Congressional Record
PLENARY PROCEEDINGS OF THE 15th CONGRESS, FIRST REGULAR SESSION
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
Vol. 4 Wednesday, June 8, 2011 No. 73b
RESUMPTION OF SESSION ACT OF 1992’, AS AMENDED AND FOR OTHER
PURPOSES”
At 4:00 p.m., the session was resumed with Deputy By Representative Apostol
Speaker Maria Isabelle “Beng” G. Climaco presiding. TO THE COMMITTEE ON BANKS AND
FINANCIAL INTERMEDIARIES
THE DEPUTY SPEAKER (Rep. Climaco). The session
is resumed. House Bill No. 4806, entitled:
The Dep. Majority Leader is recognized. “AN ACT ESTABLISHING A FIFTY-BED CAPACITY
HOSPITAL TO BE KNOWN AS THE SAN MATEO
REP. GUNIGUNDO. Mme. Speaker, I move that we PRIMARY HOSPITAL IN THE MUNICIPALITY
proceed to the Additional Reference of Business. OF SAN MATEO, PROVINCE OF ISABELA AND
APPROPRIATING FUNDS THEREFOR”
THE DEPUTY SPEAKER (Rep. Climaco). Is there any By Representative Cabaluna
objection? (Silence) The Chair hears none; the motion is TO THE COMMITTEE ON HEALTH
approved.
The Secretary General will please read the Additional House Bill No. 4808, entitled:
Reference of Business. “AN ACT PROMOTING THE DEVELOPMENT OF
MINERALS PROCESSING AND IN THE
ADDITIONAL REFERENCE OF BUSINESS PROCESS BANNING THE EXPORT OF IRON,
NICKEL, CHROMITE, MANGANESE AND
The Secretary General read the following House Bills OTHER STRATEGIC METALLIC ORES, AND
and Resolutions on First Reading, Message from the FOR OTHER PURPOSES”
President, Message from the Senate and Communications, By Representative Matugas
and Committee Reports and the Deputy Speaker made the TO THE COMMITTEE ON NATURAL RESOURCES
corresponding references:
House Bill No. 4809, entitled:
BILLS ON FIRST READING “AN ACT ESTABLISHING A NATIONAL HIGH
SCHOOL IN BARANGAY ROOSEVELT,
House Bill No. 4803, entitled: MUNICIPALITY OF DINALUPIHAN,
“AN ACT DECLARING MOUNT PINATUBO AS PROVINCE OF BATAAN, TO BE KNOWN AS
MAJOR TOURISM SPOT” THE ROOSEVELT NATIONAL HIGH SCHOOL
By Representative Lazatin AND APPROPRIATING FUNDS THEREFOR”
TO THE COMMITTEE ON TOURISM By Representative Roman
TO THE COMMITTEE ON BASIC EDUCATION
House Bill No. 4804, entitled: AND CULTURE
“AN ACT REAPPORTIONING THE COMPOSITION
OF THE FOURTH (4 TH ) AND FIFTH (5 TH ) House Bill No. 4810, entitled:
LEGISLATIVE DISTRICTS IN THE PROVINCE “AN ACT REPEALING ARTICLES 130 AND 131 OF
OF CAMARINES SUR AND THEREBY PRESIDENTIAL DECREE NUMBER FOUR
CREATING A NEW LEGISLATIVE DISTRICT HUNDRED FORTY-TWO (P.D. NO. 442), AS
FROM SUCH REAPPORTIONMENT” AMENDED, OTHERWISE KNOWN AS THE
By Representative Fortuno LABOR CODE OF THE PHILIPPINES”
TO THE COMMITTEE ON LOCAL GOVERNMENT By Representative Mercado-Revilla
TO THE COMMITTEE ON LABOR AND
House Bill No. 4805, entitled: EMPLOYMENT
“AN ACT ALLOWING FOREIGN EQUITY IN THE
CAPITAL OF RURAL BANKS, AMENDING FOR House Bill No. 4811, entitled:
THE PURPOSE REPUBLIC ACT NO. 7353 “AN ACT ESTABLISHING A NATIONAL HIGH
OTHERWISE KNOWN AS ‘THE RURAL BANK SCHOOL IN BARANGAY MABABANGBAYBAY,
2 WEDNESDAY, JUNE 8, 2011
MUNICIPALITY OF CLAVERIA, PROVINCE OF AND ACCESS DEVICES, PROMOTING
MASBATETOBE KNOWNASMABABANGBAYBAY ACCOUNTABILITY, RESPONSIBILITY AND
NATIONAL HIGH SCHOOL AND APPROPRIATING DISCLOSURE IN AVAILMENT AND USE AND
FUNDS THEREFOR” FOR OTHER PURPOSES”
By Representative Bravo By Representative Ponce-Enrile
TO THE COMMITTEE ON BASIC EDUCATION TO THE COMMITTEE ON BANKS AND
AND CULTURE FINANCIAL INTERMEDIARIES
House Bill No. 4813, entitled: House Bill No. 4821, entitled:
“AN ACT TO PROTECT ALL AGRICULTURAL “AN ACT CREATING BARANGAY GUINHALINAN
LANDS FROM IRRESPONSIBLE, NEGLIGENT IN THE MUNICIPALITY OF BAROBO,
AND ARBITRARY LAND RECLASSIFICATION, PROVINCE OF SURIGAO DEL SUR”
AMENDING SECTION 20 OF REPUBLIC ACT By Representative Garay
NO. 7160, OTHERWISE KNOWN AS LOCAL TO THE COMMITTEE ON LOCAL GOVERNMENT
GOVERNMENT CODE, FOR THIS PURPOSE”
By Representative Mendoza (J.) House Bill No. 4822, entitled:
TO THE COMMITTEE ON AGRICULTURE AND “AN ACT AUTHORIZING THE SUPREME COURT
FOOD TO DESIGNATE SPECIAL COURTS FROM
AMONG EXISTING REGIONAL TRIAL
House Bill No. 4814, entitled: COURTS IN EACH JUDICIAL REGION TO
“ANACTMANDATINGTHEDISPLAYOFTHENATIONAL EXCLUSIVELY TRY AND HEAR CASES
FLAG IN EVERY RESIDENTIAL OR COMMERCIAL INVOLVING ILLEGAL RECRUITMENT,
BUILDING DURING INDEPENDENCE DAY” AMENDING FOR THE PURPOSE REPUBLIC
By Representative Mercado (R.) ACT NO. 8042, OTHERWISE KNOWN AS THE
TO THE COMMITTEE ON BASIC EDUCATION ‘MIGRANT WORKERS AND OVERSEAS
AND CULTURE FILIPINOS ACT OF 1995’, AS AMENDED”
By Representative Ilagan
House Bill No. 4816, entitled: TO THE COMMITTEE ON OVERSEAS WORKERS
“AN ACT AMENDING ARTICLE 287 OF AFFAIRS
PRESIDENTIAL DECREE NO. 442, AS
AMENDED, OTHERWISE KNOWN AS THE House Bill No. 4823, entitled:
LABOR CODE OF THE PHILIPPINES, BY “AN ACT PROVIDING FOR A LOTTERY
CHANGING THE COMPULSORY RETIREMENT EDUCATION FUND FOR THE TAX
AGE OF SIXTY FIVE TO SIXTY YEARS OF AGE” COLLECTED FROM WINNINGS FROM THE
By Representative Emano PHILIPPINE LOTTERY”
TO THE COMMITTEE ON LABOR AND By Representative Angara
EMPLOYMENT TO THE COMMITTEE ON BASIC EDUCATION
AND CULTURE
House Bill No. 4817, entitled:
“AN ACT CONVERTING THE MANTICAO HIGH RESOLUTIONS
SCHOOL AT BARANGAY PAGAWAN,
MUNICIPALITY OF MANTICAO, PROVINCE OF House Resolution No. 1365, entitled:
MISAMIS ORIENTAL INTO A NATIONAL HIGH “RESOLUTION DIRECTING THE HOUSE
SCHOOL TO BE KNOWN AS MANTICAO COMMITTEE ON AGRICULTURE AND FOOD
NATIONAL HIGH SCHOOLAND APPROPRIATING TO CONDUCT AN INQUIRY IN AID OF
FUNDS THEREFOR” LEGISLATION ON THE BIOSAFETY OF
By Representative Emano GENETICALLY MODIFIED CROPS AND THE
TO THE COMMITTEE ON BASIC EDUCATION ADVANTAGES AND DISADVANTAGES OF ITS
AND CULTURE COMMERCIALIZATION IN THE PHILIPPINES”
By Representative Garin (S.)
House Bill No. 4818, entitled: TO THE COMMITTEE ON RULES
“AN ACT FURTHER AMENDING PRESIDENTIAL
DECREE NO. 1869, OTHERWISE KNOWN AS House Resolution No. 1366, entitled:
PHILIPPINE GAMES AND AMUSEMENTS “A RESOLUTION DIRECTING THE COMMITTEE
BOARD (PAGCOR) CHARTER, AS AMENDED ON ECOLOGY TO CONDUCT AN INQUIRY, IN
BY REPUBLIC ACT NO. 9487” AID OF LEGISLATION, ON THE RECENT RAPE
By Representative Lapus OF THE OCEAN THRU THE ILLEGAL
TO THE COMMITTEE ON GAMES AND HARVESTING OF BLACK CORALS, TURTLES
AMUSEMENTS AND SEA SHELLS THAT HAPPENED OFF THE
COAST OF COTABATO”
House Bill No. 4819, entitled: By Representatives Rodriguez (R.) and Rodriguez (M.)
“AN ACT PROVIDING FOR REFORMS IN LENDING TO THE COMMITTEE ON RULES
WEDNESDAY, JUNE 8, 2011 3
House Resolution No. 1367, entitled: FOR RECEIVING COLUMBIA UNIVERSITY’S
“RESOLUTION DIRECTING THE COMMITTEE ON PRESIDENTIAL AWARD IN TEACHING AND
YOUTH AND SPORTS DEVELOPMENT TO NEW YORK CITY SLOAN PUBLIC AWARD,
CONDUCT AN INQUIRY, IN AID OF RESPECTIVELY, THEREBY, BRINGING GREAT
LEGISLATION, INTO THE ACCIDENT HONOR TO THEIR MOTHERLAND”
RESULTING TO THE DEATH OF NATIONAL By Representative Castelo
SUPERBIKE CHAMPION MAICO GREG TO THE COMMITTEE ON HIGHER AND
BUNCIO IN ORDER TO REVIEW EXISTING TECHNICAL EDUCATION
SAFETY STANDARDS FOLLOWED IN
RACING CIRCUITS” House Resolution No. 1372, entitled:
By Representative Lapus “A RESOLUTION DIRECTING THE HOUSE
TO THE COMMITTEE ON RULES COMMITTEE ON HEALTH TO CONDUCT AN
INQUIRY, IN AID OF LEGISLATION,
House Resolution No. 1368, entitled: REGARDING THE POSSIBLE RISK OF OVER-
“RESOLUTION URGING THE COMMITTEE ON EXPOSURE TO CELLULAR PHONE USAGE TO
ENERGY TO IMMEDIATELY CONDUCT AN THE HEALTH OF ITS USERS”
INVESTIGATION, IN AID OF LEGISLATION, By Representative Haresco
ON THE ACTUAL UTILIZATION OF THE TO THE COMMITTEE ON RULES
UNIVERSAL CHARGE FOR MISSIONARY
ELECTRIFICATION (UCME) TO ENSURE ITS House Resolution No. 1375, entitled:
PROPER DISPOSITION” “A RESOLUTION CONGRATULATING AND
By Representatives Cabaluna and Rivera COMMENDING ERIK SPOELSTRA FOR BEING
TO THE COMMITTEE ON RULES THE FIRST FILIPINO-AMERICAN TO BECOME
A HEAD COACH OF AN NBA TEAM AND THE
House Resolution No. 1369, entitled: YOUNGEST AT THAT IN THE NBA HISTORY
“RESOLUTION DIRECTING THE COMMITTEE ON AND FOR LEADING HIS TEAM, MIAMI HEAT
ENERGY TO CONDUCT AN INVESTIGATION, TO THE CHAMPIONSHIP IN THE 2011 NBA
IN AID OF LEGISLATION, ON THE FINALS”
RECURRING TWENTY-FOUR HOUR POWER By Representatives Castelo and Banal
BLACKOUT IN TABLAS ISLAND, PROVINCE TO THE COMMITTEE ON YOUTH AND SPORTS
OF ROMBLON, WHICH HAD PLACED THE DEVELOPMENT
ENTIRE ISLAND’S ECONOMIC GROWTH,
PEACE AND ORDER SITUATION AND House Resolution No. 1376, entitled:
SECURITY, WITH THE END IN VIEW OF “RESOLUTION CALLING FOR THE CONDUCT OF
KNOWING THE TRUE CAUSES OF SUCH AN INQUIRY ON THE PROPRIETY OF
POWER INTERRUPTIONS AND PROPERLY ALTERING NAMES AND PROJECTS OF
NIP THE PROBLEM IN THE BUD TO PREVENT PREVIOUS ADMINISTRATION PROJECTS
RECURRENCE OF THE SAME IN THE AND THE SOURCE OF FUNDS FOR THE
FUTURE” EXECUTION THEREOF”
By Representatives Cabaluna and Rivera By Representative Tinga
TO THE COMMITTEE ON RULES TO THE COMMITTEE ON RULES
House Resolution No. 1370, entitled: House Resolution No. 1377, entitled:
“RESOLUTION DIRECTING THE COMMITTEE ON “A RESOLUTION DIRECTING THE APPROPRIATE
ENERGY TO CONDUCT AN INVESTIGATION, COMMITTEE TO IMMEDIATELY CONDUCT
IN AID OF LEGISLATION, ON THE POWER AN INQUIRY, IN AID OF LEGISLATION, ON
SUPPLY CRISIS WHICH ADVERSELY THE CONSTRUCTION OF A COAL-FIRED
AFFECTED SOME SERVICE AREAS OF THE POWER PLANT BY THE ABOITIZ POWER
MEMBERS OF THE ASSOCIATION OF CORPORATION IN SITIO NAGLATORE,
ISOLATED ELECTRIC COOPERATIVES (AIEC) BARANGAY CAWAG, SUBIC, ZAMBALES”
WITH THE END IN VIEW OF AVERTING THE By Representative Bello
RECURRENCE OF POWER OUTAGES AND TO THE COMMITTEE ON RULES
INTERRUPTIONS THEREAT AND CRAFTING
LEGISLATIONS TO PROVIDE LONG-TERM House Resolution No. 1378, entitled:
SOLUTIONS TO ADDRESS SUCH PROBLEM” “A RESOLUTION DIRECTING THE COMMITTEE ON
By Representatives Cabaluna and Rivera BANKS AND FINANCIAL INTERMEDIARIES
TO THE COMMITTEE ON RULES AND THE COMMITTEE ON VETERANS
AFFAIRS AND WELFARE TO CONDUCT AN
House Resolution No. 1371, entitled: INQUIRY, IN AID OF LEGISLATION ON THE
“A RESOLUTION CONGRATULATING AND DELISTING OF RURAL BANKS AS BANKS
COMMENDING SHEILA CORONEL AND ACCREDITED BY THE PHILIPPINE VETERANS
SUSAN DALMAS, TWO FILIPINO WOMEN, AFFAIRS OFFICE”
4 WEDNESDAY, JUNE 8, 2011
By Representatives Rodriguez (R.) and Rodriguez (M.) House Resolution No. 1383, entitled:
TO THE COMMITTEE ON RULES “A RESOLUTION EXTENDING CONGRATULATIONS
TO THE IGLESIA NI CRISTO 97TH FOUNDING
House Resolution No. 1379, entitled: ANNIVERSARY ON JULY 27, 2011”
“A RESOLUTION DIRECTING THE COMMITTEE By Representative Olivarez
PUBLIC ORDER AND SAFETY TO CONDUCT AN TO THE COMMITTEE ON RULES
INQUIRY, IN AID OF LEGISLATION ON THE
FINDINGS THAT 778 SCHOOL BUILDINGS ALL House Resolution No. 1384, entitled:
OVER THE PHILIPPINES HAVE STRUCTURAL “A RESOLUTION URGING THE EXECUTIVE
DEFECTS” BRANCH OF GOVERNMENT TO PRIORITIZE
By Representatives Rodriguez (R.) and Rodriguez (M.) THE UPGRADING OF STANDARDS OF BASIC
TO THE COMMITTEE ON RULES HEALTH SERVICES IN THE PHILIPPINES”
By Representative Mandanas
House Resolution No. 1380, entitled: TO THE COMMITTEE ON HEALTH AND THE
“RESOLUTION DIRECTING THE COMMITTEE ON COMMITTEE ON WAYS AND MEANS
JUSTICE AND THE COMMITTEE ON PUBLIC
ORDER AND SAFETY TO INQUIRE, IN AID OF House Resolution No. 1386, entitled:
LEGISLATION, INTO THE STATE OF THE “A RESOLUTION DIRECTING THE HOUSE OF
COUNTRY’S PRISONS AND JAILS, WITH A REPRESENTATIVES COMMITTEE ON LABOR
VIEW TO RECOMMENDING POSSIBLE AND EMPLOYMENT TO INVESTIGATE
REFORMS, INCLUDING THE OPTION OF MUSTAD TERMINAL TACKLE PHILIPPINES
OUTSOURCING TO PRIVATE FIRMS THE FOR ACTS OF UNFAIR LABOR PRACTICE AND
CONSTRUCTION, OPERATION AND ILLEGAL DISMISSAL OF ITS WORKERS AND
MAINTENANCE OF NEW, MODERN AND REVIEW THE AQUINO ADMINISTRATION
HIGHLY SECURE DETENTION, CORRECTION LABOR POLICY, IN AID OF LEGISLATION”
AND REHABILITATION FACILITIES, IN LINE By Representatives De Jesus, Ilagan, Casiño, Mariano,
WITH PRESIDENT BENIGNO AQUINO III’s Colmenares, Palatino and Tinio
STRATEGY TO USE PUBLIC-PRIVATE TO THE COMMITTEE ON RULES
PARTNERSHIP (PPP) AS THE FULCRUM ON
THE NATIONAL ECONOMIC PROGRAM” ADDITIONAL COAUTHORS
By Representative Ty
TO THE COMMITTEE ON RULES Rep. Ryan Luis V. Singson for House Bills No. 2, 3, 4, 5,
2359, 2360, 2361, 3324, 3325, 3326, 3327 and 3511;
House Resolution No. 1381, entitled: Rep. Mylene J. Garcia-Albano for House Bills No. 125
“RESOLUTION DIRECTING JOINT HEARINGS OF and 4036;
THE COMMITTEE ON WAYS AND MEANS AND Rep. Roy M. Loyola for House Bill No. 132;
COMMITTEE ON CIVIL SERVICE TO Rep. Mark A. Villar for House Bill No. 213;
CONDUCT INQUIRY IN AID OF LEGISLATION Rep. Maria Isabelle “Beng” G. Climaco for House Bills
ON STANDARD OPERATING PROCEDURES No. 355 and 1965;
ON ARRASTRE EXAMINATION VIS-A-VIS Rep. Michael Angelo C. Rivera for House Bill No. 588;
IMPROPER TREATMENT BY CUSTOMS Rep. Peter “Sr. Pedro” M. Unabia for House Bill No. 807;
OFFICERS OF LOCAL AND INTERNATIONAL Rep. Daryl Grace J. Abayon for House Bills No. 807,
TRAVELERS, PARTICULARLY RETURNING 3186, 4086, 4417, 4567, 4591, 4624 and 4685;
OVERSEAS FILIPINO WORKERS, AT EXIT Rep. Maria Evita R. Arago for House Bill No. 913;
POINTS IN PHILIPPINE AIRPORT TERMINALS” Rep. Jerry P. Treñas for House Bills No. 1380 and 4358;
By Representatives Jaafar, Balindong, Ungab, Ilagan, Rep. Philip A. Pichay for House Bill No. 1384;
Aglipay, Rodriguez (R.), Loong, San Luis, Hataman- Rep. Orlando B. Fua for House Bill No. 1385;
Salliman and Nograles Rep. Paolo S. Javier for House Bill No. 1528;
TO THE COMMITTEE ON RULES Rep. Lani Mercado-Revilla for House Bills No. 1749
and 4714;
House Resolution No. 1382, entitled: Rep. Carol Jayne B. Lopez for House Bills No. 2267,
“A RESOLUTION URGING THE COMMITTEES ON 2447, 2449, 2745 and 3930;
BANKS AND FINANCIAL INTERMEDIARIES, Rep. Jeci A. Lapus for House Bills No. 2291 and 4813;
AND LABOR AND EMPLOYMENT TO CONDUCT Rep. Tomas V. Apacible for House Bills No. 2928 and
A JOINT INQUIRY, IN AID OF LEGISLATION, ON 2929;
HOW THE PHILIPPINE DEPOSIT INSURANCE Rep. Lorenzo R. Tañada III for House Bill No. 3073;
CORPORATION (PDIC) OBSERVES THE RIGHTS Rep. Arnulfo F. Go for House Bill No. 3116;
OF AFFECTED BANK EMPLOYEES IN CASES Rep. Erico B. Aumentado for House Bills No. 3507,
WHERE PDIC IS DESIGNATED AS RECEIVER OF 4288, 4358, 4783, 4784, 4785, 4794, 4795, 4797 and 4800;
FINANCIALLY DISTRESSED BANKS” Rep. Romero Federico “Miro” S. Quimbo for House Bill
By Representative Bello No. 3665;
TO THE COMMITTEE ON RULES Rep. Luzviminda C. Ilagan for House Bill No. 3952;
WEDNESDAY, JUNE 8, 2011 5
Reps. Maria Zenaida B. Angping and Ma. Rachel J. Rep. Ma. Amelita A. Calimbas-Villarosa for House
Arenas for House Bill No. 3962; Resolution No. 953.
