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Vol. II No. 127 A publication of the Committee Affairs Department June 9, 2015

COMMITTEE MEETINGS MEASURES COMMITTEE PRINCIPAL SUBJECT MATTER ACTION TAKEN/DISCUSSION NO. AUTHOR Ecology Substitute Reps. Mercado- Regulating the production, importation, The Committee, chaired by Rep. Amado Bill to HBs Revilla, Fortun, sale, provision, use, recovery, collection, Bagatsing (5th District, ), deferred the 106, 359, Yap (S.), recycling and disposal of plastic bags approval of the Committee Report on the 394, 1624, Rodriguez (R.), substitute bill to resolve the issue raised by 3153, 3227, Mendoza (R.D.), Rep. Leah Paquiz (Party-List, ANG NARS). 3511, 3600, Singson (R.), & 5379 Paquiz, Primicias- Rep. Paquiz argued that the bill did not Agabas, & include provisions promoting the use of native Suansing reusable bags, among others, which her bill, HB 3511, proposes.

HB 3161 Rep. Erice Allowing the use of incinerators in burning The Committee deferred the approval of the municipal, bio-medical and hazardous Committee Report on HB 3161. wastes, amending for the purpose Section 20 of RA 8749, or the law providing for a Dr. Jorge Emmanuel, former chief technical comprehensive air pollution control advisor of the United Nations Development Program (UNDP) on global healthcare waste products, commented that the proposed law is a huge step backwards from the standpoint of the protection of public health, arguing that there is no such thing as clean incineration.

The Committee decided to resume deliberations on the bill to thresh out this issue.

HBs 2552, Reps. Mendoza Regulating the aerial spraying of The Committee will deliberate further on HBs 3381 & 3857 (R.D), Gutierrez pesticides and fungicides on agricultural 2552, 3381 and 3857 in its next meeting. & Ilagan crops and providing penalties for violation thereof Rep. Ma. Lourdes Acosta-Alba (1st District, ), speaking on behalf of the author of HB 2552 Rep. Raymond Democrito Mendoza

(Party-List, TUCP), said that the bill seeks to regulate aerial spraying or the applications of fertilizers, fungicides and other similar chemicals on crops from an aircraft for agricultural purposes by setting standards, creating an inter-agency monitoring support mechanism, and promoting strict compliance

to existing environmental and civil aviation laws and regulations.

Rep. Luzviminda Ilagan (Party-List, GABRIELA), author of HB 3857, said that the people living in banana plantations in Mindanao have been calling for the ban on aerial spraying as it contaminates the environment and “disrupts their lives.”

Juan Carlos Silva of Sentrong Alternatibong Lingap Panligal (SALIGAN) presented to the Committee the harmful effects of aerial spray Continuation… to health. Ecology On the other hand, Stephen Antig and Samson Villaver, Philippine Banana Growers and Exporters Association (PBGEA) representatives, explained that aerial spray is by far the most effective and less costly method of fungicide application in banana plantations and is relatively safe to use.

Energy Substitute Reps. Hicap, Declaring power infrastructure as projects The Committee, chaired by Rep. Reynaldo Bill to HBs Colmenares, of national significance, amending for the Umali (2nd District, ), approved 256, 351, Baguilat, Rivera, purpose certain provisions of RA 9136, the substitute bill with amendment. 987, 2922, Ridon, otherwise known as the Electric Power 3633, 3676, Evardone, Dela Industry Reform Act of 2001 (EPIRA) The Committee agreed to include a provision 3847, 3958, Cruz, in the bill that excludes the Agus and Polangui 4198, 4389, Masongsong, hydro power plants in Mindanao from 4422, 4479, Rodriguez (R.), privatization. 4761, 4763, Umali (R.), 4819 & Benitez, Rep. Luzviminda Ilagan (Party-List, 4822, HRs Oaminal, GABRIELA) manifested that she be removed 290, 326, Salimbangon, as one of the co-authors of the substitute bill, it 605, 609 & Mendoza (R.), being contrary to her privilege speech. 797, and Biazon, Privilege Belmonte (V.), Speeches De Jesus, Hicap, Ilagan & Bello (W.)

