Legarda Hails PH’s Improving Disaster Preparedness Efforts

Senator Loren Legarda today underscored the improvement in the country’s disaster preparedness and risk reduction strategies but stressed that there is much more to be done in order for the Philippines to become disaster-resilient.

Legarda, Chair of the Senate Committee on Climate Change, noted that a recent report by the World Bank showed the Philippines among the top five countries in the Asia-Pacific in terms of advancing disaster risk reduction strategies.

The report titled “Strong, Safe and Resilient – A Strategic Policy Guide for Disaster Risk Management in the East Asia and the Pacific,” cited that through the Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Law, the country has shifted from disaster response to disaster preparedness and mitigation.

The Philippines, along with China, Indonesia and Vietnam, has made “considerable steps in mainstreaming disaster risk management into development,” according to the report.

“The recent World Bank report shows that we are on the right track as far as policy shift in dealing with natural hazards is concerned. Investing in disaster prevention is definitely better and cost-efficient than focusing on post-disaster response alone,” said Legarda.

However, the Senator said that this is only the beginning of a continuing arduous task of making the country disaster-resilient.

“Every natural hazard that hits the country reveals the risks and weaknesses that we must immediately address. Even communities who already have disaster mitigation programs in place still suffer from the effects of extreme weather events. Thus, we must treat every disaster as an opportunity for us to re-evaluate our current strategies, and build on them based on recent events,” she explained.

Legarda stressed that the Philippines is still among the countries most vulnerable to disasters and that Manila, Cebu and Davao, all highly urbanized and heavily populated cities, are classified among the “top metropolises at risk in the region”.

“Climate change and extreme weather events are among the greatest humanitarian challenges of our time. These challenges we can overcome if our programs and mechanisms in place actually address the specific vulnerabilities present in each community in the country,” Legarda concluded.

Statement of Deputy Presidential Spokesperson Abigail F. Valte on the 1st Quarter GDP Growth for 2013

Today, the National Statistics Coordination Board reported that, in the first quarter of 2013, the Philippines’ GDP grew by 7.8 percent—the highest quarterly growth rate posted under the Aquino administration; and the highest in a non-presidential election year since 1988. Based on initial readings, our economy outperformed that of all Asian economies in terms of first quarter growth, including China, which grew by 7.7 percent, Indonesia, which grew by 6.0 percent, and Malaysia, which grew 4.1 percent. These results surpassed almost all market expectations.

Growth was felt in almost all sectors, most notably in local manufacturing, which grew by 9.7 percent. The continuation of government public expenditures was also key, increasing by 13.2 percent. This was helped by the growth in the government’s spending in public construction, which expanded by 45.6 percent. By expenditure, capital formation likewise grew by 47.7 percent. Without doubt, the confidence of both investors and consumers remains strong, as economic activity accelerates even in an uncertain global economic climate.

More than economic growth, however, the Aquino administration is focused on fostering inclusive growth. Since our administration took office, we have worked to drastically expand social safety nets to help the most vulnerable in our country. Most noteworthy is the four-fold increase in the budget of the Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program, which to date has helped more than 3.9 million Filipino households.  The recent election results show that the public has confidence in the President, and agrees with the direction the country is going. Therefore, our administration will continue to promote and expand policies that lead to a Philippines where no one is left behind.

Legarda Calls for More Renewable Energy Investments

Senator Loren Legarda calls for more investments in renewable energy as part of a long-term solution to the growing power needs of the country.

Legarda cited the case of Mindanao which is currently faced with rotating brownouts due to deficit in electricity supply.  Mindanao has been heavily dependent on hydropower for its electricity requirements, particularly from the Agus and Pulangui hydropower plants; however, she explained that such cannot be sustained in the face of the worsening deforestation of watersheds, the siltation of river systems, and aging power facilities.

