Congressonal Records 8 Desk

7/28/2019 Congressonal Records 8 Desk

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Congressional

RecordPLENARY PROCEEDINGS OF THE 15th CONGRESS, FIRST REGULAR SESSION HOUSE OF

REPRESENTATIVES

Vol. 3 Tuesday, November 23, 2010 No. 37

CALL TO ORDER

At 4:00 p.m., Deputy Speaker Jesus Crispin C. Remulla called the session to order.

THE DEPUTY SPEAKER (Rep. Remulla). The session is now called to order. NATIONAL ANTHEM

THE DEPUTY SPEAKER (Rep. Remulla). Everybody is requested to rise for the singing of the Philippine

National Anthem.

Everybody rose to sing the Philippine National Anthem.

PRAYER

THE DEPUTY SPEAKER (Rep. Remulla). Please remain standing for a minute of silent prayer.

Everybody remained standing for the silent prayer.

THE DEPUTY SPEAKER (Rep. Remulla). The Dep. Majority Leader is recognized.

REP. BANAL. Thank you, Mr. Speaker. With the Gentlemans permission, may I be allowed to greet a few guests.

THE DEPUTY SPEAKER (Rep. Remulla). Please proceed.

REP. BANAL. Thank you, Mr. Speaker. We would like to acknowledge the presence of the guests of the honorable

Representative from the Lone District of Nueva Vizcaya, the Hon. Carlos M. Padilla. We have the municipal

officials from the towns of Kasibu and Sta. Fe, Nueva Vizcaya, led by the honorable Mayor Alberto Chito

Bumolo Jr. of Kasibu and Mayor Teodorico Padilla Jr. of Sta. Fe.

THE DEPUTY SPEAKER (Rep. Remulla). Please stand up to be recognized. (Applause) The Chair would like

to welcome the guests to the House of Representatives.

REP. BANAL. Mr. Speaker, if I may also be allowed to greet and acknowledge the presence of the guests of the

Hon. Dakila Carlo E. Cua, namely: the Association of Barangay

Captains, the PTA presidents, the school Principals and head teachers of Diffun, District I. (Applause) If I may just

briefly mention the schools, namely: Diffun Central, Andres Bonifacio, Banawag Integrated, San Isidro Integrated,

San Antonio Integrated, Lower Gabriela Elementary School, Ma. Clara Elementary School, Der-An Elementary

School, Gulac Elementary School, Rizal Elementary School, Isidro Paredes Elementary School, Guribang

Elementary School, Diego Silang Elementary School, Villa Pascua Elementary School and Upper Gabriela

Elementary School.

THE DEPUTY SPEAKER (Rep. Remulla). Welcome to the House of Representatives. (Applause)


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SUSPENSION OF SESSION

REP. BANAL. Mr. Speaker, I move to suspend the session for a few minutes.

THE DEPUTY SPEAKER (Rep. Remulla). The session is suspended.

It was 4:02 p.m.

RESUMPTION OF SESSIONAt 4:12 p.m., the session was resumed.

THE DEPUTY SPEAKER (Rep. Remulla.). The session is resumed.

The Dep. Majority Leader is recognized.

REP. ROMULO. Mr. Speaker, I move that we defer the calling of the roll.

THE DEPUTY SPEAKER (Rep. Remulla.). Is there any objection? (Silence) The Chair hears none; the roll call

is hereby deferred.

APPROVAL OF THE JOURNAL

REP. ROMULO. Mr. Speaker, I move that we approve Journal No. 36, dated November 22, 2010.

I so move, Mr. Speaker.

THE DEPUTY SPEAKER (Rep. Remulla.). Is there any objection? (Silence) The Chair hears none; the Journal

of November 22, 2010 is hereby approved.


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2 TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 23, 2010

REP. ROMULO. Mr. Speaker, I move that we proceed to the Reference of Business.

THE DEPUTY SPEAKER (Rep. Remulla). Is there any objection? (Silence) The Chair hears none; the motion

is approved.

The Secretary General will please read the Reference of Business.

REFERENCE OF BUSINESS

The Secretary General read the following House Bills and Resolutions on First Reading, and the Deputy

Speaker made the corresponding references:

BILLS ON FIRST READING

House Bill No. 3669, entitled:

AN ACT DECLARING DECEMBER 17 OF EVERY YEAR AS ARAW NG MGA BAYANING PILIPINONG

ATLETA, A SPECIAL WORKING HOLIDAY By Representative Ejercito TO THE COMMITTEE ON

REVISION OF LAWS


AN ACT DECLARING JULY 4 OF EVERY YEAR A SPECIAL NON -WORKING HOLIDAY IN THE

PROVINCE OF LANAO DEL NORTE TO COMMEMORATE ITS FOUNDATION DAY By Representative

Dimaporo (I.) TO THE COMMITTEE ON REVISION OF LAWS


AN ACT LIMITING EXPOSURE OF CHILDREN TO VIOLENT AND OBSCENE PROGRAMMING ON

TELEVISION AND CABLE SYSTEMS By Representative Castelo TO THE COMMITTEE ON WELFARE OF

CHILDREN


AN ACT CREATING ONE ADDITIONAL REGIONAL TRIAL COURT BRANCH FOR THE PROVINCE OF

NORTHERN SAMAR, WITH STATION AT THE MUNICIPALITY OF SAN ISIDRO, AMENDING FOR THE

PURPOSE SECTION 14, PARAGRAPH (i) OF BATAS PAMBANSA BLG. 129, AS AMENDED, OTHERWISE

KNOWN AS THE JUDICIARY ACT OF 1981 By Representative Daza TO THE COMMITTEE ON JUSTICE


AN ACT PROHIBITING COURTS FROM ISSUING RESTRAINING ORDERS OR PRELIMINARY

INJUNCTIONS IN CASES INVOLVING PUBLIC AUCTION SALES ARISING FROM EXTRA- JUDICIAL

FORECLOSURE OF REAL ESTATE MORTGAGES IN THE PHILIPPINES, AND FOR OTHER PURPOSES

By Representative Bichara TO THE COMMITTEE ON JUSTICE


AN ACT AMENDING REPUBLIC ACT NO. 8550 OTHERWISE KNOWN AS THE PHILIPPINE FISHERIES

CODE OF 1998 AND FOR OTHER PURPOSES By Representative Tiangco TO THE COMMITTEE ON

