wednesday, august 26, 2020 no. 4e · 2020. 10. 2. · wednesday, august 26, 2020 th 18 congress 2rs...

RESUMPTION OF SESSION

At 3:00 p.m., the session was resumed with Deputy Speaker Michael L. Romero, PhD, presiding.

THE DEPUTY SPEAKER (Rep. Romero).

The session is resumed. Majority Leader.

REP. AGLIPAY. Mr. Speaker, I move that we now proceed with the Reference of Business and request that the Secretary General be directed to read the titles of bills, resolutions on First Reading, as well as communications and committee reports.

THE DEPUTY SPEAKER (Rep. Romero). The Secretary General is advised to read the bills on First Reading.

ADDITIONAL REFERENCE OF BUSINESS

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

BILLS ON FIRST READING

House Bill No. 7484, entitled:“AN ACT INSTITUTIONALIZING

A SCHOOL MODERNIZATION AND INNOVATION PROGRAM FOR PUBLIC ELEMENTARY AND SECONDARY SCHOOLS, PROVIDING FUNDS THEREFOR AND FOR OTHER PURPOSES”

By Representative Suntay

TO THE COMMITTEE ON BASIC EDUCATION AND CULTURE

House Bill No. 7485, entitled:“AN ACT PROVIDING FOR THE

IDENTIFICATION, ASSESSMENT, AND EDUCATION OF CHILDREN W I T H A U T I S M S P E C T R U M DISORDER”

By Representative SuntayTO THE COMMITTEE ON WELFARE OF

CHILDREN

House Bill No. 7486, entitled:“AN ACT PROVIDING FOR A MORE

INCLUSIVE AND RESPONSIVE STUDENT LOAN PROGRAM FOR TERTIARY EDUCATION, AMENDING FOR THE PURPOSE REPUBLIC ACT NO. 10931, OTHERWISE KNOWN AS THE ‘UNIVERSAL ACCESS TO QUALITY TERTIARY EDUCATION ACT’ ”

By Representative SuntayTO THE COMMITTEE ON HIGHER AND

TECHNICAL EDUCATION

House Bill No. 7489, entitled:“ A N A C T C R E A T I N G A

DEPARTMENT OF FISHERIES A N D A Q U A T I C R E S O U R C E S , PROVIDING FOR ITS POWERS A N D F U N C T I O N S , A N D F O R OTHER PURPOSES”

By Representative VillafuerteT O T H E C O M M I T T E E O N

GOVERNMENT REORGANIZATION A N D T H E C O M M I T T E E O N AQUACULTURE AND FISHERIES RESOURCES

Congressional RecordPLENARY PROCEEDINGS OF THE 18th CONGRESS, SECOND REGULAR SESSION

House of Representatives

Vol. 1 Wednesday, August 26, 2020 No. 4e

1907PHILIPPINES

HOU

SE O

F REPRESENTATIVES

2 Congressional Record • 18th Congress 2RS v.1 WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 26, 2020

House Bill No. 7490, entitled:“AN ACT GRANTING HAZARD

PAY TO PRIVATE AND PUBLIC HEALTHCARE WORKERS DURING THE 2019 CORONAVIRUS DISEASE (COVID-19) PANDEMIC”

By Representative VillafuerteTO THE DEFEAT COVID-19 AD HOC

COMMITTEE

House Bill No. 7491, entitled:“AN ACT PROTECTING CONSUMERS

AND MERCHANTS ENGAGED IN INTERNET TRANSACTIONS, CREATING FOR THE PURPOSE T H E E C O M M E R C E B U R E A U AND APPROPRIATING FUNDS THEREFOR”

By Representative VillafuerteTO THE COMMITTEE ON TRADE AND

INDUSTRY

House Bill No. 7492, entitled:“AN ACT FURTHER STRENGTHENING

THE GOVERNMENT SERVICE INSURANCE SYSTEM”

By Representative VillafuerteT O T H E C O M M I T T E E O N

GOVERNMENT ENTERPRISES AND PRIVATIZATION

House Bill No. 7493, entitled:“AN ACT MANDATING THE NATIONAL

AND LOCAL GOVERNMENTS TO PURCHASE THE PRODUCE OF LOCAL FARMERS OR PRODUCERS FOR RELIEF AND SCHOOL FEEDING PROGRAMS”

By Representative VillafuerteTO THE COMMITTEE ON AGRICULTURE

AND FOOD

House Bill No. 7494, entitled:“ A N A C T E S T A B L I S H I N G T H E

PHILIPPINE VIROLOGY SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY INSTITUTE AND APPROPRIATING FUNDS THEREFOR”

By Representative VillafuerteTO THE DEFEAT COVID-19 AD HOC

COMMITTEE

House Bill No. 7495, entitled:“AN ACT STRENGTHENING DRUG

PREVENTION AND CONTROL, AMENDING FOR THE PURPOSE REPUBLIC ACT NO. 9165, AS AMENDED, OTHERWISE KNOWN A S T H E ‘ C O M P R E H E N S I V E DANGEROUS DRUGS ACT OF 2002’ ”

By Representative VillafuerteTO THE COMMITTEE ON DANGEROUS

DRUGS

RESOLUTIONS

House Resolution No. 1157, entitled:“A RESOLUTION COMMENDING

QUARTERMASTER 2ND CLASS (QM2) RAYMUND JOSEPH OLLEY FOR HIS HEROIC ACTS FOR THE PHILIPPINES DURING THE WORLD WAR II”

By Representative RobesTO THE COMMITTEE ON VETERANS

AFFAIRS AND WELFARE

House Resolution No. 1158, entitled:“RESOLUTION FOR THE HOUSE OF

REPRESENTATIVES TO CALL OUT TO ALL DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH (DOH), PROVINCIAL AND DISTRICT HOSPITALS TO SECURE EXCLUSIVE WARDS FOR OUR VETERANS TO ENSURE THAT THEY WILL BE TAKEN CARE OF”

By Representative SavellanoTO THE COMMITTEE ON HEALTH

House Resolution No. 1159, entitled:“RESOLUTION FOR THE HOUSE OF

REPRESENTATIVES TO STRENGTHEN ITS CONGRESSIONAL POLICY AND BUDGET RESEARCH DEPARTMENT (CPBRD) BY INCREASING ITS NUMBER OF PERSONNEL AND ITS ANNUAL BUDGET”

By Representative SavellanoTO THE COMMITTEE ON ACCOUNTS

MESSAGES FROM THE SENATE

Message dated August 24, 2020, informing the House of Representatives that on

WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 26, 2020 18th Congress 2RS v.1 • Congressional Record 3

August 20, 2020, the Senate approved the Conference Committee Report of the Bicameral Conference Committee on the disagreeing provisions of Senate Bill No. 1564 and House Bill No. 6953, entitled:“AN ACT PROVIDING FOR COVID-

19 RESPONSE AND RECOVERY INTERVENTIONS AND PROVIDING MECHANISMS TO ACCELERATE THE RECOVERY AND BOLSTER THE RESILIENCY OF THE PHILIPPINE ECONOMY, PROVIDING FUNDS THEREFOR, AND FOR OTHER PURPOSES”

TO THE COMMITTEE ON RULES

Message dated August 24, 2020, informing the House of Representatives that on August 19, 2020, the Senate designated Senator Risa Hontiveros as additional conferee to the Bicameral Conference Committee on the disagreeing provisions of Senate Bill No. 1564, entitled:“AN ACT PROVIDING FOR COVID-

19 RESPONSE AND RECOVERY INTERVENTIONS AND PROVIDING MECHANISMS TO ACCELERATE THE RECOVERY AND BOLSTER THE RESILIENCY OF THE PHILIPPINE ECONOMY, PROVIDING FUNDS THEREFOR, AND FOR OTHER PURPOSES”;

and House Bill No. 6953, entitled:“AN ACT PROVIDING FOR COVID-

19 RESPONSE AND RECOVERY INTERVENTIONS AND PROVIDING MECHANISM TO ACCELERATE THE RECOVERY AND BOLSTER THE RESILIENCY OF THE PHILIPPINE ECONOMY, PROVIDING FUNDS THEREFOR, AND FOR OTHER PURPOSES”


COMMUNICATIONS

Letter dated June 8, 2020 of Aisha Mangotara-Azis, Municipal Mayor, Municipality of Matungao, Province of Lanao del Norte, providing the House of Representatives a copy of their Reports on Fund Utilization

and Status of Program/Project/Activity Implementation for the months of April and May of the Bayanihan Grant to Cities and Municipalities.T O T H E C O M M I T T E E O N

APPROPRIATIONS

Letter dated June 9, 2020 of Chelita C. Amatong, Municipal Mayor, Municipality of Nabunturan, Province of Davao de Oro, informing the House of Representatives that their Report on Fund Utilization and Status of Program/Project/Activity Implementation for the month of May 2020 of the Bayanihan Grant to Cities and Municipalities has been posted in their website (www.nabunturan.gov.ph) and in three (3) conspicuous public places in their locality.T O T H E C O M M I T T E E O N

APPROPRIATIONS

Letter dated June 10, 2020 of Al David T. Uy, City Mayor, Island Garden City of Samal, Province of Davao del Norte, informing the House of Representatives that their Reports on Fund Utilization and Status of Program/Project/Activity Implementation for the months of April and May 2020 of the Bayanihan Grant to Cities and Municipalities have been posted in their website (www.samalcity.gov.ph).T O T H E C O M M I T T E E O N

APPROPRIATIONS

Letter dated June 10, 2020 of Melodie J. Tolin, Municipal Mayor, Municipality of Salug, Province of Zamboanga del Norte, informing the House of Representatives that their Report on Fund Utilization and Status of Program/Project/Activity Implementation for the month of May 2020 of the Bayanihan Grant to Cities and Municipalities has been posted in three (3) conspicuous public places in their locality.T O T H E C O M M I T T E E O N

APPROPRIATIONS

Letter dated June 10, 2020 of Atty. Diosdado N. Gementiza, Jr., Municipal Mayor,


Municipality of San Isidro, Province of Bohol, informing the House of Representatives that their Reports on Fund Utilization and Status of Program/Project/Activity Implementation for the months of April and May 2020 of the Bayanihan Grant to Cities and Municipalities have been posted in three (3) conspicuous public places in their locality.T O T H E C O M M I T T E E O N

APPROPRIATIONS

Letter dated June 11, 2020 of Rosario K. Balais, Municipal Mayor, Municipality of Jimenez, Province of Misamis Occidental, informing the House of Representatives that their Report on Fund Utilization and Status of Program/Project/Activity Implementation as of May 31, 2020 of the Bayanihan Grant to Cities and Municipalities has been posted in three (3) conspicuous public places in their locality on June 8, 2020.T O T H E C O M M I T T E E O N

APPROPRIATIONS

Letter dated 23 June 2020 of Ambrosio C. Cruz, Jr., LMP Assistant National Auditor, LMP Bulacan Chapter President and Municipal Mayor, Municipality of Guiguinto, Province of Bulacan, submitting to the House of Representatives a copy of their Report on Fund Utilization and Status of Program/Project/Activity Implementation of the Bayanihan Grant to Cities and Municipalities.T O T H E C O M M I T T E E O N

APPROPRIATIONS

Letter dated June 29, 2020 of Dexter M. Uy, City Mayor, City of Catbalogan, Province of Samar, submitting to the House of Representatives a copy of their Report on Fund Utilization and Status of Program/Project/Activity Implementation for the month of May 2020 of the Bayanihan Grant to Cities and Municipalities.T O T H E C O M M I T T E E O N

APPROPRIATIONS

Letter dated June 29, 2020 of Kim Mikael G. Amador, Municipal Mayor, Municipality

of Manaoag, Province of Pangasinan, informing the House of Representatives that their Report on Fund Utilization and Status of Program/Project/Activity Implementation for the month of May 2020 of the Bayanihan Grant to Cities and Municipalities has been posted in their Municipality’s website (www.manaoag.gov.ph).T O T H E C O M M I T T E E O N

APPROPRIATIONS

Letter dated July 1, 2020 of Harris C.M. Ongchuan, Municipal Mayor, Municipality of Laoang, Province of Northern Samar, submitting to the House of Representatives a copy of their Report on Fund Utilization and Status of Program/Project/Activity Implementation for the month of June 2020 of the Bayanihan Grant to Cities and Municipalities.T O T H E C O M M I T T E E O N

APPROPRIATIONS

Letter dated July 3, 2020 of Atty. Mark N. Marcos, Municipal Mayor, Municipality of Naujan, Province of Oriental Mindoro, informing the House of Representatives that their Report on Fund Utilization and Status of Program/Project/Activity Implementation for the month of June 2020 of the Bayanihan Grant to Cities and Municipalities has been posted in their LGU website (www.naujan.gov.ph).T O T H E C O M M I T T E E O N

APPROPRIATIONS

Letter dated July 3, 2020 of Adrianne Mae J. Cuevas, City Mayor, City of Palayan, Province of Nueva Ecija, informing the House of Representatives that the said Municipality has complied with the following:1. Posting requirements prescribed under

RA No. 9184 and its 2019 Revised IRR, and all relevant policies issued by the GPPB;

2. Report on Fund Utilization and Status of Program/Project Implementation for the month of June 2020; and

3. Posted the reports on LGU’s website and in three (3) conspicuous public places.


T O T H E C O M M I T T E E O N APPROPRIATIONS

Letter dated July 6, 2020 of Patchito T. Eguia, Municipal Mayor, Municipality of Katipunan, Province of Zamboanga del Norte, notifying the House of Representatives that the said Municipality has complied with the posting and reporting requirements of the Implementation of the Program/Project/Activity for the month of June 2020 of the Bayanihan Grant to Cities and Municipalities in their website (www.katipunan.gov.ph) and in three (3) conspicuous public places in their locality.T O T H E C O M M I T T E E O N

APPROPRIATIONS

Letter dated July 6, 2020 of Dale B. Corvera, Provincial Governor, Province of Agusan del Norte, forwarding to the House of Representatives a copy of their Report on Fund Utilization and Status of Program/Project/Activity Implementation for the month of June 2020 of the Bayanihan Grant to Provinces.T O T H E C O M M I T T E E O N

APPROPRIATIONS

Letter dated July 6, 2020 of Geraldford N. Balbin, Municipal Mayor, Municipality of New Bataan, Province of Davao de Oro, informing the House of Representatives that their Report on Fund Utilization and Status of Program/Project/Activity Implementation for the month of June 2020 of the Bayanihan Grant to Cities and Municipalities has been posted in three (3) conspicuous public places in their locality on July 3, 2020.T O T H E C O M M I T T E E O N

APPROPRIATIONS

Letter dated July 7, 2020 of Carina R. Polinga, Municipal Mayor, Municipality of Siruma, Province of Camarines Sur, submitting to the House of Representatives a copy of their Report on Fund Utilization and Status of Program/Project/Activity Implementation for the month of June

2020 of the Bayanihan Grant to Cities and Municipalities.T O T H E C O M M I T T E E O N

