Congressional Record · 2020. 9. 1. · value of paggalang at respeto sa kapwa, that we may finally be united as one nation of brothers and sisters, in which no one is so poor as

OPENING OF THE SECOND REGULAR SESSION

CALL TO ORDER

At 10:00 a.m., Speaker Alan Peter “Compañero” S. Cayetano called the session to order.

THE SPEAKER. Honorable Members of the House of Representatives, today is the fourth Monday of July 2020. The Constitution mandates that Congress convene once every year on the fourth Monday of July to commence its regular session.

I hereby call the Second Regular Session of the Eighteenth Congress to order.

Please rise for the Invocation to be delivered by the Hon. Maria Laarni “Lani” Cayetano, Representative of the Second District of Taguig.

Everybody rose for the Invocation.

INVOCATION

REP. CAYETANO (M.). Our heavenly and loving Father, we come to You with contrite hearts, pleading for Your forgiveness and mercy.

Cleanse us, O Lord. Remove in our hearts and minds anything that will hinder our prayers from coming to You.

As we begin the Second Regular Session of the Eighteenth Congress, we pray for Your guidance.

We ask for Your wisdom and understanding, and even the courage to do what is right to legislate measures that are most needed by our suffering people.

Lord, You have blessed us with our positions and allowed us to be in Congress at these trying and challenging times.

Use us, O Lord, to be an instrument of hope, and a source of needed relief and encouragement for our people.

Amidst divisiveness, help us to be an instrument of unity. When resources are wanting, help us to share from our own, knowing that they are Yours, and that we are only stewards of Your blessings.

Faced with this dreadful COVID-19 pandemic, aggravated by our individualities, and confronted by the gargantuan task of continuously building and rebuilding this country, help us go back to our old values of pagtutulungan, pagmamalasakit, at pagbabayanihan. And faced with our differences, may we be reminded of the value of paggalang at respeto sa kapwa, that we may finally be united as one nation of brothers and sisters, in which no one is so poor as not to have the capacity to share and no one is so rich as not to receive Your blessings.

May we be concerned and conscientious of our duties and responsibilities as Filipinos, proud and grateful of our inheritance as a people. Let Your merciful love set the tone for the renewal of our conviction to be of service to Your people so that we may heal as one nation under God.

Finally, search us, O God, and know our hearts, try us and know our thoughts, and see if there be any wicked way in us; and lead us in the way everlasting.

This we ask through the mighty name of Jesus Christ, our Lord.

Amen.

NATIONAL ANTHEM

THE SPEAKER. Amen.

Congressional RecordPLENARY PROCEEDINGS OF THE 18th CONGRESS, SECOND REGULAR SESSION

House of Representatives

Vol. 1 Monday, July 27, 2020 No. 1

1907PHILIPPINES

HOU

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F REPRESENTATIVES

2 Congressional Record • 18th Congress 2RS v.1 MONDAY, JULY 27, 2020

Please remain standing for the singing of the Philippine National Anthem.

Everybody remained standing for the singing of the Philippine National Anthem.

THE SPEAKER. Majority Leader.

REP. ROMUALDEZ (F.). The honorable Speaker will address the assembly this morning.

REMARKS OF THE SPEAKER

THE SPEAKER. In Psalm 127, we are told that “Unless the Lord builds the house, those who build it labor in vain. Unless the Lord watches over the city, the watchman stays awake in vain.”

These words are brought to life as we read in the Preamble of the Philippine Constitution, and attempt to build a country dedicated to God.

“We, the sovereign Filipino people, imploring the aid of Almighty God, in order to build a just and humane society and establish a Government that shall embody our ideals and aspirations, promote the common good, conserve and develop our patrimony, and secure to ourselves and our posterity the blessings of independence and democracy under the rule of law and a regime of truth, justice, freedom, love, equality, and peace, do ordain and promulgate this Constitution.”

We affirm that Yes, the Filipino people believe that with the aid of the Almighty, we can build an amazing society, one filled with happiness and prosperity brought about by faith in God, hope for the future, and love for our fellowmen.

It is time to build, build relationships that are stronger than our disagreements, build communities that are able to embrace our differences, and to build a Filipino nation united in its fight against this virus and every other challenge that we will face as a people and as a nation.

If the past ten years of steady economic growth have taught us anything, it is that our nation can overcome whatever challenge is placed before us, that the dream of economic parity with our Asian neighbors can easily be

a reality if, as a spiritual people, we continue to fight corruption in all areas of society, and pray for guidance as we try to do what is right—gawin ang tama—in a world where doing wrong can be so convenient and well-rewarded.

Sadly, while the decade of success has shown us how high we can go, it also exposed our vulnerability to natural disasters like the COVID-19 or the new coronavirus pandemic. It showed us that the metrics used by our society for success—money, power, position—are not only irrelevant in dealing with this crisis, they can at times even be a distraction and a hindrance to finding the right connection with the people in finding solutions.

At this time, when the whole world is facing a crisis unprecedented in scale, at least during our lifetime, the Filipino people expect that we, their elected Representatives will speak with all honesty, candor, and humility; and this is what the situation demands.

The enormity of the challenges and severity of the crisis we face require much faith, sacrifice, and hard work not just from our leaders, but from each and everyone of us. This is not the time to be unclear as to the intentions of this House of the People. Instead, we must speak frankly and truthfully, surely about our hopes and aspirations, but also—and perhaps more importantly—of our uncertainties and fears that our people are facing.

We cannot sugarcoat the fact that our way of life—what we once took for granted as being normal—is completely, irrevocably, undeniably gone. It has forever been changed by this pandemic, and nothing we can do can bring it back. Everything from this point on should no longer be about recapturing the past—huwag na po natin habulin iyong kahapon—but acknowledging in humility our mistakes, surviving the present, and building a greater future. A great future depends on it. Humble ourselves, pray, discern, work hard. But definitely we need a plan, we need a road map.

