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Vol. I No. 47 A publication of the Committee Affairs Department November 27, 2013

ORGANIZATIONAL MEETINGS

COMMITTEE SUBJECT MATTER DISCUSSIONS

Muslim Affairs Approval of the Committee’s Rules of Procedure The Committee, chaired by Rep. Tupay Loong (1st District, ), approved and adopted its Rules of Procedure for the 16th Congress.

During the meeting, the Committee discussed the issue raised by Tawi-Tawi Rep. Ruby Sahali concerning the insufficient P3.8 billion budget earmarked for the rehabilitation of Zamboanga City under the proposed supplemental budget of the national government.

Rep. Sahali said that the amount being allocated is extremely inadequate to fully rehabilitate and reconstruct the basic social and economic infrastructures in the four barangays severely damaged when members of the Misuari-led faction of the Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF) occupied parts of Zamboanga City.

She called on the Committee to make representations with the leadership to specifically include additional funds for the purchase of a portion of land known as “Arena Blanco” in Zamboanga City primarily for the benefit of families affected by the armed conflict.

The Committee agreed to prepare and submit a manifestation seeking to increase the funds earmarked in the proposed supplemental budget for the reconstruction and rehabilitation of Zamboanga City.

Speaker Feliciano Belmonte Jr. (4th District, City) filed HB 34223 which seeks to appropriate P14.6 billion as supplemental appropriations for the FY 2013 to boost funding for the rehabilitation of calamity stricken areas. The said fund will be drawn from the unused Priority Development Assistance Fund (PDAF) for 2013.

Population and Approval of the Committee’s Rules of Procedure The Committee, chaired by Rep. , approved Family Relations and adopted its Rules of Procedure for the 16th Congress.

Public Works Approval of the Committee’s Rules of Procedure The Committee, chaired by Rep. Ronald Cosalan, approved and Highways and adopted its Rules of Procedure for the 16th Congress.

COMMITTEE MEETINGS MEASURES COMMITTEE PRINCIPAL SUBJECT MATTER ACTION TAKEN/DISCUSSION NO. AUTHOR Appropriations JR 7 Speaker Extending the validity of appropriations The Committee, chaired by Rep. Isidro Ungab Belmonte under the calamity fund and quick (3rd District, Davao City), adopted JR 7 subject response fund, including those sourced to amendments. from savings realigned in the current year, as well as all unreleased/unobligated Department of Budget and Management allotments covering appropriations for (DBM) Assistant Secretary Luz Cantor maintenance and other operating conveyed the DBM’s support for Joint expenses and capital outlays under RA Resolution No. 1. 10352 or the FY 2013 General Appropriations Act until December 31, Defense Undersecretary and National Risk 2014, amending for the purpose section Reduction and Disaster Management Council Continuation… 63 of the general provisions therein (NDRRMC) chair Eduardo del Rosario Appropriations reported to the Committee that, based on the partial post-disaster needs assessment, the budget requirement for the rehabilitation of Zamboanga City amounts to P3.6 billion and for , P3 billion. The post-disaster needs assessment for the areas affected by Super Typhoon Yolanda is still ongoing; but once completed, the entire rehabilitation package for all affected areas will be forwarded to the Office of the President, Del Rosario added.

The Committee requested the submission of a comprehensive post-disaster needs assessment including those for areas hit by other recent calamities as indicated in the joint resolution.

Substitute Rep. Teodoro, Strengthening the ladderized interface The Committee approved the appropriation Bill to HBs Majority Leader between technical-vocational education provision of the Substitute Bill to HBs 455, 455, 1058, Gonzales, Reps. and training and higher education 1058, 1506, 2461 and 2686. 1506, 2461 Angara-Castillo, & 2686 Rodriguez (R.) & Piamonte

HB 3423 Speaker Appropriating the sum of P14.6 billion as The Committee approved with amendments Belmonte supplemental appropriations for FY 2013 HB 3423, in consolidation with HBs 3229, 3236, 3345, 3360 and 3361; and HRs 385, HBs 3229 & Reps. Yap (A.), Appropriating funds for the aid, relief, 392, 437, 458, and 467. 3236 and Macapagal- rehabilitation, home rebuilding financing HR 385 Arroyo (G.) and subsidy, livelihood and employment Budget Secretary Florencio Abad informed the Atienza services, public infrastructure rebuilding, Committee that the President authorized the and heritage structures and tourism sites use of an additional P38.9 billion for the relief restoration for the areas affected by the and rehabilitation efforts in areas affected by October 15, 2013 earthquake, particularly Super Typhoon Yolanda during a cabinet Bohol and meeting earlier today. He said the amount was determined by the National Economic and HBs 3345 & Reps. Rivera & Appropriating funds for the aid, relief, Development Authority (NEDA). 3361 Macapagal- rehabilitation and livelihood services, Arroyo (G.) infrastructure support and rehabilitation of The P14.6-billion supplemental budget being power and transmission lines for the areas proposed under HB 3423 will be one of the affected by Super Typhoon Yolanda on funding sources for the P38.9-billion November 08, 2013 rehabilitation program, said Abad.

HB 3360 Rep. Alejano Appropriating the sum of P50 billion for the Rep. Antonio Tinio (Party-List, ACT creation of a national calamity recovery, TEACHERS) expressed his concern that rehabilitation and reconstruction fund without any concrete rehabilitation plan and an expenditure program, Congress might be HR 392 Rep. Suansing Urging the executive department to giving the President too much discretion in immediately allocate funds to be handling the lump sum amount of P14.6 billion. channeled to the appropriate government agencies such as the Department of Abad said a list of general expenditure items Public Works and Highways (DPWH), may be submitted to the House, adding that Department of Social Welfare and the proposed supplemental budget is just a Development (DSWD), and Department of fraction of the total cost of rehabilitation. Education (DepEd) for the rehabilitation of the Province of due to the House Members seeking assistance for their destruction brought by Typhoon Santi districts which were affected by the earthquake in Bohol and Cebu, insurgency in Zamboanga HR 437 Rep. Yap (A.) Requesting President Benigno C. Aquino City, and recent typhoons in some parts of III to certify HB 3229 entitled “Bakod , and Bill” and HB 3236 entitled were assured by the Budget “Visayas Earthquake Assistance and Secretary that funds from the proposed P14.6 Development Fund Bill” as urgent and billion supplemental budget will be allotted to calling a special session for this purpose the said areas.