APPROPRIATIONS

Letter dated 8 July 2020 of Gian Carlo F. Occeña, Municipal Mayor, Municipality of Sibalom, Province of Antique, submitting to the House of Representatives a copy of their Report on Fund Utilization and Status of Program/Project/Activity Implementation for the month of June 2020 of the Bayanihan Grant to Cities and Municipalities.T O T H E C O M M I T T E E O N

APPROPRIATIONS

Letter dated July 9, 2020 of Estelita M. Aquino, Municipal Mayor, Municipality of Moncada, Province of Tarlac, furnishing the House of Representatives a copy of their Reports on Fund Utilization and Status of Program/Project/Activity Implementation for the months of April, May and June 2020 of the Bayanihan Grant to Cities and Municipalities.T O T H E C O M M I T T E E O N

APPROPRIATIONS

Letter dated July 9, 2020 of Jonathan O. Mahimpit, Municipal Mayor, Municipality of President Roxas, Province of Cotabato, informing the House of Representatives that their Report on Fund Utilization and Status of Program/Project/Activity Implementation for the month of June 2020 of the Bayanihan Grant to Cities and Municipalities has been posted in their LGU website (www.presroxascot.com) and in three (3) conspicuous public places in their Province on July 9, 2020.T O T H E C O M M I T T E E O N

APPROPRIATIONS

Letter dated July 10, 2020 of Rosita U. Furigay, City Mayor, City of Lamitan, Province of Basilan, notifying the House of Representatives that their Reports on Fund Utilization and Status of Program/Project/Activity Implementation for the months of April, May and June 2020 of the Bayanihan


Grant to Cities and Municipalities have posted in three (3) conspicuous public places in their locality.T O T H E C O M M I T T E E O N

APPROPRIATIONS

Letter dated July 13, 2020 of Romulo M. Festin, Municipal Mayor, Municipality of San Jose, Province of Occidental Mindoro, informing the House of Representatives that their Report on Fund Utilization and Status of Program/Project/Activity Implementation for the month of June 2020 of the Bayanihan Grant to Cities and Municipalities has been posted in their official website and in three (3) conspicuous public places in their locality.T O T H E C O M M I T T E E O N

APPROPRIATIONS

Letter dated July 14, 2020 of Jayvee Tyron L. Uy, MPA, Provincial Governor, Province of Davao de Oro, informing the House of Representatives that their Report on Fund Utilization and Status of Program/Project/Activity Implementation for the month of June 2020 of the Bayanihan Grant to Provinces has been posted in their official website and in three (3) conspicuous public places in their locality.T O T H E C O M M I T T E E O N

APPROPRIATIONS

Letter dated July 14, 2020 of Judith del Rosario Cajes, Municipal Mayor, Municipality of Trinidad, Province of Bohol, informing the House of Representatives that their Report on Fund Utilization and Status of Program/Project/Activity Implementation for the month of June 2020 of the Bayanihan Grant to Cities and Municipalities has been posted in their LGU website and in three (3) conspicuous public places in their Province on July 10, 2020.T O T H E C O M M I T T E E O N

APPROPRIATIONS

Letter dated July 14, 2020 of Edwin D. Santiago, City Mayor, City of San Fernando, Province of Pampanga, informing the House of Representatives that their Report on Fund

Utilization and Status of Program/Project/Activity Implementation for the month of June 2020 of the Bayanihan Grant to Cities and Municipalities has been posted in their official website (cityofsanfernando.gov.ph) on July 13, 2020.T O T H E C O M M I T T E E O N

APPROPRIATIONS

Letter dated July 15, 2020 of Eufracio D. Caidic, Municipal Mayor, Municipality of Sibutad, Province of Zamboanga del Norte, notifying the House of Representatives that the said Municipality has complied with the posting and reporting requirements of the Implementation of the Program/Project/Activity for the month of June 2020 of the Bayanihan Grant to Cities and Municipalities in three (3) conspicuous public places in their Municipality.T O T H E C O M M I T T E E O N

APPROPRIATIONS

Letter dated July 15, 2020 of Rosalina G. Jalosjos, City Mayor, City of Dapitan, Province of Zamboanga del Norte, submitting to the House of Representatives a copy of their Report on Fund Utilization and Status of Program/Project/Activity Implementation for the month of June 2020 of the Bayanihan Grant to Cities and Municipalities.T O T H E C O M M I T T E E O N

APPROPRIATIONS

Letter dated 16 July 2020 of Cristina C. Diaz, Municipal Mayor, Municipality of San Mateo, Province of Rizal, informing the House of Representatives that their Report on Fund Utilization and Status of Program/Project/Activity Implementation for the month of May 2020 of the Bayanihan Grant to Cities and Municipalities has been posted in their LGU website (http://sanmateo.gov.ph) and in three (3) conspicuous public places in their locality on 02 June 2020.T O T H E C O M M I T T E E O N

APPROPRIATIONS

Email dated July 16, 2020 of Anthony S. Zapatos, Local Budget Officer, Municipality


of Libacao, Province of Aklan, submitting to the House of Representatives a copy of their Report on Fund Utilization and Status of Program/Project/Activity Implementation for the month of June 2020 of the Bayanihan Grant to Cities and Municipalities, attested by Charito I. Navarosa, Municipal Mayor.T O T H E C O M M I T T E E O N

APPROPRIATIONS

Letter dated July 17, 2020 of Melchor D. Diclas, MD, Provincial Governor, Province of Benguet, informing the House of Representatives that their Report on Fund Utilization and Status of Program/Project/Activity Implementation for the month of June 2020 of the Bayanihan Grant to Cities and Municipalities has been posted in their website.T O T H E C O M M I T T E E O N

APPROPRIATIONS

Letter dated July 17, 2020 of Sara Z. Duterte, City Mayor, City of Davao, Province of Davao del Sur, informing the House of Representatives that their Reports on Fund Utilization and Status of Program/Project/Activity Implementation for the months of May and June 2020 of the Bayanihan Grant to Cities and Municipalities have been posted in their official website (www.davaocity.gov.ph).T O T H E C O M M I T T E E O N

APPROPRIATIONS

Letter dated July 17, 2020 of Vincent F. Fernandez, Municipal Mayor, Municipality of Matanao, Province of Davao del Sur, informing the House of Representatives that their Report on Fund Utilization and Status of Program/Project/Activity Implementation for the month of June 2020 of the Bayanihan Grant to Cities and Municipalities has been posted in three (3) conspicuous public places in their locality.T O T H E C O M M I T T E E O N

APPROPRIATIONS

Letter dated July 20, 2020 of Florencio T. Miraflores, Provincial Governor,

Province of Aklan, informing the House of Representatives that their Report on Fund Utilization and Status of Program/Project/Activity Implementation for the month of June 2020 of the Bayanihan Grant to Provinces has been posted in their LGU website and in three (3) conspicuous public places in their Province on July 20, 2020.T O T H E C O M M I T T E E O N

APPROPRIATIONS

Letter dated July 20, 2020 of Rafael Enrique P. Lazaro, Municipal Mayor, Municipality of Pototan, Province of Iloilo, submitting to the House of Representatives a copy of their Reports on Fund Utilization and Status of Program/Project/Activity Implementation for the months of April and June 2020 of the Bayanihan Grant to Cities and Municipalities.T O T H E C O M M I T T E E O N

APPROPRIATIONS

Letter dated July 21, 2020 of Antonio L. Libuangan, Municipal Mayor, Municipality of Laak, Province of Davao de Oro, informing the House of Representatives that their Report on Fund Utilization and Status of Program/Project/Activity Implementation for the month of June 2020 of the Bayanihan Grant to Cities and Municipalities has been posted in their LGU website and in three (3) conspicuous public places in their locality on July 20, 2020.T O T H E C O M M I T T E E O N

APPROPRIATIONS

Letter dated July 21, 2020 of Atty. Abencio T. Torres, Municipal Mayor, Municipality of Makato, Province of Aklan, informing the House of Representatives that their Report on Fund Utilization and Status of Program/Project/Activity Implementation for the month of June 2020 of the Bayanihan Grant to Cities and Municipalities has been posted in their LGU website and in three (3) conspicuous public places in their locality on July 20, 2020.



Email dated July 21, 2020 from the Province of Zamboanga Sibugay, submitting to the House of Representatives a copy of their Report on Fund Utilization and Status of Program/Project/Activity Implementation for the month of June 2020 of the Bayanihan Grant to Provinces, attested by Atty. Wilter Yap Palma, Provincial Governor.T O T H E C O M M I T T E E O N

APPROPRIATIONS

Letter dated July 21, 2020 of Michelle N. Rabat, City Mayor, City of Mati, Province of Davao Oriental, certifying that their Report on Fund Utilization and Status of Program/Project/Activity Implementation for the month of June 2020 of the Bayanihan Grant to Cities and Municipalities has been posted in their website (www.mati.gov.ph) and in three (3) conspicuous public places in their locality.T O T H E C O M M I T T E E O N

APPROPRIATIONS

Letter dated July 22, 2020 of Dakila Carlo E. Cua, Provincial Governor, Province of Quirino, informing the House of Representatives that the said Provincial Government has complied with the posting and reporting requirements of the Program/Project/Activity Implementation for the month of June 2020 of the Bayanihan Grant to Provinces in their LGU website and in three (3) conspicuous public places in their Province.T O T H E C O M M I T T E E O N

APPROPRIATIONS

Letter dated July 24, 2020 of Geefre A. Alonsabe, Municipal Mayor, Municipality of Alimodian, Province of Iloilo, informing the House of Representatives that their Report on Fund Utilization and Status of Program/Project/Activity Implementation for the month of June 2020 of the Bayanihan Grant to Cities and Municipalities has been posted in three (3) conspicuous public

places in their Municipality on June 30, 2020.T O T H E C O M M I T T E E O N

APPROPRIATIONS

Letter dated July 28, 2020 of Damian G. Mercado, Provincial Governor, Province of Southern Leyte, informing the House of Representatives that their Report on Fund Utilization and Status of Program/Project/Activity Implementation for the month of June 2020 of the Bayanihan Grant to Provinces has been posted in their official website (southernleyte.gov.ph) and in three (3) conspicuous public places in their locality.T O T H E C O M M I T T E E O N

APPROPRIATIONS

Letter dated 30 July 2020 of Juanito Victor C. Remulla, Provincial Governor, Province of Cavite, informing the House of Representatives that their Report on Fund Utilization and Status of Program/Project/Activity Implementation for the month of July 2020 of the Bayanihan Grant to Provinces has been posted in accordance with Section 4.3 of the Local Budget Circular No. 126 of the Department of Budget and Management.T O T H E C O M M I T T E E O N

APPROPRIATIONS

Email of May Angelique I. Talaga, Municipal Budget Officer, Municipality of Cainta, Province of Rizal, submitting to the House of Representatives a copy of their Report on Fund Utilization and Status of Program/Project/Activity Implementation for the month of June 2020 of the Bayanihan Grant to Cities and Municipalities, attested by J. Keith P. Nieto, Municipal Mayor.T O T H E C O M M I T T E E O N

APPROPRIATIONS

Letter dated August 3, 2020 of Rogerio C. Acle, Municipal Mayor, Municipality of Mahinog, Province of Camiguin, informing the House of Representatives that their Report on Fund Utilization and Status of Program/Project/Activity


Implementation for the month of July 2020 of the Bayanihan Grant to Cities and Municipalities has been posted in the Office of the Municipal Mayor of Mahinog and Camiguin Facebook page on August 3, 2020.T O T H E C O M M I T T E E O N

APPROPRIATIONS

Letter dated August 3, 2020 of Peve Obaniana-Ligan, Municipal Mayor, Municipality of Sta. Catalina, Province of Negros Oriental, informing the House of Representatives that the said Municipality has posted their Report on Fund Utilization and Status of Program/Project/Activity Implementation as of July 30, 2020 at the following:1. Full Disclosure Policy Portal pursuant

to DILG MC No. 2010-83, dated August 21, 2010 (3 conspicuous places in the locality); and

2. Off ic ia l Facebook page of the Municipality of Sta. Catalina.


Letter dated 3 August 2020 of Atty. Lisette M. Arboleda, Municipal Mayor, Municipality of Looc, Province of Romblon, notifying the House of Representatives that their Report on Fund Utilization and Status of Program/Project/Activity Implementation for the month of July 2020 of the Bayanihan Grant to Cities and Municipalities has been posted in their Full Disclosure Policy Board strategically located in different areas of the Municipality.T O T H E C O M M I T T E E O N

APPROPRIATIONS

Letter dated August 4, 2020 of Mary Lenette R. Fernandez, Municipal Mayor, Municipality of Lezo, Province of Aklan, notifying the House of Representatives that their Report on Fund Utilization and Status of Program/Project/Activity Implementation for the month of July 2020 of the Bayanihan Grant to Cities and Municipalities has been posted in their LGU website (http://lezo.gov.ph) and in three (3) conspicuous places in their Municipality.


