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Vol. I No. 88 A publication of the Committee Affairs Department March 12, 2014

COMMITTEE MEETINGS

COMMITTEE

MEASURES

SUBJECT MATTER ACTION TAKEN/DISCUSSION NO.

PRINCIPAL AUTHOR

Higher and Technical Education

HB 3435 Rep. Magsaysay

Expanding the purpose and application of the Special Education Fund (SEF) to include in the annual budget of respective local school boards certain allocation for the operation of local colleges and universities

The Committee, chaired by Pasig City Rep. Roman Romulo, will deliberate further on HB 3435 in its next meeting. Rep. Eulogio “Amang” Magsaysay (Party-List, AVE), author of HB 3435, proposes that the unspent amount of the Special Education Fund (SEF) be used for the maintenance and operation of local universities and colleges (LUCs) which are the creation of the local government units (LGUs). A report from the Commission on Audit (COA) showed that there are still unspent amounts in the SEF contrary to the claim of local school boards that it is not enough to cover the cost of implementing priority basic education programs. Emy Ruth Gianan, Junior Policy Officer of the League of Cities of the Philippines (LCP), explained that the SEF, which is derived from the additional 1% tax on real property collected by the LGUs, is barely enough to support the programs for elementary and secondary education. Thus, she said the fund can no longer support the operation of the LUCs. Virginia Clavel, DILG Program Management Bureau Officer, said the DILG, together with the Leagues of Cities, Municipalities and Provinces of the Philippines, Department of Education (DepEd) and Department of Budget and Management (DBM), is preparing a joint-circular revising the guidelines on the utilization of the SEF. Pending the issuance of this joint circular, the DILG cannot yet expand the coverage of the SEF beyond basic education pursuant to the Local Government Code (RA 7160). The DILG, League of Cities of the Philippines (LCP) and the Association of Local Colleges and Universities (ALCU) were requested to submit to the Committee their respective position papers on the bill.

HB 1791 Rep. Colmenares

Converting the West Visayas State University (WVSU)-Extension at Himamaylan City, Province of Negros Occidental, into a West Visayas State University Campus at Himamaylan City

The Committee will deliberate further on HB 1791 in its next meeting. Among the issues raised during the meeting are the following:

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known as the WVSU-CHC and appropriating funds therefor

The West Visayas State University (WVSU)-Extension at Himamaylan City has never received funds from the main campus for its operation; and

The Local Government of Himamaylan City provides the funds for the operation of the WVSU-Extension as well as the salaries of the faculty.

Even though the conversion of the WVSU extension campus only needs the approval of the WVSU System Board of Regents, Rep. Colmenares wants this done through legislation to ensure permanence and continuous funding. Himamaylan City Mayor Agustin Ernesto Bascon apprised the Committee that the WVSU-Extension Campus was established through a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) signed between the MVSU and the LGU in 2006. He confirmed that the Himamaylan LGU has been financially supporting the operation of the WVSU extension campus including the salaries of the faculty and staff. WVSU Campus Administrator Dr. Vicente Handa said that the university’s existence stands on shaky grounds as the MOA with the city government was just extended for another year. He agreed that it is best that the university is created through legislation. The Chair, noting that the university’s existence can be subject to the vagaries of politics, urged Mayor Bascon to donate to the university the land and building that it currently uses. The Himamaylan City Local Government was requested to submit to the Committee the proof of donation for the land and building which the WVSU currently occupies as committed by Himamaylan City Mayor Bascon.

HB 2556 Rep. Rodriguez (R.)

Providing for the expansion of the Mindanao University of Science and Technology (MUST) in Cagayan de Oro City, appropriating funds therefor

The Committee deferred deliberation on HB 2556 pending the referral to the Committee of a bill with the same subject matter filed by Rep. Maximo Rodriguez Jr. (Party-List, ABAMIN).

HR 28 Deputy Speaker Padilla

Inquiry to determine the proper government agency that will regulate all review centers for the Nursing Licensure Examination

The Committee will continue its inquiry on HR 28 in its next meeting. It also agreed to include in the coverage of the inquiry all review centers for other professions. Deputy Speaker Padilla said the bill aims to fill the vacuum created by a 2009 Supreme Court (SC) ruling which renders review centers to be without a government regulatory body. The SC struck down Executive Order 566, series of 2006, stating that neither the CHED nor the Professional Regulation Commission (PRC)

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has any power to regulate nursing review centers. Executive Order 566 directs the CHED to regulate the establishment and operation of review centers and similar entities. Deputy Speaker Padilla moved that all disciplines be included in the inquiry, and his resolution be amended accordingly. He added that Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) might be the proper agency to regulate. Carmelita Yadao-Sison of the CHED Legal and Legislative Services proposed that a Council composed of the CHED, DTI, PRC and Review Center Association of the Philippines (RECAP) be formed to regulate all review centers. RECAP President Jose Antonio Fudolig said that RECAP is not against any regulation but prefers and sees DTI as the government agency that will have no conflict of interest in regulating review centers. The resource persons present were also asked to submit their respective position papers.