HB 4533 Rep. Abayon Providing for the restructuring of loan The Committee approved HB 4533. The obligation and condonation of interest and Secretariat was instructed to prepare the surcharges due, as well as other interest, corresponding Committee Report. that may accrue on the principal loan secured by Northern Electric Cooperative, Inc. (NORSAMELCO) payable to the Power Sector Assets and Liabilities Management Corporation (PSALM)

HB 4777 Rep. Further amending Sec. 26-B of PD 269, as The Committee agreed to create a technical Masongsong amended by RA 10531, otherwise known working group (TWG) to consolidate the two as the National Electrification bills and to craft a substitute bill. Administration Act of 2013 House Bill 4777, authored by Rep. Edgardo HB 4978 Rep. Paduano Further amending PD 269, as amended Masongsong (Party-List, I-CARE), seeks to amend the stringent qualification requirements for a director or officer of an electric cooperative.

On the other hand, House Bill 4978, authored by Rep. Joseph Stephen Paduano (Party-List, Abang Lingkod), seeks to allow barangay officials to run for a seat in the board of directors of electric cooperatives. It further proposes the creation of a screening committee that will set the qualifications of the candidates for the board.

Good HR 341 Rep. Barzaga Inquiry into the alleged P200 million scam The Committee, chaired by Rep. Oscar Government and in the Bureau of Plant Industry (BPI) of the Rodriguez (3rd District, ), terminated Public Department of Agriculture (DA) which its inquiry relative to the issues raised in HR Accountability allegedly allowed a certain Leah Cruz and 341. The Secretariat was directed to prepare her dummy companies to monopolize the the corresponding Committee Report. importation of garlic and onion in the country

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Continuation… HR 2134 Rep. Garcia (E.) Inquiry into the reported anomaly allegedly The Committee assumed jurisdiction over HR Good committed by the Bureau of Jail 2134. Government and Management and Penology (BJMP) on the Public disbursement of the subsistence The Committee shall include in its investigation Accountability allowances of inmates in various provincial alleged anomalies in the disbursement of the jails which were already shouldered and subsistence allowances of inmates in Camp paid for by the local government units Bagong Diwa. concerned

HR 2126 Rep. Magsaysay Inquiry into the alleged irregularities in the The Committee assumed jurisdiction over HR issuance of land titles brought about by 2126. approval of the application for free patent by the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR), in the light of a reported case involving land properties in Talisay, , and to recommend feasible solutions to end this nefarious activity thereby upholding the public trust in the Torrens System and rectifying the public perception against fraudulent issuance of land titles

HR 2151 Speaker Inquiry into the alleged bribery and The Committee assumed jurisdiction over HR Belmonte corruption activities involving Chinese 2151. national Wang Bo As stated in HR 2151, the Manila Standard Today published a series of articles alleging that officials of the Bureau of Immigration (BI) reversed a deportation order issued against Wang Bo, a Chinese national wanted by both Interpol and the Chinese government.

The newspaper likewise reported that the order to release Wang Bo was due to the intervention of certain BI Commissioners, allegedly in exchange for funds to be used by the Liberal Party to influence the outcome of the proposed Basic Law of the Autonomous Region.

BI Commissioner Siegfred Mison denied the reported involvement of the Liberal Party in the Wang Bo case and also denied accusations of bribery or any inappropriate act in the disposition of the case.

BI Associate Commissioners Abdullah Mangotara and Gilberto Repizo explained that technicalities in the authentication of the documents presented by the Chinese government was the basis for their vote to temporarily release Wang Bo. They also took exception to allegations of bribery.

The Secretary of the Department of Justice (DOJ), Wang Bo, and Cristine Herrera, the correspondent from Manila Standard, will be invited to attend the Committee’s next meeting.

Privilege Rep. Teves On the alleged questionable transactions The Committee assumed jurisdiction over the Speech of the Department of Agrarian Reform privilege speech delivered on May 11, 2015 by (DAR) regarding the release of tractors in Rep. Pryde Henry Teves (3rd District, Negros Regions VI, VII, VIII and other regions in Oriental). the country

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Government HB 4611 Rep. Guanlao Creating the National Food Security The Joint Committee, co-presided by Rep. Reorganization Council (NFSC), appropriating funds Pryde Henry Teves (3rd District, Negros jt. w/ Agriculture therefor Oriental), Vice Chair of the Committee on and Food and Government Reorganization, Rep. Evelina Food Security HB 5210 Rep. Castelo Creating the Office of National Food Escudero (1st District, ), for the (Special Security, appropriating P20 billion from the Committee on Agriculture, and Rep. Agapito Committee) funds of the Philippine Amusement and Guanlao (Party List – BUTIL), Chair of the Gaming Corporation (PAGCOR) and Special Committee on Food Security, agreed Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office to create a technical working group (TWG) to (PCSO) consolidate HBs 4611 and 5210.

