congressional record - house of representatives€¦ · 2 monday, september 9, 2013 resumption of...

Vol. 1 Monday, September 9, 2013 No. 18

CALL TO ORDER

At 4:00 p.m., Deputy Speaker Pangalian M. Balindong called the session to order.

THE DEPUTY SPEAKER (Rep. Balindong). The session is called to order.

NATIONAL ANTHEM

THE DEPUTY SPEAKER (Rep. Balindong). Please rise for the singing of the Philippine National Anthem.

Everybody rose to sing the Philippine National Anthem.

THE DEPUTY SPEAKER (Rep. Balindong). Please remain standing for the Invocation to be delivered by the Hon. Leah S. Paquiz from the Party-List Ang Nars.

Everybody remained standing for the Invocation.

INVOCATION

REP. PAQUIZ. Our most heavenly gracious Father, we praise You for bringing us safely to this august hall of Congress.

We thank You for Your guidance to our country, our government, our people, our families and ourselves.

We thank You, Lord for the opportunity that You have given us to work for Your glory.

Please forgive us for the sins we have committed against You and against Your people, sins that we have committed deliberately and sins that we are not aware of. Help us, dear Lord, not to repeat them.

We entrust to You our President and all the leaders of our land from the legislators to the implementers. May You guide us all to sincerely serve Your people.

Lord, we commit to You our republic that was steadily left behind by its more progressive neighbors. Forty years ago, we were second to Japan in economic stature and way ahead of Singapore, Hong Kong, Malaysia and Thailand. May we regain our lead as we continue to strive towards a better nation.

We commit to You our 105.72 million Filipinos, where 70 to 90 million live below the poverty line. May Your steadfast love be felt by the hungry and the neglected.

We commit to You the 60 percent of Filipinos who die without seeing a nurse or doctor. May Your healing hands be upon those needing cure. May You soothe their pain.

Congressional Record16th CONGRESS, FIRST REGULAR SESSION

HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES

We commit to You the payment of our national debt. May we find recourse in this struggle, O Lord.

We commit to You the problems and issues of the PDAF. With this adversity, many have lost their faith in our system. The obstacles are numerous and seem endless to alleviate the pains of our nation and the sufferings of the Filipino people. May this be a chance for us to improve our service to our people.

We commit to You the many men and women of integrity in and out of government—NGOs, church groups and people’s organizations—who devote themselves to the task of nation-building, oftentimes against insurmountable odds.

We ask for God’s grace to give us the courage as we legislators express our will and character to rebuild and save our country and our people from further devastation as we intelligently leave them advocating what is just and what is good.

As we legislators hold hands together to find solutions to our problems, give us knowledge and wisdom as we kindle the fire of love for our country with a commitment and passion to shape and transform it to a nation of honest governance, dignity, honor, social justice, integrity and pride for all Filipinos.

We need a force far greater than our collective efforts as a people can ever hope to muster. Give us hope. We believe in prayer power.

We come to You as God’s people as we pray on our knees for the economic recovery and moral formation of our nation.

Yes, we rely on Your promise as we humble ourselves and pray as a people, You will heal our land. By God’s grace, we may yet see a better future for our country and the generations to come. God never fails.

This we ask in the name of Jesus, together with the Holy Spirit.

Amen.

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

SUSPENSION OF SESSION

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

THE DEPUTY SPEAKER (Rep. Balindong). The session is suspended for a few minutes.

It was 4:05 p.m.

2 MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 9, 2013

RESUMPTION OF SESSION At 4:35 p.m., the session was resumed. THE DEPUTY SPEAKER (Rep. Balindong). The

session is resumed.The Asst. Majority Leader is recognized. REP GULLAS. Mr. Speaker, we would like to

acknowledge the presence of the guests of the Hon. Susan A. Yap from the Second District of Tarlac: the faculty and students of Tarlac Christian College, headed by Dr. Manny Quizon, Ms. Ruth Tulabot, Ms. Rosalia Balcon, Ms. Mary Jane Madriaga and Mr. Willie Tangonan.

In the gallery also are the guests of Hon. Leah S. Paquiz from the Party-List ANG NARS: Joseph Peros Pimentel and Prince Billy Libet. (Applause)

THE DEPUTY SPEAKER (Rep. Balindong). Please

rise. You are welcome to the House of Representatives. The Dep. Majority Leader is recognized. REP. ABAYA. We would also like to acknowledge the

presence of the guests of the Hon. Elmer E. Panotes from the Second District of Camarines Norte: Board Member Ligaya “Gaying” Pedron, Board Member of Camarines Norte and the barangay officials of Daet, Camarines Norte.


rise. (Applause) You are welcome to the House of Representatives.The Dep. Majority Leader is recognized. REP. ABAYA. We would also like to acknowledge the

presence of the guests of the Hon. Jose L. Atienza Jr. from the Buhay Party-List: the B.S. Economics students of the Pamantasan ng Lungsod ng Maynila, with its leader, Michael Zedrick Sulit. (Applause)

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

The Dep. Majority Leader is recognized.

REP. ABAYA. We would also like to acknowledge the presence of the guests of Hon Roy V. Señeres Jr. from the OFW Party-List: Atty. Manny Manansala, former Labor Arbiter, NLRC and Mr. Boy Sagun, Chairman, OFW Family Club, Norzagaray, Bulacan Chapter. (Applause)

THE DEPUTY SPEAKER (Rep. Balindong). Guests

of the Honorable Señeres, welcome to the House of Representatives.

The Dep. Majority Leader is recognized. REP. BINAY. Mr. Speaker, I move that we recognize

the Hon. Magnolia Rosa C. Antonino-Nadres from the Fourth District of Nueva Ecija for her manifestation.

THE DEPUTY SPEAKER (Rep. Balindong). The Hon. Magnolia Antonino-Nadres is recognized.

REP. ANTONINO-NADRES. Mr. Speaker, I would like to make a manifestation on behalf of the neophyte Congressmen.


proceed. REP. ANTONINO-NADRES. We, the neophyte

Representatives of the Sixteenth Congress, come together to state that we are one with the Filipino people, who have chosen us as their Representatives, in expressing our outrage over the scandalous revelations of the Napoles investigation and the COA special audit report. There can be no excuse for this kind of abuse and appropriate steps must be taken to make accountable those involved and to insure that this travesty will not be repeated.

THE DEPUTY SPEAKER (Rep. Balindong). The manifestation is noted.

REP. BINAY. Mr. Speaker, I move that we recognize the Hon. Maria Leonor Gerona-Robredo from the Third District of Camarines Sur for her manifestation.

THE DEPUTY SPEAKER (Rep. Balindong). The

Gentleman from Camarines Sur is recognized. I meant Lady. Sorry.

REP. GERONA-ROBREDO. Mr. Speaker, we are particularly incensed that the reprehensible actions of the public officials involved in the scams have besmirched the integrity of a number of institutions, including the House of Representatives, and have undone years of honest work by their more upright colleagues in the public service.


manifestation of the honorable Lady is noted. The Dep. Majority Leader is recognized. REP. BINAY. Mr. Speaker, I move to recognize the

Hon. Raneo E. Abu from the Second District of Batangas for his manifestation.

THE DEPUTY SPEAKER (Rep. Balindong). The Gentleman from Batangas is recognized.

REP. ABU. Thank you, Mr. Speaker. We, the neophyte Representatives, call on the concerned

government agencies to exert all efforts to effect the fair and speedy investigation, prosecution and conviction of those responsible for the plunder of the Priority Development Assistance Fund, whether they be public officials or private citizens, and regardless of their political affiliations or personal connections. Those who are guilty must be held to account and those who are innocent must be cleared.


REP. BINAY. Mr. Speaker, I move that the Hon. Barry Gutierrez from the Party-List Akbayan be recognized for his manifestation.

MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 9, 2013 3

REP. GUTIERREZ. Mr. Speaker.

THE DEPUTY SPEAKER (Rep. Balindong). The Gentleman from Akbayan is recognized.

REP. GUTIERREZ. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.We support the position of the House leadership and the

President’s call for the abolition of the pork barrel, and we stand behind complementary efforts to promote transparency and accountability in the government.



REP. BINAY. Mr. Speaker, I move that the Hon. Sol Aragones from the Third District of Laguna be recognized for her manifestation.

THE DEPUTY SPEAKER (Rep. Balindong). The Lady from Laguna is recognized.

REP. ARAGONES. Mr. Speaker, we likewise express our continuing commitment to the President’s push for inclusive growth, and we will work to ensure that there is a more equitable distribution of the fruits of economic prosperity for all our citizens throughout the different regions across various sectors. We recognize the continued importance of responding to the day-to-day needs of our constituents, and our fidelity to the welfare and interests of the people who have elected us as their Representatives, particularly, those from the ranks of the poor and underprivileged, will always remain firm.

THE DEPUTY SPEAKER (Rep. Balindong). The manifestation of the Lady is likewise noted.

REP. BINAY. Mr. Speaker, I move that the Hon. Lino S. Cayetano from the Second District of Taguig City be recognized for his manifestation.

THE DEPUTY SPEAKER (Rep. Balindong). The Gentleman from Taguig is recognized.

REP. CAYETANO. Magandang hapon po. Taguig City po, Mr. Speaker.

THE DEPUTY SPEAKER (Rep. Balindong). Yes, Taguig City.

REP. CAYETANO. Sa hanay po ng mga bagong Mambabatas, mayroon po kaming 53 lagda: Unang-una po, Ms. Regina Ongsiako Reyes, Lone District of Marinduque; Abraham “Bambol” N. Tolentino, Seventh District of Cavite; Jose Christopher Y. Belmonte, Sixth District of Quezon City; Barry Gutierrez, Akbayan Party-List; Sol Aragones, Third District of Laguna; Alex L. Advincula, Third District of Cavite; and Juan Johnny R. Revilla from the OFW Party-List.

THE DEPUTY SPEAKER (Rep. Balindong). The manifestation of the Gentleman is noted.

REP. BINAY. Mr. Speaker, I move that the Hon. Juan Johnny R. Revilla from the Party-List OFW be recognized.

THE DEPUTY SPEAKER (Rep. Balindong). The Honorable Revilla is recognized for his manifestation.

REP. REVILLA. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.To continue with the list, we have Gwendolyn F. Garcia,

Third District of Cebu; Gus S. Tambunting, Second District of Parañaque City; Wilfredo S. Caminero, Second District of Cebu; Lawrence Lemuel H. Fortun, First District of Agusan del Norte; Estrellita B. Suansing, First District of Nueva Ecija; Ma. Lourdes Acosta-Alba, First District of Bukidnon; Cheryl P. Deloso-Montalla, Second District of Zambales; Angelina “Helen” D.L. Tan, M.D., Fourth District of Quezon; Damian “Mian” G. Mercado, Lone District of Southern Leyte; Jose L. Atienza Jr., BUHAY Party-List; Sitti Djalia A. Turabin-Hataman, AMIN Party-List; Francisco Ashley L. Acedillo, Magdalo Party-List; Evelina G. Escudero, First District of Sorsogon; Maria Vida E. Bravo, First District of Masbate; Raneo E. Abu, Second District of Batangas; Gavini “Apol” C. Pancho, Second District of Bulacan; Eric L. Olivarez, First District of Parañaque City; Alfred Paolo D. Vargas III, Fifth District of Quezon City; Maria Leonor Gerona-Robredo, Third District of Camarines Sur; and the Hon. Lino S. Cayetano, Second District of Taguig City.

THE DEPUTY SPEAKER (Rep. Balindong). The manifestation is duly noted.

REP. BINAY. Mr. Speaker, lastly, I move that the Hon. Angelina “Helen” D.L. Tan, M.D. from the Fourth District of Quezon be recognized for her manifestation.

THE DEPUTY SPEAKER (Rep. Balindong). The Lady from Quezon is recognized.

REP. TAN (A.). Thank you, Mr. Speaker. To continue with the list, we have Reps. Doy C. Leachon, First District of Oriental Mindoro; Rico B. Geron, Agap Party-List; Roy V. Señeres Sr., OFW Party-List; Joseller “Yeng” M. Guiao, First District of Pampanga; Luis “Jon-Jon” A. Ferrer IV, Sixth District of Cavite; Juliette T. Uy, Second District of Misamis Oriental; Aileen C. Radaza, Lone District of Lapu-Lapu City; Francis Gerald A. Abaya, First District of Cavite; Gerald Anthony V. Gullas Jr., First District of Cebu; Pablo R. Nava III, APPEND Party-List; Nicasio M. Aliping Jr., Lone District of Baguio City; Marie Anne S. Pernes, Lone District of Siquijor; Erico Aristotle C. Aumentado, Second District of Bohol, Zajid G. Mangudadatu, Second District of Maguindanao; Ansaruddin A.M.A. Adiong, First District of Lanao del Sur; Ruby M. Sahali, Lone District of Tawi-Tawi; Maryam Napii Arbison, Second District of Sulu; Rogelio Neil Pepito Roque, Fourth District of Bukidnon; Henry S. Oaminal, Second District of Misamis Occidental; Gary C. Alejano, Magdalo Party-List; Magnolia Rosa C. Antonino-Nadres, Fourth District of Nueva Ecija; Victoria G. Noel, An Waray Party-List; Edgardo R. Masongsong, 1-CARE Party-List; Ferdinand Hernandez, Second District of South Cotabato; Anthony M. Bravo, Coop-NATCCO Party-List; Jose “Pingping” I. Tejada, Third District of North Cotabato.


Mr. Speaker, a total of 53 signatures for this manifestation. Thank you very much.

THE DEPUTY SPEAKER (Rep. Balindong). The manifestation of the Lady is noted.

SUSPENSION OF SESSION

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

THE DEPUTY SPEAKER (Rep. Balindong). The session is suspended for a few minutes.

It was 4:47 p.m.

RESUMPTION OF SESSION

At 4:57 p.m., the session was resumed.

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


REP. BINAY. Mr. Speaker, I move that the Hon. Terry L. Ridon of Party-List Kabataan be recognized.

THE DEPUTY SPEAKER (Rep. Balindong). The honorable Representative of the Party-List Kabataan is recognized.

REP. RIDON. Good afternoon, Mr. Speaker, dear colleagues. It is just a manifestation on the previous manifestation of our colleagues, our first termers. We laud the manifestation of our fellow first termers. I think it is something that our people had been waiting for, for the longest time. I also think that we deserve great recognition for this measure. In fact, this is really in compliance and within the public outcry in the last August 26 “million people march,” which I think is really the cry of the people not only for the abolition of the Priority Development Assistance Fund, but also of the entire pork barrel system.

In fact, in the last couple of months, there were already existing house bills and resolution, namely: House Bill No. 1535 for the abolition of the pork barrel system, and House Resolution No. 235, “A resolution calling for the total abolition of the Priority Development Assistance Fund,” and all other pork appropriations such as those with the Executive and the Judicial Departments, in the General Appropriations Act.

Unfortunately, Mr. Speaker, dear colleagues, it is this humble Representation’s position that the manifestation made by our colleague does not go far enough. While it touches upon the total abolition of the Priority Development Assistance Fund, it does not speak of the greater pork barrel which I think a majority of our people are already clamoring for its abolition. What is that? It is nothing but the presidential pork barrel system. Ladies and Gentlemen, just for the record, we ought to make a disclosure as to what kind of pork the public is asking for abolition— the Presidential Pork Barrel Fund constitutes Special Purpose Funds which has a grand total of P449 billion.