“Mindanao has an agriculture-intensive economy. We need to be able to harness the agricultural wastes of Mindanao to fuel biomass facilities. Hydropower, geothermal, and biomass are undoubtedly cheaper than the diesel-fired power facilities. The generator sets and power barges that are being mobilized in the interim will not provide a sustainable solution to the power woes of Mindanao,” said Legarda, co-author and co-sponsor of the Renewable Energy Law.

“We must encourage more investments on renewable energy and we should also ensure proper management of our resources. For instance, we must ensure the promotion and development of Lake Lanao in a sustainable manner because the worsening deforestation of watersheds, including those located in Lake Lanao, and the siltation of river systems are among the reasons the power supply in Mindanao has become erratic,” she added.

In the 15th Congress, the Senator has proposed a measure establishing an effective policy and regulatory administration over Lake Lanao through the proposed Lake Lanao Development Authority. Legarda will file the same measure and push for its approval in the next Congress.

“The country's indigenous energy resources need to be developed to address its growing power needs. We have more than 200,000 megawatts of potential renewable energy capacity that remain untapped.  Furthermore, the prices of renewable energy technologies are going down  in the global market, thus there is a need to revisit the objections to RE which has obviously emerged as a viable and competitive alternative to coal- and diesel-fired power plants," Legarda said.

It is time that the government prioritize renewable energy development in our country,” Legarda concluded.

Legarda’s Focus on Next Term: Better Lives, More Humane Society for Filipinos

Re-elected Senator Loren Legarda today said that working on legislation and programs that will make the lives of Filipinos better will be her focus on the next six years of her term.

“The focus of my term as a senator is making the lives of Filipinos better, primarily by ensuring that basic services reach the poorest sector and building a more humane society,” said Legarda, who will be serving her third term.

The Senator stressed that issues such as universal healthcare, education, livelihood, and disaster resilience, which are all vital to the everyday living of Filipinos, will be her main concern.

Among the priority measures she will file in the incoming 16^th Congress are the Pantawid Tuition Program, which would fund one college graduate in every poor Filipino family; the barangay disaster resilience program, which aims to ensure that every community in the country is prepared when disasters occur; and the Magna Carta for the Poor.

Other priority bills include: the Magna Carta for Public School Teachers; increasing subsistence allowance of soldiers and police; barangay health workers benefits; agricultural extension workers benefits; anti-ethnic profiling; and creating a folk art museum in every province.

“These are poverty-alleviating measures which will have greatest impact on the poorest families and significantly change the course of their lives. In my next six years as a senator, I will continue to work for what greatly matters: food on the table, education for our children, and clean, safe communities,” Legarda concluded.

Mayor’s ally shot dead in NE

CABANATUAN CITY – A 42-year-old barangay councilor who has openly supported the reelection bid of a municipal mayor in Nueva Ecija was gunned down in broad daylight by a lone gunman inside a junkyard in Llanera town Sunday, the Philippine National Police reported yesterday.

          Senior Superintendent Crizaldo Nieves, PNP provincial director, identified the slain official as Nick Apan, barangay councilor of Ricarte, Llanera.  Apan died from a lone gunshot wound in the head. 

          Apan is a supporter and ally of reelected Llanera Mayor Lorna Mae Vero of the Liberal Party.

          Vero described Apan as reserved and kind-hearted.

          Apan’s killing was pulled off at around 6 am Sunday in Ricarte.

          Nieves said Apan was inside the compound which he owns when the gunman, accompanied by two others aboard three separate motorcycles, parked in front of the junk yard.

          The gunman posed as a customer while his companions served as look-outs. The suspect then drew his .45 caliber pistol and shot Apan from point-blank range  then fled.

          Apan was rushed to a hospital in this city but he was pronounced dead on arrival.

          Police have yet to establish the motive for the attack.

          Vero declined to speculate on the possibility that politics could be the motive, saying police are looking into several angles, including possible business rivalry and love triangle.

