMMITTEE ON RULES Rep. Joaquin M. Chipeco Jr. for House Bill No. 269; 6 Congressional Record • 17th Congress 1RS v.4 MONDAY, MAY 8, 2017

Rep. John Marvin “Yul Servo” C. Nieto for House COMPETITIVENESS OF MICRO, Bills No. 12, 512, 942, 2917, and 5165; SMALL AND MEDIUM ENTERPRISES, Rep. Eleanor C. Bulut-Begtang for House Bills APPROPRIATING FUNDS THEREFOR, No. 13 and 267; AND FOR OTHER PURPOSES” Reps. Alfred D. Vargas and Jorge “Bolet” Banal for in which it requests the concurrence of the House Resolution of Both Houses No. 2; of Representatives. Rep. Noel L. Villanueva for House Bills No. 11 TO THE COMMITTEE ON SMALL and 12; BUSINESS AND ENTREPRENEURSHIP Rep. Lord Allan Jay Q. Velasco for House Bill DEVELOPMENT No. 11; Rep. Deogracias Victor “DV” B. Savellano for Message dated May 2, 2017, informing the House of House Bills No. 5015, 5066, 5067, and 5068; Representatives that the Senate on even date passed Rep. Gerald Anthony “Samsam” V. Gullas Jr. for Senate Bill No. 14, entitled: House Resolutions No. 827 and 878; “AN ACT ADJUSTING THE AMOUNT Rep. Jose Antonio “Kuya Jonathan” R. Sy-Alvarado INVOLVED, VALUE OF PROPERTY OR for House Bills No. 5188, 5190, and 5191; DAMAGE ON WHICH A PENALTY IS Rep. Michelle M. Antonio for House Bill No. BASED AND THE FINES UNDER ACT NO. 931; 3815, AS AMENDED, OTHERWISE KNOWN Rep. Delphine Gan Lee for House Bill No. 292; AS THE REVISED PENAL CODE” Rep. Leo Rafael M. Cueva for House Bills No. in which it requests the concurrence of the House 4113, 4759, and 4812; of Representatives. Rep. Kaka J. Bag-ao for House Bill No. 4184; TO THE COMMITTEE ON JUSTICE Rep. Ronaldo B. Zamora for House Bill No. 180; Rep. Florencio T. Flores Jr., M.D. for House COMMITTEE REPORTS Resolution No. 198; Rep. Jesus “Boying” F. Celeste for House Bills No. Report by the Committee on Revision of Laws 3398 and 4569; and (Committee Report No. 199), re H.B. No. 5551, Rep. Gwendolyn F. Garcia for House Bill No. entitled: 5089. “AN ACT DECLARING SEPTEMBER 2 OF EVERY YEAR A SPECIAL NON WORKING MESSAGES FROM THE SENATE HOLIDAY IN THE PROVINCE OF ALBAY, INCLUDING THE CITIES THEREIN, IN Message dated May 2, 2017, informing the House of COMMEMORATION OF THE BIRTH Representatives that the Senate on even date passed ANNIVERSARY OF SIMEON A. OLA, TO Senate Bill No. 1354, entitled: BE KNOWN AS ‘SIMEON OLA DAY’ ” “AN ACT ESTABLISHING A NATIONAL MENTAL recommending its approval in substitution of House HEALTH POLICY FOR THE PURPOSE Bill No. 67 OF ENHANCING THE DELIVERY OF Sponsors: Representatives Primicias-Agabas and INTEGRATED MENTAL HEALTH SERVICES, Salceda PROMOTING AND PROTECTING PERSONS TO THE COMMITTEE ON RULES UTILIZING PSYCHIATRIC, NEUROLOGIC AND PSYCHOSOCIAL HEALTH SERVICES, Report by the Committee on Revision of Laws APPROPRIATING FUNDS THEREFOR AND (Committee Report No. 200), re H.B. No. 5552, FOR OTHER PURPOSES” entitled: in which it requests the concurrence of the House “AN ACT DECLARING APRIL 3 OF EVERY of Representatives. YEAR A SPECIAL NON WORKING TO THE COMMITTEE ON HEALTH HOLIDAY IN THE PROVINCE OF ALBAY, INCLUDING THE CITIES THEREIN, IN Message dated May 2, 2017, informing the House of COMMEMORATION OF ITS FOUNDING Representatives that the Senate on even date passed ANNIVERSARY, TO BE KNOWN AS Senate Bill No. 1355, entitled: ‘ALBAY DAY’ ” “AN ACT ADOPTING INNOVATION AS VITAL recommending its approval in substitution of House COMPONENT OF THE COUNTRY’S Bill No. 70 DEVELOPMENT POLICIES TO DRIVE Sponsors: Representatives Primicias-Agabas and INCLUSIVE DEVELOPMENT, PROMOTE Salceda THE GROWTH AND NATIONAL TO THE COMMITTEE ON RULES MONDAY, MAY 8, 2017 17th Congress 1RS v.4 • Congressional Record 7

Report by the Committee on Revision of Laws recommending its approval without amendment (Committee Report No. 201), re H.B. No. 5553, Sponsors: Representatives Primicias-Agabas and entitled: Uy (J.) “AN ACT DECLARING SEPTEMBER 2 OF TO THE COMMITTEE ON RULES EVERY YEAR A SPECIAL NON WORKING HOLIDAY IN THE PROVINCE OF Report by the Committee on Revision of Laws IFUGAO, IN COMMEMORATION OF THE (Committee Report No. 205), re H.B. No. 5554, SURRENDER OF GENERAL TOMOYUKI entitled: YAMASHITA, COMMANDER OF THE “AN ACT DECLARING DECEMBER 9 OF JAPANESE IMPERIAL ARMY IN THE EVERY YEAR A SPECIAL WORKING PHILIPPINES, IN KIANGAN, IFUGAO” HOLIDAY IN THE PROVINCE OF DINAGAT recommending its approval in substitution of House ISLANDS IN COMMEMORATION OF THE Bill No. 1602 BIRTH ANNIVERSARY OF RUBEN EDERA Sponsors: Representatives Primicias-Agabas and ECLEO, SR.” Baguilat recommending its approval in substitution of House TO THE COMMITTEE ON RULES Bill No. 2268 Sponsors: Representatives Primicias-Agabas and Report by the Committee on Revision of Laws Bag-ao (Committee Report No. 202), re H.B. No. 1865, TO THE COMMITTEE ON RULES entitled: “AN ACT DECLARING MARCH 21 OF Report by the Committee on Revision of Laws EVERY YEAR A SPECIAL NONWORKING (Committee Report No. 206), re H.B. No. 5555, HOLIDAY IN THE MUNICIPALITY OF SAN entitled: FABIAN, PROVINCE OF PANGASINAN, IN “AN ACT DECLARING JUNE 15 OF EVERY COMMEMORATION OF ITS FOUNDING YEAR A SPECIAL NONWORKING HOLIDAY ANNIVERSARY” IN THE PROVINCE OF PAMPANGA AND recommending its approval with amendments ANGELES CITY TO BE KNOWN AS THE Sponsors: Representatives Primicias-Agabas and ‘MT. PINATUBO MEMORIAL DAY’ ” De Venecia recommending its approval in substitution of House TO THE COMMITTEE ON RULES Bill No. 2270 Sponsors: Representatives Primicias-Agabas and Report by the Committee on Revision of Laws Gonzales (A.D.) (Committee Report No. 203), re H.B. No. 2131, TO THE COMMITTEE ON RULES entitled: “AN ACT DECLARING JULY 22 OF EVERY Report by the Committee on Legislative Franchises YEAR A SPECIAL NONWORKING (Committee Report No. 207), re H.B. No. 5556, HOLIDAY IN THE MUNICIPALITY OF entitled: CLAVERIA, PROVINCE OF MISAMIS “AN ACT EXTENDING FOR ANOTHER ORIENTAL, IN COMMEMORATION OF TWENTY-FIVE (25) YEARS THE ITS FOUNDING ANNIVERSARY, TO BE FRANCHISE GRANTED TO ISLA KNOWN AS ‘ARAW NG CLAVERIA’ ” COMMUNICATIONS, CO., PRESENTLY recommending its approval without amendment KNOWN AS INNOVE COMMUNICATIONS, Sponsors: Representatives Primicias-Agabas and INC., AMENDING FOR THE PURPOSE Uy (J.) REPUBLIC ACT NO. 7372, ENTITLED TO THE COMMITTEE ON RULES ‘AN ACT GRANTING THE ISLA COMMUNICATIONS CO. A FRANCHISE Report by the Committee on Revision of Laws TO INSTALL, OPERATE AND MAINTAIN (Committee Report No. 204), re H.B. No. 2132, TELECOMMUNICATIONS SERVICES entitled: WITHIN THE TERRITORY OF THE “AN ACT DECLARING JUNE 15 OF EVERY REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES AND YEAR A SPECIAL NONWORKING INTERNATIONAL POINTS AND FOR HOLIDAY IN THE MUNICIPALITY OTHER PURPOSES’ ” OF OPOL, PROVINCE OF MISAMIS recommending its approval in substitution of House ORIENTAL, IN COMMEMORATION OF Bill No. 2617 ITS FOUNDING ANNIVERSARY, TO BE Sponsors: Representatives Alvarez (F.) and Umali KNOWN AS ‘ARAW NG OPOL’ ” TO THE COMMITTEE ON RULES 8 Congressional Record • 17th Congress 1RS v.4 MONDAY, MAY 8, 2017