AQUACULTURE AND

FISHERIES RESOURCES


AN ACT AMENDING SECTIONS 5 AND 8 OF REPUBLIC ACT NO. 8484, OTHERWISE KNOWN AS THE

ACCESS DEVICES REGULATION ACT OF 1998, AND FOR OTHER PURPOSES By Representative

Romulo TO THE COMMITTEE ON BANKS AND FINANCIAL


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INTERMEDIARIES


AN ACT EXPANDING THE COVERAGE OF THE SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY SCHOLARSHIP

PROGRAM AND PROVIDING ADDITIONAL SOURCES OF FUNDING, AND AMENDING FOR THE

PURPOSE REPUBLIC ACT 7687 (AS AMENDED BY R.A. 8248) AND FOR OTHER PURPOSES By

Representative Palmones TO THE COMMITTEE ON SCIENCE AND

TECHNOLOGY


AN ACT DECLARING THE SEVENTEENTH OF NOVEMBER OF EVERY YEAR AS NATIONAL

STUDENT LEADERS DAY By Representative Taada TO THE COMMITTEE ON BASIC EDUCATION AND

CULTURE AND THE COMMITTEE ON HIGHER AND TECHNICAL EDUCATION


AN ACT CONFERRING UPON A MEMBER OF THE SANGGUNIANG BAYAN, SANGGUNIANG

PANLUNGSOD AND SANGGUNIANG PANLALAWIGAN WHO HAS SERVED FOR AT LEAST THREE

AND/OR TWO CONSECUTIVE TERMS IN OFFICE AN APPROPRIATE CIVIL SERVICE ELIGIBILITY By

Representative Abayon TO THE COMMITTEE ON CIVIL SERVICE AND

PROFESSIONAL REGULATION


AN ACT ESTABLISHING A NATIONAL HIGH SCHOOL IN BARANGAY HIBUNAWAN, BURAUEN,

LEYTE TO BE KNOWN AS THE HIBUNAWAN NATIONAL HIGH SCHOOL, AND APPROPRIATING

FUNDS THEREFOR By Representative Apostol TO THE COMMITTEE ON BASIC EDUCATION AND

CULTURE


AN ACT STRENGTHENING THE AUTONOMY AND


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TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 23, 2010 3

INDEPENDENCE OF THE OFFICE OF THE SOLICITOR GENERAL AND FOR OTHER PURPOSE By

Representatives Rodriguez (R.) and Rodriguez (M.) TO THE COMMITTEE ON JUSTICE


AN ACT TO ESTABLISH THE MANNY PACQUIAO LIFETIME ACHIEVEMENT AWARD, CREATING

FOR THE PURPOSE THE PHILIPPINE INSTITUTE FOR SPORTS EXCELLENCE (PISE), AND FOR OTHER

PURPOSES By Representative Evardone TO THE COMMITTEE ON YOUTH AND SPORTS

DEVELOPMENT


AN ACT SEPARATING SUMILAO NATIONAL HIGH SCHOOLKISOLON ANNEX IN BARANGAY SAN

VICENTE, MUNICIPALITY OF SUMILAO, PROVINCE OF BUKIDNON FROM SUMILAO NATIONAL

HIGH SCHOOL, CONVERTING IT TO AN INDEPENDENT NATIONAL HIGH SCHOOL TO BE KNOWN AS

SAN VICENTE NATIONAL HIGH SCHOOL AND APPROPRIATING FUNDS THEREFOR By Representative

Paras TO THE COMMITTEE ON BASIC EDUCATION AND

CULTURE


AN ACT CREATING AN ANNEX OF SUMILAO NATIONAL HIGH SCHOOL IN BARANGAY VISTA-

VILLA, MUNICIPALITY OF SUMILAO, PROVINCE OF BUKIDNON, TO BE KNOWN AS THE SUMILAO

NATIONAL HIGH SCHOOLVISTA-VILLA ANNEX AND APPROPRIATING FUNDS THEREFOR By

Representative Paras TO THE COMMITTEE ON BASIC EDUCATION AND

CULTURE


AN ACT CREATING AN ANNEX OF BAUNGON NATIONAL HIGH SCHOOL IN BARANGAY DANATAG,

MUNICIPALITY OF BAUNGON, PROVINCE OF BUKIDNON TO BE KNOWN AS BAUNGON NATIONAL

HIGH SCHOOLDANATAG ANNEX AND APPROPRIATING FUNDS THEREFOR By Representative ParasTO THE COMMITTEE ON BASIC EDUCATION AND

CULTURE


AN ACT ESTABLISHING THE IRRIGATION POLICY RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT OFFICE AND

APPROPRIATING FUNDS THEREFOR By Representative Sacdalan TO THE COMMITTEE ON

GOVERNMENT REORGANIZATION AND THE COMMITTEE ON AGRICULTURE AND FOOD


AN ACT DECLARING DECEMBER EIGHT (8) OF EVERY YEAR AS A SPECIAL NON -WORKING

HOLIDAY IN THE MUNICIPALITY OF AGOO, PROVINCE OF LA UNION, TO BE KNOWN AS AGOO

DAY By Representative Eriguel TO THE COMMITTEE ON REVISION OF LAWS


AN ACT SEPARATING THE BURGOS NATIONAL HIGH SCHOOLUPPER TUMAPOC ANNEX FROM

THE BURGOS NATIONAL HIGH SCHOOL, CONVERTING IT INTO AN INDEPENDENT NATIONAL HIGH

SCHOOL TO BE KNOWN AS UPPER TUMAPOC NATIONAL HIGH SCHOOL AND APPROPRIATING

FUNDS THEREFOR By Representative Eriguel TO THE COMMITTEE ON BASIC EDUCATION AND

CULTURE


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AN ACT PROVIDING FOR THE ESTABLISHMENT OF A SCHOOL DISTRICT CLINIC IN EVERY PUBLIC