Certification letter issued on August 4, 2020 by Kathrine B. Robles, Municipal Mayor, Municipality of Baras, Province of Rizal, certifying that their Reports on Fund Utilization and Status of Program/Project/Activity Implementation for the months of April, May, June and July 2020 of the Bayanihan Grant to Cities and Municipalities have been posted in three (3) conspicuous public places in their locality.T O T H E C O M M I T T E E O N

APPROPRIATIONS

Email dated August 5, 2020 from the Municipality of Libacao, Province of Aklan, submitting to the House of Representatives a copy of their R e p o r t o n F u n d U t i l i z a t i o n a n d Status of Program/Project/Activity Implementation for the month of July 2020 of the Bayanihan Grant to Cities and Municipalities, attested by Charito I. Navarosa, Municipal Mayor.T O T H E C O M M I T T E E O N

APPROPRIATIONS

R e p o r t s o n F u n d U t i l i z a t i o n a n d Status of Program/Project/Activity Implementation of the Bayanihan Grant to Cities and Municipalities for the months of April, May and June 2020 of the City of Bogo, Province of Cebu, attested by Atty. Carlo Jose A. Martinez, City Mayor.T O T H E C O M M I T T E E O N

APPROPRIATIONS

Report on Fund Utilization and Status o f P r o g r a m / P r o j e c t / A c t i v i t y Implementation of the Bayanihan Grant to Cities and Municipalities for the month of June 2020 of the Municipality of La Libertad, Province of Zamboanga del Norte, attested by Romeo J. Mejias, Municipal Mayor.T O T H E C O M M I T T E E O N

APPROPRIATIONS


COMMITTEE REPORTS

Report of the Committee on Legislative Franchises (Committee Report No. 434), re H.B. No. 7496, entitled:“AN ACT GRANTING SERVOTRON

INDUSTRIES INC. A FRANCHISE TO CONSTRUCT, INSTALL, OPERATE, AND MAINTAIN RADIO AND TELEVISION BROADCASTING STATIONS THROUGHOUT THE PHILIPPINES”

recommending its approval in substitution of House Bill No. 6946

Sponsors: Representatives Alvarez (Franz) and Garbin


Report of the Committee on Energy (Committee Report No. 435), re H.R. No. 1160, entitled:“A RESOLUTION RECOGNIZING

A N D H O N O R I N G T H E ACCOMPLISHMENTS OF THE NATIONAL ELECTRIFICATION ADMINISTRATION (NEA), IN BRINGING ELECTRICITY TO THE COUNTRYSIDE AND FOSTERING SOCIAL AND ECONOMIC GROWTH AND DEVELOPMENT THROUGH ITS PARTNERSHIP WITH ELECTRIC COOPERATIVES (ECs)”

recommending its adoption in substitution of House Resolution No. 180

Sponsors: Representatives Velasco, Dagooc and De Jesus


Report of the Committee on Energy (Committee Report No. 436), re H.R. No. 1161, entitled:“ R E S O L U T I O N U R G I N G T H E

DEPARTMENT OF ENERGY (DOE) TO CONDUCT AN INVESTMENT F O R U M W I T H T H E L O C A L GOVERNMENT UNITS (LGUs) AND OIL PLAYERS TO DISCUSS WAYS AND MEANS TO LOWER FURTHER THE PRICES OF OIL PRODUCTS A N D T H E D E P A R T M E N T O F FINANCE (DOF) TO ADDRESS

THE GROWING CONCERN ON FUEL SMUGGLING TO AVOID REVENUE LOSSES AND IMPROVE TAX COLLECTION”

recommending its adoption pursuant to House Resolution No. 44 and informing the House its findings and recommendations

Sponsors: Representatives Velasco and Go (Mark)


Report of the Committee on Public Works and Highways (Committee Report No. 437), re H.B. No. 7499, entitled:“AN ACT RENAMING DEL MONTE

A V E N U E , T R A V E R S I N G BARANGAYS NAYONG KANLURAN, PALTOK, PARAISO, DEL MONTE, D A M A Y A N , M A S A M B O N G , TALAYAN, MANRESA, SIENA, ST. PETER, SAN JOSE AND N.S. A M O R A N T O , L O C A T E D I N LEGISLATIVE DISTRICT I OF QUEZON CITY, AS FERNANDO POE JR. AVENUE”

recommending its approval in substitution of House Bills Numbered 3958 and 3963

Sponsors: Representatives Madrona, Castelo, Herrera-Dy, Crisologo, Reyes, Belmonte and Teves (Jose)


THE DEPUTY SPEAKER (Rep. Romero). Majority Leader.

REP. AGLIPAY. Mr. Speaker, I move for the consideration on Third Reading of House Bill No. 6930.

SUSPENSION OF SESSION

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

It was 3:05 p.m.


At 3:13 p.m. , the session was resumed.


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

Majority Leader.

DESIGNATION OF MEMBERS TO THE CONF. CTTE. ON H.B. NO. 6910

AND S.B. NO. 1365

REP. BOLILIA. Mr. Speaker, I move that we designate the following as members of the Bicameral Conference Committee on the disagreeing provisions of House Bill No. 6910 and Senate Bill No. 1365, institutionalizing the alternative learning system in the basic education for out-of-school children, youth and adults, to wit:

1. Rep. Roman T. Romulo;2. Rep. Aurelio “Dong” D. Gonzales Jr.;3. Rep. Evelina G. Escudero;4. Rep. Yedda Marie K. Romualdez; and5. Rep. Lawrence “Law” H. Fortun.

I so move, Mr. Speaker.

THE DEPUTY SPEAKER (Rep. Romero). Is there any objection? (Silence) The Chair hears none; the following Members are designated to be part of the Bicameral Conference Committee on the disagreeing provisions of House Bill No. 6910 and Senate Bill No. 1365, institutionalizing the alternative learning system in the basic education for out-of-school children, youth and adults.

The following are part of the Bicameral Conference Committee:

1. Rep. Roman T. Romulo;2. Rep. Aurelio “Dong” D. Gonzales Jr.;3. Rep. Evelina G. Escudero;4. Rep. Yedda Marie K. Romualdez; and5. Rep. Lawrence “Law” H. Fortun.

Majority Leader.

CONCURRENCE WITH SENATE AMENDMENTS TO

CERTAIN HOUSE MEASURES

REP. BOLILIA. Mr. Speaker, we are in receipt of messages from the Senate informing the House that the Senate passed with amendments the following House Bills:

1. House Bill No. 2444, PROVIDING FOR THE ESTABLISHMENT OF WOMEN’S AND CHILDREN’S HOSPITAL IN THE MUNICIPALITY OF PAMPLONA IN THE PROVINCE OF CAMARINES SUR, TO BE KNOWN AS THE BICOL WOMEN’S AND CHILDREN’S HOSPITAL;

2. House Bill No. 6035, INCREASING THE BED CAPACITY OF THE WESTERN VISAYAS MEDICAL CENTER IN MANDURRIAO, ILOILO CITY FROM FOUR HUNDRED AND TWENTY-FIVE (425) BEDS TO SEVEN HUNDRED (700) BEDS;

3. House Bill No. 6036, INCREASING THE BED CAPACITY OF THE LAS PIÑAS GENERAL HOSPITAL AND SATELLITE TRAUMA CENTER IN LAS PIÑAS CITY, METRO MANILA FROM TWO HUNDRED (200) BEDS TO FIVE HUNDRED (500) BEDS;

4. House Bill No. 6144, INCREASING THE BED CAPACITY OF THE CAGAYAN VALLEY MEDICAL CENTER (CVMC) IN TUGUEGARAO CITY, PROVINCE OF CAGAYAN, FROM FIVE (500) TO ONE THOUSAND (1,000) BEDS;

5. House Bill No. 6218, RENAMING THE MALITA DISTRICT HOSPITAL I N B A R A N G A Y P O B L A C I O N , MUNICIPALITY OF MALITA, PROVINCE OF DAVAO OCCIDENTAL TO MALITA WOMEN’S AND CHILDREN’S WELLNESS CENTER;

6. House Bill No. 6365, UPGRADING THE SIARGAO DISTRICT HOSPITAL IN THE MUNICIPALITY OF DAPA, PROVINCE OF SURIGAO DEL NORTE INTO A LEVEL II GENERAL HOSPITAL TO BE KNOWN AS THE SIARGAO ISLAND MEDICAL CENTER; and

7. House Bill No.6499, INCREASING THE BED CAPACITY OF THE QUIRINO MEMORIAL MEDICAL CENTER IN QUEZON CITY, METRO MANILA FROM FIVE HUNDRED (500) BEDS TO ONE THOUSAND (1,000) BEDS.

We have been advised that the Committee on Health, the sponsor of the said House bills, as well as the authors thereof, has no objections to the amendments introduced thereto by the Senate.

Mr. Speaker, in accordance with our


Rules, I move that we concur with the Senate amendments to House Bills Nos. 2444, 6035, 6036, 6144, 6218, 6365, and 6499.


THE DEPUTY SPEAKER (Rep. Romero). Is there any objection? (Silence) The Chair hears none; the motion for concurrence to the amendments in the Senate to House Bills Nos. 2444, 6035, 6036, 6144, 6218, 6365, and 6499 is hereby approved.

Majority Leader.

REP. DELOS SANTOS. Mr. Speaker, I move for the change of referral of the following measures:

1. House Bill No. 11, from the Committees on Local Government, and Government Enterprises and Privatization to the Committees on Government Enterprises and Privatization, and Local Government;

THE DEPUTY SPEAKER (Rep. Romero). Is there any objection? (Silence)

REP. DELOS SANTOS. 2. House Bill No. 201 from the Committees on Local Government, and Government Enterprises and Privatization to the Committees on Government Enterprises and Privatization, and Local Government;

3. House Bill No. 432 from the Committees on Local Government, and Government Enterprises and Privatization to the Committees on Government Enterprises and Privatization, and Local Government;

4. House Bi l l No. 1484 from the Committees on Local Government, and Government Enterprises and Privatization to the Committees on Government Enterprises and Privatization, and Local Government;




8. House Bi l l No. 2966 f rom the Committees on Local Government, and Government Enterprises and Privatization to the Committees on Government Enterprises and Privatization, and Local Government;

9. House B i l l No. 7181 f rom the Committees on Local Government, and Government Enterprises and Privatization t o t h e C o m m i t t e e s o n G o v e r n m e n t Enterprises and Privatization, and Local Government;

10. House Bi l l No. 1853 f rom the Committee on Local Government to the Committees on Government Enterprises and Privatization, and Local Government;

11. House Bi l l No. 3384 from the Committees on Local Government, and Government Reorganization to the Committees on Government Enterprises and Privatization, and Local Government;

12. House Bill Nos. 6214 and 6285 from the Committee on Government Enterprises and Privatization to the Committees on Government Enterprises and Privatization, and Local Government; and

13. House Bill Nos. 7249, 7256, 7280, 7294, 7313, and 7360 from the Committees on Local Government, and Government Enterprises and Privatization to the Committees on Government Enterprises and Privatization, and Local Government.


THE DEPUTY SPEAKER (Rep. Romero). Is there any objection? (Silence) Hearing none, the motion to change the referrals of the various House bills is now approved.

Majority Leader.


REP. BOLILIA. May we move for a one-minute suspension of the session, Mr. Speaker.



It was 3:21 p.m.


At 3:21 p.m., the session was resumed.


CONSIDERATION OF H.B. NO. 5989Continuation

PERIOD OF SPONSORSHIP AND DEBATE

REP. BOLILIA. Mr. Speaker, under the Calendar of Unfinished Business, I move that we resume the consideration of House Bill No. 5989, contained in Committee Report No. 200, and for this purpose, may we request the Secretary General to read the title of the bill.


THE DEPUTY SPEAKER (Rep. Romero). The Secretary General is directed to read the title of the bill.

THE SECRETARY GENERAL. House Bill No. 5989, entitled: AN ACT CREATING THE DEPARTMENT OF DISASTER RESILIENCE, DEFINING ITS MANDATE, POWERS AND FUNCTIONS, AND APPROPRIATING FUNDS THEREFOR.


REP. BOLILIA. Mr. Speaker , the parliamentary status of the bill is that it is in the period of sponsorship and debate. I move that the Chairperson of the Committee on Government Reorganization, the Hon. Marvey Mariño of the Fifth District of Batangas, be recognized.


THE DEPUTY SPEAKER (Rep. Romero). Rep. Marvey Mariño is now recognized.


REP. BOLILIA. May we move for a

one-minute suspension of the session, Mr. Speaker.


It was 3:23 p.m.




REP. BOLILIA. Mr. Speaker, please recognize the honorable Lady from the Second District of Marikina, Rep. Stella Quimbo, to interpellate the Sponsor.


THE DEPUTY SPEAKER (Rep. Romero). Rep. Stella Quimbo is now recognized.

REP. QUIMBO. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.Mr. Speaker, will the good Sponsor yield

to some questions?

REP. MARIÑO. Gladly, Mr. Speaker.

REP. QUIMBO. Mr. Speaker, Mr. Sponsor, unahin na muna natin po ang tanong tungkol sa sakop po ng Department of Disaster Resilience (DDR). Ang mandato po ba ng DDR ay tungkol lamang po ba sa natural disasters? Dito po sa Definition of Terms, Section 3(r), ay mayroon po ditong nakasaad na phrase, na nakasulat po “unless otherwise specifically indicated in this Act, the term ‘disaster’ shall refer to ‘natural disaster.’” So, ang maganda sigurong tanong dito is, sakop po ba ng natural disaster ang mga pandemic tulad ng COVID-19?

REP. MARIÑO. Mr. Speaker, sakop po ng DDR ang mga epidemic and pandemic as a consequence po noong mga natural disasters, for example, flood or climate change or earthquakes. So, kasama po iyong health epidemic and eventually, as a consequence, the pandemic.


REP. QUIMBO. Mr. Speaker, siguro, kaunting clarification lang po, Mr. Sponsor. Dito po sa panukalang batas, distinctions are made between natural disasters and human-induced disasters. So again, just for clarification, ang sinasabi n’yo po ay considered natural disaster ang COVID-19 at hindi po siya human-induced, tama po ba?

REP. MARIÑO. Not necessarily, Mr. Speaker, ang sinasabi ko lang po ay as a consequence of natural disasters, which may be floods or earthquakes or other disasters, kasama po iyong health issue. Now, the pandemic may be or may not be, by definition, man-made, but it can be a consequence of climate change. For example, in climate change, nag-iiba po iyong movements ng mga species, nag-iiba po ang movements ng mga species, like small animals, usually nagma-migrate po sila sa cooler environment. So there are opportunities na nagkakaroon po ng different pathogens because of this migration. So, eventually, kasama po iyon sa rerespondehan ng Department. I mean, it can be an epidemic at first but then obviously, if it goes on as far as, or if it spreads all over the world, then it could be a pandemic, Mr. Speaker.

REP. QUIMBO. Mr. Sponsor, Mr. Speaker, dito po sa Section 4, there is a proviso and, let me read that, it says:

That for human-induced disasters, the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG), Department of National Defense (DND), Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD), x x x Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP), Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP), Philippine National Police (PNP), Philippine Coast Guard (PCG), and Office of Civil Defense (OCD), shall continue to perform their functions.

Kaya po sana ay gusto ko sanang ma-clarify dahil may mga ilang provisions dito sa panukala na kailangan tila ang distinction nga between natural and human-induced

disasters. And mayroon din po sa Section 48 na pagdating naman sa humanitarian relief, naka-indicate po dito, “The Secretary of the Department of Disaster Resilience shall have the authority to provide humanitarian relief in the consequence management of human-induced emergencies x x x.” So, may binanggit ulit po dito sa “human-induced.”

REP. MARIÑO. Tama po, Mr. Speaker, it doesn’t prevent the agency from providing assistance in, let’s say, human-induced disasters. It is not specified here but mostly, this is for natural calamities but it doesn’t prevent this agency from acting as a response if there are lives at stake and in other instances. For example, if the President asks this agency to help and it does so—it does not prevent this agency from helping out, Mr. Speaker.

REP. QUIMBO. Mr. Speaker, good Sponsor, maraming salamat po for that clarification. Siguro naman po it is correct to say that the goal of this bill is to provide a more effective and more timely response to disasters, as well as to put in place measures and programs that will mitigate disasters. And your proposed approach is to create a new and separate department for disaster resilience while doing the following: number one, abolishing the NDRRMC; number two, transferring a unit of the OCD to the new department, DDR; number three, transferring two units of the DSWD to the DDR; number four, maintaining certain disaster-related functions performed by the DILG, DND and DSWD; number five, fostering close coordination with the Climate Change Commission; number six, retaining the local DRRM offices in provinces, cities and municipalities; abolishing the local DRRM councils; and finally, mandating joint operational supervision of PAGASA and PHIVOLCS with the DOST; the MGB with the DENR; the HEMB with the DOH; and finally, the BFP with the DILG.

So, can the good Sponsor confirm that this is the proposed approach?