Rep. Guanlao, author of HB 4611, explained that the creation of the National Food Security Council is aimed at harmonizing the programs and functions of and providing a single direction for the National Food Authority (NFA), National Irrigation Administration (NIA), Fertilizer and Pesticides Authority (FPA), and Philippine Coconut Authority (PCA) without effecting changes in their charters. HB 5210, on the other hand, focuses on the sources of funding for the Office of National Food Security.

The representatives from the Departments of Finance (DOF), Agrarian Reform (DAR), and Social Welfare and Development (DSWD), Food and Nutrition Research Institute (FNRI), Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation (PAGCOR), NFA, and NIA expressed their reservation on the bills.

On the other hand, the FPA supports the creation of a single government body that will focus on food production and sustainability.

Rep. Francisco Acedillo (Party-List, MAGDALO) requested the stakeholders to submit to the Committee their position papers on the bills within two weeks, based on his proposed framework of administrative feasibility, democratic and technocratic efficiency, and economic impact.

Health Substitute Reps. Calalay & Mandating the Philippine Health Insurance The Committee, chaired by Rep. Eufranio Bill to HB Bataoil Corporation (PhilHealth) to increase the “Franny” Eriguel (2nd District, ), 5403 & HR dialysis treatment coverage of members of approved the Substitute Bill to HB 5403 and 1516 the national health insurance program to HR 1516. 90 sessions per year

HB 1545 Rep. Increasing the bed capacity of Eversley The Committee approved HB 1545. Quisumbing Childs Sanitarium Hospital in from 50 to 100, upgrading its service facilities and professional healthcare, and appropriating funds therefor

HB 5431 Rep. Espina Establishing a maternal and child health The Committee agreed to create a technical care program to protect Filipino mothers working group (TWG), to be headed by and children from malnutrition, and Rep. , to deliberate further on appropriating funds therefor HB 5431.

Dr. Rosalie Paje of the Department of Health (DOH) said there is no need to enact a law that will establish a maternal and child health care program as the Department already implements programs addressing such

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Continuation… concerns. Health Philippine Legislators’ Committee on Population and Development (PLCPD) executive director Romeo Dongeto expressed support for the bill saying that it will institutionalize the programs of government and create a national policy on maternal and child healthcare.

Likewise, Ana Marie Rosaldo of the National Nutrition Council (NNC) supports the institutionalization of all government programs and policies on maternal and child healthcare.

HB 5449 Rep. Tan (A.) Institutionalizing the “no balance billing The Committee agreed to create a TWG, to be policy” in all accredited health care headed by Rep. Angelina “Helen” Tan (4th institutions District, ), to refine the bill.

PhilHealth vice president Francisco Soria said the National Health Insurance Act of 2013 already provides for the “no balance billing policy.”

HB 5449 defines “No Balance Billing” as referring to the government policy that no other fees or expenses shall be charged or paid by the “Sponsored Program members” of PhilHealth beyond the packaged rates.

Private Hospitals Association (PHAP) president Dr. Rustico Jimenez said that PHAP supports the bill.

Information and HR 1216 Rep. Romulo Inquiry into the reported delay in the The Committee, chaired by Rep. Communications promulgation of the Implementing Rules (2nd District, ), will deliberate further on Technology and Regulations (IRR) of Republic Act the issues raised in HR 1216 in its next 10173, or the Data Privacy Act of 2012, as meeting. well as the delay in the formal establishment of the National Privacy Deputy Executive Director Monchito Ibrahim of Commission created under the Act the Information and Communications Technology Office - Department of Science and Technology (ICTO-DOST) said that it is the Office of the President (OP) which should initiate the promulgation of the IRR since the National Privacy Commission is an agency under the OP.

On the query of Pasig City Rep. Roman Romulo on the consequences of the delayed promulgation of the IRR, Ibrahim stated that it puts the business process outsourcing (BPO) sector in a quandary. Major markets are already complaining that they are not assured of the country’s capability to secure the huge volume of sensitive data being transmitted electronically to the Philippines, he added.

