November 2006 Vol. 3, No. 3

Official Newsletter of the House of Representatives Republic of the Philippines

ISSN 1656-507X House OKs trillion-peso GAA

By Diony P. Tubianosa Supplemental ELIVERING on its Dcommitment to the Filipino people, the House of Representatives simultaneously budget inked approved on third and final reading the trillion-peso national HE P46.426-billion budget for 2007 after a marathon Tsupplemental budget, session, which lasted 18 hours which the House of and ended early Friday morning Representatives approved even on October 13. before the proposed 2007 The House voted 198 in favor budget was taken up in versus seven, without abstentions plenary, was signed into law on the P1.126-trillion spending last October 17. measure certified urgent by Now Republic Act 9358, Malacañang. the supplemental budget Speaker Jose de Venecia covers the funding gaps presided over during the crucial between the 2005 reenacted hours of the plenary action on the budget and the 2006 General SPEAKER JOSE DE VENECIA is joined by House Members at the rostrum at 5 a.m. of October 13 following the 1,131-page national outlay Appropriations bill. chamber’s third reading approval of the first nation’s trillion-peso budget. contained in House Bill 5794. The trillion-peso budget is “a prelude Continued on page 8 to our march towards a balanced budget” before 2010, the time AIPO to hasten regional integration frame of the Philippine Medium Continued on page 2 EBU CITY – The ASEAN human degradation” by endorsing organization, lawmakers from eight Settlers to CInter-Parliamentary debt relief among the poorest 100 Southeast Asian member- Organization (AIPO) concluded its countries. parliaments, agreed to accelerate NAM Summit buy land 27th General Assembly last month, Responding to AIPO the political, economic, and from gov’t determined to accelerate the pace President and Speaker Jose de cultural integration of ASEAN and of regional integration and to “fight Venecia’s initial call for an “epoch- set the creation of an ASEAN p.3 JDV calls for poverty and the worst forms of making transformation” of the Continued on page 6 First day interfaith dilemma

p.4 dialogues AVANA – Philippine Busy HSpeaker Jose de Venecia months addressed the 14th summit of the Non-Aligned Movement in ahead this city, last September, calling p.6 for interfaith dialogues at the regional and national levels to LEADERS OF PARLIAMENT from eight ASEAN member-countries vow to reinforce their fight against terrorism and mediate conflicts and “isolate LAW VS. “DIRTY poverty at the conclusion of the 27th AIPO general assembly in September in Cebu City. Philippine Speaker Jose de those who advocate terrorism in MONEY” Venecia Jr. called for AIPO’s “epoch-making transformation” into a regional assembly to help accelerate the Southeast the name of religion.” Asia’s political, economic and cultural integration, fight terrorism and defeat poverty. explained Continued on page 2 p.7 Majority caucus on Charter reform up Stretching ‘Banks do not PDAF’s HE HOUSE of Represen- Speaker Jose de Venecia He expressed regret that the mileage Ttatives will immediately call made the call after the Supreme High Court has focused on lend to poor’ a caucus of its leaders to embark Court dismissed consolidated technicalities, rather than on the p.7 on its main course of action—the petitions for a people’s initiative “real and urgent political Speaker JDV bats for activation of “Plan B” or a to amend the 1987 problems that impoverish the network of micro- Constituent Assembly of all Constitution. masses of Filipinos, demoralize Interview finance banks as he Rep. members of Congress, which De Venecia stressed “there our idealistic young people, and will consider the shift to a are other constitutional remedies cause our country to lag behind organizes one in Consuelo DY unicameral-parliamentary available,” saying that “we will its vigorous neighbors in the Pangasinan system. not let this setback stop us.” world’s fast-growing region.” p.8 Continued on page 5 2 November 2006

