deepest sympathy to family of the late Danilo Halili
supports Women Month March
joins Christian nations in observance of Lenten season
Ph to repatriate Fils fr crisis-hit Haiti
By Nidz Godino
“Philippine government is awaiting confirmation on whether or not rest will agree to be repatriated,” Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA), Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) and Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA) said in joint statement Philippines is preparing to repatriate at least 63 Filipinos from Haiti, country gripped by gang violence and humanitarian crisis.
Move comes after Foreign Affairs Secretary Enrique Manalo approved declaration of Alert Level 3 in Haiti, signifying voluntary repatriation for Filipinos there. Around 115 Filipinos work and reside in Caribbean island nation.
Three agencies are looking to charter flight to evacuate Filipinos from Haiti since no flights are coming out of the country, and land travel to the capital Port-au-Prince is also discouraged.
To date, no Filipinos have been reported as affected or injured in Haiti.
Recent United Nations report warned Haiti, already hit by drought, natural disaster and weak government, has seen “ near-collapse of basic services” with gangs controlling large parts of Port-au-Prince as well as key roads leading elsewhere left millions vulnerable as they await formation of transitional governing council to take power after unpopular Prime Minister Ariel Henry resigned under pressure.
Updated list of value-added tax (VAT)-exempt medicines for various diseases such as cancer and hypertension has been released by Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR).
In its latest revenue memorandum circular, BIR approved list of 12 percent VAT-exempt products under Tax Reform for Acceleration and Inclusion Law and Corporate Recovery and Tax Incentives for Enterprises Act.
This comes after Food and Drug Administration of Department of Health endorsed updated list.
Circular covered inclusion of certain medicines for cancer, hypertension and mental illness.
Total of 20 drugs were added to the list, 12 of which are for treatment of cancer.
Some four kinds of medicines are meant for hypertension. BIR also approved four more drugs for mental illnesses.
Dosage of medicines is in form of capsules, lyophilized powder for intravenous infusion, tablets, powder concentrate and solution for injection.
Just a little over a month ago, BIR included 16 VAT-exempt medicines for cancer, diabetes, high cholesterol, hypertension, kidney disease, mental illness and tuberculosis.
It was in January 2019 when government started implementing VAT exemption for prescription drugs used to treat cardiovascular diseases and diabetes.
VAT exemptions apply to sale by manufacturers, distributors, wholesalers and retailers of the medicines.
VAT exemption aims to make certain medicines more affordable to consumers.
Latest data from Philippine Statistics Authority showed top three causes of death in the country from January to September last year were heart disease, cancer and cerebrovascular disease, accounting for combined 40 percent of mortality.
deepest sympathy to family of the late Danilo Halili
supports Women’s Month March
joins Christian nations in observance of Lenten season
17 senators support Zubiri after another rumored coup
By Nidz Godino
“There’s nothing wrong in sitting down and engaging in dialogue…we have to do this together,” former Sen. Gregorio Honasan told Senior Deputy Speaker Aurelio Gonzales Jr. during hearing of House committee of the whole seventeen out of 24 senators have signed resolution affirming their continued support for Senate President Juan Miguel Zubiri after another alleged coup attempt.
Zubiri said in press conference that three more senators on top of 14 who originally signed resolution have expressed their support for him. These are Sen. Ramon “Bong” Revilla Jr., Sen. Robin Padilla and Sen. Jinggoy Estrada.
The 14 senators who signed resolution, believed to be loyalty check in upper chamber for Zubiri, are Senate President Pro Tempore Loren Legarda, Majority Leader Joel Villanueva, Sen. Sonny Angara, Sen. Nancy Binay, Sen. Sherwin Gatchalian, Sen. JV Ejercito, Sen. Grace Poe, Sen. Lito Lapid, Sen. Raffy Tulfo, Sen. Mark Villar, Sen. Ronald “Bato” dela Rosa, Sen. Francis Tolentino, Sen. Bong Go. Zubiri also signed resolution.
Senators who did not sign manifesto of support are Sen. Alan Peter Cayetano, Sen. Pia Cayetano, Sen. Francis Escudero, and Sen. Cynthia Villar.
