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Vol. II No. 124 A publication of the Committee Affairs Department June 3, 2015

BICAMERAL CONFERENCE COMMITTEE MEETING MEASURES COMMITTEE PRINCIPAL SUBJECT MATTER ACTION TAKEN/ DISCUSSION NO. AUTHOR Bicameral HB 5610 & Rep. Villar & Allowing foreign vessels to transport and The Bicameral Conference Committee, co- Conference SB 2486 Sen. Trillanes co-load foreign cargoes for domestic presided by Rep. Mark Villar (Las Piñas), Committee transshipment Chair of the House Committee on Trade and Industry, and Sen. Paolo Benigno “Bam” Aquino IV, Chair of the Senate Committee on Trade, Commerce, and Entrepreneurship, approved the harmonized version of HB 5610 and SB 2486.

Other conferees who were present during the bicameral conference committee meeting were the following: On the part of the House, Reps. Romero “Miro” Quimbo (2nd District, Marikina City), Cesar Sarmiento (), Anthony Del Rosario (1st District, ), Raneo Abu (2nd District, ), and Teddy Brawner Baguilat Jr. (); On the part of the Senate, Senators Ralph Recto, Aquilino “Koko” Pimentel III and Joseph Victor Ejercito.

COMMITTEE MEETINGS MEASURES COMMITTEE PRINCIPAL SUBJECT MATTER ACTION TAKEN/DISCUSSION NO. AUTHOR Agrarian Reform HR 1889 Rep. Guanlao Inquiry into the alleged anomalies and The Committee, presided by its Vice Chair irregularities in the issuance of conversion Rep. Noel Villanueva (3rd District, ), orders for the establishment of a steel suspended its deliberations on HR 1889 until a rolling plant on a 16-hectare agricultural decision on a petition for revocation of the land land in Barangay Parulan, Plaridel, conversion orders filed with the Department of Agrarian Reform (DAR) Region III has been made.

Rep. Villanueva said there are two major issues that surfaced relevant to HR 1889: whether the land conversion orders issued by DAR to at least four companies covering a 16- hectare agricultural land in Parulan are valid, legal and in conformity to the conversion rules set by DAR itself; and whether the land conversion from agricultural to non-agricultural use conforms to the land use plan of the Municipality of Plaridel in Bulacan.

DAR Undersecretary Luis Pangulayan explained the process, criteria, applicable laws and policies, and authority of DAR on the conversion of agricultural lands into industrial lands.

Continuation… Sangguniang Bayan member Jeffrey Ryan Agrarian Reform Tantingco, who is the chairperson of the Committee on Land Use of the local legislative body of Plaridel, Bulacan, said the application for land conversion of the Asian Land Strategies Corporation (ALSC) was approved by the Sangguniang Bayan in 2014 and that the land conversion conforms to the land use plan of Bulacan.

Teodorico Lacia, vice president of Kalikasang Dalisay para sa Mamamayan ng Plaridel (KaDaMay Plaridel), strongly opposed the establishment of a steel plant in Barangay Parulan arguing that it is not technically and legally feasible. He stressed that the steel plant, aside from being a heavy polluting industry, is situated on a vast stretch of prime agricultural land with a main irrigation canal.

KaDaMay Plaridel filed a petition for the revocation of the said land conversion orders with the DAR.

Antonio Lorenzana, chief operating officer of Steel Asia, assured the Committee and the stakeholders present during the meeting that the company will comply with all government requirements prior to the establishment of the steel plant in Plaridel.

Housing and HB 2694 Rep. Leonen- Implementing free housing projects in The Committee, presided by its Vice Chair Urban Pizarro select urban and urbanizable areas under Rep. Winston “Winnie” Castelo (2nd District, Development the Local Housing Program (LHP), City), agreed to create a technical amending for the purpose Paragraph (e) working group (TWG) to draft the substitute Section 4 of RA 7835 or the bill to the three measures. Reps. Castelo and Comprehensive and Integrated Shelter Catalina “Baby” Leonen-Pizarro (Party-List, Financing Act of 1994 ABS) shall serve as co-chairpersons of the TWG. HR 277 Rep. Leonen- Urging Vice President Jejomar C. Binay, Pizarro Chairman of the Housing and Urban In filing HB 2694, Rep. Leonen-Pizarro seeks Development Coordinating Council to expand the coverage of the Local Housing (HUDCC), and the National Housing Program to include not only housing projects Authority (NHA) to fully implement the in congressional districts but also those of Local Housing Program pursuant to RA party-list representatives. In addition, she 7835 stated that the LHP should provide free housing to urban poor beneficiaries and HR 560 Rep. Castelo Urging the NHA to remove the interest rate should not be implemented based on a cost- imposed on the Local Housing Fund to recoverable scheme. make repayment scheme affordable to the poorest of the poor, underprivileged and Rep. Castelo, author of HR 560, said that to homeless family beneficiaries ease the burden of socialized housing beneficiaries in the payment of their loans, the NHA should not impose any interest on the loans made through the Local Housing Fund.