Rep. Lucy T. Gomez for House Bills No. 3962 and 4358;
Rep. Ma. Victoria R. Sy-Alvarado for House Bills No. MESSAGE FROM THE PRESIDENT
3970, 4036, 4358 and 4712; MALACAÑAN PALACE
Reps. Julio A. Ledesma IV and Oscar G. Malapitan for MANILA
House Bill No. 3977;
Rep. Eleanor Bulut-Begtang for House Bills No. 3977 06 June 2011
and 4036;
Reps. Pedro B. Acharon Jr., Romeo M. Acop, Antonio HON. FELICIANO R. BELMONTE, JR.
C. Alvarez, Rommel C. Amatong, Godofredo V. Arquiza, Speaker
Franklin P. Bautista, Benjo A. Benaldo, Narciso R. Bravo Jr., House of Representatives
Maximo B. Dalog, Ramon H. Durano VI, Erico Basilio A. Quezon City
Fabian, Antonio A. Ferrer, Florencio T. Flores Jr., David L.
Kho, Antonio F. Lagdameo Jr., Catalina Leonen-Pizarro, Dear Speaker Belmonte:
Isidro Q. Lico, Francisco “Lalo” T. Matugas, Roger G. Pursuant to the provisions of Article VI, Section 26 (2)
Mercado, Karlo Alexei B. Nograles, Loreto Leo “Leo” S. of the 1987 Constitution, I hereby certify to the necessity of
Ocampos, Emil L. Ong, Victor F. Ortega, Guillermo A. the immediate enactment of Senate Bill No. 2756, entitled:
Romarate Jr., Andres D. Salvacion Jr., Sherwin N. Tugna and “AN ACT PROVIDING FOR THE
Bernardo M. Vergara for House Bill No. 4036; SYNCHRONIZATION OF THE ELECTIONS
Rep. Antonio T. Kho for House Bills No. 4036 and 4244; AND THE TERM OF OFFICE OF THE
Reps. Manuel S. Agyao, Pastor M. Alcover Jr., Jorge T. ELECTIVE OFFICIALS OF THE
Almonte, Vicente F. Belmonte Jr., Jonathan Cabilao Yambao, A U TO N O M O U S R E G I O N I N M U S L I M
Ranulfo P. Canonigo, Abigail Faye C. Ferriol, Salvio B. Fortuno, MINDANAO (ARMM) WITH THOSE OF THE
Alfredo A. Garbin Jr., Scott Davies S. Lanete, M.D., Homer A. N AT I O N A L A N D OTHER LOCAL
Mercado, Francisco Emmanuel R. Ortega III, Cresente C. Paez, OFFICIALS, AMENDING FOR THE
Angelo B. Palmones, Pedro M. Pancho, Solaiman C. PURPOSE REPUBLIC ACT NO. 9333,
Pangandaman, Elmer E. Panotes, Ponciano D. Payuyo and ENTITLED ‘AN ACT FIXING THE DATE
Maximo B. Rodriguez Jr. for House Bills No. 4036 and 4358; FOR THE REGULAR ELECTIONS FOR
Rep. Mel Senen S. Sarmiento for House Bills No. 4036, ELECTIVE OFFICIALS OF THE
4358, 4365 and 4464; A U TO N O M O U S R E G I O N I N M U S L I M
Rep. Cesar V. Sarmiento for House Bills No. 4036, 4358, MINDANAO’, AND FOR OTHER
4605 and 4607; PURPOSES”
Reps. Leopoldo N. Bataoil and Ben P. Evardone for to address the urgent need to protect and strengthen ARMM’s
House Bill No. 4357; autonomy by synchronizing its elections with the regular
Reps. Mercedes K. Alvarez, Juan Edgardo M. Angara, elections of national and other local officials, and to provide
Rodolfo W. Antonino, George P. Arnaiz, Salvador P. Cabaluna a mechanism for institutionalized electoral reform in the
III, Nancy A. Catamco, Antonio A. Del Rosario, Fatima Aliah interim, all for the development, peace and security of the
Q. Dimaporo, Florencio C. Garay, Fernando V. Gonzalez, region
Agapito H. Guanlao, Bernadette R. Herrera-Dy, Rodante D. Best wishes.
Marcoleta, Joaquin Carlos Rahman A. Nava, Carlos M.
Padilla, Mohammed Hussein P. Pangandaman, Jose R. Ping- Very truly yours,
ay, Imelda Quibranza-Dimaporo, Deogracias B. Ramos Jr.,
Rene L. Relampagos, Jesus N. Sacdalan, Mark Aeron H. (SGD.) BENIGNO S. AQUINO III
Sambar, Irwin C. Tieng, Acmad M. Tomawis and Lord Allan
Jay Q. Velasco for House Bill No. 4358; cc: HON. JUAN PONCE ENRILE
Rep. Emmeline Y. Aglipay for House Bills No. 4358 and Senate President
4631; Philippine Senate
Rep. Herminia B. Roman for House Bills No. 4365 and Pasay City
4464; TO THE COMMITTEE ON RULES
Rep. Eduardo R. Gullas for House Bill No. 4399;
Rep. Emmi A. De Jesus for House Bills No. 4631, 4653 MESSAGE FROM THE SENATE
and 4822;
Rep. Raymond V. Palatino for House Bill No. 4653; Message dated June 7, 2011 informing the House of
Rep. Eulogio “Amang” R. Magsaysay for House Bills Representatives that the Senate on even date passed
No. 1379, 4175, 4463, 4561 and 4591 and House Resolutions Senate Bill No. 2846, entitled:
No. 1165 and 1166; “AN ACT EXTENDING THE IMPLEMENTATION
Rep. Evelyn P. Mellana for House Bills No. 3962, 4100 OF THE LIFELINE RATE, AMENDING FOR
and 4301 and House Resolution No. 957; THE PURPOSE SECTION 73 OF REPUBLIC
Rep. Catalina C. Bagasina for House Bills No. 4714, ACT NUMBERED NINETY ONE THIRTY SIX,
4716, 4718, 4734 and 4780 and House Resolutions No. 1301, OTHERWISE KNOWN AS THE ‘ELECTRIC
1309, 1311 and 1352; and POWER INDUSTRY REFORM ACT OF 2001’ ”
6 WEDNESDAY, JUNE 8, 2011
in which it requests the concurrence of the House of “AN ACT ESTABLISHING THE PASONANCA
Representatives WATERSHED FOREST RESERVE, LOCATED IN
TO THE COMMITTEE ON RULES ZAMBOANGA CITY, AS A PROTECTED AREA
UNDER THE CATEGORY OF NATURAL PARK,
COMMUNICATION PROVIDING FOR ITS MANAGEMENT AND
FOR OTHER PURPOSES”
Letter dated June 6, 2011 of Paquito N. Ochoa, Jr., Executive recommending its approval in substitution of House Bill
Secretary, Office of the President, Malacañang, No. 422
transmitting two (2) orginal copies of RA No. 10149. Sponsors: Representatives Matugas, Abaya and Fabian
TO THE ARCHIVES TO THE COMMITTEE ON RULES
COMMITTEE REPORTS Report by the Committee on Agriculture and Food
(Committee Report No. 1204), re H. No. 4831, entitled:
Report by the Committee on Local Government (Committee “AN ACT PROHIBITING THE SLAUGHTER OF
Report No. 1200), re H. No. 4824, entitled: CARABAOS AT CERTAIN AGES AND
“AN ACT SUBDIVIDING THE ONE-BARANGAY AMENDING FOR THE PURPOSE REPUBLIC
MUNICIPALITY OF DUMALNEG IN THE ACT NO. 8485 OTHERWISE KNOWN AS THE
PROVINCE OF ILOCOS NORTE INTO THREE (3) ANIMAL WELFARE ACT OF 1998”
DISTINCT AND INDEPENDENT BARANGAYS TO recommending its approval in substitution of House Bill
BE KNOWNAS BARANGAY KALAW, BARANGAY No. 2198
CABARITAN AND BARANGAY QUIBEL” Sponsors: Representatives Mendoza (M.), Escudero,
recommending its approval in substitution of House Bill Lapus and Villafuerte
No. 4485 TO THE COMMITTEE ON RULES
Sponsors: Representatives Arnaiz and Fariñas
TO THE COMMITTEE ON RULES THE DEPUTY SPEAKER (Rep. Climaco). The Dep.
Majority Leader is recognized.
Report by the Committee on Natural Resources and the
Committee on Appropriations (Committee Report No. SUSPENSION OF SESSION
1201), re H. No. 4828, entitled:
“AN ACT DECLARING THE ALIWAGWAG FALLS, REP. GUNIGUNDO. Mme. Speaker, I move for a few
LOCATED IN THE MUNICIPALITIES OF BOSTON minutes suspension of the session.
AND CATEEL, PROVINCE OF DAVAO ORIENTAL,
AND THE MUNICIPALITY OF COMPOSTELA, THE DEPUTY SPEAKER (Rep. Climaco). The session
PROVINCE OF COMPOSTELA VALLEY, AS A is suspended.
PROTECTED AREA, PROVIDING FOR ITS
MANAGEMENT AND FOR OTHER PURPOSES” It was 4:07 p.m.
recommending its approval in substitution of House Bill
No. 2455 RESUMPTION OF SESSION
Sponsors: Representatives Matugas, Abaya and Dayanghirang
TO THE COMMITTEE ON RULES At 4:12 p.m., the session was resumed.
Report by the Committee on Natural Resources and the THE DEPUTY SPEAKER (Rep. Climaco). The session
Committee on Appropriations (Committee Report No. is resumed.
1202), re H. No. 4829, entitled: The Dep. Majority Leader is recognized.
“AN ACT ESTABLISHING CERTAIN AREAS IN THE
ISLANDS OF SIARGAO AND BUCAS GRANDE, REP. GUNIGUNDO. Mme. Speaker, at this point, I move
LOCATED IN THE MUNICIPALITIES OF BURGOS, that we take up items in the Business for Thursday and Friday.
DAPA, DEL CARMEN, GENERAL LUNA, PILAR,
SAN BENITO, SAN ISIDRO, STA. MONICA AND THE DEPUTY SPEAKER (Rep. Climaco). Please
SOCORRO, PROVINCE OF SURIGAO DEL NORTE proceed.
AS APROTECTED AREAUNDER THE CATEGORY
OF PROTECTED LANDSCAPE AND SEASCAPE, OMNIBUS CONSIDERATION OF HOUSE BILLS
PROVIDING FOR ITS MANAGEMENT AND FOR ON SECOND READING
OTHER PURPOSES”
recommending its approval in substitution of House Bill REP. GUNIGUNDO. Mme. Speaker, I move for the
No. 1531 omnibus consideration of the following measures:
Sponsors: Representatives Matugas and Abaya 1. House Bill No. 2234 as contained in Committee Report
TO THE COMMITTEE ON RULES No. 1186;
2. House Bill No. 1801 as contained in Committee Report
Report by the Committee on Natural Resources and the No. 1194;
Committee on Appropriations (Committee Report No. 3. House Bill No. 2762 as contained in Committee Report
1203), re H. No. 4830, entitled: No. 1195;
WEDNESDAY, JUNE 8, 2011 7
4. House Bill No. 341 as contained in Committee Report OMNIBUS APPROVAL OF HOUSE BILLS
No. 1197; ON SECOND READING
5. House Bill No. 343 as contained in Committee Report
No. 1198; REP. GUNIGUNDO. Mme. Speaker, I move for the
6. House Bill No. 2587 as contained in Committee Report omnibus approval on Second Reading of the 10 local bills.
No. 1199;
7. House Bill No. 4824 as contained in Committee Report THE DEPUTY SPEAKER (Rep. Climaco). Is there any
No. 1200; objection? (Silence) The Chair hears none; the motion is
8. House Bill No. 4828 as contained in Committee Report approved.
No. 1201;
9. House Bill No. 4829 as contained in Committee Report SUSPENSION OF SESSION
No. 1202; and
10. House Bill No. 4830 as contained in Committee REP. GUNIGUNDO. I move for a few minutes
Report No. 1203. suspension of the session, Mme. Speaker.
For this purpose, I move that the Explanatory Notes of
the various local bills be considered as the sponsorship THE DEPUTY SPEAKER (Rep. Climaco). The session
remarks on the measures. is suspended.
THE DEPUTY SPEAKER (Rep. Climaco). Is there any It was 4:15 p.m.
objection? (Silence) The Chair hears none; the motion is approved.*
RESUMPTION OF SESSION
REP. GUNIGUNDO. Mme. Speaker, I move that we now
open the period of sponsorship and debate. At 4:19 p.m., the session was resumed.
THE DEPUTY SPEAKER (Rep. Climaco). Is there any THE DEPUTY SPEAKER (Rep. Climaco). The session
objection? (Silence) The Chair hears none; the motion is is resumed.
approved. The Floor Leader is recognized.
REP. GUNIGUNDO. Mme. Speaker, there being no REP. ORTEGA (F.). Mme. Speaker, we have guests in
Member who has signified his interest to interpellate on any the gallery. May we acknowledge the presence of the guests
of the 10 measures, I move to close the period of sponsorship of the Hon. Rex Gatchalian: the members of the SRT- Malinta
and debate. from Valenzuela City headed by Mr. Ariel Dumrique.
THE DEPUTY SPEAKER (Rep. Climaco). Is there any THE DEPUTY SPEAKER (Rep. Climaco). The guests
objection? (Silence) The Chair hears none; the motion is of the Honorable Gatchalian will please rise. Welcome to the
approved. House of Representatives. (Applause)
REP. GUNIGUNDO. Mme. Speaker, I move that we REP. ORTEGA (F.). Mme. Speaker, may we also
open the period of amendments. acknowledge the presence of the guests of the Gentleman from
the Lone District of Romblon, the Hon. Eleandro Jesus F. Madrona.
THE DEPUTY SPEAKER (Rep. Climaco). Is there any Likewise, we have here the guests of Reps. Ma. Amelita
objection? (Silence) The Chair hears none; the motion is A. Calimbas-Villarosa, Hermilando I. Mandanas, Mark
approved. Llandro L. Mendoza who are seminarians and they are in
the gallery, Mme. Speaker.
REP. GUNIGUNDO. Mme. Speaker, I move that the
recommendations contained in the respective committee THE DEPUTY SPEAKER (Rep. Climaco). Please rise.
reports of the measures as regards amendments, if any, be Welcome to the House of Representatives. (Applause)
approved.
REP. ORTEGA (F.). Mme. Speaker, may we also
THE DEPUTY SPEAKER (Rep. Climaco). Is there any acknowledge the presence of the guests of the honorable Cong.
objection? (Silence) The Chair hears none; the motion is Jorge “Bolet” Banal of the Third District of Quezon City: Dr.
approved. Jojo Escolano, principal of Roces High School; Principal
Lucia Herrera of Jose P. Laurel High School; Principal Lydia
REP. GUNIGUNDO. Mme. Speaker, there being no Ramos of Juan Sumulong High School; Dr. Rafael Agsalon
individual amendments, I move that we close the period of of Jose P. Laurel High School; and Mr. Gil Castro of Jose P.
amendments. Laurel High School.
THE DEPUTY SPEAKER (Rep. Climaco). Is there any THE DEPUTY SPEAKER (Rep. Climaco). The guests
objection? (Silence) The Chair hears none; the motion is of the Honorable Banal are welcome to the House of
approved. Representatives. (Applause)
* See MEASURES CONSIDERED (printed separately)
8 WEDNESDAY, JUNE 8, 2011
REP. GUNIGUNDO. Mme. Speaker, we have several riddle goes this way, “Why is Viagra, with its generic term
Members who wish to rise on a question of personal and sildenafil, so desired and condoms so repulsive in many
collective privilege. For this purpose, I move that the Chair cultures?” Condoms are in the World Health Organization’s
recognize the Sr. Dep. Majority Leader, the Hon. Janette L. list of essential drugs but Viagra is not. I am not saying,
Garin of the First District of Iloilo, who wishes to rise on a “Do not use Viagra.” I am not saying, “Let us not patronize
question of personal and collective privilege. it.” I am just pointing to the reality that exists not only within
our country but in other developing nations as well. In Japan,
THE DEPUTY SPEAKER (Rep. Climaco). The Hon. it took six months for drug regulatory authorities to approve
Janette L. Garin is hereby recognized. Viagra but it took them 35 years to approve the oral
contraceptive pill. Meanwhile, in developing countries—
REP. GUNIGUNDO. Mme. Speaker. of course, the Philippines is one of these countries—the mad
rush for Viagra started even before the drug could be
REP. GARIN (J.). Mme. Speaker, may I request the Dep. approved by local authorities. In Bali, sometime in 1999—
Majority Leader to move for a one-minute suspension of the and this was the peak of the introduction of Viagra in Asia—
session. Viagra was being sold at Rp120,000 or about $12 each and
mind you, the promo also included free delivery. That was
SUSPENSION OF SESSION in Bali.
Next slide, please. After Viagra, many innovations came.
REP. GUNIGUNDO. I move for a few minutes We have Levitra, otherwise known as vardenafil and Cialis—
suspension of the session, Mme. Speaker. each with their respective urban legends. Prominent to note,
Mme. Speaker, distinguished colleagues, is that Cialis became
THE DEPUTY SPEAKER (Rep. Climaco). The session known as the “Weekend Pill” and why is this so? It became
is suspended for a few minutes. very famous because, allegedly, it has a 36-hour effectiveness.
I do not know if this is true but my male colleagues could
It was 4:22 p.m. probably attest to this or not. Chinese clones have followed,
many of which are sold in the Philippines. Again, let me
RESUMPTION OF SESSION reiterate, Mme. Speaker, distinguished colleagues: I have no
objections to these, but I am just pointing out the cultural
At 4:25 p.m., the session was resumed. situation and that urban legends and sometimes half-truths
affect medical perceptions.
THE DEPUTY SPEAKER (Rep. Climaco). The session Next slide, please. I hope the Viagra slide did not get
is resumed. stuck. After Viagra, there came Cipla. Cipla is actually an
The Dep. Majority Leader is recognized. Indian pharmaceutical company very famous or known for
producing generic essential drugs, including anti-retrovirals
REP. GUNIGUNDO. Mme. Speaker, before we give the and—this is very important—they paved the way for the
floor to the Honorable Garin (J.), I move that we acknowledge reduction of the costs of the treatment of HIV-infected patients
the presence of the guests of the Hon. Josephine Veronique and those with full-blown AIDS. Cipla entered the market
“Jaye” R. Lacson-Noel in the gallery: the members of the and produced their own version of Cialis. They have Tadacip,
Pinagsamang Lakas ng Kababaihan at Kabataan from a combination of tadalafil, the drug, and Cipla, the name of
Malabon City. its mother company.
Next slide, please.
THE DEPUTY SPEAKER (Rep. Climaco). Please rise. But sad to note, even surprising, Mme. Speaker and
Welcome to the House of Representatives, the guests of the distinguished colleagues, is the fact that condoms and pills
Honorable Lacson-Noel. (Applause) continue to be resisted and demonized. Both are being
We now recognize the Hon. Janette L. Garin of the First blamed for promoting promiscuity and fueling the spread
District of Iloilo for her privilege speech. of HIV and AIDS. In fact, Bernardo Villegas once wrote
about the condom, calling it “that diabolical device.” I do
QUESTION OF PRIVILEGE OF REP. GARIN (J.) not know, Mme. Speaker, distinguished colleagues, why all
this attention is heaped on this, which item is even listed in
REP. GARIN (J.). Thank you, Mme. Speaker. Thank you, the World Health Organization’s list of essential medicines,
distinguished colleagues. when in fact everybody pretends to be blind and deaf when
Mme. Speaker, distinguished colleagues: it comes to Viagra and other related innovations.