HR 518 Rep. Romulo Urging the President to put up a special fund for the renovation of higher education institutions in Regions 6,7 and 8 and other similarly situated regions which were ravaged by Supertyphoon Yolanda

The Committee will resume its deliberation on HR 518 upon completion of the second round of inspection of damages on school buildings. CHED Executive Director Julito Vitriolo said the Department of Public Works and Highways has already validated the damage on 36 state universities and colleges (SUCs) and is set to inspect 20 to 25 more in the next two weeks. As for the needed funds for the renovation and repair of these SUCs, the CHED will make representation with the Department of Budget and Management (DBM). Asked on where the funds for the renovation of damages SUCs will come from, DBM Budget Technical Service Director Jane Abella said the funds needed can be sourced from all unreleased, unobligated allotments and appropriations of 2013. The CHED was requested to present to the Committee the needs assessment of the second batch of damaged SUCs.

Local Government

HB 713 Rep. Garay Subdividing Barangay Mangagoy in the City of Bislig, Surigao del Sur, into eight distinct and independent barangays

The Committee, chaired by Rep. Pedro Acharon Jr. (1st District, South Cotabato), approved HB 713.

HBs 715 & 716

Rep. Garay Creating Barangay Guinhalinan in the Municipality of Barobo, and Barangay Cumawas in the City of Bislig, in the Province of Surigao del Sur

The Committee approved HBs 715 and 716.

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HB 763 & 764

Rep. Agyao Creating Barangays Ipil and Bulanao Norte, both in the City of Tabuk, Kalinga Province

The Committee approved HBs 763 and 764.

HBs 1597, 1598, 1600, 1601, 1603, 1605-1609

Rep. Cayetano Creating Barangays Tanyag, Katuparan, North Signal, South Daanghari, North Daanghari, Central Signal, Central Bicutan, South Signal, San Miguel and New Lower Bicutan, respectively, in the City of Taguig, Metro Manila

The Committee approved the ten bills.

HBs 2082-2085

Rep. Del Rosario (A.G.)

Creating Barangays Magugpo East, Magugpo West, Magugpo North and Magugpo South, respectively, from the mother Barangay Magugpo in the City of Tagum, Davao Del Norte

The Committee approved the four bills.

HB 3927 Rep. Gatchalian (S.)

Dividing Barangay Canumay into Canumay West and Canumay East in the City of Valenzuela, Metro Manila

The Committee approved HB 3927.

HB 4087 Rep. Villanueva Creating Barangay Navy in the Municipality of Capas, Tarlac

The Committee approved HB 4087.

HBs 1599 & 1604

Rep. Cayetano Creating Barangays Pinagsama and Fort Bonifacio, respectively, in the City of Taguig, Metro Manila

The Committee deferred its deliberation on HBs 1599 and 1604 due to an existing court case on conflicting boundary claims.

Muslim Affairs HB 2949 Rep. Atienza Creating a Muslim Trade and Cultural Center of the Philippines in the City of Manila, appropriating funds therefor

The Committee, chaired by Rep. Tupay Loong (1st District, Sulu), approved HB 2949 with amendments and subject to style. Rep. Jose Atienza Jr. (Party-List, BUHAY) said the bill’s objective is to have a permanent center anywhere within Metro Manila where the Muslim culture, history, character and identity can be showcased and be better appreciated by its Filipino Christian brothers in order to help bridge the centuries-old gap between the two cultures. With the clarification made by GABRIELA Party-List Rep. Luzviminda Ilagan, the Committee agreed to change the title of the bill to: “An Act Creating a Bangsamoro Trade and Cultural Center of the Philippines in Metro Manila, appropriating funds therefor.” On the question of Rep. Lilia Macrohon-Nuno (2nd District, Zamboanga City) where the funds needed for the establishment of the proposed trade and cultural center shall come from, the Committee agreed that funds needed to implement the proposed law shall come from the General Appropriations Act (GAA).