SCHOOL DISTRICT ALL OVER THE COUNTRY, AND APPROPRIATING FUNDS THEREFOR By

Representative Go (A.C.) TO THE COMMITTEE ON HEALTH


AN ACT AMENDING REPUBLIC ACT NO. 6972, THE BARANGAY-LEVEL TOTAL DEVELOPMENT

AND PROTECTION OF CHILDREN ACT, AND APPROPRIATING FUNDS THEREFOR By Representative

Go (A.C.) TO THE COMMITTEE ON WELFARE OF CHILDREN


AN ACT PROVIDING FOR THE PLANTING OF TREES ON IDLE PUBLIC AGRICULTURAL AND

FOREST LANDS, AND APPROPRIATING FUNDS THEREFOR By Representative Go (A.C.) TO THE

SPECIAL COMMITTEE ON REFORESTATION


AN ACT AMENDING SECTIONS 24 AND 27 OF REPUBLIC ACT NO. 6770 OTHERWISE KNOWN AS

THE OMBUDSMAN ACT OF 1989, TO DEFINE THE PREVENTIVE SUSPENSION AUTHORITY OF THE

OFFICE OF THE OMBUDSMAN OR HIS DEPUTY OVER ELECTIVE AND APPOINTIVE OFFICIALS, AND

THE EFFECTIVITY OF THE DECISIONS OF THE OFFICE OF THE OMBUDSMAN By Representatives

Tupas, Taada, Abaya, Daza and

Abad TO THE COMMITTEE ON JUSTICE

RESOLUTIONS

House Resolution No. 635, entitled:

A RESOLUTION CONGRATULATING HON.


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EMMANUEL DAPIDRAN PACQUIAO FOR WINNING HIS 8TH WORLD DIVISION TITLE AGAINST

ANTONIO MARGARITO By Representative Ramos TO THE COMMITTEE ON RULES


A RESOLUTION URGING HIS EXCELLENCY, PRESIDENT BENIGNO SIMEON C. AQUINO, TO

TRANSMIT TO THE PHILIPPINE SENATE FOR ITS CONCURRENCE THE 1998 ROME STATUTE

CREATING THE INTERNATIONAL CRIMINAL COURT AND FOR THE PHILIPPINE SENATE TO GIVE

ITS CONCURRENCE TO THE SAID TREATY IN ORDER FOR THE PRESIDENT TO RATIFY THE ROME

STATUTE By Representative Treas TO THE COMMITTEE ON FOREIGN AFFAIRS


A RESOLUTION COMMENDING THE EXEMPLARY PERFORMANCE OF BOXING CHAMP HON.

EMMANUEL MANNY PACQUIAO By Representative Ong TO THE COMMITTEE ON RULES


A RESOLUTION URGING THE HOUSE COMMITTEE ON TRANSPORTATION AND COMMUNICATIONS

TO INVESTIGATE THE MONDAY BUS STRIKE THAT LEFT THOUSANDS OF COMMUTERS STRANDED

ALONG EDSA AND MOST ESPECIALLY ALONG COMMONWEALTH AVENUE THEREBY RESULTING

IN SOCIO- ECONOMIC DIS-EQUILIBRIUM By Representative Castelo TO THE COMMITTEE ON RULES


A RESOLUTION URGING THE COMMITTEE ON HEALTH TO ADVISE THE DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH

TO FORMULATE AND INSTITUTIONALIZE A BROADER HEALTH POLICY ON THE FIGHT AGAINST

PNEUMONIA AS ONE OF PRIMARY CAUSES OF MATERNAL AND INFANTILE DEATHS By

Representative Castelo TO THE COMMITTEE ON RULES


A RESOLUTION DIRECTING THE HOUSE COMMITTEE ON HUMAN RIGHTS TO INVESTIGATE, IN

AID OF LEGISLATION, THE KILLING OF CARLOS RODRIGUEZ, UNION PRESIDENT OF THE

NAGKAKAISANG LAKAS NG MGA MANGGAGAWA SA CALAMBA WATER DISTRICT (NLD-CWD), AN

AFFILIATE MEMBER OF THE CONFEDERATION FOR THE UNITY, ADVANCEMENT AND

RECOGNITION OF GOVERNMENT EMPLOYEES (COURAGE) By Representative Mariano TO THE

COMMITTEE ON RULES


RESOLUTION DIRECTING THE COMMITTEE ON HUMAN RIGHTS TO CONDUCT AN INQUIRY, IN AID

OF LEGISLATION, ON THE KILLING OF RENE RODRIGUEZ, A MEMBER OF SAMAHAN NG

MAGBUBUKID SA BATANGAS (SAMBAT), A PROVINCIAL CHAPTER OF KILUSANG MAGBUBUKID

NG PILIPINAS (KMP) ALLEGEDLY BY ELEMENTS OF THE MILITARY By Representative Mariano TO

THE COMMITTEE ON RULES

House Resolution No. 642, entitled:A RESOLUTION SEEKING CONGRESS TO SUSPEND THE IMPLEMENTATION OF MANDATORY

INSURANCE COVERAGE OF AGENCY HIRED OVERSEAS FILIPINO WORKERS By Representative

Palmones TO THE COMMITTEE ON RULES


RESOLUTION DIRECTING THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES COMMITTEE ON LABOR AND

EMPLOYMENT AND COMMITTEE ON WOMEN TO CONDUCT A JOINT INQUIRY, IN AID OF


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LEGISLATION, INTO THE ALLEGED RAPE OF A YOUNG NURSE UNDER THE NURSES ASSIGNED IN

RURAL SERVICE (N.A.R.S.) PROGRAM IN SOUTH UPI, MAGUINDANAO, AND RECOMMEND

MEASURES TO PROTECT THE SAFETY AND WELFARE OF VOLUNTEER NURSES AND HEALTH

WORKERS ESPECIALLY IN RURAL AREAS By Representative Taada TO THE COMMITTEE ON RULES