Allow me to rise on a matter of personal and collective Next slide, please. Let us now define the gender
privilege in relation to my profession prior to and during, ideology behind Viagra. Why is this so? Allow me to quote
and when I became a legislator. I grew up in the province, a very renowned anthropologist, one of my professors when
went to school in the province and because of fate—you may I took up my Masters in Business Administration and
call it fate, Mme. Speaker, distinguished colleagues—I was specialized in health care, Dr. Michael Lim Tan. He is a
able to avail of scholarships that prodded me to finish medical regular columnist of the Philippine Daily Inquirer and he
school. mentioned that in the Philippines, “baog,” pardon me for
Let me start with a very controversial issue among males the word, means both “impotent” and “infertile.” We do not
and females, and this is about Viagra and condoms. I hope want to agree with this, but we are referring to the cultural
nobody will take offense with what I will say but the cultural acceptance of how males and their masculinity gets affected
WEDNESDAY, JUNE 8, 2011 9
if they are perceived to be “baog, “ meaning, to be general public that we continue the statement and interpret it
“impotent” or “infertile.” Many people, especially the males, in the way that it should be interpreted.
believe that to have that fate is worse than death because This statement is a conclusion contained in monographs.
traditional thinking emphasizes the reproductive What are monographs? It is an exercise in evaluating cancer
imperative—that everyone must reproduce— and it is linked hazards. Iyan po ay totoo, na nagkaroon ng conclusion na
to male prowess and performance. ganyan and it is specifically contained in a monograph because
Next slide, please, “Relating sexuality to gender.” the risk is very little. It was placed there as a distinction between
Dominant sexual ideology centers on the need to reproduce, “hazard” and “risk.” Now, the distinction between “hazard”
but this in turn generates a gender ideology where men—and and “risk” is very important because the purpose of this
I am not saying this of our men, but men in general—per the monograph is to show that iyong bagong innovation ng mga
cultural perception, are seen as the main agents of procreation gamot na ito o iyong bagong innovation ng combined oral
and women are sometimes considered as mere receptacles or contraceptives will have unforeseen exposures that could
vessels for the product of males. Next slide, please. Males engender risks that are significantly higher. Meaning to say,
are somehow perceived to be the source of life and are Mme. Speaker, distinguished colleagues, that is a baseline that
privileged when it comes to pleasure, but women, who are is established but the risk—“risk” as in medical parlance, is
viewed as sources of pleasure or simply bearers of men’s never transmitted to incidence. Malaki po ang pagkakaiba ng
babies, are not that privileged. This, I again repeat, is the risk at hazard at masyadong malaki ang pagkakaiba sa tinatawag
quote I got from anthropologist Dr. Mike Tan. nating incidence or what we call the number of cases.
Now, relating condoms and Viagra, is this a valid The risk-benefit profile is being left to international or
comparison or not? Viagra and other medicines for erectile national agencies. In our case, it is the FDA, previously known
dysfunction joined the list of traditional aphrodisiacs and are as BFAD; and in the international level, we have the World
glorified for enhancing male sexuality, while—and I do hope Health Organization. Even if IARC made this conclusion,
my male colleagues will pick interest in the next statement that is basically the reason that WHO went further to determine
that I will make—condoms and pills are framed mainly as the risks and the benefits and WHO included oral
contraceptives rather than as life-saving medicines. That is contraceptive pills in the modern list of essential drugs.
in the Philippine culture, and this supports dominant sexual Next slide, please. The UNDP and the World Bank
ideology. Condoms are targeted in particular because not only Special Programme of Research, Development and Research
do they prevent reproduction, but allegedly, they reduce Training likewise said that the use of COCs or combined oral
pleasure—again, another urban legend, but, of course, my contraceptives slightly modify the risk of cancer. Again, it
male colleagues will know this better than I. says, “the risk of cancer,” increasing it in some cases and
Next slide, please. Between life and death, tragically, decreasing it in others. That is the half truth. But the whole
the obsession with male reproduction and pleasure leads to truth is, if you go on further in this study, we will read that
the rejection of the life-saving role of condoms and this conclusion is based on data that refer to the older, higher
contraceptives. In fact, with the several patients that I had, doses of combined oral contraceptives that we are not using
there was always a refusal to submit oneself to bilateral tubal now. Iyan po ang sinasabi ko na ang half truth ay dapat pong
ligation even if it is needed because of the urban legend that gawing whole truth.
it decreases the secretions of women. Shrill voices have been Next slide, please.
heard against condoms and contraceptives while there is Dahil nga nagkaroon ng ganitong mga findings, WHO
silence about Viagra. committees worked on several studies creating evidence-
Next slide, please. based family planning guidelines. Ibig sabihin, may ebidensya
What is the whole truth? Pardon me for this term, but at may pinagbabasehan at hindi po haka-haka, and keeping
allow me to reiterate that a half-truth is a whole lie. Why am these studies up to date on a continuing basis. Up to this
I saying this? Bakit ko po ito sinasabi? Bilang isang doktor, time, Mme. Speaker, distinguished colleagues, it is an
nasasaktan po kami sa mga paratang ng iba. I understand the evolving science and every now and then, it is being checked
fear and the concern of other people. I understand the fear and all the medical practitioners are continuously updated.
and the concern of contraindication and its side effects, but They regularly review the safety of COCs and assess the
allow me to appeal not only to our distinguished colleagues balance of risks and benefits of contraceptive use but they
but to other people as well that when we say something, have determined that, for most healthy women, the health
especially if this is related to the medical and paramedical benefits clearly exceed the health risks.
profession, let us give the whole truth because a half-truth is Next slide, please. How do oral contraceptives affect
a whole lie. breast cancer? Ang ipinakita po ay nagkaroon ng correlation,
Let me start with the very much abused statement that the nagkaroon ng pagdudugtong o connection, but this is because
World Health Organization, specifically the International of a hormone we call estrogen. The estrogen being referred
Agency for Research on Cancer, concluded that certain to is the endogenous estrogen, and if we say endogenous or
contraceptives are carcinogenic to humans. Again, Mme. natural estrogen, that is a natural hormone being produced
Speaker, distinguished colleagues, I am trying to explain this by our body. When it came to experimentations about
because I have been practicing for several years but now, there commercial preparations that have been tapered, in scientific
is a misconception that doctors who prescribe contraceptives studies that had been conducted time and again, with around
are “becoming criminals.” Mme. Speaker, distinguished 54,000 sample patients and around 100,000 controlled
colleagues, that is the biggest insult I have received in my whole patients and encompassing 200 compiled studies and analyses
life. Yes, indeed, the WHO/IARC made that statement, but for the past 35 years, they showed that this does not happen
allow me to appeal to our distinguished colleagues and to the in commercially-prepared hormones.
10 WEDNESDAY, JUNE 8, 2011
Natural hormones are present during menarche. Ibig pong tinatanong mo kung sila ay smoker, umiinom, may family
sabihin: maagang nagregla, the onset of menstruation before history ng cancer, may history of using pills o gumamit sila
12 years old, menopausal after 55 years old, first child after ng oral contraceptive pills for more than two years, their
30 years old, and those without children. These four cases cancer is less advanced compared to the non- users. Kaya
point to a situation wherein mas matagal ang exposure ng nga po ang WHO, at dito kasama ang ating national agencies,
isang babae sa kanyang natural hormones dahil hindi made an analysis and concluded that, based on 54 studies
nagbabago ang kanyang body composition dahil nga mayroon involving 53,297 women with breast cancer and 100,239
siyang menstruation or matagal siyang nag-menopause. women without breast cancer who responded, with more than
Next slide please. 200 researchers participating, and was found in 90 percent,
There are the contraindications: absolute noventa por ciento, ng epidemiological studies throughout
contraindications and relative contraindications. What do we the world involving the possible relationship between pills
mean by these? In the presence of absolute contraindications, and breast cancer.
a medical practitioner is always told and is constantly advised, Next slide, please.
and is mandated not and never to give these contraceptives On the other hand, Women’s Cancer Advocacy, Reasons
to patients. Pero mayroon ding relative contraindications and Education (WomenCARE) also made a similar study and
katulad ng iyong sinasabi nating migraine, kung mayroon ito the same conclusion was seen: that risk has been not
ang pasyente, bibigyan ba natin siya o hindi? Of course, you transformed to incidence.
look at the patient on a case-to-case perspective. If the patient Next slide, please.
needs to have birth spacing because of concomitant health They likewise considered the history of contraceptive
illnesses, then the migraine will preclude giving that. pill use ngunit isinama ang ibang factors. Isinama ang
Next slide please. reproductive history, and that is referring to late menopause
Contraceptives are listed in the World Health or early menarche; isinama ang health history—ibig sabihin,
Organization (WHO) core list of essential medicines. Allow iyong mga kasamang sakit like diabetes and hypertension;
me to define why is this so. Bakit ko po ito sinasabi? It is and likewise family history because having a family history
because I want to point out and I want to defend not only of cancer has been shown to have the biggest and the
myself but other doctors as well that in prescribing these, we strongest link to breast cancer. What are the results? It has
are not criminals and what we are doing is for the good of our been proven that current or former oral contraceptive pill
patient. If these contraceptives are being listed in the WHO users do not have a significant increase in the risk of breast
core list of essential medicines, that means that these have cancer, and I am referring to the contraceptive pills in list
been tested several times and proven with concrete meta- that is being put forward by the WHO. The new innovations,
analyses that they have met the requirements to be included which are being used for acne or dermatological purposes,
in list of minimum medicines needed for a basic health care are not included in that list. Hindi po kami ang dapat ninyong
system. In fact, if these medicines are included in the list— tanungin tungkol doon. Ang dapat pong i-work out ay hindi
and in this case, contraceptives—it reflects that these have dapat gamitin ang mga ito ng mga dermatologists.
been labeled or is being labeled as the most efficacious, safe Next slide, please.
and cost-effective medicine for priority conditions—priority This is the method by which we doctors determine
conditions selected on the basis of current and estimated future whether a couple needs contraception or whether we are going
public health relevance and potential for safe and cost- to permanently sterilize the patient. Of course, it is an
effective treatment. informed consent. Ang ibig ko pong sabihin ay hindi po kami
Mme. Speaker, sa madaling sabi, hindi po namin ito basta-basta gumagawa ng isang bagay without following
gawa-gawa. As doctors, we follow scientific evidence; as guidelines and rules. Mayroon po kaming mga batas na
doctors, we report possible complications; but also as doctors, sinusunod and we are always answerable to our patients and
we rely on medical science as well as personal judgment. to the society where we belong.
Next slide please. Next slide, please.
The fact is, the US National Cancer Institute, in a study, Mme. Speaker, why am I pointing to this? I am pointing
said—and that is true, I agree with what some of my colleagues to this because, in the midst of a very emotional debate for
mentioned—that current users of birth control pills have both proponents and detractors on the RH Bill, I do not stand
slightly elevated risk of developing breast cancer. Prominent here simply to argue on its merits. That is on a separate forum.
among these users, and allow me to emphasize, are teenagers Rather, I would like to implore and beg, not only the Members
using oral contraceptive pills. Mme. Speaker, as medical this august Body but also everyone present in this august
doctors, we do not give pills to teenagers, but we give them Chamber and all those who are listening, that we deal with
to couples who are in need and are wanting of this. Further, this issue on a mature and responsible manner. In the past
the study mentioned on several occasions, and it has been few years and up to the past few days, we have heard countless
concluded, that for women who started using oral arguments for and against the RH Bill, and these have affected
contraceptives, the risk to them returns to same level as if in some way the integrity of the medical profession to which
they have never used oral contraceptives, and that is the reason I belong. Some are simple claims needed to establish a premise
the link cannot be pinpointed. for an argument while some appeared to be short of
Next slide please.In addition, the breast cancer diagnosed accusations which question the integrity of medical doctors.
in women with a history of pill use was far less advanced Mme. Speaker, distinguished colleagues, I took this
than breast cancer diagnosed in women who never used oral opportunity to speak not only as a practitioner but also as a
contraceptive pills. Sa madaling sabi po, Mme. Speaker, para doctor who was able to save the lives of her patients, who is
sa mga babaeng na-diagnose na may breast cancer, kapag concerned for her colleagues and who has had accusations
WEDNESDAY, JUNE 8, 2011 11
thrown at her right and left. The medical profession deals again, to be more beneficial compared to the risk it involves.
with a very emotional and sensitive subject. After all, we deal After that, another round of studies will be made, not by the
with the lives of our patients. We deal with their health and scientists and the medical professionals, but by government
their very existence. Nothing, I suppose, could be more agencies on the safety and medical value of drugs. Before
sensitive than that. doctors can prescribe a drug, they are informed of all its effects
I am not glorifying our profession. I am only trying to as well as side effects, and that is why there are contra-
point out that in the practice of our profession we follow rules, indications in all medical drugs, even the most basic ones.
very stringent rules. Allow me to repeat that the other doctors We doctors take into consideration the entire physical
in this House are well aware that in the practice of our and medical condition of our patients, including the cost
profession, we follow rules, very stringent rules, kung saan effectiveness in determining the safety of administering a
nakataya iyong buong buhay namin, kung saan nakataya iyong particular medication. We do this on a case-to-case basis.
future namin, kung saan nakataya ang pangalan at dangal ng That is why the medical eye of a doctor is always being
pamilya namin. We do this in order to perform our duties and developed as his practice evolves. That is also the reason we
obligations effectively. In many occasions, our desire to try to be diligent in asking patients for any existing medical
sustain life is constrained by science. We are sometimes condition or other allergies.That is the reason I find it unfair
constrained by technology but in many occasions, if not all when someone claims that we, who follow what our teachers
occasions, we are bound by medical ethics and hence, we taught us and who follow the claims of the WHO, disregard
balance science and morality. We cannot just conduct trial the risks that accompany medications since contraceptives
and error experiments in order to come up with our own have known side effects. All drugs have side effects. There is
treatments. We fight against time, we fight against nature, no perfect drug. Even laughter, which is not a drug but which
and we have a very limited margin for error. This, Mme. is considered the best medicine, has its share of side effects.
Speaker, distinguished colleagues, is the reason I find it unfair Hindi po ba kapag tayo ay tumawa nang tumawa ay kakabagin
that other people throw accusations at us and indulge in name- o sasakit ang tiyan natin, o minsan ay puwedeng sumakit ang
calling on the very essence of a professional community which ating tagiliran.
has no other intention but to help save lives. But this, Mme. Speaker, should not result in the
In the field of specialization where I have been exposed stagnation of medical science. This should not result in the
to, which is obstetrics and gynecology, we give information stagnation of medical progress. Most important, we should
on methods of family planning. I myself have prescribed not allow stagnation in the preservation of human lives. We
contraceptives. To say that contraceptive pills are doctors can only do so much. In the same vein, scientists
abortifacients is tantamount to saying that doctors who who develop pharmaceutical products face similar, if not the
prescribe them commit medical malpractice. It is akin to same, exact limitations. There are instances when we still get
saying that we promote or condone abortion. But this is not blamed for undesirable results, notwithstanding the fact that
the case, Mme. Speaker, distinguished colleagues. I have had we had done everything we can and as far as all relevant
patients, with a third and a fourth child, who almost died factors would take us. It is not easy and so, please do not
because of eclampsia, or patients with another impending make it harder for us by making statements which would
pregnancy. Pagka-nabuntis ulit ang nanay, alam mo na question our integrity and credibility from the start. This also
posibleng ikamatay niya ito. We do not want to promote death transcends into the integrity of our government. We have
and that is why we base our recommendation on our stringent specialized agencies which are tasked to determine the safety
rules. We present this to our patients, inform both husband and effectiveness of medical drugs, and this is like accusing
and the wife and give them a choice, and on our part, do what them of not following the law they are bound to uphold. It
we should do. connotes that the government, and the Bureau of Food and
I took my oath and I take that oath as a doctor very Drugs Administration (BFAD) are not doing their job in
seriously, and it is not only me pero lahat kaming doktor promoting the welfare of our people for approving medicines
dito. I follow the law and the rules on medical practice and or drugs which have side effects. Give something that needs
medical ethics. I will not allow induced abortion and never technical expertise and scientific evidence to those who really
will I allow it because it is a crime. As a lawmaker, I will know it.
not call for the legalization of abortion. That, Mme. Speaker Finally, Mme. Speaker and distinguished colleagues,
and distinguished colleagues, I swear before all of you until allow me to end this session by saying that there is no
I reach my grave. Hanggang mamatay po ako ay ipinapaalam conspiracy among us doctors, the RH advocates, the
ko po sa inyo that I am, and most, if not all, obstetricians pharmaceutical companies and the foreign governments.
and gynecologists are, against all forms of induced abortion. Allow me to refresh the memories of many of us that yours
I humbly request to all concerned to please consider the truly was a prominent face in the passage of the Cheaper
repercussion on our profession before making all these Medicines Act. Alam po ninyo iyon at alam po ng lahat ng
statements. Please respect doctors as much as we respect ating kasamahan kung paano ko, kasama na ang aking mga
the other professions. A little exercise on due diligence would kasamahan dito, ipinaglaban ang Cheaper Medicines Bill.
be most welcome. During the early stages of the debate, there were only very
Similarly, with regard to the prescription of any medical few of us here, konting-konti lamang po kami, at karamihan
drug, we doctors consider all the factors. It is important to po ay nagtatago, and the lobby of the multinationals and the
note that even before any drug can be prescribed, countless pharmaceuticals was so strong and we were, of course, up
scientific studies are made and countless debates occur. It against giants. So many accusations have been thrown at us.
takes years, and even with the proposal on HIV treatment, Now, you accuse me and you accuse us of being their partners.
hindi po ito ibinibigay unless it has been proven, time and My God! We have been accused that we are working hard for
12 WEDNESDAY, JUNE 8, 2011
this advocacy because of the ultimate goal of profiting at the or zero ang risk ay wala po tayong gamot na masasabing safe
end through the procurement of commodities. Ang baba because actually, the safety of a drug, in real world terms, is
naman po ng pagtingin ninyo sa amin! But then, we still conceived as a favorable ratio of benefits to risks for the
respect your views, even if I look at them as a slap on my population of users of the drug as a whole. In deciding to
person. allow or to prohibit the use of a drug or device, contraceptive
Mme. Speaker, isa pong malaking sampal sa amin ang or not, the predictable benefits of use must be determined
sabihin na kaya isinusulong namin ang panukalang batas na and weighed against the potential risks.
ito ay dahil gusto naming magkapera. Hindi po ba dito, I New data are constantly being produced in medical
openly and prominently fought for the Cheaper Medicines science. The quality of the evidence generated varies so
Act? I could have sacrificed legislation for money, but I did much that a new branch of learning termed “critical
not do that. We do not do that because we owe it to our people appraisal of medical literature” has evolved. Ang ibig ko
to legislate what is most beneficial to our people. Such pong sabihin, mayroon po tayong experts who termed or
accusations equate to a samurai being pierced through the coined this new branch called “critical appraisal of medical
heart, through the aorta. Mme. Speaker, even the paper entitled literature” because it is understandable that those who are
“Medical Issues” by a certain Dr. Angelita Miguel-Aguirre not practiced in the discipline of rigorous analyses and
merits serious consideration. While I do respect her as a evaluation of research results—ibig pong sabihin, iyon
doctor, she is not the sole expert in determining the list of pong magbabasa lang at hindi naman alam ang proseso—
essential medicines. She is entitled to her personal opinion, may make a mistake in interpreting data. This, Mme.