Report by the Committee on Legislative Franchises “AN ACT RENEWING FOR ANOTHER TWENTY- (Committee Report No. 208), re H.B. No. 5557, FIVE (25) YEARS THE FRANCHISE entitled: GRANTED TO MANILA BROADCASTING “AN ACT GRANTING IGNITE COMPANY UNDER REPUBLIC ACT 7816, T E L E C O M M U N I C A T I O N S , ENTITLED ‘AN ACT GRANTING THE INCORPORATED A FRANCHISE TO MANILA BROADCASTING COMPANY A CONSTRUCT, INSTALL, ESTABLISH, FRANCHISE TO CONSTRUCT, OPERATE OPERATE AND MAINTAIN AND MAINTAIN COMMERCIAL TELECOMMUNICATIONS SYSTEMS TELEVISION AND RADIO BROADCASTING THROUGHOUT THE PHILIPPINES” STATIONS WITHIN THE PHILIPPINES, AND recommending its approval in substitution of House FOR OTHER PURPOSES’ ” Bill No. 4515 recommending its approval with amendments Sponsors: Representatives Alvarez (F.) and Sponsors: Representatives Alvarez (F.) and Oaminal Salimbangon TO THE COMMITTEE ON RULES TO THE COMMITTEE ON RULES

Report by the Committee on Legislative Franchises Report by the Committee on Revision of Laws (Committee Report No. 209), re H.B. No. 5558, (Committee Report No. 212), re H.B. No. 5562, entitled: entitled: “AN ACT GRANTING THE GOLDEN NATION “AN ACT DECLARING APRIL 5 OF EVERY NETWORK, INC. A FRANCHISE TO YEAR A SPECIAL NONWORKING HOLIDAY CONSTRUCT, INSTALL, ESTABLISH, IN THE PROVINCE OF PANGASINAN IN OPERATE AND MAINTAIN RADIO AND COMMEMORATION OF ITS FOUNDING TELEVISION BROADCASTING STATIONS ANNIVERSARY, TO BE KNOWN AS THE WITHIN THE PHILIPPINES” ‘PANGASINAN DAY’ ” recommending its approval in substitution of House recommending its approval in substitution of House Bill No. 4657 Bill No. 2794 Sponsors: Representatives Alvarez (F.) and Sponsors: Representatives Primicias-Agabas and Lobregat Bataoil TO THE COMMITTEE ON RULES TO THE COMMITTEE ON RULES

Report by the Committee on Legislative Franchises Report by the Committee on Revision of Laws (Committee Report No. 210), re H.B. No. 5559, (Committee Report No. 213), re H.B. No. 5563, entitled: entitled: “AN ACT EXTENDING FOR ANOTHER “AN ACT DECLARING APRIL 21 OF EVERY TWENTY-FIVE (25) YEARS THE YEAR A SPECIAL NONWORKING FRANCHISE GRANTED TO ERMITA HOLIDAY IN THE MUNICIPALITY OF ELECTRONICS INCORPORATED, ORANI, PROVINCE OF BATAAN, IN PRESENTLY KNOWN AS G. TELECOMS COMMEMORATION OF ITS FOUNDING INC., AMENDING FOR THE PURPOSE ANNIVERSARY, TO BE KNOWN AS REPUBLIC ACT NO. 8196, ENTITLED ‘ORANI FOUNDATION DAY’ ” ‘AN ACT GRANTING THE ERMITA recommending its approval in substitution of House ELECTRONICS, INCORPORATED, A Bill No. 3282 FRANCHISE TO CONSTRUCT, INSTALL, Sponsors: Representatives Primicias-Agabas and ESTABLISH, MAINTAIN AND OPERATE Roman RADIO COMMUNICATIONS SYSTEMS IN TO THE COMMITTEE ON RULES THE PHILIPPINES’ ” recommending its approval in substitution of House Report by the Committee on Revision of Laws Bill No. 4658 (Committee Report No. 214), re H.B. No. 5564, Sponsors: Representatives Alvarez (F.) and entitled: Lobregat “AN ACT DECLARING FEBRUARY 3 OF TO THE COMMITTEE ON RULES EVERY YEAR A SPECIAL NONWORKING HOLIDAY IN THE CITY OF CABANATUAN, Report by the Committee on Legislative Franchises PROVINCE OF NUEVA ECIJA, IN (Committee Report No. 211), re H.B. No. 4136, COMMEMORATION OF ITS FOUNDING entitled: ANNIVERSARY” MONDAY, MAY 8, 2017 17th Congress 1RS v.4 • Congressional Record 9

recommending its approval in substitution of House OCCIDENTAL IN COMMEMORATION Bill No. 3400 OF ITS FOUNDING ANNIVERSARY, TO Sponsors: Representatives Primicias-Agabas and BE KNOWN AS ‘ARAW NG MISAMIS Vergara OCCIDENTAL’ ” TO THE COMMITTEE ON RULES recommending its approval in substitution of House Bills Numbered 4490 and 4972 Report by the Committee on Revision of Laws Sponsors: Representatives Primicias-Agabas and (Committee Report No 215), re H.B. No. 3404, Almonte entitled: TO THE COMMITTEE ON RULES “AN ACT DECLARING AUGUST 30 OF EVERY YEAR A SPECIAL NONWORKING HOLIDAY Report by the Committee on Transportation and the IN THE CITY OF MANDAUE, PROVINCE Committee on Appropriations (Committee Report OF CEBU, IN COMMEMORATION OF ITS No. 219), re H.B. No. 5568, entitled: CHARTER DAY” “AN ACT ESTABLISHING A LAND recommending its approval without amendment TRANSPORTATION OFFICE (LTO) Sponsors: Representatives Primicias-Agabas and SATELLITE OFFICE IN TICAO ISLAND, Cortes PROVINCE OF MASBATE AND TO THE COMMITTEE ON RULES APPROPRIATING FUNDS THEREFOR” recommending its approval in substitution of House Report by the Committee on Revision of Laws Bill No. 3553 (Committee Report No. 216), re H.B. No. 3526, Sponsors: Representatives Sarmiento (C.), Nograles entitled: (K.A.) and Bravo (M.V.) “AN ACT DECLARING JUNE 20 OF EVERY TO THE COMMITTEE ON RULES YEAR A SPECIAL NONWORKING HOLIDAY IN THE MUNICIPALITY OF THE DEPUTY SPEAKER (Rep. Abueg). The Dep. GUINAYANGAN, PROVINCE OF QUEZON, Majority Leader is recognized. IN COMMEMORATION OF ITS FOUNDING ANNIVERSARY” PRIVILEGE HOUR recommending its approval without amendment Sponsors: Representatives Primicias-Agabas and REP. MERCADO. Mr. Speaker, today being a Tan (A.) Monday, and pursuant to our Rules, I move that we TO THE COMMITTEE ON RULES open the Privilege Hour.