These are hard realities, I know. For those of you who have lost loved ones, iyong mga hindi man lang nakapagpaalam, lalo po doon sa biktima ng COVID na nasa isolation, at lalo po sa inyo na nawalan ng trabaho,

MONDAY, JULY 27, 2020 18th Congress 2RS v.1 • Congressional Record 3

na-stranded pa at hindi makauwi, I expect that the very notion of someone telling you to move on is in itself offensive and hurtful. Wala po kaming masasabi that will not be insensitive. But that is not our intention, it is not our intention to just say move on, or ignore the hurt that you are feeling. Please believe us, your Representatives, when we say we understand your grief. Most of us might not have actually felt it, but we also have friends, relatives, and of course, our constituents who are suffering, and we see the suffering. And it is precisely because we know what you are going through that I cannot, in good conscience, stay silent on this.

Grave illnesses require bitter medicine. We cannot afford to be weak—not at this time, and not with this virus. For this, I am eternally grateful that God, in His wisdom and mercy, has granted us the leadership that the nation needs during this crisis. As I take comfort in the President’s firm but fatherly hand, I am also supremely confident about the ability of this great nation to endure the worst, as it has endured, overcome, and prospered in the past. But our faith in God, and our thankfulness for a good President does not mean he does not need help, and does not mean we should not pray for him for the right advisers, guidance, health, and protection.

Yes, there is a long, hard road ahead of us, but there is nothing in the Filipinos’ character which tells me that we will be unequal to the task.

On the contrary, the Filipinos have been tempered and molded by the harshest of fates. And even during the darkest time of war, dictatorship, economic crises, or any other crises that we have faced as a people, when the very politicians who were expected to lead the country forswore their duties and shrank from their responsibilities, it was the people themselves who proved that the Philippines will not go down easily. This is a reminder to our leaders: People will step up, so we have to do our best and we cannot fail our people.

These are the same people who saw the need for change in 2016, and against overwhelming odds, chose the right candidate

to lead us. And it is in them that my faith for a better future firmly rests. Let us not delude ourselves with the thought that Congress is “primus inter pares” or the first among equals. No, I am here to tell you that it is we—the Members of their House—who must rise to the occasion and fulfil the mandate that the Filipino people have entrusted to us; not just to represent them in these halls, but to truly be one with them in our hearts, in our minds, and in our actions. Hindi po puwedeng sabihin na tayo ang VIP dahil tayo ay Representante nila. Baliktad po. Sila po ang VIP, at tayo po ang lalaban para sa kanilang interes.

It is in this spirit that we need to move together as one nation, move faster, move united in our goal to protect the weakest among us, and create a better way of life for all Filipinos, not just for the privileged, the rich, and the powerful.

Just to put things into perspective, a year ago I spoke before this Body with so much hope and confidence in our future. The economy was booming, we were riding high on a strong electoral showing by the administration, poll after poll showed that the nation was finally feeling the effects of the strong leadership of President Duterte. In other words, we were on our way to fulfilling our promise of providing a safe and comfortable life for all.

It was amid this backdrop of confidence and euphoria that Congress got off to a running start. And I have to thank Majority Leader Ferdinand Martin G. Romualdez, the Committee on Rules, Minority Leader Bienvenido M. Abante Jr., and all the Members of the House. We worked hard, we passed the budget in record time—it is a very good budget—as well as numerous key legislations too many to enumerate, setting new records in productivity and efficiency compared to all other Congresses. We did this together, so thank you, brothers and sisters of the 18th Congress.

When Taal erupted, bringing with it misery and grief to our kababayans in Batangas, Congress rose to the occasion, and held a historic first session outside these halls and among our constituents. We went to them and listened to their problems—not as politicians looking for a vote, not as politicians wanting to


be heard by our constituents, but as servants of the people seeking genuine solutions to their problems by listening to those who were most affected by the calamity.

And even as we were struggling to cope with one crisis, the virus that now grips us was slowly rearing its head. Yes, this House did well in seeing the danger of COVID-19 and voicing our concerns as early as January. January pa lang po, paulit-ulit na tayo na we have to focus on this despite the political noise, despite the lobbying for different kinds of controversial topics. During this time, sinabi po natin na kailangan tayo ng Batangas at parating ang COVID-19, but none of us ever anticipated the scale of the devastation and dislocation that would eventually rock our country. Hindi po natin na-predict iyon, wala pong nakakita.

The fight to defeat COVID-19 showed us the necessity of protecting the environment, not just as a natural resource, but as a matter of survival. It taught us the value of hope during those times when all seemed lost, and of fighting for what is right, all the time, every time. It even inspired us to set aside personal animosities and work together for the good intentions to help our good nation.

Right now, our greatest and most difficult task is to keep Filipinos safe and healthy while getting Filipinos back to work—lives and livelihood, buhay at kabuhayan. We need to build and retool those industries that have been gutted by this pandemic. And in this endeavor, the government will be playing a significant role. I propose we strengthen the agriculture, tourism, and manufacturing sectors, augmented by robust investment in infrastructure—all kinds of infrastructure: tourism-related infrastructure, agriculture-related infrastructure, infrastructure for education, for health, and of course, for mobility. And, of course let us not forget, if this is an invisible enemy, there is also an invisible or not visible infrastructure—the infrastructure for the digital world. This can be the primary source of employment and growth, especially in rural areas.

Let us take this opportunity to bring our kababayans home, not in boxes, but as the conquering heroes that they are. Properly

supported and given the right opportunities, these returning OFWs will form the first wave of our offensive in the countryside. Armed with technology, training, and discipline, they have so much knowledge; they have learned so much from other countries; they have the ability to transform our economy practically overnight, if we put the right plan in place.

Let us look to the provinces as the new center of development. COVID-19 has shown us the weak underbelly of our big cities, how easy can they be brought down to their knees—and with it, the whole nation—by disease and infection. We should never allow ourselves to be caught off guard again. This is a clarion call for all urban planners, engineers, and architects: The government and the people need you. We need your ideas. Help us build a better Philippines by decongesting our cities and spreading the wealth to every area, every island, every valley, every hilltop, every mountain in the country.