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Continuation… HR 458 Rep. Bichara Urging the President of the and Appropriations the DBM to release the remaining 2013 Priority Development Assistance Fund (PDAF) for rescue and relief operations, rehabilitation, and reconstruction in calamity-stricken areas

HR 467 Rep. Romualdez Authorizing the use of the amount of P30 billion from the unspent portion of the P267 billion Special Purpose Fund and, as may be determined, from the P117 billion unprogrammed funds appropriated under the 2013 General Appropriations Act, for the relief operations, rehabilitation, reconstruction and other services in areas affected by natural calamities

Economic HBs. 15, Reps. Singson Establishing special economic and The Joint Committee, presided by Rep. Affairs jt. w/ 192, 1237, (R.), Yap (A.), freeport zones in various parts of the Enrique Cojuangco (1st District, ), Chair Trade and 1564, 2527 Acharon, country of the Committee on Economic Affairs, and Industry & 2688 Marcos, Rep. Anthony del Rosario (1st District Davao Rodriguez (R.) & del Norte), Vice Chair of the Committee on Abueg Trade and Industry, approved HBs 15, 192, 1237, 1564, 2527 and 2688 subject to style and amendments.

Lilia de Lima, Philippine Economic Zone Authority (PEZA) Director General and Undersecretary of the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI), expressed support for the bills. She maintained the position that the private sector must be tapped to develop, maintain and operate economic zones, instead of the PEZA or the government, to reduce the strain on public funds.

Lawyer Richard Palma of the Commission on Audit (COA) recommended the removal of the audit clause in all the bills since as government-owned and controlled corporations (GOCCs), these special economic and freeport zones/authorities are under the COA’s audit jurisdiction.

Health HB 398 Rep. Yap (S.) Providing for the mandatory pregnancy The Committee, chaired by Rep. Eufranio testing of all women of childbearing age “Franny” Eriguel (2nd District, ), who will undergo cosmetic surgery, approved the bill. providing penalties for violations thereof

HBs 402 & Reps. Yap (S.) Institutionalizing a pre-hospital emergency The Committee agreed to consolidate the two 1489 & Mercado- medical care system, providing for the bills and approved the same. Revilla establishment, supervision and regulation of the pre-hospital emergency care profession

HBs 403 & Rep. Yap (S.) & Requiring all government-issued The Committee agreed to consolidate the two 1057 Majority Leader identification cards, certificates and bills and approved the same. Gonzales licenses to include a portion indicating the blood type of the holder and providing penalties for violations thereof

HB 1027 Rep. Romulo Requiring healthcare facilities to provide a The Committee approved the bill. price list of its healthcare services including incidental expenses and medical supplies that can be charged in the medical bill 3

Continuation… HB 1151 Rep. Nava Strengthening the regulation of health The Committee approved the bill. Health facilities and services in the Philippines

HB 1175 Rep. Pichay Mandating ocular prophylaxis on The Committee approved the bill. newborns

HB 1617 Rep. Rodriguez Establishing the Mercury Exposure The Committee approved the bill. (R.) Information Program

HBs 67 & Reps. Del Converting the Davao Regional Hospital The Committee agreed to consolidate the two 240 Rosario (A.G.) & into Davao Regional Medical Center, bills and approved the same. Zamora (C.) increasing its bed capacity and appropriating funds therefor, amending for the purpose RA 7179

HB 269 Rep. Olivarez Upgrading the service capacity of the The Committee approved the bill. Florencio Bernabe Sr. Memorial Hospital in the City of Paranaque, Metro from first level to second level community hospital and appropriating funds therefor

HB 1001 Rep. Barcelona- Providing for the establishment of a district The Committee approved the bill. Reyes hospital in the Municipality of Santa Elena, Province of and appropriating funds therefor

HB 1248 Rep. Ramos Changing the name of Gubat District The Committee approved the bill. Hospital to Salvador R. Encinas District Hospital in Gubat,

HBs 2096, Rep. Villarica Establishing a public hospital in the City of The Committee approved the three bills. 2097 & 2098 Meycauayan and in the Municipalities of Obando and Marilao, all in the Province of and appropriating funds therefor

HB 2230 Rep. Sema Establishing a ten-bed capacity district The Committee approved the bill. hospital in the Municipality of Parang, Province of to be known as the Parang District Hospital and appropriating funds therefor

HBs 31, 114, Reps. Rodriguez Increasing the bed capacity of various The Committee approved the nine bills subject 218, 374, (R.), Haresco, hospitals in certain parts of the country to the compliance with the requirements of the 1032, 1560, Eriguel, Del Mar, and appropriating funds therefor Department of Health (DOH) on increasing 1754,1755 & Romulo, hospital bed capacity. 2061 Marcos, Singson (R.) & Romualdo

HB 259 Rep. Tan (A.) Establishing a national plan for The Committee instructed the Secretariat to tuberculosis (TB) prevention, detection, prepare the Substitute Bill to HBs 259, 299 and

treatment and control and providing 3178.

reliable drugs supply and free laboratory

monitoring service to TB patient

HB 299 Rep. Magsaysay Prohibiting spitting in public places,

appropriating funds therefor

HB 3178 Rep. Tan (A.) Promoting the treatment and eradication of

TB, amending for the purpose Sec. 12 of

RA 7875, as amended by RA 10606,

instituting a National Health Insurance

Program for all and establishing

the Philippine Health Insurance

Corporation (PhilHealth)

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Continuation… HBs 62, 220 Reps. Del Regulating the importation, manufacture, The Committee instructed the Secretariat to Health & 1904 Rosario (A.G.), sale and distribution of children’s toys, prepare the Substitute Bill to HBs 62, 220, Cruz-Gonzales school supplies, childcare articles and 1904, 2340 and 2860. & Yap (S.) other related products containing toxic chemicals

HB 2340 Rep. Tan (A.) Banning the importation, manufacture, sale or distribution in commerce of children’s food and beverage containers containing bisphenol A, providing penalties for violations thereof

HB 2860 Rep. Bravo (A.) Prohibiting the sale of toys and other articles containing phthalates to children three years of age and below