National Cultural Communities

HR 867

Rep. Uy (J.) Commemorating the first death anniversary of the late Dexter Dagohoy Condez, the slain Boracay Ati Tribal Youth Leader, indigenous peoples community spokesman, and the icon of intercultural dialogue and solidarity

The Committee, presided by Vice Chair Rep. Jose Panganiban Jr. (Party-List, ANAC-IP), adopted HR 867.

HBs 401 & 659

Reps. Yap (S.) & Turabin- Hataman

Prohibiting racial, ethnic and religious discrimination

The Committee created a technical working group (TWG) tasked to come up with a substitute bill.

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The TWG is composed of representatives of the bills’ authors and resource persons from the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD), Department of Education (DepEd), Commission on Human Rights (CHR), National Commission on Indigenous Peoples (NCIP), National Commission on Muslim Filipinos (NCMF), Philippine National Police (PNP) and Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP). The Committee Secretariat will act as facilitator and convenor.

Natural Resources

HB 3900 Rep. Matugas Declaring the Islands of Siargao and Bucas Grande as a protected area under the category of protected landscapes and seascapes

The Committee, chaired by Rep. Francisco Matugas (1st District, Surigao del Norte), approved HB 3900 subject to style and amendments.

HR 30 Rep. Barcelona-Reyes

Inquiry into the repeated violation of Executive Order No. 79 and RA 7076, otherwise known as the People’s Small Scale Mining Act, in view of the unnecessary death of 10 persons at Brgy. Palanas, Paracale, Camarines Norte wherein an illegal and wanton mining operation has been going on

The Committee will deliberate further on the issues raised in HRs 30 and 614. Rep. Catherine Barcelona-Reyes (1st District, Camarines Norte) informed the Committee that the Department of Justice (DOJ) and the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) have already taken measures to solve the illegal mining activities in her district. With the establishment of a Minahan ng Bayan in her district, which would be beneficial to her constituents, Rep. Barcelona-Reyes said she will leave it to the Committee to decide on what action to take on HRs 30 and 614. The proposed Minahan ng Bayan provides that small-scale mining activities be limited only within the declared small-scale mining areas wherein miners can extract only gold, silver and chromite pursuant to the Small-Scale Mining Act and EO 79. EO 79, issued by President Benigno Aquino III in July 2012, is a set of policy framework that serves as guide to the government and other stakeholders in the implementation of responsible mining policies. BUHAY Party-List Rep. Jose Atienza Jr. lamented that illegal mining operations in Camarines Norte mirror the situation around the country. Claiming that a lot of the problems in this sector stem from illegal small-scale mining activities, Rep. Atienza supports the conduct of an inquiry on the matter.

HR 614 Rep. Barcelona- Reyes

Inquiry into the uncontrolled illegal mining operation and continuous transport and shipment of mineral ore deposit to China despite the existence of a cease and desist order by the Mines and Geosciences Bureau (MGB), in violation of EO 79 and RA 7076, and setting up of Minahan ng Bayan in the 1st District of Camarines Norte

Privilege Speech

Deputy Speaker Padilla

Resistance on the mining operations of Royalco Resources Ltd. in barangays Pao and Kakiduguen , Kasibu, Nueva Vizcaya

The Committee concluded its deliberations on the issues raised in the privilege speech. Deputy Speaker Carlos Padilla (Nueva Vizcaya) raised the following issues in his privilege speech:

Alleged human rights violation committed by the people identified with the Royalco Resources Ltd. in

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the exploration site; and

Issuance and renewal of an exploration permit to the mining company even if there was strong resistance from the community.

Mines and Geosciences Bureau (MGB) Director Leo Jasareno disclosed that pursuant to the instruction of President Aquino, mining projects will only be allowed if there is approval from all three major stakeholders: the national government, the local government unit concerned and the host communities. However, Jasareno said the MGB notes that even if mining projects have secured all permits from the government, the host communities almost always oppose these projects. With regard to the renewal of exploration permits, Jasareno said the MGB only requires the submission of the following documents as per the Department of Environment and Natural Resources’ (DENR) Administrative Order No. 2010-21: audited financial statements covering the term of the exploration permit; and a two-year exploration work program duly signed and prepared by licensed geologists. Deputy Speaker Padilla insisted that the MGB should refer to EO 79 and not to the DENR’s administrative order in the renewal of exploration permits. Jasareno acceded to Deputy Speaker Padilla’s request to issue a written instruction, not a verbal instruction which is the current practice, to the MGB regional offices that if there is strong resistance from the community, the mining exploration shall not be allowed to proceed until the social issues are resolved. The MGB should also send an official notice to mining companies, including Royalco, regarding this directive. Deputy Speaker Padilla also asked MGB to review its guidelines in determining which groups of people comprise the host community, adding that there are cases where only a small group of individuals is involved in the consultation process. Jasareno clarified that the entire population of the area where the exploration will be conducted constitutes the host community.