          “We have to wait for the results of the police investigation before we can make any conclusion,” she said.- Manny Galvez

Trillanes lauds PNoy for signing law to boost health research dev't

Senator Antonio “Sonny” F. Trillanes IV expressed gratitude to President Benigno Aquino III for signing into law his proposal to institutionalize research and development in the country's health system as a way of boosting information and prevention of diseases.

 

“I am grateful to the President for signing this into law. I believe that the best defense against illness is information and prevention. Knowing what to expect, from a medical point of view, can make things more manageable,” said Trillanes, principal author of the legislation now known as the Philippine National Health Research System Act of 2013.

 

The law will institutionalize the Philippine National Health Research System (PNHRS) to connect health research to the needs of health system, the engagement of partnerships and networks both national and international for health research development, and the sustainability of health research resources.

 

“Our country's ability to ensure optimum health for every Filipino is determined by the degree of priority we grant to health research and development activities, and this law is a vital step in attaining this goal,” Trillanes added.

 

This is one of the laws put forward by Trillanes, who won a fresh mandate in the May 13 elections. The young legislator is one of the most productive senators in the 14th and 15th Congress, having filed 734 bills and resolutions, 33 of which became law. 

KIKO LAUDS SIGNING OF ANTI-BOTCHA LAW

Senator Francis “Kiko” Pangilinan says that the President’s signing of the Republic Act 10536, amending the National Meat Inspection Code of the Philippines, will help deter the selling of double-dead meat in the market.

“We thank the President for signing RA 10536 into law,” says Pangilinan, principal author of the law. “It was our intention to update the National Meat Inspection Code and make relevant its salient features—such as imposing stiffer penalties in order to curb the selling and trading of double-dead meat in the market.”

Under RA 10536, any violator of the act, upon conviction, shall be punished by imprisonment of not less than six (6) years and one (1) day but not more than twelve (12) years or a fine of not less than One hundred thousand pesos (P100,000) but not more than One million pesos (P1,000,000), or both, depending upon the discretion of the court.

RA 10536 also provides for some restructuring in terms of the composition of the National Meat Inspection Service, which is the primary agency responsible for ensuring that the meat that lands on families’ tables are certified and are safe for consumption.

If the offender is a public official, the penalty shall include perpetual disqualification from public office.

“Kailangang pangalagaan ang kapakanan ng taumbayan laban sa walang pakundangang pagbebenta ng botcha, na nagdudulot ng sakit at kamatayan. Buhay ang nagiging katapat ng kasakiman. Sa pamamagitan ng bagong batas na ito, umaasa tayong may masasampolan na para maparusahan na ang mga sakim at walang-kaluluwang nagbebenta ng botcha.”

Pangilinan also adds that ASEAN integration by 2015 “requires us to ensure quality meat products that are competitive with the global market.”

The ASEAN Integrated Food Security (AIFS) Framework and Strategic Plan of Action on Food Security in the ASEAN region (SPA-FS) aims to: (1) increase food production; (2) reduce post-harvest losses; (3) promote conducive market and trade for agriculture commodities and inputs; (4) ensure food stability; (5) promote availability and accessibility to agricultural inputs; and (6) to operationalize regional food emergency relief arrangements.

Legarda Calls for Strict Implementation of Expanded Anti-Trafficking Law

Senator Loren Legarda today stressed the need to strictly implement the Expanded Anti-Trafficking in Persons Act following reports of continued proliferation of various forms of human trafficking involving Filipinos.

Legarda noted that a CNN documentary featured prostitution and cybersex as among the common forms of human trafficking acts in the Philippines, with minors being convinced to engage in such trade as they are promised with good income and a better life.

“The problem of human trafficking continues to hound our society, which is why Congress has acted upon it by creating the Expanded Anti-Trafficking in Persons Act (Republic Act 10364),” said Legarda, principal sponsor of the law.