Another senator who did not sign resolution is Sen. Imee Marcos, who said that it was members of House of Representatives pushing for leadership change in Senate. This has since been denied by House Deputy Majority Leader Rep. Erwin Tulfo (ACT-CIS Partylist).
Around this time last year, there were also reports of attempted plot to replace Zubiri as Senate president. This was immediately denied not just by Zubiri, who called rumor “figment of someone’s imagination,” but also by other senators led by Legarda and Villanueva.
Conflicting versions of Senate and House of Representatives on proposed economic amendments to 1987 Constitution, specifically contentious issue on voting, should be threshed out in dialogue among senators and congressmen, according to Honasan.
“We are exposing our strengths and weaknesses as young democracy to temporary friends and allies…this is not good for us,” Honasan said, adding that nation’s leaders should avoid wrangling in public and settle their differences discreetly.
This is in light of admission recently made by Senate President Juan Miguel Zubiri that his leadership is finding it hard to get votes of 18 senators to approve their Resolution of Both Houses 6, even if he already promised Senate’s approval to President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., Gonzales said.
Latest development leaves economic Charter change in Senate with uncertainty, unlike in the House where plenary debates on Resolution of Both Houses 7 will start on March 11, and is projected to be approved on second reading by March 13. House committee of the whole approved RBH7 after six days of exhaustive marathon hearings, which started on Feb. 26.
House is set to pass resolution on second reading next week. Chamber is targeting final and third-reading approval before Congress goes on its Holy Week recess on March 23, and then send RBH7 to the Senate.
Allowing Ivy League schools in US to put up branches in the country will force local institutions to improve their quality of education, without sacrificing need to inculcate patriotism among Filipino students, administration lawmakers said.
“If we will have Harvard University here, then there is no more need for students to go abroad… I’m supportive of access to education,” Rep. Fidel Nograles told reporters.
Nograles added students aspiring to study abroad will not be constrained by travel and education costs, if foreign education institutions such as Harvard are allowed in the country.
Rep. Janette Garin also pushed for lifting of restrictive provisions in 1987 Constitution, insisting it will not make local students less of Filipino if they get exposed to other methods of learning.
“We’re talking about you’re being Filipino, we’re talking about patriotism, but does it make you less of Filipino if you wish for a high-quality education…does it make you less of Filipino if you aspire to be competitive, many of our Cabinet officials, senators, our congressmen studied in Harvard, Stanford, Berkeley, Boston University and other Ivy League schools abroad…does this mean that if you have the means, only you can study in foreign schools,but if you are ordinary child of teacher, or an ordinary child of farmer, you do not have right to good education,” Garin said.
Hasty passage of RBH7 seeking to amend economic provisions of Constitution can be considered biggest “political hack” as Congress usually takes its time when passing legislation, labor group Partido ng Manggagawa (PM) secretary general Judy Ann Miranda said.
“Equivalent to political hack unthinkable for huge political body known for being laggard and protracted in its lawmaking process, especially when it comes to important social development agenda, When it comes to legislation for women, lawmakers treat us like history books…but for Charter change for foreign interests, they are like Facebook, Twitter, or TikTok in their swift action,” PM secretary general Judy Ann Miranda said.
Meanwhile, militant group Bagong Alyansang Makabayan (Bayan) warned about grim prospects of foreign-controlled economy and well-entrenched political dynasties with unlimited terms after House of Representatives approved RBH7.
“Philippines will soon be up for sale…rates and prices will inevitably increase, profits will be further squeezed from people,” Bayan secretary general Renato Reyes said.
He urged public, particularly oppressed classes and marginalized sectors, to oppose efforts to amend Constitution. “The Philippines is not for sale…our future is not for sale,” he said.
Reyes expects Cha-cha measure endorsed by Marcos to be passed on second and then third and final reading before Holy Week break. He warned Senate that House might file resolution with Comelec for plebiscite by June after presenting RBH7 on the back of three-fourths vote of all members of Congress.
“Philippine crocodile, Mindorensis, holds distinction of being rarest crocodile species globally, facing an alarming 82 percent decline in known localities,” Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) Secretary Maria Antonia Yulo-Loyzaga said during 29th Crocodile Conservation Week in Puerto Princesa City population of Philippine crocodiles has declined by 82 percent.
