NIA’s no. 2 man quits post over agency ‘anomalies’

CABANATUAN CITY, Nueva Ecija – The second highest official of the National Irrigation Administration has resigned from his post amid purported anomalies within the agency and the designation of former senator Francisco Pangilinan as presidential assistant for food security and agricultural modernization overseeing NIA and three other attached agencies of the Department of Agriculture.

          Acting senior deputy administrator Felix Razo tendered his resignation to DA Secretary Proceso Alcala in a letter dated May 5. Razo is the second in command at NIA which is headed by administrator Claro Maranan.

          Maranan did not comment on Razo’s resignation. But Lorna Grace Rosario, deputy administrator for finance, said it’s Razo’s prerogative to do so if he wants. 

          In his resignation letter, Razo told Alcala that the agency is now confronted with a nationwide controversy regarding the alleged anomalies and irregularities committed by three executive officials contained in a recent manifesto and mass actions by the NIA Employees Association of the Philippines and three other groups which called for an investigation by the Office of the President.

          Razo said that while Alcala’s office already conducted a dialogue with the concerned parties and the Office of the President has been investigating the allegations, the controversy is “negatively impacting on the integrity and credibility of the entire management team” of NIA.

     

     “Such unavoidable scenario has already cast serious doubt if the top management can still effectively and efficiently manage and govern the agency. Worst, there is already animosity, distrust and infraction amongst us. It appears that no solutions are in sight to mend fences among those with differing stance,” he said.

          Razo said as senior deputy administrator, the issue bothers him no end, adding it is now the defining moment to “subject ourselves to the fit and proper rule as senior executives” of NIA.     

          He said he is tendering his courtesy resignation to give Alcala a free hand in instituting the needed reforms in the agency.

          In offering to quit his post, Razo said his office has, in its little way, contributed to the policy reforms undertaken by the administration. Among which, he said, are the new strategic plan including vision, mission, objectives and strategies; the manual on corporate governance, rotation policy of NIA officials, revised delegation of authority among others.

          In a separate interview, Razo said NIA was already in a mess. “This  should come to an end otherwise it will destroy the organization,” he said.

He explained that government leaders should have the moral ascendancy to lead. “I submit myself to that protocol,” he said.

          Razo explained that his resignation was not irrevocable and that it’s up to Alcala to evaluate if he is still fit to rule. “Let’s respect his decision whatever it is,” he said.

          Asked if his resignation was meant as a shot at the leadership of Maranan, he said he was only concerned about himself. “In fact, my teamwork with Administrator Maranan and the NIA management team is okay,” he said. (Manny Galvez) 

Bataan Peninsula State U looks for private sector rep

CITY OF BALANGA, Bataan-Bataan Peninsula State University (BPSU) Board of Regents has opened the search for a private sector representative who will be member of the university’s highest governing body.

 

“Applicants must be a resident of Bataan for the last 10 years; must have distinguished reputation in his/her profession or field of specialization within the mandate of the university; and preferably engaged in business or industries, media, cooperatives, etc. and in activities providing employment opportunities for graduates,” BPSU said in a statement.

 

Candidates must not in any way be connected with BPSU as alumni, retired faculty, employee of the university or as previous member of the board, and must not have been convicted of any administrative offense or any crime involving moral turpitude.

 

Interested applicants may submit their letter of intent with four copies of comprehensive curriculum vitae with 2x2 colored photo, pledge of commitment to attend board meetings, certificate of no pending administrative or criminal case (certification from HR department for government service, clearance from Regional Trial Court for private sector), and other pertinent documents to support the CV.

 

Applications should be addressed to Ms. Corazon Alma De Leon, chair of Search Committee for Private Sector Representative, Bataan Peninsula State University, City of Balanga 2100, Bataan.

 

Then it should be submitted to Dr. Emmanuel Macaraeg, secretary of the university and the Board of Regents, Bataan Peninsula State University, City of Balanga 2100, Bataan.

 

The deadline of application is on May 16.