This, Ladies and Gentlemen, Mr. Speaker, is by far greater than the sum of the Priority Development Assistance Fund which our colleagues, at the moment, are asking for its abolition. Clearly, Mr. Speaker, dear colleagues, in order for the House of Representatives and for the entire legislature to really get the greatest admiration of the people, I think we cannot content ourselves just with the abolition of the Priority Development Assistance Fund but with the entire pork barrel system; not just the congressional pork barrel, but also the presidential pork barrel system.

So, with that, Mr. Speaker, dear colleagues, thank you very much.

THE DEPUTY SPEAKER (Rep. Balindong). The manifestation is likewise noted.


REP. BINAY. Mr. Speaker, I move that we recognize the Hon. Jonathan A. Dela Cruz of Party-List Abakada.

THE DEPUTY SPEAKER (Rep. Balindong). The Hon. Jonathan A. Dela Cruz is recognized.

REP. DELA CRUZ. Maraming salamat, Mr. Speaker. Maraming salamat sa Dep. Majority Leader.

Kami po ay galak na galak na ngayon ay nagkaroon na ng pagkakaisa ang buong House of Representatives na magkaroon ng ganitong manifestation. Pagkatapos ng mahabang panahon ay nakikita natin na ang sentimyento po ng bayan ay patungo dito at ako po ay nakikiisa sa ating mga kasama na neophytes para ito nga ay magkaroon na ng katuparan.

Kaya lang, Mr. Speaker, sa tingin ko, kulang po ito, kulang na kulang po ito sapagkat ang importante po, hindi lamang iyong abolition ng pork barrel at lahat ng nababanggit ng mga nagsalita nang nauna. Ang pinaka importante po ay maibalik sa Kongreso ang pagkakataon na tingnan ang paglulustay o pag-aayos ng kaban ng bayan. Kaya nga, Mr. Speaker, kami po ay naniniwala na kung totoo at patunay po na moving forward tayo, Mr. Speaker, ay kailangan itayo na rin nating muli ang Committee on Oversight dito sa Kongreso. At hindi lang po iyon, kailangan rin ang lahat ng Miyembro ng Kongreso ay magkaroon ng pagkakataon na tingnan ang implementation ng mga projects na ating ibibigay sa ating executive offices sa pamamagitan ng pagkakaroon ng quarterly reporting system ng lahat ng mga executive offices, ang lahat ng lumulustay at gumagastos ng pera ng bayan.

Mr. Speaker, ako po ay naniniwala na sa pamamagitan po ng ganitong mga hakbangin, magkakaroon po tayo ng pagkakataon na maibalik sa mga Representante ng ating mga kababayan, ng taumbayan, maibalik muli sa Kongreso ang pagkakataon na matingnan nang mabuti kung paano ang paggastos ng kaban ng bayan. Napaka importante po nito, Mr. Speaker, kaya nire-reiterate ko po, I am reiterating, Mr. Speaker, the re-creation or establishment of the Committee on Oversight; and number two, quarterly reporting of all the executive offices using public funds, be these national government offices implementing agencies or government-owned and -controlled corporations. This is very necessary, Mr. Speaker, because we are now in the process of making sure that we are accountable to our people and that transparency is really the main ingredient of “daang matuwid.”


Napaka importante po nito, Mr. Speaker. Maraming salamat po kung ito po ay pag-uukulan ng pansin at sasang-ayunan ng ating mga kasama dito sa Kongreso na ibalik ang Committee on Oversight at magkaroon ng pagkakataon sa pamamagitan ng pagtutupad ng tinatawag nating quarterly reporting system ng lahat ng mga agencies ng gobyerno.

Maraming salamat, Mr. Speaker.

REP. ATIENZA. Mr. Speaker.

THE DEPUTY SPEAKER (Rep. Balindong). The manifestation is likewise noted.

REP. BINAY. Mr. Speaker, I move that we recognize the Hon. Edgar R. Erice of the Second District of Caloocan City.

REP. ERICE. Mr. Speaker.

THE DEPUTY SPEAKER (Rep. Balindong). The honorable Rep. Edgar R. Erice is recognized.

REP. ERICE. Good afternoon, Mr. Speaker. Good afternoon, colleagues.

Ito po ang una kong termino pagkaraan ng 12 taon na pamamahinga dito sa Kongreso. Ako po ay naging Kinatawan noong 2001 to 2004 at masasabi ko po ng tapat sa inyo na may PDAF po noon, may pork barrel, pero wala pong mga ganitong issue. Kaya ako po ay nagagalak at pinapahayag ko ang aking suporta sa mga unang terminong Kongresista sa kanilang manipestasyon, hindi lamang ang pagsuporta sa pahayag ng Pangulo sa scrapping ng pork barrel kundi sa prosekusyon ng bumaboy dito sa pork barrel system, sa PDAF system na pinakikinabangan naman talaga ng mga mamamayan kung matino ang paggamit.

Nakikiisa po ako sa kanila. Bilang dagdag, para po sa transparency at scrutiny, sa Linggo pong ito ay isusumite ko ang lahat ng mga pinagkagastahan ng pork barrel ko noong ako ay Kinatawan mula 2001 hanggang 2004. Nagbigay po ako sa NGO, P200,000—NGO po na na-organisa ng church group pero dito po ay binantayan ko nang magamit ng tama. Nagbigay po ako ng P700,000 sa mga vendors ng palengke sa amin. Ito po ay binantayan ko at made-defend ko po iyong paggamit ng salapi ng bayan na ito. Hindi po tulad ngayon, kalahating milyon—hindi alam ng Kinatawan kung saan napunta.

Subalit, we have to trust somebody sometime. Naniniwala po ako na dapat pagkatiwalaan natin ang Pangulo sa pamamaraan ng kanyang paggamit sa pondo ng ating bayan. The survey shows na siya ang may pinakamataas na trust rating na Pangulo ng ating bansa. Trustworthy po ang Pangulo. Magkasabay po kami noong 2001-2004 at wala pong ganitong pangyayari sa pork barrel ng Pangulo.

Maraming salamat po.

THE DEPUTY SPEAKER (Rep. Balindong). The manifestation is duly noted.


REP. BINAY. Mr. Speaker, I move that we recognize the Hon. Jose L. Atienza Jr. of Party-List BUHAY.

THE DEPUTY SPEAKER (Rep. Balindong). The Honorable Atienza is recognized.

REP. ATIENZA. Salamat po.Mr. Speaker, dear colleagues, we also would like to

manifest our appreciation for the neophyte Members of Congress today who, obviously, are also affected by the agitated condition of our people against the pork barrel system. Gusto po naming batiin ang lahat at datihang Miyembro ng Kongreso na nakikiisa rito sapagkat sinabi na po ng ating liderato, sinabi po ng ating Speaker, na aalisin na ang pork barrel sa 2014. Nagsalita na rin po ang liderato ng ating Kongreso sa pamamagitan ng ibang mga namumuno ngayon na nagsabing aalisin na ang pork barrel sa 2014.

Ang nais po naman naming ipaalala sa pamunuan ngayon ay, una, ano ang gagawin natin sa pork barrel na nakalaan sa kalahati ng 2013? Ito po ang tanong ng marami ngayon sa labas. Are we also scrapping the second half for 2013, or are we going to release this as “business as usual,” as if nothing happened in the past two months?

Marahil nais naming isipin ito, Mr. Speaker, sapagkat hindi na po maintindihan ng ating mga kababayan at hindi rin maintindihan ng marami nating Miyembro, lalung-lalo na ang mga neophyte Congressmen, kung itutuloy pa rin natin ang pork barrel sa 2013, samantalang ipinangangako natin na wala na tayong pork barrel sa 2014 and after.

Pangalawa, ito ay para po matiyak na talagang tama na ngayon ang paggamit ng salapi ng bayan—katulad ng nasabi rin ng ating kasamang Congressman Erice, sabi niya noong panahon niya ay tama ang paggamit niya at tiniyak niyang tama ang paggastos noong NGO na pinaglaanan niya. Hindi po ito naganap at nagawa sa mga releases ng pork barrel sa mga nakaraang taon.

Isa lang ang diperensiya noon at diperensiya ngayon. Sa ngayon ay wala po tayong Oversight Committee na nangangalaga ng lahat ng gastusin ng ating Kongreso at ng ating Executive Department. Kung ano ang ibinibigay sa mga departamento, lump-sum appropriation, hindi na po natin alam kung papaano nila ito gagastusin.

So, we are also asking the leadership of the Chamber. We are appealing to the leadership of the Chamber, Speaker Belmonte, and the majority of our Members to consider the re-creation or the restoration of the Oversight Committee of this Chamber so that from hereon, now that we are cleansing ourselves of all the barnacles of the past, ay hindi na po mauulit na masayang ang salapi ng bayan, sa maling paggamit ng ating inilalaan dito. Ito po ay mangyayari para sa atin at mangyayari din para sa Executive Department because we would hear from them, on a periodic reporting, how they are using the funds that we are appropriating for them and which we shall be approving in the coming weeks.

Again, we are appealing to the leadership of the House to support the efforts of the Minority in this Chamber. Soon, I am sure, it will be understood and supported by the Majority Members of our Congress that we need an Oversight Committee to monitor, to correct and, of course, to protect public funds that pass through our judgment.

Maraming salamat po, Mr. Speaker. Maraming salamat, mga kasama sa ating Kongreso.



manifestation of the Hon. Jose L. Atienza Jr. is likewise noted.


ROLL CALLREP. BINAY. Mr. Speaker, I move that we call the

roll.

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

The Secretary General will please call the roll.

The Secretary General called the roll, and the result is reflected in Journal No. 18, dated September 9, 2013.*

THE SECRETARY GENERAL. The roll call shows that 235 Members responded to the call.

THE DEPUTY SPEAKER (Rep. Balindong). With 235 Members present, the Chair declares the presence of a quorum.


REP. BINAY. Mr. Speaker, I move that we recognize the Hon. Rodolfo G. Biazon of Muntinlupa City.

THE DEPUTY SPEAKER (Rep. Balindong). The Honorable Biazon is recognized.

REP. BIAZON. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.If the move to abolish the PDAF is serious, this

Representation is voting for its abolition. Reason: because of the PDAF, the independence of the legislators and the Chief Executive had been lost; and second reason, because the PDAF is the most vulnerable program to corruption. This is not to say that there is no way of implementing the PDAF properly.

My colleagues, how are we being judged by our constituents? By the number of our constituents we are able to send to hospitals for treatment; by the number of our constituents we are able to grant PhilHealth cards; by the number of scholars we are able to send to schools; by the number of relief bags we are able to bring to our constituents during fire, floods and other calamities; by the number of school buildings we are able to construct; by the number of canals and irrigations we construct in our cities and in our towns; and also, by the number of goods that we are able to give our constituents.

These are how we are being judged by our constituents. Not by the quality of the laws that we are able to enact. Not by the quality of how we exercise our oversight functions, but by the visible assistance we give to our constituents. That is the other side of the coin. If I want to recover my independence as a legislator from the Executive Department, but we are held hostage by the PDAF, therefore, I am voting for its abolition.

Pending any final resolution of the issue of maintaining/continuing the PDAF or its abolition, I have filed a resolution this afternoon with the Bills and Index Service—I cannot

read the number because it is handwritten— it is No. 05. It is a proposed Joint Resolution of Congress and the title, if I may read into the record, Mr. Speaker, is: JOINT RESOLUTION ABOLISHING THE P25.2 BILLION PRIORITY DEVELOPMENT ASSISTANCE FUND IN THE NATIONAL BUDGET FOR FISCAL YEAR 2014, AND REALIGNING THE AMOUNT AS AN ADDITION TO THE BUDGET OF THE DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION FOR THE REQUIREMENTS OF THE IMPLEMENTATION OF THE K TO12 BASIC EDUCATION PROGRAM.

Why K to12? Mr. Speaker, in 2016 and 2017, there is not going to be any graduate from high school. Nobody is graduating from high school. That means we are extending two years for a course of four years. That means we will require 50 percent more classrooms than what we have today, 50 percent more teachers than what we have today, and because of the new curriculum required in the teaching of technical vocational subjects, we are going to need new books, we are going to need vocational equipment, teaching aids such as computers, automotive machines, whatever that is needed to improve the capability of our high school graduates when they look for jobs after graduation.

For example, Mr. Speaker, we have right now 2.1 million high school students and 50 percent of that number, we need to provide with classrooms, teachers, books, and other teaching aids/equipment which will amount to P1.05 million. Mr. Speaker, in the case of Metro Manila, we need to provide additional classrooms and additional teachers for 340,000 high school students. That means, if we are looking at 45 students per class in the accepted program, we will need something like 41,000 new teachers and we will need something like 7,555 or half of that, 3,777 classrooms. That is going to require more than four billion pesos. The time to prepare for the full implementation of K to12 Program is not in 2016, not in 2017, but we must begin this year. My proposal, therefore, is that the P25.2 billion budget be provided the DepEd so that it can prepare the 44,000 national high schools in 43,000 barangays in this country. We were told by the DepEd today that we need something like P48 billion to hire new teachers, to construct new classrooms, and to purchase the other teaching aids. So my resolution, Mr. Speaker, is to abolish the PDAF but realign the 2014 PDAF budget worth P25.2 billion fully, lahat po, for education because that means we are looking at the future of this country. The future of the Republic is dependent on the quality of our young people whom we have to educate today so that, in the future, they have a better fighting chance, not only for themselves, but for this country.

Mr. Speaker, this had been submitted this afternoon.Thank you.


APPROVAL OF THE JOURNAL

REP. BINAY. Mr. Speaker, I move that we approve Journal No. 17 dated September 4, 2013.

THE DEPUTY SPEAKER (Rep. Balindong). Is there

* See ANNEX (printed separately)


any objection? (Silence) The Chair hears none; the Journal of September 4, 2013 is hereby approved.

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


The Secretary General will please read the Reference of Business.