NHA assistant general manager Froilan Kampitan supports the proposal to include party-list representatives in the coverage of the LHP. However, he said, while the housing component of the LHP cannot be provided for free, the interest on socialized housing loans using the Local Housing Fund can be reduced and that common facilities can be made available free of charge.

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Continuation… Rep. Julieta Cortuna (Party-List, A Housing and TEACHER), who took over as presiding officer Urban when Rep. Castelo’s resolution was Development deliberated on, asked about the status of the P3 billion earmarked for the LHP, citing Rep. Pizarro’s statement that only about P1 billion was released so far.

Kampitan explained that the NHA always includes the remaining balance of the allocation in its budget proposal every year but the Department of Budget and Management (DBM) does not release the remaining funds unless the NHA fully utilizes all the funds released to it.

Rep. Agapito Guanlao (Party-list, BUTIL) asked the NHA to come up with a template that will guide district and party-list representatives in accessing the Local Housing Fund.

Indigenous Motu Proprio On the alleged violations by the National The Committee, presided by Mt. Province Rep. Cultural Inquiry Commission on Indigenous Peoples – Maximo Dalog, approved the Committee Communities Cordillera Administrative Region (NCIP- Report on the results of the inquiry. and Indigenous CAR) and NCIP-Mt. Province personnel Peoples and Hedcor Sabangan Inc. in obtaining the The basis of the inquiry was a petition filed by Free and Prior Informed Consent (FPIC) of some members of the Napua Sabangan the Kankana-ey indigenous peoples (IPs) United Tour Guides Association, Inc., in Sabangan, Mt. Province, for the (NSUTGAI) urging the Committee to look into construction of a hydroelectric power the alleged environmental devastation and the project in the Tinmakudo ancestral domain destruction of cultural heritage sites and tourism areas by Hedcor Sabangan Inc., the corporation which owns and operates the hydropower project in Sabangan, Mt. Province.

The group also alleged that the rights of the indigenous peoples (IPs) in the area were violated when their free and prior informed consent (FPIC), guaranteed by the IPRA Law (Republic Act 8371), was not actually secured, claiming that Hedcor allegedly negotiated with the IPs of a non-existent “Tinmakudo ancestral domain.”

Justice Substitute Reps. Abaya, Banning the re-appointment of a regular The Committee, chaired by Rep. Niel Tupas, Bill to HBs Yap (S.) & member of the Judicial Bar and Council Jr. (5th District, ), approved the substitute 138, 1637, Escudero (JBC) who has already served the full term bill subject to style. 2038

Substitute Reps. Tupas, Strengthening the Office of the Solicitor The Committee approved the substitute bill. Bill to HBs Escudero, General 982, 2210, Rodriguez (R.), 4069, 4272 Quimbo & Bello & 4739 (S.)

HB 4865 Rep. Fariñas Penalizing the act of throwing hard objects The Committee approved the HB 4865. at motor vehicles

HB 5581 Rep. Tupas Adjusting the amount involved, value of The Committee approved HB 5581. property or damage on which a penalty is based and the fines under Act No. 3815, Rep. Tupas, author of HB 5581, expressed as amended, otherwise known as the the need to update the law on fines and Revised Penal Code penalties under the Revised Penal Code. He said the bill recommends a formula for the

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Continuation… computation of fines which is relevant but not Justice equal to current inflation rates. He also informed the body that a counterpart bill has also been filed in the Senate by Senate President Franklin Drilon.

State Counsel Charles Cambaliza of the Department of Justice (DOJ) expressed support for the bill.