 

For inquiries, please call the Office of the President at (047) 237-2350. (Jose Mari M. Garcia)

Legarda Cites PHL-US Cooperation on Climate Security

MANILA-Senator Loren Legarda today underscored the strengthened cooperation on climate resilience that was pronounced by both leaders of the Philippines and the United States and expressed optimism that such partnership will result in safer communities and greater climate security partnerships among nations.

Legarda, Chair of the Senate Committee on Climate Change, said that the declared cooperation between the two nations sends a strong message to other countries about the urgency of addressing climate risks, stressing that both the US and the Philippines are already experiencing the devastating effects of climate change.

The Senator noted that during the recent state visit of US President Barack Obama, the American leader declared: “We’ve also committed to work together to address the devastating effects of climate change and to make Philippine communities less vulnerable to extreme storms like Yolanda.”

On the other hand, President Benigno Aquino III said: “We discussed how our partnership can be enhanced through building climate resilient communities.  These kind of strong communities are important not only in withstanding disasters, but also in fostering inclusive growth across the entire country.”

Legarda said, “We cannot deny the fact that our country is already affected by climate change. We are experiencing hotter temperatures and stronger storms, and we are expecting the El Niño phenomenon by June. But not only us, even the US, a powerful nation, is not able to escape the effects of the Earth’s rising temperature. A recent study revealed that the US is already widely affected by climate change.”

During President Obama’s visit to the Philippines, he inspected an electric jeep, the City Optimized Managed Electric Transport or COMET, which is a joint venture of Philippine and American developers. The zero-emission e-jeep is envisioned to replace the traditional jeep—an effort that would decrease carbon emissions and mitigate climate change.

“We look forward to more of such partnerships to cut down on pollution and greenhouse gas emissions, reduce fossil fuel consumption and promote the use of renewable energy. We also hope that this PHL-US cooperation would encourage other nations, especially industrialized ones, to assist developing nations that are most vulnerable to the effects of environmental degradation and climate change,” Legarda concluded.

Drilon lauds improved PH credit rating, bats for gov’t attention to unemployment

MANILA-Senate President Franklin M. Drilon today applauded the latest credit upgrade rating given to the Philippines by Standard & Poor’s (S&P) as “an indication that the improved economic policies and reforms are working,” while saying that such progresses must propel similar advances by the country in terms of job creation and shared economic development.

The Senate leader made the statement following the announcement by S&P that the Philippines’ credit rating has advanced to “BBB” – or one notch above minimum investment grade - from the previous “BBB-” rating. The grade is the highest the Philippines has received from the three major international credit rating agencies - S&P, Fitch Ratings and Moody’s Investor Service.

The S&P made the upgrade following its recognition of political and economic reforms implemented by the Aquino administration, which have enabled the Philippines to report an economic growth rate that is superior to nearby Southeast Asian economies.

Drilon welcomed the credit rating jump, saying that it is a sign that even international observers are noticing the extensive efforts by the government to effect structural changes towards good governance and sustainable macroeconomic development.

“This feat is a reflection of the soundness of the fundamental aspects of our economic strategy, which have led to many successes that were achieved despite drawbacks such as the wave of natural and man-made disasters that hit the country,” he said.

The senator stressed that a key consideration for these improvements is the visible steps taken by the government to achieve transparency, accountability and efficiency in public service: “The monumental initiatives we have taken to eliminate corruption and malfeasance from our bureaucracy is good not only for our democratic health, but also for our economic condition too.”

The senator also said that a contributing factor to the upgraded credit outlook is the improved revenue collection of the government. In 2013, P103.8 billion out of the total P1.217 trillion revenues collected by the state was made possible by the implementation of the Sin Tax Act on tobacco products.
    
He however said that the state must ensure that such economic gains translate to financial progression for the citizens through more jobs and other financial opportunities.

The former Labor Secretary noted the dismal unemployment numbers of 7.5 percent in January 2014 and 7.3 percent in 2013 - the highest unemployment rate in the Southeast Asia region, according to the International Labor Organization.