REFERENCE OF BUSINESS

The Secretary General read the following House Bills and Resolutions on First Reading, and Communications and the Deputy Speaker made the corresponding references:

BILLS ON FIRST READING

House Bill No. 2695, entitled:“AN ACT GRANTING ADDITIONAL INSURANCE

BENEFITS TO BARANGAY CAPTAINS, PROVIDING FUNDS FOR THE PAYMENT OF ITS PREMIUMS, AND FOR OTHER PURPOSES”

By Representative LoyolaT O T H E C O M M I T T E E O N L O C A L

GOVERNMENT

House Bill No. 2696, entitled:“AN ACT DEFINING THE CRIME OF FIREARMS

SMUGGLING, PROVIDING PENALTIES THEREFORE AND FOR OTHER PURPOSES”

By Representative LoyolaTO THE COMMITTEE ON JUSTICE

House Bill No. 2697, entitled:“AN ACT INCREASING THE BURIAL ASSISTANCE

FOR VETERANS FROM TEN THOUSAND PESOS (P10,000.00) TO TWENTY THOUSAND PESOS (P20,000.00), AMENDING FOR THE PURPOSE REPUBLIC ACT NO. 6948, AS AMENDED, OTHERWISE KNOWN AS ‘AN ACT STANDARDIZING AND UPGRADING THE BENEFITS FOR MILITARY VETERANS AND THEIR DEPENDENTS’ ”

By Representative LoyolaTO THE COMMITTEE ON VETERANS AFFAIRS

AND WELFARE

House Bill No. 2698, entitled:“AN ACT DECLARING THE MUNICIPALITY

OF TALAINGOD, DAVAO DEL NORTE AS AN ECO-CULTURAL TOURISM ZONE ESTABLISHING FOR THE PURPOSE THE TALAINGOD CULTURAL HERITAGE VILLAGE, PROVIDING FOR ITS DEVELOPMENT AND APPROPRIATING FUNDS THEREFOR”

By Representative Del Rosario (A.G.)TO THE COMMITTEE ON TOURISM

House Bill No. 2699, entitled:“AN ACT PROVIDING FOR AN ALTERNATIVE

SETTLEMENT OF DISPUTES AMONG MEMBERS OF HOMEOWNERS’ ASSOCIATION, AMENDING FOR THE PURPOSE REPUBLIC ACT NO. 9904, OTHERWISE KNOWN AS THE ‘MAGNA CARTA FOR HOMEOWNERS AND HOMEOWNERS’ ASSOCIATIONS’ ”

By Representative Del Rosario (A.G.)TO THE COMMITTEE ON HOUSING AND URBAN

DEVELOPMENT

House Bill No. 2700, entitled:“AN ACT PROVIDING FOR THE INCLUSION

OF ENTREPRENEURSHIP AS A SUBJECT IN THE HIGH SCHOOL CURRICULUM AND APPROPRIATING FUNDS THEREFOR”

By Representative Del Rosario (A.G.)TO THE COMMITTEE ON BASIC EDUCATION

AND CULTURE

House Bill No. 2701, entitled:“AN ACT CREATING AN ADDITIONAL BRANCH

OF THE REGIONAL TRIAL COURT (RTC) IN THE 5TH JUDICIAL REGION TO BE STATIONED AT SORSOGON CITY, PROVINCE OF SORSOGON. FURTHER AMENDING FOR THE PURPOSE BATAS PAMBANSA BLG. 129, OTHERWISE KNOWN AS ‘THE JUDICIARY REORGANIZATION ACT OF 1980’ AS AMENDED, AND APPROPRIATING FUNDS THEREFOR”

By Representative EscuderoTO THE COMMITTEE ON JUSTICE

House Bill No. 2702, entitled:“AN ACT INSTILLING FISCAL DISCIPLINE IN

THE PUBLIC SECTOR BY SPECIFYING PRINCIPLES OF RESPONSIBLE FINANCIAL MANAGEMENT AND PROMOTING FULL TRANSPARENCY AND ACCOUNTABILITY IN GOVERNMENT REVENUE, EXPENDITURE AND BORROWING PROGRAMS”

By Representative AndayaTO THE COMMITTEE ON APPROPRIATIONS

House Bill No. 2703, entitled:“AN ACT PROVIDING FOR THE INCLUSION OF

TOPICS OF GOOD GOVERNANCE, PUBLIC ETHICS AND ACCOUNTABILITY IN PUBLIC SERVICE IN THE SOCIAL SCIENCES CURRICULA IN PRIMARY AND SECONDARY EDUCATION”

By Representative RidonTO THE COMMITTEE ON BASIC EDUCATION

AND CULTURE

House Bill No. 2704, entitled:“AN ACT GRANTING THIRTY PERCENT (30%)

INCREASE IN BASIC SALARIES OF EVERY OFFICER-PILOT OF THE PHILIPPINE AIR FORCE FOLLOWING A CONTRACT OF SERVICE ADJUSTED TO A MINIMUM OF TEN (10) YEARS AND APPROPRIATING FUNDS THEREFOR”


By Representative CasteloTO THE COMMITTEE ON APPROPRIATIONS

House Bill No. 2705, entitled:“AN ACT AMENDING CERTAIN SECTIONS OF

PRESIDENTIAL DECREE NO. 910 CREATING AN ENERGY DEVELOPMENT BOARD, DEFINING ITS POWERS AND FUNCTIONS, PROVIDING FUNDS, THEREFOR, AND FOR OTHER PURPOSES”

By Representative CasteloTO THE COMMITTEE ON ENERGY

House Bill No. 2706, entitled:“AN ACT MANDATING THAT AT LEAST TEN

PERCENT (10%) OF GOVERNMENT-OWNED LANDS TO BE SOLD, ALIENTATED O R O T H E R W I S E E N C U M B E R E D FOR DEVELOPMENT PURPOSES, BE SEGREGATED FOR SOCIALIZED HOUSING PROJECTS”

By Representative CasteloTO THE COMMITTEE ON HOUSING AND URBAN

DEVELOPMENT

House Bill No. 2707, entitled:“AN ACT ESTABLISHING A DISTRICT HOSPITAL

IN QUEZON CITY, METRO MANILA TO BE KNOWN AS THE BATASAN DISTRICT HOSPITAL, AND APPROPRIATING FUNDS THEREFOR”

By Representative CasteloTO THE COMMITTEE ON HEALTH

House Bill No. 2708, entitled:“AN ACT ESTABLISHING THE QUEZON CITY

TECHNICAL EDUCATION AND SKILLS DEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY (TESDA) TRAINING CENTER AND APPROPRIATING FUNDS THEREFOR”

By Representative CasteloTO THE COMMITTEE ON HIGHER AND

TECHNICAL EDUCATION

House Bill No. 2709, entitled:“AN ACT PROHIBITING THE DEVELOPMENT,

PRODUCTION, STOCKPILING, USE OF CHEMICAL WEAPONS AND PROVIDING FOR THEIR DESTRUCTION AND PROVIDING PENALTIES THEREFOR AND FOR OTHER PURPOSES”

By Representatives Alejano and AcedilloTO THE COMMITTEE ON PUBLIC ORDER AND

SAFETY

House Bill No. 2710, entitled:“AN ACT TO INSTITUTIONALIZE A COLLEGE

FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE PROGRAM TO UNDERPRIVILEGED BUT DESERVING TERTIARY STUDENTS, APPROPRIATING FUNDS THEREFOR AND FOR OTHER PURPOSES”

By Representative Leonen-PizarroTO THE COMMITTEE ON HIGHER AND

TECHNICAL EDUCATION

House Bill No. 2711, entitled:“AN ACT ESTABLISHING THE PHILIPPINE BLOOD

DISEASE AND TRANSFUSION CENTER, DEFINING ITS OBJECTIVES, POWERS AND FUNCTIONS, AND APPROPRIATING FUNDS THEREFOR”

By Representative TeodoroTO THE COMMITTEE ON HEALTH

House Bill No. 2712, entitled:“AN ACT AMENDING BATAS PAMBANSA

BILANG 129, OTHERWISE KNOWN AS ‘AN ACT REORGANIZING THE JUDICIARY, APPROPRIATING FUNDS THEREFOR, AND FOR OTHER PURPOSES’ TO CREATE POSITIONS FOR JUDGES-AT-LARGE”

By Representative VelascoTO THE COMMITTEE ON JUSTICE

House Bill No. 2713, entitled:“AN ACT REINSTATING THE ORIGINAL

AREA OF THE HISTORICAL BIAK-NA-BATO NATIONAL PARK (BNBNP) IN THE MUNICIPALITY OF SAN MIGUEL, PROVINCE OF BULACAN, REPEALING FOR THE PURPOSE PRESIDENTIAL PROCLAMATION NOS. 401 AND 2204, AND FOR OTHER PURPOSES”

By Representative Mendoza (J.)T O T H E C O M M I T T E E O N N AT U R A L

RESOURCES

House Bill No. 2714, entitled:“AN ACT PROVIDING FOR STIFFER FINES

AND PENALTIES FOR THE ILLEGAL DISPOSAL OF WASTE MATERIALS AND VIOLATION OF OTHER PROHIBITED ACTS, AMENDING FOR THE PURPOSE REPUBLIC ACT NO. 9003, OTHERWISE KNOWN AS THE ‘ECOLOGICAL SOLID WASTE MANAGEMENT ACT OF 2000’ ”

By Representative EscuderoTO THE COMMITTEE ON ECOLOGY

House Bill No. 2715, entitled:“AN ACT PROVIDING FOR FIFTEEN (15) YEAR

MORATORIUM ON THE PROCESSING AND APPROVAL OF APPLICATION FOR CONVERSION OF ALL IRRIGATED AND IRRIGABLE LANDS COVERED BY IRRIGATION PROJECTS”

By Representative AmanteTO THE COMMITTEE ON AGRICULTURE AND

FOOD

House Bill No. 2716, entitled:“ A N A C T C O N V E RT I N G T H E L A N D

T R A N S P O RTAT I O N O F F I C E ( LT O ) EXTENSION OFFICE LOCATED IN THE CITY


OF CABADBARAN, AGUSAN DEL NORTE INTO A REGULAR LTO DISTRICT OFFICE, APPROPRIATING FUNDS THEREFORE AND FOR OTHER PURPOSES”

By Representative AmanteTO THE COMMITTEE ON TRANSPORTATION

House Bill No. 2717, entitled:“AN ACT RESTORING THE TAX EXEMPTION

PRIVILEGE GRANTED TO THE PHILIPPINE AMUSEMENT AND GAMING CORPORATION (PAGCOR) UNDER REPUBLIC ACT NO. 8424 OTHERWISE KNOWN AS THE TAX REFORM ACT OF 1997, AMENDING FOR THE PURPOSE SECTION 27 (C) OF REPUBLIC ACT NO. 9337”

By Representative FuentebellaTO THE COMMITTEE ON WAYS AND MEANS

House Bill No. 2718, entitled:“AN ACT AMENDING CHAPTER VI, PROHIBITIONS

AND PENALTIES AND PROVIDING AN ADDITIONAL CHAPTER ON LEGAL ACTIONS TO R.A. 8550, ENTITLED: ‘AN ACT PROVIDING FOR THE DEVELOPMENT, MANAGEMENT AND CONSERVATION OF THE FISHERIES AND AQUATIC RESOURCES, INTEGRATING ALL LAWS PERTINENT THERETO, AND FOR OTHER PURPOSES’ ”

By Representatives Bello (W.) and GutierrezTO THE COMMITTEE ON AQUACULTURE AND

FISHERIES RESOURCES

House Bill No. 2719, entitled:“AN ACT AMENDING SECTION 4 (PARAGRAPH

4 0 ) A N D P R O V I D I N G A D D I T I O N A L SECTION ON MUNICIPAL FISHERIES, CHAPTER 2, ARTICLE I OF R.A. 8550, ENTITLED: ‘AN ACT PROVIDING FOR THE DEVELOPMENT, MANAGEMENT AND CONSERVATION OF THE FISHERIES AND AQUATIC RESOURCES, INTEGRATING ALL LAWS PERTINENT THERETO, AND FOR OTHER PURPOSES’ ”


FISHERIES RESOURCES

House Bill No. 2720, entitled:“AN ACT AMENDING SECTION 4 (PARAGRAPH

5 8 ) A N D P R O V I D I N G A D D I T I O N A L SECTION ON MUNICIPAL FISHERIES, CHAPTER 2, ARTICLE I OF R.A. 8550, ENTITLED: ‘AN ACT PROVIDING FOR THE DEVELOPMENT, MANAGEMENT AND CONSERVATION OF THE FISHERIES AND AQUATIC RESOURCES, INTEGRATING ALL LAWS PERTINENT THERETO, AND FOR OTHER PURPOSES’ ”


FISHERIES RESOURCES

House Bill No. 2721, entitled:“AN ACT INCREASING THE BED CAPACITY OF

SAN LORENZO RUIZ WOMEN’S HOSPITAL FROM A TEN (10) BED CAPACITY HOSPITAL TO FIFTY (50) BED CAPACITY HOSPITAL AND APPROPRIATING FUNDS THEREFOR”

By Representative Lacson-NoelTO THE COMMITTEE ON HEALTH

House Bill No. 2722, entitled:“AN ACT STRENGTHENING THE PRIVATE

SECURITY INDUSTRY AMENDING REPUBLIC ACT NO. 5487 OTHERWISE KNOWN AS AN ACT TO REGULATE THE ORGANIZATION AND OPERATION OF PRIVATE DETECTIVE, WAT C H M E N O R S E C U R I T Y G U A R D AGENCIES”

By Representative BrionesTO THE COMMITTEE ON PUBLIC ORDER AND

SAFETY

RESOLUTIONS

House Resolution No. 253, entitled:“RESOLUTION DIRECTING THE COMMITTEE

ON TRANSPORTATION TO CONDUCT AN INQUIRY, IN AID OF LEGISLATION, ON THE SUPERVISION AND REGULATION OF PHILIPPINE WATER TRANSPORT OPERATIONS BY THE MARITIME INDUSTRY AUTHORITY (MARINA) AND THE PHILIPPINE COAST GUARD, AND URGING THE DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION AND COMMUNICATION TO CANCEL THE FRANCHISE OF THE COMPANY PROVEN GUILTY IN THE AUGUST 17, 2013 SHIPPING MISHAP”

By Representative RidonTO THE COMMITTEE ON RULES

House Resolution No. 254, entitled:“A RESOLUTION EXPRESSING THE SENSE OF

THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES ON THE URGENCY TO JUMPSTART THE FULL IMPLEMENTATION OF REPUBLIC ACT NO. 10368, OTHERWISE KNOWN AS THE HUMAN RIGHTS VICTIMS REPARATION AND RECOGNITION ACT OF 2013, PROVIDING FOR THE REPARATION AND RECOGNITION OF VICTIMS OF HUMAN RIGHTS VIOLATIONS DURING THE MARCOS REGIME, AND THE DOCUMENTATION OF SAID VIOLATIONS, BY WAY OF IMMEDIATELY CONSTITUTING THE HUMAN RIGHTS VICTIMS’ CLAIMS BOARD AND ALLOW THE SAME TO COMMENCE THE PERFORMANCE OF ITS MANDATE”

By Representative Belmonte (J.)TO THE COMMITTEE ON HUMAN RIGHTS

House Resolution No. 255, entitled:“RESOLUTION CONGRATULATING AND

C O M M E N D I N G C H A I R M A N J O S E T. PARDO OF THE PHILIPPINE STOCK


EXCHANGE FOR BEING ONE OF THE AWARDEES OF THE COMMUNICATION EXCELLENCE IN ORGANIZATIONS (CEO) EXCEL AWARDS 2013 CONFERRED BY THE INTERNATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF BUSINESS COMMUNICATORS (IABC)”

By Representatives Acedillo and AlejanoTO THE COMMITTEE ON RULES

House Resolution No. 256, entitled:“ R E S O L U T I O N C O N G R AT U L AT I N G

AND COMMENDING THE COUNTRY’S OUTSTANDING POLICE OFFICERS IN SERVICE (C.O.P.S.) OF 2013, AWARDED BY THE METROBANK FOUNDATION, INC., THE ROTARY CLUB OF NEW MANILA EAST, AND THE PSBANK”

By Representatives Acedillo and AlejanoTO THE COMMITTEE ON RULES

House Resolution No. 257, entitled:“RESOLUTION HONORING AND COMMENDING

THE OUTSTANDING PHILIPPINE SOLDIERS (TOPS) OF 2013 AWARDED BY THE METROBANK FOUNDATION, INC. AND THE ROTARY CLUB OF MAKATI METRO”

By Representatives Alejano and AcedilloTO THE COMMITTEE ON RULES

House Resolution No. 258, entitled:“RESOLUTION CONGRATULATING AND

COMMENDING JONATHAN ALLEN YABUT FOR EMERGING AS THE FIRST WINNER OF ‘THE APPRENTICE ASIA’ ”