RESOLUTION DECLARING REP. EMMANUEL MANNY PACMAN PACQUIAO A NATIONALTREASURE AND A LIVING FILIPINO SPORTS HERO By Representative Abayon TO THE COMMITTEE ON

BASIC EDUCATION AND CULTURE AND THE COMMITTEE ON YOUTH AND SPORTS DEVELOPMENT


RESOLUTION COMMENDING THE HONORABLE MANNY PACMAN PACQUIAO, REPRESENTATIVE

OF THE LONE DISTRICT OF SARANGANI PROVINCE, FOR HIS DOMINATING PERFORMANCE

AGAINST ANTONIO TIJUANA TORNADO MARGARITO IN THEIR TITLE FIGHT FOR THE WORLD

BOXING COUNCIL (WBC) SUPER WELTERWEIGHT CROWN, THEREBY WINNING A TITLE IN HIS

EIGHT WEIGHT DIVISION ON NOVEMBER 13, 2010 AT THE COWBOYS STADIUM, ARLINGTON,

TEXAS, USA


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By Representative Ferrer (A.) TO THE COMMITTEE ON RULES


RESOLUTION URGING THE PRESIDENT OF THE REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES THROUGH THE

APPROPRIATE AGENCIES OF THE GOVERNMENT AND OTHER INSTRUMENTALITIES TO

FORMULATE A COMPREHENSIVE PLAN FOR RURAL DEVELOPMENT AS A BLUEPRINT TO

ACCELERATE THE DEVELOPMENT OF RURAL SECTOR IN THE PHILIPPINES By Representative

Enverga TO THE COMMITTEE ON RURAL DEVELOPMENT


A RESOLUTION URGING THE PHILIPPINE GOVERNMENT THRU THE DEPARTMENT OF FOREIGN

AFFAIRS TO SUPPORT THE BANGKO SENTRAL NG PILIPINAS IN ASKING THE INTERNATIONAL

MONETARY FUND (IMF) TO GIVE THE PHILIPPINES A GREATER ROLE IN THE IMF By Representatives

Rodriguez (R.) and Rodriguez (M.) TO THE COMMITTEE ON FOREIGN AFFAIRS


A RESOLUTION URGING THE DEPARTMENT OF TOURISM, THRU THE INTRAMUROS

ADMINISTRATION, TO ENSURE THAT THE HERITAGE SITES IN THE PHILIPPINES, PARTICULARLY

THE WALLED CITY AND FORT SANTIAGO IN INTRAMUROS, FACING RUIN ARE REPAIRED AND

REFURBISHED TO PRESERVE ALL THE CULTURE AND HISTORY LOCATED THEREIN By

Representatives Rodriguez (R.) and Rodriguez (M.) TO THE COMMITTEE ON TOURISM


A RESOLUTION URGING THE SUPREME COURT OF THE PHILIPPINES TO TEMPORARILY SUSPEND

THE FIVE-STRIKE RULE FOR BAR EXAMINEES FOR THE NEXT TWO YEARS DUE TO THE ADOPTION

OF MULTIPLE CHOICE QUESTIONS IN THE BAR EXAMS By Representatives Rodriguez (R.) and Rodriguez

(M.) TO THE COMMITTEE ON JUSTICE

ADDITIONAL COAUTHORS

Rep. Rachel Marguerite B. Del Mar for House Bill No. 28;

Rep. Sharon S. Garin for House Bill No. 96; Rep. Jane T. Castro for House Bills No. 119 and 218; Rep. David L.

Kho for House Bill No. 216; Rep. Erico B. Aumentado for House Bill No. 299; Rep. Winston Winnie Castelo for

House Bills No. 1323, 3468 and 3545;

Reps. Lani Mercado-Revilla, Reena Concepion G. Obillo and Antonio L. Tinio for House Bill No. 1480;

Rep. Bernadette R. Herrera-Dy for House Bills No. 1480 and 3396;

Rep. Maria Isabelle Beng G. Climaco for House Bill No. 1480 and House Resolution No. 474;

Rep. Ma. Theresa B. Bonoan-David for House Bills No. 2838, 3088 and 3303;

Rep. Mercedes K. Alvarez for House Bill No. 3355; Rep. Ma. Amelita A. Calimbas-Villarosa for House Bill No.

3512;

Rep. Romeo M. Acop for House Bills No. 3539 and 3547; Reps. Ma. Georgina P. De Venecia, Rogelio J. Espina

M.D., Sigfrido R. Tinga, Arturo O. Radaza, Diosdado Dato M. Arroyo, Antonio A. Del Rosario and Imelda R.

Marcos for House Bill No. 3555;

Rep. Nelson L. Dayanghirang for House Resolution No. 491; and

Rep. Ma. Victoria R. Sy-Alvarado for House Resolution No. 597 and House Joint Resolution No. 11.

ADDITIONAL REFERENCE OF BUSINESS


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COMMITTEE REPORT

Report by the Committee on Higher and Technical Education

(Committee Report No. 339), re H. No. 1863, entitled: AN ACT RATIONALIZING THE BOARD OF REGENTS

OF THE PARTIDO STATE UNIVERSITY, AMENDING FOR THE PURPOSE REPUBLIC ACT NO. 9029

recommending its approval with amendment Sponsors: Representatives Angara and Fuentebella TO THE

COMMITTEE ON RULES

THE DEPUTY SPEAKER (Rep. Remulla). The Floor Leader is recognized.

REP. GARCIA-ALBANO. Mr. Speaker, with the kind indulgence of the Body, may we be allowed to recognize

groups of guests this afternoon.

THE DEPUTY SPEAKER (Rep. Remulla). Please proceed.

REP. GARCIA-ALBANO. Mr. Speaker, we have with us the guests of the Hon. Renato Jojo J. Unico Jr. from

the First District of Camarines Norte, namely: the municipal officials of Capalonga, Camarines Norte, headed by

Vice Mayor Naning Arguilles and Councilors Rolly Malaluan, Jusuel Parale, JP Portugal, Carlos Regidor, Erning

Bautista, Veronica Jacob, Claire Sandagon; Sangguniang Bayan Secretary Joaquin Gosilatar; and Local Legislative

Staff Assistants Violeta Abanes, Noel Rafer and Edgardo Janaban.