HB 409 Rep. Yap (S.) Prohibiting public and private hospitals The Committee instructed the Secretariat to from requiring the payment of money upon prepare the Substitute Bill to HBs 409, 415 and registered nurses who want to gain work 2145. experience, providing penalties for violations thereof

HB 415 Rep. Yap (A.) Protecting the welfare of registered nurses by prohibiting public and private hospitals from charging or requiring the payment of money for volunteer or training work, providing penalties for violations thereof

HB 2145 Rep. De Jesus Prohibiting exploitative ‘volunteerism’ of nurses in the Philippine health care system

Higher and HB 354 Rep. Imposing a three-year moratorium on The Joint Committee, presided by Pasig City Technical Colmenares tuition and other fee increases on all Rep. Roman Romulo, Chair of the Committee Education jt. w/ educational institutions on Higher and Technical Education, and Rep. Basic Education Magnolia Rosa Antonino-Nadres (4th District, and Culture Nueva Ecija), Vice Chair of the Committee on Basic Education and Culture, agreed to create a technical working group (TWG) to study the bill further.

Representatives from the Commission on Higher Education (CHED), Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA), Local Universities and Colleges (LUCs), State Universities and Colleges (SUCs), Coordinating Council of Private Educational Associations (COCOPEA), Philippine Association of State Colleges and Universities (PASCU) and the Association of Local Colleges and Universities (ALCU) were requested to submit to the Joint Committee their respective comments and recommendations on the bill.

HB 698 Rep. Regulating the tuition and other fees of The Committee will deliberate further on HB Colmenares private education institutions, thereby 698 in its next meeting. amending Batas Pambansa Blg. 232, as amended, creating a private school fee The Chair requested the resource persons regulatory board present to submit to the Committee their position papers on the bill.

HB 931 Rep. Tieng Prohibiting the withholding of students’ The Committee agreed to create a TWG to official records for transfer purposes by study the bill further. reason of non-payment of school tuition fees and other necessary fees The CHED was requested to furnish the 5

Continuation… Committee a copy of memorandum orders, Higher and policies and guidelines being implemented by Technical the agency prohibiting the withholding of Education jt. w/ students’ official records for non-payment of Basic Education tuition fees. Likewise, school associations and Culture present during the meeting were asked to submit to the Committee their comments and recommendations on the bill.

HB 1099, Reps. Ridon, Penalizing the imposition of a ‘No Permit, The Committee agreed to create a TWG to 2059, 2747, Ferriol, Teodoro, No Exam’ policy or any such policy that harmonize the provisions of the six bills, taking 2898, 3091 Villar, Umali & prohibits students from taking their into consideration the comments and & 3405 Romulo periodic or final examination due to unpaid recommendations to be submitted by the tuition and other school fees stakeholders present during the meeting.

HR 25 Rep. Sy- Inquiry into the alleged violations of the The Committee decided to refer back to the Alvarado proper sharing of the proceeds of tuition Committee on Rules in HR 25 for a change in fee increases imposed by various committee referral. educational institutions A similar issue to the one raised in HR 25 was a subject of an inquiry by the Committee on Labor and Employment during the 15th Congress.

Housing and Substitute Reps. Biazon, Prescribing the mechanisms to facilitate The Committee, chaired by Rep. Alfredo Urban Bill to HBs Violago, the disposition of idle government-owned “Albee” Benitez (3rd District, Negros Development 533, 1765, Bagatsing, lands for socialized housing Occidental), approved the substitute bill to 88, 2706 & Castelo & HBs 533, 1765, 88, 2706 and 165 and the 165 Singson (E.) corresponding Committee Report.

Substitute Reps. Olivarez Creating a local housing board in every The Committee approved the substitute bill to Bill to HBs & Biazon city and first to third class municipality, HBs 263 and 531 and the corresponding 263 & 531 providing for its powers and defining its Committee Report. duties and functions

HR 293 Rep. Yap (S.) Enjoining the Housing and Urban The Committee adopted HR 293 and Development Coordinating Council approved the corresponding Committee (HUDCC) to immediately conduct a review Report. of the implementation of RA 9653, otherwise known as the Rent Control Act Rep. (2nd District, Tarlac), in her of 2009, and to submit to Congress its resolution, stated that under Section 15 of RA recommendations on the propriety of 9653, the HUDCC is mandated to “conduct extending rental regulations as mandated every three years from the effectivity of the Act by Section 15 of the same Act a review of its implementation and a study on rental regulation; and to submit to Congress its recommendation on whether a continuing regulation is still necessary or deregulation is already warranted.” However, three years have already elapsed since the passage of RA 9653 and the HUDCC has yet to conduct its review of the law’s implementation.

Rep. Yap inquired on the definite time by which the HUDCC would be able to complete its review of the said law.

HUDCC Director of Policy Group Ronald Fontamillas promised to submit to the Committee an official statement on the matter next week.

Natural HB 1085 Rep. Evardone Declaring the Province of Eastern a The Committee, chaired by Rep. Francisco Resources mining-free zone and providing penalties “Lalo” Matugas (1st District, ), for violations thereof approved HB 1085.

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Continuation… HB 171 Rep. Re-orienting the Philippine Mining The Committee agreed to create a technical Natural Colmenares Industry, ensuring the highest industry working group (TWG) to consolidate the four Resources development standards bills.

HBs 984 & Reps. Baguilat & Regulating the rational exploration, To be headed by Rep. Teddy Brawner 2486 Teodoro development and utilization of mineral Baguilat Jr., the TWG is set to meet on resources, and ensuring the equitable December 16, 2013. The resource persons sharing of benefits for the State, are requested to submit their respective indigenous peoples and local communities position papers on the measures on or before December 9, 2013. Representatives from the HB 2888 Rep. Ongsiako Instituting independent health and cement industry and small-scale miners will Reyes environmental assessment for all mining also be invited. projects, amending for the purpose the Philippine Mining Act of 1995 The TWG is expected to complete its task by March 2014.

National Privilege Rep. Teves On the alleged anomalous utilization of P1 The Committee, presided by its Vice Chair Defense and Speech billion calamity fund in Rep. Gabriel Quisumbing (6th District, Cebu), Security will deliberate further on the issues raised in the privilege speech in its next meeting.