“All these historic credit rating upgrade and rosy economic figures would only be appreciated by our people if they are translated into more jobs and food on the table of every Filipino family,” he said.  

“It remains the government’s responsibility to ensure that the fiscal advantages and benefits that come with this investment upgrade should be utilized to further eradicate poverty and to generate economic opportunities for ordinary Filipinos,” emphasized Drilon.

For their part, the Senate Chief then said that a comprehensive list of economic and pro-consumer bills that would aid such thrusts towards shared economic growth is among the priority measures of the senators. "These proposed measures include bills on the Consolidated Investments and Incentives Code of the Philippines, the Anti-Trust Act, the Tax Incentives Management and Transparency Act, the Consumer Protection Act and a bill that will increase the tax exemption limit on employees’ bonuses,” Drilon said. 

Legarda: Vigilance, Partnership with Int’l Agencies Needed to Combat Trafficking in Yolanda-hit Areas

MANILA-Senator Loren Legarda today renewed her call to Philippine authorities for greater vigilance and continued partnerships with foreign agencies in combatting trafficking especially in areas devastated by typhoon Yolanda.

Legarda, principal sponsor of the Expanded Anti-Trafficking in Persons Act, said that with rehabilitation and recovery efforts in Yolanda-affected areas still underway, survivors continue to be at great risk of falling prey to human trafficking syndicates.

“We understand that rebuilding lives and communities is already a daunting task in itself. But the scale of devastation and grief that Yolanda left requires greater effort from our law enforcers to ensure that while the survivors overcame the wrath of the typhoon, they will not fall victim to other tragic events such as human trafficking,” the Senator stressed.

“We see here the intersecting forces of natural hazards and human greed, and how they threaten those who are already marginalized. This is an issue of utmost importance,” she added.

Legarda also said that since trafficking is a transnational crime, close coordination with international law enforcement agencies is crucial.

She noted that several countries, including the United States, United Kingdom and Australia, are already helping Philippine authorities through the conduct of joint operations, assistance on investigation and training of law enforcers and social workers.

“Human trafficking is a complex crime and many syndicates are using technology to intensify their operations. Heightened vigilance, strict enforcement of the law and close coordination with local agencies and international organizations are needed to combat trafficking. There should also be massive information and education campaign against trafficking,” said Legarda.

Republic Act 10364, the Expanded Anti-Trafficking in Persons Act, improves institutional mechanisms and responses to human trafficking by strengthening policies, improving enforcement and enhancing inter-agency coordination both at the local and international levels.

Legarda: Climate Change Reality Compels Strengthened Adaptation, Resiliency Programs

MANILA-Senator Loren Legarda today reiterated the need for strengthened programs and effective coordination among government agencies to address climate change and disaster risks, which “are among the greatest challenges to human development the world faces today.”

Legarda, in a Senate hearing on the status of the release and use of calamity funds for 2013 and 2014, said that there should be close coordination between the Office of the Presidential Assistant for Rehabilitation and Recovery (OPARR) and the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC) to ensure the efficient use of funds for post-disaster needs. But she also stressed that there will be less to rehabilitate and recover with effective disaster prevention and risk reduction programs.

“We know that prevention is better. We should see disaster risk reduction as a worthy investment, not a cost. The World Bank says that a dollar invested in prevention yields seven to fourteen dollars saved in response cost,” she explained.

Legarda said that various studies on climate change have repeatedly warned of the destructive effects of further rise in the Earth’s temperature. It would cause melting ice caps and flooding in many coastal cities; dry regions will become drier while wet regions will be wetter; there will be extreme heat waves, water scarcity, stronger tropical cyclones and loss of biodiversity.

She noted that the May 6, 2014 New York Times article titled, “Climate Change Study Finds U.S. Is Already Widely Affected,” stated that scientists have warned that the effects of climate change are being felt “in every corner of the United States with water growing scarcer in dry regions, torrential rains increasing in wet regions, heat waves becoming more common and more severe, wildfires growing worse, and forests dying under assault from heat-loving insects.”