Report by the Committee on Revision of Laws THE DEPUTY SPEAKER (Rep. Abueg). Is there (Committee Report No. 217), re H.B. No. 5565, any objection? (Silence) The Chair hears none; the entitled: motion is approved. “AN ACT DECLARING JANUARY 24 OF The Chair declares a Privilege Hour. EVERY YEAR A SPECIAL NONWORKING HOLIDAY IN THE PROVINCE OF PALAWAN REP. MERCADO. Mr. Speaker, I now move that the AND THE CITY OF PUERTO PRINCESA Gentleman, our Dep. Majority Leader, from Party-List IN HONOR OF THE MARTYRDOM OF LPGMA, the Hon. Arnel U. Ty, be recognized to avail GOVERNOR HIGINIO ACOSTA MENDOZA of the Privilege Hour. SR., TO BE KNOWN AS ‘GOVERNOR HIGINIO ACOSTA MENDOZA, SR. DAY’ ” THE DEPUTY SPEAKER (Rep. Abueg). Rep. recommending its approval in substitution of House Arnel U. Ty, Dep. Majority Leader, from Party-List Bill No. 4272 LPGMA, is now recognized. Sponsors: Representatives Primicias-Agabas and Acosta PRIVILEGE SPEECH OF REP. TY TO THE COMMITTEE ON RULES REP. TY. Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Report by the Committee on Revision of Laws I rise to speak about the abuses committed by some (Committee Report No. 218), re H.B. No. 5566, PNP personnel against our LPG sector. entitled: Mr. Speaker, in the last six months, there have been “AN ACT DECLARING NOVEMBER 2 OF unauthorized police activities in the LPG sector. Police EVERY YEAR A SPECIAL NONWORKING personnel, assisted by some retired and dismissed HOLIDAY IN THE PROVINCE OF MISAMIS police personnel, have been conducting flagging 10 Congressional Record • 17th Congress 1RS v.4 MONDAY, MAY 8, 2017 down operations and seizure or forcible purchase at THE DEPUTY SPEAKER (Rep. Abueg). The unreasonable low prices of LPG cylinder in the retail honorable Rep. Antonio L. Tinio from the ACT market. Helpless drivers, small business owners of TEACHERS Party-List is now recognized. LPG trucks and their helpers had been accosted, told to load and unload LPG cylinders and transfer them PRIVILEGE SPEECH OF REP. TINIO to the vehicle truck of this syndicate. And they are just paid only a fraction of the retail price of LPG REP. TINIO. Maraming salamat po, Mr. Speaker. cylinders, or in some instances, these are confiscated Magandang hapon po sa mga Kinatawan at mga outright. This is happening on the roadside and not panauhin sa Kapulungang ito. where we should be confiscating them—at the nearest Noong isang linggo, Mayo 1, ginunita ng libu- precinct station. libong Pilipino ang Araw ng Paggawa sa pamamagitan The Department of Energy is the government agency ng malalaking kilos-protesta. Sa Maynila, tinatayang authorized to implement laws and issuances with respect 45,000 ang nagmartsa mula Welcome Rotonda papuntang to the LPG sector. Yet, no coordination is made with the Liwasang Bonifacio hanggang sa Mendiola. Dagdag dito DOE as regards these police operations. These continue ang libu-libo pang manggagawa, empleyado ng gobyerno, to this day and remain unchecked, as these abuses of kabilang ang mga guro at kawani sa mga pampublikong police officers will adversely affect the LPG sector. paaralan, magsasaka at pesante, kababaihan, kabataan As Representative of Liquefied Petroleum Gas at iba pang mga sektor na nagtipun-tipon sa iba’t ibang Marketers’ Association or LPGMA, I am calling for sentro ng protesta sa iba pang panig ng bansa. an investigation of these activities to deter commission Libu-libo po, Mr. Speaker, nguni’t sa iisang tinig thereof in the future. These illegal activities will hurt lamang, pinaugong nila sa buong kapuluan ang mga most especially the small retailers of the LPG. These will panawagan para sa sahod, trabaho at karapatan. Bilang disrupt the supply of LPG to the consumers as the LPG isa sa mga lumahok sa kanila at Kinatawan ng mga has been considered an essential commodity that affects manggagawa sa sektor ng edukasyon, hayaan ninyo even the ordinary people, particularly in urban areas. akong ulitin sa Kapulungang ito ang isa sa pangunahin For this reason, Mr. Speaker, may I ask for the nilang mga panawagan: ang pagtaas ng sahod. appearance of police officials in this regard so that they Mariing demand ng mga manggagawa sa pribado may explain the nature of their operations and, if found at pampublikong sektor ang pagtaas ng sahod— not in accordance with law, all their personnel who substansyal na pagtaas, hindi barya-barya, isang living violate should be charged and should cease and desist wage na makaaagapay sa nagmamahalang mga bilihin from engaging in said illegal operations. at hindi “libing wage” na hindi makatugon sa kanilang Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Thank you, dear pang-araw-araw na pangangailangan. Mr. Speaker, colleagues. malayung-malayo ang kasalukuyang minimum wage na naglalaro sa arawang P260 hanggang sa P491, sa REP. MERCADO. Mr. Speaker, may I move that we daily living wage na tinatantiyang at least P1,019 acknowledge the presence of the guests of the Speaker, para sa isang pamilyang may limang miyembro. Kaya Hon. Pantaleon D. Alvarez, the Royal Norwegian naman, noong Mayo 1, idiniin ng mamamayan ang Ambassador, His Excellency Erik Forner and party. panawagan para sa national minimum wage na P750 (Applause) kada araw para sa pribadong sektor at P16,000 kada buwan para sa mga kawani sa gobyerno. Naniniwala THE DEPUTY SPEAKER (Rep. Abueg). The ang Kinatawang ito na napapanahon nang ipatupad ang guests of Speaker Pantaleon Alvarez will please rise. isang national minimum wage dahil ito ang kailangan (Applause) Welcome to the House of Representatives. ng mga mamamayan, lalo na ang mayorya nating mga The Dep. Majority Leader is recognized. kababayan na naghihirap. Kaya, panawagan namin kay Pangulong Duterte na gawing legislative priority REP. MERCADO. Mr. Speaker, I move that we ng kanyang administrasyon ang panukalang imandato refer the speech of the Hon. Arnel Ty to the Committee ang national daily minimum wage na P750 para sa on Rules. mga manggagawa sa pribadong sektor. Kailangan din na kagyat na ipasá ng Kongresong ito ang mga THE DEPUTY SPEAKER (Rep. Abueg). Is there panukalang rebisahin ang Salary Standardization Law any objection? (Silence) The Chair hears none; the upang itaas sa P16,000 per month ang minimum na motion is approved. suweldo ng mga kawani sa gobyerno o Salary Grade 1, mula sa kasalukuyang P9,981, at partikular sa sektor ng REP. MERCADO. Mr. Speaker, I move that we edukasyon, itaas sa P25,000 ang minimum na suweldo recognize the Hon. Antonio L. Tinio from the ACT ng mga pampublikong guro o Salary Grade 11, mula TEACHERS Party-List to avail of the Privilege Hour. sa kasalukuyang P19,620. MONDAY, MAY 8, 2017 17th Congress 1RS v.4 • Congressional Record 11