Rep. Pryde Henry Teves (3rd District, Negros Oriental) called for a review of the process being observed in the utilization of the calamity fund and the control mechanisms being adopted by concerned government agencies to prevent fund misuse.

Citing poorly done and unfinished repair and rehabilitation projects in Negros Oriental despite the release of millions of pesos from the calamity fund, Rep. Teves is convinced that the current system failed to safeguard the funds against misuse.

Rep. Teves further questioned the authority of local government units (LGUs) to identify projects to be funded by the calamity fund which, he opined, can be influenced by politics. He explained that none of the eleven repair and rehabilitation projects supposed to be for the entire Province of Negros Oriental benefitted the First District which was also hit by the two calamities that struck the province last year.

Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) Director Constante Llanes clarified that the DPWH had no hand in the design or implementation of the projects mentioned by Rep. Teves because the project proposals were directly submitted by the provincial government to the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC).

Llanes added that the proposed repair and rehabilitation projects did not comply with existing guidelines for infrastructure projects which include the submission by the DPWH Regional Director of a situational report on the damaged road or bridge or other facilities; and the submission of programs of work, detailed engineering design and cost estimates.

Office of Civil Defense (OCD) Undersecretary

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Continuation… Pio Lorenzo Batino claimed that the OCD did National not know about the requirements of the DPWH Defense and when the project proposals were processed. Security Batino added that based on the presumption that interagency coordination were already made at the regional level, the OCD processed the papers based on the requirements it knew at that time.

Commenting on Rep. Teves’ allegation that the Governor of Negros Oriental disregarded the “negative Special Allotment Release Order (SARO)” for the 11 repair and rehabilitation projects, Commission on Audit (COA) Regional Director Sabiniano Cabatuan said that this is the first time in his thirty five years stint in the Commission that he has ever heard of somebody disregarding a negative SARO. He explained that the Department of Budget and Management (DBM) withdraws the issuance of a SARO (called a negative SARO) if certain requirements have not been complied with.

In his privilege speech, Rep, Teves claimed that the SARO for the P1 billion calamity fund allocated for Negros Oriental in June 2012 was withdrawn by the DBM. Despite the negative SARO, the Provincial Governor proceeded with the bidding and awarding of contracts for 11 projects, illegally utilizing the initial fund release of about P480 million.

Rep. George Arnaiz (2nd District, Negros Oriental) also asked how contractors are invited to participate in the public bidding considering that no local contractor was able to bag any of the eleven contracts.

Negros Oriental Provincial Treasurer Danilo Mendez said that the technical working group created by the province’s Bids and Awards Committee and tasked to determine the eligibility of contractors to join the bidding had invited local contractors but they did not participate in the bidding process.

The Provincial Government of Negros Oriental was requested to submit copies of vouchers and check payments on the disbursement of the P480 million calamity fund. It was likewise asked to submit copies of the programs of work for the 11 projects.

The DBM will be invited to attend the Committee’s next meeting to shed light on the issue.

Overseas Substitute Rep. Yap (S.), Establishing a credit assistance program The Committee, chaired by Rep. Walden Bello Workers Affairs Bill to HBs Majority Leader for overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) (Party-List, AKBAYAN), approved the 157, 1067, Gonzales, Rep. Committee Report on the Substitute Bill to 1373 & 1759 Revilla & HBs 157, 1067, 1373 and 1759. Violago

HBs 156, Reps. Yap (S.), Governing the operations and The Committee directed the Secretariat to draft 2053 & 3254 Gatchalian (S.) administration of the Overseas Workers a substitute bill. & Violago Welfare Administration (OWWA)

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Continuation… HR 52 Rep. Ilagan Inquiry into the violent dispersal of OFWs The Committee will continue its inquiry into the Overseas in the “tent city” at the Philippine Embassy issues raised in HRs 52 and 53 in its next Workers Affairs in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia meeting.

HR 53 Rep. Ilagan Expressing the sense of the House of Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) Representatives condemning in the Undersecretary Jesus Yabes said that the strongest terms possible the June 30 to Saudization policy of the Saudi government July 04 violent dispersal of OFWs in Tent implemented on November 04, 2013 is a way City in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia and strongly of getting rid of all illegal migrants in Saudi urging the Department of Foreign Affairs Arabia to address the 20% unemployment rate (DFA) and Department of Labor and of its citizens. This policy, he added, affected Employment (DOLE) to recall Philippine over 196,000 undocumented overseas Filipino Ambassador to Saudi Arabia Ezzedrin workers (OFWs). Of this number, about 53,000 Tago, Labor Attache Adam Musa and were allowed to transfer employment, 104,000 Welfare Officer Abdullah Umpa for were allowed to change profession, while ordering the Saudi Police to conduct the almost 39,000 OFWs were allowed to leave dispersal the country.

Rep. Carlos Isagani Zarate (Party List, BAYAN MUNA) asked Yabes to provide the details of the reported violent dispersal of OFWs in the tent city at the Philippine Embassy in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.

Yabes, quoting the incident report sent to him by Philippine Ambassador Ezzedin Tago, denied the existence of a tent city within the compound of the Philippine Embassy in Riyadh, adding that it is located in Jeddah.

Citing the same report, Yabes said the OFWs were demonstrating in front of the Philippine Overseas Labor Office (POLO) until 11:00 pm of that particular day when they were dispersed by the Saudi police. He stressed that no Embassy or POLO officer called the police to implement the alleged crackdown.

However, Tago’s report was contradicted by Richard Pandol and Marvin Payangco, both OFWs who experienced the violent dispersal that affected even women and children. Pandol added that a stun-gun was used on him. He added that there are photos and video recordings of the incident.

According to HRs 52 and 53, tent cities were put up in Riyadh and Jeddah by stranded OFWs affected by the Saudization policy while asking Philippine Embassy officials to facilitate their immediate repatriation.