they must remain answerable to US-RP PACT. US Sen. the Filipino people for a Daniel Inouye (left) House OKs budget deplorable performance,” de assured Speaker Venecia said. Jose de Venecia he Continued from page 1 the Ombudsman to help The government has been will endorse the accelerate the investigation and Development Plan of the Arroyo operating on a reenacted budget latter’s proposal for prosecution of corruption cases. administration. for the last two years. De Venecia a RP-US free trade The opposition , likewise, “Approving the spending and Senate leaders, particularly pact to be threshed succeeded in realigning some measure is a fulfillment of our Sen. Franklin Drilon (now out during de P2.6 billion additional funds to contract with our constituents chairman of the Senate Finance Venecia’s proposed the Department of Education and who have sent us here,” said de Committee) and Senate President RP-US free trade P200 million to the Philippine Venecia. “(It) is backed by P100- Manuel Villar in separate pre- agreement and global anti-terrorism summit. De Venecia conferred Inouye, billion from the EVAT law Atmospheric, Geophysical and approval statements saw no who played a key role in the RP-US defense reform program, the Congressional resulting in a much-reduced Astronomical Services problem in having a new budget Medal of Achievement for his tireless sponsorship of bills in the US Senate deficit.” Administration (PAGASA). by January 1, 2007. promoting Filipino veterans’ rights, Mindanao tuna exports, and peace in The measure next goes to the The other departments and If approved, this will be the Mindanao. US House foreign relations committee chair Rep. Henry J. Hyde Senate, with de Venecia expressing their respective allocations are: the country’s first-ever trillion-peso led the US delegation that included Reps. Dana Rohrabacher, Eni Faleomavaega, confidence that the Senate would DOTC - P17.5 billion; DAR GAA. Last year’s proposed trillion- Melvin Watt, Jeff Flake and Daniel Coughlin. be able to approve it before the including ARF P15.6 billion; peso budget, although approved trillion proposed expenditure mandatory expenditures. Christmas break. “I believe that DoH - P11.7 billion; Comelec - by the House on third reading, did program for 2007, only 22 percent The balance of 22 percent, the Senate will be circumspect, P9.8 billion; and the Judiciary - not get through the bicameral or P248 billion may be subject to Salceda said, will support the and the senators are statesmen,” P9.7 billion. conference committee. debate while the other 78 percent, regular operations or MOOE of he said. By sectoral allocation, social Salceda, in his plenary or P878 billion, represents the various agencies of The measure is expected to services gets the highest priority defense, warned that another mandatory expenses which seem government leveling at about P140 reduce the national deficit and for 2007 with P329,382 billion, reenacted budget “will deprive our to be out of Congress’ discretion. billion and about P108 billion for finance most of the financial followed by interest payments at constituents of their right to be The 78 percent, he said, capital outlays. requirements of President P328.733 billion. A few notches paid back in kind, considering consists of P357 billion for Of the P108 billion some P84 Macapagal-Arroyo’s social and below is economic services with that the proposed 2007 budget personal services, P184 billion for billion will be for infrastructure economic reforms, the Speaker P223.173 billion. General public contains several new items, which Internal Revenue Allotment, P318 development, and only about P24 said. services is P182.097 billion, may not be implemented if we fail billion for interest payments and billion for the acquisition of basic Before adjournment, de defense - P53.853 billion and net to enact a new budget. We have about P19 billion for other office equipment. Venecia thanked all House lending - P9.101 billion, for a to finally put up the long overdue Members, particularly grand total of P1,126.339 trillion. investments in infrastructure, Appropriations Chairman Rep. Only interest payments did not education and health, among Joey Sarte Salceda, who led the post an increase from 2006’s others.” sponsorship of the measure in P339.998 billion. The proposed GAA is No to impeachment plenary together with the De Venecia commended the focused on this firm course “so BY A DECISIVE VOTE of 173- can pursue a government of members of his committee. majority coalition led by Deputy that every Filipino in the ‘super 32 with one abstention after an national unity,” de Venecia said as Congress resumes session on Speakers Raul del Mar, Reps. Eric regions’ of the country can have overnight marathon debate, the he lauded Datumanong for his November 6. Singson, Emilio Espinosa, and the opportunity to rise from where House of Representatives struck brilliance and statesmanship in As Malacañang originally Gerry Salapuddin; Majority Leader he is,” Salceda said. down on the second attempt to guiding the impeachment process proposed, DepEd got the biggest Prospero Nograles and deputies “Super Regions” refer to the impeach President Gloria to its logical conclusion. allocation of P132.9 billion; Reps. Del de Guzman, Arthur North Luzon Quadrangle, which Macapagal-Arroyo. “We should not anymore DPWH - P73.6-billion; DILG - Defensor, Hussin Amin, Fredenil prioritizes agribusiness After the 17-hour televised allow the cycle of boom and bust P51.1-billion; DND - P49.5- Castro, Luis Villafuerte and Edcel investments; Metro Luzon Urban proceedings, which started on to reign in the nation’s economic billion; and DA, inclusive of its Lagman, among others. Beltway, which serves as a globally August 23 and ended life. We owe it to our people. Agricultural and Fisheries He also lauded the active competitive urban, industrial and midmorning the following day, National reformation must start Modernization Program participation and constructive services center; Central Speaker Jose de Venecia now,” he said. component - P18.5-billion. fiscalization by the opposition led Philippines, which prioritizes immediately reached out to the With the impeachment over, De Venecia initiated an by Minority Leader Rep. Francis tourism investments; Mindanao, opposition “to put negative de Venecia said wider avenues can amendment allocating P550 Escudero, and opposition stalwarts which is the priority for politics behind us.” open toward national economic million to the Office of the Rolex Suplico, Ronaldo Zamora, agribusiness investments in the The vote upheld Committee development and pave the way for Ombudsman to strengthen its Darlene Antonino-Custodio, south; and Cyber Corridor, to Report 1886 of the Justice needed fundamental political capacity against corruption. The Agapito Butz Aquino, Alan Peter boost telecommunications, Committee, chaired by Rep. reforms in the country—the shift move added P50 million to Cayetano, Gilbert Remulla, technology and education and run Simeon Datumanong (2nd Dist., from the presidential to the Minority Leader Rep. Francis including party list members. the length of all “super” regions, Maguindanao), declaring the unicameral-parliamentary form of Escudero’s plenary amendment to Congress supported BIR and from Baguio to Cebu to Davao. complaint filed against the government. add P500 million to the Office of BOC reform initiatives, “but now Salceda said of the P1.126 President as insufficient in Last year, the first bid to substance. remove the President from office Interfaith dialogues these interfaith dialogues,” de international cooperation to “The House decision saved was also decisively crushed by the Venecia told the summit. He asked protect the rights of migrant Continued from page 1 the nation from a far larger crisis, House but this year’s NAM to “begin holding interfaith workers. tension and chaos. Common impeachment complaint gathered At the same time, de Venecia dialogues intensively at regional The Philippines has more than sense has prevailed in the House. far fewer votes than the 51 it proposed a formula to break the and national levels” to complement eight million migrant workers, I hope that when the air clears, we gained last year. deadlock in the World Trade UN-sponsored dialogues already scattered mostly in North America, Organization (WTO) negotiations, under way. the Middle East, Europe and as he assumed leadership of the A total of 118 leaders, mostly Southeast and East Asia, who have Production and Circulation Supervisor: Cynthia A. Philippine delegation following presidents and prime ministers, remitted as much as $12 billion Bagaforo President Arroyo’s departure after gathered in this historic city for the annually to the Philippine Administrative and Circulation Staff: Maricar S. a brief stop here. Magbitang, Vanessa T. Valdez, Fedes Maria C. Cruz, summit during which Malaysian economy. ISSN 1656-507X Crispin E. Mendiola, Rey A. Sinco, Federico Garcia The Philippine President and Prime Minister Badawi turned over In proposing a compromise The FORUM is published by the PUBLISHING Speaker de Venecia also proposed chairmanship of the “re-launched formula to re-start the Doha round AND DESIGN SERVICE, Public Relations and Editorial Board: Dep. Sec. Gen. Emmanuel A. Albano, Information Department, House of Representatives, Exec. Dir. Ma. Bernadette de la Cuesta, Dir. Myrna the holding of a special NAM- movement” to Cuba and its ailing of WTO negotiations, de Venecia with offices at Constitution Hills, Quezon City and Belmonte, Dir. Ferdinand Bolislis Telephone Nos. 9315335 and 9315001 local 7651 or sponsored interfaith dialogue in leader, Fidel Castro. Only two urged the NAM to seize the 7552. Entered as second class mail matter at the Batasan Davao City in 2009, following the Speakers of Parliament, one of initiative and propose a “phased Editor: Dep. Sec. Gen. Emmanuel A. Albano Pambansa Post Office. All rights reserved. success of dialogues between them de Venecia, were invited to reduction of the trade-distorting Managing Editor: Dir. Ferdinand M. Bolislis religious leaders of Muslim Assistant Editor: Melissa M. Reyes the summit. subsidies that the rich-country COPYRIGHT NOTICE Mindanao and Philippine The summit endorsed governments award their Design & Layout Editor: Waldemar T. Alvarez Christian churches. interfaith dialogues as proposed by agricultural sectors.” Assistant Managing Editor: Virginia B. Rizardo Section 176 of the RA 8293 provides: “My government seeks NAM’s the Philippine Speaker, and Ms. He said the phased reduction Writers: Diony P. Tubianosa, Abigail M. Macabeo, “No copyright shall subsist in any work Raymond G. Pasiliao, Michelle M. Sapnu, Jacqueline of the Government of the Philippines. sponsorship of an Interfaith Arroyo’s proposal for a high-level could start by 20 percent every two Rey-Juliano, Isagani C. Yambot Jr., Ronald M. Ytem, Enrico R. Rosario However, prior approval of the Council that would be created dialogue on migration and years and will be combined with government agency or office wherein Photography: Tobias F. Engay, Jeremias E. Ereño, within the United Nations system development to enable countries to tariff concessions over a longer Perfecto C. Camero, Marceliano C. Achanzar, the work is created shall be necessary to organize, coordinate, and assess take proactive steps for time frame. Genaro C. Peñas for exploitation of such work for profit.” November 2006 3