Mr. Speaker at mga kasamahan, nababahala kami Ang mukha ng wage policy na ito, iyong two-tiered na sa Philippine Development Plan 2017-2022 o ang wage system, ang equivalent nito sa pampublikong legislative and policy blueprint ng pamahalaang Duterte, sektor ay ang Performance-Based Incentive System walang inilahad na plano para sa tama o disenteng na, ayon sa EO No. 201, series of 2016 ay binubuo ng pasahod at salary increase para sa manggagawa Productivity Enhancement Incentive o PEI at Enhanced natin sa pribado at pampublikong sektor. Bilang mga Performance-Based Bonus. Ito raw ay “in recognition Kinatawan ng mga guro at kawani sa basic at tertiary of government personnel who play a greater role and education, na sa pampublikong sektor ay bumubuo carry heavier responsibility in attaining performance sa mayorya ng mga empleyado, ako at ang kapwa targets and delivering results.” Kakabit nito ang Kinatawan ko mula sa ACT TEACHERS Party-List na Strategic Performance Management System o SPMS, si Hon. France L. Castro ay matagal nang nananawagan “a mechanism that links employee performance with para sa isang makabuluhang salary increase gaya ng organizational performance to enhance the performance nauna ko nang nabanggit. Gusto naming makita na si orientation of the compensation system.” Pangulong Duterte ay may solidong commitment na Kung tatanungin ang ating mga kawani, ang mga itaas ang sahod ng mga manggagawa at empleyado sistemang ito ay mga neo-liberal na mekanismong sa pribado at sa pampublikong sektor. At kaugnay mapanlinlang at mapanghati sa kanilang hanay, mga ng suweldo ng mga manggagawa at empleyado sa pamamaraan na higit na pagsasamantala sa mga kawani pampublikong sektor, lalong kailangan ang malinaw sa publikong sektor na hinango mula sa pamamaraan na commitment dito ni Pangulong Duterte dahil may ng pribadong sektor. Magbibigay ng insentibo para pananaw ang kasalukuyang Budget Secretary niya na kunwari ay itataas ang kikitain mo, pero duduguin ka si Secretary Diokno na masyado na umanong mataas muna sa pagtatrabaho para matapatan o mahigitan ng ang sinusuweldo ng mga government employees lalo ahensya ang “performance targets,” na parang hindi pa na iyong nasa mababa at panggitnang antas. Totoo, labis ang pagtatrabaho mo sa bigat ng work load mo. kabilang ang Salary Standardization Act amendments sa Mas mataas na insentibo para sa mga mababangong LEDAC priorities ng kasalukuyang administrasyon pero performance statistics pagdating ng panahon ng kung pagbabatayan ang naunang pahayag ni Kalihim assessment, o kaya ay kompetisyon sa pagitan ng mga Diokno dito sa Kongreso, ito ay nasa balangkas pa dibisyon o opisina sa halip na pagtutulungan at iisang rin at walang ipinag-iba sa salary standardization ng kilos para sa serbisyong publiko. Lahat ng ito, habang nakaraang administrasyon. iniisnab ng gobyerno ang matagal nang panawagan para Para sa amin, hindi ito nakasasapat bilang tugon sa pagtaas ng suweldo—tanungin ang public school sa panawagan ng ating mga guro at kawani dahil, una, teachers, at sasabihin nila sa inyo na ang RPMS ay ito ang panukalang barya-baryang salary increase— “Regulasyong Pahirap kay Ma’am at Sir,” hindi Results- tinatayang P500 per month lamang para sa mga low- Based Performance Management System na nadagdag and middle-level employees gaya ng mga guro, mga pa sa kanilang tambak nang clerical at administrative nurse sa gobyerno, at iba pa na tingi-tingi pa mula 2016 work, bukod sa kanilang pagtuturo. hanggang 2019. Samantala, doble o aabot sa triple pa Para sa Kinatawang ito, dapat nang ibasura ang nga ang increase para sa mga may mataas na posisyon mga mekanismo gaya ng two-tiered wage system sa sa gobyerno at mataas na opisyal. pribadong sektor at panukalang Productivity Incentives Isa pa, balak ng SSL na nasa balangkas noong Bill para din sa pribadong sektor, at Performance- nakaraang administrasyon nina dating Pangulong Based Incentive System, SPMS, RPMS, at PBB sa Aquino at DBM Secretary Abad na ipatupad ang pampublikong sektor. Pakinggan natin ang maliwanag sistemang pasahod sa ilalim ng Executive Order na kahilingan ng mga mamamayan para sa nakabubuhay No. 201, series of 2016 at EO 80, series of 2012, na na sahod, at para sa isang polisiyang peryodikong mag- imbes o sa halip na substansyal na itaas ang suweldo, aangat sa kita ng mga Pilipino kasabay ng pagmahal ng magbibigay ng mga bonus at insentibo batay sa presyo ng mga bilihin na batay sa pangangailangan ng performance ng kawani. Ang sistemang pasahod na kanilang mga pamilya. ito ay katulad ng wage policy sa pribadong sektor na Ang mga panawagang ito ay tumutugma sa sinimulan ng two-tiered wage system ng Department pinakahuling Ulat ng Bayan national survey ng Pulse of Labor and Employment kung saan mapapanatiling Asia Research, Inc., na nagsasabing mga isyung maliit ang sahod o mapapanatiling mababa ang pang-ekonomiko ang nais ng mga Pilipino na kagyat sahod, ang minimum wage, dahil itinutulak ang na resolbahin ni Pangulong Duterte at ng kanyang antas ng minimum wage sa antas ng poverty level at administrasyon. Sa partikular, ang pagtaas ng sahod nagtutulak sa manggagawa na kamtin o higitan pa ang ang nangungunang interes ng 43 percent ng mga nakatakdang output bago bigyan ng bonus o insentibo. Pilipino. Sinusundan ito ng panawagang kontrolin ng Sa ibang salita, pagtitipid sa labor cost ng kapitalista pamahalaan ang inflation, 41 percent, at ang paglikha habang pinipiga ang lakas ng manggagawa. ng mga trabaho, 39 percent. 12 Congressional Record • 17th Congress 1RS v.4 MONDAY, MAY 8, 2017

Naniniwala ang Kinatawang ito na ang mga why it is still being implemented in Region VII. We, nangungunang interes sa ngayon ng mga Pilipino ay siya in Negros Oriental which is already part of the Negros ring dapat nangungunang prayoridad ng administrasyon ni Island Region or Region XVIII, all our constituents Pangulong Duterte. Kaya, sa Kapulungang ito, nananawagan who seek to have a license or who deal with the LTO ako sa lahat ng mga kapwa kong Mambabatas, na ipatupad are still mandated or obliged to take the drug test. Ang ang national minimum wage na P750 kada araw, P16,000 rason nila sa akin, mayroon daw TRO dahil may kaso minimum monthly salary para sa mga kawani ng gobyerno, iyong isang entity laban sa LTO. At sabi daw ng korte at P25,000 naman para sa Teacher I. ay dapat ipagpatuloy ang drug testing. Ang tanong Maraming salamat po. ko, bakit nagdurusa ang taumbayan dahil sa kaso ng dalawang ito? What am I trying to drive at? What was REP. MERCADO. Mr. Speaker, I move that the original intention of the drug testing? To be able to we refer the speech of the Honorable Tinio to the test if people are using drugs or not? Committee on Rules. Now, ang nakita ko, itinigil na nga sa buong bayan dahil, I think, it is unconstitutional. Ang pakay na lang THE DEPUTY SPEAKER (Rep. Abueg). Is there nila ngayon is maipagpatuloy ang negosyo. Ayaw nilang any objection? (Silence) The Chair hears none; the matigil iyong negosyo nila sa drug testing, hindi ko alam motion is approved. kung kausap ng LTO or kumikita ba ang taga-LTO dito, basta gusto kong malaman, ng taumbayan at malaman REP. MERCADO. At this juncture, Mr. Speaker, ng ating Committee on Transportation na sa Region may I respectfully move that we acknowledge the VII, mayroon pa ring drug testing. Hinihiling ko sana presence of the guests of our Deputy Speaker, the Hon. na matigil na ito kaagad at kung mayroon man silang Frederick “Erick” F. Abueg, the Hon. Gil “Kabarangay” kaso ay huwag nang idamay ang taumbayan. P. Acosta and the Hon. Franz E. Alvarez of Palawan, the That is all for now, Mr. Speaker. Thank you very following: honorable Board Member Winston Arzaga, much. Barangay Captain Angelita B. Dalam, Kagawad Arnel O. Dalma, Kagawad Reynaldo Y. Tepait, Kagawad REP. MERCADO. Mr. Speaker, I move that we Ricardo R. Rosales, Kagawad Bariri D. Dabantes, refer the speech of the Hon. Arnolfo Teves to the Kagawad Teresita M. Ibarra, Kagawad Ernesto G. Committee on Rules. Elibeto, and Kagawad Luzviminda D. Elibeto of Barangay Luzviminda, province of Palawan. THE DEPUTY SPEAKER (Rep. Abueg). Is there I so move, Mr. Speaker. (Applause) any objection? (Silence) The Chair hears none; the motion is approved. THE DEPUTY SPEAKER (Rep. Abueg). The guests of the Representatives of the three districts of the province REP. MERCADO. Mr. Speaker, I move that of Palawan, welcome to the House of Representatives. the Gentleman from the Party-List MAGDALO, the honorable Rep. Garci C. Alejano, be recognized to avail REP. MERCADO. Mr. Speaker, I now move for the of the Privilege Hour. recognition of the Gentleman from the Third District, Negros Oriental, the Hon. Arnolfo A. Teves Jr. for his THE DEPUTY SPEAKER (Rep. Abueg). Rep. privilege speech. Gary C. Alejano of the Party-List MAGDALO is now I so move, Mr. Speaker. recognized.