HR 22 Rep. Bello Inquiry into the reported sexual The Committee will continue its inquiry into the exploitation of female overseas Filipino issues raised in HRs 22 and 43 in its next workers (OFWs) by some Department of meeting. Foreign Affairs (DFA) and Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) personnel On the query of Rep. Juan Johnny Revilla posted in several Middle Eastern countries (Party-List, OFW) on whether appropriate charges have already been filed against the HR 43 Rep. Dela Cruz Inquiry into the ‘sex-for-flight’, human abusive personnel of the DOLE, Lawyer Claro trafficking and other abusive and illegal Arellano of the Department of Justice (DOJ) acts committed against Filipino overseas affirmed that the charge of attempted rape has workers, migrants and travelers by been filed against a certain Jose Casicas while unscrupulous government officials, charges of attempted rape and abuse against recruiters, foreign employers and other chastity have been filed against a certain persons or entities Antonio Villafuerte. Similarly, rape charges

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Continuation… against Elkee Malvas of the DFA are currently Overseas pending at the Pasay City Regional Trial Court. Workers Affairs Arellano added that the preliminary investigation on the said cases would be over by the year end and that the cases are expected to be resolved by January 2014.

Science & Substitute Reps. Yap (A.), Providing for the modernization of the The Committee, chaired by Rep. (1st Technology Bill to HBs Teodoro, Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and District, ), approved the 419, 1185, Abayon, Astronomical Services Administration substitute bill subject to style and 1427, 1486 Mercado- (PAGASA), providing funds therefor amendments. & 2802 Revilla & Arroyo (D.) One of the discussions in this meeting centered on the appropriate level of positions and salaries of PAGASA officials and employees. The representative of the Department of Budget and Management (DBM), for one, does not agree to elevating the rank of PAGASA administrator to that of a department undersecretary. DBM Systems and Productivity Improvement Bureau Assistant Director Edgardo Macaranas noted that the intention of elevating the rank of PAGASA administrator is only to increase the pay and not for the reason that the administrator exercises the same functions as that of an undersecretary, which should be the justification for elevating ranks in government offices.

Department of Science and Technology (DOST) Assistant Secretary for Finance Oswaldo Santos stressed the importance of providing competitive salaries and benefits to PAGASA personnel considering their technical expertise. He said the agency is losing its employees to international companies or institutions which offer high-paying jobs.

PAGASA Administrator (OIC) Vicente Malano echoed the position of the DOST Assistant Secretary, hoping that Congress will pass a law that would give additional compensation to the highly technical personnel positions in PAG-ASA.

Transportation Substitute Rep. Manalo Establishing the Martime Industry The Committee, chaired by Rep. Bill to HB Authority (MARINA) as the single maritime Cesar Sarmiento, approved the Substitute Bill 719 & HR administration responsible for the to HB 719 & HR 347. 347 implementation and enforcement of the International Convention on the Standards of Training, Certification, and Watchkeeping for Seafarers and International Agreements or covenants related thereto

Substitute Rep. Rodriguez Expressing the support of the House of The Committee adopted the Substitute Resolution (R.) Representatives of the Philippines for Resolution to HR 275. to HR 275 Taiwan’s meaningful participation in the mechanism of the International Civil In its previous meeting, the Committee Aviation Organization (ICAO) adopted HR 275 in principle subject to amendments, including the use of appropriate diplomatic terminologies to be suggested by the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA). In today’s hearing, DFA Director Shirlene

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Continuation… Mananquil conveyed the Department’s Transportation approval of the terminologies used in the substitute resolution.

AGENCY BRIEFINGS

COMMITTEE SUBJECT MATTER DISCUSSIONS

Bases Conversion Briefing by the Bases Conversion and The Committee, chaired by Rep. Cinchona Cruz-Gonzales (Party-List, (Special Committee) Development Authority (BCDA) on its mandate, CIBAC), listened to the briefing conducted by BCDA President and accomplishments, plans, programs and projects Chief Executive Officer Arnel Paciano Casanova.

Casanova said the BCDA was created to accelerate the sound and balanced conversion of the Clark and Subic military reservations and their extensions, and portions of military camps in Metro Manila into alternative productive uses. Another mandate of the BCDA is to promote the economic and social development of the country, particularly of Central Luzon. Thus, it has raised funds for the rehabilitation and reconstruction of Central and Northern Luzon which were severly affected by a strong earthquake and the eruption of Mt. Pinatubo in the 1990s.

The BCDA counts the development of the Bonifacio Global City and Newport City, and the completion of the Subic-Clark-Tarlac Expressway (SCTEX) as among its major accomplishments in the past. However, Casanova said, the BCDA continues to develop big- ticket projects such as the proposed Clark Green City, the core of the new metropolitan area in Central Luzon; Poro Point, the gateway to the rest of the Northern Luzon and the Cordilleras; Clark International Airport; and a high-speed railway connecting Metro Manila and Clark.

Reacting to allegations that the AFP Modernization Fund was misused, Casanova explained that the BCDA has remitted P300 million to the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) to finance the preparation of the relocation site for the AFP personnel affected by the disposition of Metro Manila Camps. He added that the BCDA also remitted P7.95 billion to the Bureau of Treasury out of which P7.36 billion was released by the Department of Budget and Management (DBM) to the Department of National Defense (DND) for the replication of AFP facilities.

The Committee manifested full support for the plans, programs and projects of the BCDA.

Economic Affairs jt. w/ Briefing by the Philippine Economic Zone The Joint Committee, presided by Rep. Enrique Cojuangco (1st Trade and Industry Authority (PEZA) District, Tarlac), Chair of the Committee on Economic Affairs, and Rep. Anthony del Rosario (1st District ), Vice Chair of the Committee on Trade and Industry, listened to the briefing conducted by PEZA Director General Lilia de Lima.

De Lima said the PEZA is an investment promotion and incentive granting agency attached to the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) tasked to reinforce the government’s efforts to promote investments, create employment and generate exports.

Since 1995, PEZA has ceased to develop economic zones and instead encouraged the private sector to take the lead at no cost to the government.

De Lima added that except for the three Public Economic Zones in , and Zamboanga which were established under the Export Processing Zone Authority (EPZA), all other PEZA Economic Zones were developed by the private sector in partnership or joint venture with foreign companies, thus making PEZA a private oriented 11

Continuation… agency. Economic Affairs jt. w/ Trade and Industry De Lima explained that investors choose the Philippines because of the country’s competitive edge when it comes to labor and business policies and incentives.

Housing and Urban Briefing on the status of the provision of shelter The Committee, chaired by Rep. Alfredo “Albee” Benitez (3rd District, Development to the victims of Super Typhoon Yolanda being ), listened to the briefing on the status of the shelter undertaken by the following government programs being undertaken by the Departments of the Interior and agencies: Local Government (DILG), Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) and Public Works and Highways (DPWH), and the National Housing Authority (NHA) for the victims of Super Typhoon Yolanda, particularly those in Eastern Visayas.