Hajj is one of the five pillars Transportation Security Act of The bill amends the Urban of Islam and is performed at least 2004, as filed by Reps. Roque R. Development and Housing Act of once in the lifetime of every Ablan Jr. (1st Dist., Ilocos Norte) 1992, which states that LGUs or Muslim worldwide. Jacqueline Rey- and Monico O. Puentevella (Lone the National Housing Authority Single or married? Macias said. “We also need to give Juliano Dist., Bacolod City), respectively, shall acquire government-owned legitimate HMOs an incentives create the Philippine and foreclosed properties program to encourage their growth THE Transportation Security Authority primarily through negotiated and truly deliver quality health care COUNTRY’S Venue specified for (PTSA), as the single law purchase. services to the public.” 75-year-old “Civil libel cases enforcement power in this area, in The NHA and LGUs shall As proposed, an HMO shall Registration Act” full compliance with international provide a list of direct beneficiaries secure its license from the has raised JOURNALISTS agreements and conventions. It will who have resided in the property Insurance Commission, which concerns that the are often forced enforce security measures in all for at least 10 years. The bill further shall supervise and regulate HMOs civil statuses of to answer libel ports, harbors, terminals, stipulates that land evaluation shall Cajes and other entities possessing the Filipinos living cases, which are infrastructure and facilities. be marked at prices within reach inside and outside the Philippines characteristics of HMOs, except the sometimes filed The agency shall embody a of the beneficiary. Michelle M. Sapnu Philippine Health Insurance Corp. are inaccurately reported. far away from comprehensive Civil Aviation, An HMO intending to To make the Civil Registry their place of Maritime, Land and Rail National operate a medical clinic or hospital Del Mar Protecting Pinoy Law more responsive, House Bill work. Security Program, ran with law shall secure a license from the 4905, or the “New Civil Under the law, the enforcement and allied agencies. interior designers DOH. All existing HMOs shall Registration Act” has been complainant may file the case in With the agency’s birth, secure a new license to operate endorsed by Committee on the venue of his or her choice. measures shall prevent A BILL amending the “Philippine from the Commission within one Revision of Laws. However, complainants unauthorized boarding of Interior Design Act of 1998” has year from effectivity of the measure. Once enacted, the law shall usually file the case in a venue as weapons, explosives or other been filed to protect the rights and The HMO’s license shall be evolve a new system that is simple far away as possible from the dangerous materials, persons, welfare of Filipino interior suspended when agreements with and harmonizes with other laws defendant’s place of work, making elements, devices and cargoes designers, whose livelihood are members or when the decision of and regulations, said Rep. Roberto it inconvenient to make his or her which may and can be used to endangered by the influx of C. Cajes (2nd Dist., Bohol) principal the Commission on cases for appearance, resulting in the commit terrorism. Melissa M. Reyes foreign interior designers who author of the bill. arbitration are not honored. The miscarriage of justice practice the profession in the The DepEd, PRC, GSIS, SSS, ground for the revocation of license Rep. Raul V. Del Mar (1st Dist., Philippines even without a DFA, BIR, including embassies is repeated suspension of an Cebu), therefore, introduced HB ‘No bidding’ policy for working permit. and foreign consular offices have HMO’s license. 77, which mandates that such cases mass housing The Committee on Civil strict requirements on Penalties include P50,000 be filed in the Regional Trial Court Service and Professional certifications concerning the name, every time the HMO’s license is of the province or city of the CONGRESS Regulation has approved HB 1267 status of a person and the suspended. Payment of the defendant’s principal office or passed on third regulating the entry of foreign document stating thus have P50,000 shall not absolve the place of business. reading the “no interior designers in the country, become binding and essential to all HMO from its obligations under “We want a venue that would bidding” sale ready for plenary. Filipinos and to the whole world. an agreement. The assets and safeguard the right of the accused policy on Under the bill, a foreigner who A civil register is established funds of the suspended HMO to defend the case, which considers government intends to work in the Philippines to record the civil status of persons, whose license has been revoked the financial, distance, travel and properties to perform professional services which shall contain births, deaths, shall be frozen to protect investors, time constraints,” he said. Abalos occupied by either as an interior designer or marriages, annulment of marriages, providers and members. Isagani C. The court may eventually informal settlers to make the consultant should first secure a divorces, legitimates, adoptions, Yambot Jr. throw out the case, but that the government’s socialized housing special temporary permit from the acknowledgment of natural damage would have been done. “It program affordable to its target Professional Regulation children, naturalization, changes of Eidul Adha next already punishes the journalist and sector—the poor. Commission (PRC) through the name, correction of entries, and national holiday? his publication with excessive costs “The demand for adequate and Board of Interior Design. other court decrees or orders of litigation and inconvenience.” decent housing remains unmet He must also come from a affecting civil status. country that reciprocally allows OTHER than The bill seeks to provide relief despite government efforts,” Rep. The Act shall undergo a Filipino professionals to practice Eidul Fitr, and correct the unfairness caused Benjamin DC. Abalos Jr. (Lone mandatory review on its provisions their profession within such another Muslim by this loophole in the law often Dist., Mandaluyong) said. “Available every 10 years to update and make country, and may not engage or holiday may be exploited and taken advantaged of housing units are still insufficient the law more responsive. Ronald M. work on a special project without soon be included by offended parties. HB 77 is now and costs unaffordable, particularly Ytem a duly licensed Filipino among awaiting Senate approval. Ronald M. for low income families who have counterpart whose competence is nationally Ytem no access to housing credit.” established by the Board of Interior Regulating HMOs Dimaporo observed To hasten shelter delivery, HB Design. Philippine holidays—the Eidul 3834 shall eliminate the bidding Enforcing transport The bill’s principal author, A BILL Adha. process on government properties security Rep. Imee Marcos (2nd Dist., Ilocos promoting Approved on third reading, certified as socialized housing Norte) sees the bill’s urgency amid quality health HB 981 declares Eidul Adha—the areas. The bill shall allow direct TRANSPORT the growing number of foreign care and end of Muslim annual hajj in purchase by occupants of terrorism has government-owned property for firms engaged in the country’s affordable health Mecca, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia— taken its toll on insurance by a national holiday. socialized housing dispensing with design and construction industry. human lives and public bidding. Jacqueline Rey-Juliano regulating health The Philippines’ regular property, sharply Macias maintenance holidays and nationwide special focusing on the organizations (HMOs) passed on days at present are associated with need to second reading in plenary. the observance of events by the Golez formulate a nd Reps. Emilio C. Macias II (2 predominant Christians in the comprehensive plan that would Dist., Negros Oriental), Rodriguez country, like Christmas and Lent. secure the country’s air, water and st D. Dadivas (1 Dist., Capiz), and Declaring Eidul Adha a land transport systems. th Nanette Castelo-Daza (4 Dist., holiday is in accordance with the Such attacks using modes of Quezon City) introduced HB 5119 government’s commitment to transportation include the 9/11 to recognize HMOs as unique continuing national reconciliation plane hijackings in the US, the health care insurance entities that and unity by bridging better Madrid train bombing, and car combine the financing, understanding among Muslims bombs set off in Bali, Indonesia. management and coordination of and Christians in the country, said Incidents at home include the health services. Rep. Abdullah D. Dimaporo (2nd Super Ferry sinking, LRT Rizal Day The bill also establishes the Dist., Lanao del Norte), the bill’s train bombing, and the attack on REP. NUR G. JAAFAR takes his oath of office from Speaker Jose de Venecia, regulatory framework for HMOs principal author. the Davao International Airport. to represent the Lone District of Tawi-Tawi. Jaafar won back his seat two while recognizing and protecting “Government’s recognition of nd Rep. Roilo S. Golez (2 Dist., years after he filed a complaint of electoral fraud against his opponent with the rights of HMOs, service the rich Filipino-Muslim cultural Paranaque), in HB 1869, said the House Electoral Tribunal, which decided in his favor. A former adviser of providers and their members. heritage will definitely advance transport terrorism has succeeded the GRP Panel during the GRP-MNLF peace talks, Jaafar served as Tawi-Tawi “We need to regulate HMOs peace efforts, mutual in disrupting global air commerce, provincial governor from 1975 to 1986. He served three consecutive terms as to prevent the continued operation understanding, unity and as well as diminished confidence in congressman, from 1992 to 2001, was appointed Presidential Adviser for of unscrupulous companies that prosperity among Filipinos,” aviation safety and security. Muslim Communities, and was designated crisis manager at the height of the are involved in illegal activities,“ Dimaporo said. HB 4997 and 5014, or the Sabah deportation crisis, assisting returning Filipino deportees from Sabah. 4 November 2006 November 2006 5 ‘Banks do not lend to poor’