Ongoing threat includes habitat loss and human persecution, she added.
“As critically endangered species, conservation of Philippine crocodile is important to local communities in terms of both cultural and economic value, and assess potential to support livelihoods related to ecological tourism actually present today,” she noted.
Current wild population estimates stand at over 500 for Philippine crocodiles and over 6,000 for saltwater crocodiles, Loyzaga said.
Palawan Wildlife Rescue and Conservation Center (PWRCC), formerly Crocodile Farming Institute, now shelters at least 1,000 Crocodylus mindorensis and Crocodylus porosus, she noted.
“As I heard this morning, there are at least 68 fresh and saltwater crocodiles, including those found in different parts of the Philippines, as far as Mindanao, composed of hatchlings, juveniles, sub-adults, and adults,” she said.
PWRCC has been successful in breeding Philippine crocodiles and saltwater crocodiles as sources of stocks to replenish wild populations, Loyzaga said.
Center also serves as national repository of rescued crocodiles that can be used for commercial breeding and source of breeder stocks, she noted.
“PWRCC remains ecotourism destination in Puerto Princesa, contributing to social, economic development and well-being of local communities that are engaged in protection and conservation of this valuable natural resource through activities such as guided tours and local crafts, one of the goals and objectives of the facility is to remove such species from International Union for Conservation of Nature list of critically endangered species,” she added.
Free MRT rides for female, all-female Hse session in women day
By Nidz Godino
“This meaningful celebration demonstrates our solidarity with women all over the country in honoring women’s achievements and advocating for gender equality,” Tingog Partylist Rep. Yedda Marie Romualdez said women and girls can enjoy free rides today at Metro Rail Transit Line 3 (MRT-3) and Light Rail Transit Line 2 in line with celebration of International Women’s Day.
Free rides for women is MRT-3’s way of thanking women for their roles in society, according to officer-in-charge and Department of Transportation Assistant Secretary Jorjette Aquino.
It is also way of honoring talents and contributions of women in their respective fields and communities, added Administrator Hernando Cabrera of Light Rail Transit Authority.
House of Representatives also joined celebration with its traditional All-Women Session.
Bulacan 4th District Rep. Linabelle Ruth Villarica presided session as acting speaker.
Pursuant to Section 15 (H) IV of rules of House of Representatives, Speaker Martin Romualdez designated committee on women and gender equality chairperson Rep. Geraldine Roman and Reps. Stella Luz Quimbo, Maria Rachel Arenas, Anna Marie Villaraza-Suarez, Mary Mitzi Cajayon-Uy, Marlyn Primicias-Agabas, Josephine Veronique Lacson-Noel, Laarni Lavin Roque and Glona Labadlabad as presiding officers.
In addition, Rep. Maria Angela Garcia was designated majority leader with Reps. Angelica Natasha Co, Caroline Tanchay, Lolita Javier, Luz Mercado and Rhea Mae Gullas as deputy majority leaders.
Rep. Bernadette Herrera was minority leader, while Rep. France Castro acted as deputy minority leader.
Apart from Roman, eleven other women lawmakers delivered speeches to highlight ongoing and emerging women’s issues: Maria Fe Abunda, Richelle Singson, Ma. Cynthia Chan, Maria Jamina Katherine Agarao, Anna Victoria Veloso-Tuazon, Amparo Maria Zamora, Kristine Alexie Tutor, Marissa Magsino, Charisse Anne Hernandez, Ma. Alana Samantha Santos and Arlene Brosas.
Romualdez is the chairperson of the 86-strong Association of Women Legislators Foundation Inc. (AWLFI) leads annual women’s month celebration in Congress.
Adopted during session was House Resolution 1608 authored by Rep. Christopher de Venecia and other congressmen commends AWLFI’s exemplary dedication to the cause of women and children since it was founded in 2011 by then representative Gina de Venecia.
As follow-through activity, forum organized by Gabriela Women’s Party will be held on March 13 to discuss alarming trends on gender violence.
Villarica said, “high point of women’s month celebration for us is fulfillment of our long-held dream to put up Women and Children Protection Building for healing clients of National Center for Mental Health in Mandaluyong City is scheduled to break ground on March 18.”