but her paper does not carry the endorsement of neither the Speaker, distinguished colleagues, is the sad fact that has
Makati Medical Society nor the Philippine College of been happening. I have been labeled by some as taga-benta
Physicians. The data are old, sad to say, and the findings are o an agent of contraceptives. Mme. Speaker, distinguished
unsubstantiated by recent medical knowledge, and the colleagues, hindi naman po ako ganoon at hindi po kami
conclusions are twisted to favor some of her personal beliefs. ganoon. Kami lang po ay mga doktor na walang ibang gusto
As medical doctors, Mme. Speaker, distinguished colleagues, kundi buhayin at bigyan ng tender loving care ang aming
we have been taught to put the interest of our patients first mga pasyente. This work of interpreting data is best left to
and foremost, not our personal interests. the appropriate expert, the Executive Department of
Everyday life is replete with examples of how doctors government, or in this case, the Department of Health and
and their patients use risk-benefit analyses to arrive at its agency, the Food and Drug Administration and their
decisions on the treatment of disease conditions. Kagaya experts and consultants. They should be entrusted with the
po ng iba nating kakilala, ang dami po sa atin ay mataas ang responsibility of permitting and regulating the public use
blood cholesterol pero binibigyan ba natin sila ng gamot? of a drug or device and given the space to perform their
Yes, we give them statins. Bakit ang daming gamot laban sa functions without interference from special interest groups
cholesterol ang binibigay natin.? We give this medication and their lobbyists.
because we do not want them to have heart attacks, we do Mme. Speaker, distinguished colleagues, I heard some
not want them to have strokes. On the other hand, we also people telling me, “Naku, nagse-sales talk ka lang kaya ka
know that there are risks associated with these statins, and nag-a-RH.” Once again, I beg the distinguished colleagues
that is why we explain fully to our patient, why we tell our to avoid making hasty generalizations. Let us study the issue
patient na itong gamot na ibibigay natin ay puwedeng ibigay carefully. There is a big difference between ignorance and
pero may contraindications kaya kailangan may regular total disregard for the truth. The former can be involuntary
checkup. The same process is undertaken by the health care but the latter is always deliberate. Allow me to close this,
provider and his patient in arriving at a decision on whether Mme. Speaker, distinguished colleagues, by saying that
to use or not to use oral contraceptives as a family planning doctors are not perfect professionals in this community, and
method. nobody is. At the end of the day, we all have our obligations
Kung mayroong hypertension ang pasyente, we do not to our patients. We deal with our patients through a very
give oral contraceptive pills. In fact, that is why it is mandatory unique relationship we call the “physician-patient
to take the blood pressure of a patient before prescribing oral relationship.” Please do not make us look like criminals before
contraceptive pills. If she has blood dyscrasias o mga sakit sa the people. Huwag ninyo naman kaming lagyan ng
dugo, we do not give contraceptives, we advise them to use pagkakamali na hindi naman naming ginagawa. If you were
other methods. The doctors, and as a doctor myself, we explain in our shoes, and mind you, we have prescribed contraceptives
to patients the advantages and disadvantages of everything, not only for those who would like to space their family, but
including contraceptives, and we arrive at a decision through we have used contraceptives to regulate menstruation and
a well-informed physician-patient relationship. normalize the abnormal and the hormonal imbalance among
In summary, Mme. Speaker, distinguished colleagues, patients and couples who would like to have babies. At the
contraceptives are just like any other form of treatment. There end of day, we are here to save lives.
are many forms available and none perfect. They vary as to Maraming salamat po at magandang hapon po sa lahat.
effectiveness, safety and convenience, and each has its own
advantages and disadvantages. All active drugs, including THE DEPUTY SPEAKER (Rep. Climaco). The Dep.
contraceptives, can cause some adverse effects in some users, Majority Leader is recognized.
and if safety were understood as the total, I repeat, if safety
were understood as the total absence of adverse effects, then REP. GUNIGUNDO. Mme. Speaker, I move that the
no drug could be called safe. Kung ang atin pong definition speech of the Sr. Dep. Majority Leader from Iloilo be referred
ng safety ay ang isang gamot ay wala talagang adverse effect to the appropriate committee.
WEDNESDAY, JUNE 8, 2011 13
THE DEPUTY SPEAKER (Rep. Climaco). Is there any THE DEPUTY SPEAKER (Rep. Climaco). Bienvenidos
objection? (Silence) The Chair hears none; the motion is a la Camara de Representantes. (Applause)
approved.
The Dep. Majority Leader is recognized. REP. GUNIGUNDO. Mme. Speaker, I move that we
recognize the Gentleman from the First District of Davao
REP. GUNIGUNDO. Mme. Speaker, the gallery is City, the Honorable Nograles, who wishes to rise on a question
packed with people and before we give the floor to the of personal and collective privilege.
Gentleman from Davao City who wishes to rise also on a
question of personal and collective privilege, I move that we THE DEPUTY SPEAKER (Rep. Climaco). The
acknowledge the presence of the following guests of Hon. Honorable Nograles of the First District of Davao City is
Catalina Cabrera Bagasina of Party-list ALE from the hereby recognized.
Pamantasan ng Lungsod ng Pasig.
QUESTION OF PRIVILEGE OF REP. NOGRALES
THE DEPUTY SPEAKER (Rep. Climaco). Please rise.
Welcome to the House of Representatives. (Applause) REP. NOGRALES. Mme. Speaker, Majority Leader,
dear colleagues:
REP. GUNIGUNDO. I also move that we acknowledge Good day.
the presence of the guests of Cong. Irwin C. Tieng, Cong. I rise today on a subject that demands this august
Mariano Michael M. Velarde Jr. and Cong. Karlo Alexie B. Chamber’s gravest concern: the dismal failure of a major
Nograles: the members of the Catholic Women’s League of government agency to discharge its mandated function in law
the Diocese of Caloocan City and the Diocese of Cubao. to protect and promote the health of Filipino mothers, shield
and protect motherhood from peril, and safeguard their maternal
THE DEPUTY SPEAKER (Rep. Climaco). Please rise. functions. The regulation of providers of drugs and medicines
Welcome to the House of Representatives, the CWL. is reposed by law, R.A. No. 3720, the Food, Drug, and Cosmetic
(Applause) Act in the Food, in the Food and Drug Administration or FDA,
a regulatory agency under the Department of Health. It is
REP. GUNIGUNDO. Mme. Speaker, we also have the mandated to ensure the safety, efficacy and good quality of all
guests of Representatives Garin (J.), Lagman, Bag-ao and food and drug products being made available to the general
Bello: the officials and members of Aksyon Kababaihan, public pursuant to Section 2, which provides:
Bukluran ng Manggagawang Pilipino, Dampa, Democratic
Socialist Women of the Philippines, Kapisanan ng mga It is hereby declared the policy of the State to
Kamag-anak ng Migranteng Manggagawang Pilipino, ensure safe and good quality supply of food, drug
Likhaan Center for Women’s Health, Pinagsamang Lakas ng and cosmetic, and to regulate the production, sale,
Kababaihan at Kabataan, REPROCEN, Zone One Tondo and traffic of the same to protect the health of the
Organizations, Woman Health Phippines, Young Women’s people.
Choice, Filipino Free Thinkers, Partido Lakas ng Masa,
Kongreso ng Pagkakaisa ng mga Maralita ng Lungsod, Kaisa On April 19, 1992, the Consumer Act of the Philippines,
Ka, Pasay, Manila, Caloocan and Quezon City Peer Educators R.A. No. 7394, went into effect. According to Article II:
Movement for Empowerment.
It is the policy of the State to protect the
THE DEPUTY SPEAKER (Rep. Climaco). Please rise. interests of the consumer, promote his general
Welcome to the House of Representatives. (Applause) welfare and to establish standards of conduct for
business and industry. Towards this end, the State
REP. GUNIGUNDO. We also have as guests those shall implement measures to achieve the following
attending the National Conference of Healthcare objectives: a) Protection against hazards to health
Practitioners for RH, as follows: the members of the Alliance and safety.
of Young Nurse Leaders and Advocates International Inc.;
National League of Philippine Government Nurses; After all, as per Article XVI, Section 9 of our
Integrated Midwives Association of the Philippines; Constitution, there is a clear and express constitutional
Philippine League of Government and Private Midwives mandate that:
Inc., Midwives Foundation Inc.; Well Family Midwives
Clinics of the Philippines; Family Planning Organization The State shall protect consumers from trade
of the Philippines; Population Services Pilipinas malpractices and from substandard or hazardous
Incorporated; Ospital ng Lungsod ng San Juan Del Monte, products.
Bulacan Medical Center; Bulacan District Hospital; Luuk
District Sulu; Albino M. Duran Medical Hospital, Eastern Pursuant to Article VI of the Consumer Act, it is the
Samar; Municipal Health Office of Carmen, Bohol; Department of Health, through the Food and Drug
University of the Philippines Manila, College of Nursing; Administration, that is responsible to the public with respect
University of the Philippines, College of Medicine; Siliman to drugs, devices and substances. Section 4 of the Consumer
University; Arellano University Graduate School; Ateneo Act defines “drugs” to mean:
De Zamboanga; Trade Union Congress of the Philippines
and Malabon Health Department. (1) articles recognized in the current official
14 WEDNESDAY, JUNE 8, 2011
United States Pharmacopeia-National Formulary, mechanism, Mme. Speaker, is confirmed by the United States
official Homeophatic Pharmacopeia of the United Food and Drug Administration (FDA), which stated that:
States, official National Drug Formulary, or any
supplement to any of them; and (2) articles Progestin-only contraceptives are known to
intended for use in the diagnosis, cure, mitigation, alter the cervical mucus, exert a progestinal effect
treatment or prevention of disease in man or other on the endometrium, interfering with implantation,
animals. and, in some patients, suppress ovulation.
Among the drugs, Mme. Speaker, that fall under this The manufacturers of the mini pills also acknowledge
definition are the oral contraceptives administered to women this mode of action. For example, Syntex Laboratory
and mothers, the injectable contraceptive Depo-Provera and spokesman, Rush Wilks, announced that its progestin-only
the so-called “morning-after pill.” The same section defines pill “did not interfere with ovulation... It seems to affect the
a “device” as: endometrium so that a fertilized egg cannot be implanted.”
In other words, Mme. Speaker, the pill is now truly “birth
an instrument, apparatus, implement, machine, control, “ not conception control, as was originally intended.
contrivance, implant, in vitro reagent, or other According to United States Federal courts, the birth
similar or related article, including any component, control pill has been classified as “unavoidably unsafe.” This
part or accessory which is (1) recognized in the means that, implicit in a woman’s consent to use the pill,
official United States Pharmacopeia National even if she is not entirely informed of its dangers, is an
Formulary or any supplement to them; (2) intended acknowledgment of physical risk. This legal classification
for use in the diagnosis of disease or other condition means that women damaged by the pill have a much harder
or in the cure, mitigation, treatment or prevention time recovering damages. Dr. John Hildebrand, an expert in
of disease in man or other animals. the field, estimates that more than 500 women die every year
because of pill-induced effects. This startling number is
Among the devices administered to women and mothers confirmed by figures provided by the Alan Guttmacher
as contraceptives are the intra-uterine device or IUD, and in Institute and one of the foremost abortionists in the United
recent times, the suction device known as the manual vacuum States, Warren Hern. It is ironic, Mme. Speaker, that the same
aspirator or MVA. Both are allowed to be used and actually pill pushed so hard as part of the supposed solution to
form part of the family planning devices used by the “excessive illegal abortion deaths” now kills five times as
Department of Health. We shall now see, Mme. Speaker, in many women per year as illegal abortions themselves did
what manner these contraceptive drugs substances and devices before Roe vs. Wade. The most dangerous and well-
are supposed to cure, mitigate, treat or prevent disease in documented side effects commonly associated with the pill
women and mothers. are heart attacks and strokes. The eight-year Nurse’s Health
First, the oral contraceptives. The so-called high-dose Study at Harvard Medical School found that pill users are
contraceptive pills bring about changes in the environment 250 percent more likely to have heart attacks and strokes
of the endometrium, that is the uterine lining of the woman, than those who do not use the pill because the pill excessively
making implantation more difficult. When the high-dose pill increases blood clotting ability.
functions via this last mechanism, it is an abortifacient if the Now, let us talk about breast cancer. The Fertility and
woman experiences a “breakthrough” ovulation. These pills Maternal Health Drugs Advisory Committee is a panel of
have, for the most part, been pulled from the United States medical experts that meet to advise the Commissioner of the
market due to their dangerous side effects. Naturally, they United States Food and Drug Administration. The committee
are still dumped relentlessly on poor women in developing evaluated a study by Dr. Clifford R. Kay of the Royal College
countries. The low-dose biphasic and triphasic pills, on the of General Practitioners of Manchester, England.
other hand, function in essentially the same manner as the Kay studied 46,000 women, half of whom were pill users
high-dose pill. However, a much higher percentage of and half of whom were non-users. He found that pill users
ovulation occurs in women who use the low-dose pills. This were more than three times more likely to develop breast cancer
means that women who use these pills frequently conceive, than non-users between the ages of 30 and 34. A second study
and that low-dose pills prevent implantation of the new human by researchers at the Boston University School of Medicine,
individual, thereby acting more often as true abortifacients. the University of Pennsylvania and New York Memorial Sloan-
The mini pill and combination pill function by inhibiting Kettering Cancer Center completed in 1988, showed that the
ovulation and causing changes in the cervical mucus. longer women took the pill, the greater their chances of
However, their primary mode of operation is abortifacient contracting breast cancer. The risk of developing breast cancer
because they prevent implantation by causing changes in the was found to be twice as great by age 45 for women who had
endometrium. used the pill for less than 10 years and four times as great for
Then, of course, there is the mini pill. The primary women who had used the pill for more than 10 years.
mechanism of these pills has not been pinpointed, although Another type of drug, Mme. Speaker, is the “morning-
women who use them almost always ovulate. Therefore, these after pill or emergency contraception, Postinor levonorgestrel,
pills function primarily as abortifacients. It is known that pills believed to prevent ovulation, fertilization and implantation.
which contain only progestin alter the cervical mucus. They This was approved for sale and distribution in the Philippines
also interfere with implantation by affecting the endometrium by the BFAD as an emergency contraceptive. By reason of
and suppressing ovulation in some patients by reducing the its abortifacient action, Abay Pamilya Foundation asked the
presence of follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH). This DOH, on May 8, 2001, to cancel its product registration.
WEDNESDAY, JUNE 8, 2011 15
The public hearings conducted by the DOH revealed the drug or chemical product or device capable of
following uncontroverted data about the morning-after pill, provoking abortion or preventing conception as
Postinor: classified by the Food and Drug Administration shall
1) levonorgestrel has a high pre-implantation emergency be delivered or sold to any person without a proper
abortifacient action prescription by a duly licensed physician.
According to authorities cited by the petitioners from
the DOH and based on learned medical treatises, the The reality, however, is that contraceptive pills can be
levonorgestrel approach clearly has an anti-developmental purchased by any person, regardless of age, sex or civil status,
impact on the endometrium of the woman. Work by Kubba, over the counter. I have a personal experience in purchasing
et. al. (1986), specifically referred to levonorgestrel, noting contraceptive pills without prescription when I bought several
its ability to change the nature of the hormonal receptors birth control pills on May 25, 2011 and again, on June 2,
within the endometrium. Dr. Rabone, in 1990, reported that 2011 just to prove how easy it is to purchase these pills.
levonorgestrel causes a reduction in the number of estrogen More dangerously, Mme. Speaker, in the May 30, 2011
and progesterone receptors within the endometrium. The Senate committee hearing last week that discussed three Senate
concentration of these receptors is typical for the normal bills protecting the unborn, former DOH Secretary Alberto
development of endometrium to a stage that will support Romualdez stated under oath that contraceptive pills can also
implantation. Simon and co-workers have also reported that be ingested as emergency contraception by altering the dosage.
altered estradiol-to-progesterone (E2/P) ratios, which will Let me just say this, Mme. Speaker, birth control pills,
occur with high doses of levonorgestrel, are associated with purchased very easily without prescription, can be used for
the impairment of endometrial receptivity. abortion by just doubling the dosage for a period of five days.
2) Inhibition of implantation Let me go to another drug, the Depo-Provera injectable.
The administration of relatively large doses of estrogen Depo-Provera was banned as a contraceptive in the US in
or use of morning-after pills for several days beginning shortly 1978. Even so, it is endorsed by agencies such as the
after unprotected sexual intercourse usually does not prevent International Planned Parenthood Federation (IPPF) and the
fertilization but often prevents implantation of the blastocyst. World Health Organization (WHO) for use in the Third World.
Post-conception administration of hormones prevents But Article 33 of our Consumer Act, states:
implantation of the blastocyst and is sometimes used in cases
of sexual assault or leakage of a condom. Banned or severely restricted drugs for health
3) The abortifacient action of levonorgestrel was not and safety reasons in their country of origin shall be
denied by its Philippine importer. The drug inserts submitted banned and confiscated or its uses severely restricted
by the importer-distributor, Euro Generics International whichever is appropriate, by the Department. The
Philippines, Inc. (EGIP) reads: “Clinical Pharmacology: Department shall monitor the presence in the market
Levonorgestrel is believed to act to prevent ovulation, of such drugs and cause the maintenance and regular
fertilization and implantation.” publications of an updated, consolidated list thereof.
4) Gedeon Richter Ltd., the drugs manufacturer, was
aware of the moral and ethical implications of levonorgestrel. Mme. Speaker, Depo-Provera is imported into, available
The 2001 petition in the DOH, citing Thaler Gy, stated: and administered widely in the Philippines. But warnings on
its safety are not unknown to the Department of Health. Among
Thaler of Gedeon Richter, Ltd. the manufacturer the drug’s dangerous effects are: loss of bone mineral density,
of Postinor (levonorgestrel 0.75mg), has unwittingly thromboembolic disorders, cancer risks, ectopic pregnancy,
acknowledged the seriousness of this debate by anaphylaxis and anaphylactoid reaction, convulsions, bleeding
noting that the promotion and use of the morning- irregularities, excessive weight gain and fluid retention. Banned
after pill involves ethical and moral questions. in the United States, Depo-Provera can be purchased in your
favorite drugstores for P117 and goes by the names; Depotrust,
Thus, the morning-after pill, levonorgestrel, whether Lyndavel, and Provestin.
marketed as Postinor or some other brand, and any estrogen Apart from the drugs, let us now talk about devices,
or progesterone with an abortifacient action are not registrable namely: the intrauterine device (IUD) and the manual vacuum
under Philippine law. However, Mme. Speaker, levonorgestrel aspirator (MVA). First, the IUD. What is an intrauterine
(Mirena), as an IUD or intrauterine device, can be ordered device? The intrauterine device is a foreign body made of a
by an obstetrician/gynecologist (ob/gyn) through a medical non-reactive plastic such as polyethylene inserted in the uterus
representative. Levonorgestrel is also available under several of the woman to prevent the implantation of the developing
other names here in the Philippines, namely: Logynon, human being. Some IUDs include active chemicals such as
Nordette, Charlize, the Lady Trust pill. These are all available progesteron or copper which is slowly diffused into the uterus
in our local drug store. for an enhanced abortifacient effect. How does IUDs work?
Republic Act No. 5921, entitled: AN ACT The different IUDs have different modes of action. They
REGULATING THE PRACTICE OF PHARMACY AND prevent sperm from fertilizing ova and release ions primarily
SETTING STANDARDS OF PHARMACEUTICAL copper that interfere with fertilization. They thicken the
EDUCATION IN THE PHILIPPINES AND FOR OTHER cervical mucus and inhibit sperm capabilities. These are all
PURPOSES, provides in Section 37: contraceptive effects. But IUDs also irritate the endometrium
or the lining of the uterus of the woman and make it
Section 37. Provisions relative to dispensing inhospitable for the blastocyst or the very early developing
of anti-conceptional substances and devices. No human being and thus, have an abortifacient effect. There is
16 WEDNESDAY, JUNE 8, 2011
some disagreement among medical authorities over the and safeguard the health of Filipinos, particularly our women
contraceptive effect of IUDs, but these experts do agree that in accordance with the letter, spirit and intent of our laws.
IUDs prevent implantation. Thank you, Mme. Speaker. Thank you, dear colleagues.
The American Medical Association’s Committee on (Applause)
Human Reproduction has said:
THE DEPUTY SPEAKER (Rep. Climaco). May we
The action of IUDs would seem to be a simple request the audience to refrain from clapping their hands.
local phenomenon. That these devices prevent The Dep. Majority Leader is recognized.
implantation of an already fertilized ovum has been
accepted as the most likely mechanism of action. REP. GUNIGUNDO. Mme. Speaker, the Gentleman
from Albay wishes to interpellate the Gentleman from Davao
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration, FDA, which City.
studies birth control methods before releasing them to the
market has observed that: THE DEPUTY SPEAKER (Rep. Climaco). We
recognize the Hon. Edcel C. Lagman.
IUDs seem to interfere in some manner with
the implantation of the fertilized egg in the lining of REP. LAGMAN. Thank you, Mme. Speaker.
the uterine cavity. The IUD does not prevent Will the distinguished Gentleman from Davao City yield
ovulation. to some questions?