The Committee agreed to invite representatives from the OP and the Department of Budget and Management (DBM) to respond to the queries of the Committee Members.

In the same light, the Committee inquired on the status of the IRR of RA 10175, otherwise

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Continuation… known as the Cybercrime Prevention Act. Information and Communications Sherwin Uy, investigation agent at the Technology Department of Justice (DOJ), informed the Committee that the IRR of RA 10175 was already approved and signed by the DOJ Secretary yesterday. The DOJ will endorse the IRR to the DOST and the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) for their approval.

TECHNICAL WORKING GROUP MEETINGS MEASURES COMMITTEE PRINCIPAL SUBJECT MATTER ACTION TAKEN/ DISCUSSION NO. AUTHOR Tourism HB 4496 Rep. Mandating natural resources and cultural The technical working group (TWG), chaired (Technical Relampagos heritage management through tourism by Rep. (3rd District, Cebu), Working Group) with the imposition of environmental fees approved the amendments to HB 4496. The or “green fees” for the use, preservation, bill shall be referred to the mother Committee conservation, development, promotion and for consideration and approval. protection of the country’s natural resources and cultural heritage The TWG agreed on the following amendments to HB 4496:  Section 4 (Coverage) shall be revised to read as: ”The Green Fee shall be imposed on all foreign visitors and guests holding a foreign passport and it will be a one-time fee that shall be collected in all major gateways in the country.”  The National Commission for Culture and the Arts (NCCA) shall be involved in the crafting of the proposed law’s implementing rules and regulations (IRR) (Section 9).

Transportation Draft Reps. Go (A.F.), Mandating the installation of closed circuit The technical working group (TWG), chaired (Technical Substitute Olivarez, television (CCTV) camera in public utility by Rep. Mariano Michael Velarde Jr. (Party- Working Group) Bill to HBs Velarde & vehicles and providing penalties for List, BUHAY), will deliberate further on the 1992, 3704, Castelo violation thereof draft substitute bill in its next meeting. 3755 & 5228 The TWG agreed on the following points:  The scope of the proposed law shall be expanded to include the installation of global positioning system (GPS) device in public utility vehicles;  “Shuttle bus” will be categorized as a public utility vehicle;  The terms “GPS tracking system” and “tampering” shall be defined in Section 3 (Definition of Terms);  The operator shall be given not more than six months from the promulgation of the implementing rules and regulations (IRR) of the law or upon the renewal of registration within which to comply with the requirements;  The Department of Justice (DOJ), Philippine National Police (PNP) and other stakeholders shall be involved in the formulation of the IRR. 6

Continuation… The TWG will invite representatives from the Transportation Department of Science and Technology (Technical (DOST), jeepney and taxi operators Working Group) associations, and suppliers of CCTV cameras to comment on the bill. The Department of Transportation and Communications (DOTC), Department of Trade and Industry (DTI), PNP, Land Transportation Office (LTO), Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) and Metro Manila Development Authority (MMDA) were requested to submit their official positions on Section 5 (Punishable Acts), Section 6 (Penal Provisions) and Section 7 (Use of CCTV Footages and Access to GPS Data) of the proposed law.

AGENCY BRIEFINGS

COMMITTEE SUBJECT MATTER DISCUSSIONS

Energy Report by the Energy Regulatory Commission The Committee, chaired by Rep. Reynaldo Umali (2nd District, Oriental (ERC) Investigation Unit (IU) on the MERALCO Mindoro), listened to the report of ERC-IU head Isabelo Joseph generation charge increase in December 2013 Tomas II on his office’s findings regarding the increase in MERALCO’s generation charge.

Tomas said that the said increase was brought about by several factors, such as:  Reduction of capacities of natural gas power plants due to the shutdown of the Malampaya power plant;  Outages of several power plants that caused generators to secure power from other sources, including the Wholesale Electricity Spot Market (WESM);  Unavailability of the high voltage direct current (HVDC) transmission line that was hit by Typhoon Yolanda to augment supply in Luzon;  Increase in demand during the shutdown;  Withholding of capacity that imposed constraint on the supply of electricity available to the market; and  Behavior of the industry participants, in terms of bid offers beyond operational costs, and violation of the WESM’s “Must Offer Rule.”

Asked on the steps undertaken on the report submitted by the IU, ERC executive director Francis Juan said that if there is prima facie evidence of anti-competitive behavior, charges shall be filed against violators. The ERC will then proceed to conduct the necessary proceedings and decide on the appropriate penalties.