Legarda said that the report clearly shows that climate change affects all nations even a powerful country like the United States.

Meanwhile, the latest report from the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) revealed that, “throughout the 21st century, climate change impacts are projected to slow down economic growth, make poverty reduction more difficult, further erode food security, and prolong existing and create new poverty traps, the latter particularly in urban areas and emerging hot spots of hunger.”

Legarda said that the Philippines has been experiencing the effects of climate change with hotter temperatures, heavy rainfall even during summer months and stronger typhoons.

Furthermore, disasters have been taking a toll on the country’s development. Losses due to typhoons Ondoy and Pepeng in 2009 were equivalent to 2.7% of the country’s GDP, while losses due to typhoon Yolanda in 2013 are equivalent to about 5% of GDP.

“Natural hazards will happen whether we like it or not, but we can certainly reduce the impacts of these occurrences if we are better prepared. Furthermore, climate change impacts have resulted in disasters of unprecedented proportions, causing multiple losses—economic, social, political and even cultural. We can no longer dismiss the interconnection among the issues of climate change, disasters and poverty,” said Legarda.

The Senator said that a study by the Asian Development Bank revealed that the Philippines stands to lose 6% of its GDP annually by 2100 if it disregards climate change risks. But, if the country invests 0.5% of its GDP by 2020 in climate change adaptation, it can avert losses of up to 4% of its GDP by 2100.

“We have seen enough tragedies. Nobody can say we have not been warned. If we need to strengthen our laws on disaster risk reduction and management, we will do so. We must also give climate change adaptation, mitigation and resilience efforts a fair share of the national budget and be placed among the priorities of government,” Legarda concluded.

JINGGOY SEEKS FAIRNESS, IMPARTIALITY IN ONGOING PORK PROBE

MANILA-Sen. Jinggoy Ejercito Estrada seeks judicial review from the Supreme Court following the decision of the Office of the Ombudsman denying his request to be furnished with copies of the affidavits of the whistleblowers and other respondents which were used as basis for the finding of probable cause to indict him for plunder in connection to his alleged involvement in the pork barrel scam.

 

In a 29-page Petition for Certiorari filed today, Sen. Estrada asks protection of his constitutional right to due process which the Ombudsman “grievously ignored, trampled upon and violated.”

 

Sen. Estrada lamented that the anti-graft body’s finding of probable cause was “premised on evidence not disclosed to him” and that he was effectively prevented from exercising his right to answer and to rebut the allegations made against him.

 

It can be recalled that Sen. Estrada filed his request last March 20 to be furnished with copies of counter-affidavits of the respondents, affidavits of new witnesses and other filings in order to “be apprised of the allegations of the other respondents and to be given notice of all the evidence presented” incident to the preliminary investigation.

 

Specifically, Sen. Estrada requested that he be formally furnished with the following documents: a) Affidavit of Ruby Tuason; b) Affidavit of Dennis Cunanan; c) Counter-affidavit of Gondelina Amata (President of the National Livelihood Development Corp.); d) Counter-affidavit of Mario Relampagos (Undersecretary for Operations of the Department of Budget and Management); e) Consolidated reply of the NBI; f) Affidavit/counter-affidavits/pleadings/filings filed by other respondents and/or additional witnesses for the complainants.

 

In an order dated March 27, 2014, the Ombudsman flatly denied the request, declaring that there was supposedly no requirement that Sen. Estrada be provided copies of the aforementioned documents.

 

Sen. Estrada said that the Ombudsman violated its own Rules of Procedure in refusing to furnish copies of affidavits and other filings that touch upon the charges upon him.

 

The Rules of Procedure of the Ombudsman expressly and unequivocally grant any person charged before it the right to access to the records of the preliminary investigation.