HBs 3062, Reps. Cua, Providing for the summary titling of real The Committee agreed to create a technical 3079, 3130, Quimbo, properties used as sites for public schools working group (TWG) to consolidate the bills. 3280, 3390 Escudero, nationwide & 3918 Rodriguez (R.), Land Registration Authority (LRA) Deputy Antonino & Administrator Robert Leyretana said that the Benitez Free Patent Act (Republic Act 10023) already addresses the objective of the proposed measure.

Local Substitute Reps. Benitez, Providing all barangay officials, including The Committee, chaired by Rep. Pedro Government Bill to HBs Yap (S.), barangay tanods, and members of the Acharon Jr. (1st District, South ), 55, 158, Colmenares, Lupon ng Tagapamayapa, a lump sum approved the substitute bill. 180, 198, Yap (A.), gratuity pay equivalent to P100,000, and 313, 325, Macapagal- other non-monetary benefits, amending for Rep. Susan Yap (2nd District, Tarlac) 500, 816, Arroyo (G.), the purpose Section 393 of Republic Act presented the salient features of the draft 1007, 1097, Suarez, Biazon, 7160, as amended, or the Local substitute bill prepared by the technical 1313, 1336, Briones, Government Code of 1991 working group (TWG) created to study the 1422, 1520, Fortuno, Sy- bills. 1618, 1655, Alvarado, 1693, 1764, Escudero, Rep. Yap said the proposed law creates a 1887, 2025, Gullas, Abayon, barangay retirement fund and seeks to grant 2046, 2395, Teodoro, barangay officials who have earned at least 2420, 2695, Rodriguez (R.), nine years of service the following benefits: 2756, 2822, Villarica,  A lump sum gratuity pay of 3193, 3763, Nograles, P100,000; 3816, 4358, Violago,  10% discount and exemption from 4712, 4722, Enverga, Acop, value-added tax (VAT) on the sale of 5005, 5026 Deloso- goods and services from all & 5245 Montalla, establishments, particularly on the Collantes, Bello purchase of medicines and on the (S.), Loyola, professional fees of attending Castelo, physicians; and Haresco,  Additional 20% discount in Alvarez (M.), transportation fare and hotel Suansing, accommodation charges. Guiao, Villar, Leonardia, Lawyer Nina Asuncion, representative of the Gerona- Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR), manifested Robredo, the BIR’s opposition to the provision granting Oaminal, & VAT exemption and 10% discount for the Gatchalian (S.) reason that it is difficult to implement and monitor and it is prone to abuse.

HB 2006 Rep. Matugas Amending Section 461, paragraph (b) of The Committee approved the bill. the Local Government Code of 1991

HB 5003 Rep. Enverga Creating Barangay Apad in Jomalig, The Committee approved the bill. Quezon

HB 5357 Rep. Teves Amending certain sections of the Charter The Committee approved the bill subject to of the City of Bayawan for the purpose of style. creating the offices of register of deeds and assistant city administrator and to Deputy Administrator Robert Leyretana of the emphasize the prohibition on illegal Land Registration Authority (LRA) said that HB gambling 5357 is consistent with the LRA’s mandate of establishing a registry of deeds in every 4

Continuation… province and city across the country. Local Government He suggested the inclusion of the following provisions in the proposed law:  The qualification of the register of deeds should be based on civil service laws;  The register of deeds shall be appointed by the President; and  The Department of Budget and Management (DBM) shall create the plantilla position for the offices proposed to be created under the bill.

Draft Reps. Benitez, Instituting reforms to promote and protect The Committee will deliberate further on the Substitute Yap (S.), the socio-economic and political rights and draft substitute bill. Bill to HBs Macrohon-Nuño, well being of community health workers 54, 55, 158, Aragones, towards efficient health service delivery, 229, 336, Biazon, Sy- repealing for the purpose RA 7883, or the 499, 1097, Alvarado, Barangay Health Workers’ Benefits and 1190, 1234, Teodoro, Incentives Act of 1995, and appropriating 1411, 1414, Almonte, funds therefor 1618, 1647, Abayon, 2412, 3123, Rodriguez (R.), 3763, 3816, Fortuno, 3925, 4152, Oaminal, 4211, 4712, Quimbo, Alvarez 5196 & 5277 (M.), Suansing, Paquiz, Leachon, Lanete & Villar

HB 4649 Rep. Aliping Establishing the Cordillera Autonomous The Committee will deliberate further on the Region bill.