THE DEPUTY SPEAKER (Rep. Abueg). The PRIVILEGE SPEECH OF REP. ALEJANO honorable Rep. Arnolfo “Arnie” A. Teves Jr. of the Third District of Negros Oriental is recognized. REP. ALEJANO. Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I just would like to correct that my first name is PRIVILEGE SPEECH OF REP. TEVES Gary po. Mr. Speaker, my esteemed colleagues and REP. TEVES. Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Good countrymen, a pleasant day to everyone. afternoon. And good afternoon everybody. I rise today concerning the recent incident of I rise here again today to bring to attention the harassment of Filipino fishermen by the Chinese Navy fact that in Region VII, mayroon pa rin kaming drug in the West Philippine Sea. testing. Sa tingin ko, nakalimutan na ng buong Pilipinas In an archipelagic country like the Philippines, iyong drug testing sa LTO, but in Region VII, it is fishing is one of the main sources of livelihood. Many of still being implemented. So, I would like to bring this our coastal provinces have fishing communities that rely to the attention of the nation, and I would like to ask heavily on fish stocks and other marine life. Therefore, MONDAY, MAY 8, 2017 17th Congress 1RS v.4 • Congressional Record 13 accessibility to fishing grounds is of high importance speedboat with a crew of seven in camouflage uniform and must be ensured at all times. However, this is not approached them and immediately fired shots into the the case in the West Philippine Sea where some of our air. Photographs of soldiers of the People’s Liberation fishermen are still being restricted access from our very Army and Navy of China in uniform were presented own waters. to them as they confirmed that they resemble the ones Since 2012, Chinese forces have been occupying they encountered in Union Banks. the Scarborough Shoal and have established essentially The crew scampered and hid in the boat. They a blockade in the area. The Scarborough Shoal, an area stayed on the opposite side of the boat from where the which is well within the 200-nautical mile, Exclusive gray speedboat was. They remained at the opposite Economic Zone of the Philippines, is a prime fishing side from where the gray speedboat was whenever it ground. The Chinese Coast Guard has maintained its moves around. presence around the shoal as well as in other waters in The crew of the gray speedboat tried to speak with the West Philippine Sea preventing Filipino fishermen the fishermen but it was in a language unfamiliar to from going near it for fear of being harassed. In fact, them. Aside from the gray speedboat, the fishermen there have already been a number of reported cases of also noticed the presence of a gray ship nearby. The Filipino fishermen being harassed by the Chinese Coast fishermen confirmed that, indeed, it was a gray ship Guard and Navy in the past. after some photographs were shown to them by this The most recent one before the Union Banks Representation. incident was last September when Chinese Coast Guard Instead of hauling in the anchor, the fishermen cut it vessels prevented Filipino fishermen from fishing in the off and sailed right away. They were chased down by the Scarborough Shoal. The fishermen pleaded to allow gray Chinese speedboat while firing shots into the air. them to fish but the Chinese Coast Guard continued However, they also noticed that there were shots fired to put pressure on them causing them to leave out of near the boat or the katig of the boat. This implies that fear. there may be an intention to damage the boat, or even If we may recall last October, after his state visit in worse, to harm the crew of the boat. China, the President proudly announced that Filipino The fishermen immediately went back to Mariveles fishermen could go back and fish again in our waters after that incident and decided to keep the issue to in the West Philippine Sea. This seems to be after themselves as they are clueless on what action to take seeking permission from China to let our fishermen and for fear of retaliation from the Chinese. The story fish in the waters that are actually within our very own only went public after a member of the boat owners’ EEZ. Despite the assurance of the President, there still association in the village told the story to a local have been incidents of Chinese harassments on Filipino journalist. When the story finally reached the attention fishermen. of the government, some personnel of the Philippine On April 19, 2017, a television news program Coast Guard went to Mariveles to investigate and initially reported the alleged harassment of the Filipino ask the fishermen about the incident. Members of the fishermen by the Chinese Coast Guards in the Union Philippine Coast Guard even chided the fishermen why Banks. The Union Banks is a large atoll in the center they told the media first about the incident rather than of Spratly Islands in the West Philippine Sea located report it to them. The fishermen told them that they do 180 nautical miles west of Palawan which is within the not know what to do. Philippines’ EEZ. The Princess Johanna boat and some of its crew The news report immediately caught my attention sailed out again to fish on April 19. However, two because of the alarming incident. I then decided to meet fishermen decided to stay behind because of the trauma with the fishermen involved. On April 22, I personally they experienced in Union Banks. The fishermen visited the Sisiman Village in Mariveles, Bataan to shared that there were also other incidents in the past talk with the local fishermen involved in the reported when some members of their association experienced incident. Allow me to relay the incidents that happened in harassment while fishing in Scarborough Shoal and Union Banks based on the testimonies of the fishermen. First Thomas Shoal by the Chinese Coast Guard using On March 27, Princess Johanna, a fishing boat with a water cannon and firing warning shots in the air. Aside crew of 25 left Mariveles to sail to Union Banks. They from the instances of harassment, the fishermen are also usually visit the Union Banks every year or when catch alarmed with the environmental impact of the activities is scarce in their traditional fishing grounds, among conducted by the Chinese in the sea. Many of the coral them is the Commodore Reef in the Spratly Islands. reefs have already been destroyed due to sea activities On April 5, they arrived in Union Banks; when they made by the Chinese. arrived the fishermen noticed that there were already The dialogue with the fishermen of Mariveles erected concrete structures which were not present revealed that the harassment incident in the Union last year. Thirty minutes after dropping anchor, a gray Banks was instigated by the Chinese Navy and not the 14 Congressional Record • 17th Congress 1RS v.4 MONDAY, MAY 8, 2017

Chinese Coast Guard as earlier reported. This revealing its expansionism and assertion of control in the information makes the incident more unsettling than Southeast Asian and Pacific regions to achieve their previously thought. A white ship refers to the coast strategic objectives. guard. Meanwhile, the gray ship, as what the fishermen It is highly important that all stakeholders on confirmed to have seen in Union Banks, refers to the the competing claims in the West Philippine Sea be navy of any country. The function of the coast guard is introduced and educated regarding the issue. This in more to enforce maritime law and conduct search and turn calls for a comprehensive and clear strategy on the rescue while the navy is for war fighting. West Philippine Sea issue which will guide the actions The presence and involvement of the Chinese Navy, of all stakeholders, from national level agencies, local a war fighting force, in the recent aggressive action of government units, and down to every fisherman that China against our fishermen should raise huge concern. may be affected. The strategy should detail, including For one, the action of the Chinese Navy could trigger but not exclusive, how the livelihood of the affected the Mutual Defense Treaty and may further escalate fishermen will be supported and how their safety at sea tension in the West Philippine Sea area. Another equally will be ensured. important concern is the plight of our fishermen. We should give proper attention on modernizing Chinese forces continue to prevent them from fishing in our security forces, particularly the Armed Forces of the area, thereby affecting largely their livelihood. It is the Philippines and the Philippine Coast Guard. During also our fishermen who are taking the brunt of Chinese this critical period, as the country is snared in maritime presence in the area. disputes with neighboring countries, instruments of The actions of the Chinese forces run counter to government for protection of our territory and its citizen the Permanent Court of Arbitration’s decision which should be strengthened. held that Filipinos have traditional fishing rights in To my colleagues here in Congress, I call on this the West Philippine Sea. However, as we all know, the Body to consider the gravity of the Union Banks President himself deliberately chose not to recognize incident. This recent case of harassment on our fishermen the Permanent Court of Arbitration ruling which could instigated by the Chinese Navy, no less, should be have been our card and leverage at the very least in condemned in the strongest terms. A diplomatic protest ensuring that Filipino fishermen maintain access to their should be filed accordingly against China for harassing source of livelihood. Filipino fishermen within the EEZ of the Philippines. Aside from the implications of the situation in the The House of Representatives, through its appropriate West Philippine Sea, the Union Banks incident also committee, should also conduct an inquiry on the exposed the inadequacy of communication and reporting incident in order to identify possible policy actions, mechanism between the concerned government agencies especially on establishing a strategy that will guide the and Filipino fishermen affected by the harassment of actions of stakeholders and would capacitate concerned Chinese forces. The Mariveles fishermen raised that government agencies. On my end, this Representation their only communication with the government agency has already communicated with concerned Executive is with the PAGASA which provides weather updates. departments and local government units to call their They could not contact the Philippine Coast Guard attention and cooperation in addressing the issue at since it only uses a short-distance radio communication. hand. I do hope that the same will be favored by this The fishermen even bragged that they are very much august Body. advanced than the Philippine Coast Guard, our own Let us not forget the people on the ground facing coast guard, because they have a marine band that can the everyday consequences of policy decisions. connect them internationally. Furthermore, when asked More than the State leaders and officials, it is the if there was any instance that they were met by local people that most deserve the attention and fervent government agencies regarding the issue of competing support. claims in the West Philippine Sea, their answer is Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Good afternoon. “none.” No one came to them to discuss their role on the issue and what to do in case they encounter any form REP. MERCADO. Mr. Speaker, I move that we of harassment from other claimant States, considering recognize the Gentleman from KABAYAN Party-List, that fisherfolk are one of the main stakeholders in the the Hon. H. Harry L. Roque Jr., for his interpellation. issue. Now, let us see what we can learn from the THE DEPUTY SPEAKER (Rep. Abueg). The Union Banks incident. Despite our supposedly Honorable Roque is recognized for his interpellation. renewed and warmer relationship with China, they are still waging aggressive actions in the West REP. ROQUE (H.). Mr. Speaker, may I know if Philippine Sea. Regardless of the standing of the the good Gentleman from MAGDALO Party-List will Philippine-China relations, China will continue yield to a few points of interpellation. MONDAY, MAY 8, 2017 17th Congress 1RS v.4 • Congressional Record 15