 

In his petition, Sen. Estrada also cited a Supreme Court ruling upholding the right of the person under investigation by the Ombudsman to be furnished not only the evidence presented by the complainant, but also those presented by co-respondents that are material to the charge against him.

 

The act of the Ombudsman is “not just a procedural misstep but is tantamount to an absolute refusal to perform a positive duty imposed by law and constitutes grave abuse of discretion,” the petition reads.

 

“By intentionally withholding filings in its possession, including pieces of evidence it eventually used in precipitately deciding on the existence of probable cause, Ombudsman violated the right of Sen. Estrada to be apprised of the records of the case pertinent to the charges against him,” the petition further states.

Senate commends 9 outstanding women

MANILA-The Senate adopted a resolution commending the winners of the 2013 Outstanding Women in the Nation’s Service (TOWNS), sponsored by the Metrobank Foundation, Inc. and Metrobank Card Corporation.

 

Senate Resolution 376, authored by Senator Lito Lapid, recognizes the contributions of the awardees in shaping the country’s future and promoting economic, social and cultural development.

 

The awardees are Kristin Karen Davila for Media, Maria Rachelle Gerodias for Performing Arts, Ma. Amihan Ramolete for Theater Arts, Noraida Karim for Social Work , Eleanor Pinugu for Sodal Entrepreneurship and Education, Ani Karina de Leon- Brown for Sports, Gemma Nerisma for Atmospheric Science, Maricor Soriano for Applied Physics , and Atty. Darlene Berberabe for Government Service. 

 

Davila is a broadcast journalist for ABS-CBN while Gerodias is a voice professor at the University of Santo Tomas. On the other hand, Ramolete is an associate professor of the University of the Philippines – Diliman while Karim is deputy director for Philippine Programe of Community and Family Services International (CFSI). Pinugu is the executive director of the Mano Amiga Academy, Inc.; Brown is the race director for the IRONKIDS PHILIPPINES Sun Rise Events Inc., sporting event; Nerisma is an associate professor of the Ateneo de Manila University; Soriano is a professor at the University of the Philippines – Diliman while Berberabe is the president and chief executive officer of the Home Development Mutual Fund (PAG-IBIG Fund).

 

Senate President Franklin Drilon thanked the women for “their undeniable efforts towards a building a stronger nation, and for serving as worthy inspiration to the millions of Filipinas who share the dream of a better and more prosperous Philippines.” 

 

The TOWNS award is granted to exemplary women every three years.

 

“This year's winners will join the ranks of remarkable women honored by the Foundation over the last 39 years and will automatically become members of TOWNS Foundation, Inc., which is a national organization "of dynamic and effective women who by their common shared activities help transform the lives of Filipinos,” the Senate resolution stated.

 

The nine winners, chosen out of 51 nominees, went through a rigorous screening process and were selected by the board of judges headed by Chief Justice Maria Lourdes P.A. Sereno and members, Dr. William Padolina (renowned biologist, chairman of the board of Euro-Med Laboratories Philippines Inc., and former secretary of the Department of Science and Technology), Dr. Esperanza Cabral (former secretary of the Department of Health and the Department of Social Welfare and Development), Lilia de Lima (PEZA director general and chairman of the board), and Nestor Jardin (president of the Cinemalaya Foundation, Inc. and former President of the Cultural Center of the Philippines). (Olive Caunan)

Drilon rallies Senate for swift action on pending bills

MANILA-Senate President Franklin M. Drilon urged his colleagues in the Upper Chamber to fast-track and bring at the soonest to the Senate floor the various proposed legislation which both houses of Congress agreed to pass before their sine die adjournment in June.

Drilon said that urgent attention given by Congress to the 16 bills is a reflection of the government's understanding of the real and most crucial needs of every Filipino family which are accessible education for the youth and a reliable health coverage system for our elderly.

"We must work extra hard in getting these bills enacted on time, so that our citizenry could immediately enjoy the expected legislated benefits such as scholarship program, job opportunities through ladderized education, and enhanced health care coverage especially for all senior citizens,” said Drilon.