Meanwhile, AirAsia Philippines is mounting All Women Crew flight today as part of its celebration. Airline company is also dedicating All Women Lane in honor of all resilient and hardworking women.
On the other hand, city government of Pasay will hold job fair today at the Pasay City Astrodome from 8 in the morning to 3 in the afternoon to provide employment opportunities for female jobseekers.
Six thousand job vacancies will be up for grabs from 35 participating companies, according to Mayor Imelda-Calixto Rubiano.
One-stop shop for transactions with various government agencies such as National Bureau of Investigation, Pag-IBIG, PhilHealth, Social Security System, Department of Migrant Workers, Overseas Workers Welfare Administration, and Philippine Statistics Authority will also be available.
Rubiano said city government will also offer free enrollment in vocational courses offered by Technical Education and Skills Development Authority such as domestic work, caregiving, housekeeping, automotive servicing, bartending and technical drafting.
Interested participants are reminded to bring barangay certificate and valid identification card.
Department of Foreign Affairs Consular Offices will likewise open its Courtesy Lane to all women, specially working women and mothers, to avail themselves of passport services on March 16, Saturday.
Courtesy lane will accommodate women of any age and one immediate family member (i.e., spouse, adult children, or adult sibling) with proof of relationship or one traveling companion with proof of travel with applicant (i.e. flight booking, or hotel booking).
All minor children of the woman applicant will also be accommodated.
DFA Consular Office in Cebu will open total of 500 Passport Courtesy Lane slots for women. The 500 slots will be spread throughout month of March, on top of their usual daily threshold of courtesy slots.
“He is not just friend… comrade who shares my principles against armed communist struggle,” Sen. Robinhood Padilla’s said three senators have joined bid to block detention of pastor Apollo Quiboloy for defying Senate investigation on alleged sexual abuses in his ministry.
In press briefing, Padilla confirmed that he has support of Senators Cynthia Villar, Imee Marcos and Bong Go to overturn contempt order of committee chairperson Sen. Risa Hontiveros, investigating Quiboloy for alleged abuses in the Kingdom of Jesus Christ.
Padilla is seeking majority support from other members of Senate women, children, family relations and gender equality committee to overturn or modify Hontiveros’ order for Quiboloy to be cited for contempt and detained at the Senate.
He defended Quiboloy from being prejudged guilty in committee inquiry, where witnesses testified that they were raped and forced to raise money for the church.
Padilla said Quiboloy is “comrade” in his fight against communism, and that the pastor’s network SMNI showed his films.
He said he respected decision of Senators Grace Poe and Raffy Tulfo to beg off from joining him in overturning contempt order.
Tulfo did not object to Hontiveros’ contempt order in deference to fellow committee chairperson’s right to compel witnesses to appear before inquiry.
“While I am happy that democracy in Senate is alive, it makes me sad that I have not yet gathered required eight votes,” Padilla said.
He admitted difficulty in gathering signatures due to serious rape allegations being investigated in time for Women’s Month.
The other committee members are Senators Nancy Binay (vice chairperson), Pia Cayetano, JV Ejercito and Mark Villar. Senate President Pro Tempore Loren Legarda, Majority Leader Joel Villanueva and Minority Leader Koko Pimentel are ex officio members.
Sen. Cynthia Villar signed up to block Quiboloy’s impending arrest at the Senate because controversial pastor is longtime family friend.
“He is kind to us… I find cases filed against him hard to believe, Senator Imee and I know him personally…it is not like him to do something like that,” Villar said referring to sexual abuse allegations against former spiritual adviser.
Marcos said investigation ended up prosecuting Quiboloy instead of being in aid of legislation.
“I don’t see which part here is in aid of legislation… cases are also still sub judice… may end up being judicial question,” Marcos said.
During press briefing, Padilla named Ejercito as fifth senator to join him in reversing Quiboloy’s contempt order.
But Ejercito retracted his signature, saying that while he was initially against detaining the pastor in Senate because cases were already filed in court, he took second look at “serious allegations of rape” prompted Department of Justice to revive cases against KOJC minister.
“Initially, I made decision to sign objection letter, initiated by Sen. Robinhood Padilla on contempt ruling of Sen. Risa Hontiveros against Pastor Apollo Quiboloy, in consideration of procedural practicality, but after careful review of facts, witness testimonies, and additional information, such as allegations of rape during last committee hearing, I have decided to withdraw my signature today” Ejercito said.