House Resolution No. 259, entitled:“RESOLUTION DIRECTING THE APPROPRIATE

HOUSE COMMITTEES TO LOOK INTO, INQUIRE, AND INVESTIGATE, IN AID OF LEGISLATION, THE RECENT SEA MISHAP INVOLVING THE COLLISION BETWEEN M/V ST. THOMAS OF AQUINAS AND THE CARGO VESSEL M/V SULPICIO EXPRESS 7 OUTSIDE THE CENTRAL PORT OF CEBU, TO REVIEW THE DISTRIBUTION AND ALLOCATION OF POWERS, FUNCTIONS AND RESPONSIBILITIES BETWEEN AND AMONG THE GOVERNMENT AGENCIES INVOLVED IN MARITIME SAFETY AND TRAVEL WITH THE END IN VIEW OF ENACTING REMEDIAL LEGISLATION TO STRENGTHEN THE SAFETY STANDARDS AND REGULATIONS ON MARITIME TRANSPORT AND TRAVEL”


House Resolution No. 260, entitled:“RESOLUTION DIRECTING THE HOUSE

COMMITTEE ON FOREIGN AFFAIRS TO CONDUCT AN INQUIRY, IN AID OF

LEGISLATION, ON THE STATE AND MANAGEMENT OF PROPERTIES UTILIZED BY PHILIPPINE POSTS AND MAINTAINED BY OUR DEPARTMENT OF FOREIGN AFFAIRS”

By Representatives Bichara, Biazon, Zubiri, Arnaiz, Bello (W.) and Batocabe

TO THE COMMITTEE ON RULES

House Resolution No. 261, entitled:“A RESOLUTION DIRECTING THE PROPER

C O M M I T T E E O F T H E H O U S E O F REPRESENTATIVES TO CONDUCT AN INQUIRY, IN AID OF LEGISLATION, ON THE REAL STATE OF THE COUNTRY’S RICE SUPPLY AMID THE RISING COST OF RICE IN THE MARKET, THE WIDESPREAD REPORT OF RICE SHORTAGE NATIONWIDE AND IN LIGHT OF CLAIMS OF UNDER-REPORTING AND OVERPRICING OF THE GOVERNMENT’S RICE IMPORTATION”

By Representative Dela CruzTO THE COMMITTEE ON RULES

House Resolution No. 262, entitled:“A RESOLUTION URGING THE BICOL REGIONAL

DEVELOPMENT COUNCIL (RDC) TO SUBMIT TO THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES, THROUGH THE COMMITTEE ON BICOL RECOVERY AND ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT, ALL PROPOSALS FOR DEVELOPMENT PLANS AND BUDGETS OR FUNDING REQUIREMENTS, PRIOR TO SUBMISSION TO THE NATIONAL ECONOMIC AND DEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY (NEDA) IN ORDER TO INTEGRATE AND UNIFY DEVELOPMENT PROGRAMS AND FACILITATE THE SWIFT AND IMMEDIATE PASSAGE OF ALLOCATION OF FUNDS”

By Representatives Bichara, Lagman, Gonzalez, Barcelona-Reyes, Panotes, Arroyo, Gerona-Robredo, Fortuno, Sarmiento (C.), Bravo (A.), Kho, Lanete, Escudero, Ramos, Co and Batocabe


House Resolution No. 263, entitled:“A RESOLUTION EXPRESSING THE HOUSE OF

REPRESENTATIVES’ CONGRATULATION AND COMMENDATION TO BLAKE WARREN ANG FOR PLACING 1ST AND ALVIN CHRISTIAN BORBON FOR PLACING 7TH IN THE PHYSICIAN LICENSURE EXAMINATION GIVEN BY THE PROFESSIONAL REGULATION COMMISSION LAST AUGUST 10, 11, 17, AND 18, 2013”

By Representative SalimbangonTO THE COMMITTEE ON HEALTH

House Resolution No. 264, entitled:“A RESOLUTION EXPRESSING THE HOUSE OF

REPRESENTATIVES’ CONGRATULATION AND COMMENDATION TO CEBU INSTITUTE OF MEDICINE (CIM) FOR PRODUCING THE 1ST AND 7TH HIGHEST RANKING


E X A M I N E E S I N T H E A U G U S T 2 0 1 3 PHYSICIAN LICENSURE EXAMINATION GIVEN BY THE PROFESSIONAL REGULATION COMMISSION”

By Representative SalimbangonTO THE COMMITTEE ON HEALTH

House Resolution No. 265, entitled:“RESOLUTION DIRECTING THE COMMITTEE

ON HEALTH TO CONDUCT AN INQUIRY, IN AID OF LEGISLATION, ON THE EFFECT OF E-CIGARETTES ON PUBLIC HEALTH”

By Representative TupasTO THE COMMITTEE ON RULES

House Resolution No. 266, entitled:“RESOLUTION DIRECTING THE COMMITTEE ON

TRANSPORTATION TO CONDUCT AN INQUIRY IN AID OF LEGISLATION ON THE CURRENT STATUS OF PRIVATIZATION OF PORTS AS ANNOUNCED BY THE PHILIPPINE PORTS AUTHORITY IN 2010 WITH THE END IN VIEW OF FAST-TRACKING THE MODERNIZATION OF ALL PHILIPPINE PORTS”

By Representative AggabaoTO THE COMMITTEE ON RULES

House Resolution No. 267, entitled:“A RESOLUTION EXPRESSING THE SENSE OF

THE HOUSE IN COMMENDING MR. JAIME ENGAY SR. FOR HIS INVALUABLE AND COUNTLESS CONTRIBUTIONS TO CATHOLIC EDUCATION IN THE DAVAO PROVINCES, AND TO DIRECT THE SECRETARY-GENERAL OF THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES, TO ENTER INTO THE RECORDS OF THE HOUSE, THE SENTIMENTS OF GRATITUDE OF THE FILIPINO PEOPLE”

By Representatives Cortuna and PiamonteTO THE COMMITTEE ON HIGHER AND

TECHNICAL EDUCATION

House Resolution No. 268, entitled:“A RESOLUTION RECONSTITUTING THE

CONGRESSIONAL OVERSIGHT COMMITTEE IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES”

By Representatives Romualdez, Atienza, Dela Cruz, Ortega (V.), Pichay and Suarez


House Resolution No. 269, entitled:“A RESOLUTION CONGRATULATING AND

COMMENDING PAMELA FRANCES T. GAW AND KATRINA L. CHAN, FILIPINO HIGH SCHOOL STUDENTS OF IMMACULATE CONCEPCION ACADEMY GREENHILLS REPRESENTING THE PHILIPPINE TEAM, FOR WINNING THE FIRST PLACE AWARD IN THE FEDEX-JUNIOR ACHIEVEMENT INTERNATIONAL TRADE CHALLENGE

HELD ON AUGUST 19 TO 22, 2013 IN HONG KONG”

By Representative CasteloTO THE COMMITTEE ON TRADE AND

INDUSTRY

House Resolution No. 270, entitled:“A RESOLUTION CONGRATULATING AND

COMMENDING MA. CZARINA ANGELA LAO, ISABELLA MAE TAN, KELSEY LIM TIONG SOON, AND KAYE JANELLE YAO, YOUNG FILIPINO STUDENTS, FOR WINNING BRONZE MEDALS FOR THE PHILIPPINES IN THE RECENT 2013 CHINA GIRLS’ MATHEMATICS OLYMPIAD (CGMO) HELD IN ZHEJIANG, CHINA”

By Representative CasteloTO THE COMMITTEE ON YOUTH AND SPORTS

DEVELOPMENT

ADDITIONAL COAUTHORS

The list of additional coauthors is reflected in Journal No. 18, dated September 9, 2013.*

COMMUNICATIONS

Report of Marilyn B. Barua-Yap, Secretary General, House of Representatives, on enrolled bills, submitted to the Office of the President, for His Excellency’s consideration and signature, pursuant to the provision of Rule VI, Section 18, paragraph (h) of the Rules of the House of Representatives:1. House Bill No. 4183, entitled:“AN ACT ESTABLISHING A STATE COLLEGE IN

THE CITY OF TALISAY, PROVINCE OF CEBU TO BE KNOWN AS THE TALISAY CITY STATE COLLEGE AND APPROPRIATING FUNDS THEREFOR”

(Now Republic Act No. 10594)2. House Bill No. 4432, entitled: “AN ACT CONVERTING THE WESTERN VISAYAS

COLLEGE OF SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY (WVCST) IN THE CITY OF ILOILO INTO A STATE UNIVERSITY TO BE KNOWN AS THE ILOILO SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY UNIVERSITY, WITH CAMPUSES IN THE MUNICIPALITIES OF BAROTAC NUEVO, DUMANGAS, LEON AND MIAG-AO, ALL LOCATED IN THE PROVINCE OF ILOILO, AND APPROPRIATING FUNDS THEREFOR”

(Now Republic Act No. 10595)3. House Bill No. 4448, entitled:“AN ACT CONVERTING THE MINDORO

STATE COLLEGE OF AGRICULTURE AND TECHNOLOGY IN THE MUNICIPALITY OF VICTORIA, PROVINCE OF ORIENTAL MINDORO INTO A STATE UNIVERSITY TO BE KNOWN AS THE MINDORO STATE UNIVERSITY (MINSU) AND APPROPRIATING FUNDS THEREFOR”

(Now Republic Act No. 10596)

* See ANNEX (printed separately)


4. House Bill No. 4453, entitled:“AN ACT ESTABLISHING THE NORTHERN

ILOILO STATE UNIVERSITY IN THE PROVINCE OF ILOILO BY INTEGRATING THE NORTHERN ILOILO POLYTECHNIC STATE COLLEGE (NIPSC) IN THE MUNICIPALITY OF ESTANCIA, THE NIPSC – BAROTAC VIEJO CAMPUS IN THE MUNICIPALITY OF BAROTAC VIEJO, THE AJUY POLYTECHNIC COLLEGE IN THE MUNICIPALITY OF AJUY, THE BATAD POLYTECHNIC COLLEGE IN THE MUNICIPALITY OF BATAD, THE CONCEPCION POLYTECHNIC COLLEGE IN THE MUNICIPALITY OF CONCEPCION, THE LEMERY POLYTECHNIC COLLEGE IN THE MUNICIPALITY OF LEMERY AND THE VICTORINO SALCEDO POLYTECHNIC COLLEGE IN THE MUNICIPALITY OF SARA, ALL LOCATED IN THE PROVINCE OF ILOILO AND APPROPRIATING FUNDS THEREFOR”

(Now Republic Act No. 10597)5. House Bill No. 4586, entitled: “AN ACT ESTABLISHING A STATE COLLEGE

IN THE MUNICIPALITY OF COMPOSTELA, PROVINCE OF COMPOSTELA VALLEY TO BE KNOWN AS THE COMPOSTELA VALLEY STATE COLLEGE, INTEGRATING THEREWITH AS REGULAR BRANCHES THE BUKIDNON STATE UNIVERSITY E X T E R N A L S T U D I E S C E N T E R S I N THE MUNICIPALITIES OF MONKAYO, M A R A G U S A N , M O N T E V I S TA A N D NEW BATAAN, ALL LOCATED IN THE PROVINCE OF COMPOSTELA VALLEY AND APPROPRIATING FUNDS THEREFOR”

(Now Republic Act No. 10598)6. House Bill No. 4641, entitled:“AN ACT CONVERTING THE PALOMPON

INSTITUTE OF TECHNOLOGY IN THE MUNICIPALITY OF PALOMPON, PROVINCE OF LEYTE INTO A STATE UNIVERSITY TO BE KNOWN AS THE PALOMPON POLYTECHNIC STATE UNIVERSITY, INTEGRATING THEREWITH THE MARCELINO R. VELOSO NATIONAL POLYTECHNIC COLLEGE IN THE MUNICIPALITY OF TABANGO, PROVINCE OF LEYTE AND APPROPRIATING FUNDS THEREFOR”

(Now Republic Act No. 10599)7. House Bill No. 5913, entitled: “AN ACT ESTABLISHING THE SURIGAO DEL

NORTE STATE UNIVERSITY IN THE PROVINCE OF SURIGAO DEL NORTE BY INTEGRATING THE SURIGAO STATE COLLEGE OF TECHNOLOGY IN SURIGAO CITY, THE SIARGAO NATIONAL COLLEGE OF SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY IN THE MUNICIPALITY OF DEL CARMEN AND THE SURIGAO DEL NORTE COLLEGE OF AGRICULTURE AND TECHNOLOGY IN THE MUNICIPALITY OF MAINIT, ALL LOCATED IN THE PROVINCE OF

SURIGAO DEL NORTE, AND APPROPRIATING FUNDS THEREFOR”

(Now Republic Act No. 10600)8. Consolidated Senate Bill No. 3338 and House Bill

No. 6548, entitled:“AN ACT PROMOTING AGRICULTURAL AND

FISHERIES MECHANIZATION DEVELOPMENT IN THE COUNTRY”


No. 5341, entitled:“AN ACT CREATING FOUR (4) ADDITIONAL

BRANCHES OF THE REGIONAL TRIAL COURT IN THE TENTH JUDICIAL REGION TO BE STATIONED AT THE CITY OF MALAYBALAY, PROVINCE OF BUKIDNON, FURTHER AMENDING FOR THE PURPOSE BATAS PAMBANSA BLG. 129, OTHERWISE KNOWN AS ‘THE JUDICIARY REORGANIZATION ACT OF 1980’, AS AMENDED, AND APPROPRIATING FUNDS THEREFOR”


No. 6856, entitled: “AN ACT CREATING TWO (2) ADDITIONAL

BRANCHES OF THE REGIONAL TRIAL COURT IN THE FOURTH JUDICIAL REGION TO BE STATIONED AT THE MUNICIPALITY OF SAN MATEO, PROVINCE OF RIZAL, FURTHER AMENDING FOR THE PURPOSE BATAS PAMBANSA BLG. 129, OTHERWISE KNOWN AS ‘THE JUDICIARY REORGANIZATION ACT OF 1980’, AS AMENDED, AND APPROPRIATING FUNDS THEREFOR”

(Now Republic Act No. 10603)11. House Bill No. 4431, entitled:“AN ACT CONVERTING THE ILOILO STATE

C O L L E G E O F F I S H E R I E S I N T H E MUNICIPALITY OF BAROTAC NUEVO, PROVINCE OF ILOILO INTO A STATE UNIVERSITY TO BE KNOWN AS THE ILOILO STATE UNIVERSITY OF SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY, WITH CAMPUSES IN THE MUNICIPALITIES OF SAN ENRIQUE, DINGLE AND DUMANGAS, AND INTEGRATING THEREWITH THE BAROTAC NUEVO P O LY T E C H N I C I N S T I T U T E I N T H E MUNICIPALITY OF BAROTAC NUEVO, ALL LOCATED IN THE PROVINCE OF ILOILO AND APPROPRIATING FUNDS THEREFOR”

(Now Republic Act No. 10604)12. House Bill No. 4450, entitled: “AN ACT CONVERTING THE PAMPANGA

AGRICULTURAL COLLEGE (PAC) IN THE MUNICIPALITY OF MAGALANG, PROVINCE OF PAMPANGA INTO A STATE UNIVERSITY TO BE KNOWN AS THE PAMPANGA STATE A G R I C U LT U R A L U N I V E R S I T Y A N D APPROPRIATING FUNDS THEREFOR”


No. 6048, entitled:


“AN ACT AMENDING REPUBLIC ACT NO. 7875, OTHERWISE KNOWN AS THE ‘NATIONAL HEALTH INSURANCE ACT OF 1995’, AS AMENDED, AND FOR OTHER PURPOSES”

(Now Republic Act No. 10606)TO THE ARCHIVES


PRIVILEGE HOUR

REP. BINAY. Mr. Speaker, today being a Monday, I move that we proceed to the Privilege Hour.


The Privilege Hour is declared.

REP. BINAY. Mr. Speaker, I move that we recognize Hon. Magtanggol T. Gunigundo I of the Second District of Valenzuela City who wishes to be first to avail of the Privilege Hour.