“Remember that if we are to regain the confidence and trust of our people in the Senate which was eroded due to the pork barrel controversy, the best way is to show them that we are a performing institution that gives justice to every peso of taxpayers’ hard-earned money. We can do so by putting in a legislative performance that shows genuine service to the nation,” he added.

Topping the priority list are six legislative measures that would ensure a more accessible and quality educational system throughout the country. These include the “Iskolar ng Bayan Act” authored by Senate Majority Leader Allan Peter Cayetano which mandates all state universities and colleges to provide automatic admission and scholarship to top 10 graduating high school students across the country, and the National Student Loan Program which would tap banks and lending institutions to grant loans to financially-challenged college students.

The Congress will also institutionalize the open distance education in the country through the Open Learning through Distance Education in Post-Secondary Education and Tertiary Levels and Open High School System for Out of School Youth bills.

The Congress also agreed to pass a bill instituting a ladderized education for students taking up technical and vocational (tech-voc) courses aimed at integrating tech-voc education and higher education and creating more job opportunities for skilled graduates.  

It likewise plans to institutionalize the establishment of special education centers throughout the country “to address the special needs of differently-abled students.”

"The Congress recognizes the need for laws that will make education more attainable for all and we can make it happen when we address the biggest barriers that hinder the delivery of education throughout the country such as poverty, distance and age,” explained Drilon.

The Senate leader rallied his fellow senators to pass the health-related bills on Congress' priority list. He cited the picture-based health warning act, amendments to the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act and the expansion of Philhealth coverage for senior citizens as among the measures that “will advance the health of millions of Filipinos.”

"I share the belief that the country's elderly population must be provided with the accessible and sufficient health care that will help them in their twilight years, and we can attain it by enrolling every senior citizen in Philhealth,” said Drilon.

Under the proposed expanded Philhealth law, the government, through the National Health Insurance Fund, will shoulder the enrolment of all senior citizens in the country.

The Congress will also impose stiffer penalty for poaching and other illegal fishing activities to protect the country’s fishing industry and other marine resources by amending the Fisheries Code.

Also on the list are the amendments to the Sandiganbayan law and the extension of the Philippine National Railway’s charter, and the creation of the Quezon City Development Authority.

Lastly, the Congress is set to postpone by another year the Sangguniang Kabataan elections. 

2 cops indicted for ‘rub-out’ of neighbor

CABANATUAN CITY, Nueva Ecija–The Philippine National Police have filed murder charges against two of its own men tagged for the fatal shooting of their neighbor here Friday evening, allegedly peppering him with 15 gunshots even when he was already lying on the pavement in a possible case of rub-out.

           Senior Superintendent Crizaldo Nieves, PNP provincial director, said the information for murder was filed before the city prosecutor’s office here against SPO1 Edgar Cruz, 42, and PO1 Mark Levi Panlilio, both of Barangay Bangad here.

           The two were tagged for the killing of Ricarte Evangelista, 44, driver, also of the same place. The victim sustained 15 bullet wounds and died while being operated on.

           Police Superintendent Pedro Soliba, police station commander, said Cruz is assigned at the San Jose Del Monte police while Panlilio with the provincial public safety office.

          They were also rushed to the Nueva Ecija Doctor’s Hospital with hack wounds and are facing arrest once discharged.

           Police said Evangelista was shot by the two at 10:30 pm Friday.

           Prior to the incident, Evangelista’s children were being chased by the two lawmen for allegedly being drunk. The kids’ mother tried to pacify the lawmen when           Evangelista intervened, triggering a confrontation.

           Police said the duo went home and brought their guns and shot Evangelista.     

           Recovered from the encounter scene were 15 shells for caliber 45 and caliber 9mm and deformed slugs.

           Soliba said the case would have qualified as simple homicide but there were signs superior power was used in the killing of the victim.

           “There was even a report that Evangelista was already sprawled on the floor when the suspects kept on shooting him,” he said.