THE DEPUTY SPEAKER (Rep. Remulla). Please stand up to be recognized. Welcome to the House of

Representatives.

REP. GARCIA-ALBANO. Mr. Speaker, we also have the guests of the Hon. Benhur L. Salimbangon from the

Fourth District of Cebu, namely: the municipal councilors of the municipality of TabogonGina Manloloyo,

Samuel Malazarte, Carlos Alivio, Martin Etulle, Leila Quinain, Andres Luna, Frederick Serafin, Mariano Catam-

isan; and SB Secretary Ronaldo Manloloyo.


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REP. GARCIA-ALBANO. Mr. Speaker, we have the guests of the Hon. Arthur C. Yap from the Third District

of Bohol, led by Vice Mayor Edineth Hohmann and Councilors Abigail Marie Lagura, Ephraim Licayan, Miguel

Besas, Felix Tan, Catherine Bonita; and ABC President Glorioso Bitancor.


REP. GARCIA-ALBANO. Mr. Speaker, we have the guests of the Hon. Jose R. Ping-ay of the Coop-NATCCO

PartyList, namely: the members of the Isabela II Electric Cooperative, Inc., led by their Board President Joel Mari

Martin Bigornia; General Manager Antonio A. Young; and ISELCO II Management Ernesto T. Cubangbang,

Teofrado Ramos and Lope Dalupang.

THE DEPUTY SPEAKER (Rep. Remulla). Please stand up to be recognized. The Chair would like to welcome

you to the House of Representatives.

REP. GARCIA-ALBANO. Mr. Speaker, we likewise have the guests of Congressman Teves, Congressman

Arnaiz and Congresswoman Limkaichong, namely: the Councilors of Bayawan CityDan Aurelia, Luis Sumalpong

and Sharlou Jamin.

THE DEPUTY SPEAKER (Rep. Remulla). Welcome to the House of Representatives.

PRIVILEGE HOUR

REP. GARCIA-ALBANO. Mr. Speaker, I move that we open the Privilege Hour.


is approved.

The Privilege Hour is hereby opened.

REP. GARCIA-ALBANO. Mr. Speaker, I move that we recognize Rep. Linabelle Ruth R. Villarica from the

Fourth District of Bulacan to deliver her privilege speech.

THE DEPUTY SPEAKER (Rep. Remulla). The Honorable Villarica is recognized to deliver her privilege

speech.

PRIVILEGE SPEECH OF REP. VILLARICA

REP. VILLARICA. Mr. Speaker, I rise on a question of personal and collective privilege in connection with the

issue of gender inequality as manifested in some of our laws. It is personal because I am a woman, a mother and a

wife who stands to lose more because of gender inequality; collective, because the matter of gender inequality

involves the role of Congress in this nations quest for social development.

Mr. Speaker, esteemed colleagues: Imagine a scenario like this: The silence of the night was broken by a loud

scream of help. Tapos ang maririnig mo ay ang maingay na tik-tak ng takong ng sapatos na tumatakbo para

rumesponde sa sigaw ng tulong. The responding police officer is a woman required under the PNP rules and

regulations to wear a short skirt and high-heeled shoes to work. Makahahabol ba sa isang snatcher kung ikaw ay

nakamaikling palda at may takong ang iyong sapatos? Good fashion sense is not wanting in the PNP after all. That isservice in style or is this fashion statement actually a statement of gender inequality?

The matter on the uniform of our policewomen officers is but part of a bigger picture. Gender equality goes

beyond than what is normally perceived. It is the heart of social development which is part and parcel of national

development. In fact, it is critical to the achievement of our national goals. Thus, the 2009 World Survey on the Role

of Women in Development, a study sponsored by the United Nations, concluded that gender equality has positive

multiplier effects for a range of key development goals, including poverty reduction. It is no wonder that the global


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trend today is to acknowledge that gender equality and women empowerment are human rights that lie at the heart of

development.

In the Philippines, we recognize that equality before the law is the embodiment of our status as a democratic

and republican state. Our Constitution itself emphasizes the importance of gender equality. It also recognizes the

role of women in nation building. To this end, Article II Section 14 of the 1987 Constitution provides that the State

shall ensure the fundamental equality before the law of women and men. Such provision is, in fact, included bythe drafters of the Constitution precisely to address the gender-related imbalances in law and jurisprudence. Thus,

consistent with the mandate of the Constitution, government institutions should make gender equality one of their

primary guiding principles in performing their functions.

One example of an institution committed to adopting such principle is the Philippine National Police. I

participated in the 6th Biennial Summit of Women in Policing, held last October 21 in Palawan, as has been my

custom as a board member of the Friends of the PNP, an NGO that became the natural outcome of a commitment by

members of the Soroptimist International of the Philippines Region, to assist in the capability-building of our

policewomen officers who run particularly the Women and Childrens Protection Desk. So, it has been 12 years

since we began helping our fellow women in the police force. Of late, we have seen a spike in attendance to our

summit as well as a deepening of understanding of what it will take to break in a work culture prejudicial to women.

Upon the conclusion of the summit, a manifesto recommending the amendment of existing PNP policies on

uniforms pursuant to the implementing rules and regulations of the Magna Carta for Women was drawn up.

Specifically, they simply wanted to be allowed to wear pants and appropriate low-heeled shoes in the conduct of

operational duties and administrative functions. This move certainly got the endorsement of Police Security

Protection Director Lina Sarmiento, now the only woman general in the country today.

In an agency tasked to enforce the law, the manifesto almost seems trivial and so 1950s, if based on the picture

of


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the Los Angeles women police. But therein lies the irony. Nonetheless, we emerged from these conferences with

renewed confidence that such days are numbered. As a matter of fact, General Raul M. Bacalzo of the Philippine

National Police delivered a speech there where he emphasized the need for the PNP to enhance the eight foundation

initiatives for the women in the police force. These initiatives are: basic training, procurement, equipage, police

community partnership, doctrine development, reward and punishment, human rights and mentoring leadership.Within these principles, it is hoped that the needs and aspirations of women in the police force will be addressed.