 Department of the Interior and Local DILG Bureau of Local Government Supervision Director Manuel Gotis Government (DILG) disclosed that the DILG has no specific shelter program for the victims of Super Typhoon Yolanda. However, he said, the Office of the President (OP) has designated the DILG to lead the Peace and Order Cluster, which was created by the OP along with four other clusters, to address the needs of the typhoon-affected areas. The other clusters and their respective lead agencies are as follows:  Food and Water – DSWD  Shelter and Reconstruction – DPWH  Livelihood, Employment, Agriculture and Commerce – Department of Trade and Industry (DTI)  Health and Education–Department of Education (DepEd)

 Department of Social Welfare and On the query of Rep. Benitez on the number of Yolanda victims that Development (DSWD) need shelter, DSWD Disaster Response Operations Monitoring and Information Office Director (OIC) Felix Armeña said that based on the latest report, there are 1,103,628 affected families that need shelter: 530,479 families have homes totally damaged while 573,149 families have partially damaged houses.

Armeña said that the DSWD will provide P5,000 worth of housing supply and materials for each of the families whose houses were partially damaged. On the other hand, those with totally damaged houses will be given shelter assistance of up to P100,000 each under the Department’s core shelter assistance project.

But since the DPWH is the lead agency of the Shelter and Reconstruction Cluster, DSWD’s shelter assistance will be transferred to the DPWH, Armeña said.

 Department of Public Works and DPWH Bureau of Construction Assistant Director Aristarco Doroy Highways (DPWH) explained that the Department is involved in three key activities of the Shelter and Reconstruction Cluster for Super Typhoon Yolanda- affected areas, namely: site identification and selection; site development and temporary shelter construction; and housing supply and materials program.

Doroy said that the identification of resettlement sites is on-going. For some places in and Samar, the DPWH has already identified the relocation sites, subject to validation if these sites are ready for construction.

With regard to the construction of temporary shelters/ bunkhouses which the DPWH is undertaking in partnership with the NHA, Doroy said there are areas, like Tacloban City and Palo, Leyte, where contractors have already been mobilized for the purpose.

Doroy said that the DPWH aims to complete the construction of bunkhouses for 2,000 families by the end of December and additional bunkhouses for 3,000 families by January 2014.

As discussed by Doroy, shelter assistance package will be provided 12

Continuation… to the victims of Super Typhoon Yolanda depending on the extent of Housing and Urban damage on their houses. Development  National Housing Authority (NHA) Being a member agency of the Shelter and Reconstruction Cluster, NHA Visayas Program Manager Grace Guevarra said the NHA will provide home material assistance worth P5,000.00 per family for victims whose houses were partially damaged; and resettlement for those whose houses were totally damaged.

Guevarra also informed the Committee that the NHA has started validating the figures from the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC) to come up with the total number of beneficiaries who will benefit from the NHA’s shelter program.

NHA is still identifying the permanent resettlement sites for those informal settler families (ISFs) that built their houses on the no-build zones prior to the devastation of Super Typhoon Yolanda, Guevara further said. It also does not have at the moment the exact number of ISFs affected by Yolanda, Guevarra said in response to the question of Rep. Amado Bagatsing (5th District, Manila).

To clearly distinguish the tasks between the DPWH and NHA with regard to the provision of housing, Guevarra informed the Committee that the DPWH is in-charge of the construction of temporary shelters; and the NHA is in-charge of the construction of resettlement areas/permanent housing. But the two agencies will coordinate with each other in the performance of their respective tasks.

On the query of Rep. Benitez if there is enough budget for the rehabilitation plan for Yolanda-affected areas, Guevarra said that current funds are inadequate, thus the NHA will request for additional funds. The NHA already requested the realignment of its remaining calamity fund for the current year estimated at P500 million to be used for the shelter program for Super Typhoon Yolanda victims. But this amount is too small considering that the total fund requirement amounts to P59.3 billion.

Rep. Susan Yap (2nd District, Tarlac) said it is about time for the country to study the design of houses it builds to make them more resilient to natural calamities. Due to climate change, equally or more devastating typhoons than Yolanda might again visit the country, she warned.

The Committee will invite in its next meeting the heads of government agencies involved in the rehabilitation efforts to discuss their respective plans for the areas affected by recent natural calamities and the corresponding budget requirements.

Population and Family Briefing by the Department of Health (DOH) on The Committee, chaired by Biliran Rep. Rogelio Espina, listened to Relations family health and well-being of senior citizens the briefing conducted by the Department of Health (DOH) on family health and the well-being of senior citizens.

Dr. Rosalie Paje, DOH Family Health Office head, apprised the Committee of the government’s Universal Health Care (UHC) Program which ensures that all Filipinos, particularly the poor, are able to access quality health services at affordable cost. The program will also help in attaining health-related Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) including reducing child mortality, improving maternal health, and combatting HIV/AIDs, malaria and other diseases.

Remedios Guerrero, Supervising Health Program Officer for Degenerative Diseases of the DOH, reported that as the proportion of older persons rises worldwide, there will also be more challenges in caring for the aging population. It is estimated that there will be approximately 19.6 million Filipinos (13.8% of the total population) over the age of 60 by 2040.

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Continuation… Cognizant of the growing concerns of the older population, Guerrero Population and Family said the government has been filling the gaps, such as granting the Relations senior population with benefits and privileges to improve their quality of life in their remaining years.

She added that in 2013, the DOH, in compliance with the Senior Citizens Act (RA 9994), as amended, has provided 1.10 million influenza vaccines and 77,316 pneumococcal vaccines to indigent senior citizens for free. The Department also conducts yearly fitness and wellness camps for senior citizens and spearheads the celebration of the Elderly Filipino Week every year.

The DOH, in coordination with the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD), implements livelihood programs for the senior citizens, Geurrero said in reply to the query of Rep. Elisa “Olga” Kho (2nd District, ).

Briefing by the Commission on Population on Dr. Juan Antonio Perez III, Executive Director of the Commission on the government’s Philippine Population Population, reported that the Philippine population ballooned from Management Program 27.09 million in 1960 to almost five times over in 2010 at 92.34 million.