“United States reaffirms Article IV of 1951 US-Philippines Mutual Defense Treaty extends to armed attacks on Philippine armed forces, public vessels or aircraft , including those of its Coast Guard anywhere in South China Sea,” US State Department spokesman Matthew Miller is expressing “great alarm” over latest incident involving Filipino and Chinese vessels in the West Philippine Sea (WPS).
President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. did not see it as trigger for Mutual Defense Treaty (MDT) between Philippines and United States.
US reaffirmed its commitment to defend Philippines under MDT, following China’s recent aggression in WPS.
In Melbourne for ASEAN-Australia special summit, however, Marcos said in video statement, in response to media query: “I do not think that it is time or reason to invoke Mutual Defense Treaty. However, we continue to view with great alarm this continuing dangerous maneuvers and dangerous actions that are being done against our seamen, our Coast Guard.”
Four Filipino crew members on resupply mission to Ayungin (Second Thomas) Shoal in WPS were injured when water cannon blasts from China Coast Guard shattered windshield of their boat. Coast guard vessels of two countries also collided.
In statement, Miller said, “United States stands with our ally Philippines following People’s Republic of China (PRC)’s provocative actions against lawful Philippine maritime operations in South China Sea on March 5.”
At press conference, State Department spokesman said China’s latest actions “demonstrate once again reckless disregard… for safety of Filipinos and also for international law.”
He continued, “by impeding safe operation of Philippine vessels carrying provisions to Filipino service members stationed at Second Thomas Shoal, PRC interfered in lawful Philippine maritime operations and in Philippine vessels’ exercise of high-speed of high-seas freedom of navigation.”
Miller reiterated US will stand with Philippines “in face of these dangerous and unlawful actions,” but the official had no categorical answer when asked if recent incident could trigger US’s MDT with Philippines.“I’m not going to speculate or get out ahead of any discussions… in this regard,” he said.
US said MDT, signed in 1951, “remains bedrock of our cooperation.” When asked during joint press briefing of National Task Force-WPS about US reaffirming that MDT extends to armed attacks on Philippine armed forces, public vessels or aircraft including those of its Coast Guard anywhere in South China Sea, Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) spokesperson Ma. Teresita Daza said: “Suffice it to say, there is continuing and ongoing discussion and consultation between US and Philippines on number of areas of cooperation, including defense cooperation.”
Daza cited “repeated narratives” and “broken promises,” but Philippines “has not entered into any agreement that will abandon our sovereign rights and jurisdiction of our EEZ.”
“We condemn PRC’s repeated obstruction of Philippine vessels’ exercise of high seas freedom of navigation and its disruption of supply lines to this longstanding outpost,” Miller said.
China’s actions, he said, again show disregard for safety and livelihood of Filipinos and international law.
Miller referred to an international tribunal’s legally binding decision issued in July 2016 ruled China has no lawful maritime claims to the waters around Ayungin Shoal, and that the shoal is a low tide feature clearly within the Philippines’ exclusive economic zone (EEZ).
“As provided under the 1982 Law of the Sea Convention, the 2016 arbitral decision is final and legally binding on the PRC and the Philippines, and the United States calls upon the PRC to abide by the ruling and desist from its dangerous and destabilizing conduct,” he said.
International community condemned China’s aggression, unlawful action and harassment in the WPS.
France expressed concern over China’s dangerous actions against the Philippine vessels.
“France expresses its concern about today’s incidents in the South China Sea,” French Ambassador Marie Fontanel posted on X.
“We call for respect for UNCLOS, for freedom of navigation and resolutely oppose any threat or use of force contrary to international law. We remain attached to resolving disputes through dialogue,” she said.
SC scrapped petition challenging legality of POGOs
By J.Lo
“Without definite showing of any clear right of petitioners supposedly violated by issuance and implementation of RR-POGO, there is no actual case or controversy for this Court to resolve,” Supreme Court (SC) has junked petition challenging legality of rules on Philippine offshore gaming operators or POGOs for violating doctrine of hierarchy of courts and failing to meet requirements for judicial review.