Overseas Workers Affairs

Substitute Bill to HBs 2422 & 3562

Reps. Gatchalian (R.) & Violago

Governing the operations and administration of the Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA)

The Committee, presided by Rep. Wes Gatchalian (Party-List, ALAY BUHAY), approved the Committee Report on the Substitute Bill to HBs 2422 and 3562.

HB 70 Rep. Del Rosario (A.G.)

Providing priority to the immediate descendant of distressed overseas Filipino worker (OFW) in the availment of

The Committee agreed to create a technical working group (TWG) to consolidate the three bills.

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Congressional Migrant Workers Scholarship Fund, amending for the purpose RA 8042, otherwise known as the Migrant Workers and Overseas Filipinos Act of 1995, and appropriating funds therefor

All resource persons present were requested to submit to the Committee their respective position papers on the bills.

HB 2299 Rep. Revilla (J.) Granting scholarship and tuition fee discounts to qualified dependents of OFWs, and appropriating funds therefor

HB 3070 Rep. Señeres Establishing an educational scholarship program for immediate dependents of OFWs who died or suffered permanent disabilities while working abroad or overseas, and appropriating funds therefor

HB 126 Rep. Aglipay Providing an assistance program for OFWs in distress, and providing funds therefor

The Committee agreed to create a technical working group (TWG) to consolidate the four bills. All resource persons present were requested to submit to the Committee their respective position papers on the bills.

HB 1403 Rep. Abayon Providing a system of assistance and incentives to families of OFWs in times of need

HB 2820 Rep. Villar Providing an assistance program for OFWs in distress, both documented and undocumented, providing funds therefor

HB 3133 Rep. Ilagan Providing for financial assistance for distressed OFWs

Public Order

HR 292 Rep. Pagdilao Inquiry into the circumstances surrounding the release of Reenor P. Dongon in relation to the bombing incident in Cagayan de Oro City on July 26, 2013 and to provide measures to plug loopholes in inquest proceedings

The Committee, chaired by Rep. Jeffrey Ferrer (4th District, Negros Occidental), will continue its inquiry relative to HR 292 in its next meeting. Based on the reports of the Regional Chief of the Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG) of the Philippine National Police (PNP), Rep. Samuel Pagdilao (Party-List, ACT-CIS) narrated the events and circumstances that led to the arrest and release of Reenor Dongon, a person allegedly involved in terrorist activities. Rep. Pagdilao stated that the CIDG blames the untimely release of Dongon to the refusal of the Assistant Prosecutor of Marawi City to conduct the inquest proceedings for the reason that the police failed to present the suspect. Former CIDG Director Francisco Uyami Jr. explained that under Section 6, Part II of the Department of Justice Circular No. 61, the presence of a detained person before the inquest officer may be dispensed with if the presentation of the detained person involves security risks. It was reported that shortly after the release of Dongon from police custody, a bomb explosion rocked a busy center in Cagayan de Oro City on July 26, 2013 where eight civilians died and 48 more were wounded. The PNP said there was strong indication that Dongon was involved in that bombing incident.

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Lawyer Ramy Guiling, Regional prosecutor for the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM), informed the Committee that during the DOJ’s own investigation, the Assistant City Prosecutor claimed he volunteered to conduct the inquest proceedings in the place where Dongon was held in order to reduce the security risk the police was worried about. P/Chief Supt Jose Jorge Corpuz, PNP Directorate of Investigation and Detective Management Deputy Director, admitted that the arresting officers committed lapses. He said administrative charges against the erring police officers have already been filed. The DOJ and the PNP were requested to submit to the Committee the reports on their respective investigations on the matter and the documents relative to the case.