          He said while the two lawmen claimed they were hacked, there was no one to corroborate the hacking incidents. (Manny Galvez)

Drilon: Upcoming laws to focus on better education, improved health, disaster alert systems

MANILA-Both leaders of Congress agreed to pass 16 pending legislative measures before it adjourns Sine Die on June 13, 2014, according to Senate President Franklin M. Drion.

In a meeting earlier today at Crown Plaza hotel, Drilon and House Speaker Feliciano Belmonte Jr. agreed to give utmost priority on legislation that will provide support to the country’s education system. The meeting was also attended by Senate President Pro-Tempore Ralph Recto, Deputy Minority Leader Senator Vicente Sotto III, House Deputy Speaker Neptali Gonzales II, House Minority leader Ronnie Zamora, and House Ways and Means Committee Romero Quimbo.

“The bills that Congress will pass reflect the government's commitment to address the most basic and pressing concerns of our countrymen which include education, health and our ability to prepare for the dangers of upcoming emergencies," stressed Drilon.

“Both chambers are aware of several pending measures that need urgent legislative action, and it really helps that we hold this regular meeting to ensure the immediate passage of bills of national importance,” said Drilon.

Most of the upcoming laws, Drilon said, will extend assistance to financially-challenged students nationwide. Among these, he cited, are the National Student Loan Program and the Iskolar ng Bayan bills “to provide financial support to underprivileged students to pay for their tuition and subsistence allowance.”

The Congress also plans to institutionalize the open distance education in the country with the impending approval of the Open Learning through Distance Education in Post-Secondary Education and Tertiary Levels and Open High School System for Out of School Youth.

It will also promote further the ladderized education in the country, as well as the establishment of special education centers throughout the country “to address the special needs of differently-abled students.”

“We acknowledge the need to improve the country’s education system and by passing these proposed measures, we would gradually widen the reach of delivery of educational services across major deterrents such as poverty and logistical difficulties,” Drilon said.

The Congress will also work on the immediate passage of a bill that will extend Philhealth coverage to senior citizens.

Also on the list are the amendments to the Sandiganbayan law to address the backlog in the country’s anti-graft courts, the picture-based health warning act to help bring down smoking incidence in the country, amendments to the Fisheries Code, and amendments to the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act, said Drilon.

Likewise, the Congress vowed to tackle the bills extending the corporate life of the Philippine National Railways which is expiring by June 2014, and to grant franchise to the Cotabato Light and Power Company.

Another bill which is expected to be enacted is the bill mandating telecommunication companies to send out alerts during the time of disasters. The said bill was approved today/Monday in the Senate.

Finally, the Congress also included in its list of to-be-approved bills the postponement by another year of the Sangguniang Kabataan elections and the creation of the Quezon City Development Authority. 

Senate passes mobile alert bill, telcos tapped to send warnings during disasters

MANILA-The Senate passed today on third and final reading a bill that would require the country’s telecommunication companies (Telcos) to send out early warning alerts or other relevant information during times of disasters, as part of the government’s efforts to further improve its national disaster prevention strategy. 

House Bill No. 353, or the “Free Mobile Disaster Alerts Act,” was approved with  20 affirmative votes zero negative vote and zero abstention.

Once the bill is enacted into law, Senate President Franklin Drilon said it would “help create an effective early warning system that will help achieve the main objectives of our national disaster preparedness strategy, which is to lessen the impact of incoming disasters, and ultimately save precious lives and valued property."

The Free Mobile Disaster Alerts Act, which was endorsed by the Senate Committee on Public Services chaired by Senator Ramon Revilla Jr., mandates telecommunication companies to send free mobile alerts in the event of natural and man-made disasters and calamities. Mobile subscribers will receive the warnings at no cost to the government and the public.

Drilon said the government must employ the most efficient and fastest methods of informing the public on impending calamities, such as tropical storms, tsunamis or earthquakes, hence the use of mobile phone technology.