Hand in hand, with this, we look towards revitalizing the Philippine creative industry, once the envy of Asia, but now a mere shadow of its former glory. This week, the House leadership and anyone who would like to join us, will be filing a bill that will establish the Department of Arts and Culture so that instead of being a casualty of COVID-19, Filipino creativity and artistry will be an integral part of our arsenal for recovery, and we will be targeting Asia and not just the Philippines. And when we say “creative industry,” this department will only be the first bill among others because when we say “creative,” this includes, for example, robotics, performing arts, anything that is precisely created by the mind.

We must approach this problem and prepare as if we are at war, which to a large extent we are, not with a foreign aggressor, not with a local insurgency, but with an unseen enemy that shows no mercy, gives no quarter, and takes no prisoner. And while it sometimes brings out the best in us, many times it also brings out the worst in us.

In the face of an evolving enemy and a fluid battleground, Congress needs to continue to adapt, innovate, and manage if we are to stay above water until a vaccine or cure is found


which, by the most conservative estimates, will not be viable until the end of the year or early next year at the soonest.

In the meantime, we have to trust in God and remain strong. To the Filipino people, please know that we welcome your vigilance, and ask you to continue to watch over this Congress, and to cry the alarm whenever you see abuse in our ranks. By all means, hold us to the highest standards of integrity and public service, but do not stand apart from us. We have to learn to agree to disagree. Hindi po pupuwede na kapagka hindi tayo nag-a-agree, galit na galit tayo, kasi isang katawan lang tayo, isa lang po ang bayan natin. Be our brothers and sisters in arms for a better normal. This is your House, and together with God, seeking His guidance, seeking His mercy and forgiveness, let us continue to build a strong nation.

God bless the Philippines!

THE SPEAKER. Majority Leader. (Applause)

REP. ROMUALDEZ (F.). Mr. Speaker, the Secretary General will now call the roll.

ROLL CALL

THE SECRETARY GENERAL, reading: Roll call of Members.

The Honorable Representatives:

NATIONAL CAPITAL REGION (NCR)

CALOOCAN CITYFirst District Hon. Dale “Along” R. Malapitan*Second District Hon. Edgar R. Erice*

LAS PIÑAS CITYLone District Hon. Camille A. Villar*

MAKATI CITYFirst District Hon. Romulo “Kid” Peña Jr.*Second District Hon. Luis N. Campos Jr.*

MALABON CITYLone District Hon. Josephine Veronique R. Lacson-Noel*

MANDALUYONG CITYLone District Hon. Neptali M. Gonzales II*

CITY OF MANILAFirst District Hon. Manuel Luis “Manny” T. Lopez*Second District Hon. Rolando M. Valeriano*Third District Hon. John Marvin “Yul Servo” C. Nieto*Fourth District Hon. Edward Vera Perez Maceda*Fifth District Hon. Cristal L. Bagatsing*Sixth District Hon. Bienvenido M. Abante Jr.

MARIKINA CITYFirst District Hon. Bayani F. Fernando*Second District Hon. Stella Luz A. Quimbo*

MUNTINLUPA CITYLone District Hon. Rozzano Rufino B. Biazon*

NAVOTAS CITYLone District Hon. John Reynald M. Tiangco*

PARAÑAQUE CITYFirst District Hon. Eric L. Olivarez*Second District Hon. Joy Myra S. Tambunting*

PASAY CITYLone District Hon. Antonino G. Calixto*

PASIG CITYLone District Hon. Roman T. Romulo*

* Members who participated via telecommunications and/or other online technologies


QUEZON CITYFirst District Hon. Anthony Peter “Onyx” D. Crisologo*Second District Hon. Precious Hipolito Castelo*Third District Hon. Allan Benedict S. Reyes*Fourth District Hon. Jesus “Bong” C. Suntay*Fifth District Hon. Alfred Vargas*Sixth District Hon. Jose Christopher Y. Belmonte*

SAN JUAN CITYLone District Hon. Ronaldo B. Zamora*

TAGUIG CITY/PATEROSFirst District Hon. Alan Peter “Compañero” S. CayetanoSecond District Hon. Maria Laarni Cayetano

VALENZUELA CITYFirst District Hon. Weslie T. GatchalianSecond District Hon. Eric M. Martinez*

REGION I - ILOCOS

ILOCOS NORTE (with the city of Laoag)First District Hon. Ria Christina G. Fariñas*Second District Hon. Angelo Marcos Barba*

ILOCOS SUR (with the cities of Vigan and Candon)First District Hon. Deogracias Victor “DV” B. Savellano*Second District Hon. Kristine Singson-Meehan*

LA UNIONFirst District Hon. Pablo C. Ortega*Second District Hon. Sandra Y. Eriguel, MD*

PANGASINANFirst District Hon. Arnold “Noli” D. Celeste*Second District Hon. Jumel Anthony I. Espino*Third District Hon. Rose Marie “Baby” J. Arenas*Fourth District Hon. Christopher V. P. De Venecia*Fifth District Hon. Ramon “Mon-Mon” V. Guico III, DPM*Sixth District Hon. Tyrone D. Agabas*

REGION II – CAGAYAN VALLEY

BATANESLone District Hon. Ciriaco B. Gato Jr.*

CAGAYANFirst District Hon. Ramon C. Nolasco Jr.*Second District Hon. Samantha Louise Vargas Alfonso*Third District Hon. Joseph “Jojo” L. Lara*

ISABELAFirst District Hon. Antonio “Tonypet” T. Albano*Second District Hon. Ed Christopher S. Go*Third District Hon. Ian Paul L. Dy*Fourth District Hon. Alyssa Sheena P. Tan*Fifth District Hon. Faustino Michael Carlos T. Dy III*Sixth District Hon. Faustino “Inno” A. Dy V*

NUEVA VIZCAYALone District Hon. Luisa Lloren Cuaresma*

QUIRINOLone District Hon. Junie E. Cua*



REGION III – CENTRAL LUZON

AURORALone District Hon. Rommel Rico T. Angara*

BATAANFirst District Hon. Geraldine B. Roman*Second District Hon. Jose Enrique “Joet” S. Garcia III*

BULACANFirst District Hon. “Kuya” Jose Antonio R. Sy-Alvarado*Second District Hon. Gavini “Apol” C. Pancho*Third District Hon. Lorna C. Silverio*Fourth District Hon. Henry R. Villarica*