“The stricter provisions of the law should be matched with its effective implementation. Our government agencies should partner with concerned non-government organizations and our police force should undergo continuous training because human traffickers have become more innovative in their actions,” she added.

The new law covers attempted trafficking and accessory or accomplice liability; protection to trafficked victims; and a permanent Secretariat to the country’s anti-trafficking efforts, among others, as well as stronger penalty provisions.

“Human trafficking, and the related problems of the illegal sex trade, forced labor, and other forms of slavery, is a complex web. Battling it requires a concerted effort from all sectors of society. We must also keep in mind that traffickers target the most vulnerable sectors of society and this is the injustice that we must act against,” Legarda concluded.

JINGGOY TO EMPLOYERS: ALLOW KASAMBAHAY TO STUDY

With days before the June opening of school year, Senate President Pro Tempore Jinggoy Ejercito Estrada is urging the employers to allow their household workers to study and secure academic diploma.

 

Sen. Estrada underscored that domestic workers, including nursemaid or yaya, cook, gardener, laundry person and general househelp, are guaranteed of the right to education and training under the recently-enacted Batas Kasambahay or Republic Act 10361.

 

Section 9 of Article II (Rights and Privileges) states that the “employer shall afford the domestic worker the opportunity to finish basic education and may allow access to alternative learning systems and as far as practicable, higher education or technical and vocational training.”

 

Moreover, “the employer shall adjust the work schedule of the domestic worker to allow such access to education or training without hampering the services required by the employer.”

 

Section 2, Article 4 of the Convention 189 (Convention Concerning Decent Work for Domestic Workers, which the Philippines has already ratified) also provides that “each Member shall take measures to ensure that work performed by domestic workers who are under the age of 18 and above the minimum age of employment does not deprive them of compulsory education, or interfere with opportunities to participate in further education or vocational training.”

 

Jinggoy appeals to the employers to not deprive kasambahays the opportunity to learn more and finish at least elementary and secondary education to widen their horizon and to uplift their standard of living.

 

Sen. Estrada, Chairman of the Committee on Labor, Employment and Human Resources Development, also stressed that the said privilege is even more relevant to working children aged 15 to 17 employed as kasambahay.

 

“Let us not deprive our kasambahay the opportunity to enrol in schools and acquire new knowledge and skills as a step towards a more productive, high-paying career in the future,” Jinggoy says.

 

Under the implementing rules and regulations (IRR) issued and published by the Department of Labor and Employment (DoLE) last May 19, Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA) shall also facilitate access of kasambahay to efficient training, assessment and certification based on training regulations for household services to ensure productivity and assure quality of services.

Villar hails signing of tougher law vs botcha

Sen. Manny Villar today hailed the signing of law strengthening regulation against the selling and transport of double dead meat or botcha.

 

President Aquino signed Republic Act 10536 or the amended Meat Inspection Code of the Philippines last May 15. It imposes the penalty of imprisonment of six to 12 years and fine of P100,000 to P1 million against persons engaged in the trade of botcha.

 

“Despite aggressive market raids conducted by the National Meat Inspection Service, local officials and the police, those arrested are able to elude criminal liability because the penalties are weak. With tougher penalties, we will be able to curb botcha trade,” Villar said.

 

Villar recalled that during the hearings held by the Committee on Trade and Commerce, it was revealed that some meat traders have become creative so they may pass off botcha as freshly slaughtered meat and caused people to get sick.

 

“The president should be commended for making this a priority. Botcha trade has been going on for a while despite public warnings,” he added.

 

President Aquino also signed RA 10557 or the Philippine Design Competitiveness Act. In welcoming its enactment, Villar said this will “uplift the state of our Philippine design industry by establishing a design-led economy where we may generate jobs for the people.”

 

Villar and Sen. Teofisto Guingona III authored the bill in the Senate.

 

He noted that despite the abundance of creative talents in the country, the Philippines is trailing behind Asian neighbors. He said homegrown talents are being pirated by other countries such as China, Singapore, Malaysia and Indonesia.