REP. MARIÑO. It is, Mr. Speaker. I confirm.

REP. QUIMBO. Puwede po ba, Mr. Speaker, good Sponsor, pa-explain na lang


po sa amin, ano ba ang kahinaan ng current system sa ngayon na kinakailangan po natin na mag-migrate dito po sa panibagong sistema pagdating po sa disaster resilience?

REP. MARIÑO. Yes, Mr. Speaker, siguro po, it is better if I give an example. For instance, noong nakaraan pong pagputok ng Taal Volcano, nakita po natin na hindi po tayo talaga handa. Iyong mga tao po, hindi alam, they didn’t know where to go, which evacuation centers they should go to, how the relief efforts should be done. So, hindi po nila nalalaman kung ano iyong mga dapat gawin. Nabigla po tayo. So, isa pong magandang halimbawa iyong pagputok ng Taal. Isa pa po, when the local chief executives were asking for assistance, they did not know who to call, they did not know which Secretary to call because there are so many different secretaries who can respond—DILG, DSWD. Also in rebuilding, there is no one agency responsible for the plans, which ones should be prepared.

So, mahina po iyong current system natin ngayon kasi nga po hindi po siya integrated, hindi po siya streamlined because there are so many different agencies. You know, time is of the essence in times of calamity, so bago pa po makapag-coordinate itong mga different agencies ay nangyari na po iyong mga dapat na hindi nangyari. Sana mas na-prevent na po iyong mga casualties. Also, the speed of the response is also critical in times of calamity.

So, iyon po iyong matagal nang tinitingnan, na dapat ho ay matagal na itong departamentong ito na-create dahil nga po may kahinaan ng kaunti ang ating present situation, wala po talagang nagpo-provide ng clear preparation, implementation and also the monitoring, and also data gathering. Hindi po tayo handa dahil nga po walang isang ahensya na nagtatago noong mga kaalaman na natutunan natin sa best practices noong mga nakaraang calamity.

S o , i y o n p o i y o n g p u r p o s e n g departamentong ito at para po mas lalong madali iyong pagtugon at mapag-aralan nang mabuti iyong mga plano sa mga susunod pang panahon. Pati nga po itong COVID—nasabi ko po iyong Taal Volcano ay hanggang ngayon, hindi pa ho namin alam kung saang ahensya

magtatanong, kung saan ahensya, well, sana po nalaman namin before kung alin iyong mga evacuation centers and these evacuation centers could have been isolation centers in times of a pandemic. Hindi na po sana tayo gagastos ng malaki para magtayo pa ng isolation facilities because we prepared the evacuation centers which could be isolation facilities.

So, iyon po iyong rason kung bakit kinakailangan ng isang departamento. Kailangan din po naman na kasama iyong ibang mga ahensya gaya ng Bureau of Fire, DILG, part ng DSWD para po, for example, you are conducting relief operations, kailangan po ng security din noong ating mga government employees when they do the disaster relief operations. So, iyon po, Mr. Speaker, ang basehan kung bakit kinakailangan ng departamentong ito. Ang departamento pong ito ay para sa pagsagip ng buhay. So, it is—matagal na po itong pinaplano. Sana nga po eh—it is very timely. Hindi na po sana natin antayin iyong mga malalaki pang kalamidad upang ma-realize natin na kailangan natin ang departamentong ito to move forward, Mr. Speaker.

REP. QUIMBO. In other words, Mr. Speaker, good Sponsor, para sa ating mga kababayan, ngayon po ay magiging klaro kung saan po pupunta kapag po may disaster and magiging klaro din po ang accountabilities pagdating po sa ating safety during a disaster. So, maganda po ang inyong paliwanag. Ako po naman ay sumusuporta dito sa konsepto ng isang DDR.

Punta naman po tayo sa Section 80, na kung saan po ay nabanggit ang konsepto ng joint operational supervision. So, iyon po ang aking tanong, Mr. Speaker, good Sponsor. ‘Pag titingnan po natin ang Administrative Code, nandiyan po ang konsepto tulad ng administrative supervision, meron din pong supervision and control, pero tila wala pong operational supervision at wala rin pong joint operational supervision. Tila ito po ay isang bagong konsepto.

So, iyon po ang aking tanong sa inyo. Sa tingin ko po, Mr. Sponsor, ang isyu dito na kailangang linawin is, paano kaya po ang conflict resolution sa isang sistema ng joint


operational supervision? Kumbaga po, Mr. Sponsor, sa isang pamilya, may tatay, may nanay, may mga anak. Minsan ang tatay at nanay ay hindi po sang-ayon sa paraan kung paano magpalaki ng anak pero dahil meron tayong mga built-in conflict resolution mechanism sa konteksto ng pamilya, iyan po ay nagagamit. So, kasama diyan ang kultura, nandiyan din ang religious beliefs. But in the case of a concept called “joint operational supervision,” anong mangyayari po diyan kung halimbawa hindi po in agreement si DDR at si DOST patungkol po, halimbawa, sa hiring ng employees ng PAGASA? Sino kayang mananaig sa ganoong klaseng sitwasyon? Will they have to resort to going to court in order to resolve such conflicts? At ang problema pa po, sa tingin ko, ay mayroong Section 76, na naka-indicate po, and let me read that portion: “No court, except the Supreme Court, shall have the powers to issue an injunction or a temporary restraining order against any action taken or projects implemented by the Department or its agents pursuant to this Act. “

So, ang intindi ko po dito ay tila po kung magka-conflict at mapunta sa korte, halimbawa si DDR at si DOST, ay mukha naman pong lopsided against DOST ang mangyayari po. Is that a correct appreciation?

REP. MARIÑO. Mr. Speaker, during one of the meetings with the different agencies just recently, through Zoom, there was a proposal by Usec Solidum, and the correct words, if I’m not mistaken, under the proposed amendment are “continuously call upon,” which means that this agency can continuously call upon the different agencies. But this agency will not be administratively managing the other agencies. So, in times of calamity, then obviously, there will be some leadership to be done by this agency as far as coordination and all that, but in preparing for a calamity, the correct idea is to continuously call upon so that, for example, data from PAGASA or from PHIVOLCS can be given freely to this agency. There should be no conflict as far as who’s in-charge of this agency. It will be the same set up as far as which agency they belong to. They will not be under the direct supervision of this agency but only when there is a calamity. But when

there is no calamity, the correct term will be “call on them,” they will continuously call on the different agencies for preparation. So, para din po iyang magulang, sabi ninyo po, isang ama, isang ina, so at least iyong dalawa pong nag-uusap parehong Department Secretary. So puwede naman po iyong pag-usapan, no need to go to court because kung sino man po iyong—for example, DOST, or PHIVOLCS is under DOST, siya pa rin naman po iyong head agency noong PHIVOLCS.

REP. QUIMBO. So, Mr. Speaker, Mr. Sponsor, you will change the model of joint operational supervision? Is that what you are saying or will you continue to use the concept of joint operational supervision but with qualifiers? Is that what you are saying, Mr. Sponsor?

REP. MARIÑO. There will be an amendment to Section 80 which was agreed upon by the different agencies. The wording will be “inter-departmental relations and coordination” and then “inter-departmental relations and exercise close coordination with, and shall continuously call upon the following departments.” So, hindi na po iyong wording na “joint supervision”; it will be “inter-departmental relations and coordination.” That would be the wording of Section 80, Mr. Speaker.

REP. QUIMBO. Mr. Speaker, Mr. Sponsor, we in the Minority welcome that proposed amendment. Of course, pagdating po ng proper time, kami po ay sasang-ayon po kung iyan po ay ma-i-introduce. But babanggitin ko lang po, sa Section 80, there is a proviso here which I believe needs to be clarified and let me read that portion: “Provided furthermore, That the said agencies will be under the operational supervision and direct control of the Department in anticipation of, during, and as necessary in the determination of the Secretary of Disaster Resilience, in the aftermath of emergencies and disasters.”

So, lumalabas po dito ay before, during, and after—dahil nabanggit po iyong before, during, and after—ay magkakaroon po ng direct control ang DDR dito po sa tulad ng PAGASA and PHIVOLCS. So, ang tanong ko po, since


you are talking about before, during and after, isn’t that the same as all the time, Mr. Speaker?

REP. MARIÑO. Mr. Speaker , the proper amendment will be done during the amendment period and mayroon din pong amendment doon sa pino-propose. Actually, it was a proposal of the Honorable Quimbo that I am basing the amendments on. Mayroon din pong proper wording as far as that section is concerned. So, it will be, like I said, it will be a continuous—to continuously call upon, so siguro po during the calamity, that is when the powers of this Department will be implemented but not, like I said, before a calamity because we cannot predict it. We are always in the mode of preparation. So, it will be properly amended, Mr. Speaker, as far as the concern of the Honorable Quimbo is concerned.

REP. QUIMBO. Mr. Speaker, ikinatutuwa ko po na iko-consider po ng ating good Sponsor ang ating recommendations pagdating po dito sa joint operational supervision. Siguro po, panghuli na lang po, I just want to mention that it is really very clear that activities of both PAGASA and PHIVOLCS are scientific and technical in nature, and these agencies conduct scientific research, so napakahirap po na mapolitika ang ganitong klaseng mga ahensya. And to emphasize po ano, ang PHIVOLCS at PAGASA ay talaga pong mga scientists po karamihan ang empleyado po diyan. Sa PHIVOLCS po mayroon silang seven na empleyadong may PhD and 26 po sa kanila ay may Master’s degree in Science, may dalawa pang PhD na in-import from DOST. Pagdating naman po sa PHIVOLCS, mayroon pong seven PhDs—ay sorry, pagdating sa PAGASA, mayroong eight PhDs at mayroong 81 po na Master’s degree holders.

So, clearly po, mga nerds po dito sa mga government agencies na ito kaya’t mahirap talaga po na mapasailalim po sila sa isang liderato na hindi naman po scientific din ang primary mandate. So, ikinatutuwa ko po na you will consider po the proposed amendment at the proper time.

So, iyon na lang po ang aking huling comment, Mr. Speaker, Mr. Sponsor. Maraming, maraming salamat po.

REP. MARIÑO. I’d like to thank also the Honorable Quimbo for giving us the proposal and I will talk to her about the other amendments as far as this section is concerned at the proper time, Mr. Speaker.

Thank you.

THE DEPUTY SPEAKER (Rep. Romero). Very good discussion and debate.

Majority Leader.

REP. DELOS SANTOS. Mr. Speaker, I move to recognize the Hon. Mohamad Khalid Dimaporo from the First District of Lanao del Norte for his interpellation.

THE DEPUTY SPEAKER (Rep. Romero). Rep. Khalid Dimaporo is now recognized.

REP. DIMAPORO (M). Speaker, colleagues, Assalamualaikum Warahmatullahi Wabarakatuh.

Mr. Speaker, I would like to ask if the author and Chair would allow me to make a short manifestation and then just ask one or two—a few questions.

REP. MARIÑO. Certainly, Mr. Speaker.

R E P . D I M A P O R O ( M ) . F o r m y manifestation, I just like to state on record that the province of Lanao del Norte is among the provinces in the Mindanao Region which suffer from periodic armed conflict. Creating the Department of Disaster Resilience which addresses solely natural disasters may consequently limit the assistance from the national government during times of war or terrorist attacks.

The first issue that I have with the proposed bill is that it redefines disaster as a natural disaster, making the overall spirit of the proposed law exclusive to communities affected by natural disasters. What about provinces like Lanao del Norte which are under threat of armed conflict or cities like Marawi, Zamboanga, Jolo and Cotabato which may be made into another battlefield between government forces and armed groups such as ISIS affiliates?

In Republic Act No. 10121, the Philippine Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Act


of 2010, “disaster” is defined in Section 3(h) as a “serious disruption of the function of a community or society involving widespread human, material, economic or environmental losses and impacts, which exceeds the ability of the affected community or society to cope using its own resources.” House Bill No. 5989, the Disaster Resilience Act, proposes to separate the definition of disaster and human-induced calamities. In its definition of “disaster” found in Section 3(r), it adopts the definition in Republic Act No. 10121 of “disaster” with an additional sentence and the additional sentence is, “Unless otherwise specifically indicated in this Act, the term ‘disaster’ shall refer to natural disaster,” unlike RA No. 10121 which treats disaster generally as a serious disruption to our communities. The proposed measure provides a separate definition of “human-induced disaster” in Section 3 (bb) as, “disasters induced entirely or predominantly by human activities or choices”—and I’d like to correct the Chair, that sounds like the epidemic—“such as ideologically-motivated conflict or criminality.”

What is the rationale in making the proposed DDR exclusive to natural disasters? Where has Republic Act No. 10121 failed that we need to segregate the government’s response to natural disasters and human-induced disasters? Separating the definitions of “natural disaster” and “human-induced disaster” ultimately leads to the alarming consequence that is reflected in the proposed Department’s mandate that the Department of Disaster Resilience will only help in events of natural disaster, forsaking communities affected by armed conflict.

Evidently, Section 4 of House Bill No. 5989 limits the powers of the DDR to help only in the instance of natural disasters. The provision can be found in the last sentence of Section 4 stating:

Provided, that for human-induced disasters, the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG), the Department of National Defense (DND), the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD), and other relevant instrumentalities, including the Armed Forces of the Philippines

(AFP), Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP), Philippine National Police (PNP), Philippine Coast Guard (PCG), and Office of Civil Defense (OCD), shall continue to perform their functions.

Essentially, the DDR is intended to only service the needs of the Filipino people during times of natural disaster and will leave the task of addressing human-induced disaster to other government agencies. But as we’ve experienced from Republic Act No. 10121, in which the Fourteenth Congress had the wisdom to recognize that relief, recovery and rehabilitation from any disaster, require a whole-of-nation approach, without a coordinating body, who is going to do the post-conflict needs assessment for the recovery and rehabilitation program? How will human-induced disaster affect communities’ access to the quick response fund or calamity fund of the national government? By separating the definition of “disaster” from “natural and human-induced”, and limiting the mandate of the DDR, the proposed Bill leaves a sense of uncertainty and insecurity because it remains to be seen on how the national government can help areas affected by armed conflict or under threat of war.

In retrospect, House Bill No. 101—sorry, Republic Act No. 10121’s Section 6 and Section 7 give the NDRRMC Chair its powers, functions and authority with the general intent and spirit of the law being the protection and preservation of life and properties. Special emphasis should be given to Republic Act No. 10121, its provision saying, “for the protection and preservation of life and properties” because it does not constrain the protection and preservation of life and properties to natural disasters unlike House Bill No. 5989. The biggest disappointment that I have in the proposed measure is that it omits conflict-threatened areas from being protected by the law, most of which are found in the Region of Mindanao, making House Bill No. 5989 anti-Mindanaoan.

The original Disaster Bill, Republic Act No. 10121, does not discriminate on whose lives and properties it shall protect and preserve, and I believe that as a general rule, the laws


that the Eighteenth Congress legislate should equally protect all our citizens. I appeal that this concern be rectified by the Committee Chairs and principal authors. Secondly, one clear objective of the proposed Bill is to rid the Office of Civil Defense of its mandates, eventually making the OCD an empty shell.