Southern Tagalog Development (Special Committee)

HB 3741 Rep. Suarez Amending Section 1 (b) of Presidential Decree No. 1894

The Committee, chaired by Rep. Isidro Rodriguez Jr. (2nd District, Rizal), agreed to create a technical working group (TWG), to be headed by Rep. Aleta Suarez (3rd District, Quezon), to study HB 3741 taking into consideration the conflicting provisions of HB 3951 which is being considered by another Committee. Rep. Suarez explained that in amending Section 1 (b) of PD 1894, her bill (HB 3741) seeks to extend the road network of the South Luzon Expressway from Nichols, Pasay City to Malicboy, Quezon, instead of the Nichols to Lucena City stretch originally granted to the Philippine National Construction Corporation (PNCC) as part of its franchise. On the other hand, HB 3951, which aims to strengthen the basic legal framework in undertaking public-private partnership (PPP) projects, includes a provision repealing Section 2 of PD 1894. This particular provision spells out the term of the franchise granted to the PNCC for North and South Luzon Expressways and the Metro Manila Expressway. [HB 3951, principally authored by Speaker Feliciano Belmonte Jr. (4th District, Quezon City), has been referred to the Committee on Public Works and Highways.] Toll Regulatory Board (TRB) Executive Director Edmund Reyes said he will seek the opinion of the Department of Justice (DOJ) on the position of the National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA) that the extension of the South Luzon Expressway as proposed under HB 3741 may not be legislated anymore since it can be undertaken “through an authority granted by TRB (to the PNCC) under PD 1112 or Republic Act No. 6957, as amended by RA 7718, otherwise known as the Build-Operate-Transfer (BOT) Law.”

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The DOJ, NEDA, TRB, Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH), Department of Transportation and Communications (DOTC), and South Luzon Toll Corporation will be invited to become members of the TWG.

Transportation

HB 1120 Rep. Espina Mandating the construction of seaport in Barangay Mabini, Higatangan Island, Naval, Province of Biliran and appropriating funds therefor

The Committee, chaired by Catanduanes Rep. Cesar Sarmiento, approved HB 1120. However, the Committee deferred action on HB 1119. Biliran Rep. Rogelio Espina M.D., author of both bills, acceded to the recommendation of the Department of Transportation and Communications (DOTC) that only one port should be constructed in Higatangan Island because the two ports being proposed in the bills are intended to be situated near each other.

HB 1119 Rep. Espina Mandating the construction of seaport in Barangay Libertad, Higatangan Island, Naval, Province of Biliran and appropriating funds therefor

HB 3377 Rep. Cojuangco (E.)

Setting a speed limit for freeways all over the country, amending for the purpose RA 4136 or the Land Transportation Code of the Philippines

The Committee agreed to create a technical working group (TWG) to study the bill further. The TWG will be headed by BUHAY Party-List Rep. Mariano Michael Velarde Jr. The Land Transportation Office (LTO) was requested to submit to the TWG its position paper on the bill.

HB 1008 Rep. Fortuno Prohibiting the boundary system of paying wages to drivers and conductors of buses, jeepneys and other types of mass transport system, providing penalties for violations thereof

The Committee agreed to create a TWG to study the bill further. The bill seeks to provide fixed salary and prohibits the boundary system of paying wages to drivers and conductors of public utility vehicles. Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) Chair Winston Ginez said that the LTFRB has issued a memorandum circular implementing the Department of Labor and Employment’s (DOLE) Department Order No. 118-12 which provides for the rules and regulations governing the employment and working conditions of drivers and conductors in the public utility transport industry. Ginez said that under the memorandum circular, public utility operators must submit the labor standards compliance certificate issued by the DOLE upon renewal of or application for franchise and registration of public utility vehicles. Alex Yague from the Philippine Bus Operators Association of the Philippines (PBOAP) disclosed that PBOAP had asked the Supreme Court to issue a temporary restraining order against DOLE Order No. 118-12 for being unconstitutional. The LTFRB and PBOAP were requested to

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submit their respective position papers on the bill.

HR 782 Rep. Del Mar Inquiry into the complaints of conflict of interest and questionable financial capacity and other possible violations on qualification requirements against the highest financial bidder in the bidding for the Mactan Cebu International Airport Terminal public-private partnership (PPP) project