 

Further, he cited the likes of Kenneth Cobonpue, a known furniture-maker based in Cebu, whose creations are featured in foreign films and the success of jewelry artisan Bea Valdes and bag designer Maristela Ocampo and Amina Aranaz.

 

“It is time to put in place the enabling environment that will allow the various sectors of the design industry to increase productivity, enhance visibility in the global market, boost competitiveness and improve the level of innovation of our creative people,” Villar said.

BATAS KASAMBAHAY IRR DEFINE PROTECTION & RESCUE MECHANISMS FOR DOMESTIC WORKERS

Senate President Pro Tempore Jinggoy Ejercito Estrada lauds the Department of Labor and Employment (DoLE) for defining the mechanisms for the protection, rescue and rehabilitation of domestic workers in the implementing rules and regulations (IRR) of the Batas Kasambahay.

 

“Apart from ensuring the promotion of overall welfare and protection of around two million domestic workers in the country, we aim to lay out the general policies and put up systems for the immediate rescue and relief of abused kasambahay that we sadly hear about every now and then,” Jinggoy, the author and main sponsor of the law said.

 

Sen. Estrada cited the case of kasambahay Bonita Baran who was maltreated by her employer and had no clear idea where she will go for assistance and what she will do to get help.

 

Estrada, in his capacity as Chairman of the Committee on Labor, Employment and Human Resources Development, launched a Senate inquiry into her case and incorporated its findings to the final version of the measure.

 

Jinggoy hopes that with the release and publication of the IRR of the Batas Kasambahay, cases of maltreatment and abuse will be immediately and effectively responded to, and be given proper and just conclusion.

 

Rule X of the IRR prescribes that any abused kasambahay shall be immediately rescued by a municipal or city social welfare officer in coordination with the concerned barangay officials and law enforcement personnel.

 

“Abuse” refers to any act or a series of acts committed by an employer or any member of his/her household against any kasambahay which results in or is likely to result in physical, sexual, psychological harm or economic abuse (e.g. withholding of wages), including threats of such acts, battery, assault, coercion, harassment or arbitrary deprivation of liberty.

 

Any act of abuse committed against a kasambahay may be reported to any official of the barangay where the abuse occurred, any social worker, any police officer from the Women and Children Protection Desks, or any officer of the Public Employment Service Office (PESO).

 

Section 5, Rule X of the IRR also states that “At all times, the rescue team shall ensure the full protection of the rights of the abused kasambahay and the accused while under its custody and control.”

 

Moreover, no action or suit shall be brought in any court or before any authority against any social worker, law enforcement officer, person acting in compliance with the lawful order from any of the above for lawful acts done during an authorized rescue operation or investigation or prosecution of an abused case involving a kasambahay.

 

Meanwhile, the local social welfare and development offices (LSWDOs) shall make available the following services for the abused kasambahay: temporary shelter, counselling, free legal services, medical or psychological services, livelihood and skills training, among others.

 

As a way of monitoring, there shall also be a registration system for kasambahay.

 

Section 1 of Rule IX states that every employer shall register a kasambahay under his/her employment in the barangay where his/her residence is located.  The Punong Barangay, together with SSS, Pag-IBIG and PhilHealth representatives, shall conduct a common registration of all kasambahay nationwide. A start-up registration shall be held in the city or municipal hall or plaza.

 

Lastly, the IRR also stipulates mechanism for settlement and disposition of labor-related disputes.

 

Section 1 of Rule XI states that all labor-related disputes shall be filed before the DoLE Field/Provincial/Regional Offices having jurisdiction over the workplace and shall go through the 30-day mandatory conciliation.

 

Conciliation, an alternative dispute settlement mode, is a non-litigious, less expensive and expeditious mechanism which assists contending parties towards reaching their own mutually-acceptable settlement to the labor dispute.