REP. ALEJANO. This Representation is honored REP. ALEJANO. Thank you for that information, to receive questions from the Party-List KABAYAN, Mr. Speaker. But nonetheless, considering that that area Cong. H. Harry L. Roque Jr. is a traditional fishing ground for the claimant States like Vietnam, China and the Philippines, we should REP. ROQUE (H.). Mr. Speaker, before I proceed have free access to those areas without being physically with my interpellation, I would like to commend the harassed especially by the Chinese Coast Guard and good Gentleman from MAGDALO, because I think the Chinese Navy. That is what I am concerned about this is the first time that one of our colleagues has because before the issue went out in the open, and spoken up on this very important topic of fishing and became internationalized, before fishermen from this the exercise of the country’s sovereign rights over its country freely fished in these areas without harassment exclusive economic zone. But, in the course of his from anybody else especially from China. privilege speech this afternoon, the good Gentleman from MAGDALO discussed fishing in both Panatag REP. ROQUE (H.). The Gentleman, Mr. Speaker, Shoal as well as in the disputed Spratly Islands. is correct in that the tribunal, after it had ruled that it So my first question of course to the good Gentleman, is traditional fishing rights of the Philippines, China Mr. Speaker, is that if the good Gentleman agrees that, and Vietnam, ruled that it was unlawful therefore for in fact, although, there are issues concerning fishing China to have excluded our fishermen from fishing in and sovereign rights in both Panatag, otherwise known Scarborough. But my point, Mr. Speaker, is, despite as Scarborough and in the Spratlys, that the nature of, the ruling that it was unlawful for China to exclude and extent of our fishing rights in these two distinct us, nonetheless, as far as the Scarborough Shoal is geographical areas are separate and distinct. Would the concerned, we cannot claim to have exclusive right to good Gentleman agree with this conclusion? fish in the area because it is a right that we share with China and Vietnam so much so that neither China, REP. ALEJANO. Mr. Speaker, as far as I understand Vietnam nor the Philippines can exclude any of the it, in the ruling of the PCA that was given in favor of the fishermen from fishing in the Scarborough Shoal. Is Philippines, the Hague has provided that the Philippines this not an accurate restatement of the ruling of the has exclusive rights over our exclusive economic zone. UNCLOS tribunal, Mr. Speaker? That is as far as I understand it, Mr. Speaker. REP. ALEJANO. Yes, thank you for that REP. ROQUE (H.). Well, Mr. Speaker, perhaps, let information, Mr. Speaker. It is specifically stated in me elucidate a bit on the decision of the UN Tribunal on the lawfulness of China’s action regarding traditional the Law of the Sea on our arbitration with China. fishing rights and the Gentleman from KABAYAN is What the good Gentleman from MAGDALO correct that China had interfered with these rights and stated earlier, in fact, is the rule that is recognized in restricted access to our fishermen; and that our country the UN Convention on the Law of the Sea, and that is should assert that our fishermen should not only be in the exclusive economic zone, coastal States have given free access to the area, but our government sovereign rights which include the right to explore must have a course of action in order to support our and exploit the natural resources thereat including fishermen going to these areas. fishing. But the ruling of the tribunal is, in so far as the Scarborough Shoal is concerned, that it is traditional REP. ROQUE (H.). Therefore, because of the fishing ground, not just of Filipino fishermen, but of different nature of the controversy that we have in the Chinese and Vietnamese fishermen as well. That is Scarborough, we have actually pending in this Chamber why earlier, I asked the Gentleman from MAGDALO a resolution authored by this Representation asking to confirm that the nature of the fishing rights of the already the Executive to convene a special committee Philippines in Scarborough differs from the Spratlys that could negotiate with both China and Vietnam on because according to that arbitral tribunal, we cannot the issue of joint fishing in the Scarborough because claim exclusive fishing rights in Scarborough since after all, even China and Vietnam, adversaries as it was recognized as traditional fishing right not only they are because of the Spratlys, have successfully of Filipino fishermen but of Chinese and Vietnamese concluded a joint fishing and a joint maritime patrol fishermen as well. Therefore, the distinction between agreement despite their unresolved controversy over these two areas is that Spratlys being contested, it is the Spratlys. our position that we have exclusive fishing rights in Now, may I know if the good Gentleman from our EEZ in the Spratlys, whereas, we cannot assert this MAGDALO supports this initiative to already formalize exclusivity in the Scarborough, precisely because, the and implement the ruling of the UNCLOS tribunal, to UN Tribunal for the Law of the Sea had already ruled implement the regime of joint fishing in the Scarborough that it is covered by traditional fishing rights. Shoal as well? At least, I should say. 16 Congressional Record • 17th Congress 1RS v.4 MONDAY, MAY 8, 2017