Continued from page 1 Speaker Jose de Venecia charged that “banks as a rule do not lend to the poor” as he asked President Arroyo and provincial business and political leaders to build a national network of micro-finance banks as The timing should also be tertiary levels from June through The government calendar schools are in remote and far- True, nahihirapan ang mga To avoid disruption of classes “weapons against poverty.” considered for practical economic March to September through also starts in June, our fiscal year. flung barangays. students natin during the rainy due to severe weather and He said he is honoring his Should we reasons. Summer is planting and June, to spare the children from The SONA is usually held on the As roads and highways in season. But it’s been our calendar monsoon rains usually occurring friend Muhammad Yunus, harvesting season when most kids the hassles of the rainy season last Monday of July. Congress metropolitan areas suffer from the since the American regime, so in the months of June, July and Bangladeshi founder of the in the provinces help their parent- and avoid undue pressure to starts sessions in July to wait for ever-worsening traffic congestion why change it now? We went August, thus, eliminating frequent Grameen Bank who won the farmers. Summer gives them the make up for lost school days. the SONA. at the onset of the rainy season, through the same thing. We suspension of classes declared Nobel Prize, for his pioneering opportunity to earn for their tuition The proposed law amends for During the dry season, the the roads in our province could not should show them these are our move the during the said months; and, work in lifting millions of people and school needs come June. the purpose Republic Act 7797 students in Bicol are an abundant be traversed because they seasons in this country, so they To spare the students from out of poverty via small loans in There would be a lot of entitled, “An Act to Lengthen the labor source with the start of the become muddy. Pupils would have to adjust. We should not suffering illnesses and poor health summerpalamig jobs for kids. They can School Calendar from 200 Days planting cycle because school rather stay home than walk coddle and treat them like babies. conditions when braving the Bangladesh. sell ice cream, ice candy, ice buko, to Not More Than 220 Class ends in March when students through the muddy paths. I remember when I was in stormy weather. De Venecia said he and more school opening and lots more. If we Days.” simply prepare for graduation. Further, during the rainy school, we had daylight savings These reasons are in line with than 3,000 urban and rural folks/ change the school calendar, these The proposal is acceptable to They are free from April, May to season, schoolbuildings are time to save on power. We were the policy of the State to protect stockholders in Dagupan City and things will not happen, to the many sectors of our society as June. If we start in September, usually utilized as evacuation forced to get up one hour early. and promote the right of all Pangasinan are launching this klase disadvantage, especially of seasonably adaptable in our July and August lang ang walang centers. Then somebody proposed to citizens to quality education at all month the First Dagupan Micro- from June to the already, disadvantaged kids. country.Sapnu Interview by Michelle M. . If this proposal materializes, remove the DST allegedly levels and to take appropriate finance Bank, with a license from Interview by I don’t see any overwhelming there will be greater preservation because nahihirapan ang mga steps to make education Rep. JANETTE L. GARIN estudyante. Jacqueline Rey-Juliano the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas, Isagani C. Yambot Jr. reason to change the school of life and limb and health costs, What’s the difference accessible to all. Interview by (1st Dist., Iloilo) patterned after the multi-awarded calendar.dating school Sa akin,calendar ayos na yong among other things, if the school between the students then and . I can live calendar is changed. On the now? Besides, if they get up one Grameen Bank. September? I would rather leave with it. If we change it, a lot of budgetary aspect, more hour early, that means they will He said the micro-finance it as it is. Moving schedules will be changed. I don’t classrooms and schoolbuildings also retire one hour earlier. bank to be led by Catholic lay the opening of the see any major advantage, except can be constructed as allocations What I’m most worried about school calendar from June to leader Jose Oviedo would have a for the weather, and even that is are usually released during the is our tourist economy. They will There is a persistent clamor of September, just like the paid-up capital of P17.5-million, no compelling reason to change second quarter of the year. not only be affected, they will be Internationalang magiging School, may have with P1-million capital undetermined popularity which seeks to because of the way the weather With the rationale given severely impacted by loss of several disadvantages. Malaki contribution from the Catholic is changing. above, I am in full support of the income. Let’s say our students are discard the existing June-to-March school chain reaction. Ronald M. Ytem Church Cooperative of Dagupan Also, I’m concerned about said proposal. Interview by free in June and July, but again, For one, it means less school this move because our family who wants to go to the beach City, and contributions from calendar and move the school opening to days for the kids because there owns a university in Iriga City and when it is raining? barangay officials, tanods, barangay are more holidays beginning September, on the pretext of avoiding the three colleges in various parts of If it’s true there is global health workers, tricycle and jeepney September. Besides, kids are Camarines Sur. I, myself, own a warming and that seasons are drivers, farmers, fishermen, labor rainy part of the year or monsoon season. already used to the present college in Goa and eight other changing, we have to establish During the wet season, school administrators and system. It may be very difficult for unionists, and women leaders. computer schools. We would be that first. The problem is, that them to adjust. Melissa M. Reyes De Venecia said he is education officials are often caught doing a directly affected. Interview by would mean hotter summer This may also affect our supporting the project with balancing act of whether or not to suspend classes on months of March, April and May tourism industry. Summer is the Rep. MARY ANN L. SUSANO Rep. FELIX R. ALFELOR JR. matching funds from his Priority thanM. Reyes before. Interview by Melissa account of heavy rain or worse, a typhoon. If they best time to enjoy travel tours all (2nd Dist., Quezon City) (4th Dist., Camarines Sur) Assistance Development Fund and suspend classes and the typhoon does not come to over the country. It is more financial support for values- pass, a school day is wasted. But if classes are pleasant, exciting and safe. If we The onset of Basically, I am formation training programs. He suspended and the typhoon blows in, this naturally move the school break to June, the rainy opposed because said he would involve Couples for July and August, it won’t be imperils the health, lives and limbs of students, as well season in our the Penafrancia— Christ and the successful Gawad healthy to go on vacation nor safe country is June. It has been the most important and well- Kalong for their successful values as their parents and the teachers, many of whom to travel considering that the observed that classes are attended religious festivity in Bicol have to wade through floodwaters and brave the Philippines is frequently visited by disrupted by inclement weather or region—is in September, formation programs. winds to get to and from school and home. storms during these months. It is monsoon rains under the existing participated in by various schools De Venecia said micro- Before the typhoon Milenyo came to town, we very hard, if not impossible, to school calendar, which is June to and universities in Bicol. The finance banks should be travel especially by sea or land, March for elementary, secondary established in Luzon, Visayas and gathered the views of six House Members, three of cadets train for military which are the affordable means of and tertiary levels. Flash floods competitions and students Rep. RAUL T. GONZALES JR. Mindanao to complement the whom have filed bills opting to change the school transportation for ordinary are experienced in most parts of prepare for the selection of Miss (Lone Dist., Iloilo City) work of the rural banks, owned by calendar. Filipinos. the country, especially in Metro Penafrancia, and other activities a few families. A large number of On the economic aspect, It isn’t necessary. Manila. like the fluvial processions. the rural banks floundered school enrollment in September Due to the unpredictability of The reason I oppose the We have our own because of bad, non-performing then Christmas season by our weather, the education move to shift the beginning of the seasons we should December may be too much for department is at a loss when to school year from June to follow. Our summer starts from loans and are now enroute to the ordinary Filipino family. Under declare a suspension of classes September is the weather. It used Rep. FAYSAH RPM DUMARPA March to May. If we move our painful rehabilitation. the present school calendar, at during the rainy season. Students, to rain starting in June, but this (1st Dist., Lanao del Sur) vacation to synchronize with the De Venecia said Yunus’ least, we have five months to teachers and parents have to situation no longer holds because Americans and other Western Rep. REMEDIOS L. PETILLA Grameen Bank, which he prepare for Christmas. wade through floods, caused by we encounter as much rain in This repre- countries, our vacation would fall (1st Dist., Leyte) personally visited in Dacca, has poor garbage disposal systems, September as we do in June. sentation on the rainy months. No one wants now 6.6 million borrowers, 97% of aggravating health concerns. Corporations usually recruit concurs with to go to the beach when it is It is preferable whom are women, and the loan the proposal to change the raining. and justifiable To complete the required students for summer jobs in April, repayment rate is a near-perfect number of school days lost due to May and June. If we shift to opening of classes from June to I recognize the advantage of to change the 98.5%. The Nobel Peace Prize said inclement weather, special September, businesses will have September. synchronizing with the school calendar in all levels of classes are conducted on to recast their hiring calendar, By its geographical location, Americans—so students from education (primary, secondary, in Bangladesh, among rich weekends, causing much disrupting their operations or the province of Lanao del Sur is abroad who come here to study tertiary) from June through March borrowers, the recovery is at 45% physical, social and financial business cycles. Another thing, greatly affected by the onset of the would not be affected much by the to September through May for the to 50%. inconvenience for both parents school supplies, food, and rainy and typhoon seasons, thus, sudden change in the school following reasons: De Venecia said the Grameen and students. clothing like uniforms the consequent school calendar. But again, no one wants To be in harmony with the Bank and the scheduled First I have, therefore, filed House manufacturers and stores have to interruptions. The regular number to go to school when it’s really hot. International School Calendar Pangasinan Micro-finance Bank, Bill 4370, an Act seeking to adjust their schedules. The of school days is unnecessarily cut We want to go to the beach. Opening to attract foreign students with shareholdings from Dagupan change the school year for the off by the weather condition. My suggestion is we leave the who would want to continue their transportation sector will also be City, Mangaldan, San Fabian, and elementary, secondary and affected. The shift will cause a When this happens, the students school calendar as is. Australia’s schooling in Philippine San Jacinto, and from Western and chain reaction that will affect are duly deprived of quality school year is different from those educational institutions without businesses and families. education. of the Americans for the simple disrupting their school calendar, Eastern Pangasinan, would not The province is considered reason that their summer starts in and vice versa for Filipinos who require real estate and other one of the most depressed December. If it’s winter in America, would want to pursue their collaterals but “the signature of the provinces in the country today and it’s summer in Australia and education in foreign educational borrower and two co-makers” based lags behind educationally. Most they’re okay by it. institutions; on peer pressure and trust. 6 November 2006 Busy before yearend Disaster-ready in Bicol