The other device, as I mentioned, is the manual vacuum REP. NOGRALES. Gladly, Mme. Speaker.
aspirator, more popularly known as the MVA. This is a device
for uterine evacuation, meaning, the suction of the contents REP. LAGMAN. We would like to know, Mme.
of the womb. The MVA uses an aspirator with a cylinder, a Speaker, why the distinguished Gentleman is quoting
plunger and a bulb attached to the cannula with one or two Section 2 of Republic Act No. 3720? Is he not aware that
apertures. According to literature describing and marketing this has been amended by Republic Act No. 9711, which
the device, the indications for uterine aspiration using this was enacted on August 18, 2009, during the incumbency
device are: 1) endometrial biopsy; 2) treatment of incomplete of his immediate predecessor, the honorable Speaker
abortion; and 3) first-trimester abortion. If the device is an Prospero Nograles?
instrument to procure an abortion, then it falls under the
definition of an imminently hazardous product as defined in REP. NOGRALES. Mme. Speaker, I am not aware that
Section 4 of the Consumer Act: there had been a change in the policy of the State to ensure
the safety and supply of good quality drugs and to regulate
Imminently hazardous product means a the production, sale and traffic of the same to protect the
consumer product which presents an unreasonable health of our people.
risk of death, serious illness or severe personal injury.
REP. LAGMAN. For proper presentation before this
A device of death, the MVA is purchased by local DOH Body, I believe the distinguished Gentleman should quote
agencies in some local government units. the most recent statute, and the most recent statute is Republic
In a case study in the Philippines entitled: “Planning Act No. 9711 and the Policy Declaration is found in Section
for a Sustainable Supply of Manual Vacuum Aspiration 3. There might be no contradiction, but I think the Gentleman
Instruments, a Guide for Program Managers,” it appears should avail himself of the latest statute and not one which
that in this country, the key partners in the importation and was already amended.
use of the abortive device MVA are the DOH, Pangasinan Section 3 provides, and this strengthens the jurisdiction
Province, the NGO EngenderHealth, and the local and authority of the Food and Drugs Administration now,
commercial distributor, Packard Foundation USA. The local and I quote:
direct contractor of the MVA in the Philippines is VDM
Enterprises. It is hereby declared a policy of the State to
I therefore ask, Mme. Speaker: do these oral adopt, support, establish, institutionalize, improve
contraceptives, the morning-after pill, Depo-Provera, the IUD and maintain structures, processes, mechanisms and
and the manual vacuum aspirator cure, mitigate, treat or initiatives that are aimed, directed and designed to:
prevent disease? Are they safe for women and mothers? a) protect and promote the right to health of the
Mme. Speaker, no government can bargain away the Filipino people; b) help establish and maintain an
public health. The people themselves cannot do it, much less effective health products’ regulatory system and
their servants. As public officers, our health officials can only undertake appropriate health manpower
execute the law, not disobey it. How can our government development and research responsive to the
officers, whose sworn duty is to protect and preserve the health country’s health needs and problems. Pursuant to
of our countrymen, allow such hazardous drugs and devices, this policy, the State must enhance its regulatory
abortifacients and carcinogens to be openly sold and capacity and strengthen its capability with regard to
distributed in our country? I therefore call on this House to the inspection, licensing, monitoring of
initiate an immediate investigation on the serious failure of establishments, and the registration and monitoring
our health agencies in exercising its strict mandate to defend of health products.
WEDNESDAY, JUNE 8, 2011 17
The authority and jurisdiction of the Food and Drugs Mme. Speaker, when the FDA says one thing and the
Administration has been adequately expanded so much so manufacturer, the pharmaceutical company itself, says
that there can be full protection of the health of the Filipino another? When the FDA says that there is no abortifacient
consumers and the Filipino public. We should trust the rulings effect but the manufacturers of the pill themselves state in
and authorizations made by the Food and Drugs their literature that it has an abortifacient effect by disrupting
Administration. the endometrium lining of the women and making it
inhospitable for a blastocyst or a fertilized ovum to implant
REP. NOGRALES. Precisely. itself into the uterus of the woman, who do we believe? Of
course, the argument there would be, of course, they have to
REP. LAGMAN. We could not possibly just stand here say that and those are self-serving statements, self-serving
and say, “This agency is not performing its functions.” If unsolicited statements. Therefore, Mme. Speaker, this is the
there are infractions made by a particular agency, then the call that we as the House of Representatives, as part of the
proper cases should be filed against such agency or its errant Congress of the Republic of the Philippines which drafted
officials. these laws in order to protect the Filipino people, must heed.
We must investigate whether or not our government agencies
REP. NOGRALES. Precisely. and their respective executing arms are performing their duties
in accordance with the intent and spirit of the law.
REP. LAGMAN. Let me just inform the Gentleman that Now, if you ask me, I purchased these contraceptives
as of … and read through their literature. The manufacturers
themselves are telling me, are telling us, that these pills have
REP. NOGRALES. Precisely, Mme. Speaker. an abortifacient effect, and that rings warning bells in my
head that maybe, the FDA is not performing their duty, and
REP. LAGMAN. Let me just continue. As of June 6, that is why it is incumbent upon this House to inform itself of
2011, the Food and Drugs Administration, through its Acting whether the FDA is performing its function. That is why it is
Director lV, Suzette H. Lazo, made a categorical statement incumbent upon all of us to know whether these government
in a letter addressed to this Representation. She said: agencies are working because if they are not, then we must
pass laws to strengthen them. If we have to pass laws in order
On whether the Food and Drugs Administration for them to have no discretion, in order to be very clear that we
has approved for manufacture, distribution, sale, do not want abortifacients in this country, then we must do that
and/or use of contraceptives like hormonal pills, as the Congress of the Republic of the Philippines.
injectables, IUDs and condoms, the answer is yes.
There are a number of registered contraceptives with REP. LAGMAN. Mme. Speaker, I have no objection to
the Food and Drugs Administration. conducting a congressional inquiry but we should not be trigger-
The mechanism of action of contraceptives is happy in seeking congressional investigations based on mere
the prevention of ovulation. Thus, they do not have a speculations or literature coming from multi-nationals which
terminating effect on an implanted ovum since there may be gratuitous commercial claims and not based on clinical
is no fertilized ovum or even an ovum to fertilize in studies. Huwag tayong masyadong mabilis magpa-imbestiga.
the first place. Current evidence also demonstrates We are going to besmirch reputations. Kailangan based on facts,
that there is no effect by contraceptive pills or other not on speculations.
normal or other hormonal contraceptives on an What are the facts? Mayroon po akong sulat dito
already implanted fertilized ovum. galing sa World Health Organization, Philippine Country
Representative. Ang sinasabi dito sa sulat ay wala pang
I think we should give due respect/ recognition to an basehan clinically ang third action of contraceptives na
official statement by the Food and Drugs Administration it prevents implantation of fertilized ovum. Wala pa.
which under the law, Republic Act No. 9711, is given that These are claims which are not validated clinically. Para
jurisdiction and authority. We should not believe statements mabenta yata ang produkto, iyan ang ginagawa ng mga
which may not be authoritative because the authority should multi-nationals pero sabi ng WHO, wala pang clinical
come from a duly recognized agency of the government. basis ito. Ang sabi ng Food and Drugs Administration ng
We talk, Mme. Speaker, of contraceptives being Pilipinas ay pinag-aaralan pa ang mga labels na iyan.
abortifacients. May I know from the distinguished Gentleman Mme. Speaker, may I be authorized to distribute to the
whether there has been any case for abortion which has been membership of this Chamber copies of the letter of the WHO
filed against a woman who uses contraceptives, or a doctor dated 06 June 2011 consisting of two pages, and also of the
who prescribes contraceptives duly authorized by the Food letter coming from the Food and Drugs Administration
and Drug Administration? likewise dated 06 June 2011 for the perusal and information
of the Members of this House. Ito po ang authoritative
REP. NOGRALES. Precisely, Mme. Speaker, the statements coming from the government agency, the Food
statements of the distinguished Minority Leader only and Drugs Administration, and the World Health Organization,
strengthen and confirm my call and plea to the House to Mme. Speaker.
initiate investigations into these things because there seems
to be an apparent conflict between the statements of the FDA REP. NOGRALES. Mme. Speaker, I was wondering if
and the literature accompanying the contraceptive drugs that the letters were addressed to the distinguished Minority
may be purchased in any drug store. Who do we believe, Leader.
18 WEDNESDAY, JUNE 8, 2011
REP. LAGMAN. Yes, they were addressed to me THE DEPUTY SPEAKER (Rep. Climaco). Dep.
consequent to my query after the interpellation of the Majority Leader?
distinguished Gentleman.
REP. GUNIGUNDO. We accept the amendment.
REP. NOGRALES. But information given to the
Minority Leader is not information given to the House and THE DEPUTY SPEAKER (Rep. Climaco). All right.
therefore, we must call for an investigation, Mme. Speaker. So, they will be submitted to the Secretary General.
We now recognize the Honorable Nograles.
REP. LAGMAN. I am just asking, Mme. Speaker, that
we be allowed to distribute this. REP. LAGMAN. Mme. Speaker, …
THE DEPUTY SPEAKER (Rep. Climaco). The REP. NOGRALES. Thank you very much, Mme.
distinguished Majority Leader is asked to give a comment on Speaker.
the request of the Hon. Edcel Lagman.
REP. LAGMAN. … I am not yet through with my answer.
SUSPENSION OF SESSION I just interposed that request. I would like to underscore that
the distinguished Gentleman from Davao City has not answered
REP. GUNIGUNDO. May I ask for a few minutes my question as to whether he is aware of any test case where a
suspension of the session, Mme. Speaker. woman who uses contraceptives or a doctor who prescribes
contraceptives authorized by the Food and Drugs
THE DEPUTY SPEAKER (Rep. Climaco). The session Administration has been hailed to court and accused of
is suspended. abortion.
It was 5:53 p.m. REP. NOGRALES. I have no personal knowledge, Mme.
Speaker, but I will be happy if that will also form part of our
RESUMPTION OF SESSION investigation later on.
At 5:54 p.m., the session was resumed. REP. LAGMAN. What investigation? Investigate whether
there are cases filed in court? All we have to do is to ask the
THE DEPUTY SPEAKER (Rep. Climaco). The session various clerks of court of the various courts whether there are
is resumed. pending cases to that effect or ask the prosecutor’s office,
The Dep. Majority Leader is recognized. instead of conducting an investigation. Mme. Speaker, since
the distinguished Gentleman has been talking about
REP. NOGRALES. Mme. Speaker, if I may be allowed abortifacients and about abortion, would the distinguished
to read the literature of the pills themselves. Gentleman agree that in a layman’s language, an abortifacient
is a substance or device which induces or causes forced
THE DEPUTY SPEAKER (Rep. Climaco). Please abortion?
proceed.
REP. NOGRALES. It is declared here on the labels of
REP. NOGRALES. It says here: “How Yaz Works. Yaz some of the contraceptive pills available in the market, Mme.
is the name of the pill …” Speaker. For example:
REP. LAGMAN. Mme. Speaker, I have a pending request How Yaz Works: When taken correctly, it
which has not been disposed of. prevents you from becoming pregnant in several
ways: (1) inhibiting the egg release by stopping it
THE DEPUTY SPEAKER (Rep. Climaco). We now from maturing; (2) changing the cervical mucus
recognize the Dep. Majority Leader for his comment. consistency, making it more difficult for the sperm
to reach the egg; and (3) changing the lining of the
REP. GUNIGUNDO. Mme. Speaker, may we request uterus, making it less suitable for implantation.
the Honorable Lagman to submit to the Secretary General
the letter from the official of the World Health Organization Information from another drug states:
Philippines that was addressed to him so that the Secretary
General can reproduce and distribute the same to all How does Daphne work? Lynestrenol tablet
Members. inhibits conception by thickening the cervical mucus
so that it is not readily penetrated by sperm, and by
THE DEPUTY SPEAKER (Rep. Climaco). Does that preventing proliferation of the endometrium so that
answer the Minority Leader’s question and request? it remains unfavorable for implantation of any
fertilized ova.
REP. LAGMAN. With the amendment that it should
not only be the letter coming from the World Health Mme. Speaker, a fertilized ovum or a blastocyst would
Organization, but also the letter from the Food and Drugs naturally want to implant itself into the uterine lining of the
Administration. woman so that it may develop. If it does not, then it dies. If
WEDNESDAY, JUNE 8, 2011 19
drugs are taken so that the intrauterine lining of the woman REP. LAGMAN. Mme. Speaker, panay sigaw ng ating
will not receive that one to five-day fetus, that to me is an magiting na kasama—abortifacient, abortion—pero hindi pala
abortifacient. niya alam kung ano ang gustong sabihin ng abortifacient o
ano ang gustong sabihin ng abortion. Gusto pa niya mag-
REP. LAGMAN. Mme. Speaker, I am certain the conduct pa tayo ng investigation to find out what is the import
honorable Congressman is not an agent of multi-nationals, and meaning of abortifacient and abortion, but these terms
but I think he is taking as gospel truth the literature or labels had long been medically and legally defined.
produced by these multinationals.
My question should not be avoided. It is very simple REP. NOGRALES. I have made my position very clear,
and I would repeat it: would the distinguished Gentleman Mme. Speaker.
agree that in layman’s language, an abortifacient is a substance
or device which induces or causes forced abortion? If he does REP. LAGMAN. I think I will just go to another subject,
not agree, then he should say so. If he agrees, then he should Mme. Speaker.
confirm.
REP. NOGRALES. If you expel a one- to five-day old
REP. NOGRALES. Mme. Speaker, this is the reason fetus after its fertilization, it is abortion. Any pill that you
we are calling for an investigation because if the take that will expel it, is an abortifacient.
manufacturers themselves are already admitting this, then
that is an admission against their own interests. Why would REP. LAGMAN. So ...
a manufacturer admit something against their own interests
if not only to be truthful to the fact that their medicines REP. NOGRALES. That is why I am proposing that this
have this effect? House investigate this matter.
REP. LAGMAN. Mme. Speaker, I regret that the REP. LAGMAN. Well, slowly, the distinguished
distinguished Gentleman refuses to answer, and that his Gentleman is now answering my question. He says that if a
answer is not responsive to my question. Simple lang po ang one-day old fetus is expelled, there is abortion. In other words,
tanong pero ang dami pang sinasabi. Ngayon, pupunta pa there has to be a fetus in order that abortion will occur. Is it
ako sa isa pang tanong. In the case of abortion, the fetus is not?
induced or forcibly expelled from a pregnant woman’s womb
or uterus. Is that not correct? REP. NOGRALES. Fertilization of the ovum.
REP. NOGRALES. Can the Gentleman please repeat? REP. LAGMAN. Mme. Speaker, fertilization which
produces the fertilized ovum in the woman’s fallopian tube,
REP. LAGMAN. Yes, I will. In the case of abortion, the is a different reproductive progress or stage, compared to the
fetus is induced or forcibly expelled from a pregnant woman’s implantation of that fertilized ovum in the woman’s uterus
womb or uterus. Is that a correct statement? which would now result to the development of a fetus. I think
there is no need for an investigation to find out this distinction.
REP. NOGRALES. If it is expelled, for example, it is a Fertilization and eventual conception are different but
one-day to five-day old fetus, then it is abortion. consequent stages in the reproductive process. But let me
concentrate on the fertilized ovum. Is the distinguished
REP. LAGMAN. Yes. In other words, in abortion, there Gentleman aware that in the 1987 Constitutional Commission,
should be a pregnant woman and there should be a fetus. there was an initial proposal to extend the right to life to a
Absent these essentials of a pregnant woman and a fetus fertilized ovum?
whether it is one-day, two-day or three-day old, then there
can be no abortion. Is that correct? REP. NOGRALES. First of all, Mme. Speaker, I find it
very surprising that the distinguished Minority Leader would
REP. NOGRALES. Upon fertilization, then there is want to curtail the powers of this Congress to investigate an
pregnancy. Upon fertilization of the egg, life begins. Life executive agency, a government agency. Is this now going to
begins upon the minute, even second, when it would be be the direction of this Congress, that when a Member stands
fertilized by the sperm; a one-day old fetus, that is when we and asks this Congress to investigate a matter which, to me,
count the beginning of life of a human being. is of very grave importance to people, is it now the position
of this House to curtail such investigation, especially if that
REP. LAGMAN. Again, the distinguished Gentleman is position is coming from the Minority itself?
avoiding the question. Now, does he mean to say that a
fertilized ovum is the same as or identical to a fetus? REP. LAGMAN. I said, Mme. Speaker, from the very start
that I am not objecting to an investigation, but the investigation
REP. NOGRALES. Mme. Speaker, precisely, that is why should not be based on speculations. I am now referring to
we are calling for investigation so that all of these questions another question, which the distinguished Gentleman refuses
will be answered. Every duly qualified experts may talk about to answer. My question is: alam ba po ng magiting na
the topic. We may invite resource persons or experts to talk Mambabatas mula sa Davao City kung mayroon bang initial
about the topic, but we investigate this and see if the BFAD proposal doon sa 1987 Constitutional Convention na itong right
is actually doing its job. to life ay ine-extend at ibinibigay doon sa fertilized ovum? It is
20 WEDNESDAY, JUNE 8, 2011
a very simple question, whether he knows or he does not know. in the uterus of the woman, that a fetus is developed. Iyan po
Alam ba po ninyo kung mayroon bang ganoon na proposition ang gustong sabihin niyan. Ang una po ngang sinabi ng
doon sa Constitutional Commission? Constitutional Commission ay …
REP. NOGRALES. The Consti … REP. CRISOLOGO. Mme. Speaker, point of order.
REP. LAGMAN. Hindi naman po nakakahiya kung hindi REP. NOGRALES. Mme. Speaker.
mo alam. Marami pong hindi nakaaalam.
THE DEPUTY SPEAKER (Rep. Climaco). What is the
REP. NOGRALES. There were debates about that in the point of order of the honorable Gentleman from Quezon City?
Constitutional Commission, and there were Commissioners
in the Constitutional Commission who were of the opinion REP. CRISOLOGO. The speech of the Honorable
that life begins upon fertilization. Nograles is just calling for an investigation. If the honorable
Minority Leader would like to deal with the facts, it should
REP. LAGMAN. Hindi po iyon ang tanong. Ang tanong: be during the committee hearing and not here, during the
alam ba ninyo kung mayroong proposal doon sa Constitutional plenary, Mme. Speaker. It should be during the hearing when
Commission na ibinibigay ang right to life sa fertilized ovum? it is referred to the proper committee.
Kung hindi ninyo po alam ay wala namang problema dahil Precisely, the Honorable Nograles, perhaps, may not be
marami naman ang hindi nakaaalam. Kaya nandidito tayo an expert. Both of them are not experts and so, the discussion
para ipaalam. should be in the committee wherein we could call people
who are credible, who are doctors, and who know about
REP. NOGRALES. Mme. Speaker, the call of this fertilization.
Representation is for an investigation. Mme. Speaker, I feel that the Minority Leader is badgering
the Honorable Nograles just because he is a first termer, and
REP. LAGMAN. Ay naku po! the latter is even saying that there is a proposal to the
Constitution. Nobody here knows if there was such a proposal
REP. NOGRALES. The distinguished Minority Leader in the Constitution. If the Honorable Lagman could show that
already stated that he is supporting the investigation. there is such a proposal in the Constitution, okay, then let him
Previous to that, he said that there is no need for show it to us. It is just his words. So I believe, Mme. Speaker,
investigation; now, he is saying that he is for the that this speech should be referred to the committee already. If
investigation, and this is what I just want this Congress to the Minority Leader wants to interpellate, perhaps he should
do. interpellate during the committee hearing when it is referred to
the committee, Mme. Speaker.
REP. LAGMAN. If the distinguished Gentleman refuses
to answer, then I will make the answer for him, if he would THE DEPUTY SPEAKER (Rep. Climaco). Is that a
permit. motion?
There was such a proposal in the 1987 Constitutional
Commission extending the right to life to a fertilized ovum. REP. CRISOLOGO. So I think it is out of order, Mme.
However, that proposal was rejected by the Constitutional Speaker.
Commission. It was not approved, it was not
constitutionalized. The import is the fertilized ovum has no REP. LAGMAN. There is no rule violated.
entitlement yet to the right to life…
REP. APOSTOL. Mme. Speaker.
REP. NOGRALES. It would be …
REP. GUNIGUNDO. Mme. Speaker, may we know from
REP. LAGMAN. …because that is a very early stage of the Gentleman from Quezon City what particular rule has
the reproductive process. The Record of the Constitutional been violated?