SAN JOSE DEL MONTE CITYLone District Hon. Florida “Rida” P. Robes*

NUEVA ECIJAFirst District Hon. Estrellita B. Suansing*Second District Hon. Micaela S. Violago*Third District Hon. Rosanna “Ria” V. Vergara*Fourth District Hon. Maricel G. Natividad-Nagaño, MD*

PAMPANGAFirst District Hon. Carmelo “Jon” B. Lazatin II*Second District Hon. Juan Miguel Macapagal ArroyoThird District Hon. Aurelio “Dong” D. Gonzales Jr.Fourth District Hon. Juan Pablo “Rimpy” P. Bondoc*

TARLACFirst District Hon. Carlos O. Cojuangco*

Second District Hon. Victor A. Yap*Third District Hon. Noel L. Villanueva*

ZAMBALESFirst District Hon. Jeffrey D. Khonghun*Second District Hon. Cheryl P. Deloso-Montalla*

REGION IV-A (CALABARZON)

BATANGAS (with the cities of Tanauan and Sto. Tomas)First District Hon. Elenita Milagros “Eileen” Ermita-Buhain*Second District Hon. Raneo “Ranie” E. AbuThird District Hon. Ma. Theresa V. Collantes*Fourth District Hon. Lianda B. Bolilia*Fifth District (Batangas City) Hon. Mario Vittorio “Marvey” A. Mariño*Sixth District (Lipa City) Hon. Vilma Santos-Recto*

CAVITE (with the cities of Cavite, Trece Martires, and Tagaytay)First District Hon. Francis Gerald Aguinaldo Abaya*Second District (Bacoor City) Hon. Strike B. Revilla*Third District (Imus City) Hon. Alex “AA” L. Advincula*Fourth District (Dasmariñas City) Hon. Elpidio F. Barzaga Jr.Fifth District Hon. Dahlia A. Loyola*Sixth District (General Trias City) Hon. Luis “Jon-Jon” A. Ferrer IV*Seventh District Hon. Jesus Crispin C. RemullaEighth District Hon. Abraham “Bambol” N. Tolentino



LAGUNA (with the cities of Cabuyao, San Pedro, and Sta. Rosa)First District Hon. Dan S. FernandezSecond District Hon. Ruth Mariano-Hernandez*Third District Hon. Sol Aragones*Fourth District Hon. Benjamin C. Agarao Jr.*

BIÑAN CITYLone District Hon. Marlyn “Len” B. Alonte*

CALAMBA CITYLone District Hon. Joaquin M. Chipeco Jr.*

QUEZON (with the city of Lucena)First District Hon. Wilfrido Mark M. Enverga*Second District Hon. David “Jay-Jay” C. SuarezThird District Hon. Aleta C. Suarez*Fourth District Hon. Angelina “Helen” D.L. Tan, MD*

RIZALFirst District Hon. Michael John R. Duavit*Second District Hon. Juan Fidel Felipe F. Nograles*

ANTIPOLO CITYFirst District Hon. Roberto V. Puno*Second District Hon. Resurreccion M. Acop*

MIMAROPA REGION

MARINDUQUELone District Hon. Lord Allan Jay Q. Velasco*

OCCIDENTAL MINDOROLone District Hon. Josephine Ramirez-Sato*

ORIENTAL MINDORO (with the city of Calapan)First District Hon. Doy C. Leachon*Second District Hon. Alfonso V. Umali Jr.*

PALAWAN (with the city of Puerto Princesa)First District Hon. Franz “Chicoy” E. AlvarezSecond District Hon. Cyrille “Beng” F. Abueg-Zaldivar*Third District Hon. Gil “Kabarangay Jr” A. Acosta*

ROMBLONLone District Hon. Eleandro Jesus F. Madrona*

REGION V – BICOL

ALBAY (with the cities of Legazpi, Ligao, and Tabaco)First District Hon. Edcel C. Lagman*Second District Hon. Joey Sarte Salceda*Third District Hon. Fernando T. Cabredo*

CAMARINES NORTEFirst District Hon. Josefina B. Tallado* Second District Hon. Marisol C. Panotes*

CAMARINES SUR (with the cities of Naga and Iriga)First DistrictSecond District Hon. Luis Raymund “LRay” F. Villafuerte Jr.Third District Hon. Gabriel H. Bordado Jr.*Fourth District Hon. Arnie B. Fuentebella*Fifth District Hon. Jocelyn F. Fortuno*

CATANDUANESLone District Hon. Hector S. Sanchez*



MASBATE (with the city of Masbate)First District Hon. Narciso R. Bravo Jr.*Second District Hon. Elisa “Olga” T. Kho*Third District Hon. Wilton “Tonton” T. Kho*

SORSOGON (with the city of Sorsogon)First District Hon. Evelina G. Escudero*Second District Hon. Ma. Bernardita “Ditas” Ramos*

REGION VI – WESTERN VISAYAS

AKLANFirst District Hon. Carlito S. Marquez*Second District Hon. Teodorico T. Haresco Jr.*

ANTIQUELone District Hon. Loren Legarda*

CAPIZ (with the city of Roxas)First District Hon. Emmanuel “Tawi” Billones*Second District Hon. Fredenil “Fred” H. Castro*

GUIMARASLone District Hon. Ma. Lucille L. Nava, MD*

ILOILO (with the city of Passi)First District Hon. Janette L. GarinSecond District Hon. Michael B. Gorriceta*Third District Hon. Lorenz R. Defensor*Fourth District Hon. Braeden John Q. Biron*Fifth District Hon. Raul “Boboy” C. Tupas*

ILOILO CITYLone District Hon. Julienne “Jam” L. Baronda*

NEGROS OCCIDENTAL (with the cities of San Carlos, Cadiz, Bago, La Carlota, Silay, Kabankalan, Sagay, Victorias, Escalante, Sipalay, and Himamaylan)First District Hon. Gerardo P. Valmayor Jr.*Second District Hon. Leo Rafael M. Cueva*Third District Hon. Francisco “Kiko” B. Benitez*Fourth District Hon. Juliet Marie De Leon Ferrer*Fifth District Hon. Ma. Lourdes T. Arroyo*Sixth District Hon. Genaro M. Alvarez Jr.*