The Committee terminated its discussion on HR 782. Rep. Raul del Mar (1st District, Cebu City), author of the resolution, disclosed that GMR Infrastructure and Megawide Consortium, the highest bidder, allegedly has questionable track record and was heavily indebted, operating at a loss for the past three years. Public-Private Partnership Center (PPPC) Executive Director Cosette Canilao explained that the bidding for the Mactan Cebu Airport project was done in accordance with the Build-Operate-Transfer (BOT) Law. She discussed in detail the bidding process being followed by the airport project. Rep. Joseph ‘Ace’ Durano (5th District, Cebu) opined that the Pre-Qualification, Bids and Awards Committee (PBAC) of the DOTC should consider not only the financial standing of the bidders but also their operational efficiency and performance track record. Rep. Edgar Erice (2nd District, Caloocan City) asked the Committee to exercise caution in inquiring into the matter to avoid being accused of exerting undue influence on the PBAC as the latter is still in the process of evaluating the bid documents submitted by the qualified bidders. Department of Transportation and Communications (DOTC) Undersecretary Jose Lotilla hopes that the Department will be able to complete the review of the bids and award the project to the winning bidder by the end of March 2014.

TECHNICAL WORKING GROUP MEETINGS

COMMITTEE

MEASURES

SUBJECT MATTER ACTION TAKEN/ DISCUSSION NO.

PRINCIPAL AUTHOR

Transportation (Technical Working Group)

HBs 1762, 3151, 3624, 3798 & 3924

Reps. Violago, Velarde, Treñas, Rodriguez (R.) & Olivarez

Requiring the mandatory installation of speed limiters in public utility vehicles, providing penalties for violations thereof

The technical working group (TWG), presided by Rep. Mariano Michael Velarde Jr. (Party-List, BUHAY), will deliberate further on the bills in its next meeting. The TWG agreed on the following points:

Include all vehicles with franchise under the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) in the coverage of the proposed law;

Authorize the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI), Department of Science and Technology (DOST), Land Transportation Office (LTO) and LTFRB to accredit persons,

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establishments or institutions manufacturing speed limiting devices;

Include the installation of speed limiters as one of the requirements for the grant of franchise by the LTFRB;

Remove the penalty of imprisonment for the offense of tampering speed limiters.

The resource persons present were requested to submit to the TWG their respective position papers on the bills.

Veterans Affairs (Technical Working Group)

HR 178 Rep. Roman Inquiry into the management and operation of the Veterans Federation of the Philippines Industrial Center (VFP-IC)

The technical working group (TWG), presided by MAGDALO Party-List Rep. Francisco Ashley Acedillo, will deliberate further on HR 178 in its next meeting. Rep. Acedillo reported that during an ocular inspection of the Veterans Museum and the Taguig Outpatient Rehabilitation Center, they found out that there had been little improvement in these facilities situated within the reserved 50-hectare area in Fort Bonifacio in Taguig City, which is under the administration of the VFP. He added that a big portion of the reserved land was converted into an industrial complex and leased out to private individuals and companies. The VFP-IC was asked to submit a copy of its contracts with all the lessees in the industrial complex. Lawyer Niña Valera of the Governance Commission for Government-Owned and Controlled Corporations (GCG) said that the GCG is mandated to evaluate the contracts that the GOCCs have entered into as to their financial viability and legality. The GCG was requested to evaluate the lease contracts entered into by the VFP-IC. The VFP-IC, GCG, Philippine Veterans Affairs Office (PVAO), Department of National Defense (DND), and the Office of the Government Corporate Counsel (OGCC) were requested to submit to the TWG their respective position papers on the measure.

AGENCY BRIEFINGS

COMMITTEE SUBJECT MATTER DISCUSSIONS

Housing and Urban Development

Briefing by the shelter agencies on their performance in the implementation of government’s shelter programs

The Committee, chaired by Rep. Alfredo “Albee” Benitez (3rd District, Negros Occidental), listened to the briefing conducted by the following shelter agencies on their performance in the implementation of the government’s shelter programs for 2013:

Housing and Urban Development Coordinating Council (HUDCC)

National Housing Authority (NHA)

Housing and Land Use Regulatory Board (HLURB)

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Home Guaranty Corporation (HGC)

National Home Mortgage Finance Corporation (NHMFC)

Social Housing Finance Corporation (SHFC)

Home Development Mutual Fund (PAG-IBIG)

Among the challenges being faced by the shelter agencies in the implementation of housing programs are the rapid population increase which resulted in marked increase in housing needs, lack of available land for housing, limited budget allocation and the limited capacity of local government units to provide shelter to their respective low-income constituents. The housing agencies presented to the Committee a number of proposed remedial legislations to address their problems and concerns. The Governance Commission for Government-owned and Controlled Corporations (GCG) presented to the Committee the performance scorecard designed to evaluate the performance of the shelter agencies under its jurisdiction. It promised to provide the Committee the result of such performance evaluation as soon as it is completed. The Commission on Audit (COA) was asked to submit its comments on the performance report presented by the shelter agencies.