Section 9 of Republic Act No. 10121 defines the powers and functions of the OCD, all of which are disaster-related and will be transferred to the DDR. Therefore, what are the powers that remain with the OCD should H.B. No. 5989 be enacted into law?

Republic Act No. 10121, Section 8, defines the primary mission of the OCD as:

x x x administering a comprehensive national civil defense and disaster risk reduction and management program by providing leadership in the continuous development of strategic and systematic approaches as well as measures to reduce the vulnerabilities and risks to hazards and manage the consequences of disasters.

All functions of the OCD, as stated in Republic Act No. 10121, will be stripped off and transferred to the DDR as a consequence of House Bill No. 5989, with the exception of the National Comprehensive Civil Defense Program, which Republic Act No. 10121 and House Bill No. 5989 do not provide a definition for. There is no clear definition of the mandate and purpose of the OCD should House Bill No. 5989 become a law. If the intention of the bill is to strip the OCD of its natural disaster-related mandates and revert to its original function, one must ask, what was its original function? We would have to dig seven decades back into history.

The Philippine Law, Republic Act No. 1190 of the Commonwealth Era, known as the Civil Defense Act of 1954, was the origin of the OCD and Civil Defense Councils, which were then created for times of war and other national emergencies. During the Marcos regime, Presidential Decree No. 1, Series of 1972, under the Integrated Reorganization Plan, Civil Defense Councils were retitled to “Disaster Coordinating Councils.” This is

confirmed in Proclamation No. 695, series of 1991, in President Aquino’s explanation for the declaration of the first day of March as Civil Defense Day.

Now, considering the history and transformation of the OCD to become the country’s disaster coordinating agency, the removal of its functions to address national disasters will render the OCD irrelevant. Please take note that House Bill No. 4, one of the consolidated bills under House Bill No. 5989, authored by Speaker Alan Peter Cayetano and Deputy Speaker Pulong Duterte, proposes that the Department shall assume the powers and functions of the Office of Civil Defense, OCD, and that all references to the NDRRMC and the OCD in Republic Act No. 10121 shall be understood to refer to the Department created under this Act, just as proposed in House Bill No. 4. It would have been more prudent for the bill to absorb the OCD, its duties and functions into the proposed Department of Disaster Resilience and not differentiate between natural and human-induced disasters, which the committees have unfortunately disregarded.

This Bill, House Bill No. 5989, has no provision to determine what exactly is the function of the OCD after the disaster-related mandates and functions have been taken from them. Should the Committee Chairs and authors be adamant on pursuing the division of the DDR and the OCD, I propose that they consider the OCD to be given purpose, such as becoming a coordinating agency of the Citizen Armed Force or Reservists which, in coordination with the DDR, shall allow it to access the disaster funds for the purposes of disaster-preparedness and response to train volunteer responders. Let the OCD and the reservists be the DDR’s proverbial boots on the ground.

Now, Mr. Speaker, I would like to thank the Committee Chairs and the principal authors, especially our Chair, Chairman Marvey, for adopting my proposed amendment to allow the DDR to provide humanitarian relief in the event of human-induced disasters. I thank you, from the bottom of my heart, Committee Chairs and principal authors. However, in its present form, House Bill No. 5989 is


restricted from assisting in the rehabilitation and recovery efforts of the government for areas hit with human-induced disasters. As stated in Section 31, “The Department shall be primarily responsible for reconstruction and rehabilitation in the event of a natural disaster.” Once again, human-induced disasters are omitted and excluded from the rehabilitation and reconstruction efforts of the DDR.

The Department of Disaster Resilience should also be allowed to help in the rehabilitation and reconstruction of areas affected by human-induced emergencies so as to normalize the consequences of the event as quickly as possible. Specifically, the department should likewise be responsible for the reconstruction and rehabilitation of vital infrastructures of the national road network and other national government facilities, such as national bridges, public schools, and regional hospitals affected by human-induced disasters.

You know, Mr. Speaker, God forbid that we will have a war and then a bridge is blown up. We need the full-blown assistance of the national government so that the bridge can be rectified and repaired as soon as possible. God forbid that the terrorists take advantage of this epidemic and pandemic, and target regional hospitals which are our COVID-referral hospitals and bomb those hospitals. We need the full force and assistance of the national government in the reconstruction and rehabilitation process. I would hope that this provision be amended in terms of the ability for the DDR to assist in human-induced disasters as far as rehabilitation and reconstruction are concerned.

Lastly, to ensure that all Filipinos can avail of the benefits and protection of the proposed law, the DDR mandate should also be without prejudice to the President’s directive to address natural, human-induced or other disasters, such as an epidemic, for the purpose of allowing our President to maximize the full extent of the Executive when called upon to save and protect Filipino lives.

I strongly disagree with the answer of the Chairman to the former interpellator, Rep. Stella Quimbo, that you can find a palusot to use the DDR to help in the epidemic. We need to be as certain and as clear, and as bold

as possible in crafting the law. The words should be there, that in the DDR mandate, if the President says, “You go help in this epidemic,” the DDR will be there to help. If the President says, “You go help in Jolo, in Marawi, Cotabato or areas hit by armed conflict,” the DDR will go there and help. It should not be interpreted “between the lines” or “between the words.” It should be in black and white in the Bill and enacted into law, that when the President gives the directive, the DDR will respond and act appropriately to assist in non-natural disasters.

Now, all my concerns have been stated by way of manifestation and I have also sent letters to the Committee Chairs, which I hope that they will consider during the period of plenary amendments because those letters and suggested amendments will address my concerns.

But I’d like to ask just a few more questions to the honorable Chairman of the Committee on Government Reorganization because we really need to know, what exactly is your plan with the Office of Civil Defense? What’s the intent of the Bill?

Mr. Speaker, I’d like to ask din the Chairman of the Committee on Government Reorganization to answer this question.

REP. MARIÑO. Yes. Mr. Speaker, the Office of Civil Defense will retain some of its personnel who are not related to the purpose of this Bill. Meaning, for the human-induced disasters, we will retain their personnel. However, I agree that most of the assets will go to this Department. But, let me just say that I received the proposal of the Honorable Dimaporo and I agree that we shall clarify the sections to clarify that the epidemic should be included in this Bill. That was the whole plan as to why I was waiting for the right moment for the amendments.

At any rate, the concern of Congressman Dimaporo on this Bill, Section 31 on Reconstruction and Rehabilitation Powers of the Department does not limit the Department from helping during human-induced disasters such as what happened in Marawi. It says that it will be responsible in the event of a disaster, but it does not prevent it from doing response efforts as far as human-induced disasters are


concerned. If fact, this Department will be obliged to help out in any type of disaster. At any rate, for example in Marawi, there was a separate fund given for Marawi rehabilitation which amounts to P3.5 billion. So, in times of human-induced disasters, this government does not take off its responsibilities as far as those calamities are concerned. But this, I agree, specifically addresses natural disasters in times of preparation, in times of resilience and in times of response. It does not limit its capacity to help out with any type of humanitarian assistance.

So, I agree that we should clarify some of the sections in this Bill. And I have received the comments of Representative Dimaporo and we will consider them during the amendment period. Mr. Speaker.

THE DEPUTY SPEAKER (Rep. Romero). Representative Dimaporo.

REP. DIMAPORO (M.). Yes. Mr. Speaker, I would like to get a clarification …

THE DEPUTY SPEAKER (Rep. Romero). Are you changing your position from a manifestation to an interpellation?

REP. DIMAPORO (M.). Well, yes. I would actually not just interpellate but also get clarification because I might be reading a different Bill.

THE DEPUTY SPEAKER (Rep. Romero). Please proceed. Representative Dimaporo, please proceed.

REP. DIMAPORO (M.). Yes. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Section 31 of the Bill that I have with me reads: “Reconstruction and Rehabilitation Powers of the Department. – The Department shall be primarily responsible for reconstruction and rehabilitation in the event of a natural disaster.” That’s what worries me, Mr. Speaker, because you say there specifically, and this will be enacted into law, that in the event of a natural disaster, you know, there is no guarantee once it becomes, you know, enacted into law, that the COA, other agencies

will misinterpret the intent of the law that, yes, the Department of Disaster Resilience can help everybody. If that is the case, then we should place that in the law. But unfortunately, in the section that I am reading, and I want to confirm if this is the correct Bill, maybe I have an older version. Section 31 reads: “The Department shall be primarily responsible for reconstruction and rehabilitation in the event of a natural disaster.” So, I’d like to confirm with the Chairman if that is the Section 31 that he was talking about wherein he stated that the Department of Disaster can help outside of or not just with natural disasters but other forms of disaster, especially in times of an epidemic.

If I may ask the Chairman to read into the record the Section 31 in full, on what he was citing because if I am wrong, then I submit, Mr. Chair.

REP. MARIÑO. Mr. Speaker, it is the correct Section 31. It says:

Reconstruction and Rehabilitation Powers of the Department – The Department shall be primarily responsible for reconstruction and rehabilitation in the event of a natural disaster. In undertaking reconstruction and rehabi l i tat ion ef forts , the Department shall, as much as possible, retrofit structures to make them more resistant and resilient to the effects of a natural disaster.

Like I said, it does not limit, it does not prevent this Department from, for example, repairing a bridge that was damaged by human-induced activity. This Department shall be mandated to repair the bridge because it is part of the rehabilitation, not just from human-induced calamity but also any natural calamity that is going to happen in the future. So, it really does not prevent—all efforts regarding natural disasters can also be done in helping human-induced activities as far as disasters are concerned, Mr. Speaker. But again, in the period of amendments, I would gladly amend any of the sections just to make sure that the good Representative Dimaporo is satisfied with what I am saying regarding the issue, Mr. Speaker.


REP. DIMAPORO (M.). Thank you, Mr. Speaker, may I be recognized for my closing remarks.

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

REP. DIMAPORO (M.). Mr. Speaker, I’d like to thank Chairman Marvey for his kind consideration and I just would like to place it into the record that from the very get-go, this Bill, when the Committee decided to split human-induced and natural disasters, it really struck a wrong chord in me. Coming from a province that was attacked by the MILF, you know, I wouldn’t want anything like that to happen again to my constituents and feel that the government cannot be there to help us out. So, I really think and appreciate the kind consideration of the Chairman of Government Reorganization, that he will help make the law’s intent as clear as possible, that the DDR can help everybody. Because this is also about us being able to tap government funds, such as the Disaster Fund, and we want to make sure that we will not be excluded, the region of Mindanao, because as you can see from the Jolo bombings, we still have strife and conflict in the area.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Thank you, honorable Chairman and to the Members of the Eighteenth Congress.

THE DEPUTY SPEAKER (Rep. Romero). Rest assured, Representative Dimaporo that the Republic will always protect its sovereignty, especially Marawi, and the thing that happened in Marawi will not ever happen again.

Majority Leader.

REP. DELOS SANTOS. Mr. Speaker, I move to recognize the Hon. Sergio Dagooc of the APEC Party-List.

THE DEPUTY SPEAKER (Rep. Romero). Rep. Sergio Dagooc is hereby recognized .

REP. DAGOOC. Thank you, Mr. Speaker, honorable Sponsor. Good afternoon, everyone.

Will the distinguished Chairman of the Committee on Government Reorganization,

sponsor of House Bill No. 5989, yield to some clarificatory questions from this Representation?


REP. DAGOOC. Thank you, Mr. Speaker, Mr. Sponsor.

Mr. Sponsor, would you agree with this Representation that electricity is one of the primary and essential resources that need to be prioritized in the restoration in the aftermath of a calamity or disaster like typhoon?

REP. MARIÑO. I agree, Mr. Speaker.

REP. DAGOOC. Thank you, Mr. Sponsor. As a matter of fact, the restoration of electricity lines should be included in one of the initial responses of the government in the aftermath of a disaster to ensure the swift recovery of damaged areas. Electricity lines are key infrastructure, including that of human-induced—as mentioned a while ago by the Hon. Khalid Dimaporo, our electric cooperatives was one of the sectors which helped Marawi after its siege, restoring the power lines there of DASURECO. So, it is really needed in the normalization of basic services and necessities. Electricity allows the victims or affected population to immediately avail of their lighting needs and perform other activities necessary for survival and to function. Communication devices also, Mr. Speaker, honorable Sponsor, such as phones and gadgets that are essential in modern times need electricity so that there is an open and continuous line of communication to ensure swift action to rescue or provide assistance to people in need.

Therefore, Mr. Speaker, Mr. Sponsor, I have observed that in this proposed measure, there is no provision being mentioned which includes the prioritization of power restoration. Specifically, it does not mention the role of the National Electrification Administration and electric cooperatives in the immediate rehabilitation of distribution and transmission lines to ensure the immediate availability and steady supply of electricity in affected areas.

Tama po ba iyong observation ko, honorable Sponsor, na wala po tayong provision na ganoon?


REP. MARIÑO. Mr. Speaker, wala pong nakalagay specifically na probisyon na ganoon dito sa Bill na ito dahil there is the existing Republic Act No. 11039, AN ACT INSTITUTIONALIZING THE ELECTRIC COOPERATIVES EMERGENCY AND RESILIENCY FUND AND APPROPRIATING FUNDS THEREFOR. Meaning, mayroon po kasing separate na batas na para dito sa mga electric cooperatives na nangangailangan ng tulong during and before a calamity. So, kaya hindi po nakalagay dito sa Bill na ito, specifically iyong na-mention ng ating Honorable Dagooc.

REP. DAGOOC. Mr. Speaker, distinguished Sponsor, I agree that there is an existing law passed in the Seventeenth Congress, Republic Act No. 11039, which institutionalized the Electric Cooperatives Emergency Resiliency Fund. But the fund being mentioned in that law only covers the restoration and rehabilitation of an electric cooperatives’ damaged infrastructure in areas affected by calamities or disasters, whether natural or human-induced. The problem, Mr. Speaker, Mr. Sponsor, is that even if the lines of the distribution utilities, particularly electric cooperatives, will be restored using the funds from the ECERF, if the victims who are still in the process of rebuilding their homes and other social needs do not have funds to buy or procure the house wiring materials, still they could not connect to that line and they could not avail of electricity.

So, Mr. Speaker, Mr. Sponsor, would you agree with this Representation that it is necessary for us also to include a provision in the proposed measure that will eliminate delays in the restoration of electricity, particularly in the houses or the electricial lighting needs of the victims?