In 24-page ruling promulgated on April 25, 2023, SC denied consolidated petitions that sought to declare as unconstitutional rules and regulations for POGO (RR-POGO), was approved by Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corp. (PAGCOR)’s board of directors.
Petitioners asked SC to strike down rules and prohibit PAGCOR from implementing the same.
These rules outline procedure for licensing, accreditation and registration of POGO operators, agents and other auxiliary service providers.
Petitioners argued PAGCOR has no authority to operate and regulate online or offshore gaming operations.
SC denied petitions for violating doctrine of hierarchy of courts, saying petitioners should have first brought the case before lower court.
It added that giving due course to all petitions where original jurisdiction over the matter is shared with lower courts will unnecessarily clog high tribunal’s docket and exhaust resources that may be better utilized to resolve more pressing concerns.
Petitioners also failed to show compelling reasons to justify direct resort to SC, saying they were not able to clearly explain why preventing PAGCOR from regulating and requiring registration of POGOs is of transcendental importance.
High court also said petitions are dismissible “for not being justiciable” as they failed to sufficiently meet requirements for judicial review.
Petitioners, it said, failed to show how they will be adversely affected by issuance of RR-POGO. They also failed to specify which of their legal and constitutional rights are supposedly infringed by PAGCOR’s regulation of POGOs.
SC also said petitioners failed to show any direct and personal interest in enforcement of RR-POGO, and there is no indication that they have sustained or are in imminent danger of sustaining some direct injury as result of its implementation.
With regard to the petitioners’ prayer for the issuance of temporary restraining order and/or writ of preliminary injunction, SC said they failed to show that there was an invasion of clear material and substantial right, or an urgent and paramount necessity to prevent serious damage.
Consequently, their prayer for issuance of TRO and/or writ of preliminary injunction was also denied.
“If we remain closed to foreign investors, then we will surely be losers… Filipino will suffer,” former Sen. Gregorio Honasan said House of Representatives acting as committee of the whole approved overwhelmingly Resolution of Both Houses No. 7, containing three proposed amendments to perceived restrictive economic provisions in 1987 Constitution.
Committee voted to endorse amendment proposals in RBH7, particularly amending provisions in the Constitution such as grant of legislative franchises and ownership of public utilities in Article 12, ownership of basic educational facilities in Article 14 and ownership of advertising firms in Article 16.
Deputy Majority Leader Neptali Gonzales II told reporters at briefing that “plenary deliberations” will start on March 11 when committee report will be reported out to House members, and RBH7 may be approved on second reading by March 13.
In six days of hearings, lawmakers heard testimonies of resource persons including former Cabinet members, former lawmakers, academics, Filipino educators and professionals based abroad, former Supreme Court justices, economists and framers of Constitution.
Gonzales, who was designated majority leader of the committee, moved to terminate hearings.
Lawmaker from Mandaluyong City then presented motion to approve RBH7, embodies proposed amendments.
Shortly after, Majority Leader and Zamboanga City Rep. Manuel Jose Dalipe, who was presiding over the hearing, declared resolution approved.
Dalipe, Senior Deputy Speaker Aurelio Gonzales Jr. of Pampanga and Deputy Speaker David Suarez of Quezon, all principal authors of RBH 7, alternately presided over six days of marathon hearings that started last Feb. 26.
House timeline set by Speaker Martin Romualdez vowed to finish economic amendments before Congress goes on Holy Week break on March 23.
Resource persons that were invited were Honasan, former finance secretary Margarito Teves, Department of Foreign Affairs Undersecretary Jesus Domingo and Finance Undersecretary Rosemarie Edillon.
Honasan said lifting foreign ownership restrictions in the Constitution could contribute immensely to country’s economic growth and that Charter should be made to adapt to fast-changing global geopolitical, economic and technological conditions and developments.
At the same time, he said proposed economic amendments, “together with policy reforms, will propel Philippines to be on par with its neighbors in attracting foreign investments.”
Teves said foreign equity limitations in Charter “are binding constraints to investors” that are not present in basic laws of other ASEAN countries like Singapore and Malaysia.
He said Philippines has to adjust its “legal framework” to make it comparable with ASEAN neighbors and be competitive in enticing foreign investors.