By Ronald M. Ytem gymnasium in The Haven in committee is composed of CSFI Alabang, a halfway house for member and Monetary Board THE LAST distressed women, and the member Nelly Villafuerte as chair, quarter will be Regional Center for Children in and Lita Hizon and DTI busy months Cagayan. Also slated is a Undersecretary Carissa Cruz- ahead for the livelihood project making shell Evangelista, as vice chairpersons. Congressional craft items. The livelihood project, which Spouses The gymnasium inauguration will teach clients of The Haven for Foundation Inc. (CSFI), said at Alabang will coincide with the Women and Marillac Hills in Georgina “Manay Gina” P. de 11th Anniversary Celebration of Alabang the production of shell Venecia, CSFI president and The Haven for Women, a halfway craft items such as plates, “Manay Gina” chats with resident-victims of the Mayon volcano eruption spouse of Speaker Jose C. de house for women in crisis, a cause placemats and trays from capiz, during her visit to Albay last August. Realizing the need for information Venecia, during the CSFI’s 5th Manay Gina fervently espouses. shall be undertaken by Manay dissemination on disaster preparedness, she immediately initiated an open General Assembly last September The Regional Center for Gina’s friend, Virginia V. Chan of forum on disaster and calamity preparedness. 5. Children in Solana, Cagayan will Shell Arts Co. Inc. WHEN Manay Gina went to as earthquakes, volcanic eruptions The CSFI, the official be the third center to be Chan has volunteered to Albay last August to visit the and floods. At least five organization of the spouses of inaugurated this year, after others provide subcontract assignments residents affected by the imminent earthquakes occur each day in the members of the House of inaugurated in Tarlac City and and livelihood opportunities to eruption of Mount Mayon, she archipelago. Representatives, will undertake a Dagupan City. the participants. The clients will realized the tremendous call for The Philippines has more string of projects, including the The “Kabuhayan para sa be paid for their products and proper information dissemination than 200 volcanoes, 22 of which inauguration of a women’s Kaunlaran 2006” trade fair ad hoc services. on disaster preparedness. have been determined to be active, In response to this need, she based on the recency of their initiated an open forum on the eruptions. These include Mt. subject during the CSFI’s general Mayon, which is one of the six assembly last September 5, with most active volcanoes in the Renato U. Solidum Jr., Philippine country. The others are Taal Institute for Volcanology and (Batangas). Bulusan (Sorsogon), Seismology (Phivolcs) director, as Pinatubo (on the boundaries of guest speaker. Zambales, Pampanga and Tarlac in Solidum lectured on the west Luzon), Kanlaon (Negros precautions needed in preparing Oriental) and Hibok-Hibok for disasters and calamities such (Camiguin).