THE DEPUTY SPEAKER (Rep. Balindong). The Gentleman from the Second District of Valenzuela City is recognized.

PRIVILEGE SPEECH OF REP. GUNIGUNDO

REP. GUNIGUNDO. Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Thank you, Mme. Dep. Majority Leader.

Mr. Speaker, my dear colleagues of this Chamber, today I would like to talk about maps, sa Filipino, mga mapa. We have always been regaled by cliffhanger novels like Treasure Island, The Count of Monte Cristo, and action-adventure movies like Pirates of the Caribbean, National Treasure, Indiana Jones, Lara Croft: Tomb Raider, Fool’s Gold, City Slickers and Lord of the Rings, to name a few, whose common plot revolves around the quest for a secret fantasy map that leads to a hidden treasure, untold riches and power that changes the lives of those who find them.

In the real world, maps portray a more important role in the development of nations and in the lives of people. Today, we use the Google map and Global Positioning System (GPS) to find our way to unfamiliar destinations in order to save time, avoid delays and prevent us from taking wrong turns that could bring perilous consequences. Maps give rise to ownership and possession of land. Maps are the bases of sovereign claims over territory.

Mr. Speaker, my dear colleagues, I rise to call everyone’s attention on the vital importance of a unified topographic map with a scale of 1:10,000 units, which is a powerful, primary and fundamental data set that puts out the requisite geospatial information of immense use since locations greatly influence planning, decision-making and operations in the different national agencies and local government units.

I have been told that with this new topographic map with the scale of 1:10,000 units, we will be able to confirm if the Philippine archipelago consists of 7,600 islands instead of 7,107 islands as we were made to believe. I have also

been told that this map will also validate data that the Philippines indeed only has 30 million hectares of land mass, not 34 million hectares as conjured by LGUs in trying to justify their internal revenue allotment (IRA). I have been told that we shall be able to identify with ease the land mass territory that will be covered by the GRP Bangsamoro Peace Pact. I have also been briefed that we can also use these maps for our geo-hazard mapping for rain-induced and earthquake-induced landslides, low-lying areas vulnerable to sea level rise or SLR flooding, storm surge, soil liquefaction, volcanic eruption and earthquake vis-à-vis the identification of danger zones, and evacuation centers. It can also map the location of informal settlers and it will help identify resettlement sites.

An updated and centralized Philippine topographic map with a scale of 1:10,000 will surely improve government efficiency through settlement of boundary disputes and poverty alleviation; increase real property valuation and tax collection and serve as guide for land use planning and zoning; as fundamental reference point for the straight baseline method of our archipelagic waters, in defining our coastlines, and thereby strengthening our claim over the West Philippine Sea; and supply essential information to our national security when it comes to identification of rebel camps and strategic locations, to name a few.

President Benigno S. Aquino III issued Administrative Order No. 16 dated July 5, 2011 acknowledging that topographic base maps and other thematic maps are important tools in the planning and implementation of various national development programs and ordering the mandatory coordination of all government agencies with the National Mapping and Resource Information Authority or NAMRIA in the acquisition of data from airborne and spaceborne platforms for use in the respective projects. Since President Noynoy walks his talk, he approved the proposals to fund the unified mapping project of NAMRIA. A portion of the 2013 Budget Message of the President reads, and I quote:

We are infusing about P1.5 billion to the NAMRIA to start the implementation of the unified mapping project targeting 18 million river basins. This allocation will support the production of topographic maps covering 5.4 million hectares as input for simulation of hazards, such as landslides and collides.

In response to the 2013 Budget Message of President Noynoy Aquino, the DBM earmarked P1.4325 billion to the NAMRIA in the General Appropriations Act of 2013 to start the implementation of the unified mapping projects. This fund was allocated for Interferometric Synthetic Aperture Radar or IFSAR Data Acquisition Image Processing and Mapping Project.

On January 4, 2013, a contract for this project was awarded by the NAMRIA to Certeza Infosys Corporation or CIC, a private surveying firm and in fact, one of the oldest surveying firms in the country. The project calls for the use of IFSAR for the production of nationwide digital elevation model and/or Orthorectified Radar Imagery or ORI Project. The IFSAR Project covers the whole country, including all islands and islets, and is divided into three lots, namely:


Luzon, number one; Visayas and Palawan, number two; and Mindanao, number three. The CIC joined the bidding for the three lots and won all the projects. The total bid of CIC for the three projects was P989,967,000 or at P32 per hectare. Data collection begun afterwards and is set to end this October 2013. For Luzon, the IFSAR airborne acquisition is 100 percent completed; for Visayas and Palawan, 100 percent completed; and for Mindanao, 100 percent completed. IFSAR data processing is ongoing.

I also rise to bring to the attention of our Chamber that the Unified Mapping Project of the NAMRIA, funded in the General Appropriations Act of 2013 and aims to produce a new series of large-scale topographic base maps of the whole country consisting of 11,000 map sheets, was suddenly suspended by the DENR last June 26, 2013. The UMP or the Unified Mapping Platform Project is designed to be a four-year program to respond to the need for an accurate, up-to-date and official standard reference geospatial information data for the government.

The program will produce a new updated and more detailed 1:10,000 large-scale topographic map series. In spite of the fact that this is a four-year program commencing on Fiscal Year 2013, there is no allocation for Years 2, 3 and 4 as explained in the 2014 National Expenditure Program briefing. It is unfortunate that the Secretary of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources and Usec. Analiza Rebuelta, the Secretary’s chief of staff, issued a one-paragraph memorandum dated June 26, 2013, ordering the NAMRIA to defer implementation of the IFSAR Project with CIC and withheld all disbursements pertaining to the said project without even mentioning the grounds for such a drastic decision. We want to ask if these two DENR officials are aware of President Noynoy’s sense of urgency in completing this topographic base map series with the 1:10,000 scale. We should ask them: is our country governed by the rule of law or the rule of men? Mr. Speaker, my dear colleagues, we want to find out what is the legal justification of these two DENR officials to suspend the implementation of this very imperative project?

The IFSAR contract was already perfected and the service provider has already rendered substantial performance of its obligation. In fact, the project itself is about to be completed in a month’s time, but here comes the government breaching its obligations under this valid contract. This repugnant practice of the government of the Republic of the Philippines reneging on its contractual obligations, proliferates and continues to be a major stumbling block to foreign investors in establishing employment-generating business undertakings in the Philippines.

We have seen this in the Philippine International Air Terminals Co., Inc. (PIATCO) controversy and it appears that we may be embroiled in another costly litigation in this unified mapping project contract. Mr. Speaker, the CIC-NAMRIA contract provides that the Philippine government is bound to pay a heavy fine for this breach of contract, damages of one-tenth of one percent of the IFSAR contract price, or a whopping P100,000 per day of delay; in 10 days’ time, one million pesos; in 30 days’ time, three million pesos; in one year, P36 million. These costly penalties will be shouldered by all tax payers, not just Secretary Paje and Usecretary Teh.

Mr. Speaker, my dear colleagues, we also want to

question if reports are true that it is the DOST, through the advice of a UP College of Geodetic Engineering professor, which wants to torpedo the CIC-NAMRIA Mapping Project because of its enchantment with the light-detection and ranging (LIDAR) technology that the DOST currently employs in the Disaster Risk Exposure and Assessment for Mitigation-Nationwide Operational Assessment of Hazards or DREAM-NOAH Project. If that is true, then we want to find out if these adherents of the LIDAR technology possess the expertise to justify intrusion into the mandate of the NAMRIA, which is the central mapping and surveying authority of our country as mandated by Executive Order No. 192 of then Pres. Corazon Cojuangco-Aquino on July 1987. We also want to find out if these DOST officials are aware that the 2008 Geospatial Conference compared the LIDAR with the IFSAR side by side.

Mr. Speaker, my dear colleagues, the 2008 Geospatial Conference came up with a comparative table showing major differences between the LIDAR and the IFSAR, which can persuade all of us to agree with the proposals that we shall articulate at the end of this speech. The LIDAR technology has a narrow data collection swath, width and rate. Its sensor penetration works well in low-lying planes and near the foot of mountains and areas along river banks, but it cannot penetrate cloud cover which reduces its capability to capture data on mountain ranges. It is more costly to use LIDAR to cover 30 million hectares of land mass. The LIDAR River Basin Project costs around P1.6 billion, covering only one-third of the Philippines, hence, to cover the whole country, we need to spend P4.8 billion. In real numbers, P160 per hectare is going to be the cost of using the LIDAR technology with no assurance whatsoever of being completed. Bakit po? Kasi ang eroplanong gagamitin ng LIDAR ay 80 meters lang po dapat ang maging altitude. Hindi nito kakayanin na kunin ang datos sa mga kabundukan ng ating bansa dahil hindi kakayaning matusok o ma-penetrate ng laser ng LIDAR technology ang mga ulap, ulan at iba pang mga bagay na maghahadlang para pumasok iyong datos mula sa lupa pabalik doon sa eroplano. Ang sabi noong iba, “E, di ang gawin natin, sa ilalim tayo ng ulap lumipad.” Ang sabi naman noong mga nakakaintindi, “Eh, di namatay po kayo sapagkat kapag kayo ay lumipad sa kabundukan, sa ilalim ng ulap, di babanggain ninyo iyong mga bundok. Dahil ang mga ulap sa ating mga kabundukan ay nakalimlim doon sa tuktok ng ating mga bundok.”

With the present contract with the CIC, the cost is only P32 per hectare using the IFSAR technology. Ang laki po ng deperensiya. The use of technology has a wider collection width and rate and is suitable in mapping extensive areas. Its radar signal can cover even mountain ranges that are perennially covered by clouds, haze, dust, fog and light rain. The LIDAR can only accurately measure elevation and depth of areas prone to flooding on a very limited basis, but not extensive and mountainous areas and the entire river basins. The IFSAR technology is accurate on that matter. Hence, for small areas such as flood plains of the Philippines, LIDAR technology is cost effective, but for 30 million hectares, IFSAR technology is more suitable. In the CIC-NAMRIA contract, the government will be paying a cost of P32 per hectare. Compare that with LIDAR at P160 per hectare. Ang laki po ng deperensiya.

We have learned that a draft Memorandum of Agreement


between the NAMRIA and the DOST for data sharing remains unsigned by the DOST. We wonder why the DOST refuses to sign the MOA which it drafted with the NAMRIA. Pagkatapos paghirapang isulat at pagkasunduan ang MOA ng DOST at ng NAMRIA, biglang umatras ang DOST dito. Bakit po kaya? Sabi po ni Suze Orman, “it’s impossible to map out a route to your destination if you don’t know where you are starting.” Paano natin malalaman ang daang matuwid patungo sa maginhawang buhay kung wala tayong mainam na mapa na magsasabi kung saan tayo dapat mag-uumpisa at maglalakbay? Gusto pong makita ng ating mga boss kung nasaan ang daang matuwid sa makabago at napapanahong mapa ng Republika ng Pilipinas. Kung patuloy na magmamatigas at hindi makikinig sa paliwanag ang DOST, DENR at DBM, maliligaw at magkakamali ang ating mga ahensiya ng pamahalaan sa pagbalangkas ng mga programa at mga pagpapasiyang gagawin nila. Gagamit tayo ng atrasadong GPS Pinoy version. Ano po iyon? Imbes na si Siri ang magbibigay ng direksiyon sa ating pupuntahan, kailangan mong magbaba ng bintana ng iyong sasakyan at paswitan ang sinumang taong nakatayo roon sa kalsada para humingi ng direksiyon. Iyan po ang GPS Pinoy version.

Mainam sana kung tama ang ibinibigay na direksiyon ng pinagtatanungan subalit papaano kung ito ay mali? Tiyak kang maliligaw. Huwag po nating hayaang mabalam pa ang paglabas ng bagong mapa ng ating mahal na bansa. Kailangan pong bawiin ng DENR ang kanilang deferment memorandum upang matapos na ang mga mapa at maiwasan ang pagbabayad ng multa ng ating pamahalaan. Kailangan pong lagdaan na ng DOST ang Memorandum of Agreement with the NAMRIA upang magtugma ang mga mapa na ginagamit ang LIDAR at IFSAR technologies. Kailangan pong kumilos ang DBM para pondohan ang P1.478 billion ang Year 2 ng UMP sa 2014 Budget, pondohan ng P334.3 million sa Year 3 ng UMP sa 2015 Budget, at pondohan ng P333.76 million sa Year 4 ng UMP sa 2016 Budget. Suma total–P3,69.668 billion ang uubusin sa loob ng apat na taon.

Suma total, P3,692,668,000 ang uubusin sa loob ng apat na taon. Kapag natapos na ang mga bagong mapang ito, magsisilbi po itong isang napakahalagang pamana ni Pangulong Noynoy Aquino sa ating mga boss at sa kanilang susunod na salinlahi. Inuulit ko po, kailangan ng Republika ng Pilipinas ang isang maayos na mapa para malaman natin kung saan mag-uumpisa at magtatapos ang daang matuwid na maghahatid sa atin sa maginhawang buhay. We need this Aquino “Daang Matuwid” maps.

Magandang hapon po sa ating lahat at marami pong salamat, G. Ispiker.


REP. ATIENZA. Mr. Speaker.

THE DEPUTY SPEAKER (Rep. Balindong). What is the pleasure of the Honorable Atienza?

REP. ATIENZA. With the permission of the Gentleman from Bulacan, may we ask some clarificatory questions on the very sensitive matter.

THE DEPUTY SPEAKER (Rep. Balindong). If he so desires.

REP. GUNIGUNDO. Willingly, Mr. Speaker, but I do not represent the people of Bulacan. I represent the Second District of Valenzuela City, Metro Manila.

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

REP. ATIENZA. To start with, I would like to stress that I have the highest regard and respect for this colleague of mine, not only in this Chamber, but in the Liberal Party. He has always been a responsible member of our political party.

REP. GUNIGUNDO. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

REP. ATIENZA. Napakaselan po ng mga binanggit ninyong mga bagay tungkol dito sa napakaselan na paggawa ng mapa ng ating kapuluan. Isa lamang po naman ang nais kong tanungin. Iyon po bang mga katanungang ibinigay ninyo sa amin ngayon, na dapat lang bumagabag sa amin, ay naitanong na ninyo kay Secretary Paje o kay Undersecretary Teh o sa DOST? Sapagkat sila po naman ang espesyalista sa teknolohiya ng pagmamapa ng kapuluan.

REP. GUNIGUNDO. Sa tama pong pagkakataon itatanong po natin iyan kay Kalihim Paje, kay Usec. Teh at sa DOST ito. Sa research at technology, ang DOST po ang pangunahing ahensiya ng pamahalaan na namumuno sa bagay na ito. Subalit pagdating naman po sa pagmamapa, ang central mapping authority ng ating bansa ay walang iba kung hindi ang NAMRIA. Iyan po ang ipinag-utos ni Pang. Cory Aquino noon pa hong 1987.

REP. ATIENZA. Samakatuwid, Mr. Speaker, sinasabi po ni Congressman Gunigundo ng Valenzuela na hindi pa niya naliliwanag sa mga kinauukulan ang mga suspetsa niyang maaaring namagitan bago po nabinbin ang pagpapatuloy nitong kontrata. Iyon po ba ang aking pakahulugan?