Science and Technology

Briefing by the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) on the amendments to the Convention on the Physical Protection of Nuclear Material (CPPNM), Convention on Nuclear Safety (CNS), and Joint Convention on the Safety of Spent Fuel Management and Radioactive Waste Management .

The Committee, chaired by Rep. Victor Yu (1st District, Zamboanga del Sur), listened to the briefing conducted by the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA). Andrea Gioia, IAEA Senior Legal Officer, said the Agency is promoting awareness of the international nuclear conventions and treaties adopted, as well as the latest amendments to these treaties which need to be ratified by member-states. The importance of ratifying the 2005 amendments by member-states such as the Philippines, Gioia explained, will enable them to actively participate in other conventions under the auspices of the IAEA. These conventions serve as effective tools in the collective fight against international nuclear terrorism or in claiming civil liability against party-members in cases of nuclear accidents. (The IAEA is the world's center of cooperation in the nuclear field. It was set up as the world´s "Atoms for Peace" organization in 1957 within the United Nations family. The Agency works with its member-states and multiple partners worldwide to promote safe, secure and peaceful nuclear technologies. Source: www.iaea.org) According to Gioia, the country has not ratified some of these conventions and the subsequent amendments. He averred that the absence of a nuclear power program does not mean that a country should not ratify these international conventions and treaties. He stressed that it is advantageous for the Philippines to avail itself of the protection afforded by the international community in case of nuclear terrorism or accidents. Gioia also advised the Committee to pursue the establishment of a national legal framework on the safe, secure and peaceful use of nuclear energy and its applications. The IAEA, he said, is ready to assist the Philippines in outlining such legislation and is likewise ready to provide technical support in case the country adopts a nuclear power program in the future. The Committee resolved to recommend to its counterpart committee in the Senate to facilitate the country’s ratification of the 2005 amendments to the conventions pertaining to nuclear safety.

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Southern Tagalog Development (Special Committee)

Briefing by the Department of Health (DOH) on its accomplishments, plans and programs for the Southern Tagalog Region

Region IV-A

Region IV-B

The Committee, chaired by Rep. Isidro Rodriguez Jr. (2nd District, Rizal), listened to the briefing conducted by the concerned DOH regional directors outlining the roadmap to Universal Health Care including their actions and interventions and the target outcomes for the Southern Tagalog Region. The provinces of Region IV-A (Cavite, Laguna, Batangas, Quezon and Rizal) and Region IV-B (Oriental Mindoro, Occidental Mindoro, Marinduque, Romblon, Palawan and Puerto Princesa) compose the Southern Tagalog Region. Dr. Corazon Flores of the DOH Region IV-A presented the DOH’s achievements in the region which include the following:

Facility-based delivery in 2013 was higher at 66% compared to 2012’s 57%.

The number of fully immunized children (FIC) slightly increased at 61% in 2013 compared to 59% in 2012.

The cure rate for tuberculosis (TB) for 2013 is at 85% in the region; the number of measles cases dropped immensely since January 2014.

The Provinces of Cavite and Batangas were declared malaria-free since 2006 and 2010, respectively. The DOH’s target to eliminate malaria in the Province of Quezon will start by 2014 up to 2015 while for the Province of Rizal, it will be by 2016.

Under the Community Health Teams (CHT) Mobilization Program, the total number of CHTs deployed to the Provinces of Cavite, Laguna and Batangas has exceeded the targets; while for the Provinces of Quezon and Rizal, the deployment rates were 85% and 88%, respectively.

The total number of poor households in the region with PhilHealth coverage reached 562,909, exceeding the target of 389,811 as of December 2013.

In response to the query of Rep. Lorna Velasco (Party-List, AMA) on the reason behind the low number of FICs in some areas in Region IV-A, Flores explained that the following factors contributed to the low turnout of FICs:

The influx of informal settlers from Metro Manila to the provinces of Cavite, Rizal and Laguna thus increasing the population of children for immunization;

Lack of DOH personnel or health workers to conduct house-to-house vaccination; and

Expired vaccines. Alarmed by the report that the Province of Quezon has the most number of municipalities which are endemic for malaria, Rep. Aleta Suarez (3rd District, Quezon) appealed to the DOH to immediately implement its malaria elimination program in the province. Dr. Eduardo Janairo, DOH Region IV-B Director, presented the DOH’s performance in the region which include the following:

DOH’s efforts in improving maternal health are still low in Region IV-B or the MIMAROPA Region. Facility-based deliveries decreased from 55% in 2012 to 39% in 2013.