An ad hoc committee, to be chaired by Baguio City Rep. Nicasio Aliping Jr., was created to discuss the proposed measure. Rep. Acharon said a series of public hearings will be conducted to know the sentiments of the stakeholders on the bill.

Natural Substitute Rep. Cosalan Declaring the Municipality of Kibungan, The Committee, presided by Rep. Rodel Resources Bill to HB Province of a mining-free zone Batocabe (Party-List, AKO BICOL), approved 5475 the Substitute Bill to HB 5475.

HR 824 Rep. Pichay Inquiry into the destructive mining in Sta. The Committee decided to deliberate further Cruz, on the issues raised in HRs 824 and 1422 in its next meeting. HR 1422 Rep. Ridon Inquiry into the nickel mining activities of Diversified Metals Corp., Benguet Corp., Lawyer Danilo Uykieng, MGB Region III Nickel Mines Inc., Eramen Minerals Inc., Director, informed the Committee that and LNL Archipelago Minerals Inc., that suspension orders were issued against have been met with widespread opposition Zambales Diversified Metals Corp., Benguet from the citizens of Zambales and merited Corp., Nickel Mines Inc., Eramen Minerals Inc., the suspension of their mining contracts by and LNL Archipelago Mineral Inc. for their the Mines and Geosciences Bureau unsafe mining methods that resulted in (MGB) Region III office, towards the massive contamination of shores and lands. determination of possible compensation for damages and criminal liabilities of the Uykieng added that huge volume of stockpiles four mining companies and eventual or mine waste dumps were irresponsibly cancellation of their mining permits discarded by these mining firms.

Pastor Edgardo Obra of the Concerned Citizens of Sta. Cruz (CCOS) called for the cancellation of the mining permits of these 5

Continuation… firms, and not just a suspension of their Natural operations, considering the environmental Resources destruction they had caused. He added that fish ponds, farmlands, rivers and creeks were severely polluted by mine tailings and other chemicals discharged by the mines.

Rep. Carlos Isagani Zarate (Party-List, BAYAN MUNA) stressed that government must give priority to the provision of livelihood to affected communities.

The resource persons present were asked to submit to the Committee their position papers on the measures.

HR 1957 Rep. Zarate Inquiry into the state of Rapu-Rapu Island The Committee will deliberate further on HR in ten years after the 1957 in its next meeting. commencement of mineral extraction activities by the Lafayette Mining Responding to the query of Rep. Al Francis Corporation, the actions of the Department Bichara (2nd District, Albay), MGB Region V of Environment and Natural Resources Director Guillermo Molina said that the Albay (DENR) and other government agencies Provincial Government, the Sangguniang taken against said mining company for its Panlalawigan ng Albay, and the Rapu-Rapu destructive mineral extraction and Municipal Mayor were consulted about the processing practices, the current state of rehabilitation of the Rapu-Rapu mine area. the Rapu-Rapu mine area, and compensation of the affected communities However, Rapu-Rapu Mayor Ronald Galicia contradicted the statement of Molina saying that local government officials were in fact prohibited from entering the mine site. Only when operatives from the Philippine National Police (PNP) escorted them were they able to enter the premises of the mining area, Galicia said.

Asked by Rep. Philip Pichay (1st District, ) on how much the budget allocated for the rehabilitation of the Rapu- Rapu mining area was, Molina said that the total budget was P309 million. Of this amount, P125 million was already utilized during the term of former MGB Regional V Director Theodore Rommel Pestaño with P95 million or 76% spent for administrative expenses.

The resource persons were asked to submit to the Committee their position papers on the measure.

North Luzon HB 5505 Rep. Singson Creating the Ilocos Forest Management The Committee, chaired by Growth (E.) Council to promote and regulate the Rep. Maximo Dalog, agreed to create a Quadrangle planting and cutting of trees in the Virginia technical working group (TWG) to fine-tune (Special producing provinces to ensure the the bill. The TWG shall be headed by Rep. Committee) continuous supply of fuel wood for the Eric Singson (2nd District, ), author flue-curing activities of the tobacco of HB 5505. industry, and appropriating funds therefor The bill provides that the Ilocos Forest Management Council (IFMC) shall have jurisdiction over the four Virginia tobacco producing provinces, namely, , Ilocos Sur, and .