Teves also advocated opening land ownership in rural areas to foreigners, subject to “data-driven” parameters Congress may prescribe.
He said establishment of foreign-owned manufacturing plants in rural communities would provide job and livelihood opportunities to people in those areas and lead to economic development of regions.
Rural residents seeking jobs would no longer have to migrate to Metro Manila and other urban areas, he said.
Meanwhile, passage of RBH7 was opposed by five lawmakers who deemed it unnecessary and not beneficial to Filipino people.
Opposing lawmakers were Camarines Sur Rep. Gabriel Bordado Jr., Albay Rep. Edcel Lagman and party-list representatives Raoul Manuel of Kabataan, France Castro of ACT Teachers and Arlene Brosas of Gabriela.
In explaining his vote, Bordado said advocates of Charter change have been attributing country’s “bleak economic situation to supposedly antiquated and restrictive provisions of the Constitution” on foreign ownership.
“While our current grim economic condition calls for urgent responses, is Charter change most immediate course of action we should pursue?” he asked.
Bordado noted RBH7 introduces phrase “unless otherwise stated by law” into some economic provisions as “ solution to ease restrictions set by Charter.”
However, he underscored “this fails to address myriad other issues adversely affect our economy and hinder our nation’s growth and advancement.”
He also pointed out that making the country “more attractive to foreign investors… without first addressing internal problems plaguing our systems renders all our efforts futile.”
For Brosas, constitutional amendment is contradictory to sense of Constitutional Commission when it prohibited Congress from passing any law that will expand foreign equity shares in educational institutions in 1987 Charter.
Brosas said this emphasizes that Filipino participation in education “can never be reduced to foreign equity.”
“This is clear indication that ConCom does not wish for Congress to meddle with educational ownership provisions of the Constitution,” she added.
All may be well between Senate and House of Representatives, but passage of Resolution of Both Houses No. 6 in upper chamber remains “big challenge,” Senate President Juan Miguel Zubiri said.
“We are back to what it was pre-PI ,people’s initiative,” Zubiri told Senate reporters.
He, however, admitted that passage of RBH6 seeking to amend specific economic provisions of Constitution remains challenge.
“I think fight between our friends in the House here in Senate is factor, there is trust issue… I mentioned that to the President…we could still get 18 votes for RBH6 to pass in the Senate but at this point in time, it’s challenge, but commitment is discuss and debate upon resolution… we are complying with our commitment to debate and discuss with stakeholders…we have to make our case to our colleagues,” he noted.
Zubiri emphasized importance of establishing rules in discussing the matter with Sen. Francis Tolentino, in filing Senate Resolution 941 seeks to amend Senate rules to allow amendment of the 1987 Constitution through “fourth mode,” formula devised by the late Joaquin Bernas, one of the framers of Charter.
Under the Constitution, amendments to Charter can be introduced through constitutional convention, constituent assembly or people’s initiative.
“Bernas explained… two houses of Congress are not required, as they were under 1935 Constitution, to be in joint session…hence, it is quite possible for the two houses to formulate amendments the way they formulate laws as they are where they are,” the resolution stated. “Once one house is through with draft, it is passed on to the other house for action.”
“If there is a prohibition, it can come either from letter of the Constitution and there is none or from fundamental structure of our constitutional government. Thus, for instance, implicit prohibition of joint voting comes from bicameral structure of Congress,” SR 941 added.
“Education Cha-cha” or proposal to amend education sector in the Constitution would help lead country from labor-base phase to innovation phase, according to Sen. Sherwin Gatchalian.
During Kapihan sa Manila Bay forum, Gatchalian, chairman of Senate committee on basic education, said country can open education sector and benefits can be felt in five to 10 years.
“So if we listen carefully to the stakeholders, especially those who are advocating educational Cha-cha, we are looking at increasing research and development, producing more students or more graduates, with this workforce, we can level up our economy from labor-intensive economy to knowledge-based and innovation phase front…we need to create building blocks and one of the building blocks is knowledge training,” Gatchalian said.
Gatchalian noted that many stakeholders who are not in favor of education Cha-cha feared basic education in hands of foreign institutions would impart different kind of value, patriotism and nationalism from Filipino brand.
ISKUP! 