REP. ALEJANO. Yes, Mr. Speaker, I support that of that Body, was scheduled to conduct a formal initiative. Actually, we are hopeful of the proposed committee hearing in the island of Kalayaan, which is code of conduct that will be accordingly completed in the disputed Spratlys area. We made it as far as Puerto within the year as something that is enforceable or Princesa, but we were unfortunately prevented from workable within the claimant States in order to lessen going to the island because of a confluence of events, the instability in South China Sea. So, I agree with the including weather conditions and the threat from China proposal of the Gentleman from KABAYAN but I just that we should not proceed with the investigation. would like to inform the Body that right now, some of Does the Gentleman know about this fact? the fishermen from Zambales and Pangasinan are fishing in Scarborough but the number of activities have been REP. ALEJANO. I am not aware of the specifics reduced because they cannot even go inside the lagoon of that fact, Mr. Speaker, but I have heard about that, of the Scarborough Shoal considering the fact that that that contingents from Congress planned to visit Pag-asa area is very harsh—the weather condition in that area is Island but were prevented, due to bad weather, as I have very harsh and their only opportunity to seek refuge is heard it from the news, from proceeding to Pag-asa in within the shoal. However, there is a Chinese Coast Guard order to visit our troops there, Mr. Speaker. guarding the mouth of that Shoal and that our fishermen have to go back to mainland Philippines in order to seek REP. ROQUE (H.). So, may I know from the good shelter from any bad weather coming to that area. Gentleman from MAGDALO if he agrees with my observation that it is very important, as a matter of REP. ROQUE (H.). Mr. Speaker, in fact I confirm asserting Philippine sovereignty over Kalayaan, that that I have received the same information that although this Chamber, this august Chamber of Congress proceed our fishermen have since been allowed to fish in the with its planned public hearing on the proposed creation area of Scarborough, the Chinese have not allowed, of the West Philippine Sea Development Authority to in fairness, any fishermen to enter the lagoon. That be held in the island of Kalayaan itself, … includes Chinese fishermen which, I think, is a violation also of the ruling of the arbitral tribunal because the REP. ALEJANO. I agree. Tribunal, when it ruled that the Scarborough was a traditional fishing ground did not distinguish between REP. ROQUE (H.). … despite protestations from the lagoon within Scarborough and the waters outside China, and despite warnings from the Department of of the lagoon. But my question is, as far as Spratlys National Defense. is concerned, it being contested between at least five claimant countries, will the Gentleman agree that the REP. ALEJANO. Yes, I agree, Mr. Speaker. In issue of fishing is far more difficult to resolve as in fact fact, in the last Congress, I requested the Department the issue of fishing inevitably is intertwined with the of National Defense and the Department of Foreign issue on conflicting claims to islands which generate this Affairs to allow Members of Congress to visit our maritime territory in the first place? Will the Gentleman troops in the Kalayaan in order to show support for from MAGDALO agree with this conclusion? our troops, to assert our claims there, and to boost the morale of our troops and to show the international REP. ALEJANO. Yes. I agree, Mr. Speaker, community that we are determined in asserting our considering the fact that the presence of the claimant rights in West Philippine Sea. States in the area is not only on the issue of sovereignty However, with the same reasons given to on those areas, but also the protection of their own Congressman Roque, there are other reasons why fishermen and the exploitation of that area for the we could not proceed to Pag-asa Island. But I guess, benefit of their own citizens. I agree that coming to Mr. Speaker, it is high time that our country show to an agreement for fishing rights in those areas will the world that we are serious in our claims on West unnecessarily drag the issue of sovereignty therein. Philippine Sea. And Pag-asa is part of the occupied islands of the Philippines. We are not going to other REP. ROQUE (H.). Well, Mr. Speaker, I do not islands that are occupied by any country. Pag-asa is part know if the Gentleman from MAGDALO knows about of our territory as per Republic Act No. 9522. this fact, but we do not have to go far from this august Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Chamber of Congress to realize that China’s conduct in compelling us to restrain from the exercise of our REP. ROQUE (H.). Well, and my last question sovereignty has reached this very hall of Congress. to the Gentleman from MAGDALO, if he will agree If the Gentleman from MAGDALO is not cognizant with my assertion that even under a threat from China of this fact, the Committee on Government Enterprises that they will shoot down the plane carrying the and Privatization, and I believe Mr. Speaker is a member Congressmen intending to hold the public hearing in MONDAY, MAY 8, 2017 17th Congress 1RS v.4 • Congressional Record 17 the province in the island of Kalayaan, that we should Gary C. Alejano, I move that we refer the speech of the nonetheless persist, as an act of patriotism, in order to Honorable Alejano to the Committee on Rules. assert Philippine sovereignty in the disputed Spratlys Group of Islands. REP. ALEJANO. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

REP. ALEJANO. Yes, Mr. Speaker. In fact, those REP. MERCADO. I so move, Mr. Speaker. actions are non-military. As claimed by some of our Filipino brothers, we should not make any statements, THE DEPUTY SPEAKER (Rep. Abueg). There is we should not take any actions that will provoke China a motion to refer the speech and the interpellation to the because we cannot afford to go to war with China. I must appropriate committee. Is there any objection? (Silence) emphasize that options are available in asserting our The Chair hears none; the motion is approved. rights over West Philippine Sea without resorting to war. In fact, increasing our civilian activities like research, REP. MERCADO. Mr. Speaker, I now move that the tourism activities, and fishing activities over those areas Lady from the Party-List Kabataan, the honorable would strengthen our claims. Those activities’ increase Rep. Sarah Jane Elago, be recognized to avail the in number would show that we are really determined in Privilege Hour. asserting our rights in the West Philippine Sea. THE DEPUTY SPEAKER (Rep. Abueg). The REP. ROQUE (H.). I have the same conclusion, honorable Rep. Sarah Jane I. Elago of the Party-List Mr. Speaker, as the Gentleman from MAGDALO, that Kabataan is now recognized. a public hearing of Congress in Kalayaan will bolster our claim to the Spratlys because that is a very strong PRIVILEGE SPEECH OF REP. ELAGO evidence of the exercise of legislative jurisdiction, a public hearing conducted in what is truly and REP. ELAGO. Mr. Speaker, my dear colleagues, uncontroverted to be Philippine territory. Now, our good good afternoon. Chairman of the Committee on Government Enterprises In December last year, the Filipino youth celebrated and Privatization informed me that our next meeting is and embraced a mighty development: the inclusion on May 17, but may I know from the Gentleman from of an P8.3-billion appropriation in the 2017 National MAGDALO, if we have the opportunity to conduct Budget to cover the tuition fees of over 1.4 million the hearing or a public hearing on the bill in Kalayaan, students of 114 SUCs in the country. This potentially can we look forward to the pleasure of his company makes the Philippines at par with some of the great on this visit? nations of the world—including Norway, Sweden, Finland, and Germany—when it comes to providing REP. ALEJANO. It would be my honor, Mr. free tuition in state schools. Speaker, to go to Spratlys, especially Pag-asa, in order Mr. Speaker, with this, the Philippine Congress to visit our troops there, in order to show to them has set in motion the reversal of the long-standing that Congress, as an institution, is behind our troops state policy of leaving public college to the grasps of there. You know, those areas are isolated and they are commercialization. This simple yet game-changing replaced once every four to six months and with our move has shattered the illusion cast by naysayers presence there, definitely, it will boost their morale. I and conservatives who have long sought division would like to thank the Gentleman from Kabayan for and spread cowardice by saying that this is not considering my support in that very noble initiative. possible. Mr. Speaker, we must note, however, that the move REP. ROQUE (H.). Well, Mr. Speaker, I have no to introduce free tuition is no gift. This development did further questions for the Gentleman from MAGDALO, not spring from just the benevolence of our colleagues Congressman Alejano, and I would like to reiterate my in Congress, especially in the Senate. In fact, this is commendation to him for discussing this very important a victory for the student and youth movement which issue that involves not just national security but national has long fought for the right to education. This is sovereignty, territory and patrimony, as well. a recognition of the long-standing clamor of the Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Philippine student movement for the government to veer away from letting schools charge and profit from REP. ALEJANO. Thank you, Mr. Speaker, for that public higher education. support from Congressman Harry Roque. Mr. Speaker, it all seemed too good to be true, but when the budget was signed, the President inked REP. MERCADO. Mr. Speaker, there being no a dangerous caveat—that it shall be implemented other Member who wishes to interpellate the Hon. conditionally, to benefit the poor but deserving. 18 Congressional Record • 17th Congress 1RS v.4 MONDAY, MAY 8, 2017