REP. MARIÑO. Mr. Speaker, from what I understand and for the record, the Honorable Dagooc sent me a letter regarding his concern. If I understand it correctly, it is about this Department providing electrical wiring for households under the cooperative sector and I read the proposal. I am still studying it with the other authors. Because the issue is,

the cooperatives and other electrical power companies are private in nature, so I am still trying to reconcile whether the DDR can provide assistance, for instance like wiring, to a private company. Nevertheless, if there is a donation to this Department regarding wiring and other electrical components or equipment, obviously, the Department can help as far as rehabilitation and the preparation for the concerns of the Honorable Dagooc. Like I said, I am still studying the proposal of the Honorable Dagooc. Because of the private nature of the cooperatives, electric cooperatives and other industries, it might create a precedent as far as other utilities are concerned. Meaning, not only electrical wires but also water lines will be included in this Bill. So, I beg the indulgence of the Honorable Dagooc with regard to his concern. I will coordinate with his office and make the proper amendment when the time comes, when it is time for the amendment proper, Mr. Speaker.

REP. DAGOOC. Mr. Speaker, distinguished Sponsor, gusto ko lang pong ipaliwanag na hindi po para sa mga electric cooperatives iyong electrical materials na gusto nating isama na magiging part of the assistance na ibibigay ng Department. Itong mga materyales na ito ay ibibigay po doon sa mga kabahayan, doon sa mga tao na biktima. Ang sinasabi ko po kanina, iyong Republic Act No. 11039, iyong pondo na iyon is only intended para sa distribution system ng electric cooperatives.

Yes, I agree, electric cooperatives are private but Congress recognizes the fact that electric cooperatives are non-stock, non-profit. Unlike other private distribution utilities, the rates of electric cooperatives do not include costs for rehabilitation; but with private utilities, that is part of the cost that they recover from the consumers because electric cooperatives are created under the Rural Electrification Program of the government. This is a Rural Electrification Program and an electric cooperative is used only as a vehicle to implement the Rural Electrification of the Countryside Program since 1969. Kaya po nagkaroon po ng batas na iyong rehabilitation ng linya ay ifi-finance po ng government.


But in the case of the DDR, ang tinutukoy ko po, Mr. Speaker, Ginoong Sponsor, sayang po iyong linya na kahit maitayo na namin ulit, pero iyong mga tao na biktima na gumagawa ng mga panibagong bahay—mga maliliit, kadalasan ang biktima dito mga maliit po ang bahay—ang problema, wala silang pambili kahit dalawang bulb, tapos 10 metro na wirings. So, kaya sayang din po iyong pondo ng gobyerno sa pagpatayo ng bagong linya if the beneficiaries ay hindi rin po makaka-avail dahil wala silang pambili.

So, ang target po ng Department, bibigyan man lang sila ng house wiring, ang ginagawa po ngayon, Mr. Speaker, Ginoong Sponsor, iyong Sitio Electrification Program po natin ay nasa General Appropriations Act annually, libre po sila ng dalawang ilaw at isang outlet. Iyon din po ang gusto kong mangyari sa Department, na kahit bigyan lang ng ilang metro na materyales, makapag-umpisa lang sila, isa, dalawang ilaw. This is intended for the victims, Mr. Speaker, Mr. Sponsor, and not for the electric cooperatives.

REP. MARIÑO. Mr. Speaker, now, I understand the concern of the Honorable Dagooc, that it is for assistance to those affected by the calamity. So, mayroon naman pong ibang mga pamamaraan gaya po ng local—the LGUs, mayroon po silang mga calamity funds na puwedeng ibili ng mga wiring materials para po ibigay sa kanilang mga constituents. And I will propose, I will make an amendment to this Bill na ang Departamentong ito ay puwede ring magbigay ng additional funds sa mga LGUs para madagdagan po ang kanilang Calamity Fund.

So, isa po iyon sa nakikita kong solusyon sa concern ng Honorable Dagooc na it can be through the local government units, as far as identifying who these recipients are is concerned, and I will try to see if we can make an amendment or accommodation to the request of the Honorable Dagooc. Because like I said earlier, kung mayroon naman pong mga magdo-donate na mga electrical wirings sa Departamentong ito, which is possible, ay wala naman pong sinasabing ipinagbabawal ang distribution ng mga ganitong klaseng pagtulong sa ating mga kababayan, Mr. Speaker.

REP. DAGOOC. Thank you for that, Mr. Speaker, Mr. Sponsor. At least naintindihan ng Ginoong Sponsor iyong gusto kong ipaabot na problema. But I would like to respectfully suggest, with the indulgence of the Sponsor, that ‘pag ipinada—hindi naman lahat ng local government units, lalong-lalo na po sa mga third class municipalities and poor provinces, ay may Calamity Fund. In my experience, 35 years in an electric cooperative, until now, wala pong tulong na house wiring materials from local government units. ‘Pag tinamaan po, ang inuuna po talaga ng LGU, pagkain, gamot at iba pa. So, kaya po nagkakaroon ako ng pagkakataon na maidulog habang ako po ay nagiging Kinatawan sa Kongreso, doon sa ilang taon na experience ko, na nakita ko. I hope that the honorable Sponsor will consider those amendments at the proper time.

REP. MARIÑO. Mr. Speaker, I am willing to speak with the office of the Honorable Dagooc to make such amendments at the proper time, Mr. Speaker.

REP. DAGOOC. Iyon lang po, Mr. Speaker, Ginoong Sponsor. Marami pong salamat sa pag-accommodate sa aking mga clarificatory questions.


REP. DELOS SANTOS. Mr. Speaker, I move that we recognize the Hon. France Castro of the ACT TEACHERS Party-List.

I so mov, Mr. Speaker.

THE DEPUTY SPEAKER (Rep. Romero). Rep. France Castro is hereby recognized.

REP. CASTRO (F.L.). May I ask some clarificatory questions?

THE DEPUTY SPEAKER (Rep. Romero). Representative Castro, can you repeat your …

REP. CASTRO (F.L.). Yes, thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Good afternoon to all our colleagues and


also to our good Sponsor. So, would the Sponsor, Mr. Speaker, yield to some of my clarificatory questions and comments?


REP. CASTRO (F.L.). Okay. Thank you po.

Unang-una, Mr. Speaker, magko-comment lang muna ako, general comment po dito sa House Bill No. 5989. So, tila halos lahat ay gusto nating gawan ng departamento o bagong ahensya—Department of Disaster Resilience, mayroon for Filipinos overseas and foreign employment, Department of Water, traffic crisis inter-agency management, et cetera.

Sa lahat ng ito, Mr. Speaker, sinasabi na itatayo ang department o ahensya bilang solusyon sa mga problema, halimbawa, ng OFW, mahal at maruming tubig, traffic at iba pa. Pero nakikita natin na bukod sa magreresulta ng redundancy lang ang mga ito, hindi talaga sinasagot ang mga underlying problems. Isinasantabi lang ang mga hinaing ng mga mamamayan tulad halimbawa, Mr. Speaker, ng mga OFWs na walang malapitan tuwing nagkaka-problema sila sa labas ng bansa, sa Maynilad at Manila Water, sa EDSA at iba pa, sa pangakong kapag nandiyan na iyong bagong ahensya ay siya ang sisisihin o sa kaniyang diretso ang accountability.

At this juncture, Deputy Speaker Romero, PhD, relinquished the Chair to Rep. Juan Pablo “Rimpy” P. Bondoc.

Ito ay superficial solution sa deeply rooted issues. Pabalat lang, puro papel ang inihahapag nating mga solusyon sa ating mga mamamayan. Ang masama, these are real-life hardships na araw-araw na kargo ng mga Filipino pero papel lang ang ibinigibay natin sa kanila. Halimbawa, Mr. Speaker, itinayo ang Department of Human Settlements and Urban Development pero noong huling budget deliberations, tayo dito sa Kongreso, nagbigay ba tayo ng karampatang budget para sa pagpapatayo ng abot-kayang pabahay? Ang Ehekutibo, ano na sa mga alegasyon ukol sa korapsyon at iba pang mga kababalaghan sa housing projects na nagresulta sa pagkasayang

ng public funds na supposedly for livable and decent housing units? Nagke-create ba tayo ng enough number of plantilla items para sa personnel ng existing agencies para sapat na nakakatugon ang mga ahensya sa respective mandates nila? What have we done decisively to address the housing backlog and to eradicate poverty that is behind homelessness?

Kaya po, Mr. Speaker, uulitin po namin, itong Department of Disaster Resilience is but a paper solution sa kaso ng disaster and a greater loss to the lives and livelihood, a greater danger for the Filipino people. Para sa isang archipelago at bansang nasa tinatawag na “Ring of Fire” at ”Typhoon Belt,” napakadelikado nito. ‘Ika nga ng Time Magazine noong 2013, “the Philippines is the most exposed country in the world to tropical storms.” Pagkatapos po, Mr. Speaker, ng Yolanda, lumabas ang terminong “criminal negligence.” Madalas nga na sabi ng mga nasalanta ng Yolanda survivors, “Survivors nga kami pero we are being made victims twice and thrice, over and over again, long after Yolanda.” Yolanda aid, Mr. Speaker, hanggang ngayon ay hindi pa rin natatanggap ng ating mga survivors. Iyong shelter assistance ng DSWD, hanggang ngayon ay hindi pa rin naibibigay. May schools na forever na ginagawang evacuation centers at iba pa, kaya sinasabi nating criminal negligence. In effect, by sweeping problems under the rug and by forwarding false solutions, this Bill will spell a greater disaster for our people.

Okay, Mr. Speaker, itatanong ko lang po, una pong topic ko ay iyong tungkol sa compartmentalized view sa disaster. So, I agree with Congressman Dimaporo about his predicament dito po sa batas na ito because naka-concentrate po ang disaster, iyong definition or iyong definition po ng disaster sa natural disaster. So, malinaw po, Mr. Speaker, “unless specifically indicated, the term ‘disaster’ shall refer to the natural disaster.” Sa bawat mention sa “disaster,” mula sa framework hanggang powers and functions ng DDR at mga ibang ahensya at unit sa levels ng responsibility, sa funds at response gaya ng assistance, ang tinutukoy po dito ay natural disasters lang. Tama po ba ito, Mr. Speaker?


REP. MARIÑO. Mr. Speaker, under the definition, it is correct that natural disasters ang scope ng Bill na ito. But like I said, hindi naman po ibig sabihin na kapag natural disasters lang ay hindi na tutulungan iyong mga human-induced calamities dahil ito naman po ay puwedeng may mandato ng Presidente upang tulungan, based on humanitarian assistance. At for example na lang po, gaya ng nasabi ko kanina, hindi naman po nawawalan ng pondo iyong mga kagaya halimbawa po ng Marawi. In fact, P3.5 billion was taken from this, from the Calamity Fund, and as far as the P3.5 billion is concerned, para po ito sa rehabilitation ng Marawi. Ibig sabihin, mas malaki pa po iyong pondo na ibinigay doon, na hindi na kailangang iasa pa, for example, sa Departamentong ito. So, hindi naman po ibig sabihin na hindi na rin puwedeng tulungan ng Departamentong ito iyong mga nangyayari na human–induced disasters. Kaya lamang po ay hindi naman kasi kaya ng Departamentong itong pigilan o magkaroon ng resilience programs doon sa mga, for example, terrorist activities. Trabaho po kasi iyan ng department, ng DND. Diyan po, meron naman pong mga ibang ahensya na nagre-respond doon sa mga elemento para ma-prevent iyong, for example, case of terrorism. Hindi naman po iyan scope ng departamentong ito dahil hindi naman po ito magkakaroon ng intelligence funds, and activities o anti-terrorist practices or policies. So, iba po iyong purpose sa pag-create dito sa Departamentong ito. Hindi naman po ibig sabihin ito’y kine-create ay mawawala na ang response ng government doon sa mga human-induced calamities gaya ng terrorism o kung anuman ang nangyari sa Marawi. So, hindi po ito ang kumukuha ng pondo. Trabaho po ng whole national government to take care of whatever disaster is happening, whether it is natural or whether it is human -induced, Mr. Speaker.

REP. CASTRO (F.L.). Okay. Tama po kayo, Mr. Speaker, Mr. Sponsor.

So, iyan ay ayon sa Section 4, that the mandate of the Department covers all natural hazards. Tapos nag-list po tayo ng tatlong broad classes of hazards. In the phrase starting

with “Provided” in the last paragraph, it is an exclusionary clause. Ibig sabihin, human-induced disasters ay hindi pasok sa mandato ng DDR at sinasabi n’yo nga po na ito nga, halimbawa, iyong mga terrorist attack or human-induced disasters, ay gawain na po ito ng DND. Nakalagay din sa Section 5 iyong powers and functions of the Department. Pero, Mr. Speaker, bakit ganito po iyong naging pananaw ng Bill? Hindi ba ninyo pinakikitid iyong definition ng “disaster,” maging ito man ay international, maging ito man ay nandodoon sa ating R.A. No. 10121? Bakit n’yo pinakikitid po, Mr. Speaker, itong definition ng disaster?

REP. MARIÑO. Well, hindi naman po sa pinakitid natin iyong definition ng “disaster,” kaya lamang po, ang Departamento pong ito ay very specific doon sa purpose. There are other departments concerning human-induced disasters as far as terrorism and other incidents are concerned. Meron naman pong ibang departamento na para doon sa mga cases na hindi natural in nature. Hindi naman po puwedeng sakupin ng buong departamento na ito ang lahat. For instance, how do we prevent terrorism from happening? Hindi po iyon ang mandato ng departamentong ito. Iyon po ay nasa PNP, nasa DND, at nasa OCD. Iyon po ang trabaho no’ng ibang departamento.

When we create a department, it is very specific. But it doesn’t mean it takes away funds from the other departments. It takes away funds but funds can also be given. For example, more funds can be given to the DND, more funds can be given to the OCD to respond to human-induced calamities. So, it can be beneficial in the long run. Ibig sabihin mayroon pong binigay para sa natural disasters at mayroon din pong ibibigay para doon sa human-induced. So, very specific po iyong departamento na ito but like I said, it does not prevent, it does not prevent the Department from helping when it comes to humanitarian assistance or response to any emergency. So, hindi naman po limited. Ibig sabihin lang, dine-define lang po natin kung ano ang scope ng DDR, Mr. Speaker.


REP. CASTRO (F.L.). Okay, thank you, Mr. Sponsor.

So, I think this is a cropped and compartmentalized view of disaster. So, sinasalamin nito ang intended response ng gobyerno sa iba’t ibang disasters na paulit-ulit na nararanasan ng mga mamamayan. Halimbawa po, bakit tayo magdi-distinguish ng pananaw at response sa natural and human-induced disasters samantalang parehong mabigat ang tama sa mga Pilipino ng bagyo at lindol, at giyera at pagbabakwit dahil sa militarization o pangangamkam ng lupa ng ninuno? So, we believe, Mr. Speaker, that the solution to a disaster must be people-centered, community-based, civilian, comprehensive, and urgent o maagap, and this is the right way to respond to whatever kind of disaster, be it natural or human-induced.

Okay, ang ikalawa ko pong issue, Mr. Speaker, nabanggit natin, dine-define iyong power ng DDR, okay. Pero sa sinasabi ninyo po, nakalagay po dito sa mga probisyon dito sa ating Panukalang Batas 5989 that you are creating a mega department. Puwede ninyo po bang pabulaanan ito or do you agree, Mr. Sponsor, Mr. Speaker, with my impression that you are creating a mega department?