These will help prime and train them in their roles as peacekeepers and law enforcers.

Taking cue from such example of embracing gender equality and women empowerment, we in Congress can

also do our part. After all, a statistical study provided by the National Statistical Coordination Board shows that

Filipino women today have higher functional and basic literacy rates, lower unemployment rate, higher happiness

index and higher life expectancy at birth than Filipino men. Sa madaling salita, mas maabilidad, mas tinatanggap sa

trabaho, mas masayahin o mas magaling magdala ng problema at mas mahaba ang buhay ng babae kaysa lalaki!

Within the strictures of Article VI of the Constitution, we can enhance gender equality and women

empowerment. We should amend or repeal discriminatory laws, particularly those which tend to weaken the rights

of women. Although we have achieved quite a lot in terms of women empowerment, there are still statutes existing

in our legal system which restrict womens rights. For example, there are provisions in the Family Code which givepriority over the decision of the husband or the father despite the fact that the spouses are presumed to be on equal

status within a family unit. Such provisions are as follows:

Under Article 14, persons between the ages of 18 and 21 who wish to marry must first obtain the consent of their

father, mother, surviving parent or guardian, or persons having legal charge of them, in that order. Thus, once a

father gives his consent for his child to marry, the contrary wish of the mother is automatically vetoed. In the

administration of the property of the spouses, Articles 96 and 124 provide that the administration and enjoyment of

the property of the spouses shall belong to both of them jointly. However, in case of disagreement, the decision of

the husband will prevail. The wife still needs to file the proper case in court before her decision is to be respected. In

the exercise of parental authority over their children, Article 211 provides that such parental authority shall be

exercised jointly by the father and the mother. However, in case of disagreement, the decision of the father shall

prevail. The mother still has to secure a judicial order for her to exercise her wishes. Does this mean that the fathersdecision has more merit than the mothers just because he is male and he said so? Is competence or wisdom gender-

specific? Furthermore, in the matter of guardianship over their children, Article 225 provides that the father and the

mother shall jointly exercise legal guardianship over

the property of their children. However, in case of disagreement, the fathers decision shall again prevail. These

provisions reflect the old-fashioned view that in case of family matters, the decision of the husband or father shall

prevail. However, the time has come for that view to be changed. An amendment to the foregoing laws will

encourage mutual participation between the husband and wife in the resolution of the issues affecting their family.

This is consistent with the thrust of our Constitution to strengthen the family as a basic unit of our society.

Another basic statute replete with provisions demonstrating gender inequality is our antiquated Revised Penal

Code. For example, Article 202 of the Revised Penal Code, which punishes prostitution, specifically limits

prostitutes to women. Moreover, this provision punishes women involved in prostitution when the modern view is totreat them as victims. Men who habitually indulge in sexual intercourse or lascivious conduct for money or profit are

not considered prostitutes. We all know that there are male prostitutes despite the fact that the Filipino term for

prostitute P-U-T-A has no male counterpart.

Another glaring example of gender inequality is the difference between Article 333 punishing adultery

committed by the wife, and Article 334 punishing concubinage committed by the husband. Under the Revised Penal

Code, the husband is guilty of concubinage under three expressly stated instances: 1) maintaining a paramour in the

conjugal dwelling; 2) maintaining a paramour in a place other than the conjugal dwelling; and 3) having sexual


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intercourse with a woman, not his wife, under scandalous circumstances. In the case of a woman, the woman is

guilty of adultery as long as she has carnal knowledge or sexual intercourse with a man, not her husband, under any

circumstance. These provisions indicate that if both spouses commit acts of infidelity, the wife is at a disadvantage

because it is easier to prove adultery than concubinage. Also, each sexual intercourse by a wife to a man, not her

husband, is considered one count of adultery; whereas, a husband can cohabit with another woman for as long as 10

years, and that will be considered only as one count of concubinage. Finally, the penalty for adultery is higher than

that of concubinage. Bakit ganoon? Bakit hindi pantay ang kaso ng babae sa lalake? These are patently

discriminatory laws which need to be amended.

Then there is the nightwork prohibition of women under Article 130 of the Labor Code. The Labor Code which

was promulgated in 1974 did not foresee the development of industries that may require night/graveyard shifts of

work. As a matter of fact, the Philippines has now the second largest business process outsourcing industry in the

world. Yet equal opportunities brought about by this industry or of any industry for that matter are being limited by

the nightwork prohibition. An industry wishing to employ women for purposes of nighttime work will have to

secure an exemption from the DOLE from the coverage of the prohibition before they are hired. Yet, Section 3,

Article XIII of the Constitution provides in part: The State shall afford full protection to labor, local and overseas,

organized and unorganized, and promote full employment and equality of employment opportunities for all. When

a prohibition is specifically directed against


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women alone, is this promoting equality of employment opportunities for all?

These are just examples of laws existing in our books which exemplify gender inequality. There are other

archaic and antiquated laws which stifle womens rights, voice and power.



It was 4:38 p.m.

RESUMPTION OF SESSION

At 4:38 p.m., the session was resumed.

THE DEPUTY SPEAKER (Rep. Remulla). The session is resumed.

PRIVILEGE SPEECH OF REP. VILLARICA (Continuation)

REP. VILLARICA. Although I agree that our country has taken great leaps to address the discrimination of

women, we must remain vigilant and strive harder to eradicate discrimination against women.

It is a pity that we never retained the pre-colonial dignity and importance of women in our society. The 2000study of Dr. Fe Mangahas and Professor Jenny Laguno, entitled: Readings on Babaylan Feminism in the Philippines

on Philippine pre-historic, socio-political structure depicted Filipino women then as powerful and influential figures

in the society. They held the esteemed position of babaylan, an empowered class of women healers, advisers, and

intercessors between the material and spiritual worlds. They were the inspirers of arts and crafts. They were the

believers of a holistic world view. They survived and preserved their culture.