Five out of the six provinces of Region IV-B or MIMAROPA had registered increases in the total number of fully immunized children from 2012 to 2013.

The TB cure rate slightly increased to 89% in 2013 from 88% in 2012.

The number of measles cases increased four times as of January 2014 from the 2013 figure, or from 192 to 536 measles cases.

The Provinces of Romblon and Marinduque were declared malaria-free since 2012 and 2008, respectively. The DOH’s target to eliminate malaria in the Province of Oriental

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Continuation… Southern Tagalog Development (Special Committee)

Mindoro will be by 2016; the Province of Occidental Mindoro, by 2020; and the Province of Palawan, beyond 2020.

The total number of CHTs deployed to the provinces of Region IV-B has exceeded the targets, except the Province of Romblon with a deployment rate of only 62%.

OTHER MATTERS

COMMITTEE SUBJECT MATTER DISCUSSIONS

Transportation

Update on the status of measures referred to the different technical working groups (TWGs) of the Committee

The Committee, chaired by Catanduanes Rep. Cesar Sarmiento, asked the Committee Secretary, Antonia Gil, to report on the status of measures referred to the different technical working groups (TWGs) created to study or harmonize various measures. Gil reported that the Substitute Bill to HB 719 and HR 347, which seeks to establish the Maritime Industry Authority (MARINA) as a single maritime administration, has been ratified by both the Senate and the House of Representatives and is awaiting the signature of the President. The TWG tasked to harmonize the measures was headed by Romblon Rep. Eleandro Jesus Madrona. The Substitute Bill providing for the Anti-Distracted Driving Law was already approved by the Committee. The TWG tasked to consolidate and harmonize the seven bills (HBs 400, 744, 1165, 1923, 2026, 3211 and 3190) was headed by Rep. Emmeline Aglipay (Party-List, DIWA). Likewise, the Substitute Bill proposing the Motorcycle Safety for Children Act was approved by the Committee with amendment. The TWG tasked to consolidate and harmonize the three bills (HBs 397, 541 and 2024) was headed by Bacolod City Rep. Evelio “Bing” Leonardia, who is also the Committee Senior Vice Chair. The following proposed laws are still under consideration by their respective TWGs:

Air passenger rights;

Installation of speed limiters on public utility vehicles;

Regulation of parking spaces in commercial establishments;

Student fare discount;

Provision of bicycle parking areas;

Installation of close-circuit television (CCTV) on public utility vehicles; and

Regulation of motorcycle exhaust.

People’s Participation (Technical Working Group)

Monitoring of the participation of civil society organizations (CSOs) in the budget process at the local level

The technical working group (TWG), presided by Rep. Benjamin Asilo (1st District, Manila), the Committee Chair, convened to discuss the participation of civil society organizations (CSOs) in the budget process at the local level pursuant to the Grassroots Participatory Budgeting Process (GPBP) of the government. Based on the DBM-DILG-DSWD-NAPC Joint Memorandum Circular No. 4 dated November 26, 2013, the Grassroots Participatory Budgeting Process (formerly called Bottom-Up Budgeting) is an approach to preparing the budget proposal of government agencies, taking into consideration the development needs of cities and municipalities as identified in their respective local poverty reduction action plans that shall be formulated with strong participation of basic sector organizations and other civil society organizations. Jose Antonio Pacapac, Caucus of Development NGO Networks (CODE-NGO) Program Specialist for Advocacy, informed the TWG that CSOs are able to participate in the budgeting process at the city and municipal levels only. He said his group is urging the CSOs to

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Continuation… People’s Participation

also participate in the barangay level budget process. Director Cherry Melodias of the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) - Manila Office apprised the Committee that to date, about 10-20% of the 896 barangays in the City of Manila have not submitted their proposed budget for 2015. Likewise, Quezon City Budget Officer Theresa Romero said only 10 to 20% of the 142 barangays in Quezon City have yet to submit their 2015 budget proposal. Richard Villacorte of the DILG Project Management Office explained that for those barangays which were not able to submit their proposed budget for 2015, their 2014 budget will be considered as their proposed budget for next year. The Philippine National Volunteer Service Coordinating Agency (PNVSCA) was asked to submit a written report on the status of implementation of the Volunteerism Act of 2007 (RA 9418) for deliberation in the next TWG meeting.

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