 

Republic Act 10361 otherwise known as Batas Kasambahay was signed into law last January 18, 2013. The same date will now be known as “Araw ng mga Kasambahay.”

 

The DoLE published last May 19 the implementing rules and regulations pursuant to RA 10361 or the “Act Instituting Policies for the Protection and Welfare of the Domestic Workers.”

 

The IRR will take effect 15 days after its publication.

Legarda’s Focus on Next Term: Better Lives, More Humane Society for Filipinos

Re-elected Senator Loren Legarda today said that working on legislation and programs that will make the lives of Filipinos better will be her focus on the next six years of her term.

“The focus of my term as a senator is making the lives of Filipinos better, primarily by ensuring that basic services reach the poorest sector and building a more humane society,” said Legarda, who will be serving her third term.

The Senator stressed that issues such as universal healthcare, education, livelihood, and disaster resilience, which are all vital to the everyday living of Filipinos, will be her main concern.

Among the priority measures she will file in the incoming 16^th Congress are the Pantawid Tuition Program, which would fund one college graduate in every poor Filipino family; the barangay disaster resilience program, which aims to ensure that every community in the country is prepared when disasters occur; and the Magna Carta for the Poor.

Other priority bills include: the Magna Carta for Public School Teachers; increasing subsistence allowance of soldiers and police; barangay health workers benefits; agricultural extension workers benefits; anti-ethnic profiling; and creating a folk art museum in every province.

“These are poverty-alleviating measures which will have greatest impact on the poorest families and significantly change the course of their lives. In my next six years as a senator, I will continue to work for what greatly matters: food on the table, education for our children, and clean, safe communities,” Legarda concluded.

Neophyte crushes grizzled pol in Ecija capital

PALAYAN CITY – A neophyte politician has been proclaimed mayor-elect in this provincial capital, beating by landslide a grizzled former three-term congressman on the comeback trail in a monumental upset.

          Arriane Mae Cuevas of the Liberal Party garnered a total of 11,529 as against the 6,931 of former congressman Pacifico Fajardo of the Nationalist People’s Coalition-Bagong Lakas ng Nueva Ecija (NPC-Balane)  or a margin of 4,598.

          In what city election officer Westly Rey Del Fonso said is one of the most lop-sided scores in this city’s political history, Cuevas won 65 percent of the votes in the 19 barangays in this city where the Fajardos used to be political kingpins.

          However, Cuevas’ running mate, outgoing three-term Mayor Romeo Capinpin lost to Florante Mercado in the vice mayoral race. Mercado of NPC-Balane - son of former three-term Makati vice mayor Nestor - amassed 10,375 votes as against Capinpin’s 7,391 or a vote difference of 2,984.

          Cuevas’ allies won six seats in the 10-man Sangguniang Panlungsod. They are Capinpin’s son Romaric who obtained 9,630 votes; Jesusa Fajardo (9,071), Abegail Bantegui (6,409), Rogelio Piadozo (6,126), Ernesto Lutap (6,116) and outgoing Vice Mayor Moises Carmona Jr. (5,374).

          Mercado’s partymates who won were Ian Howell Guyud (7,251) and Rosalia Merez (6,828). Independent Petronio Garcia got 6,433.

          Fajardo’s defeat could signal the end of a checkered political career for one of Nueva Ecija’s acknowledged political heavyweights which started when he became mayor for three terms.

          In 1992, he became congressman in a stunning upset,  bringing down Hermogenes Concepcion Jr., a former justice of the Supreme Court in the third congressional district. Their face-off was a classic David vs Goliath fight.

Fajardo handily won reelection in 1995 and 1998. His political clout as a Lakas-CMD stalwart resulted in three consecutive three-year terms as mayor for his wife Leonora and one term for their daughter, Lorelei, a former deputy presidential spokesperson and presidential assistant for Central Luzon under the administration of former president and now Pampanga Rep. Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo.