It took the CHED and the DBM almost six months from students. According to CHED’s own estimates, to put their brains together to think of an ingenious way at least one million students are expected to enroll in of following the President’s order while upholding the academic year 2017-2018, and the FTP can only shoulder façade that they are for free education. And it does not 85 percent of this number, with the computation of need a genius, however, to uncover their lies. P9,345 tuition for 40 units in the next academic year. The The IRR or the implementing guidelines of the free remaining 15 percent who are not qualified will probably tuition policy promised free tuition for all those who pay for the full cost of their education. are under the 4Ps and for those who are recipient of the Worse, the FTP only covers tuition fees and risks Student Financial Assistance Programs or StuFAPs. The bloated collection of other school fees (OSF). For 2017, remaining eligible students will be ranked according the DBM estimates a total OSF collections of P4.47 to their capita household income, similar in essence billion. And this figure might go up as we expect SUCs to UP’s socialized tuition system or STS. For non- to offset profit losses that will be incurred from the StuFAP beneficiaries, sadly, the CHED and DBM did implementation of the policy. There are other red flags. not provide any other option aside from hoping for extra This has implications in special cases such as in slots, or for their income to be low enough for them to Cagayan State University, which is the only SUC with be considered poor. Despite these, CHED admits that zero tuition, and in UP, which reaches tuition in excess not all enrollees for the next academic year will receive of P15,000 per semester, as well as a small number of free tuition. scholarship beneficiaries. The IRR of the free tuition policy just operationalized With the FTP, or the free tuition policy, setting the its prioritization of the poor but academically able by ground for institutionalized reliance on prioritization adopting the Listahanan 2.0 database management schemes instead of providing for universal access to system, used under the 4Ps, to discriminate against education poses added danger as it will set the pretext the poor. It uses a much-taunted proxy means test or for our future legislative efforts. In the guise of “social PMT that assigns weights to certain factors related justice” and “prioritizing the poor,” the IRR has fine- to welfare, much to the tune of MORES-SEC being tuned “free tuition” to be consistent with the current employed by UP or the Socialized Tuition System. neoliberal policies. The PMT is a metric pushed by the World Bank to Thus, we call on all our colleagues, students, youth, determine beneficiaries of social protection programs and the general public to solidly follow through on this under its wing. initial victory, to continue our fight for free education By subjecting the FTP or the free tuition policy to and demand no tuition collection for the next school the 4Ps, it will only serve to justify this flawed poverty year, 2017-2018. alleviation measure and further absolve the government Ang sigaw ng mga iskolar ng bayan, ang sigaw ng from resolving the roots of poverty, in this case, the kabataan: walang koleksyon, libreng edukasyon dapat lack of education of its citizens. Now, 4Ps without the nang maipatupad! context—support of national industrialization, rural Maraming salamat, G. Ispiker. At nananawagan development, among others, will just breed discontent din tayo, sa darating po na Mayo 10, sa buong bansa, among the people. It will only paint the illusion that magkakaroon ng pambansang araw ng pagkilos ang people get by, while failing to breach the chains of ating mga iskolar ng bayan at kabataan upang muling social inequality. manawagan: walang koleksyon, libreng edukasyon. Just like the 4Ps, the FTP will surely earn criticism for attempting to target the poor, instead of utilizing its THE DEPUTY SPEAKER (Rep. Abueg). The Dep. funds to provide access to all enrollees of 114 SUCs, as Majority Leader is recognized. what students previously demanded. The CHED and the DBM intend that students compete for their FTP slots REP. MERCADO. Mr. Speaker, I move that we and other merit-based programs under the StuFAPs to refer the speech of the Hon. Sarah Jane Elago to the just access higher education in SUCs. Committee on Rules. The FTP clearly wants to subject SUC students to socialized tuition. Learning from the experience of the THE DEPUTY SPEAKER (Rep. Abueg). Is there UP by subjecting students to a competition of poorest any objection? (Silence) The Chair hears none; the of the poor to prove their worthiness, this has resulted motion is approved. in the edging out of the poor by those coming from the upper or middle class who has relative capacity to REP. MERCADO. Mr. Speaker, we have some comply with various requirements imposed by their guests from the local government unit of Batangas respective SUCs. City, guests of the Hon. Harry Roque. I move that This has grossly resulted in UP’s collection of no we acknowledge the presence of the following: Vice less than P11 billion from tuition and other school fees Mayor Doc Jun Berberabe, Christopher Gambol, Dante MONDAY, MAY 8, 2017 17th Congress 1RS v.4 • Congressional Record 19

Valenzuela, Jeff Berberabe, Michael Cascalla, Gloria Bordado Gatchalian Lagdameo and Jojo Mercado. Bravo (A.) Geron I so move, Mr. Speaker. Brosas Go (M.) Bulut-Begtang Gonzaga THE DEPUTY SPEAKER (Rep. Abueg). Guests Cagas Gonzales (A.P.) of the Hon. Harry Roque, welcome to the House of Calderon Gonzales (A.D.) Representatives. Calixto-Rubiano Gonzalez Caminero Gullas APPROVAL OF THE JOURNALS Campos Hernandez Castelo Herrera-Dy REP. MERCADO. Mr. Speaker, I move that we Castro (F.L.) Hofer approve Journal No. 84, dated May 2, 2017, and Journal Castro (F.H.) Jalosjos No. 85, dated May 3, 2017. Catamco Javier I so move, Mr. Speaker. Celeste Kho Cerilles Khonghun THE DEPUTY SPEAKER (Rep. Abueg). Is there Chipeco Labadlabad any objection? (Silence) The Chair hears none; Journal Co Lacson No. 84 of May 2, 2017 and Journal No. 85 of May 3, Cojuangco Lagman 2017 are hereby approved. Collantes Lanete Cortuna Laogan ROLL CALL Cosalan Lazatin Crisologo Leachon REP. MERCADO. Mr. Speaker, I move that we Cua Lee call the roll. Cuaresma Limkaichong Cueva Lobregat THE DEPUTY SPEAKER (Rep. Abueg). Is there Dalipe Lopez (B.) any objection? (Silence) The Chair hears none; the Daza Lopez (C.) motion is approved. De Jesus Lopez (M.L.) The Secretary General will please call the roll. De Vera Loyola Del Mar Macapagal-Arroyo The Secretary General called the roll, and the result Deloso-Montalla Maceda is as follows, per Journal No. 86, dated May 8, 2017: Dimaporo (A.) Malapitan Durano Manalo PRESENT Dy Mangaoang Elago Mangudadatu (S.) Abayon Antonio Erice Marcoleta Abellanosa Aragones Eriguel Marcos Abu Arbison Ermita-Buhain Martinez Abueg Arcillas Escudero Mercado Acharon Arenas Espina Mirasol Acop Atienza Espino Montoro Acosta Aumentado Estrella Nieto Advincula Bagatsing Fariñas Noel Agarao Banal Fernando Nograles (J.J.) Aggabao Bataoil Ferrer (J.) Nograles (K.A.) Aglipay-Villar Bautista-Bandigan Ferrer (L.) Nolasco Albano Belaro Fortun Nuñez-Malanyaon Alejano Belmonte (J.C.) Fortuno Oaminal Almonte Benitez Fuentebella Olivarez Alonte Bernos Garbin Ong (E.) Alvarez (F.) Bertiz Garcia (G.) Ong (H.) Alvarez (P.) Biazon Garcia (J.E.) Ortega (P.) Amatong Billones Garcia-Albano Ortega (V.N.) Andaya Biron Garin (R.) Pacquiao Angara-Castillo Bolilia Garin (S.) Paduano Antonino Bondoc Gasataya Palma 20 Congressional Record • 17th Congress 1RS v.4 MONDAY, MAY 8, 2017

Pancho Suansing (H.) THE DEPUTY SPEAKER (Rep. Abueg). With Panganiban Suarez 229 Members present, the Chair declares the presence Papandayan Sy-Alvarado of a quorum. Pichay Tambunting The Dep. Majority Leader is recognized. Pimentel Tan (A.) Pineda Tan (M.) ELECTION OF MEMBERS TO THE Plaza Tejada COMMISSION ON APPOINTMENTS Primicias-Agabas Teves Quimbo Tiangco REP. BONDOC. Mr. Speaker, I move for the Radaza Ting election of the following Members to the Commission Ramirez-Sato Tinio on Appointments: Ramos Tolentino Relampagos Tugna The Deputy Majority Leader read the names of Revilla Tupas the House Members elected to the Commission on Roa-Puno Turabin-Hataman Appointments, per Journal No. 86, dated May 8, Robes Ty 2017. Rocamora Umali Rodriguez (I.) Unabia Rep. Seth Frederick P. Jalosjos vice Rep. Rodolfo Rodriguez (M.) Unico T. Albano III; and Roman Uy (J.) Rep. Rodolfo T. Albano III vice Antonio R. Romualdez Uy (R.) Floirendo Jr. Roque (H.) Vargas I so move, Mr. Speaker. Roque (R.) Velarde Sacdalan Veloso THE DEPUTY SPEAKER (Rep. Abueg). Is there Sagarbarria Vergara any objection? (Silence) The Chair hears none; the Sahali Villafuerte motion is approved. Salimbangon Villanueva Salo Villaraza-Suarez ADJOURNMENT OF SESSION Salon Villarica Sambar Villarin REP. BONDOC. Mr. Speaker, I move that we Sandoval Yap (A.) adjourn the session until tomorrow, May 9, at four Santos-Recto Yap (V.) o’clock in the afternoon. Sarmiento (C.) Yu I so move, Mr. Speaker. Sarmiento (E.M.) Zamora (M.C.) Savellano Zamora (R.) THE DEPUTY SPEAKER (Rep. Abueg). Is Silverio Zarate there any objection? (Silence) The Chair hears Singson Zubiri none; the session is adjourned until May 9, Suansing (E.) 2017, tomorrow, Tuesday, at four o’clock in the afternoon. THE SECRETARY GENERAL. The roll call shows that 229 Members responded to the call. It was 5:30 p.m.

Published by the Publication and Editorial Service, Plenary Affairs Bureau The Congressional Record can be accessed through the Downloads Center of the official website of the House of Representatives at www.congress.gov.ph ddc/05102017/1818