BACOLOD CITYLone District Hon. Greg G. Gasataya*

REGION VII – CENTRAL VISAYAS

BOHOL (with the city of Tagbilaran)First District Hon. Edgar M. Chatto*Second District Hon. Erico Aristotle C. Aumentado*Third District Hon. Kristine Alexie B. Tutor*

CEBUFirst District Hon. Eduardo “Eddie” R. Gullas*Second District Hon. Wilfredo “Willy” S. Caminero*Third District Hon. Pablo John F. Garcia*Fourth District Hon. Janice Z. Salimbangon*Fifth District Hon. Vincent Franco “Duke” D. Frasco*Sixth District Hon. Emmarie “Lolypop” Ouano-Dizon*Seventh District Hon. Peter John D. Calderon*

CEBU CITYFirst District Hon. Raul V. Del Mar*



Second District Hon. Rodrigo A. Abellanosa*

LAPU-LAPU CITYLone District Hon. Paz C. Radaza*

NEGROS ORIENTALFirst District Hon. Jocelyn Sy Limkaichong*Second District Hon. Manuel T. Sagarbarria*Third District Hon. Arnolfo “Arnie” A. Teves Jr.*

SIQUIJORLone District Hon. Jake Vincent Villa*

REGION VIII – EASTERN VISAYAS

BILIRANLone District Hon. Gerardo “Gerryboy” J. Espina Jr.*

EASTERN SAMARLone District Hon. Maria Fe R. Abunda*

LEYTEFirst District Hon. Ferdinand Martin G. RomualdezSecond District Hon. Lolita T. Javier*Third District Hon. Vicente “Ching” S.E. Veloso III*Fourth District Hon. Lucy Torres-Gomez*Fifth District Hon. Carl Nicolas C. Cari*

NORTHERN SAMARFirst District Hon. Paul Ruiz Daza*Second District Hon. Jose “Jun” L. Ong Jr.*

SAMARFirst District Hon. Edgar Mary S. Sarmiento*

Second District Hon. Sharee Ann Tee Tan*

SOUTHERN LEYTELone District Hon. Roger G. Mercado*

REGION IX – ZAMBOANGA PENINSULA

ZAMBOANGA DEL NORTEFirst District Hon. Romeo M. Jalosjos Jr.*Second District Hon. Glona G. Labadlabad*Third District Hon. Isagani S. Amatong*

ZAMBOANGA DEL SURFirst District Hon. Divina Grace C. YuSecond District Hon. Leonardo L. Babasa Jr.*

ZAMBOANGA CITYFirst District Hon. Cesar “Jawo” L. Jimenez Jr.*Second District Hon. Manuel Jose “Mannix” M. Dalipe*

ZAMBOANGA SIBUGAYFirst District Hon. Wilter “Sharky” Wee Palma IISecond District Hon. Ann K. Hofer*

REGION X – NORTHERN MINDANAO

BUKIDNON (with the cities of Malaybalay and Valencia)First District Hon. Ma. Lourdes Acosta-Alba*Second District Hon. Jonathan Keith T. Flores*Third District Hon. Manuel F. Zubiri*Fourth District Hon. Rogelio Neil P. Roque*



CAMIGUINLone District Hon. Xavier Jesus D. Romualdo*

LANAO DEL NORTEFirst District Hon. Mohamad Khalid Q. Dimaporo*Second District Hon. Abdullah D. Dimaporo*

ILIGAN CITYLone District Hon. Frederick W. Siao*

MISAMIS OCCIDENTALFirst District Hon. Diego “Nonoy” C. Ty*Second District Hon. Henry S. Oaminal*

MISAMIS ORIENTALFirst District Hon. Christian S. Unabia*Second District Hon. Juliette T. Uy*

CAGAYAN DE ORO CITYFirst District Hon. Rolando “Klarex” A. Uy*Second District Hon. Rufus B. Rodriguez*

REGION XI – DAVAO REGION

DAVAO DE OROFirst District Hon. Way Kurat Zamora*Second District Hon. Ruwel Peter S. Gonzaga*

DAVAO DEL NORTEFirst District Hon. Pantaleon D. Alvarez*Second District Hon. Alan “Aldu” R. Dujali*

DAVAO DEL SURLone District Hon. Mercedes “Didi” C. Cagas*

DAVAO CITYFirst District Hon. Paolo Z. Duterte*Second District Hon. Vincent J. Garcia*Third District Hon. Isidro T. Ungab*

DAVAO OCCIDENTALLone District Hon. Lorna P. Bautista-Bandigan*

DAVAO ORIENTALFirst District Hon. Corazon T. Nuñez-Malanyaon*Second District Hon. Joel Mayo Z. Almario*

REGION XII – (SOCCSKSARGEN)

NORTH COTABATO (with the city of Kidapawan)First District Hon. Joselito “Joel” S. Sacdalan*Second District Hon. Rudy S. Caoagdan, DPA*Third District Hon. Jose “Pingping” I. Tejada*

SARANGANILone District Hon. Rogelio “Ruel” D. Pacquiao*

SOUTH COTABATO (with the cities of General Santos and Koronadal)First District Hon. Shirlyn L. Bañas-Nograles*Second District Hon. Ferdinand L. Hernandez*

SULTAN KUDARATFirst District Hon. Princess Rihan M. Sakaluran*Second District Hon. Horacio P. Suansing Jr.*



BANGSAMORO AUTONOMOUS REGION IN MUSLIM MINDANAO (BARMM)

BASILANLone District Hon. Mujiv S. Hataman*

LANAO DEL SURFirst District Hon. Ansaruddin Abdul Malik A. Adiong*Second District Hon. Yasser Alonto Balindong*

MAGUINDANAO (with Cotabato City)First District Hon. Datu Roonie Q. Sinsuat Sr.*Second District Hon. Esmael G. Mangudadatu*