"As the texting capital of the world, we can greatly use the instantaneous, flexible and reliable short message service (SMS) technology as a potent tool during disaster situations - one that is intimately understood and easily accessed by millions of Filipinos who have cellphones," said Drilon, who pointed out a Business Monitor International (BMI) study, where the Philippines is expected to reach 117 million mobile subscribers by 2016.

Under the bill, the alerts shall consist of updated information from relevant agencies working on disaster management and shall be transmitted directly to the mobile phone subscribers located near and within the affected areas.

Meanwhile, the Senate also passed HBN 3187, a bill granting franchise to the Cotabato Light and Power Company to operate and maintain the distribution system for electric power to Cotabato City and other municipalities of Sultan Kudarat and Datu Odin Sinsuat in Maguindanao. The bill was also sponsored by Revilla.

Drilon explained that the Senate’s approval of the franchise is “part of the government’s continuing efforts to secure stable and sustainable source of power for citizens in parts of Mindanao, long troubled by power outages and other similar issues.”

“We are hoping that the Cotabato Light and Power Company can adequately serve the needs of those living in the area. We will be monitoring their progress, so that the electrical requirements of the people of Mindanao can be adequately and sufficiently met,” Drilon said. 

Senate to discuss pro-consumer, pro health bills

MANILA-Upon resumption of sessions on Monday, May 5, the Senate will take up various legislative measures aimed at providing economic relief to state and private workers, advancing public health, and strengthening the country's anti-graft court, among others.  

The Upper Chamber is also expected to pass on third and final reading a bill that will legally compel telephone companies to disseminate early warnings of disasters, at no added cost to the consumer or the government; as well as a legislation granting a franchise to Cotabato Light and Power Company to continue bringing electricity to some areas in Maguindanao.

Senate President Franklin M. Drilon outlined some of these pro-consumer legislation which include the bills increasing the tax exemption limit on 13^th month pay and other benefits, raising the allowances of members of the Armed Forces of the Philippines and of all personnel of the Philippine National Police.

Those measures concerning military service members and the police are already in the advanced stages of legislation. The bill on the 13^th month pay is still being heard in the appropriate Senate committees, but Drilon assured that it is a priority legislation in the 16^th Congress “due to its direct effect to millions of Filipino workers around the country.”

“It is about time that we provide relief to our very dedicated workforce, both from the government and private sectors, whose purchasing power has already shrunk due to inflation,” said Drilon.

“When we augment their buying power, the economy will also benefit because it will invigorate economic activity. But when their purchasing power continues to suffer, the economy is also hurt,” he added.  

Also on the list of proposed measures to be addressed is Senate Bill No. 27, which seeks to discourage Filipinos from smoking by requiring all tobacco products to bear pictures illustrating the ill-effects of smoking. Drilon and Senator Pia Cayetano are authors of the bill.

Likewise, the Senate also seeks to tackle Senate Bill No. 2138, which seeks to amend the Sandiganbayan by improving its systemic frailties and to hasten the disposition of cases in the anti-graft court.  

Drilon said the Sandiganbayan Bill is of the “utmost importance,” given  public sentiment against corruption in the highest levels of government. He said the enactment of the proposed legislation into law is vital in enabling faster and efficient prosecution of graft and plunder cases against erring public servants.

“SBN 2138 will be crucial in enforcing a speedier promulgation of cases involving corruption, thus helping create a system of deterrence where those who attempt to misuse public resources can expect to be immediately dealt with justice,” he said.

Other bills to be addressed on the floor include SBN 2042, which seeks to prohibit the development, production or stockpiling of chemical weapons in the country; SBN 914, which would regulate and modernize the Philippine’s practice of chemistry; SBN 2055, which seeks to regulate the practice of forestry; and SBN 2103, which seeks to regulate practice of metallurgical engineering in the country. Senator Cynthia Villar is also expected to sponsor a bill that will extend the Philippine National Railway's charter. 

Drilon said that the senators are expected to submit throughout the next few weeks a large number of committee reports to the plenary for deliberation, thus putting these on the path to becoming a law.