REP. GUNIGUNDO. Opo, sapagkat ako po ay nagtataka, Kagalang-galang na Atienza, sa kadahilanang walang paliwanag ang memorandum na nagsususpinde ng programa. Tayo ay may kontratang pinirmahan, at ang kontrata ng IFSAR sa Certeza ay perfected na po, at kapag perfected ito, meron na pong substantial performance iyong Certeza. Actually 100 percent complete na po ang data acquisition ng Luzon, Visayas, Palawan at Mindanao. Ang inaantay na lamang po ay iyong data processing na kasalukuyang ginagawa sa mga lugar sa Indonesia at sa Denver, Colorado kung saan nandoon iyong mga super strong computers na nagpo-process po noong mga imageries na nakolekta ng Certeza.

Kaya po nalulungkot kami sapagkat sa paliwanag sa budget message ng ating Pangulo for 2013, ipinangako niya na magkakaroon tayo ng mapang bago. Subalit hindi ko maintindihan kung bakit biglang sinuspinde ni Secretary Paje sa pamamagitan ni Usec Teh itong kontrata na wala namang sinasabing matibay na dahilan.

REP. ATIENZA. Iyon po ang aking tinutukoy. Dahil


po sa maselan ang bagay na ating ibinibintang o ang ating suspetsa sa isang maselan na bagay, paggawa ng mapa ng Republika ng Pilipinas, hindi po ba magandang kausapin ninyo muna ang mga kinauukulan para matanong ninyo kung ano ang kadahilanan bakit nila sinuspinde ang kontrata na napakahalaga sa inyong paningin at sa pananaw ng maraming Miyembro ng Kongreso?

REP. GUNIGUNDO. Kaya nga po tayo nagtalumpati

ngayong hapon upang magkaroon ng basehan ang tamang kumite ng ating Kongreso para ipatawag sa pulong na iyon ang ating mga natukoy na mga kawani ng ating pamahalaan.

REP. ATIENZA. Kung tatanggap po ng payo ang aking matalik na kaibigan ay gagawan ko ng paraan upang kausapin ko ang mga kinauukulan sa Department of Environment and Natural Resources at hihingan ko sila ng paliwanag. Kung hindi po kayo kuntento sa sagot at paliwanag, maaari naman tayong gumawa ng aksyon dito sa ating Kongreso. Tungkulin lamang natin ang mamamagitan.

REP. GUNIGUNDO. Hindi po bale sana kung kahapon lang sinuspinde, may oras po tayo para pagbigyan sila. Subalit June 26 pa po ito nasuspinde. July, August, September—tatlong buwan na ho. Wala hong evaluation na ginagawa ang DENR at wala hong paliwanag na inilalabas kung bakit nila sinuspinde ang programang ito. Ayaw po nating mabinbin ang programang ito. Gusto natin matapos ito para sa pagbaba ng ating Pangulong Noynoy Aquino sa 2016, meron siyang maipamamanang bagong mapa ng Republika ng Pilipinas na magagamit ng lahat ng Pilipino, nasa gobyerno man o nasa pribadong sector, sa mga desisyon at mga planong ating gagawin.

REP. ATIENZA. Sang-ayon po ako sa inyong pananaw sa kahalagahan ng mapa sapagkat ito ay magbibigay ng direksyon sa ating lahat kung saan natin dadalhin ang ating bansa at kapuluan. Pero uulitin ko po ang aking sinabi, hindi po ba mas magandang kausapin natin upang malaman kung ano ang kadahilanan bakit ang isang kagawaran ay gagawa ng aksyong hindi itutuloy ang kontrata at marahil ba ibibigay sa iba? There must be a good reason, Mr. Speaker, and we would like to listen and hear what the reasons are. I would be as interested as the Gentleman from Valenzuela City to be guided accordingly, why such a decision is being made on a matter as sensitive as a contract that will complete the mapping of the Philippine islands, without which we will be lost in our directions.

REP. GUNIGUNDO. Tama po. Ano po, Ang payo po ninyo ay aming pinapakinggan subalit nabanggit ko na po na ang talumpating ito ang magbibigay daan upang magkaroon ng pagkakataon ang mga tanong na ating itinuran ay masagot ng mga kinauukulang opisyales ng DOST at ng DENR.

REP. ATIENZA. Mr. Speaker, with that response from the Gentleman from Valenzuela City, I would like to assure him, after he talks to the leadership of the department and he believes as may be what he will be hearing from them, then I will join him in whatever action that he may decide to take to protect the integrity of our government and its decisions.

Salamat po, Mr. Speaker. Thank you, Gentleman from Valenzuela City.


REP. GUNIGUNDO. Salamat po.

REP. BINAY. Mr. Speaker, I move that we refer the speech of the Hon. Magtanggol Gunigundo and the interpellation to the appropriate committee.



REP. BINAY. Mr. Speaker, I move that we recognize the Hon. Eric L. Olivarez from the First District of Parañaque City.

THE DEPUTY SPEAKER (Rep. Balindong). The Honorable Olivarez from the First District of Parañaque City is recognized.

PRIVILEGE SPEECH OF REP. OLIVAREZ

REP. OLIVAREZ. Mr. Speaker, my colleagues, a pleasant afternoon.

I rise to take advantage of the privilege to be heard by this august Body on the myriad challenges that our education sector is facing with regard to the implementation of K to12.

On May 15, 2013, His Excellency, Pres. Benigno S. Aquino III signed the K to 12 Law or Republic Act No. 10533, otherwise known as the “Enhanced Basic Education Act of 2013,” which the Philippine government describes as “a landmark piece of legislation that institutionalizes 12 years of basic education, making it responsive to global educational standards.”

The K to 12 Program covers kindergarten and 12 years of basic education: six years of primary education, four years of junior high school and two years of senior high school. Quoting His Excellency, “With the enactment of the K to 12, we are not only adding two more years to further enhance the skills of our students; we are ensuring that they are capable of propelling our economy and society forward.”

The signing officially ended the country’s 10-year basic education cycle, which now exists only in Angola and Djibouti.

The K to 12 Basic Education Program aims to produce Filipino graduates who are holistically developed with the 21st century skills, prepared for the high education, middle level skills development, employment and entrepreneurship.

The Department of Education has already entered into an agreement with business organizations, local and foreign chambers of commerce and industries to ensure that the graduates of K to 12 will be considered for employment. This will not be much of a challenge since each student in senior high school or Grades 11 and 12 can choose among three tracks: academic, technical-vocational-livelihood, and sports and arts. The academic track includes three strands: the


business, accountancy, management; humanities, education, social sciences; and science technology, engineering and mathematics.

After finishing the technical-vocational-livelihood track in grade 12, a student may obtain a National Certificate Level II or NC II, provided he/she passes the competency-based assessment of the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority, otherwise known as TESDA. NC I and NC II improve the employability of graduates in fields like agriculture, electronics and trade. After finishing high school, students can opt to work part-time or continue tertiary education.

At this juncture, Deputy Speaker Balindong relinquished the Chair to Rep. Mar-Len Abigail S. Binay.

Consequently, the program will eventually affect the college curriculum, which will have fewer units—a year’s worth of general education subjects and at least two years of major subjects—as the K to 12 program already adheres to the College Readiness Standards.

Indeed, the institutionalization of the K to 12 program will bring a throng of benefits to the Filipino youth, as well as make the country’s education system be at par with international standards. However, implementation is a component that is perhaps most challenging and problematic. The College Editor’s Guild of the Philippines said that the implementation of the law is a burden to students, teachers and parents with additional two years of basic education.

Mme. Speaker, inasmuch as I am a staunch ally of such a pivotal move, being a teacher and school administrator myself for more than 20 years, I believe I have the moral obligation to be in the forefront of addressing the perplexing realities facing the implementers of the said program. When I say “implementers,” I mean not only the curriculum engineers in the CHED and the DepEd, but more importantly, school principals and teachers who serve as frontliners in our quest to finally put an end in the industry-academe mismatch and internationalization of our educational practices.

Mme. Speaker, allow me to highlight and specify the perplexing realities that we as lawmakers can help regulate and manage with our close collaboration with the CHED and the DepEd as we traverse with the educators the murky waters of K to 12 implementation.

The birth pains of K to 12 are inevitable considering that there are 14.25 million elementary school children enrolled and another 5.85 million are in high school. This gives a total of 20.01 million students in the public sector.

Meanwhile, the private sector has a total of 3.1 million students—1.2 million in elementary and another 1.89 million in high school.

Secretary of Education Bro. Armin Luistro says that they still continue to address gaps in the facilities for this coming school year, particularly classroom shortage. The agency previously partnered with several local government units to build or rehabilitate new classrooms to accommodate more students.

Based on the 2012 estimates, there is still a shortage of 150 classrooms, 145,000 teachers, 135,000 toilets and sanitation facilities, 62 million textbooks and 2.6 million school shifts(?).

High school education is currently a one-size-fits-all

program that assumes all graduates are meant for college. High school graduates who cannot afford to go to college cannot land good jobs. To help plan for the major infrastructure needs, the DepEd tapped the Asian Development Bank to map out the capacity of private high schools, as well as colleges and universities, to absorb senior high students.

The government cannot build all the classrooms and hire all the teachers needed for senior high school, with the need for classroom and teachers going up each year in public schools.

DepEd hopes for a 50-40 ratio between public schools and private schools in accommodating the more than 2 million senior high school students expected in 2016 and 2017.

Subsidizing students in private schools is less costly than having these students in public schools. In principle, the government saves more if there are more students absorbed by private schools. But not all can be absorbed by private schools. In fact, some private schools are not amenable to the idea at all.

Indeed, I fully support the noble objectives of the K to 12 Program. It is important for our graduates to be able to meet the requirements of the Washington Accord, Bologna Accord, Sydney Accord and other forthcoming accords so that as professionals, they would be accepted as coequals of other professionals in the world. However, it is as important at this time that we examine critical problems attendant to the introduction of Grades 11-12 in school years 2016 and 2017, and that we find the most economical solutions to these problems. Empty classrooms and lonely campuses, that is what lie ahead for many colleges and universities when senior high school goes into effect in 2016 under the new K to 12 educational system. Over a million students then would be in Grade 11 when they would have been enrolled as college freshmen. The financial losses from the enrollment drop could be in the billions of pesos if countermeasures are not put in place before 2016.

According to the Philippine Association of Colleges and Universities, private colleges and universities, which are sustained almost purely by tuition fees, will be in peril unless they make similar adjustments when the pool of incoming college students rise up in four years, for they could seek government subsidies to accommodate public school students in Grades 11-12 while the DepEd builds new classrooms.

According to the Commission on Higher Education, otherwise known as the CHED, there are 1,604 private colleges and universities nationwide with an aggregate enrollment of about 1.7 million. There are also 534 SUCs and 93 LUCs, and their combined student population is about 1.1 million.

Meanwhile, in a report presented by the Catholic Educational Association of the Philippines CEAP, during the K to 12 summit last January, Department of Education Undersecretary Francisco Valera said that the enrollment growth scenario for the first senior high school in 2016 is from 1.08 million to 1.201 million students. Then in 2017, enrollment would roughly double to 2.06 million to 2.3 million because of two years of senior high schools that would be running simultaneously.

These figures represent enrollment that colleges will not be able to capture if transition measures are absent.

According to the Philippine Association of Colleges and Universities (PACU) Executive Director, Greg Pascua, most


PACU member-schools can implement the senior high school curriculum, but laws must be enacted that will allow college faculty to teach the senior high school students without having to go through the licensure examination for teachers. Otherwise, many college educators may face unemployment and school administrations can expect labor unrest.

Another measure is for the national government to increase its funding for the Education Service Contracting or the ESC scheme and the Government Assistance to Students and Teachers in Private Education, otherwise known as GASPE. It is through the GASPE and the ESC that the government subsidizes school fees of public school students who enroll in private schools. These financing mechanisms work well and need a big budget boost to accommodate the senior high school enrollment surge in 2016 to 2018.

Most of the transition measures need decisive action from Congress. This is why, having been elected as Representative of the First congressional District of Parañaque City, a Professor for 16 years in the graduate school of the College of Education at the De La Salle University, Manila, and as Vice President for Academics and Services of a family-owned school, Olivarez College, for 20 years now, I vow to serve as the voice of educators and school leaders alike in our quest to ensure that K to 12 reaches its noble objectives with all stakeholders benefiting from its outcomes.

Furthering my arguments from the conundrums impacting education in the Philippines, I wish to tackle another essential aspect, the growing population of students who are enrolled every year. When education became accessible to all, more and more parents sent their children to school in the hope of getting the knowledge they would need to survive in the modern world.

As what parents would usually say, education is the only thing they can leave their children once they are gone, and it is something no one can ever take away from them. How would such expectations be realized if the schools which they believe would give their children proper education cannot even accommodate the booming numbers of enrollees every school year? The aforementioned backlogs in education strongly tell it all. With the current ratio of teachers to students of 1:50, it is unreasonable to think that the teacher could efficiently attend to each student.

It is also important to note that the student population is not the only one growing, but also the out-of-school youth. The phenomenon of out-of-school youth can be attributed to many factors like poverty, indifference and family problems. But the mere fact that these figures reveal that more young Filipinos are becoming out-of-school youth should give us reasons to worry.

The 2010 Annual Poverty Indicator Survey reveals that 16 percent of the 13 million youth from age six to 24 are out-of-school youth. These are actually the ones who are not getting the direct benefits from the changes in Philippine educational system, although they are still part of the new generation who need to acquire the 21st century skills.

There is alternative learning system or ALS for those who still want to pursue schooling. However, the question is, is the program enough to educate all the out-of-school youth all throughout the archipelago? Can the increase in budget for education grace the out-of-school youth with more opportunities?

The things mentioned are actually what the government does in the superficial level of remedying the problem of the deteriorating quality of Philippine education nowadays. However, we should also look deeper into the rendering of knowledge and skills in Philippine education. Are the students throughout the country well-taught? If so, does it reflect on their performances?

The 2010-2011 Global Competitiveness Report of the World Economic Forum showed that the Philippines is seventh among the eight Southeast Asian nations in education, and ranked 69th among the 138 countries in educational system. This shows that the Philippines still has to work much on education to raise our ranking, because it implies that efforts in innovating our educational system is still insufficient to be at par with the developed countries. The 2003 results of the Trends in International Math and Science Study otherwise known as TIMSS indicated that in both Math and Science, the Philippines is in the bottom five. In Mathematics for Grade IV, we were on the 23rd spot, out of 25. In Science, we were 42nd, among the 45 participants. These show the dismal place of the Philippines in international rankings in terms of student performance in particular, and the educational system in general. With the current changes in our educational system, there is hope in improving our international rankings.

We are currently building new classrooms, hiring teachers and printing more textbooks this year. This year, the budget for education is P232.59 billion. For next year, 2014, the proposed budget for education is P281.75 billion, with a P49 billion or 12 percent increase. However, as we see the trajectory we are going, we are confronted by the fact that we have to carefully assess if we are doing enough to ensure that budgetary requirements for K to 12 implementation are indeed met. This is why I propose that there should be an incremental increase of budget allocation for the education sector for the proper implementation of K to12 to address the problems of lack of classrooms, qualified teachers, textbooks, other instructional materials and other school facilities like laboratories and libraries.

Mme. Speaker, certainly, our educational system is undergoing a major overhauling in order to render the Filipino society with education which is at par with that of other countries, taking into account the new standards set as a result of the globalization. Our efforts to globalize our education requires us to take giant strides in addressing the problems it entails. In this gargantuan task, all of us are stakeholders.

The society will be crippled if we, lawmakers, will be just bystanders, watching things shape up in our system. The stark reality that statistics show us heightens the urgency of the total commitment and dedication in achieving our goals. Hence, mediocrity is a crime when we realize the stringent demand of globalization in our education.

Thank you very much, Mme. Speaker.