SULUFirst District Hon. Samier A. Tan*Second District Hon. Munir M. Arbison*

TAWI-TAWILone District Hon. Rashidin H. Matba*

CORDILLERA ADMINISTRATIVE REGION

ABRALone District Hon. Joseph Sto. Niño B. Bernos*

APAYAOLone District Hon. Elias C. Bulut Jr.*

BENGUETLone District

BAGUIO CITYLone District Hon. Mark O. Go*

IFUGAOLone District Hon. Solomon R. Chungalao*

KALINGALone District Hon. Allen Jesse C. Mangaoang*

MOUNTAIN PROVINCELone District Hon. Maximo Y. Dalog Jr.*

CARAGA ADMINISTRATIVE REGION

AGUSAN DEL NORTEFirst District Hon. Lawrence “Law” H. Fortun*Second District Hon. Ma. Angelica M. Amante-Matba*

AGUSAN DEL SUR (with the city of Bayugan)First District Hon. Alfel M. Bascug*Second District Hon. Eddiebong G. Plaza*

DINAGAT ISLANDSLone District Hon. Alan 1 B. Ecleo*

SURIGAO DEL NORTEFirst District Hon. Francisco Jose “Bingo” F. Matugas II, CPA, CESO, LLB*Second District Hon. Robert Ace S. Barbers

SURIGAO DEL SURFirst District Hon. Prospero A. Pichay Jr.*Second District Hon. Johnny Ty Pimentel*

PARTY-LIST REPRESENTATIVES

1PACMAN (One Patriotic Coalition of Marginalized Nationals) Hon. Michael L. Romero, PhD* Hon. Enrico A. Pineda*

A TEACHER (Advocacy for Teacher Empowerment Through Action, Cooperation and Harmony Towards Educational Reform) Hon. Ma. Victoria V. Umali*



AAMBIS-OWA (Ang Asosasyon Sang Mangunguma Nga Bisaya-OWA Mangunguma, Inc.) Hon. Sharon S. Garin*

ABANG LINGKOD (Abang Lingkod, Inc.) Hon. Joseph Stephen “Caraps” S. Paduano*

ABONO Hon. Conrado M. Estrella III*

ACT-CIS (Anti-Crime and Terrorism Community Involvement and Support, Inc.) Hon. Eric Go Yap* Hon. Jocelyn P. Tulfo* Hon. Rowena Niña O. Taduran*

ACT TEACHERS Hon. France L. Castro*

AGAP (Agricultural Sector Alliance of the Philippines) Hon. Rico B. Geron*

AKO BICOL (Ako Bicol Political Party) Hon. Elizaldy S. Co* Hon. Alfredo A. Garbin Jr.*

AKO BISAYA (Ako Bisaya, Inc.) Hon. Sonny “SL” L. Lagon*

AKO PADAYON (Ako Padayon Pilipino) Hon. Adriano A. Ebcas*

ALONA (Alliance of Organizations, Networks and Associations of the Philippines, Inc.) Hon. Anna Marie Villaraza-Suarez*

AMIN (Anak Mindanao) Hon. Amihilda J. Sangcopan*

AN WARAY Hon. Florencio G. Noel*

ANAKALUSUGAN (Alagaan Natin ating Kalusugan) Hon. Michael T. Defensor

ANG PROBINSYANO (Alyansa ng mga Mamamayang Probinsyano) Hon. Alfred C. Delos Santos* Hon. Ronnie L. Ong*

APEC (Association of Philippine Electric Cooperatives) Hon. Sergio C. Dagooc*

BAHAY (Bahay Para sa Pamilyang Pilipino, Inc.) Hon. Naealla Bainto Aguinaldo*

BAYAN MUNA Hon. Carlos Isagani T. Zarate* Hon. Ferdinand R. Gaite* Hon. Eufemia “Ka Femia” C. Cullamat*

BH (Bagong Henerasyon) Hon. Bernadette “BH” Herrera-Dy*

BHW (Barangay Health Wellness) Hon. Angelica Natasha Co*

BUHAY (Buhay Hayaan Yumabong) Hon. Jose L. Atienza Jr.*

CIBAC (Citizens’ Battle Against Corruption) Hon. Eduardo “Bro. Eddie” C. Villanueva* Hon. Domingo C. Rivera*

COOP-NATCCO (Cooperative NATCCO Network Party) Hon. Sabiniano S. Canama*

CWS (Construction Workers’ Solidarity) Hon. Romeo S. Momo Sr.*

DIWA (Democratic Independent Workers’ Association) Hon. Michael Edgar Y. Aglipay*

DUMPER PTDA (Dumper Philippines Taxi Drivers Association, Inc.) Hon. Claudine Diana D. Bautista*

GABRIELA (Gabriela Women’s Party) Hon. Arlene D. Brosas*

GP (Galing sa Puso Party) Hon. Jose Gay G. Padiernos*

KABATAAN (Kabataan Party-List) Hon. Sarah Jane I. Elago*

KABAYAN (Kabalikat ng Mamamayan) Hon. Ron P. Salo*



KALINGA (KALINGA-Advocacy for Social Empowerment and Nation-Building Through Easing Poverty, Inc.) Hon. Irene Gay F. Saulog*

KUSUG TAUSUG Hon. Shernee A. Tan*

LPGMA (LPG Marketers Association, Inc.) Hon. Allan U. Ty*

MAGDALO (Magdalo Para sa Pilipino) Hon. Manuel DG. Cabochan III*

MAGSASAKA (Magkakasama sa Sakahan, Kaunlaran) Hon. Argel Joseph T. Cabatbat*

MANILA TEACHERS’ (Manila Teachers’ Savings and Loan Association, Inc.) Hon. Virgilio S. Lacson*

MARINO (Marino Samahan ng mga Seaman, Inc.) Hon. Sandro L. Gonzalez* Hon. Macnell M. Lusotan*

OFW FAMILY (OFW Family Club, Inc.) Hon. Alberto “Bobby” D. Pacquiao*

PATROL (Public Safety Alliance for Transformation and Rule of Law, Inc.) Hon. Jorge “Patrol” Bustos*