Perez said the Commission will continue to establish policies, plans and programs that will manage the population growth in consideration of the available resources and sustainable environmental conditions. The major programs of the Commission are as follows: responsible parenthood and family planning programs; reproductive health program; adolescent health and youth development program; population and development integration program; and gender and development program.

Noting the higher fertility rates in rural areas (3.6%) compared to urban areas (2.7%), Rep. Espina asked whether it is possible to give financial incentives to men and women in rural areas who undergo vasectomy or tubal ligation. Perez said it is incumbent upon the local government unit (LGU) to initiate such a program. He cited a similar program being implemented by the local government of Davao City which explains why it holds the record of having the highest number of women and men who undergo tubal ligation and vasectomy.

Rep. Anthony del Rosario (1st District, Davao del Norte) said that many LGUs in his district implement the same program except that they are discreet about it to avoid running into conflict with certain sectors especially the Catholic Church.

Public Works and Briefing by the Department of Public Works and The Committee, chaired by Benguet Rep. Ronald Cosalan, listened to Highways Highways (DPWH) the presentation of DPWH officials on the guidelines and requirements for road conversion, creation of district engineering offices and acquisition of road right-of-way.

Engr. Edwin Fortes of the Department’s Statistics Division informed the Committee of the requirements, guidelines and procedures for converting local roads into national roads including local roads with a length of about 20 kilometers which are connected to national roads; local roads connecting cities or local tourist destinations; and local roads leading to ports or major public infrastructures.

On the other hand, DPWH Human Resource and Administrative Service Director Angela Abiqui explained the parameters for the creation of a district engineering office (DEO) which are based on the following factors: length of existing roads in the province, land area, arable area, and population of the province.

On the matter of acquiring road right-of-way, Engr. Divinia Riding recommended the amendment of RA 8974 or the law which facilitates the acquisition of right-of-way, site or location for National

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Continuation… Government infrastructure projects in order to address the conflict Public Works and between the DPWH and the land owners pertaining to the valuation of Highways lands that are subject for acquisition.

Southern Tagalog Briefing by the following government agencies The Committee, chaired by Rep. Isidro Rodriguez, Jr. (2nd District, Development (Special on their respective plans and programs for ), listened to the briefing conducted by the Department of Trade Committee) Southern Tagalog (Region IV-A and Region IV- and Industry and Department of Tourism Regional Directors for B) and .

 Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) DTI CALABARZON (Region IV-A) Regional Director Marilou Toledo presented to the Committee the DTI’s enterprise and industrial development plans and programs in Region IV-A.

Toledo boasts of streamlining the business permit and licensing system (BPLS) which is already in place in 92% of all local government units (LGUs) in the region and is expected to be implemented in all LGUs by 2015. Through this improvement, she added, business permits and licenses can now be issued within ten minutes upon submission of all the requirements.

On the DTI’s Shared Service Facilities (SSFs) Program, Toledo said 106 SSFs amounting to about P77 million have been approved for Region IV-A for 2013. To date, 75 SSFs were already delivered to intended beneficiaries. SSFs are processing or livelihood equipment or facilities for the common use of community-based cooperatives and farmer groups to improve product quality and increase production output.

DTI Regional Director (OIC) for MIMAROPA (Region IV-B) Joel Valera likewise reported to the Committee that the electronic BPLS is now also being used by Region IV-B, except for , which greatly facilitated the processing of business permits and licenses. For SSFs, 17 projects costing P13.67 million were approved for implementation in Region IV-B. These consist of centers, facilities and equipment for the processing of, among others, coco coir/coconut- based products, stonecraft, food and seaweed.

According to Valera, the development of the region is closely tied with the tourism industry. ’s tourism sites as well as festivals in other provinces boost the region’s economic standing. Marine resources are also competitive, particularly the tuna fish in General Santos City, which is actually a viable export business, he said.

Valera informed the Committee that the Region will be launching its 1st Agriculture, Trade and Tourism Fair in November 2014.

He lamented though that due to its “archipelagic” nature, Region IV-B remains to be one of the poorest regions in the country. He added that the distances between the islands slow down the momentum for industry development in the area.

 Department of Tourism (DOT) Department of Tourism (DOT)–Region IV Product Development Head Basilisa Mendoza presented the Department’s ecotourism plans and programs for Regions IV-A and IV-B.

The DOT provides technical assistance and advice to local government units (LGUs) on the development and promotion of tourist destinations such as the conduct of a carrying capacity study, conduct of visitor satisfaction surveys, product development, and media invitational tour program. The Department also implements capability- building projects for LGUs and industry workers such as seminars and training programs for ecotourism and tourism awareness, tourist reception and guiding techniques, naturalist/eco-guiding techniques and disaster management and preparedness.

With regard to its regulatory function, the DOT conducts inspection,

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Continuation… classification and accreditation of tourism establishments. Southern Tagalog Development (Special On the query of Rep. Luis “Jon-jon” Ferrer IV (6th District, ), Committee) DOT Regional Director Rebecca Labit said the Department does not accredit organizers of local festivals and other local events but only assists LGUs in the promotion of these festivals.

Tourism Briefing by the following agencies attached to The Committee, chaired by Rep. Rene Relampagos (1st District, the Department of Tourism (DOT) on their Bohol), listened to the briefing conducted by officials of the following respective mandates, accomplishments, plans agencies attached to the Department of Tourism (DOT) on their and programs respective mandates, accomplishments, plans and programs.

 Intramuros Administration (IA) Administrator Marco Antonio Luisito Sardillo III said the Intramuros Administration will continue to pursue its mandate of implementing the restoration and redevelopment plan of Intramuros and promoting Intramuros as a national heritage site by forging strategic partnerships with concerned agencies and entities.

Sardillo informed the Committee that based on the Intramuros Master Plan (IMP) and Intramuros Redevelopment Plan (IRP), the IA has restored and rehabilitated Fort Santiago and reconstructed some of the buildings damaged during World War II including the famous walls of Intramuros, the Baluarte de San Miguel, Baluarte de Santa Barbara, Almacenes Reales and the Maestranza Project.

Other restoration and redevelopment projects inside the Intramuros complex will be pursued to make the place a premier historical and tourism site and increase its contribution to the national economy.