THE PRESIDING OFFICER (Rep. Binay). The Dep. Majority Leader is recognized.

REP. ORTEGA (F.). Mme. Speaker, before we proceed, may we first acknowledge the presence of some guests of our distinguished colleagues.

THE PRESIDING OFFICER (Rep. Binay). Please proceed.


REP. ORTEGA (F.). We have here the guests of the Gentleman from the First District of Parañaque City, the faculty and students of the College of Education and Political Science of the Olivarez College in Parañaque, headed by Prof. Zernan Dimaiwat, Dean of Student Affairs; and Prof. Teresita Abuan, head, College of Education. (Applause)

THE PRESIDING OFFICER (Rep. Binay). Welcome to the House of Representatives.

REP. ORTEGA (F.). Mme. Speaker, we also have the guests of the Gentleman from the First District of Leyte, the Hon. Ferdinand Martin G. Romualdez. We have here Mr. Samuel N. Salvacion, Mr. Feliz Barrion and the students from the Eastern Visayas State University. (Applause)

THE PRESIDING OFFICER (Rep. Binay). The guests of the Honorable Romualdez are welcome to the House of Representatives.


REP. ORTEGA (F.). Mme. Speaker, the Gentleman from the Second District of Parañaque City, the Hon. Gustavo “Gus” S. Tambunting, wishes to be recognized.

THE PRESIDING OFFICER (Rep. Binay). The Honorable Tambunting is recognized.

REP. TAMBUNTING. Thank you very much, Mme. Speaker.

I would like to ask if the Gentleman from the First District, a friend and kumpare, would be willing to yield to some questions from this Representation.

REP. OLIVAREZ. Yes, I am yielding, Mme. Speaker.

REP. TAMBUNTING. Thank you very much.First of all, alam ko po naman na isa kayo sa

pinakamagaling sa Lungsod ng Parañaque. Nakasama ko kayo bilang konsehal noong ako ay presiding officer, at talagang pagdating sa larangan ng edukasyon ay talagang hindi matatawaran ang inyong galing. But I would just like to ask some questions tungkol po sa K to 12 privilege speech ninyo. Also, I would like to congratulate you for a well-researched privilege speech.

My first question would be—would you agree that change always gears towards improvements? Kasi sabi ninyo the K to 12 is a quantum leap from the former basic education program and as such, it is a major overhaul to our basic education program towards the competitiveness of our education system, as well as our students, hence, change takes time to be realized, similar to the change brought about by the K to 12 program. So, kayo ba ay sumasang-ayon na ang pagbabago ay lagi para sa ikabubuti ng programang edukasyon?

REP. OLIVAREZ. With regard to the Enhanced Basic Education Act of 2013, otherwise known as Republic Act No. 10523, I believe this is a big leap as far as educational system in the Philippines is concerned. One, because we are one of the three countries in the world, including Angola and Djibouti, who have 10 years of basic education, and we are

lagging behind other countries. So, it is high time to have 12 years of basic education.

With regard to the Grades 11 and 12, there are three tracks that students can pursue: academics, technical-vocational, and livelihood. So, once they have pursued and finished technical-vocational and livelihood, they can pursue employment right away because there will be a National Certificate (NC) II certified or NC I certified under the Technical Education and Skills Development Act of 1994.

The third track will be in the area of sports and arts. So, it is high time that we implement K to 12, the 12 years basic education in the Philippines.

REP. TAMBUNTING. So, definitely, pareho po tayo na talagang mas maganda po ang K to12 kaysa iyong dati sistema, at ito ay mai-implement effective 2016. Ngayon po, sa aking kaibigan, ang ikalawang tanong ko, hindi kaya pondo ang pinakamalaking problema kaya medyo kayo ay may kaunting concern na baka hindi ma-implement nang tama ang K to 12?

REP. OLIVAREZ. That is very true. At present, P232.59 billion was allotted for the Department of Education and the proposed budget for next year is P281.75 billion. Although there is an increase of P49 billion or 12 percent increase, it is still deficient and an increase on the budget is still needed. As I have mentioned during my privilege speech, at present, there is a shortage of 150,000 classrooms. There is still a shortage of 145,000 teachers, 135,000 shortage of toilets and sanitation facilities, 62.4 million textbooks and 2.6 million school seats. So, at present, it is still lacking. With the implementation of K to 12 come 2016, the students will be pursuing Grade 11, so that would mean additional students who would be enrolling in Grade 11. So, we will be in need of more classrooms, more qualified teachers come 2016. The best solution as I mentioned in my privilege speech, is to increase the budget of the Department of Education in order to accommodate students going to Grades 11 and 12 come 2016 and 2017.

REP. TAMBUNTING. Earlier ay nagsalita ang isa sa ating kasama, ang iginagalang na Congressman Biazon, at mayroon siyang inihain na resolusyon na ang PDAF natin na P25.2 billion ay ilagay ng buong-buo o idagdag sa pondo ng DepEd. Kayo po ba ay sumasang-ayon?

REP. OLIVAREZ. I agree that there should be additional budget allotted for the Department of Education. Yes, I believe that additional budget should be allotted for the Department of Education in order to accommodate the needs of the department with regard to additional classrooms, school buildings and teachers.

REP. TAMBUNTING. At least, nakasisiguro na tayo na may susuporta sa iminumungkahi na joint resolution ni Congressman Biazon. Ngayon po, I would like to know, do you have any pending measure relative to your speech? As you have stated, we should not only be bystanders notwithstanding the oversight function of Congress. As such, do you wish to propose any measure relative to your speech?

REP. OLIVAREZ. One proposal I would like to come


up with based on my speech is to increase the budget for the Department of Education in order to address the problems of K to 12, especially come 2016.

REP. TAMBUNTING. So, considering that the mechanisms are still insurmountable and has to be brainstormed by the DepEd, the CHED, the TESDA and all other agencies and bodies concerned with the implementation of the law, it is proper to include those concerns you mentioned in order for it to be effective and that the transition be smooth. May I also suggest that a house resolution be submitted to this effect. Will you be amenable to that?

REP. OLIVAREZ. I am amenable to that, Mme. Speaker.

REP. TAMBUNTING. Thank you Mme. Speaker.

THE PRESIDING OFFICER (Rep. Binay). The Dep. Majority Leader is recognized.

REP. ORTEGA (F.). Mme. Speaker, may the Honorable Biazon be recognized.

THE PRESIDING OFFICER (Rep. Binay). The Honorable Biazon is recognized.

REP. BIAZON. Thank you, Mme. Speaker.Will the Gentleman from Parañaque City, my neighbor,

yield to some questions?

REP. OLIVAREZ. I yield, Mme. Speaker.

REP. BIAZON. Thank you for your well-researched privilege speech.

I got confused because when I asked the DepEd officials this morning as to how many high school students there are in this country today, the answer was 2.1 million; and in your privilege speech, it seems that that is even less than half. Do I understand that there are more than 5 million high school students?

REP. OLIVAREZ. For school year 2012-2013, there are 1.88 million in high school and 1.22 million in elementary, in the private and public sector, respectively. There are 5.85 million in high school and 14.25 million in the elementary level in the public sector.

REP. BIAZON. Let us focus on the public high school students. May we know the number, is it 2.1 million, as the answer to my question this morning, or is it more than 5 million?

REP. OLIVAREZ. Based on the research/study made, it is 5.85 million in high school education.

REP. BIAZON. Thank you for that product of the research. It seems that our DepEd officials are not doing their own research.

So, if it is 5.8 million high school students, is it safe for us to assume, since we have added two more years to high school, that the additional requirements will be 50 percent of the present 5.8 million students?

REP. OLIVAREZ. Those who are in Grade 10 or fourth year high school students, will be pursuing Grade 11 come 2016.

REP. BIAZON. Yes. Iyong two years ang idinagdag natin. So, if we are working at the numbers, the figure for the assumption to be used should be 5.8 million students and the computation will be half of that, so that would be 2.9 million. My question is, if we have to provide additional classrooms for this 2.9 million students and considering that the standard being used is 45 students per class, how many additional classrooms do we need come 2016 and 2017?

REP. OLIVAREZ. We will be needing a lot. That is the reason, based on Republic Act No. 10533, that we will be needing help from the higher educational institutions as well as technical-vocational institutions to accommodate other students, especially those who are pursuing Grade 11 come 2016, because the public sector cannot accommodate …

REP. BIAZON. Additional …

REP. OLIVAREZ. … all those fourth year students or Grade 10 going to Grade 11.

REP. BIAZON. Yes.

REP. OLIVAREZ. So, they will be needing help …

REP. BIAZON. Yes.

REP. OLIVAREZ. … in the private sector.

REP. BIAZON. Okay. There is just a problem. If we are going to rely on the TESDA, how many schools do they have? A high school is supposed to be provided at least one per barangay in the 43,000 barangays of the country. Meaning, the TESDA is not located everywhere. For example, if there is no high school in a specific barangay and the students of that barangay have to travel and probably commute to the high school of the next barangay of the town, this is a major factor why many of our high school aged children do not go to school anymore, kasi mamamasahe pa, hindi ba?

So here, I think we need to have the Department of Education submit to Congress how much we need to address the shortages that will be the consequence of the implementation of the K to 12 in high school. I am only talking—I am not even including the Kinder yet--about the high school. Iyon po, kailangan siguro i-submit sa atin ng DepEd, ilan bang additional classrooms ang kailangan natin para ma-implement ang K to 12—the two additional classes in high school? How many teachers do we need to implement the K to 12 in high school?

Since there is a change in the curriculum, dahil iyong technical and vocational component of the high school course will require equipment such as teaching aids. Halimbawa, magtuturo tayo ng computer literacy, ilang computer po ang kailangan natin? Do we have a computation? Kung magtuturo tayo ng automotive subjects, ano ang kailangan natin diyan? Kung magtuturo tayo ng driving sa estudyante, ilang sasakyan ang kailangan natin? Kung magtuturo tayo ng Hotel and Restaurant Management—noong araw kasi, considering


my age, mayroon Home Economics, mayroong classroom na pagtuturuan ng Home Economics—ilang ganyan ang kailangan natin?

I think we should ask the Department of Education to inform Congress kung ano ba ang kailangan para masagot ang pagbabago doon sa high school. Ilang classrooms ang kailangan? Ilang teachers ang kailangan? Hindi lang ilang teachers ha, these teachers we are going to ask to teach the techno-vocational component of high school will have to be trained. Will they be—kapag magtuturo ng computer literacy-- kailangan computer literate ang teacher hindi ba? Bihira sa mga teachers natin ang marunong kumalampag doon sa computer, so tuturuan pa natin sila. How much will we need for the maintenance of the computer sets, for example? Mapo-project ba natin iyan? The computers are, I think, manufactured with the principle of dynamic obsolescence. Ano ang ibig sabihin noon? Iyong magma-manufacture ng computer will see to it na hindi perpetual iyong computer, otherwise wala ng bibili. Iyon ang tinatawag na dynamic obsolescence in the manufacture of IT equipment.

Mme. Speaker, maybe we will really need to have our Department of Education submit to Congress these requirement. Iyong GASTPE po—hindi ba iyong GASTPE, sabi nila when it was thought of, it was supposed to be a temporary stop gap, band-aid measure, to provide for the gaps in the number of classrooms, et cetera. Now, is this GASTPE Program intended to be a permanent program? Is this going to be a permanent program?

REP. OLIVAREZ. Mme. Speaker, it is just an aid; it

cannot resolve the problem. REP. BIAZON. Eksakto. Hindi pa natin alam kung kailan

natin maa-attain ang self-sufficiency of the DepEd to teach our public school children, hindi ba? Hindi pa natin alam iyan. At eto pa ang tanong—iyong taga-Cebu, our colleague who owns a school, …

REP. OLIVAREZ. Yes. REP. BIAZON. … Rep. Gullas. When he was asked

about the GASTPE Program as a stop gap measure, and his school was being asked to accept high school students dahil wala pa tayong classrooms at teachers kapag ipinatupad na iyang K to 12 na iyan, ang sabi niya P10,000 ang isang estudyante. Okay. Lugi daw siya doon. This is the same answer I got from credible private schools. Sabi nila, “Lugi kami diyan.” Ang tatanggap ng P10,000 per student a year ang mga diploma mills, Kasi ang isusuweldo nila sa kanilang teachers, dadagdag pa sila. Ito po siguro ang kailangan after the budget deliberations, there should be an in-depth examination of the implementation of the K to 12 to determine the consequent needs as a result of the implementation para alam ng Kongreso kung magkano ang total. Halimbawa, ang sinasabi nilang P37.7 billion for additional 33,000 classrooms yata iyon, that is only to fill up the shortage, the current shortage. Among the teachers, that is only to fill up the current shortage. Hindi pa na- input diyan ang kailangan to implement the K to 12, hindi po ba? Kawawa naman ang susunod na Presidente. Sa 2016 at 2017 walang ga-graduate sa high school.

Wala ring papasok sa kolehiyo. Kaya po ang tanong ko sa Philippine Military Academy, pag walang ga-graduate sa high school sa 2016 at 2017, sino ang papasok sa inyo? Hindi lang Philippine Military Academy, lahat ng colleges, lahat ng universities—can you imagine for two years walang pumapasok sa kanila? There must be an in-depth study of this not only with the DepEd but including the CHED. Kailangan pong pag-aralan ito.

Remember, Mme. Speaker, here we are talking of the future of this country. Baka po the chaotic resultant situation because of the implementation of the K to 12 will get us a batch of future leaders in this country, future leaders of our communities, future leaders of our families who would be parents in the future. Baka po mayroon tayong Confucius diyan. Kaya ito po, siguro, if I may, that after the budget deliberations, we may have to get together with the DepEd, we may have to get together with the CHED, we may have to get together with the CEAP or the Catholic Educational Association of the Philippines and other members of the education community, education sectors, to really sit down and study what we have to do, not only us in Congress, not only those in the Executive Department, but including our communities themselves.

So, may I ask that this be looked into and propose that after the budget deliberations, hindi na natin mapag-uusapan ito except for my filed proposed Joint Resolution of Congress, where the P25.2 billion worth of PDAF be realigned to the DepEd for the Year 2014, para at least maumpisahan na nilang maibigay o magawa kung ano ang kakailanganin by 2016 and 2017. Would the Gentleman agree?

REP. OLIVAREZ. I agree, Mme. Speaker.

REP. BIAZON. Thank you for the education I got from your privilege speech, especially in the accuracy of figures that the DepEd officials gave to us this morning.

Thank you, Mme. Speaker.

THE PRESIDING OFFICER (Rep. Binay). The Asst. Majority Leader is recognized.

REP. GULLAS. Mme. Speaker, I move that we refer the speech of the Hon. Eric L. Olivarez, together with the interpellation, to the appropriate committee.

THE PRESIDING OFFICER (Rep. Binay). Is there any objection? (Silence) The Chair hears none; the speech of the Honorable Olivarez and the interpellation are referred to the appropriate committee.


REP. ORTEGA (F.). Mme. Speaker, I move that we extend the Privilege Hour for another 30 minutes.

THE PRESIDING OFFICER (Rep. Binay). Is there any objection? (Silence) The Chair hears none; the Privilege Hour is hereby extended.

The Asst. Majority Leader is recognized.

REP. GULLAS. Mme. Speaker, the Gentleman from the First District of Sulu, Hon. Tupay T. Loong, wishes to be recognized.


THE PRESIDING OFFICER (Rep. Binay). The Hon. Tupay T. Loong is hereby recognized.