KABUHAYAN PARA SA KAUNLARAN 2006. President Gloria Macapagal- Arroyo and Gina de Venecia (4th from left) lead the ribbon cutting ceremonies for the CSFI’s annual livelihood trade fair at the SM Megamall last October 6-8. Joining them (from left) are Speaker Jose de Venecia, trade fair ad hoc chair and Monetary Board WHIRLWIND OF PROJECTS. Georgina “Manay Gina” Vera Perez de Venecia member Nelly Villafuerte, Ace (left, seated), CSFI president and spouse of Speaker Jose de Venecia Jr., Chungalao, Rep. Anna Bondoc, MD, leads the spouses of House Members in planning their activities for the last vice-chair DTI Usec. Carissa Cruz- quarter. The group enumerated a long list, including the inauguration of a Evangelista, Vicky Ablan and SM women’s gym for The Haven in Alabang and the regional center for children president Tessie Coson-Sy. in Cagayan, its annual livelihood fair at SM Megamall, a shellcraft livelihood project, and an open forum on disaster preparedness.

AIPO priority the Assembly has given to AIPO endorsed intensified and destruction in the Middle East Assembly (AIPA), to reflect its the search for energy security in the internal trade cooperation through and calling for the immediate transformation into a “more Continued from page 1 region, in particular the the ASEAN Free Trade Area, the cessation of hostilities between effective and closely integrated Economic Community by 2020. development of renewable sources ASEAN Investment Area and the Israel and the Hezbollah of institution” 27 years from its The major objectives were of fuel such as biofuels. proposed ASEAN Charter, Lebanon, while supporting the inception as it makes further spelled out in a Joint Communiqué AIPO seeks to step up the specifically by opening up more deployment of UN interim forces internal changes to meet its goal to approved by 300 delegates in dramatic reduction of poverty in economic sectors, removal of non- in Lebanon. integrate itself as ASEAN’s plenary. Following the signing of the region, following the UN tariff barriers, and reduction of the AIPO delegates also parliamentary component. the document, Deputy Speaker Millennium Development Goals, cost of doing business, technology recognized the need to combat the The AIPO committees were Raul del Mar turned over the AIPO by adopting concrete steps such as and investment linkages and trafficking of women and minors headed by Philippine Reps. Matias gavel to Datuk Lim Si Cheng, the promotion of regional centers provisions for greater regional in the region, using the case of Defensor (political matters), Deputy Speaker of the House of of growth like the Mekong River connectivity. Vietnam as a model to find Herminio Teves (economic Representatives of the Malaysian and the Brunei-Indonesia-Malaysia- In tackling regional security, solutions and responses. They also matters), Nerissa Soon Ruiz (social Parliament, host of the 28th Philippines East Asian Growth the delegates stressed a “human- sought stronger regional networks matters), Josefina Joson (Women in General Assembly. Speaker de Area (BIMP-EAGA), the setting of centered approach” to counter the in fighting the spread of HIV/ AIPO), and Edgar Chatto Venecia had earlier left for Cuba common legislation on improving spread of terrorism through AIDS, in disaster management in (organizational matters), with Reps. to address a summit of the Non- the quality and production of continuing inter-faith dialogue, the national and international Ramon Durano VI, Eduardo Aligned Movement in Havana. agricultural goods, and the tolerance and respect for levels, and in promoting Zialcita, Emmylou Talino-Santos, Senior Luzon lawmakers led promotion of renewal energy differences in beliefs, awareness of environmental protection through Milagros Magsaysay and Vincent by Ilocos Norte Rep. Roque Ablan resource development suitable for religious rights, and inter-faith effective implementation. Garcia as rapporteurs, respectively. Jr., Paranaque Rep. Eduardo each country. studies in schools. In separate dialogues, AIPO In the dialogues, panel Zialcita, and Bulacan Rep. Lorna It called upon developed Among imminent dangers advanced parliamentary relations discussions were led by Reps. Juan Silverio said the new emphasis in countries to provide affordable debt necessitating immediate inter- with legislators from its dialogue Miguel Zubiri (Australia), Edgar fighting poverty and regional relief services to enable borrower country cooperation, the delegates partner-countries Australia, Chatto (Canada), Robert Ace integration on multiple fronts countries to repay their debts and cited cyber terrorism, maritime Canada, European Parliament, Barbers (China and Japan), Ramon “revitalizes AIPO and puts it right to encourage creditor countries and piracy, and drug trafficking as major Japan, Korea, New Zealand, Papua Durano VI (European Parliament), in the middle of dynamic regional institutions to reinvest in the threats to be defeated by stringent New Guinea, and the Russian Matias Defensor (Korea), Eduardo and global events.” economies of 100 debtor-countries lawmaking and law enforcement. Federation. Zialcita (New Zealand), Catalino Two leaders from Mindanao, half of the agreed-on portions of The Indonesian delegation In 2007, the AIPO will evolve Figueroa (Papua New Guinea), and Reps. Robert Ace Barbers and Juan debt service payments. championed a resolution into an Assembly, tentatively called Herminio Teves (Russian Miguel Zubiri, noted the high To hasten Asean integration, condemning terrorism, violence the ASEAN Inter-Parliamentary Federation). November 2006 7