Tomas said that his office will be able to complete the filing of complaints against the respondents within the week.

Rep. Umali requested the ERC to update the Committee on the matter.

Information and Briefing by the Information and Communications The Committee, chaired by Rep. Susan Yap (2nd District, Tarlac), Communications Technology Office – Department of Science and listened to the presentation of ICTO-DOST officials on the agency’s Technology Technology (ICTO-DOST) on its plans and plans and programs. programs, and its Free Public Wi-Fi Project ICTO deputy executive director Monchito Ibrahim enumerated the eight major programs of the ICTO-DOST for 2015, to wit:  National Connectivity – building the digital divide among communities; 7

Continuation…  ICT Ecosystem Development – formulation of an integrated Information and framework of networks, services, applications, and content; Communications  e-Filipino Development – improving ICT skills of different Technology groups of people;  e-Government Harmonization and Development Program – improving the Philippines’ ranking in the global eGovernment;  e-Civil Servants Development – improving ICT competencies of civil servants;  Next Wave Cities Program – increasing the overall IT-BPM (Business Process Management) employment share of the countryside;  ICT Enabled Startup Development – promoting entrepreneurship and leveraging the use of ICT to provide solutions for different industries through technology startups; and  Stepping Up the Value Chain – strengthening the country’s global positioning in the targeted high growth segments in the IT-BPM areas.

Ibrahim said that one of the projects to achieve national connectivity is the provision of free internet access in public places like parks, public schoolyards, public libraries, government offices and transport terminals.

Edwin Paala, project director of ICTO-DOST, explained the concept, scope and implementation of the Free Public Wi-Fi Project. The project has an appropriation of P1.4 billion under the 2015 General Appropriations Act (GAA).

FORUM

COMMITTEE SUBJECT MATTER DISCUSSIONS

National Defense and Policy forum on child and youth participation in The Committee on National Defense and Security, chaired by Security jt. w/ Climate disaster risk reduction Muntinlupa City Rep. Rodolfo Biazon, and the Special Committee on Change Climate Change, chaired by Rep. Rodel Batocabe (Party-List, AKO (Special Committee) BICOL), in partnership with the Philippine Legislators’ Committee on Population and Development (PLCPD) and the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF), conducted a policy forum on child and youth participation in disaster risk reduction (DRR).

The forum aims to raise awareness and generate support for policies that will institutionalize child and youth participation in disaster risk reduction.

Leon Fajardo, Disaster Risk Reduction Specialist, UNICEF, briefed the participants on the importance of child and youth representation in local disaster risk reduction management councils (LDRRMC), while Raquel de Leon, Planning Officer, Office of Civil Defense (OCD), presented the current policies on disaster risk reduction as well as some policy gaps in this area.

Rep. Leni Gerona-Robredo (3rd District, ) shared the experience of Naga City in involving the youth in policymaking. She said local disaster risk reduction councils in Naga City, particularly in her district, involved children and the youth in formulating policies on disaster risk reduction.

She suggested that student councils be given a seat in the LDRRMC and that a subject on disaster risk reduction be incorporated in the school curriculum.

Rep. Batocabe said disasters and calamities leave psychological 8

Continuation… scars on children, who suffer the most during these times. He National Defense and mentioned that in disaster-stricken areas in Bicol, variety shows and Security jt. w/ Climate other forms of entertainment are held to comfort the children. Change (Special Committee) Pasig City Rep. Roman Romulo proposed the involvement of student councils and even out-of-school youths in DRR activities instead of relying solely on LDRRMC.

Adelina Sevilla Alvarez, lead convener of the Disaster Risk Reduction Network Philippines (DRRNP), discussed the efforts of civil society organizations on disaster risk reduction. She also expressed the need to establish a Magna Carta for Disaster Risk Reduction Workers and noted certain deficiencies in the implementing rules and regulations (IRR) of RA 10121 or the Philippine Disaster Act of 2010.

In her closing remarks, Rep. Ma. Lourdes Acosta-Alba (1st District, Bukidnon) noted that current approaches to disaster risk reduction are based on the ideas of adults. She said the intention of the forum of involving children and the youth is rather new but worth adopting despite the fact that in the Filipino culture, children are expected to obey what their parents and the elders say.

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

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