REP. MARIÑO. Wala naman pong nakalagay dito na mega department, Mr. Speaker. It is a department that will coordinate everybody—I mean, streamline the response capability and coordinate in a faster manner lahat ng kailangan kapagka may disaster. So, hindi naman po nakalagay na ito ay isang mega deparment. Kung isasama po natin iyong lahat, I mean, human-induced and natural, baka po nga maging mega department ito, pero hindi po ganoon ang design. The basic mandate of this department is very clear: it is “to oversee and coordinate the preparation, implementation, monitoring, and evaluation of disaster climate resilience plans, programs, projects, and activities.” It is “to provide leadership in the continuous development of strategic and systematic approaches to disaster prevention, mitigation, preparedness, response, recovery and rehabilitation,” and also to “provide a clear comprehensive direction in the implementation of plans.”

Meaning, para po ma-reduce iyong natural hazards, effects of climate change, and also so we can manage the impact of disasters.

So, very clear po iyong mandate ng Departamentong ito. I agree na malaki po ang scope ng Departamentong ito. But to save lives, kailangan po ay malakas, kailangan po ay empowered ang Departamento na ito because this department is about saving lives. It is about preventing the harsh impact of disasters gaya po ng na-experience natin sa pagputok ng bulkan at gaya po ng mga kung ano man darating pang mga epidemic, pandemic or health concerns. Dapat po ay parati tayong nakahanda and I agree na malaki po ang responsibilidad ng Departamentong ito kaya nga po kinakailangan ng tulong ng lahat ng ahensya, hindi lamang po ng nag-iisang ahensya. Kailangan po ang tulong ng lahat ng ahensya at lahat po ng mamamayan. So, I don’t see the definition of a mega department but I wish it was a mega department so that it can respond to the needs of our people as far as saving lives, Mr. Speaker.

REP. CASTRO (F.L.). Okay. Thank you, Mr. Sponsor, Mr. Speaker. Kaya ko po nasabing mega department ang kine-create natin dahil, una—marami pong mga probisyon, Mr. Speaker, hanggang letter (h) iyong sasabihin ko. So, iyong sa Section 4 po, nakalagay dito, “The Department shall be the primary government agency responsible for leading, organizing, and managing the national effort to” et cetera. So, nandodoon po sa Section 4 nakalagay iyong pinaka parang general mandate ng department. Ganoon din po sa Section 5(a), “Recommend to the President of the Philippines the declaration of a state of calamity x x x and the lifting thereof.” So, hindi po ba mayroong ahensya na nagre-recommend ng ganito? So, ipapasok natin ito dito sa department?

And letter (c), catch-all provision iyong under General Functions, iyong 5(a)(13). Disaster risk reduction, disaster preparedness and response—doon po ano, nasa Sections 5, 3, 37, and 19. So, medyo malawak po ang coverage ng emergency measures, nasa Article 3. So, tama ba ako? Puwede pa nga sigurong magdeklara ng curfew na mukhang


nationwide ang sakop ng kapangyarihan na ito, na puwede ring mag-rasyon ng goods. Tama po ba iyon, Mr. Sponsor?

REP. MARIÑO. The Department—is the question about declaring a curfew, Mr. Speaker?

REP. CASTRO (F.L.). Yes po. Dahil sa lawak po ng coverage na nakita ko dito on emergency measures, puwede pa nga sigurong mag-order, hindi ba, ang Department ng nationwide na curfew? Tama po ba ang aking impression?

REP. MARIÑO. Puwede po siguro kung may kaukulang batas dahil ang ginagawa pong curfew ngayon ay based on the local government units, sa ordinansa po nila iyong mga paggagawa ng mga curfew.

REP. CASTRO (F.L.). Isa pa pong issue, Mr. Speaker, Mr. Sponsor, ibibigay sa DDR ang takeover power ng State, power to take over or direct the operations of privately owned public utilities and business. Mayroon po bang ganitong kapangyarihan ang DDR?

REP. MARIÑO. Ang alam ko po ay mayroon. Hinahanap ko lang po iyong section na iyon, pero mayroon po.

REP. CASTRO (F.L.). Okay. Isa pa po ay iyong various powers with respect to infrastructure projects like fast-tracking licenses and permits, clearances, et cetera, to implementing disaster recovery and rehabilitation measures, including housing projects. Nandiyan po iyan sa Section 5(c)(4). Kahit administration of tax credits, papasukin na rin ng DDR; nandiyan po sa Section 36(d).

REP. MARIÑO. Pagdating po sa mga tax credits, iyan po ay recommendatory powers lang po ang Departamentong ito. They will have to coordinate with the DOF and the other agencies as far as tax credits are concerned. Ang ilan pong kapangyarihan ng Departamentong ito ay doon po sa mga donations na ibibigay coming from, maybe,

international countries as far as tax incentives are concerned, Mr. Speaker.

REP. CASTRO (F.L.). Okay, Mr. Sponsor, Mr. Speaker. Nababahala lang po ako kasi in terms of tax, malinaw pong nakalagay dito sa Section 36(d), Section 5(c)(4)na parang mayroong—although sinasabi ng ating Sponsor na recommendatory lang itong DDR but, you have to review, Mr. Speaker, Mr. Sponsor, iyon pong mga section na binanggit ko dahil ito po ay mag-e-encroach na po doon sa trabaho ng BIR.

REP. MARIÑO. That’s correct, Mr. Speaker, and I will take a look at the said section.

REP. CASTRO (F.L.). Yes. Kahit sa pag-determine ng pangangailangan kung kailangan ng international assistance, ito po iyong sinasabi natin tungkol sa donations, ibibigay sa DDR at sa President. So, iyon po, ano, iyong dito po sa section na ito, iyong papaano po ba magiging proseso doon sa mga international donations kaugnay ng mga disaster, Mr. Sponsor?

REP. MARIÑO. May capacity po ang Departamentong ito na tumanggap ng mga donations coming from different organizations, international or local. So, magkakaroon po ng—mama-manage po iyong lahat ng mga ibinigay, donations or funds. So, mayroon po ditong probisyon na ang Departamento na ito ay may kapasidad na mag-manage and mag-distribute based on the law sa Departamentong ito.

At this juncture, Representative Bondoc relinquished the Chair to Rep. Alfred C. Delos Santos.

REP. CASTRO (F.L.). How about, Mr. Sponsor, the donations given to LGUs? So, kailangan po ba ito ay dumaan muna sa DDR? Kasi sa experience po natin, halimbawa po, Mr. Sponsor, ako po nakakasama rin ako sa mga relief operations, dumidiretso po sa mga local government units. So, dito ngayon, pupunta muna sa DDR bago mag-LGU? Tama po ba iyong ganoong proseso?


REP. MARIÑO. Depende po iyon doon sa nagbibigay, Mr. Speaker. Kung gusto po nilang ibigay direkta sa LGU, puwede pong tanggapin ng LGU. Kung ito naman po ay kung gusto nilang ibigay sa Departamento na ito dahil mayroong mga tax incentives—hindi po hahadlangan ang international community na magbigay ng donations sa LGUs.

REP. CASTRO (F.L.). Okay.Next issue po. The DDR will prevail overall.

So, sa Section 5(b) (2) and (3), sa usapin po, Mr. Sponsor, ng mga kontrata, ng settlements at policies sa land use and zoning, the DDR will prevail over policies or decision of other departments, government agencies, GOCCs, LGUs, and other government institutions. Tama po ba ito, Mr. Sponsor?

REP. MARIÑO. Mr. Speaker, Section 5?

At this juncture, Representative Delos Santos relinquished the Chair to Rep. Juan Pablo “Rimpy” P. Bondoc.

REP. CASTRO (F.L.). B, Section 5(b).

REP. MARIÑO. Section 5, under the Powers and Functions of the Department?

At this juncture, Representative Bondoc relinquished the Chair to Deputy Speaker Michael L. Romero, PhD.

REP. CASTRO (F.L.). Yes.

REP. MARIÑO. Section 5. Ang Section 5 po ay—wala pong Section 5 (b). Baka po iba ang kopya ng …

At this juncture, Deputy Speaker Romero, PhD, relinquished the Chair to Rep. Alfred C. Delos Santos.

REP. CASTRO (F.L.). Oo nga ano. Baka ito po, Section 5 (b)2 and 3, sa usapin po ito ng kontrata ng settlements.

REP. MARIÑO. Let me just find it, Mr. Speaker. I apologize I don’t have any resource person around me.

So, Section 5 is the Powers and Functions of the Department. Tama po ba, Ginoong Speaker? And then ang number (5) po sa letter a, letter a is General Functions; and, then letter (b) is Disaster Risk Reduction; letter (c) is Disaster Preparedness and Response; letter (d) is Recovery and Building Forward Better.

Tama po ba ang kopya ng Representative Castro? As far as my copy is concerned, those are in Section 5.

REP. CASTRO (F.L.). Okay, tama po. Ito rin iyong kopya ko.

So, ang ibig ko lang pong sabihin dito, kung magkakaroon po ng conflict, halimbawa po iyong mga kontrata on settlements at policies sa land use and zoning, sino po ba iyong mananaig? Iyon po bang mga LGUs o iyon pong desisyon ng DDR?

REP. MARIÑO. I think the DDR is given the power to implement for faster implementation of whatever it is that needs to be done as far as rehabilitation is concerned.

REP. CASTRO (F.L.). So, ibig pong sabihin, halimbawa po sa mga itatayong mga evacuation centers ng mga munisipyo or probinsya at iba pang na-qualify ng LGU, so ang magpe-prevail po ay ang DDR?

REP. MARIÑO. Ang DDR po ay isa sa magkakaroon ng pag-aaral kung saan at puwede dapat itayo ang isang evacuation center, for example. So, siguro naman po iyong pondo ay dito rin sa DDR manggagaling at kung kinakailangan pong mag-expropriate ng right-of-way ay mayroon din pong kapangyarihan ang Departamentong ito.

REP. CASTRO (F.L.). So, may mga sistema at mekanismo ang DDR ukol sa pag-accredit po ng CSO, mobilization ng volunteers, at pamamahagi ng relief goods na kaiba sa sistema at mekanismo na sa tingin ng LGU ay mas epektib at napatunayan na base sa karanasan? So, ibig sabihin niyan masusunod pa rin po dito iyong DDR.

REP. MARIÑO. Since may plano po ang DDR as far as relief operations are concerned,


ito pa rin po ay makikipag-ugnayan sa mga LGUs kung papaano ito gagawin. Kaya nga po dapat ay may preparation na ginagawa at dapat mayroon talagang paghahanda ang Departamentong ito para hindi po nagkakagulo pagdating ng relief operations.

REP. CASTRO (F.L.). Okay.Under po dito sa DDR, Mr. Sponsor,

iyong papasailalim po ba sa DDR iyong, halimbawa po, iyong PAGASA, iyon pong may kinalaman doon sa mga research na mga ahensya natin?

REP. MARIÑO. Hindi po siya directly mapapasailalim sa Departamentong ito. Ang proper amendment po, ang wording po namin dito is “continuously call upon.” Ibig sabihin ay parating nakikipag-ugnayan doon sa PAGASA at sa iba pang ahensya, na gaya ng nasabi kanina sa interpellation ng ating Honorable Quimbo ay mayroon na pong amendment kaming nakahanda para po klaro iyong ugnayan ng DDR at noong other agencies gaya ng Bureau of Fire, PNP, PAGASA at PHIVOLCS, Mr. Speaker.

REP. CASTRO (F.L.). Okay. Last na po, Mr. Speaker.

Sa pondo po, on funding po, magkano po iyong ini-expect nating funding at number of employees po ng itatayo nating department?

REP. MARIÑO. Ang pondo pong proposal, ito po ay manggagaling sa OCD ang karamihan, ang Personnel Services po ay nasa P1 billion, may MOOE din po na P420 million sa Central Office and in all the other regions ay may P30 million spread out, so that is about P930 million, plus Capital Outlays of P1 billion plus, so humigit-kumulang po na P3 billion ang kailangan upang initially maitatag ang Departamentong ito, Mr. Speaker.

REP. CASTRO (F.L.). Okay. Initially po, ilan pong personnel …

REP. MARIÑO. Hindi ko po lang …

REP. CASTRO (F.L.). … or plantilla positions?

REP. MARIÑO. … alam ang kabuuan na personnel, but ang Personnel Services po ay nasa P1 billion. Sa ngayon, with the indulgence of the Hon. France Castro, I don’t have my resource persons here with me but I can get the information later on and we shall submit the information to her office when I get it.

At this juncture, Representative Delos Santos relinquished the Chair to Deputy Speaker Michael L. Romero, PhD.

REP. CASTRO (F.L.). Okay.Thank you po. Iyon na lang po, Mr.

Sponsor. Salamat po. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

REP. MARIÑO. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.


REP BOLILIA. Mr. Speaker, I move that we recognize the honorable Representative from the Second District of Lanao del Sur, the Hon. Abdullah Dimaporo, for his interpellation.


THE DEPUTY SPEAKER (Rep. Romero). Representat ive Dimaporo is hereby recognized.

REP. DIMAPORO (A.). Thank you, Mr. Speaker, and good afternoon to all of you, Mr. Speaker, who are now listening to us. I’d like to say that I am from Lanao del Norte and not from Lanao del Sur.

Mr. Speaker, before my manifestation, I’d like to ask again, why do we define disaster? And if disaster is defined, why not put it in the title of the Department, the Department of Natural Disaster Resilience? Why hide it? This I cannot understand, Mr. Sponsor, ‘no. So, why is it that as if we are trying to hide it? Again, I’d like to ask, why just natural? Because from what I have understood, Mr. Speaker, man-made disasters are the responsibility of another department like, say, the Department of National Defense. Again, another problem, like for example the OFWs, that’s another department. This department is only for natural


disasters but we also attend to other disasters. The difference is that we give more importance to the effects of natural disasters than the effects of other disasters. Meaning, we give more money to this Department and less money to the National Defense for the effect that they may give to a place where there are subversives. So, why give special attention to natural disasters and not the other disasters, Mr. Speaker? That’s my question.

REP. MARIÑO. Mr. Speaker, this was the proposal of most of the authors as well as the proposal since—I don’t know, I think I heard this in the Seventeenth Congress also. So, this has been, in fact, the proposal also of the President, as far as I know, during the SONA. I really don’t know why they did not include the—why it is just for natural disasters. But it does not, like I said, prevent it from addressing problems as far as our response or our assistance to any type of disaster is concerned. Maybe it just concentrated on the immediate problem of response to any calamity, but we do not discount that, for example, in the province of Lanao del Norte, there are human-induced disasters. It does not in any way take away the capability of the national government to respond to such disasters. In fact, in Marawi, it was the opposite. It was given more funds to respond to such type of disaster.