mileage—he used his PDAF as his LGUs, but the Philhealth capitation Philhealth contribution. In turn, for District 1 from Celeste, coming Stretching PDAF’s mileage Philhealth put Celeste’s from his PDAF, was used to buy the contributions in Philhealth’s ambulances. By Melissa M. Reyes capitation, a trust fund that finances “The beauty of the pioneering health projects and programs project is that it came from the same WHEN four through the rural health units fund already used by the less- ambulances (RHUs) that administer health privileged constituents,” Celeste were delivered services to the people in the said. It is a savings or, more in Bolinao, countryside. appropriately, “tubo sa puhunan,” Pangasinan last Celeste is especially concerned which keeps growing and increasing September, Rep. Arthur F. Celeste about health matters. Like most every time Celeste makes the st (1 Dist., Pangasinan) looked on other House Members, he would contributions. with pride and satisfaction. use his PDAF to purchase medicine, Celeste plans to use the Celeste was largely responsible and help support and maintain Philhealth capitation to finance for the delivery of the ambulances, health services for indigent other projects in his district once the the first of 10 to be delivered to his constituents. ambulance project is completed. district within the next few months. But the most common “In her SONA, President The ambulances will be used by complaint was indigent patients Arroyo called on all LGUs, Philhealth beneficiaries and local Rep. Arthur F. Celeste (2nd from right) happily poses in front of one of four having no transportation to go to congressmen and government residents in the local governments ambulances delivered last October 7 in Bolinao, Pangasinan. The four the hospital, especially during financial institutions to work (LGUs) of Agno, Burgos, Bolinao ambulances are the first of 10 ambulances to be delivered to Pangasinan’s emergencies. together and provide innovative and Dasol—all under Celeste’s first district. Others in photo are (from left) Mabini Vice Mayor Titus Reyes, The idea of using the capitation services for their constituents for jurisdiction. Burgos Mayor Domingo Doctor, Agno Mayor Letecia Rosete, Dasol Mayor to purchase the ambulances was countryside developments through Angelita Jimenez, and Philhealth AVP Ernesto Beltran. Made possible by an innovative germinated in his office and projects not traditionally done and and modern idea which Celeste Assistance Fund (PDAF). day care centers or medicine. “But nurtured by the Philhealth Regional financed by the PDAF,” Celeste conceived, the project is an excellent “I have observed that we can then the funds would run out, and Office (PRO) I-Dagupan office, with said. example of how congressmen could only infuse our PDAF in our our constituents would come back, AVP Ernesto V. Beltran. “It was in this context that I multiply their services for their respective district projects only asking for more assistance.” The PRO I office said this is a embarked on this novel idea—to districts by, at least, two-folds using once,” Celeste said. Usually, the To solve this problem, Celeste pioneering project. Normally, the further extend health and social their Priority Development PDAF would go to hospitals, clinics, thought of a way to stretch PDAF’s capitation goes directly to the services to the less privileged.”

Tasked to implement the Act coordinate with other finance Republic Act 9160 is the Anti-Money Laundering agencies worldwide to look into Council (AMLC), which was charges of money laundering simultaneously created with RA committed by foreign nationals Anti-money laundering 9160’s enactment. with local bank accounts. The council shall be Convictions include By Enrico R. Rosario composed of the Bangko imprisonment of seven to 14 years Sentral ng Pilipinas and, at least, a fine of P3 million. TO FILTER governor as chairman, the Persons who carry out illegally earned Insurance Commissioner transactions shall be punished with money from the and the Securities and imprisonment from six months to banking system, Exchange Commission one year for failure on the part of the Anti-Money chairman, as members. the bank or any of its employees to Laundering Act The council shall maintain records of transactions. makes it difficult for large amounts investigate all charges of Jail terms of six months to four of cash of suspicious origin to be violation of the law, and years shall also be meted those who deposited in banks. shall be empowered to fail to report to the council a Republic Act 9160, approved apply for court purported violation of the law, or on September 29, 2001, targets authorization to inquire if the report is made maliciously or moneyed individuals who are into bank accounts of without sufficient ground. unable to show legitimate sources suspected violators, Finally, to maintain of their wealth and is expected to ADAPTED FROM THE COMMITTEE ON DANGEROUS DRUGS’ MATERIALS notwithstanding the confidentiality of any investigation bring down crime by making it prohibitions of any law regarding being conducted by the AMLC, any difficult, if not impossible, for property he knows was earned from better ensure the realization of the bank secrecy. person, including members of criminals to stash the profits of their unlawful activities, as enumerated objective of the law. Also, because money media, who should print or publish lucrative activities in banks and under the law. However, not all bank laundering is of global concern, the details of such investigation face jail similar institutions. Unlawful activities are all acts transactions, although involving AMLC was also empowered to from three to eight months. With a lot of cash on their or omissions punishable by law, greater amounts than P500,000, hands, international and local particularly kidnapping for ransom, fall within the ambit of the anti- criminal syndicates and those illegal drugs peddling, graft and money laundering law, inasmuch involved in organized crimes, are corruption, plunder, robbery and as banks are only required to turning to banks to keep their extortion, illegal gambling, piracy, inquire into what is referred to in earnings they have amassed illegally. theft, swindling, smuggling and the law as “suspicious Secure that their cash is in good hijacking. transactions.” hands, syndicates have even devised Bank transactions involving A transaction is considered a way to use the banking system to profits coming from any of these suspicious if it involves an amount lend legitimacy to their assets unlawful activities are punishable exceeding the threshold and the through a process called money under the Anti-Money Laundering client is not properly identified or, laundering, enabling these criminals Act, which defines in clear terms even if such client is properly to pass themselves off as bona fide what is meant by transactions as a identified, the amount is not businessmen. punishable act. commensurate to his business or Thus, the need to curb money A bank transaction falls under financial capacity, or that the laundering. RA 9160 and its the coverage of the Act if it involves present transaction is a deviation amending law, RA 9194, define the a total of P500,000 within one from his past transactions with the AMERICAN SHELF. Speaker Jose de Venecia leads the ribbon-cutting rites crime as the process of transacting banking day, under certain bank. establishing the American Shelf at the House of Representatives’ Congressional the proceeds of an unlawful activity conditions determined by law. The transaction is also deemed Library, commemorating the 60th anniversary of Philippine-American through the banking system, making Under RA 9160, the threshold suspicious when it is made without Friendship. Assisting Speaker de Venecia are US Embassy acting chief of mission them appear to have originated was originally set at P4 million, or any manifest legal or trade Scott Bellard (right), House Deputy Speaker Rep. Eric Singson (left) and from legitimate sources. its equivalent in foreign currency, obligation, purpose or economic newly-appointed Education Secretary Jesli Lapus (2nd from left). Also gracing The anti-money laundering law transacted within five consecutive justification, or suspected to be the occasion are Elnora Conti of the Thomas Jefferson Information Center, is violated the moment an banking days. But Congress deemed related, in any way, to an unlawful House Secretary General Roberto Nazareno, Emma Rey, Congressional Library executive director, and Gloria Mae Tanya Regalado, House Legislative Library individual transacts any money or it best to lower this to P500,000 to activity or criminal offense. Service director. Photo by Tobias Engay 8 November 2006