Commission would show that, clearly and unequivocally, it
was not approved; it was not constitutionalized. Ang gustong SUSPENSION OF SESSION
sabihin po niyan, iyong fertilized ovum na madalas sinasabi
ng ating magiting na kasama, ay walang karapatan sa buhay THE DEPUTY SPEAKER (Rep. Climaco). The session
sapagkat iyan ay masyado pang maaga sa reproductive is suspended.
process. Kaya po ang sinabi ng Constitutional Commission,
“The State shall equally protect the life of the mother and the It was 6:13 p.m.
life of the unborn from conception.” Ang gustong sabihin po
nito ay magsisimula lang ang pagbigay ng proteksyon sa RESUMPTION OF SESSION
unborn pag mayroon nang conception. Hindi naman po sinabi
ng Constitutional Commission, “from fertilization.” Ang At 6:25 p.m., the session was resumed.
sinabi po ay “from conception.” Pakinggan po nating mabuti
ito, ang sinabi, “from conception.” In other words, kailangang THE DEPUTY SPEAKER (Rep. Climaco). The session
mag-set in na ang conception sapagkat it is through is resumed.
conception, which is the implantation of the fertilized ovum The Dep. Majority Leader is recognized.
WEDNESDAY, JUNE 8, 2011 21
REP. GUNIGUNDO. May we know from the Gentleman The Majority Leader is recognized.
from Quezon City what particular rule has been violated?
REP. GONZALES (N.). Mme. Speaker, during the
REP. CRISOLOGO. The Chair has given 10 minutes to lull, this Representation was able to talk to the
the Gentleman from Davao City and I believe that has been distinguished Gentleman from Leyte, the Honorable
violated. It has been more than 10 minutes now and that is Apostol and, through me, he is manifesting that he is
the rule that has been violated. withdrawing his objection.
May we now move for the previous motion, which is to
THE DEPUTY SPEAKER (Rep. Climaco). The Dep. refer the speech of the distinguished Gentleman from Davao
Majority Leader may respond. City, the Honorable Nograles, together with all the
interpellations, to the appropriate committee.
REP. GUNIGUNDO. Mme. Speaker, considering that the
Gentleman from the First District of Davao City rose on a THE DEPUTY SPEAKER (Rep. Climaco). Is there any
question of personal and collective privilege, he is allotted only objection?
10 minutes. Since there is no motion to extend the time of the
Gentleman from Davao City, I, therefore, move that the speech REP. LAGMAN. Mme. Speaker. If that is the ruling of
of the Gentleman from Davao City, together with the the Chair, then let me say that the distinguished Gentleman
interpellations thereon, be referred to the appropriate from Davao City has been saved by the bell…
committee.
THE DEPUTY SPEAKER (Rep. Climaco). Is there any
THE DEPUTY SPEAKER (Rep. Climaco). Is there any objection?
objection?
REP. LAGMAN. … and I could have continued with
REP. APOSTOL. Mme. Speaker. my interpellation, but I would respect the ruling of the
Chair.
THE DEPUTY SPEAKER (Rep. Climaco). Is there any
objection? REP. APOSTOL. Mme. Speaker.
REP. LAGMAN. Mme. Speaker. THE DEPUTY SPEAKER (Rep. Climaco). The
Majority Leader is recognized.
REP. APOSTOL. We object.
REP. APOSTOL. Mme. Speaker.
THE DEPUTY SPEAKER (Rep. Climaco). The Dep.
Majority Leader is recognized. THE DEPUTY SPEAKER (Rep. Climaco). Is there any
objection to the motion?
REP. APOSTOL. We object, Mme. Speaker. I am here.
REP. APOSTOL. Yes, Mme. Speaker. We objected to
THE DEPUTY SPEAKER (Rep. Climaco). The the manifestation. I already agreed to allow the Dep. Majority
Honorable Apostol is recognized. Leader to manifest that I am withdrawing my motion but with
the manifestation of the Minority Leader, I object to that
REP. APOSTOL. I am asking for leave to allot the manifestation and I still insist that the time of Congressman
Gentleman more than 10 minutes. Nograles be extended.
THE DEPUTY SPEAKER (Rep. Climaco). The Dep. THE DEPUTY SPEAKER (Rep. Climaco). The
Majority Leader may respond. Majority Leader is recognized.
SUSPENSION OF SESSION REP. GONZALES (N.). Mme. Speaker, regretfully, we
have to object to the motion of the distinguished Gentleman,
REP. GUNIGUNDO. May we move to suspend the Congressman Apostol. Despite his motion having been
session, Mme. Speaker. objected to, Mme. Speaker, we could no longer extend his
time because for an extension to happen, it must be with the
THE DEPUTY SPEAKER (Rep. Climaco). The session unanimous consent of the entire House, Mme. Speaker. So,
is suspended. may I just move for the previous question which is to refer
the speech of the Gentleman from Davao City, together with
It was 6:27 p.m. all the interpellations, to the appropriate committee.
RESUMPTION OF SESSION THE DEPUTY SPEAKER (Rep. Climaco). Is there any
objection?
At 6:28 p.m., the session was resumed.
REP. APOSTOL. Yes, Mme. Speaker. I would like to
THE DEPUTY SPEAKER (Rep. Climaco). The session make a manifestation that that remark of the Majority Leader
is resumed. be stricken off the record.
22 WEDNESDAY, JUNE 8, 2011
THE DEPUTY SPEAKER (Rep. Climaco). The IN THE SECOND DISTRICT OF CAGAYAN
Majority Leader is recognized. AND APPROPRIATING FUNDS THEREOF”
By Representative Vargas-Alfonso
REP. GONZALES (N.). Can we have a ruling first on TO THE COMMITTEE ON AQUACULTURE AND
my motion, Mme. Speaker? FISHERIES RESOURCES
THE DEPUTY SPEAKER (Rep. Climaco). The Chair House Bill No. 4827, entitled:
rules that the previous question that was raised on the floor is “AN ACT REPEALING REPUBLIC ACT NO. 6727
now up for the decision of the Body. The Chair would like to OTHERWISE KNOWN AS ‘AN ACT TO
ask if there is any objection to the referral to the committee of RATIONALIZE WAGE POLICY DETERMINATION
the speech of the Hon. Karlo Nograles. (Silence) The Chair BY ESTABLISHING THE MECHANISM AND
hears none; the motion is approved. PROPER STANDARDS THEREFOR, AMENDING
FOR THE PURPOSE ARTICLE 99 OF, AND
SUSPENSION OF SESSION INCORPORATINGARTICLES 120, 121, 122, 123, 124,
126 AND 127 INTO, PRESIDENTIAL DECREE NO.
REP. GONZALES (N.). I move for a few minutes 442, AS AMENDED, OTHERWISE KNOWN AS THE
suspension of the session, Mme. Speaker. LABOR CODE OF THE PHILIPPINES, FIXING NEW
WAGE RATES, PROVIDING WAGE INCENTIVES
THE DEPUTY SPEAKER (Rep. Climaco). The session FOR INDUSTRIAL DISPERSAL TO THE
is suspended. COUNTRYSIDE, AND FOR OTHER PURPOSES’”
By Representative Mariano
It was 6:31 p.m. TO THE COMMITTEE ON LABOR AND
EMPLOYMENT
RESUMPTION OF SESSION
House Bill No. 4832, entitled:
At 6:32 p.m., the session was resumed. “AN ACT FURTHER AMENDING REPUBLIC ACT
8424, OTHERWISE KNOWN AS ‘AN ACT
THE DEPUTY SPEAKER (Rep. Climaco). The session AMENDING THE NATIONAL INTERNAL
is resumed. REVENUE CODE, AS AMENDED, AND FOR
The Dep. Majority Leader is recognized. OTHER PURPOSES’ BY REMOVING THE TAX
EXEMPTION ON SWEEPSTAKES AND LOTTO
REP. GUNIGUNDO. Mme. Speaker, I move that we take WINNINGS IN THE PHILIPPINES”
up the Additional Reference of Business. By Representatives Rodriguez (R.) and Rodriguez (M.)
TO THE COMMITTEE ON WAYS AND MEANS
THE DEPUTY SPEAKER (Rep. Climaco). Is there any
objection? (Silence) The Chair hears none; the motion is approved. House Bill No. 4833, entitled:
We direct the Secretary General to read the Additional “AN ACT REQUIRING ALL COLLEGES AND
Reference of Business. UNIVERSITIES TO PROVIDE SCHOLARSHIP
GRANTS TO AT LEAST FIVE PERCENT OF
ADDITIONAL REFERENCE OF BUSINESS THEIR STUDENT POPULATION WHO ARE
POOR BUT DESERVING STUDENTS”
The Secretary General read the following House Bills By Representative Montejo
and Resolutions on First Reading, Message from the Senate TO THE COMMITTEE ON HIGHER AND
and Committee Reports, and the Deputy Speaker made the TECHNICAL EDUCATION
corresponding references:
RESOLUTIONS
BILLS ON FIRST READING
House Resolution No. 1388, entitled:
House Bill No. 4825, entitled: “RESOLUTION DECLARING THE JOURNAL OF
“AN ACT REGULATING THE PRACTICE OF THE SESSIONS JUNE 6, 7 AND 8, 2011 AS
PHARMACY IN THE PHILIPPINES, REPEALING HAVING BEEN READ AND APPROVED”
FOR THE PURPOSE REPUBLIC ACT NO. 5921 By Representatives Gonzales (N.) and Lagman
OR THE PHARMACY LAW OF 1969, AS TO THE COMMITTEE ON RULES
AMENDED, AND FOR OTHER PURPOSES”
By Representatives Arroyo (D.) and Macapagal-Arroyo House Resolution No. 1389, entitled:
(G.) “RESOLUTION COMMENDING THE HONORABLE
TO THE COMMITTEE ON CIVIL SERVICE AND SPEAKER FELICIANO BELMONTE, JR. FOR
PROFESSIONAL REGULATION HIS STERLING AND DYNAMIC STEWARDSHIP
DURING THE FIRST REGULAR SESSION OF
House Bill No. 4826, entitled: THE FIFTEENTH CONGRESS”
“AN ACT ESTABLISHING A FISHERIES RESEARCH By Representatives Gonzales (N.) and Lagman
CENTER IN THE MUNICIPALITY OF ABULUG TO THE COMMITTEE ON RULES
WEDNESDAY, JUNE 8, 2011 23
House Resolution No. 1390, entitled: INQUIRY, IN AID OF LEGISLATION, ON THE
“RESOLUTION DIRECTING THE SPECIAL PLAN OF THE BUREAU OF CUSTOMS TO
COMMITTEE ON GLOBALIZATION AND WTO IMPLEMENT ITS VOLUNTARY DISCLOSURE
TO CONDUCT AN INQUIRY ON THE EFFECTS PROGRAM FOR SMUGGLED CARS”
INTO THE LOCAL VEGETABLE INDUSTRY OF By Representatives Rodriguez (R.) and Rodriguez (M.)
THE IMPLEMENTATION OF GENERAL TO THE COMMITTEE ON RULES
AGREEMENT ON TARIFFS AND TRADE-
WORLD ORGANIZATION’S (GATT-WTO) House Resolution No. 1395, entitled:
POLICIES AND PROGRAMS IN THE COUNTRY “A RESOLUTION CALLING ON THE METROPOLITAN
TO BE ABLE TO COME UP WITH MANILA DEVELOPMENTAUTHORITYAND ALL
LEGISLATIVE REMEDIAL MEASURES TO LOCAL GOVERNMENT UNITS TO DILIGENTLY
STOP THE DUMPING OF CHEAP ENFORCE PROPER ROAD CROSSING AND
AGRICULTURAL IMPORTS AND ALLEVIATE STRICTLY IMPOSE PENALTIES AND FINES FOR
THE PLIGHT OF FILIPINO VEGETABLE VIOLATIONS THEREOF”
FARMERS” By Representative Sy-Alvarado
By Representative Mariano TO THE COMMITTEE ON METRO MANILA
TO THE COMMITTEE ON RULES DEVELOPMENT
House Resolution No. 1391, entitled: House Concurrent Resolution No. 12, entitled:
“RESOLUTION DIRECTING THE SPECIAL “CONCURRENT RESOLUTION PROVIDING FOR
COMMITTEE ON GLOBALIZATION AND WTO TO THE ADJOURNMENT OF THE FIRST
CONDUCTAN INQUIRY, INAID OF LEGISLATION, REGULAR SESSION OF THE FIFTEENTH
ON THE CONDITION OF THE COUNTRY’S CONGRESS OF THE PHILIPPINES NOT LATER
LIVESTOCK AND POULTRY INDUSTRY AFTER THAN TWELVE O’CLOCK, MIDNIGHT
MORE THAN TEN (10) YEARS OF TODAY, WEDNESDAY, 08 JUNE 2011"
IMPLEMENTATION OF GENERAL AGREEMENT By Representatives Gonzales (N.) and Lagman
ON TARIFFS AND TRADE-WORLD TRADE TO THE COMMITTEE ON RULES
ORGANIZATION’S (GATT-WTO) POLICIES AND
PROGRAMS IN THE PHILIPPINES” MESSAGE FROM THE SENATE
By Representative Mariano Message dated June 8, 2011 informing the House of
TO THE COMMITTEE ON RULES Representatives that on June 7, 2011, the Senate
requested a conference and designated Senators Pia S.
House Resolution No. 1392, entitled: Cayetano, Juan Miguel F. Zubiri and Antonio ‘Sonny’
“RESOLUTION DIRECTING THE HOUSE F. Trillanes IV as conferees on the part of the Senate on
COMMITTEE ON BASIC EDUCATION AND the disagreeing provisions of Senate Bill No. 138,
CULTURE TO CONDUCT AN INQUIRY, IN AID entitled:
OF LEGISLATION, ON THE SHORTAGE OF “AN ACT PROVIDING REQUIRING MANDATORY
CLASSROOMS, DEPLORABLE STATE OF BASIC IMMUNIZATION SERVICES AGAINST
SCHOOL FACILITIES AND TOILETS, AND HEPATITIS-B FOR INFANTS, AMENDING FOR
INADEQUACY OF TEXTBOOKS AND THE PURPOSE PRESIDENTIAL DECREE NO.
TEACHERS IN PUBLIC SCHOOLS, WITH THE 996 AS AMENDED BY REPUBLIC ACT NO.
END IN VIEW OF MANDATING DEPARTMENT 7846, AND APPROPRIATING FUNDS
OF EDUCATION TO EXPLORE NEW EFFECTIVE THEREFOR”
MEASURES AND ADOPT DETAILED and House Bill No. 4393, entitled:
SOLUTIONS TO ADDRESS THE FOREGOING “AN ACT PROVIDING FOR MANDATORY
PROBLEMS AND EDUCATIONAL NEEDS” HEPATITIS-B VACCINATION OF ALL INFANTS
By Representative Teodoro WITHIN, A REASONABLE PERIOD OF TIME
TO THE COMMITTEE ON RULES AFTER BIRTH, AND OTHER VACCINE-
PREVENTABLE DISEASES”
House Resolution No. 1393, entitled: TO THE COMMITTEE ON RULES
“A RESOLUTION DIRECTING THE COMMITTEE
ON GOVERNMENT ENTERPRISES AND COMMITTEE REPORTS
PRIVATIZATION TO CONDUCT AN INQUIRY,
IN AID OF LEGISLATION, ON THE PLAN TO Report by the Committee on Public Works and Highways
PRIVATIZE THE METRO RAIL TRANSIT- (Committee Report No. 1205), re H. No. 3212, entitled:
LIGHT RAIL TRANSIT SYSTEM” “AN ACT CONVERTING SAN RAFAEL ROAD TO
By Representatives Rodriguez (R.) and Rodriguez (M.) TABUCAN ROAD IN MANDURRIAO, ILOILO
TO THE COMMITTEE ON RULES CITY INTO A NATIONAL ROAD AND
APPROPRIATING FUNDS THEREFOR”
House Resolution No. 1394, entitled: recommending its approval with amendment
“A RESOLUTION DIRECTING THE COMMITTEE Sponsors: Representatives Cosalan and Treñas
ON WAYS AND MEANS TO CONDUCT AN TO THE COMMITTEE ON RULES
24 WEDNESDAY, JUNE 8, 2011
Report by the Committee on Public Works and Highways ILOILO CITY INTO A NATIONAL ROAD AND
(Committee Report No. 1206), re H. No. 3298, entitled: APPROPRIATING FUNDS THEREFOR “
“AN ACT CONVERTING THE YULO DRIVE IN recommending its approval with amendment
AREVALO DISTRICT, ILOILO CITY INTO A Sponsors: Representatives Cosalan and Treñas
NATIONAL ROAD AND APPROPRIATING TO THE COMMITTEE ON RULES
FUNDS THEREFOR”
recommending its approval with amendment Report by the Committee on Public Works and Highways
Sponsors: Representatives Cosalan and Treñas (Committee Report No. 1213), re H. No. 3216, entitled:
TO THE COMMITTEE ON RULES “AN ACT CONVERTING STO. ROSARIO - DURAN
ROAD IN ILOILO CITY INTO A NATIONAL ROAD
Report by the Committee on Public Works and Highways AND APPROPRIATING FUNDS THEREFOR”
(Committee Report No. 1207), re H. No. 3215, recommending its approval with amendment
entitled: Sponsors: Representatives Cosalan and Treñas
“AN ACT CONVERTING CUBAY ROAD TO TO THE COMMITTEE ON RULES
BALABAGO ROAD IN JARO, ILOILO CITY
INTO A NATIONAL ROAD AND Report by the Committee on Public Works and Highways
APPROPRIATING FUNDS THEREFOR” (Committee Report No. 1214), re H. No. 3247, entitled:
recommending its approval with amendment “AN ACT CONVERTING MOLO BOULEVARD IN
Sponsors: Representatives Cosalan and Treñas MOLO, ILOILO CITY INTO A NATIONAL ROAD
TO THE COMMITTEE ON RULES AND APPROPRIATING FUNDS THEREFOR”
recommending its approval with amendment
Report by the Committee on Public Works and Highways Sponsors: Representatives Cosalan and Treñas
(Committee Report No. 1208), re H. No. 3297, entitled: TO THE COMMITTEE ON RULES
“AN ACT CONVERTING THE LAPAZ DEEP SEA
WATER PORT ROAD (LOBOC TO PPA) IN Report by the Committees on Trade and Industry, Economic
ILOILO CITY INTO A NATIONAL ROAD AND Affairs and Appropriations (Committee Report No.
APPROPRIATING FUNDS THEREFOR” 1215), re H. No. 4835, entitled:
recommending its approval with amendment “AN ACT PENALIZING ANTI-COMPETITIVE
Sponsors: Representatives Cosalan and Treñas AGREEMENTS,ABUSE OF DOMINANT POSITION,
TO THE COMMITTEE ON RULES AND ANTI-COMPETITIVE MERGERS,
ESTABLISHING THE PHILIPPINE FAIR
Report by the Committee on Public Works and Highways COMPETITION COMMISSION AND
(Committee Report No. 1209), re H. No. 3211, entitled: APPROPRIATING FUNDS THEREFOR, AND FOR
“AN ACT CONVERTING RIZAL STREET IN ILOILO OTHER PURPOSES”
CITY INTO A NATIONAL ROAD AND recommending its approval in substitution of House Bill
APPROPRIATING FUNDS THEREFOR” Nos. 549, 913, 1007, 1583, 1733, 1980, 3100, 3134,
recommending its approval with amendment 3244, 3476, 3534 and 3985
Sponsors: Representatives Cosalan and Treñas Sponsors: Representatives Garcia (A.), Abaya, Durano,
TO THE COMMITTEE ON RULES Ponce-Enrile, Yap (S.), Cari, Alvarez (A.), Apacible,
Arroyo (D.), Macapagal-Arroyo (G.), Teodoro,
Report by the Committee on Public Works and Highways Rodriguez (R.), Rodriguez (M.), Benitez,
(Committee Report No. 1210), re H. No. 3245, entitled: Aumentado, Umali (R.), Umali (C.), Tañada, Gullas,
“AN ACT CONVERTING JALANDONI STREET IN Belmonte (F.), Miraflores, Golez (A.) and Nograles
ILOILO CITY INTO A NATIONAL ROAD AND TO THE COMMITTEE ON RULES
APPROPRIATING FUNDS THEREFOR”
recommending its approval with amendment Report by the Committee on Ecology (Committee Report No.