Sadly, this grandeur was lost under the heavy weight of discrimination and inequality perpetuated during our

colonization. Our Filipino women today are products of our flawed but correctible laws. They need our help, and

help they shall receive. May I now call on the Secretary General of the House of Representatives to receive the

proposed House bills that I have authored which will minimize, if not completely eliminate, discrimination against

women. These bills are:

1) AN ACT STRENGTHENING WOMENS RIGHTS BY REMOVING THE PREFERENCE OF THE

HUSBAND OR FATHER, IN CASES OF DISAGREEMENT IN THE ADMINISTRATION AND ENJOYMENT

OF COMMUNITY PROPERTY, IN THE ADMINISTRATION AND ENJOYMENT OF CONJUGAL

PARTNERSHIP, IN THE EXERCISE OF LEGAL GUARDIANSHIP OVER THE PROPERTY OF THE

UNEMANCIPATED COMMON CHILD, AND IN THE EXERCISE OF PARENTAL AUTHORITY,

AMENDING FOR THIS PURPOSE ARTICLES 96, 124, 225, AND 211 OF EXECUTIVE ORDER NO. 209

OTHERWISE KNOWN AS THE FAMILY CODE OF THE PHILIPPINES; 2) AN ACT STRENGTHENING

WOMENS RIGHTS BY REMOVING PREFERENCE OF THE FATHER IN

THE GIVING OF CONSENT FOR PURPOSES OF SECURING A MARRIAGE LICENSE, AMENDING FOR

THIS PURPOSE ARTICLE 14 OF EXECUTIVE ORDER NO. 209 OTHERWISE KNOWN AS THE FAMILY

CODE OF THE PHILIPPINES; and 3) AN ACT SIMPLIFYING THE ACTS CONSTITUTING CONCUBINAGE

AMENDING FOR THIS PURPOSE ARTICLE 334 OF THE REVISED PENAL CODE OF THE PHILIPPINES. Iappeal to my colleagues in this august Chamber as well as to our counterparts in the Senate to expedite the approval

of my proposed bills and the other bills promoting the welfare of women, which are as follows:

1. Senate Bills No. 859 and 2175 on night work prohibition;

2. Senate Bill No. 1131 on anti-prostitution; and 3. House Bill No. 589 on the rationalization of night work

prohibition.


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May I also invite the attention of the Executive Department to certify these bills as urgent measures so as to

accelerate their passage. In addition, I would like to take this opportunity to call on His Excellency, Pres. Benigno

Simeon C. Aquino III to consider these bills as part of the administrations legislative agenda for approval of both

Houses of Congress in the First Regular Session of the Fifteenth Congress when he convenes the Legislative-

Executive Development Advisory Council or LEDAC.

Also, may I solicit the support of my partymates in the Liberal Party to include these bills as part of the legislativeagenda of the party. We must remember that the ideological formation of liberalism is to build a society in which

individual men and women are entitled to pursue their aims, develop their talents and fulfill their potential free from

arbitrary interference, and are able to exercise real power over the institutions that govern their lives. The primary

thrust of my proposed bills is in conformity with this vision. Finally, I appeal, most importantly, to my fellow Lady

Legislators that we gather our strengths and altogether carry the torch of womens rights in the Fifteenth Congress

by supporting legislative measures that promote the welfare of women. We must bear in mind that when women are

exculpated from the bondage of discrimination, they will be free as true human beings. This will pave the way for

equal participation and contribution in the governance of our society. Consequently, this will help us realize our goal

to establish a just, peaceful and progressive society.

The time has come for the remnants of the chains of discrimination and inequality that have manacled the

Filipino women to be discarded, thrown to the dustbins, and forgotten completely.

Mr. Speaker, esteemed colleagues of this august Chamber, let us amend discriminatory laws against women,

now.

REP. MARCOLETA. Mr. Speaker.

THE DEPUTY SPEAKER (Rep. Remulla). The Dep. Majority Leader is recognized.


REP. BANAL. I move that we suspend the session for a few minutes, Mr. Speaker.


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It was 4:46 p.m.

RESUMPTION OF SESSION

At 4:47 p.m. the session was resumed.THE DEPUTY SPEAKER (Rep. Remulla). The session is resumed.

REP. BANAL. I move that we suspend the Privilege Hour.

THE DEPUTY SPEAKER (Rep. Remulla). The Privilege Hour is hereby suspended.

ROLL CALL

REP. BANAL. Mr. Speaker, I move that we call the roll.


is approved.

The Secretary General will please call the roll.

The Secretary General called the roll, and the result is as follows, per Journal No. 37:

PRESENT

Abad Abayon Acharon Acop Aggabao Aglipay Agyao Albano Alcala Alcover Almonte Alvarez (A.) Alvarez (M.)

Amatong Andaya Angara Antonino Antonio Apacible Apostol Aquino Arnaiz Arquiza Arroyo (D.) Aumentado

Avance-Fuentes Bag-ao Bagatsing Balindong Banal Bataoil

Dayanghirang Daza De Jesus Defensor Del Mar Diaz Dimaporo (F.) Duavit Dy Ejercito Eriguel Escudero Espina

Estrella Evardone Fabian Farias Ferrer (A.) Ferriol Flores Fortuno Fua Fuentebella Garay Garbin Garcia (A.)

Garcia (P.) Garcia (P.J.) Garcia-Albano Garin (J.) Garin (S.) Gatchalian Go (A.C.) Golez (A.) Golez (R.) Gomez

Gonzales (A.) Gonzales (N.) Gonzalez Guanlao Gullas Gunigundo Haresco Hataman-Salliman Herrera-Dy Ilagan

Jaafar Jalosjos (R.) Javier Kho (A.) Kho (D.) Lacson-Noel Lagdameo (M.) Lagman Lazatin Ledesma Leonen-

Pizarro Loong Lopez (C.J.)Loyola Macapagal-Arroyo (G.) Madrona Magsaysay (E.) Magsaysay (M.) Malapitan Maliksi Maraon Marcoleta

Marcos Mariano Mendoza (J.) Mercado Mercado-Revilla Miraflores Montejo Nava Noel Nograles Obillo Ocampos

Ong Ortega (V.) Padilla Paez Palatino Palmones Pancho Pangandaman Panotes Paras Bautista

Piamonte Bello

Pichay Belmonte (F.)