Baguio City Rep. Nicasio Aliping Jr. said the conservation of the forests is a shared responsibility between the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) 6

Continuation… and the local government units (LGUs) and North Luzon thus sourcing of funds needed for this purpose Growth will not present a problem. Quadrangle (Special National Tobacco Administration Administrator Committee) Edgardo Zaragoza; Dr. Enrie Mendoza, Ilocos Sur Provincial Planning and Development Officer; and Ernesto Calindas, former president of the National Federation of Tobacco Growers and Cooperatives, Inc., expressed support for the bill.

Jarius Rubio, representing the DENR, commented that there is no need to create a new body to regulate tree cutting in the four provinces mentioned. He said there are existing laws that address the intent of the bill and all that is needed is proper implementation.

The resource persons present were asked to submit to the Committee their position papers on the bill.

Public Works HB 5612 Rep. Cosalan Providing for the construction of concrete The Committee, chaired by Benguet Rep. and Highways barangay roads/multi-purpose pavements Ronald Cosalan, approved HB 5612, subject in all barangays to style.

HB 1201 Rep. Teodoro Regulating the construction, installation The Committee agreed to reconvene the and maintenance of billboards technical working group (TWG) to deliberate further on the four bills and consolidate the HB 1286 Rep. Romulo Standardizing the titles, sign boards and same. markers for government property, programs and/or projects Jose Reynaldo Lunas, Planning Officer IV of Metro Manila Development Authority (MMDA), HB 3391 Rep. Calalay Prescribing standards and guidelines for and lawyer Winthrop Hawthorne Banez, the outdoor out-of-home media industry executive director of Outdoor Media Advocacy Group, Inc. (OMAG), expressed support for HB 5008 Rep. Gatchalian Regulating the placement and content of the bills. (S.) billboards including their support structures Lunas mentioned that the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) has issued Department Order 217, series of 2000, which prohibits the installation of billboards within the right-of-way of national roads.

HR 1884 Rep. Cosalan Inquiry into the status, implementation, The Committee will continue its inquiry relative guidelines and funding requirements for to HR 1884. FY 2016 of the Department of Public Works and Highways- Department of Rep. Cosalan reiterated the Committee’s Tourism (DPWH-DOT) Convergence request for the DPWH and the Department of Program in the country Tourism (DOT) to submit the list of projects under the DPWH-DOT Convergence Program. DPWH Secretary Rogelio Singson will also be invited to attend the Committee’s next meeting.

DPWH Director Constante Llanes Jr. said P24 billion has been allocated for the construction of roads leading to tourism destination sites under the DPWH-DOT convergence project.

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TECHNICAL WORKING GROUP MEETINGS MEASURES COMMITTEE PRINCIPAL SUBJECT MATTER ACTION TAKEN/ DISCUSSION NO. AUTHOR Ecology HB 4800 Rep. Acosta- Establishing a comprehensive Philippine The technical working group (TWG), presided (Technical Alba environmental assessment system by Atty. Dilbert Quetulio, Committee Secretary, Working Group) will deliberate further on HBs 4800 and 3637 in its next meeting. HB 3637 Rep. Gutierrez Enhancing the Philippine Environmental Impact Assessment System, strengthening The TWG discussed Section 12 (Review of public participation therein the Environmental Impact Assessment) and Section 13 (Decision on the EIA) of HB 4800.

The following agencies and groups attended the TWG meeting: Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR), Environmental Management Bureau (EMB), Housing and Land Use Regulatory Board (HLURB), Philippine Council for Sustainable Development (PCSD) of the National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA), Philippine Economic Zone Authority (PEZA), Metro Manila Development Authority (MMDA), Philippine Sugar Millers Association (PSMA), Chamber of Mines, Chamber of Real Estate and Builders' Associations Inc. (CREBA), Energy Development Corporation, Independent Environmental Specialist, and Federation of Philippine Industries.

Government HB 4975 Rep. Paquiz Establishing a Health Promotion Fund and The technical working group (TWG), presided Enterprises and Health Promotion Commission to oversee by Rep. Leah Paquiz (Party-List, ANG NARS), Privatization the implementation of health promotion in will deliberate further on HB 4975 in its next (Technical the meeting. Working Group) HB 4975 seeks to create the Health Promotion Commission and establish a Health Promotion Fund to ensure an integrated and comprehensive approach to promote universal healthcare.