PRIVILEGE SPEECH OF REP. LOONG

REP. LOONG. Thank you, Mme. Speaker.Mme. Speaker, distinguished colleagues, guests, ladies

and gentlemen, Assalamu Alaikum wa Rahmatullahi wa Barakatuhu!

The last privilege speech I delivered towards the end of the Fifteenth Congress was on the issue of lasting peace in Mindanao when I called upon my honorable colleagues in this hallowed Chamber to extend their full support in our quest for a lasting and acceptable peace in Mindanao.

Today, as we open the Sixteenth Congress, I stand before you again, Mme. Speaker and distinguished colleagues, on a personal and collective privilege, to appeal once again for your support in our quest for a lasting and meaningful peace in Mindanao. We have already joined not only the rebel forces fighting against the government, but also the criminal elements operating in the area if only to survive the harsh reality of life in Mindanao.

This recently, Mme. Speaker, Chairman Nur Misuari has assembled his main MNLF forces numbering in thousands fully armed and strong in Lampaki, Indanan, Sulu, intending to declare its independence and freedom from the Philippine Republic after it was given notice by the Organization of Islamic Conference that the Philippine government has already informed the OIC of its unilateral wish to terminate the six-year old review of the MNLF-Philippine Government 1996 Final Peace Agreement. While other MNLF factions accepted the invitation of the OIC for consultation with regard to the termination of the review of the Philippine Government-MNLF agreement, Chairman Misuari vehemently rejected the invitation and threatened to bring the case of the Moro National Liberation Front vis-à-vis its struggle for self-determination and independence to the United Nations.

On August 19, 2013, the MNLF supporters and sympathizers marched to the town of Jolo to hold their declaration of independence rally. Attempt by the local government to stop them for being illegal and seditious was futile which almost ended in a bloody gun battle between the local government security forces and the Moro National Liberation Front.

Very early this morning, September 9, Mme. Speaker, hundreds of heavily armed elements of the Moro National Liberation Front attacked the city of Zamboanga, engaged the Philippine government forces in gun battle in densely populated areas, driving people away from their homes in fear and in panic to escape from the horror of crossfire and the consequence of becoming human shields and hostages. The gun battle continues to rage up to this moment which may have already claimed lives from both sides including innocent civilians. As a consequence, offices and classes in the city have already been suspended. Airline flights from the city have already been cancelled. My heartfelt sympathy to the innocent victims of this attack.

If the Philippine government is not alarmed by this recent unfolding event in the region, Mme. Speaker, this humble Representation and other political leaders of Sulu are disturbed and deeply worried that the Zamboanga attack may

eventually develop into a worse situation than the February 7, 1974 attack in the town of Jolo where the MNLF forces also engaged the entire Armed Forces of the Philippines in a devastating armed battle resulting in the total burning and destruction of the towns of Jolo. There were hundreds of deaths on both sides, hundreds of deaths among innocent civilians, thousands of refugees to the neighboring places including Sabah, hundreds of million pesos of properties lost and the impoverishment of the people of Sulu.

This incident, Mme. Speaker, just to remind us all, has attracted international attention including the United Nations and the Organization of Islamic Conference. The government of Saudi Arabia, another Muslim country, Mme. Speaker, had taken serious cognizance of this incident and for a time had imposed a ban of hiring Christian workers from the Philippines. I am sure we do not want a similar incident to happen in this country again.

Given this prevailing deteriorating peace and order situation in our homeland, Mme. Speaker, I wish to suggest the following measures, which I believe should be undertaken to bring comprehensive, lasting durable and acceptable peace in Mindanao:

First, if there is none yet, the Philippine government must device a comprehensive peace plan and a comprehensive peace process concerning all Muslim rebel forces in the country, in consultation with responsible and respected Muslim political, traditional and religious leaders.

Second, the Philippine peace initiative must not divide the Bangsamoro people. It must unite them. The signing of the peace agreement with the Moro Islamic Liberation Front or the MILF must not supplant previous peace agreements with the Moro National Liberation Front because it will bring animosity, resentment and hostility among the Bangsamoro people. It may solve one problem but create another. The new agreement must complement the old agreements. Hence, the government must reconcile all its agreements with the rebel forces so as to bring unity and understanding among the Muslim rebel forces.

Third, the Philippine government must implement in full all its agreements and commitment to the Muslim rebel forces, including the 1996 Final Peace Agreement with the Moro National Liberation Front which has already been given some meaning in the Organic Act for the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao under Republic Act No. 9054.

It should never be set aside for incorporation with another peace agreement; and

Fourth, the Philippine government must continue to pursue vigorously the finalization of Bangsamoro Framework Agreement with the MILF to its logical conclusion according to its timetable, but it must not merely set aside nor disregard the ARMM Organic Act and the 1996 Final Peace Agreement, which must be included among the bases for the framing of the Bangsamoro Basic Law to be passed. Their significant and salient features that best serve the interest of peace and the people of Mindanao, must be incorporated.

In this regard, Mme. Speaker, I wish to enjoin my Muslim brothers and sisters in government service, in the academe, in private business, professionals, ulemas, fisherfolk, farmers and all peace-loving Bangsamoro to support and participate actively in this peace process, and to call upon our brother and sister- rebels, especially the Moro National Liberation


Front and the MILF, to unite their effort as one Ummah as commanded by Allahu Subhanahu Wa Ta’ala in the pursuit of the dreams and aspirations of the Bangsamoro people through peaceful means.

Likewise, from this hallowed hall of Congress, I wish to call upon my former comrades in arms, the Moro National Liberation Front, with whom I and my entire clan have once served faithfully and loyally at the height of martial law and with whom we continue to share the same vision and aspiration for our people and homeland; and the Moro Islamic Liberation Front, with whom I strongly share hope for our people and homeland as well as other Muslims; and the government forces to come together as one people and unite their efforts to face the Philippine government in bringing comprehensive and lasting peace to the nation through peaceful means.

Mme. Speaker, thank you and Assalam Alaikum wa Rahmatullahi wa Barakatuhu!


REP. GULLAS. Mme. Speaker, the Gentleman of the Lone District of Muntinlupa, the Hon. Rodolfo G. Biazon wishes to be recognized.

THE PRESIDING OFFICER (Rep. Binay). The Honorable Biazon is recognized.

REP. BIAZON. Thank you, Mme. Speaker.Would the Gentleman from Sulu yield to some

questions.

REP. LOONG. Please rise.

REP. BIAZON. Mme. Speaker, in 1972, I was a battalion commander deployed when the MNLF problem erupted. As a matter of fact, my colleague and I were in the opposite sides at that time—if you remember the group that was termed “Magic 8”.

REP. LOONG. Yes.

REP. BIAZON. That is past and now, all of us are looking for peace in Mindanao. The question is: how do we do this? We tried to implement, come up with an agreement called the Tripoli Agreement of 1976. The Tripoli Agreement led to the 1996 Jakarta Peace Accord and as a result of the Jakarta Agreement, we had the Organic Law creating the ARMM as it is still today.

Now, Mme. Speaker, at the outset of the proceedings of the OPAPP, the Peace Panel – Office of the Presidential Adviser to the Peace Process I had proposed that we first create a group to study the full implementation – whether or not the Tripoli Agreement and the Jakarta Peace Accord of 1996 had been fully implemented by government. It seems that the MILF separated first from the MNLF because they thought that there was no full implementation of the Tripoli Agreement and the Jakarta Peace Accord of 1996. So they separated. I had proposed that there should be an examination of the implementation by the government of these two internationally recognized agreements, and other such side

agreements like the creation of the SZOPAD, creation of the SPCPD, et cetera.

So, I proposed a consultation with the MNLF. We cannot have peace in Mindanao if we come up with the agreement with the MILF that is not acceptable to the MNLF, that is not acceptable with the traditional leaders of the Muslim community. I am referring to the datus and the sultans, the imams and the ustadz. I am referring to a consultation with the political leaders of Mindanao – the mayors, the governors, et cetera. I am also proposing that there should be a consultation with the peripheral provinces surrounding the ARMM, because if there is any solution to the problem, they will benefit, but if the solution is wrong, they, too, will suffer.

So, Mme. Speaker, this morning something happened. Preceeding this event this morning was a seeming declaration by Nur Misuari of the intention to secede. When you declare independence from a government, you are seceding from the government and therefore, that declaration of independence could be a seditious statement. I think the government gave Nur Misuari allowances for it, but what happened this morning, which resulted in deaths—policemen, I do not know if there are civilian casualties; and then the hostaging. The last report I got from Mindanao was that there were 37 hostages held in one school and one mosque. If this is true, there is a serious violation of the laws of the Republic and therefore, if we are after the rule of law in this country, the Philippine National Police, the Armed Forces of the Philippines, must address this incident so that it may not spread; so that it may not escalate to something that none of us would desire.

So, Mme. Speaker, in your view, are the agencies of security in this country— the Philippine National Police and the Armed Forces of the Philippines — now taking steps, number one, to ensure the rule of law in this country; and number two, to prevent the escalation or worsening of the situation?

REP. LOONG. Mme. Speaker, this is the main reason this humble Representation delivered this privilege speech— to get the sympathy and support of this House of Representatives—because if we are not going to adopt certain measures to stop this incident, definitely, this will escalate in other places. Right now, I just received a call from someone in Sulu— the Moro National Liberation Front is now regrouping in Patikul, in Indahan, with the intention to attack military installations. Now, Mme. Speaker, the point that I would like to make, the government— since we are now serious in dealing with this problem to resolve this once and for all, I think the best way is for the OPAPP, the Office of the Presidential Adviser for Peace Process, to really review what is actually happening now. In fact, the position of this humble Representation since the beginning, I would like to propose to the Peace Panel that the concern of the Moro Islamic Liberation Front must be first resolved totally before we will go into another agreement. Since the agreement is already there, the so-called Framework Agreement, and without putting an end to the 1996 Peace Agreement, I think the initiative of the government should now be to reconcile the two agreements and incorporate the agreements.

I was informed that there were contentious issues, 42


contentious issues, as a result of the review of the 1996 Peace Agreement now embodied in the Organic Law and that 42 contentious issues, to my view, must be incorporated in the proposed draft of the Transitory Commission in response to the Framework Agreement so that we can have one Organic Law that will incorporate the concern of the MNLF and the concern of the Moro Islamic Liberation Front. In my own opinion, we cannot introduce two solutions to only one problem because the MNLF is fighting for the same area, fighting for the same cause, and the MILF is also fighting for the same cause, so there is no reason we are going to introduce two solutions for only one problem. That is my view, Mme Speaker.

REP. BIAZON. Thank you, Mme. Speaker.The question is, the Framework Agreement is not a

final agreement. The finality of this proposal will come when Congress enacts a new Organic Law; and that is going to be drafted by the Transition Commission and submitted to Congress for us to do what is supposed to be done, to have a new Organic Law. Now, I think the issues of the MNLF— by the way, may I ask, if I may be permitted, when we say MNLF, which group is this? I understand there are now three factions of the MNLF. Is this true, Mme. Speaker?

REP. LOONG. To the best of my knowledge, Mme. Speaker, the MNLF now creating a serious problem in the city of Zamboanga is the MNLF loyal to Nur Misuari.

REP. BIAZON. All right.

REP. LOONG. That is the MNLF I am referring to. Of course, there are groups which claim to be MNLF but the mainstream of the MNLF is still the MNLF identified with the group of Nur Misuari.

REP. BIAZON. This is the one that is recognized by the OIC?

REP. LOONG. That is correct.

REP. BIAZON. All right. The development in the immediate past is this—I understand that the MNLF’s Executive Council of 15 had ousted Misuari as chairman. So, now, if we are talking of Nur Misuari as a separate entity from the Council of 15, then we have at least two groups, and I understand there is a third one. Who may this group be?

REP. LOONG. The idea of this Representation is that the government should take the initiative to bring all these groups together. I think the government is in a better position to come up with that initiative so that these several factions of MNLF fighting for the same cause—I understand this is only a power struggle for leadership, …

REP. BIAZON. Yes.

REP. LOONG. … if they will understand really the situation of rebelling, I think they should sacrifice personal differences. Instead, they should give priority on the main objective of this rebellion—of this struggle.

REP. BIAZON. Which do you think, Mme. Speaker, would be more effective in effecting unity among the three factions? I am only talking of the three factions of the MNLF. Would the government be the one, or should it be a group of non-political leaders such as the Bishops-Ulama something? Maybe, with the membership of some datus, the traditional leaders of the area—the datus and the sultans, the imams and the ustadz—do you not think that, if these people bond together and play the peacekeeper’s role, this is going to be a little bit more effective than when it is the government that is doing it?

REP. LOONG. To me, Mme. Speaker, I think the best group is a non-political group. A religious group …

REP. BIAZON. Yes.

REP. LOONG. … composed of several ustadz, ulama, including our brother Christians, because the stakeholders are not just Muslims. Everybody is a stakeholder. I think they are also sympathetic to the cause because everybody wants peace. I think the best way is to tap a non-political group to approach these people and explain to them the significance of unity.

REP. BIAZON. All right. That is a good proposal.Finally, Mme. Speaker, I would probably ask my last

question. Would you think that this is a matter for the OPAPP to address?

REP. LOONG. Precisely, because it is the agency of the government given the task to play an important role in order for this group to be reunited. They should take the responsibility to finance any group which will handle this action to initiate reconciliation among divided factions of the Moro National Liberation Front.

REP. BIAZON. Leaving the question of the incident this morning to the Executive Department—for the proper agencies of the Executive Department to address—would you say that there is a need for Congress to take a look or conduct an inquiry, not investigation but an inquiry? Or would you wait for the submission of the proposed new Organic Law by the Transition Commission for these matters to come to the attention of Congress and for it to take action?

REP. LOONG. I think this is within the jurisdiction of the Committee on National Defense and Security because this is a matter that concerns national security. I think we can take some initiative to have a congressional inquiry as to why this incident happened.

REP. BIAZON. All right. This Representation will end here, and probably, if there is a motion for the conduct of an inquiry, I would propose that it will not be the Committee on National Defense and Security as the primary committee, but the Department of the Interior and Local Government because the DILG is both political and addresses security issues as well.

Maybe, the Committee on National Defense and Security might come in secondarily, but there is another committee, the Committee on Peace, Reconciliation and Unity.


REP. LOONG. Maybe the Committee on Peace, Reconciliation and Unity.

REP. BIAZON. Yes. Thank you, Mme. Speaker.


REP. ABAYA. Mme. Speaker, I move that we refer the speech of the Gentleman from the First District of Sulu, Hon. Tupay T. Loong, together with the interpellations thereon, to the appropriate committee.

THE PRESIDING OFFICER (Rep. Binay). Is there any objection? (Silence) The Chair hears none; the motion is approved.

The speech of the Hon. Tupay T. Loong and the interpellations thereon are hereby referred to the appropriate committee.

The Asst. Majority Leader is recognized.

REP. ABAYA. Mme. Speaker, I move that we terminate the Privilege Hour.

THE PRESIDING OFFICER (Rep. Binay). Is there any objection? (Silence) The Chair hears none; the motion is approved.

The Privilege Hour is hereby terminated.

ADJOURNMENT OF SESSION

REP. ABAYA. Mme. Speaker, I move to adjourn the session until tomorrow, Tuesday, September 10, at 4:00 p.m.

THE PRESIDING OFFICER (Rep. Binay). The session is adjourned until tomorrow, September 10, 2013, at 4:00 p.m.

It was 7:21 p.m.

Published by the Publication and Editorial Service, Plenary Affairs BureauThe Congressional Record can be accessed through the Downloads Center of the official website

of the House of Representatives at www.congress.gov.phAZB/09122013/1655

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