Ping-ay Benaldo

Plaza Benitez

Ponce-Enrile Bernos

Primicias-Agabas Biazon

Puno Bichara

Quibranza-Dimaporo Binay

Quimbo Bonoan-David

Quisumbing Brawner Baguilat

Radaza Briones


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Ramos Bulut-Begtang

Relampagos Cagas

Remulla Calimbas-Villarosa

Rivera Calixto-Rubiano

Robes CariRodriguez (I.) Casio

Rodriguez (M.) Castelo

Rodriguez (R.) Castro

Roman Catamco

Romualdez Celeste

Romualdo Chipeco

Romulo Climaco

Sacdalan Cojuangco (E.)

Sahidulla Cojuangco (K.)

Sakaluran Colmenares

Salimbangon Cortuna

Sambar Cosalan

Sema

San Luis Cua

Suarez

Sarmiento (C.) Dalog

Sy-Alvarado

Sarmiento (M.)


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Syjuco Taada Teodoro Teves Ting Tinga Tinio Tomawis Treas Tugna Tupas Ty Umali (R.) Ungab

Unico Valencia Velarde Velasco Vergara Villafuerte Villar Villarica Violago Yap (A.) Yap (S.) Yu Zamora-Apsay

Zubiri

REP. BANAL. Thank you, Mr. Speaker. We have a few more guests of the Hon. David L. Kho, Senior Citizens

Party- List, namely: Dr. Arwin Serrano from PPCRV and Atty. Melchor Magdamo from COMELEC. We also have

Atty. Ronaldo T. Reyes, Lawyers for Life, Nationa l President; the Peoples Law Enforcement Board; and Mrs.

Veron Pineda from SAFE Movement.

THE DEPUTY SPEAKER (Rep. Remulla). Please stand up to be recognized. The House welcomes you to its

session.

REP. BANAL. Thank you, Mr. Speaker. At this point, may we recognize the honorable Representative of the Party-

List Coop-NATCCO, Rep. Jose R. Ping-ay, for his privilege speech. The House, through the Secretariat, is in receipt

of the official notice of absence of the following Members: Reps.

THE DEPUTY SPEAKER (Rep. Remulla). The

Honorable Arago, Canonigo, Cerilles, Co, Del Rosario (A.G.), Ecleo,

Ping-ay is hereby recognized for his privilege speech.

Joson, Olivarez, Ortega (F.), Osmea and Salvacion.

Mr. Speaker, the roll call shows that 214 Members

PRIVILEGE SPEECH OF REP. PING-AY

responded to the call.

REP. PING-AY. Mr. Speaker, distinguished

colleagues, THE DEPUTY SPEAKER (Rep. Remulla). With 214

good afternoon. Members present, the Chair declares

the presence of a

Today, I rise to discuss the plight of electriccooperatives quorum.

in Northern Luzon whose operations were battered and

The Dep. Majority Leader is recognized.

destroyed by Typhoon Juan. Tonight, as darkness descends again on towns without lights, I will also speak on how

the REP. BANAL. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

government should respond, rather than abandoning our I

move that we resume the Privilege Hour.

brothers and sisters to their own devices, left to fend for themselves, without any assurance of help, as they now

THE DEPUTY SPEAKER (Rep. Remulla). Is there any

begin to pick up the threads of their shattered lives.objection? (Silence) The Chair hears none; the motion is

Mr. Speaker, distinguished colleagues, I will

speak approved.

specifically on the disaster that befell the Isabela II

Electric The Privilege Hour is hereby resumed.


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Cooperative or ISELCO II as illustrative of the damage caused by Typhoon Juan. REP. BANAL. At this point, Mr.

Speaker, I move that we

Super Typhoon Juan slammed into Northern

Luzon on refer the speech of the honorable Representative from the

October 19 with roaring winds of up to 260

kilometers per Fourth District of Bulacan, the Hon. Linabelle Ruth R.

hour, flattening concrete structures, downing trees and

Villarica, to the appropriate committee.

wooden houses. The rainfall rate reached 250 millimeters in six hours, more than half of the water brought about by

THE DEPUTY SPEAKER (Rep. Remulla). The speech of

Typhoon Ondoy in September last year which stood

between the Honorable Villarica is hereby referred to the appropriate

370 to 400 millimeters. Typhoon Juan left virtually

nothing committee.

standing in the towns of Maconacon, Divilican, and Palanan in Isabela, which now resemble areas of World War II

battle REP. BANAL. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

sites. Mr. Speaker, may I be allowed to recognize the

presence

According to the National Disaster Risk

Reduction of a few guests.

Management Council or the NDRRMC, the typhoon affected some 300,000 people with 12,000 still in evacuation

centers. THE DEPUTY SPEAKER (Rep. Remulla). Please proceed.

More than 20 people died and more than 30 others injured. Farm damage from Super Typhoon Juan hit the P11.53

billion REP. BANAL. Thank you.

mark. The Department of Agriculture estimated damage toMay we please acknowledge the presence of the

crops, mostly rice, at P8.93 billion. A total of 425,134

hectares guest of the honorable Congressman from the First

of rice lands were affected representing 7.47 percent

of the District of Bohol, the Hon. Rene L. Relampagos, the

land expected to be harvested in the last quarter of the

year. Sangguniang Bayan Members from the municipality of

The damage to high value commercial crops in Luzon

is Loon, province of Bohol. We also have the Sangguniang

estimated at P600 million and for corn, the damage ispegged Bayan Members from the municipality of Dauis, province

at P367.96 million. Further, fisheries losses are set at

P212.5 of Bohol.

million and livestock damage reached P10.62 million. Total damage to the countrys farm infrastructure caused by

the THE DEPUTY SPEAKER (Rep. Remulla). Please stand


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typhoon has reached almost P1.35 billion. The

provinces of up to be recognized. Welcome to the House of

Pangasinan, Isabela and Nueva Ecija suffered the

biggest Representatives.

losses estimated at P2.4 billion, P2.09 billion and P1.59 billion,

Documents

Congressonal Records 8 Desk