PBA (Puwersa ng Bayaning Atleta) Hon. Jericho Jonas B. Nograles*

PHILRECA (Philippine Rural Electric Cooperatives Association, Inc.) Hon. Presley C. De Jesus*

PROBINSYANO AKO Hon. Rudys Caesar G. Fariñas I* Hon. Jose “Bonito” C. Singson Jr.*

RAM (Rebolusyonaryong Alyansang Makabansa) Hon. Aloy Lim*

RECOBODA (Rural Electric Consumers and Beneficiaries of Development and Advancement, Inc.) Hon. Godofredo N. Guya*

SAGIP (Social Amelioration and Genuine Intervention on Poverty) Hon. Rodante D. Marcoleta

SENIOR CITIZENS (Coalition of Associations of Senior Citizens in the Philippines, Inc.) Hon. Francisco G. Datol Jr.*

TGP (Talino at Galing ng Pinoy) Hon. Jose “Bong” J. Teves Jr. *

TINGOG SINIRANGAN Hon. Yedda Marie K. Romualdez*

TUCP (Trade Union Congress Party) Hon. Raymond Democrito C. Mendoza *

THE SECRETARY GENERAL. Mr. Speaker, the roll call shows that 301 Members responded to the call.

THE SPEAKER. With 301 Members in attendance, which includes 21 Members physically present and 280 who are participating now via telecommunications and/or other online technologies like Zoom and Facebook, the Chair declares the presence of a quorum.

Majority Leader.

CONSIDERATION OF H. RES. NO. 1059

REP. ROMUALDEZ (F.). Mr. Speaker, I move for the consideration of House Resolution No. 1059.

THE SPEAKER. Is there any objection? (Silence) The Chair hears none; the consideration of House Resolution No. 1059 is now in order.

The Secretary General is instructed to read the title and the text of the said Resolution.

THE SECRETARY GENERAL. House Resolution No. 1059, entitled: RESOLUTION INFORMING THE SENATE THAT A QUORUM BEING PRESENT, THE HOUSE



OF REPRESENTATIVES HAS ENTERED UPON THE EXERCISE OF ITS FUNCTIONS

RESOLVED, AS IT IS HEREBY RESOLVED BY THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES, That the Senate be informed that a quorum being present, the House of Representatives has entered upon the exercise of its functions.

Adopted,

Signed:

FERDINAND MARTIN G. ROMUALDEZMajority Leader, and

BIENVENIDO M. ABANTE JR.Minority Leader

ADOPTION OF H. RES. NO. 1059

REP. ROMUALDEZ (F.). Mr. Speaker, I move for the adoption of House Resolution No. 1059.

THE SPEAKER. There is a motion to adopt House Resolution No. 1059. Is there any objection? (Silence) The Chair hears none; House Resolution No. 1059 is adopted.

CONSIDERATION OF H. RES. NO. 1060

REP. ROMUALDEZ (F.). Mr. Speaker, I move for the consideration of House Resolution No. 1060.

THE SPEAKER. Is there any objection? (Silence) The Chair hears none; the consideration of House Resolution No. 1060 is now in order.

The Secretary General is instructed to read the title and the text of the Resolution.

THE SECRETARY GENERAL. House Resolution No. 1060, entitled: RESOLUTION INFORMING PRESIDENT RODRIGO ROA DUTERTE THAT THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES HAS ENTERED UPON THE EXERCISE OF ITS FUNCTIONS

RESOLVED, AS IT IS HEREBY RESOLVED BY THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES, That President Rodrigo Roa Duterte be informed

that the House of Representatives has entered upon the exercise of its functions.

Adopted,

Signed:

FERDINAND MARTIN G. ROMUALDEZ Majority Leader, and


ADOPTION OF H. RES. NO. 1060

REP. ROMUALDEZ (F.). Mr. Speaker, I move for the adoption of House Resolution No. 1060.

THE SPEAKER. There is a motion to adopt House Resolution No. 1060. Is there any objection? (Silence) The Chair hears none; House Resolution No. 1060 is adopted.

CONSIDERATION OF H. CT. RES. NO. 10

REP. ROMUALDEZ (F.). Mr. Speaker, I move for the consideration of House Concurrent Resolution No. 10.

THE SPEAKER. Is there any objection? (Silence) The Chair hears none; consideration of House Concurrent Resolution No. 10 is now in order.

The Secretary General is instructed to read the title and text of the said Resolution.

THE SECRETARY GENERAL. House Concurrent Resolution No. 10, entitled: CONCURRENT RESOLUTION PROVIDING FOR THE SENATE AND THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TO HOLD A JOINT SESSION TO HEAR THE MESSAGE OF THE PRESIDENT OF THE REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES.

RESOLVED BY THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES , THE SENATE CONCURRING, That both Houses of Congress of the Republic of the Philippines hold a Joint Session on Monday, July Twenty-Seven, Year Two Thousand and Twenty, at four o’clock in the afternoon at the session hall of the House


of Representatives to hear the message of the President of the Republic of the Philippines.

Adopted,

Signed:

FERDINAND MARTIN G. ROMUALDEZ Majority Leader, and


ADOPTION OF H. CT. RES. NO. 10

REP. ROMUALDEZ (F.). Mr. Speaker, I move for the adoption of House Concurrent Resolution No. 10.

THE SPEAKER. There is a motion to adopt House Concurrent Resolution No. 10. Is there any objection? (Silence) The Chair hears none; House Concurrent Resolution No. 10 is adopted.

SUSPENSION OF SESSION

REP. ROMUALDEZ (F.). Mr. Speaker, in order to give the House Secretariat time to transmit to the Senate the copies of the resolutions we have just adopted and until we have received the messages from the Senate on the resolutions they have adopted, I move for the suspension of the session.

THE SPEAKER. Is there any objection? (Silence) The Chair hears none; the session is suspended.

It was 11:21 a.m.

RESUMPTION OF SESSION

At 11:21 a.m., the session was resumed.

THE SPEAKER. The session is resumed.

REP. ROMUALDEZ (F.). Mr. Speaker, we are in receipt of the messages from the Senate and I move for the consideration of the same.

THE SPEAKER. Please proceed.