Sponsors: Representatives Cosalan and Treñas 1216), re H. No. 4840, entitled:
TO THE COMMITTEE ON RULES “AN ACT REGULATING THE PRODUCTION,
IMPORTATION, SALE, PROVISION, USE,
Report by the Committee on Public Works and Highways RECOVERY, COLLECTION RECYCLING AND
(Committee Report No. 1211), re H. No. 3246, entitled: DISPOSAL OF PLASTIC BAGS”
“AN ACT CONVERTING TACAS ROAD FROM recommending its approval in substitution of House Bill
QUINTIN SALAS TO PAVIA BOUNDARY IN Nos. 4055, 783, 2109, 4140, 127, 496, 501, 2862,
ILOILO CITY INTO A NATIONAL ROAD AND 3516, 3939 and 4462
APPROPRIATING FUNDS THEREFOR” Sponsors: Representatives Fernandez, Malapitan,
recommending its approval with amendment Rodriguez (R.), Cagas, Bichara and Mendoza (D.)
Sponsors: Representatives Cosalan and Treñas TO THE COMMITTEE ON RULES
TO THE COMMITTEE ON RULES
Report by the Committee on Public Works and Highways
Report by the Committee on Public Works and Highways (Committee Report No. 1226), re H. No. 3393, entitled:
(Committee Report No. 1212), re H. No. 3217, entitled: “AN ACT CONVERTING GEN. ORDONEZ AVENUE,
“AN ACT CONVERTING DELGADO ROAD IN TRAVERSING BARANGAY MARIKINA
WEDNESDAY, JUNE 8, 2011 25
HEIGHTS, BARANGAY CONCEPCION UNO, CLEMENTE ROAD IN THE MUNICIPALITIES
BARANGAY CONCEPCION DOS, AND OF MAYANTOC AND SAN CLEMENTE,
BARANGAY PARANG IN THE SECOND PROVINCE OF TARLAC INTO A NATIONAL
DISTRICT, CITY OF MARIKINA INTO A ROAD AND PROVIDING FUNDS
NATIONAL ROAD” THEREFORE”
recommending its approval without amendment recommending its approval with amendments
Sponsors: Representatives Cosalan and Quimbo Sponsors: Representatives Cosalan and Cojuangco (E.)
TO THE COMMITTEE ON RULES TO THE COMMITTEE ON RULES
Report by the Committee on Public Works and Highways Report by the Committee on Public Works and Highways
(Committee Report No. 1227), re H. No. 3994, entitled: (Committee Report No. 1232), re H. No. 1356, entitled:
“AN ACT CONVERTING THE ALAE - CAMP “AN ACT CONVERTING THE PROVINCIAL ROAD
PHILLIPS - MAMPAYAG ROAD - DAHILAYAN FROM BARANGAY POBLACION
- LINDABAN - JCT. MANOLO FORTICH ROAD DUMALINAO, MUNICIPALITY OF
- TANKULAN IN THE MUNICIPALITY OF DUMALINAO PASSING THROUGH THE
MANOLO FORTICH, PROVINCE OF MUNICIPALITIES OF SAN PABLO, DINAS,
BUKIDNON INTO A NATIONAL ROAD AND DIMATALING, TABINA, PITOGO, VINCENZO
APPROPRIATING FUNDS THEREFOR” SAGUN AND MARGOSATUBIG, PROVINCE OF
recommending its approval with amendment ZAMBOANGA DEL SUR INTO A NATIONAL
Sponsors: Representatives Cosalan and Paras ROAD OTHERWISE KNOWN AS THE
TO THE COMMITTEE ON RULES ZAMBOANGA DEL SUR COASTAL ROAD”
recommending its approval with amendment
Report by the Committee on Public Works and Highways Sponsors: Representatives Cosalan and Cerilles
(Committee Report No. 1228), re H. No. 3488, entitled: TO THE COMMITTEE ON RULES
“AN ACT CONVERTING BAYAN-BAYANAN AVE.
TRAVERSING BARANGAY CONCEPCION THE DEPUTY SPEAKER (Rep. Climaco). The Sr. Dep.
UNO AND BARANGAY MARIKINA HEIGHTS Majority Leader is recognized.
IN THE SECOND DISTRICT, CITY OF
MARIKINA INTO A NATIONAL ROAD” REP. GARIN (J.). Mme. Speaker, I move that we take
recommending its approval without amendment up the Business for the Day.
Sponsors: Representatives Cosalan and Quimbo
TO THE COMMITTEE ON RULES THE DEPUTY SPEAKER (Rep. Climaco). Is there anny
objection? (Silence) The Chair hears none; the motion is
Report by the Committee on Public Works and Highways approved.
(Committee Report No. 1229), re H. No. 3394, entitled:
“AN ACT CONVERTING KATIPUNAN STREET, OMNIBUS CONSIDERATION OF HOUSE BILLS
TRAVERSING BARANGAY CONCEPCION ON SECOND READING
UNO AND BARANGAY CONCEPCION DOS IN
THE SECOND DISTRICT, CITY OF MARIKINA REP. GARIN (J.). Mme. Speaker, we have local House
INTO A NATIONAL ROAD” bills for approval on Second Reading. Allow me to put
recommending its approval without amendment forward an omnibus motion for the consideration of House
Sponsors: Representatives Cosalan and Quimbo Bills No. 3212, 3298, 3215, 3297, 3211, 3245, 3246, 3217,
TO THE COMMITTEE ON RULES 3216, 3247, 3393, 3488, 3394, 3395, 3875 and 1350. Further,
Mme. Speaker, allow me to move that the Explanatory Notes
ADDITIONAL REFERENCE OF BUSINESS be considered as the sponsorship speech on the measures. I
included in the omnibus motion to close the period of
Report by the Committee on Public Works and Highways sponsorship and debate, open the period of amendments,
(Committee Report No. 1230), re H. No. 3395, entitled: consider amendments if any, and close the same.
“AN ACT CONVERTING B.G. MOLINA STREET
(FORMERLY LAPU-LAPU STREET) THE DEPUTY SPEAKER (Rep. Climaco). Is there any
TRAVERSING BARANGAY PARANG IN THE objection? (Silence) The Chair hears none; the motion is
SECOND DISTRICT, CITY OF MARIKINA INTO approved.*
A NATIONAL ROAD”
recommending its approval without amendment REP. GARIN (J.). I further move, Mme. Speaker, that
Sponsors: Representatives Cosalan and Quimbo we approve on Second Reading the local House bills.
TO THE COMMITTEE ON RULES
VIVA VOCE VOTING
Report by the Committee on Public Works and Highways
(Committee Report No. 1231), re H. No. 3875, entitled: THE DEPUTY SPEAKER (Rep. Climaco). As many as
“AN ACT CONVERTING THE MAYANTOC - SAN are in favor of the motion, please say aye.
* See MEASURES CONSIDERED (printed separately)
26 WEDNESDAY, JUNE 8, 2011
SEVERAL MEMBERS. Aye. signified their intention to interpellate the Sponsor, I move
that we close the period of sponsorship and debate.
THE DEPUTY SPEAKER (Rep. Climaco). As many as I so move.
are against the motion, please say nay.
THE DEPUTY SPEAKER (Rep. Climaco). Is there any
FEW MEMBERS. Nay. objection? (Silence) The Chair hears none; the motion is
approved.
OMNIBUS APPROVAL OF HOUSE BILLS
ON SECOND READING INDIVIDUAL AMENDMENT
THE DEPUTY SPEAKER (Rep. Climaco). The ayes REP. GONZALES (N.). Mme. Speaker, there being no
have it; the motion for an omnibus approval of all the bills committee amendments, I move that we adopt the following
mentioned is approved. individual amendments:
On page 1, Section 1, first paragraph, line 5, after the
REP. GONZALES (N.). Mme. Speaker. word “purpose”, add the following sentence: THE
FUNDAMENTAL PRINCIPLES GUIDING THIS ACT ARE
THE DEPUTY SPEAKER (Rep. Climaco). The THE PROTECTION OF THE ISLAND, PRESERVATION
Majority Leader is recognized. AND SUSTAINABLE USE OF ITS WATERS, THE
PREVENTION OF UNPLANNED AND UNREGULATED
CONSIDERATION OF H.B. NO. 3975 DEVELOPMENT AND THE PROTECTION OF ITS
ON SECOND READING MARINE RESOURCES.
I so move.
PERIOD OF SPONSORSHIP AND DEBATE
THE DEPUTY SPEAKER (Rep. Climaco). Is there any
REP. GONZALES (N.). Mme. Speaker, I move that we objection? (Silence) The Chair hears none; the amendment is
consider House Bill No. 3975 as contained in Committee approved.
Report No. 489, as reported out by the Committee on Natural
Resources. REP. GONZALES (N.). There being no other
May I ask that the Secretary General be directed to read amendment, I move that we close the period of
only the title of the measure. amendments.
I so move.
THE DEPUTY SPEAKER (Rep. Climaco). Is there any
objection? (Silence) The Chair hears none; the motion is THE DEPUTY SPEAKER (Rep. Climaco). Is there any
approved.* objection? (Silence) The Chair hears none; the motion is
The Secretary General is directed to read only the title approved.
of the measure. The period of amendments is hereby closed.
With the permission of the Body, and since copies of the REP. GONZALES (N.). I now move, Mme. Speaker, that
measure have been previously distributed, the Secretary we approve House Bill No. 3975, as amended, on Second
General read only the title thereof without prejudice to Reading.
inserting its text in the Congressional Record.
VIVA VOCE VOTING
THE SECRETARY GENERAL. House Bill No. 3975,
entitled: AN ACT DECLARING CERTAIN LANDS OF THE DEPUTY SPEAKER (Rep. Climaco). As
THE PUBLIC DOMAIN, LOCATED IN THE many as are in favor of the motion to approve House
MUNICIPALITIES OF BANTAYAN, DAANBANTAYAN, Bill No. 3975, as amended, on Second Reading, please
MADRIDEJOS AND STA. FE, ALL IN THE PROVINCE say aye.
OF CEBU, AS AGRICULTURAL LAND OPEN TO
DISPOSITION FOR AGRICULTURAL, COMMERCIAL, SEVERAL MEMBERS. Aye.
RESIDENTIAL, TOURISM AND OTHER SIMILAR
PRODUCTIVE PURPOSES, AMENDING FOR THE THE DEPUTY SPEAKER (Rep. Climaco). As many as
PURPOSE PRESIDENTIAL PROCLAMATION NO. are against, please say nay. (Silence)
2151, “DECLARING CERTAIN ISLANDS AND/OR
PARTS OF THE COUNTRY AS WILDERNESS AREAS,” APPROVAL OF H.B. NO. 3975, AS AMENDED,
DATED DECEMBER 29, 1981, AND FOR OTHER ON SECOND READING
PURPOSES.
THE DEPUTY SPEAKER (Rep. Climaco). The ayes
REP. GONZALES (N.). Mr. Speaker, the parliamentary have it; the motion is approved.
status of the bill is that it is in the period of sponsorship and House Bill No. 3975, as amended, is hereby approved
debate. Considering that there are no Members who have on Second Reading.
* See MEASURES CONSIDERED (printed separately)
WEDNESDAY, JUNE 8, 2011 27
REP. GONZALES (N.). Mme. Speaker, the House is VIVA VOCE VOTING
in receipt of a message from the Senate informing the House
that the Senate on even date passed Senate Bill No. 2701, THE DEPUTY SPEAKER (Rep. Climaco). As many as
entitled: AN ACT ALLOWING THE EMPLOYMENT OF are in favor of the motion, please say aye.
NIGHT WORKERS THEREBY REPEALING ARTICLES
130 AND 131 OF PRESIDENTIAL DECREE NUMBER SEVERAL MEMBERS. Aye.
FOUR HUNDRED FORTY TWO (PD 442), AS
AMENDED, OTHERWISE KNOWN AS THE LABOR THE DEPUTY SPEAKER (Rep. Climaco). As many as
CODE OF THE PHILIPPINES. are against, please say nay. (Silence) The ayes have it; the
I have been informed by the Hon. Emil L. Ong, motion is approved.
Chairperson of the Committee on Labor and Employment The Conference Committee Report is hereby approved.
that sponsored the counterpart House measure, House Bill
No. 4276, principally sponsored by Reps. Rufus B. CONSIDERATION OF H.B. NO. 4443
Rodriguez, Juan Edgardo M. Angara and Rodolfo W. ON SECOND READING
Antonino, that they are in concurrence with the said Senate
bill. Pursuant to our Rules, I move that we adopt Senate PERIOD OF SPONSORSHIP AND DEBATE
Bill No. 2701 as an amendment to House Bill No. 4276.
I so move. REP. GONZALES (N.). Mme. Speaker, I move that we
consider House Bill No. 4443, as contained in Committee
THE DEPUTY SPEAKER (Rep. Climaco). Is there any Report No. 823, as reported out by the Committee on Ways
objection? (Silence) The Chair hears none; the motion is approved. and Means.
Senate Bill No. 2701 is hereby adopted as an amendment May I ask that the Secretary General be directed to read
to House Bill No. 4276. only the title of the measure.
RATIFICATION OF CONF. CTTE. RPT. THE DEPUTY SPEAKER (Rep. Climaco). Is there any
ON H.B. NO. 4393 AND S.B. NO. 138 objection? (Silence) The Chair hears none; the motion is
approved.*
REP. GONZALES (N.). Mme. Speaker, we are likewise The Secretary General is directed to read only the title
in receipt of a Bicameral Conference Committee Report of the measure.
reconciling the disagreeing provisions of House Bill No. 4393
and Senate Bill No. 138, providing for mandatory basic With the permission of the Body, and since copies of the
immunization services for infants and children. measure have been previously distributed, the Secretary
General read only the title thereof without prejudice to
May I ask that the Secretary General be directed to read inserting its text in the Congressional Record.
only the titles of the measures.
THE SECRETARY GENERAL. House Bill No. 4443,
THE DEPUTY SPEAKER (Rep. Climaco). Is there any entitled: AN ACT PROVIDING FOR TAX EXEMPTIONS
objection? (Silence) The Chair hears none; the motion is AND SUBSIDIES FOR THE LOCAL MUSIC INDUSTRY,
approved.* AMENDING FOR THIS PURPOSE CERTAIN SECTIONS
The Secretary General is directed to read only the titles OF THE LOCAL GOVERNMENT CODE OF 1991.
of the measures.
REP. GONZALES (N.). Mme. Speaker, I move that the
With the permission of the Body, and since copies of the Explanatory Note of the bill be considered as the sponsorship
bicameral conference committee report have been previously speech on the measure.
distributed, the Secretary General read only the titles of the
measures without prejudice to inserting the text of the report THE DEPUTY SPEAKER (Rep. Climaco). Is there any
in the Congressional Record. objection? (Silence) The Chair hears none; the motion is
approved.
THE SECRETARY GENERAL. House Bill No. 4393,
entitled: AN ACT PROVIDING FOR MANDATORY REP. GONZALES (N.). There being no Member who
HEPATITIS-B VACCINATION OF ALL INFANTS WITHIN wishes to interpellate the Sponsor, I move that we close the
A REASONABLE PERIOD OF TIME AFTER BIRTH, AND period of sponsorship and debate.
OTHER VACCINE-PREVENTABLE DISEASES; and Senate
Bill No. 138, entitled: AN ACT REQUIRING MANDATORY THE DEPUTY SPEAKER (Rep. Climaco). Is there any
BASIC IMMUNIZATION SERVICES AGAINST objection? (Silence) The Chair hears none; the motion is approved.
HEPATITIS-B FOR INFANTS, AMENDING FOR THE
PURPOSE PRESIDENTIAL DECREE NO. 996 AS REP. GONZALES (N.). There being no committee or
AMENDED, AND APPROPRIATING FUNDS THEREFOR individual amendments, I move that we close the period of
I move that we ratify the said Conference Committee amendments.
Report. I so move.
* See MEASURES CONSIDERED (printed separately)
28 WEDNESDAY, JUNE 8, 2011
THE DEPUTY SPEAKER (Rep. Climaco). Is there any THE DEPUTY SPEAKER (Rep. Climaco). Is there any
objection? (Silence) The Chair hears none; the motion is objection? (Silence) The Chair hears none; the motion is
approved. approved.
REP. GONZALES (N.). Mme. Speaker, I move that we REP. GONZALES (N.). There being no Member who
vote on House Bill No. 4443 on Second Reading. wishes to interpellate the Sponsor, I move that we close the
I so move. period of sponsorship and debate.
VIVA VOCE VOTING THE DEPUTY SPEAKER (Rep. Climaco). Is there any
objection? (Silence) The Chair hears none; the motion is
THE DEPUTY SPEAKER (Rep. Climaco). As many as approved.
are in favor of House Bill No. 4443, please say aye.
COMMITTEE AMENDMENTS
SEVERAL MEMBERS. Aye.
REP. GONZALES (N.). Mme. Speaker, I move that we
THE DEPUTY SPEAKER (Rep. Climaco). As many as open the period of amendments by approving the following
are against, please say nay. committee amendments:
1. Insert another paragraph at the end of Section
9, on line 20, page 4, to read: ANY FINE COLLECTED
FEW MEMBERS. Nay. P U R S U A N T TO T H I S S E C T I O N S H A L L B E
RETAINED BY THE BARANGAY UNIT WHERE
APPROVAL OF H.B. NO. 4443 T H E S TO R E I S L O C AT E D I N O R D E R TO
ON SECOND READING A U G M E N T I T S WA S T E M A N A G E M E N T
CAPABILITY; and
THE DEPUTY SPEAKER (Rep. Climaco). The ayes 2. Insert a new Section 15 after Section 14, line 10, page
have it; the motion is approved. 5, to read: SECTION 15. APPROPRIATIONS. THE
House Bill No. 4443 is hereby approved on Second AMOUNT NECESSARY TO CARRY OUT THE
Reading. PROVISIONS OF THIS ACT SHALL BE CHARGED
AGAINST THE CURRENT YEAR’S APPROPRIATION
CONSIDERATION OF H.B. NO. 4840 OF THE CONCERNED AGENCIES. THEREAFTER,
ON SECOND READING SUCH SUMS AS MAY BE NECESSARY FOR THE
OPERATION AND MAINTENANCE OF THIS ACT
PERIOD OF SPONSORSHIP AND DEBATE SHALL BE INCLUDED IN THE GENERAL
APPROPRIATIONS ACT.
REP. GONZALES (N.). Mme. Speaker, I move that we
consider House Bill No. 4840 as contained in Committee THE DEPUTY SPEAKER (Rep. Climaco). Is there any
Report No. 1216, as reported out by the Committee on Ecology. objection? (Silence) The Chair hears none; the committee
May I ask that the Secretary General be directed to read amendments are hereby approved.
only the title of the measure.
REP. GONZALES (N.). There being no individual
THE DEPUTY SPEAKER (Rep. Climaco). Is there any amendments, I move that we close the period of
objection? (Silence) The Chair hears none; the motion is amendments.
approved.* I so move.
The Secretary General is directed to read only the title
of the measure. THE DEPUTY SPEAKER (Rep. Climaco). Is there any
objection? (Silence) The Chair hears none; the motion is
With the permission of the Body, and since copies of the approved.
measure have been previously distributed, the Secretary
General read only the title thereof without prejudice to REP. GONZALES (N.). Mme. Speaker, I move that we
inserting its text in the Congressional Record. approve House Bill No. 4840, as amended, on Second
Reading.
THE SECRETARY GENERAL. House Bill No. 4840, I so move.
entitled: AN ACT REGULATING THE PRODUCTION,
IMPORTATION, SALE, PROVISION, USE, RECOVERY, VIVA VOCE VOTING
COLLECTION, RECYCLING AND DISPOSAL OF
PLASTIC BAGS. THE DEPUTY SPEAKER (Rep. Climaco). As many
as are in favor of House Bill No. 4840, as amended, please
REP. GONZALES (N.). Mme. Speaker, I move that the say aye.
Explanatory Note of the bill be considered as the sponsorship
speech on the measure. SEVERAL MEMBERS. Aye.
* See MEASURES CONSIDERED (printed separately)
WEDNESDAY, JUNE 8, 2011 29
THE DEPUTY SPEAKER (Rep. Climaco). As many as RESOLVED BY THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES,
are against, please say nay. THE SENATE CONCURRING, That the President of the Senate
and the Speaker of the House of Representatives be authorized,
FEW MEMBERS. Nay. as they are hereby authorized, to declare the First Regular Session
of the Fifteenth Congress of the Philippines adjourned, by
APPROVAL OF H.B. NO. 4840, AS AMENDED, adjourning the sessions of their respective Houses not later than
ON SECOND READING twelve o’clock midnight today, Wednesday, 08 June 2011.