The Departments of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD), Health (DOH), and Finance opposed the creation of a Health Promotion Commission as it will only duplicate the functions of the Health Promotion and Communications Service of the DOH. Instead, they recommend that this office of the DOH should be strengthened and its funds be augmented to be able to improve its services.

The National Institute for Health (NIH), Philippine Commission on Women (PCW), and the University of Philippines-College of Public Health expressed support for the bill.

The contention of those who favor the creation of a Health Promotion Commission was that the DOH’s Health Promotion and Communication Service might not be able to fully and effectively carry out a nationwide health promotion program.

The resource persons present were asked to submit their respective position papers on the bill. 8

Government HBs 181, Reps. Creating the National Cancer Institute of The technical working group (TWG), co- Reorganization 2077 & 3384 Tambunting, De the Philippines, appropriating funds presided by Rep. Maximo Rodriguez Jr. (Party- jt. w/ Health Venecia & Villar therefor List, ABAMIN), chair of the Committee on (Technical Government Reorganization, and Rep. Working Group) HBs 1225 & Reps. Establishing the Philippine National Herminia Roman (1st District, ) of the 1782 Romualdez & Cancer Center, and appropriating funds Committee on Health, requested the Velarde therefor Department of Health (DOH) and the Philippine General Hospital-Cancer Institute HB 3765 Rep. Roman Establishing a cancer treatment center in (PGH-CI) to craft their own version of the bill every region in the Philippines, and which shall serve as the TWG’s reference in appropriating funds therefor reviewing the bills seeking to create a national cancer institute. HB 5321 Rep. Paquiz Creating a National Cancer Care, Research and Development Authority The draft bill shall include the relevant provisions of HBs 181, 1225, 1782, 2077, 3384, 3765 and 5321; and the recommendations of resource persons.

PGH Director Jose Gonzales opined that instead of creating a new entity to focus on cancer research and treatment, it is more feasible to strengthen and expand the existing PGH Cancer Institute which is currently in dire need of financial support.

Director Agnette Peralta of the Food and Drugs Administration (FDA) expressed the importance of developing and maintaining a national registry for cancer care, research and development.

AGENCY BRIEFINGS

COMMITTEE SUBJECT MATTER DISCUSSIONS

Transportation Update by concerned government agencies on The Committee, chaired by Catanduanes Rep. Cesar Sarmiento, the following issues and concerns affecting the listened to the report by concerned government agencies on several transport industry: issues and concerns relevant to the transport industry.

 On the rehabilitation projects and PNR general manager Joseph Allan Dilay briefed the Committee on modernization requirements of the the current status and target completion date of railway projects. Philippine National Railways (PNR) Rep. Sarmiento and the Committee Members noticed that most of the PNR projects are still at the bidding stage, which reflects on the performance of the PNR.

Dilay explained that of the P2.3 billion budget for PNR for 2015, P1.75 billion is intended for rail projects to be implemented by the Department of Transportation and Communications (DOTC). He recommended that the total budget be downloaded to the PNR so that it can fully implement its programs and projects.

On the motion of Rep. Eleandro Jesus Madrona, the Committee agreed to request the DOTC Secretary to authorize the downloading of funds for rail projects to the PNR.

Julianito Bucayan Jr., DOTC Undersecretary for Project Implementation and Special Concerns, promised to relay the message to DOTC Undersecretary for Planning Rene Limcaoco who is in charge of the matter.

 On the rehabilitation of Terminals 1 Vicente Guerzon Jr., acting general manager for security and and 3 and the repair of the runway at emergency services of the Manila International Airport Authority the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (MIAA), discussed the status of rehabilitation of Terminals 1 and 3

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Continuation… (NAIA) and the repair of the runway at the NAIA. Transportation Guerzon said that the Terminal 1 rehabilitation project, which is being undertaken by the DOTC, is 93.37% complete. The project, costing P1.3 billion, consists of architectural works, structural retrofitting and improvement of mechanical, electrical, plumbing and fire protection facilities. It started in January 2014 and is expected to be completed by July 2015.

On the other hand, Guerzon reported that the rehabilitation of Terminal 3 costing $39.8 million is almost complete. The project involves the construction, installation and upgrading of various equipment, systems and facilities at Terminal 3, including passenger boarding bridges, power supply, visual docking system, flight information display system, fire protection and alarm system, passenger and baggage conveyance systems, security system, and others.