 National Parks Development Virgines Aguirre, NPDC Finance and Administration Services head, Committee (NPDC) said the agency is mandated to develop, preserve and manage the Rizal and Paco Parks in Manila and the Pook ni Maria Makiling Forest Park in Los Baños, and other parks that may be assigned to it.

Aguirre said that the NPDC has completed projects in Rizal Park this year which are as follows:  Rehabilitation of the Burnham Green Pavement;  Construction of the Senior Citizen’s Garden;  Fabrication and installation of entrance gates and pedestrian promenade;  Rehabilitation of the Kanlungan ng Sining; and  Rehabilitation of the open air auditorium.

Projects that are still at the construction stage are the Noli Me Tangere Visitor’s Center and the Kilometer Zero-National Monument Hardscape and Softscape Redevelopment, she added.

 Nayong Pilipino Foundation (NPF) Executive Director Apolonio Anota Jr. said the NPF aims to promote understanding, appreciation and enjoyment of the Philippine’s rich cultural and natural heritage to the public and to ensure the commemorative integrity of the country’s history for present and future generations.

Anota informed the Committee that the NPF manages and operates the Colonial Plaza and the Chosen Island within the Clark Expo site in . To date, the Nayong Pilipino sa Clark Expo (NPCE) has achieved its purpose and has become a catalyst of cultural- educational tourism in the north.

He added that the Nayong Pilipino Dance Troupe and Rondalla Ensemble perform in the NPCE, showcasing the richness of the country’s music and dance. Other park offerings include a museum which exhibits a collection of the most beautiful weaves in the Philippines and a fish feeding station.

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Continuation…  Philippine Commission on Sports PCSSD Executive Director Karen Chan said the Commission which Tourism Scuba Diving (PCSSD) was created in 1979, is mandated to promulgate programs and projects geared for the development of the country as a premier diving area in Asia; formulate rules, regulations, and safety standards for sports scuba diving; recommend possible incentives to encourage investments in projects beneficial to the development of scuba diving tourism; and to implement programs on marine conservation.

Chan said that diving, as a sport, is regarded as one of the top tourists’ activities in the country even though it is not well- promoted. Popular diving sites are located in Palawan, , Bohol, Negros Oriental, Cebu and . She added that the Atlantis Beach Resort in Dumaguete City, which was named one of the best dive resorts in the world, is now fully operational.

She informed the Committee that the World Deep Philippines, a Dive Expo and Exhibition, was held in April this year at the Shangri-la Mactan Resort and Spa in Cebu which gathered over a hundred underwater federation leaders from around the world.

 Philippine Retirement Authority (PRA) PRA General Manager Apolonio Atienza Jr. said that the agency is a government-owned and controlled corporation (GOCC) created by virtue of Executive Order (EO) 1037 on July 4, 1985 and became an attached agency of the Department of Tourism (DOT) on May 12, 2009 under Republic Act 9593 or the Tourism Act of 2009.

Atienza said the PRA is mandated to develop and promote the Philippines as a retirement haven aimed at accelerating the social and economic development of the country, strengthening its foreign exchange position and providing a better quality of life to target retirees.

He reported that as of October 31, 2013, the Special Resident Retiree’s Visa (SRRV), a special non-immigrant visa which entitles foreign nationals from countries with diplomatic ties with the Philippines to reside in the country, has a net enrollment of 2,531. This shows an increase of 16.05% from last year’s enrolment of 2,181. Chinese nationals topped the list of foreign enrollees at 31.88% followed by Koreans at 22.16% and Taiwanese at 11.86%.

Atienza said the SRRV provides the following benefits:  Option to reside permanently in the Philippines;  Multiple entry privileges;  Exemption from the Bureau of Immigration Alien Certificate of Registration Card (ACR-I Card);  Exemption from Bureau of Customs (BOC) duties and taxes for the importation of household goods and personal effects up to US$7,000;  Exemption from paying tax pension and annuities;  Exemption from paying travel tax; and  Exemption from securing the Student’s Visa/Study permit.

The top ten retirement areas in the country deemed as retiree-friendly are the National Capital Region (NCR), Cebu, Pampanga, Cavite, , Rizal, Benguet, Laguna, and Bulacan.

Transportation Briefing by the Manila International Airport The Committee, chaired by Catanduanes Rep. Cesar Sarmiento, Authority (MIAA) on its mandate, plans and listened to the briefing conducted by MIAA Senior Assistant Manager projects for Security and Emergency Services Vicente Guerzon Jr. on its plans and projects for the development of the country’s airport facilities and services.

Guerzon reported that the MIAA continues to provide safe, efficient and reliable airport facilities for international and domestic air travel with the rehabilitation, repair and expansion of the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) Terminals I, II, III and IV and installation of 17

Continuation… flight monitoring equipment in NAIA Terminals II and IV. Transportation Rep. Carlo Lopez (2nd District, Manila) asked the MIAA on its plans of addressing the traffic congestion on roads leading to the airports. Guerzon informed the Committee that the Bases Conversion and Development Authority (BCDA) plans to put up a railway connecting the Global City in Taguig and NAIA. On the other hand, the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) also plans on constructing a skyway along Tramo to the Domestic Terminal and NIAA roads, he added.

Briefing by the Land Transportation Office LTO Chief Alfonso Tan Jr. updated the Committee on the plans and (LTO) on its mandate, plans, programs and programs of the LTO and the status of issuance and releasing of projects motor vehicle license plates.

The LTO’s plans and programs include the upgrading of the LTO’s information technology system, privatization of motor vehicle inspection, re-bidding of new identification contract, and rationalization of LTO offices.

On the delay in the issuance of motor vehicle license plates, Tan explained that the delay was due to the failure of private contractors to deliver the license plates on time. Some of the license plates delivered were also defective. He assured the Committee that the LTO is working on streamlining the process of registration and issuance of plates. The LTO will also closely collaborate with car manufacturers, assemblers and importers to be able to readily determine the number of new vehicles sold so that the LTO will be able to respond accordingly.

The new license plates will feature alphanumeric design such as three-letter and four-number combination for motor vehicles and two- letter and five-number combination for motorcycles.

The current license plate design - three letters and three numbers for motor vehicles and two letters and four numbers for motorcycles - has been in use since 1981.

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 18