We can start by strengthening We need a law that will cover Interview with Rep. Consuelo A. Dy certain provisions in the charter billboards built on private property. of the Adboard, a private self- But the industry need not regulating entity of advertisers. worry. We will preserve freedoms Battle over billboards From there, we will discuss the under the Constitution. But in writing the law, we must keep in LONG before They distract, confuse and possibility or need for a separate mind the interest and welfare of the Typhoon block the view of motorists body or, maybe, a task force. majority. To compromise the Milenyo, Rep. and pedestrians from greater good would be too great a Consuelo A. Dy traffic signs. It had to take How will you regulate sacrifice to protect the welfare and (Lone District, Milenyo to show that they content? interests of a few. Pasay City) has already been quite are public hazards—many Initially, we would require In turn, I appeal to the vocal and has, in fact, been waging a are near to electric wires. that the advertising agency which industry to abide by the law first continuing battle against “wayward” One glaring example was a will construct the billboard, write and foremost, listen to their billboards. billboard that fell on an the data including the name of the conscience and go by their moral Dy is righteously indignant. Pasay, MRT cable. It stopped company which is advertising, the standards as they go about their a large city in Metro Manila, is MRT’s operations for name of the company which built business. On our part, we shall do overwhelmed by outdoor signs. She said hours. the billboard, date of the same. billboards “could now be seen in almost We have rules about construction, where the permit to every conceivable place in Metro billboards, but apparently, construct the billboard was Supplemental budget Manila,” posing dangers to public safety people don’t obey. This bill obtained, and other pertinent and security. seeks to regulate the information. Continued from page 1 I suggest that the data be Neither have the provinces been billboard advertising “The (supplemental budget) written near the bottom of the spared, she said. Outdoor industry and ensure the for government is imperative to billboard where the inspector or advertisements deluge even the remotest implementation of the law. provide authority for expenditures the public would be able to read areas of the countryside, particularly in that are not in the reenacted budget such information. their main towns, where every member to the Department of Foreign Are you for a total but are mandatory by virtue of law We might also devise a way by of the dense populace is sure to see and Affairs on Roxas Boulevard. I ban on billboards? necessary for the welfare of our which to control or censor the bump into the ads shouting the benefits found it somewhat inappropriate No. I am not for the outright public servants, and to improve of their products, endorsed by larger- that a motel would volunteer to prohibition of billboard content of the billboard vis-a-vis public service,” Salceda said in than-life celebrities. point the way to the DFA. advertising. It is not an option, advertising ethics, public taste and defending HB 5668. It was no coincidence, nor was Another is a tall billboard since the State, as a matter of policy, decency, and basic moral In the reconciled version, she reacting to Milenyo, when Dy filed covering the sides of an overpass recognizes the indispensable role of standards. I believe this is quite DAR gets P4.59 billion; DepEd - House Bill 5822, “An Act Setting the along EDSA touching Pasay. the private sector and private necessary since everybody— P9.581 billion; State Colleges - Standards for the Design, Construction, Crimes, like snatching, holdups enterprise. including small children—would P500 million; DILG - P1.375 Location, Dimension and Content of and sexual harassment of women, Moreover, outdoor signs are readily see and read the text and billion; DOST - P200 million; Outdoor Signs.” It was oddly prescient are committed behind those necessary for public graphics on the board without DSWD - P269.5 million; DOTC - that she would file it on October 2, billboards because they are hidden announcements and for commerce parental control or guidance P1.608 billion; Constitutional three days before Typhoon Milenyo. from public view. to grow. However, the growth of unlike when you’re watching Office - P730.2 million; “Actually, I and my staff have Such happen, not only in commerce must go hand in hand television or movies, which have Miscellaneous Personnel Benefits been working on the bill months before,” Pasay, but also in other overpasses with social order. Therefore, age restrictions. Fund - P4.922 billion; Allocation said Dy, chair of the House Special in Mandaluyong, Makati and outdoor signs must conform to to Local Government Units - P1.82 Committee on Metro Manila Quezon City, wherever they are certain standards to ensure balance What are the outstanding billion; Pension and Gratuity Development. “That (I filed the bill covered by outdoor signs. between commerce and social features of the proposed Fund - P4.865 billion; ALGUs without foreseeing Milenyo) only goes order. We might go for regulation. regulation? How will this (IRA) - P14.844 billion; Calamity to show that the bill is urgent and that What prompted you to file preserve freedom of speech? Fund - P1.117 billion, including my instincts about billboards have been HB 5822? How will regulation be done? The proposed regulation P867.4 million for the Guimaras right all along.” Over the years, people have The bill will regulate outdoor should be able to plug loopholes oil spill; and relief and Following are more of her views complained about the proliferation advertising by laying down the in the present law. For example, rehabilitation fund for the Mayon on the issue: of billboards. Some have caused standards regarding design, we have discovered that some Volcano eruption - P250 million. accidents and mishaps way before construction, location, dimension billboard contractors would build The measure provides for a What are your experiences Milenyo did, mostly going or size, and content, among other the sign on private property. They Joint Congressional Committee to regarding billboards? unreported. things. might just give the property owner oversee the utilization of at least P2 In Pasay, there was one There is growing public ire a fee and build a billboard that billion appropriated for the outdoor sign constructed by a against billboards. Most signs are Do you see the need to create violates every possible regulation Guimaras oil spill rehabilitation motel, supposedly pointing the way eyesores—blights to the scenery. a separate body on billboards? or standard. project. Diony P. Tubianosa

HON. JOSE C. DE VENECIA JR. PENALTY FOR PRIVATE OFFICE OF THE SPEAKER OR UNAUTHORIZED USE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES CONSTITUTION HILLS, QUEZON CITY OF OFFICIAL MAIL P500

TO POSTMAN: PLS. DELIVER TO ADDRESSEE OR CURRENT OCCUPANT PUBLISHING AND DESIGN SERVICE, PUBLIC RELATIONS AND INFORMATION DEPARTMENT, HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES BATASANG PAMBANSA COMPLEX, CONSTITUTION HILLS, QUEZON CITY TEL. NOS. 9315335 and 9315001 LOCAL 7651 OR 7552

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