RESOLVED FURTHER, That a committee of three
THE DEPUTY SPEAKER (Rep. Climaco). The ayes (3) Members of the House, appointed by the Speaker, join
have it; the motion is approved. a committee of the Senate, to inform the President of the
House Bill No. 4840, as amended, is hereby approved Republic that the First Regular Session of the Fifteenth
on Second Reading. Congress is about to close, and that the two (2) Houses are
ready to adjourn unless the President has a message or
REP. GONZALES (N.). Mme. Speaker, pursuant to communication to transmit to them.
Section 35, Rule 9 of our Rules, I move that we authorize
all committees to conduct meetings or public hearings, if REP. GONZALES (N.). Mr. Speaker, I move that we
deemed necessary, during the sine die adjournment from adopt House Concurrent Resolution No. 12.
June 10 to July 24, 2011.
ADOPTION OF H.CT.RES. NO. 12
THE DEPUTY SPEAKER (Rep. Climaco). Is there any
objection? (Silence) The Chair hears none; the motion is THE SPEAKER. Is there any objection? (Silence) The
approved. Chair hears none; the motion is approved.
House Concurrent Resolution No. 12 is hereby
SUSPENSION OF SESSION adopted.
REP. GONZALES (N.). Mme. Speaker, to prepare for a DESIGNATION OF MEMBERS TO THE JOINT
sine die adjournment ceremony, I move that we suspend the COMMITTEE OF BOTH HOUSES
session for a few minutes.
REP. GONZALES (N.). Mr. Speaker, in view of the
THE DEPUTY SPEAKER (Rep. Climaco). The session adoption of House Concurrent Resolution No. 12, which likewise
is suspended to prepare for the sine die adjournment. authorizes the appointment of a Joint Committee of both Houses
to inform the President of the Philippines of the adjournment of
It was 6:49 p.m. the First Regular Session of the Fifteenth Congress, I move that
we designate the following Members of the House to said Joint
RESUMPTION OF SESSION Committee: the Hon. Maria Isabelle “Beng” G. Climaco, the
Hon. Rodolfo C. Fariñas, and the Hon. Fatima Aliah Q.
At 6:59 p.m., the session was resumed with Speaker Dimaporo.
Feliciano Belmonte Jr. presiding. I so move.
THE SPEAKER. The session is resumed. THE SPEAKER. Is there any objection? (Silence) The
The Majority Leader is recognized. Chair hears none; the motion is approved.
The Members of the House who were so named are
CONSIDERATION OF H. CT. RES. NO. 12 hereby designated to the Joint Committee to notify the
President of the Philippines of the adjournment of the First
REP. GONZALES (N.). Mr. Speaker, I move that we Regular Session of the Fifteenth Congress.
consider House Concurrent Resolution No. 12.
May I ask that the Secretary General be directed to read CONSIDERATION OF H.RES. NO. 1388
the title and text of the measure.
REP. GONZALES (N.). Mr. Speaker, I move that we
THE SPEAKER. Is there any objection? (Silence) The consider House Resolution No. 1388.
Chair hears none; the motion is approved. May I ask that the Secretary General be directed to read
The Secretary General is directed to read the title and the title and text of the measure.
text of the measure.
THE SPEAKER. Is there any objection ? (Silence) The
THE SECRETARY GENERAL. House Concurrent Chair hears none; the motion is approved. *
Resolution No. 12, entitled: CONCURRENT RESOLUTION The Secretary General is directed to read the title and
PROVIDING FOR THE ADJOURNMENT OF THE FIRST text of the measure.
REGULAR SESSION OF THE FIFTEENTH CONGRESS OF
THE PHILIPPINES NOT LATER THAT TWELVE O’CLOCK, THE SECRETARY GENERAL. House Resolution No.
MIDNIGHT TODAY, WEDNESDAY, 08 JUNE 2011. 1388, entitled: RESOLUTION DECLARING THE JOURNAL
* See MEASURES CONSIDERED (printed separately)
30 WEDNESDAY, JUNE 8, 2011
OF THE SESSION ON JUNE 6, 7 AND 8, 2011 AS HAVING RESUMPTION OF SESSION
BEEN READ AND APPROVED.
RESOLVED, AS IT IS HEREBY RESOLVED BY At 7:05 p.m., the session was resumed.
THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES, That the
Speaker be authorized, as he is hereby authorized to THE SPEAKER. The session is resumed.
review and approve Journal No. 73 of the Session on June
6, 7 and 8, 2011, and that the approval by him of such REP. GONZALES (N.). Mr. Speaker, we have received
Journal shall be valid and effective for all purposes as if word from our Representatives in the Joint Committee that
it were approved directly by the House of the Office of the President has been duly informed that the
Representatives. First Regular Session of the Fifteenth Congress will adjourn
tonight.
REP. GONZALES (N.). Mr. Speaker, I move that we
adopt House Resolution No. 1388. THE SPEAKER. The manifestation of the Majority
Leader is duly noted.
ADOPTION OF H.RES. NO. 1388
REP. GONZALES (N.). Mr. Speaker, the House will
THE SPEAKER. Is there any objection? (Silence) The now consider a resolution affecting the person and
Chair hears none; the motion is approved. personality of the Speaker. Pursuant to parliamentary
House Resolution No. 1388 is hereby adopted. practice, I now ask that the Minority Leader be
recognized to ascend the rostrum to preside over the
SUSPENSION OF SESSION session.
I so move.
REP. GONZALES (N.). Mr. Speaker, I move for the
suspension of the session to enable the Secretariat to SUSPENSION OF SESSION
transmit the message to the Senate regarding the
resolutions we have adopted. THE SPEAKER. Is there any objection? (Silence) The
Chair hears none; the motion is approved.
THE SPEAKER. The session is suspended.
The Minority Leader, Hon. Edcel C. Lagman, is
It was 7:03 p.m. requested to ascend the rostrum to preside over the session.
(Applause)
RESUMPTION OF SESSION The session is suspended.
At 7:03 p.m., the session was resumed. It was 7:06 p.m.
THE SPEAKER. Session is resumed. RESUMPTION OF SESSION
REP. GONZALES (N.). Mr. Speaker, I move that the At 7:08 p.m., the session was resumed with Rep. Edcel
Secretary General be directed to read the messages from the C. Lagman presiding.
Senate.
THE PRESIDING OFFICER (Rep. Lagman). The
THE SPEAKER. The Secretary General is so session is resumed.
directed.
REP. GONZALES (N.). Mr. Speaker, I understand that
THE SECRETARY GENERAL. Message from the the presiding Chair would like to address the Chamber.
Senate dated June 8, 2011, informing the House of
Representatives that the Senate on even date concurred with THE PRESIDING OFFICER (Rep. Lagman). The Chair
House Concurrent Resolution No. 12. would like to address the Body. It is different here at the top.
(Laughter)
THE SPEAKER. To the Archives. As leader of the opposition, I am more at home on the
plenary floor. I ascend the Speaker’s rostrum at the sufferance
SUSPENSION OF SESSION of the Majority and I preside over the closing rites of the
First Regular Session of the Fifteenth Congress by virtue of a
REP. GONZALES (N.). Mr. Speaker, in order to give tradition, and ritual bestows on me this gavel. This august
the Members of the Joint Committee time to perform their Chamber is enriched by traditions and embellished with rituals
assigned task and until they are ready to report back their and symbols. But traditions and rituals are part of our heritage.
accomplishment to this House, I move for the suspension They are not empty celebrations. They are significant and
of the session. instructive.
Why do we allow the leader of the Minority to preside at
THE SPEAKER. The session is suspended. the closing of a regular session? This is a recognition that the
Minority does not only strike at the administration or spice
It was 7:04 p.m. up the sessions but fulfills the crucial role of sparking
WEDNESDAY, JUNE 8, 2011 31
demographic, democratic debates—I am used to talking about Rodolfo C. Fariñas, to deliver the sponsorship speech on the
demography (laughter and applause)—of espousing different measure.
views, of introducing perfecting amendments and of
presenting alternative policies, which could be the better THE PRESIDING OFFICER (Rep. Lagman). The
policies. (Applause) Honorable Fariñas is recognized.
It is also a realization, often missed, that although
legislation is ultimately a numbers game—the tyranny of SPONSORSHIP SPEECH OF REP. FARIÑAS
numbers—like any tyranny, that does not mean ascendancy
in reason or a compass in rhythm. It may even result REP. FARIÑAS. Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I also thank
sometimes in some aberrations. It is also an acknowledgment the honorable Majority Leader.
that the Minority, in order to be effective, must be credible. It Mr. Speaker, I have the greatest honor to sponsor a very
must differ or oppose with a cause. unique resolution in this First Regular Session. It is unique in
Finally, it is a recognition that we all belong to one House the sense that although it appears that there are only two
despite our various shades of partisan stripes. We owe our authors here, the honorable Majority Leader and the honorable
allegiance and fealty to the sovereign people, not to one Minority Leader who is now the acting Speaker, I have the
temporary leader who is not even a colleague. honor to ask them to include all Members of the House as
We would like to thank our Speaker, the Hon. Feliciano cosponsors of this very unique resolution. (Applause)
Belmonte Jr. for treating and accommodating the Minority as So without further ado, considering that we have been
Members of one House; the Majority Leader, the Hon. Neptali here since July and will now have the chance to go back to
M. Gonzales II for being fair at all times; and the Members of our districts and serve our respective constituencies, I have
the Majority Coalition for being true brethren. My special the greatest honor to sponsor House Resolution No. 1389,
thanks to the Members of the Minority for remaining steadfast expressing our concerted intent and heartfelt greetings to our
in their difficult role as opposition. Incidentally, there is no Speaker for ably leading us in this House that broke history
way but to go up from “zero.” (Laughter) for the first time by impeaching an impeachable officer.
I am tempted to ask the House to proceed with the Thank you, Mr. Speaker. (Applause)
deliberations on House Bill No. 4244, the Reproductive Health
Bill (laughter), but that is not the agenda of these closing REP. GONZALES (N.). Mr. Speaker, I move that we
ceremonies and I will not break tradition. (Laughter) adopt House Resolution No. 1389.
Thank you, distinguished Members of this august
Chamber. To the 285 Representatives belonging to one House, ADOPTION OF H.RES. NO. 1389
salamat po sa inyong lahat. (Applause)
THE PRESIDING OFFICER (Rep. Lagman). Is there
CONSIDERATION OF H. RES. NO. 1389 any objection? (Silence) The Chair hears none; the motion is
approved.
REP. GONZALES (N.). Mr. Speaker, I move for the House Resolution No. 1389 is duly adopted.
consideration of House Resolution No. 1389.
May I ask that the Secretary General be directed to read SUSPENSION OF SESSION
only the title of the measure.
THE PRESIDING OFFICER (Rep. Lagman). The Chair
THE PRESIDING OFFICER (Rep. Lagman). Is there requests all Deputy Speakers present to escort the honorable
any objection? (Silence) The Chair hears none; the motion is Speaker to the Session Hall to address the Body.
approved.* The session is suspended.
This script was not prepared for the Minority. (Laughter)
The Secretary General is directed to proceed in reading It was 7:17 p.m.
the title of the resolution.
RESUMPTION OF SESSION
With the permission of the Body, and since copies of the
measure have been previously distributed, the Secretary At 7:19 p.m., the session was resumed with the Speaker
General read only the title thereof without prejudice to presiding.
inserting its text in the Congressional Record.
THE SPEAKER. The session is resumed.
THE SECRETARY GENERAL. House Resolution No.
1389, entitled: RESOLUTION COMMENDING THE REMARKS OF THE SPEAKER
HONORABLE SPEAKER FELICIANO BELMONTE JR.
FOR HIS STERLING AND DYNAMIC STEWARDSHIP THE SPEAKER. First, I would like to thank the Minority
DURING THE FIRST REGULAR SESSION OF THE Leader for whatever it was that he did while he was here.
FIFTEENTH CONGRESS (Laughter) The Chair would also like to address my colleagues
in the Chamber.
REP. GONZALES (N.). Mr. Speaker, I move that we So dear colleagues, less than a year ago, we entered
recognize the distinguished Dep. Majority Leader, the Hon. into office as Representatives of a constituency that,
* See MEASURES CONSIDERED (printed separately)
32 WEDNESDAY, JUNE 8, 2011
although separated into political districts and party-lists, has billion and generate 1.3 million in employment in five
been unified by an overwhelming yearning to end poverty, year’s time.
accelerate economic and social development and restore We also approved proposed laws which integrate
integrity and efficiency in the public service. kindergarten into our basic education system, grant discounts
Sensitive to the public pulse and conscious of our on basic and higher education services to underprivileged
people’s aspirations, we swiftly organized our Chamber, students, and strengthen the ladderized interface between
defined our priorities and immediately commenced work on technical, vocational and higher education.
pieces of legislation that demanded urgent attention. We have likewise lifted the prohibition on night work
Our performance for a year in office speaks for itself. for women. This initiative will raise our competitive advantage
Despite being the biggest in terms of membership ever in our and further improve the quality of our human capital. We
country, we continue to register the most robust plenary continue to work to better the lot of the most vulnerable
attendance per session day which, based on official data, segments of our society.
averages 94.25 percent of our membership. (Applause) This We have approved legislation to extend the
record, unparalleled in the history of this Chamber, is implementation of the lifeline rate under the EPIRA. This
complemented by the frequent meetings of our committees. measure will preserve the subsidy for the power consumption
Based on records as of yesterday, our various committees have of those deemed powerless in society.
conducted a total of 844 meetings, with one committee holding We also passed measures that established or upgraded
the distinction of having met 59 times during the 73-day period. provincial and district hospitals, and the proposed law which
The hard work of our Members has made it possible for us to requires health care facilities to provide a price list of their
process, at both the committee and plenary levels, a total of services.
1,658 measures, averaging about 23 measures per session day. These are but some of the measures we passed in
But beyond the sheer number of measures acted upon and fulfillment of our promise to reduce the serious poverty
passed during this brief period, we are most proud of the fact incidence in our country.
that this Chamber did not avoid its constitutional duties no Ten months after we convened, we have approved on
matter how difficult, controversial, contentious or exorbitant Third Reading 113 national bills and 147 local bills; and
its political cost may be. adopted 121 regular resolutions and 717 resolutions on
Thus, our Chamber promptly acted on and approved the inquiries in aid of legislation.
very first annual appropriations of this new government. We As I noted at the start of our session, we have been
deviated—and for good reasons—from the previous practice elected to this Chamber to preside over a political transition
of reenacting the preceding year’s budget, a practice which, under difficult circumstances. We assumed office keenly
of course, we do not like. We approved this year’s budget aware of the hard decisions that had to be made in
along with the innovations that seek to institute prudence in reforming our politics and revitalizing our governmental
government spending and ensure real reduction in the massive institutions that they may regain the confidence of our
incidence of poverty among our people. We supplemented people.
our Appropriations Act with legislation critical to the reform The impeachment of the Ombudsman, a personal
of our political and governmental institutions, and to the friend—let me tell you—has been a litmus test. Our
expansion and growth of business and the economy at large. conduct throughout those difficult proceedings proved
We passed the GOCC Governance Act, which the once and for all that this House is not only a legislator
President signed into law earlier this week. This law reforms but also the staunchest guardian of the legal order, an
and curbs the excesses of some GOCCs which have dealt a institution that adheres to the tenets of due process and
dual blow on the public not only because of their worthy of the immense powers which the Constitution
underperformance, but also because they siphoned scarce vests in us. It affirmed the competence, independence
resources into the pockets of a few. and integrity of this Chamber, and the statesmanship of
We also approved and enacted the law postponing the all those involved—from the complainants and
ARMM elections, not because we are against strengthening supporters to those who voted “no” in the course of our
democracy in the Autonomous Region, but because we exercise of our duty to exact public accountability. We
recognize that elections at this time, forced at this crucial all played our roles there.
juncture in the region’s history, may once more trigger It is therefore no wonder that this Chamber has once
political and clannish violence, and lead further to the more gained the respect it rightfully deserves. Survey after
deepening divisiveness and rancor among the peoples of survey showed the rising public trust and approval for this
the region. We supported this postponement, really with institution and for its membership, a feat that has eluded our
great hope, with trust that this period under an officer-in- predecessors. Even up to the last survey, our public approval
charge or an acting head will give a breathing spell during is at an all-time high. The well-deserved confidence accorded
which needed changes can be made so that when the to us by our national constituency will prove crucial as we
synchronized elections come, we are all on equal footing proceed to our Second Regular Session.
whether one comes from the ARMM or from anywhere The last session days have provided a preview of the
else. challenges that lie ahead. Our deliberations on the
For the economy, we passed and approved the Data Reproductive Health Bill will undoubtedly try our
Privacy Act in a bid to further facilitate the growth and individual fortitude. More importantly, it will test the
expansion of our business process outsourcing (BPO) maturity of this institution as the bastion of democracy. I
sector. Already the third largest in the whole world, our am confident that as we proceed to hear, argue and debate
BPO is expected to generate an annual revenue of US$25 on this measure, our individual differences and colliding
WEDNESDAY, JUNE 8, 2011 33
beliefs will neither fragment nor divide us but instead In four days, our country will celebrate its independence.
further enrich the quality of lawmaking. After all, it is Our independence is a gift from our forefathers and forebears
obvious to all that we enact laws not only to reflect our customs which, despite tremendous limitations, they acquired by
and beliefs but above all, to promote the best interests of the courageously fighting against foreign enslavement.
greater number. Our accomplishment these past 10 months as well as
In the Second Regular Session, we shall therefore those that we confidently hope we will be able to accomplish
proceed with our work, guaranteeing democratic space for in the rest of this term, will be our fitting gift to our people
all opposing views on any measure, but never losing sight who—more than a century later—has continued the fight,
of our obligation to act on legislation crucial to the fate of this time to liberate themselves from poverty and to secure
our nation. As we did in the First Regular Session, let us for their families and generations to come a life of dignity
again hit the ground running in the Second Regular Session. and prosperity.
A number of important bills—the proposed Government With these ambitions of our people, we are one, and we
Procurement Reform Act, Fiscal Incentives Rationalization will lead in their attainment.
Act, Fiscal Responsibility Act, Public-Private Partnership Thank you, dear colleagues. Mabuhay po tayong lahat!
Infra Development Act, Anti-Trust Act that promotes (Applause)
competitiveness, Whistleblower’s Protection Act, Universal
Health Care Act, and National Land Use Policy Act and REP. GONZALES (N.). Mr. Speaker.
others—are set to be calendared for plenary action, having
hurdled the committees, as soon as the Second Regular THE SPEAKER. The Majority Leader is recognized.
Session begins.
In closing, even as we look forward to our one-and-a-half REP. GONZALES (N.). Mr. Speaker, with the kind
months of break, let me thank everyone for their invaluable indulgence of the distinguished Speaker and our Members
contributions in steering this institution to its sterling of the House, allow me, in memory of my father who would
accomplishment. have celebrated his 88th birthday had he been alive this
We commend our Deputy Speakers for shepherding their coming Friday, June 10, 2011, to express my personal
respective committee clusters to promptly act on legislative gratitude to our distinguished Members. In the words of my
priorities and personally, for sharing and presiding over father, it will go—and I am sure, it will go like this: “Hayaan
plenary sessions. ninyong hugutin ko mula sa kaibuturan ng aking puso ang
I thank: taos- puso at walang hanggang pasasalamat sa atin pong
• The Majority Leader, Hon. Neptali “Boyet” M mga kasama.”
Gonzales II, and his Deputies, including the good-looking
ones, for ably managing our calendar in the deliberations ADJOURNMENT SINE DIE
on the floor;
• The Minority Leader, Hon. Edcel C. Lagman, and his REP. GONZALES (N.). With that, Mr. Speaker, I move
Assistant Minority Leaders for ensuring that the differences that we adjourn sine die.
in our advocacy and views do not undermine our principled I so move, Mr. Speaker.
engagement;
THE SPEAKER. Yes. I think all of us are in
• Every Member of this Chamber, and the chairpersons unanimity.
of our committees many of whom are so busy throughout The Chair declares the adjournment sine die of the
the day, and their members, not only for their cooperation First Regular Session of the Fifteenth Congress, House
and active participation but more importantly, for raising of Representatives. (Applause)
the level and quality of our legislative debates; Mabuhay and thank you.
• And the members of the Secretariat and the The session is adjourned.
Congressional Staff for their perseverance and hard work.
(Applause) It was 7:33 p.m.
Published by the Publication and Editorial Service, Plenary Affairs Bureau
The Congressional Record can be accessed through the Downloads Center of the official website
of the House of Representatives at www.congress.gov.ph
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