On the proposed taxiway extension project, Guerzon said it is intended to decongest the runways. This project, which costs P421 million, already started in November 2014 and will be completed by July 2015.

 On the construction of a new Darwin Cunanan, vice president of Clark International Airport passenger terminal building and the Corporation (CIAC), reported that the construction of a new installation of instrument landing passenger terminal building at the Clark International Airport is system (ILS) at the Clark divided into two phases: Phase I with a project cost of P13.34 billion International Airport will commence in April 2016; and Phase II with a cost of P2.01 billion will start in January 2023. The projects already passed the approval of the National Economic and Development Authority - Investment Coordination Committee (NEDA-ICC) Technical Board and the Cabinet Committee, Cunanan added.

With regard to the installation of the instrument landing system (ILS), Cunanan said the project, costing P187.87 million, already started in January 2015 and will be completed by February 2016.

 On the proposed reorganization of B/Gen. Rodante Joya, CAAP chief financial officer, reported that the Civil Aviation Authority of the CAAP has already submitted its proposed reorganization plan to the Philippines (CAAP) Governance Commission for Government-Owned or-Controlled Corporations (GCG) on May 7, 2015.

Lawyer Faye Condez said the GCG is currently reviewing the proposed reorganization plan submitted by CAAP, afterwards it will be submitted to the Department of Budget and Management (DBM) for approval.

FORUM

COMMITTEE SUBJECT MATTER DISCUSSIONS

Women and Gender Roundtable discussion on reproductive health The Committees on Women and Gender Equality and on Population Equality jt. w/ and the proposed Basic Law in and Family Relations, in partnership with the Philippine Legislators’ Population and Family relation to women’s rights Committee on Population and Development (PLCPD), conducted a Relations roundtable discussion on reproductive health and the provisions on women’s rights in the proposed Basic Law of the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region.

Rep. Linabelle Ruth Villarica (4th District, Bulacan), chair of the Committee on Women and Gender Equality, welcomed the guests, resource speakers and participants to the forum. She expressed the importance of integrating the rights of women in the proposed law and the proper implementation of the Magna Carta of Women (Republic Act 9710) in the Bangsamoro Region. 10

Continuation… PLCPD Executive Director Romeo Dongeto stated that while the Women and Gender proposed Basic Law for the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region Equality jt. w/ contains provisions recognizing women’s rights to health (Section 10, Population and Family Article VIII) and mandating the Bangsamoro Government to deliver Relations responsive health programs (Section 8, Article VIII), he expressed hope that the Bangsamoro Government will also recognize, respect, protect and fulfill the right to reproductive health as did the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM) which it will replace.

Mr. Klaus Beck, country representative of the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA), emphasized the importance of sexual and reproductive health and rights (SRHR) in the peace and development objectives in Mindanao. He opined that the young women of Mindanao are at high risk for early pregnancy because of their lack of awareness on reproductive health and limited access to health services.

Dr. Junice Melgar, Executive Director of Likhaan Center for Women’s Health, explained the basic concepts and principles of SRHR. He also discussed the critical issues relevant to SRHR in the Philippines, as follows: consistently high maternal deaths; unmet need for family planning resulting in unplanned pregnancy and abortion; increasing cases of teen pregnancy; and increasing number of HIV-AIDS cases.

Dr. Sherjan Kalim, focal person on health of the Bangsamoro Development Agency, explained that sexual and reproductive health issues correlate with educational and economic status. He also disclosed that most of the families in the ARMM lack knowledge on family planning. Islamic teachings and traditions are also a big factor in the implementation of family planning methods. He admitted that the maternal health of women in the ARMM are at risk as they rarely submit themselves for pre-natal and post-natal check-up, primarily due to lack of public health facilities.

Kalim gave the following recommendations:  Adopt religious and culture sensitive approach in implementing reproductive health programs;  Active involvement of religious and tribal leaders in counseling and educating their populace; and  Provide SRHR services in hard to reach areas.

Rep. Sitti Djalia Turabin-Hataman (Party-List, AMIN), member of the Ad Hoc Committee on the Bangsamoro Basic Law, underscored that the proposed BBL includes provisions upholding women’s rights.

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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