REP. ROMUALDEZ (F.). Secretary General.

THE SECRETARY GENERAL. Senate Resolution No. 471, entitled: RESOLUTION I N F O R M I N G T H E H O U S E O F REPRESENTATIVES THAT A QUORUM IS PRESENT IN THE SENATE AND THAT THIS BODY HAS ENTERED UPON THE EXERCISE OF ITS FUNCTIONS FOR THE SECOND REGULAR SESSION OF THE EIGHTEENTH CONGRESS OF THE PHILIPPINES; and

Senate Resolution No. 472, entitled: RESOLUTION INFORMING PRESIDENT RODRIGO ROA DUTERTE THAT A QUORUM IS PRESENT IN THE SENATE AND THAT THIS BODY HAS ENTERED UPON THE EXERCISE OF ITS FUNCTIONS FOR THE SECOND REGULAR SESSION OF THE EIGHTEENTH CONGRESS OF THE PHILIPPINES.

THE SPEAKER. To the Archives.

THE SECRETARY GENERAL. Senate Concurrent Resolution No. 12, entitled: CONCURRENT RESOLUTION CREATING A JOINT COMMITTEE OF THE SENATE AND THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TO NOTIFY THE PRESIDENT OF THE PHILIPPINES THAT CONGRESS, NOW CONVENED FOR ITS SECOND REGULAR SESSION OF THE EIGHTEENTH CONGRESS OF THE PHILIPPINES, IS READY TO HEAR HIS STATE OF THE NATION ADDRESS IN A JOINT SESSION OF BOTH HOUSES.

THE SPEAKER. To the Calendar of Business for the Day.

CONSIDERATION OF S. CT. RES. NO. 12

REP. ROMUALDEZ (F.). Mr. Speaker, I move for the consideration of Senate Concurrent Resolution No. 12.

THE SPEAKER. Is there any objection? (Silence) The Chair hears none; the consideration of Senate Concurrent Resolution No. 12 is now in order.

The Secretary General is hereby instructed to read the title and text of the said resolution.


THE SECRETARY GENERAL. Senate Concurrent Resolution No. 12, entitled: CONCURRENT RESOLUTION CREATING A JOINT COMMITTEE OF THE SENATE AND THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TO NOTIFY THE PRESIDENT OF THE PHILIPPINES THAT CONGRESS, NOW CONVENED FOR ITS SECOND REGULAR S E S S I O N O F T H E E I G H T E E N T H CONGRESS OF THE PHILIPPINES, IS READY TO HEAR HIS STATE OF THE NATION ADDRESS IN A JOINT SESSION OF BOTH HOUSES

RESOLVED BY THE SENATE, THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES OF THE PHILIPPINES CONCURRING, That a Joint Committee of both Houses of Congress be created composed of nine members, three to be appointed by the President of the Senate and six to be appointed by the Speaker of the House of Representatives, to notify the President of the Philippines that Congress now convened for its Second Regular Session of the Eighteenth Congress of the Philippines is ready to hear his State of the Nation Address in a Joint Session of both Houses.

Adopted.

Signed:

JUAN MIGUEL F. ZUBIRISenator

ADOPTION OF S. CT. RES. NO. 12

REP. ROMUALDEZ. (F.). Mr. Speaker, I move for the adoption of Senate Concurrent Resolution No. 12.

THE SPEAKER. There is a motion to adopt Senate Concurrent Resolution No. 12. Is there any objection? (Silence) The Chair hears none; Senate Concurrent Resolution No. 12 is adopted.

APPOINTMENT OF MEMBERS TOTHE JOINT COMMITTEE

REP. ROMUALDEZ (F.). In view of the adoption of Senate Concurrent Resolution

No. 12, authorizing the creation of a Joint Committee of both Houses to notify the President of the Philippines that Congress is convened and ready to hear his message, on the part of the House, I move that the following be appointed to the Joint Committee:

1. Rep. Paolo Z. Duterte;2. Rep. Luis Raymund “LRay” F.

Villafuerte Jr. ; 3. Rep. Raneo “Ranie” E. Abu; 4. Rep. Jesus Crispin C. Remulla; 5. Rep. Janette L. Garin; and6. R e p . A b r a h a m “ B a m b o l ” N .

Tolentino.

THE SPEAKER. Is there any objection? (Silence) The Chair hears none; Members of the House of Representatives so named are hereby appointed to the Joint Committee and are requested to immediately discharge their responsibility.

SUSPENSION OF SESSION

REP. ROMUALDEZ (F.). In order to give the Members of the Joint Committee time to perform their assigned tasks and until the House’s counterpart is ready to report back their accomplishment to this House, I move for the suspension of the session.

THE SPEAKER. Is there any objection? (Silence) The Chair hears none; the session is suspended.

It was 11:26 a.m.

RESUMPTION OF SESSION

At 11:26 a.m., the session was resumed.

T H E S P E A K E R . T h e s e s s i o n i s resumed.

REP. ROMUALDEZ (F.). Mr. Speaker, we have received a report from the Notification Committee that the President has been informed that Congress will convene in a Joint Session at four o’clock this afternoon to hear his State of the Nation Address.


Mr. Speaker, we wish to remind the Members of this Chamber that those physically present today must be here an hour before the Joint Session at four o’clock this afternoon and the Members who will attend through online technologies must register and log on the appropriate platforms at least an hour before the Joint Session at four o’clock this afternoon.

THE SPEAKER. The remarks of the Majority Leader are duly noted.

ADJOURNMENT OF SESSION

REP. ROMUALDEZ (F.). Mr. Speaker, to give way to the Joint Session at four o’clock this afternoon, I move that we adjourn the session until three o’clock tomorrow afternoon.

THE SPEAKER. Is there any objection? (Silence) The Chair hears none; the session is adjourned until three o’clock tomorrow afternoon.

It was 11:27 a.m.

Published by the Publication and Editorial Service, South Wing Basement • 931-7868; 931-5001 local 7602The Congressional Record can be accessed through the Legislative Documents of the official website

of the House of Representatives at www.congress.gov.ph FLL/GIC/090120/2101