And like I said earlier, there are other agencies also dedicated to, for instance, terrorism or human-induced disasters. This is just a proposal from the authors and I would be happy to get any amendments from the Honorable Dimaporo on why the title of this bill is as such, the creation of the Department of Disaster Resilience.

THE DEPUTY SPEAKER (Rep. Romero). Representative Mariño and Representative Dimaporo, we can go through that during the period of amendments. But for now, this is the period of interpellation.

MANIFESTATION OF REP. DIMAPORO (A.)

REP. DIMAPORO (A.). Yes, Mr. Speaker, now, I will manifest.

What we see, Mr. Speaker, is the unfairness or discriminatory attitude of the majority. What we see here is the rule of the majority enforcing what they want.

Most of the natural disasters are in Luzon and the Visayas, but most of the man-made disasters are in Mindanao. And what we are showing here is that we are giving more importance to natural disasters because of so many things that we have seen in the proposed Bill that can help those that are affected by the natural disasters.

Mr. Speaker, we in Mindanao have seen the unfairness of the majority, from Luzon and from the Visayas, giving more importance to themselves and less to us. And this is the reason why there was the MNLF and then later on the MILF, and why there are still many subversives in the mountains of Mindanao. And what we will see now, Mr. Speaker, is again the importance of the majority. Yes, we will be attended to, but not as much as the places of the majority.

The Marawi s i ege , Mr . Speaker , happened before this Bill and whatever big amount it received, it was not because of this Bill, it was because we were treated equally in the past. And now, with this Bill, we will be treated differently. Yes, we will all be attended to, but not as much as other places. So, this is my manifestation, Mr. Speaker.

I think this can be made an issue as it was also made one during the time of the MNLF, the issue that we, in Mindanao, were given less opportunities.

So, thank you, Mr. Speaker. Thank you, Mr. Chairman.

THE DEPUTY SPEAKER (Rep. Romero). The manifestation of the Honorable Dimaporo is hereby noted by this Chamber.

Majority Leader.

REP. AGLIPAY. Mr. Speaker, I move that we suspend the period of sponsorship and debate.

THE DEPUTY SPEAKER (Rep. Romero). The motion to suspend the period of debate is hereby approved.


R E P . M A R I Ñ O . T h a n k y o u , M r . Speaker.



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


It was 5:07 p.m.




SUSPENSION OF CONSIDERATION OF H.B. NO. 5989

REP. DELOS SANTOS. Mr. Speaker, I move to suspend the consideration of House Bill No. 5989.


THE DEPUTY SPEAKER (Rep. Romero). Are there any objections? (Silence) Hearing none; consideration of House Bill No. 5989 is hereby suspended.

Majority Leader.

APPROVAL OF H.B. NO. 6930ON THIRD READING

REP. DELOS SANTOS. Mr. Speaker, I move for the consideration on Third Reading of House Bill No. 6930. For this purpose, may I request that the Secretary General be directed to read the title of the bill and, thereafter, to call the roll for nominal voting.


Thereupon, the Secretary General read the title of the measure, printed copies of which were distributed to the Members on July 14, 2020, pursuant to Section 58, Rule X of the House Rules.

THE DEPUTY SPEAKER (Rep. Romero). The Secretary General is hereby directed to read the title of the bill and, thereafter, call the roll of votation.

THE SECRETARY GENERAL. House Bill No. 6930, entitled: AN ACT REQUIRING PARENTS TO PLANT TWO (2) TREES FOR EVERY CHILD BORN TO THEM AND APPROPRIATING FUNDS THEREFOR.

The Chair directed the Secretary General to call the roll for nominal voting. The result of the voting on Third Reading* on the aforesaid measure is reflected in Journal No. 4, dated August 26, 2020.

THE DEPUTY SPEAKER (Rep. Romero). With 222 affirmative votes, zero negative vote and zero abstention, House Bill No. 6930 is approved on Third and final Reading.

Majority Leader.

APPROVAL OF H.B. NO. 6931 ON THIRD READING



THE DEPUTY SPEAKER (Rep. Romero). The Secretary General is directed to read House Bill No. 6931, the title of the bill, and call the elections (roll) for nominal voting thereafter.

Thereupon, the Secretary General read the title of the measure, printed copies of which were distributed to the Members on July 14, 2020, pursuant to Section 58, Rule X of the House Rules.

* See ANNEX (printed separately)


THE SECRETARY GENERAL. House Bill No. 6931, entitled: AN ACT REQUIRING ALL GRADUATING SENIOR HIGH SCHOOL AND COLLEGE STUDENTS TO PLANT TWO (2) TREES EACH AS A CIVIC DUTY FOR ENVIRONMENT PROTECTION AND PRESERVATION, AND APPROPRIATING FUNDS THEREFOR.


THE DEPUTY SPEAKER (Rep. Romero). With 224 affirmative votes, zero negative vote and zero abstention, House Bill No. 6931 is approved on its Third and final Reading.

Majority Leader.




THE DEPUTY SPEAKER (Rep. Romero). The Secretary General is hereby directed to read the title of the bill and call the roll for nominal voting.

Thereupon, the Secretary General read the title of the measure, printed copies of which were distributed to the Members on August 7, 2020, pursuant to Section 58, Rule X of the House Rules.

T H E S E C R E T A R Y G E N E R A L .

House Bill No. 638, entitled: AN ACT INSTITUTIONALIZING PHILIPPINE PARTICIPATION IN THE INTERNATIONAL E X H I B I T I O N S O F T H E V E N I C E BIENNALE.


THE DEPUTY SPEAKER (Rep. Romero). With 223 affirmative votes, zero negative vote, and one abstention, House Bill No. 638 is now approved on its Third and final Reading.

Majority Leader.


REP. AGLIPAY. Mr. Speaker, I move for the consideration on Third Reading of House Bill No. 7302. For this purpose, may I request the Secretary General be directed to read the title of the bill and, thereafter, to call the roll for nominal voting.

THE DEPUTY SPEAKER (Rep. Romero). The Secretary General is directed to read the title of House Bill No. 7302 and, thereafter, call the roll of Members.


THE SECRETARY GENERAL. House Bill No. 7302, entitled: AN ACT RATIONALIZING THE DISABILITY PENSION OF VETERANS, AMENDING FOR THE PURPOSE REPUBLIC ACT NO. 6948, ENTITLED, “AN ACT STANDARDIZING AND UPGRADING THE BENEFITS FOR MILITARY VETERANS AND THEIR BENEFICIARES,” AS AMENDED.


THE DEPUTY SPEAKER (Rep. Romero).



With 226 affirmative votes, zero negative and zero abstention, House Bill No. 7302 is now approved on its Third and final Reading.

Majority Leader.


REP. AGLIPAY. Mr. Speaker, I move for the consideration on Third Reading of House Bill No. 7320. For this purpose, may I request the Secretary General be directed to read the title of the bill and, thereafter, to call the roll for nominal voting.

THE DEPUTY SPEAKER (Rep. Romero). The Secretary General is hereby directed to read the title of the bill, House Bill No. 7320.


THE SECRETARY GENERAL. House Bill No. 7320, entitled: AN ACT REQUIRING GOVERNMENT AGENCIES TO INDICATE THE BLOOD TYPE OF INDIVIDUALS ON THEIR IDENTIFICATION CARDS, CERTIFICATES AND LICENSES, AND APPROPRIATING FUNDS THEREFOR.


THE DEPUTY SPEAKER (Rep. Romero). With 226 affirmative votes, zero negative vote and zero abstention, House Bill No. 7320 is hereby approved on its Third and final Reading.

Majority Leader.

REP. AGLIPAY. Mr. Speaker, I move that we direct the Secretary General to transmit all bills approved on Third Reading from August 24 to August 26 to the Senate.


THE DEPUTY SPEAKER (Rep. Romero). Is there any objection? (Silence) Hearing none; the motion is approved.

The Secretary General is hereby directed to transmit all bills approved on Third Reading to the Senate.

REP. AGLIPAY. Mr. Speaker, I move

that we now proceed with the Additional Reference of Business and direct the Secretary General to read the Messages from the Senate and Committee Reports.


THE DEPUTY SPEAKER (Rep. Romero). The Secretary General is directed to read the Messages from the Senate.

ADDITIONAL REFERENCE OF BUSINESS

The Secretary General read the following Messages from the Senate and Committee Reports, and the Deputy Speaker made the corresponding references:

MESSAGES FROM THE SENATE

Message dated August 19, 2020, informing the House of Representatives that the Senate on even date passed Senate Bill No. 1216, entitled:“AN ACT DECLARING MAY 18 OF

EVERY AS THE NATIONAL HIGHER EDUCATION DAY”

in which it requests the concurrence of the House of Representatives.

TO THE COMMITTEE ON HIGHER AND TECHNICAL EDUCATION

Message dated August 19, 2020, informing the House of Representatives that on August 3, 2020 the Senate designated Senator Christopher “Bong” Go as an additional conferee to the Bicameral Conference Committee on the disagreeing provisions of Senate Bill No. 1564, entitled:“AN ACT PROVIDING FOR COVID-

19 RESPONSE AND RECOVERY I N T E R V E N T I O N S A N D



PROVIDING MECHANISMS TO ACCELERATE THE RECOVERY AND BOLSTER THE RESILIENCY OF THE PHILIPPINE ECONOMY, PROVIDING FUNDS THEREFOR, AND FOR OTHER PURPOSES”


COMMITTEE REPORTS

Report of the Committee on Legislative Franchises (Committee Report No. 438), re H.B. No. 7507, entitled:“AN ACT GRANTING SAN MIGUEL

AEROCITY INC. A FRANCHISE TO CONSTRUCT, DEVELOP, ESTABLISH, OPERATE, AND MAINTAIN A DOMESTIC AND INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT IN THE MUNICIPALITY OF BULAKAN, PROVINCE OF BULACAN, AND TO CONSTRUCT, DEVELOP, ESTABLISH, OPERATE, AND MAINTAIN AN ADJACENT AIRPORT CITY”


Sponsors: Representatives Alvarez (Franz), Sy-Alvarado, Bautista, Salceda, Garin (Sharon), Garbin, Maceda, Collantes, Violago, Crisologo, Bagatsing, Fariñas (Ria), Albano, Siao, Vargas Alfonso, Baronda, Paduano, Valeriano, Savellano, Tejada, Lacson-Noel, Estrella, Alonte, Hernandez, Vargas, Aragones, Tan (Alyssa), Bolilia, Dy (Faustino Michael), Martinez, Nograles (Jericho), Abu, Gonzales (Aurelio), Pimentel, Santos-Recto, Castelo, Dy (Ian), Ferrer (Luis), Abueg-Zaldivar, Suansing (Estrellita), Singson-Meehan, De Venecia, Haresco, Deloso-Montalla, Nuñez-Malanyaon, Arenas, Fuentebella, Escudero, Go (Mark), Dagooc, Ong (Ronnie), Suntay, Padiernos, Suansing (Horacio), Gatchalian, Salo, Tambunting and Villa


Report of the Committee on Higher and Technical Education and the Committee on Appropriations (Committee Report No. 439), re H.B. No. 7510, entitled:

“ A N A C T E S T A B L I S H I N G A T E C H N I C A L E D U C A T I O N AND SKILLS DEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY (TESDA) TRAINING AND ASSESSMENT CENTER IN THE MUNICIPALITY OF LILOY, PROVINCE OF ZAMBOANGA DEL NORTE, TO BE KNOWN AS THE LILOY, ZAMBOANGA DEL NORTE TESDA TRAINING AND ASSESSMENT CENTER, AND APPROPRIATING FUNDS THEREFOR”


Sponsors: Representatives Go (Mark), Yap (Eric) and Amatong


Report of the Committee on Higher and Technical Education and the Committee on Appropriations (Committee Report No. 440), re H.B. No. 7511, entitled:“ A N A C T E S T A B L I S H I N G A

T E C H N I C A L E D U C A T I O N AND SKILLS DEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY (TESDA) TRAINING AND ASSESSMENT CENTER IN THE MUNICIPALITY OF HAGONOY, PROVINCE OF BULACAN, TO BE KNOWN AS THE HAGONOY, BULACAN TESDA TRAINING AN D ASSESSMEN T C EN TER , AND APPROPRIATING FUNDS THEREFOR”


Sponsors: Representatives Go (Mark), Yap (Eric) and Sy-Alvarado



T E C H N I C A L E D U C A T I O N AND SKILLS DEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY (TESDA) TRAINING AND ASSESSMENT CENTER IN THE MUNICIPALITY OF SAN ILDEFONSO, PROVINCE OF ILOCOS


SUR, TO BE KNOWN AS THE SAN ILDEFONSO, ILOCOS SUR TESDA TRAINING AND ASSESSMENT CENTER, AND APPROPRIATING FUNDS THEREFOR”


Sponsors: Representatives Go (Mark), Yap (Eric) and Savellano



T E C H N I C A L E D U C A T I O N AND SKILLS DEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY (TESDA) TRAINING AND ASSESSMENT CENTER IN THE MUNICIPALITY OF SOLANA, PROVINCE OF CAGAYAN, TO BE KNOWN AS THE SOLANA, CAGAYAN TESDA TRAINING AN D ASSESSMEN T C EN TER , AND APPROPRIATING FUNDS THEREFOR”


Sponsors: Representatives Go (Mark), Yap (Eric) and Lara



T E C H N I C A L E D U C A T I O N AND SKILLS DEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY (TESDA) TRAINING AND ASSESSMENT CENTER IN THE MUNICIPALITY OF CALABANGA, PROVINCE OF CAMARINES SUR, TO BE KNOWN AS THE CALABANGA, CAMARINES SUR TESDA TRAINING AN D ASSESSMEN T C EN TER , AND APPROPRIATING FUNDS THEREFOR”


Sponsors: Representatives Go (Mark), Yap (Eric) and Bordado



T E C H N I C A L E D U C A T I O N AND SKILLS DEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY (TESDA) TRAINING AND ASSESSMENT CENTER IN THE MUNICIPALITY OF LAOANG, PROVINCE OF NORTHERN SAMAR, TO BE KNOWN AS THE LAOANG, N O R T H E R N S A M A R T E S D A TRAINING AND ASSESSMENT CENTER, AND APPROPRIATING FUNDS THEREFOR”


Sponsors: Representatives Go (Mark), Yap (Eric) and Ong (Jose)




REP. DELOS SANTOS. Mr. Speaker, I move for a few minutes of suspension of the session.


It was 5:40 p.m.




ADJOURNMENT OF SESSION

REP. DELOS SANTOS. Mr. Speaker, I move to adjourn the session until September 1, at 3:00 p.m.


THE DEPUTY SPEAKER (Rep. Romero). The session is adjourned.

The session is adjourned until Tuesday, September 1, at three o’clock in the afternoon.

It was 5:42 p.m.

Published by the Publication and Editorial Service, South Wing Basement • 931-7868; 931-5001 local 7602The Congressional Record can be accessed through the Legislative Documents of the official website

of the House of Representatives at www.congress.gov.ph FLL/GIC/09022020/2000