          Fajardo ran for governor in 2001 but lost by landslide to then-governor Tomas Joson III. At the height of Edsa Dos which thrust Mrs. Aquino into power, Fajardo was appointed administrator of the Light Rail Transit Authority which he served for seven months.

          A successful businessman before he entered politics, Fajardo has held various posts in government and the private sector, including director of San Miguel Corp. (Manny Galvez) 

Legarda Hails Enactment of K to 12 Law

Senator Loren Legarda today hailed the enactment into law of Republic Act 10533, the Enhanced Basic Education Act of 2013, and stressed that the Philippines’ upgrade to a twelve-year basic education will make it at par with the education system and standards of other countries.

Legarda, co author of RA 10533, said that the K to 12 Law brings a multitude of benefits to the Filipino youth.

“I am happy that the K to 12 program is now institutionalized through the law which President Aquino recently signed. This law addresses the problem of poor families who have no means to bring their children to kindergarten. Moreover, the 12-year basic education cycle addresses the need of highschool graduates who opt out of the university system by preparing them for possible technical-vocational education,” she explained.

Legarda said that under the law, basic education program will now encompass one year of kindergarten education, six years of elementary education, and six years of secondary education.

The Senator added that another salient feature of the law is the use of regional or native language of learners for kindergarten and the first three years of elementary education, instruction, teaching materials, and assessment, which is important for children to better understand their lessons in the first years of formal school before being introduced to a new language.

“This enhanced system of education will ensure that our children will be prepared to enter school through kindergarten and will be better prepared to choose the path they wish to take after having finished basic education through the additional years in highschool. Furthermore, this system makes them more globally-competitive since they will no longer be forced to master their lessons in a shorter span of time,” Legarda said.

Drilon wants Comelec, DFA to explain poor participation in absentee voting abroad

Despite an increased budget allocated to the Commission on Elections (Comelec) and the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) for a wider implementation of the overseas absentee voting (OAV) law, less overseas Filipinos took part in the last elections and Senate Finance Committee head Sen. Franklim M. Drilon wants an explanation from the two agencies.

“I hate to sound like a broken record, but I again deplore the dismal implementation of the absentee voting law in the just-concluded midterm elections,” said Drilon, who was one of the principal sponsors of Republic Act No. 9189, or the Overseas Absentee Voting Act, when it was enacted by Congress in February 2003. “I want the DFA and the Comelec to explain why.”

Drilon, who was campaign manager of the administration Team PNoy senatorial slate, disclosed that of the 737,759 registered Filipino voters abroad, only 113,209 voted with a voters’ turnout of only 15. 35 percent.

“This turn out,” Drilon noted, “is way below the already low 26 percent overseas absentee voting turnout during the 2010 elections. Its seems that less and less Filipinos abroad are inclined to exercise their right to vote, contrary to the intention of Congress when this law was enacted.”

“When we crafted the absentee voting law, we wanted to empower the overseas Filipino workers in the hope that at least they can influence the result of the election by electing qualified leaders," recalled Drilon. “However, the turnout is getting more and more disappointing by the election.”

Drilon, who presided over the deliberation of the 2013 national budget in the Senate in September last year, noted that P105.038 million was allocated for the Comelec and another P43.41 million was allocated to the DFA for the implementation of the absentee voting law this year.

“With only 113,209 overseas Filipinos voting, the cost of each absentee vote is now P1,310 per vote. This is outrageous. I wonder how the Comelec and the DFA can justify these numbers,” Drilon said.

During the budget hearings, Drilon recalled that he specifically directed the DFA to find ways to increase the participation of overseas Filipinos in absentee voting (OAV) in the 2013 midterm elections, amid the tightening fiscal position of the government.

After 2010 elections, Drilon lamented the poor absentee voting turnout, noting that the actual number of voters that participated in that elections totalled 153,323, which represented only 26 percent of the 589,830 registered absentee voters.