House approves 23 of 31 LEDAC bills on third and final reading

AS session adjourns for Holy Week recess, Speaker Ferdinand Martin G.
Romualdez on Wednesday bared that the House of Representatives
succeeded in approving on third and final reading 23 of 31 bills
identified by the Legislative-Executive Development Advisory Council
(LEDAC) as priority measures of the Marcos administration.

These measures were already transmitted to the Senate.

The 31 LEDAC priority measures, collectively called the Common
Legislative Agenda (CLA) of Malacañang, Senate, and the House of
Representatives, were drawn up from dozens of legislative measures
that were filed in Congress to further stimulate economic activities,
create job opportunities, reduce poverty, and provide better health
care services for Filipinos.

Speaker Romualdez said out of the 23 measures approved by the House,
two had been signed into law by President Ferdinand “Bongbong”
Romualdez Marcos Jr. while the remaining eight bills in the LEDAC
priority list are under advanced stages of deliberation.

“We have done our share in passing important pieces of legislation
that will help the country recover from the crippling impact of the
COVID-19 pandemic and external shocks that adversely affect the
economy and the nation,” he said.

“That was our commitment during the series of meetings at LEDAC. That
is our continuing commitment to the Filipino people,” the House leader
added.

Aside from having been identified by the LEDAC as priority measures,
the approved bills were also among those enumerated by President
Ferdinand Marcos Jr. in his first State of the Nation Address (SONA)
in July last year, Romualdez said.

“We have responded positively to the President’s call for legislation
that would hasten the country’s recovery from the pandemic, sustain
our economic growth, and implement his Agenda for Prosperity,” the
Speaker added.

The two bills the President has signed into law are the mobile phone
SIM (subscriber information module) Registration Act, which is now
under implementation, and the measure postponing the barangay and
Sangguniang Kabataan elections to October this year.
The 20 other LEDAC-endorsed bills approved on third and final reading
by the House of Representatives are: Magna Carta of Seafarers,
E-Governance Act / E-Government Act, Negros Island Region, Virology
Institute of the Philippines, Passive Income and Financial
Intermediary Taxation Act, National Disease Prevention Management
Authority or Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Medical
Reserve Corps, Philippine Passport Act; Internet Transaction Act /
E-Commerce Law, Waste-to-Energy Bill, Free Legal Assistance for Police
and Soldiers, Apprenticeship Act, Build-Operate-Transfer (BOT) Law,
Magna Carta of Barangay Health Workers, Valuation Reform, Eastern
Visayas Development Authority, Leyte Ecological Industrial Zone,
Government Financial Institutions Unified Initiatives to Distressed
Enterprises for Economic Recovery, National Citizens Service Training
Program, and Rightsizing the National Government.

Another LEDAC bill, the Agrarian Reform Debts Condonation is now for
bicameral conference committee approval.

The eight other LEDAC bills pending in the House are the: Regional
Specialty Hospitals (for second reading approval), Enabling Law for
the Natural Gas Industry (under technical working group or TWG
deliberation), National Land Use Act (TWG); Department of Water
Resources and Services and Creation of Water Regulatory Commission
(TWG), Electric Power Industry Reform Act (for committee
deliberation), Budget Modernization (for committee deliberation),
National Defense Act (for committee deliberation), and Unified System
of Separation, Retirement and Pension for Uniformed Personnel (also
for committee deliberation).

“We are working double time to pass the remaining eight LEDAC measures
and our own priority bills. We are confident of approving them on
third and final reading before the sine die break,” Speaker Romualdez
said.

Aside from the 31 measures in the LEDAC list, Speaker Romualdez said
the House committee chairmen and members have identified 21 measures
that they wanted to be given priority.

He said the 21 include 10 for LEDAC endorsement, four of which – the
Maharlika Investment Fund bill, Ease of Paying Taxes Act, LGU Income
Classification, and Amendment to Universal Health Care Act – have been
approved on third and final reading.

He added that the House priority list includes Resolution of Both
Houses (RBH) No. 6, which calls for a constitutional convention to
amend “restrictive” economic provisions of the Charter, which would
enable the country to attract more foreign investments, and its
implementing measure, HB No. 7352.

The House voted 301 against six with one abstention to overwhelmingly
approve RBH No. 6 on third and final reading. HB No. 7352 has also
hurdled third reading with 301 against seven voting.

“Two of our more promising initiatives is the Maharlika Investment
Fund (MIF) proposal and the efforts to amend the economic provisions
of our existing Constitution through a Constitutional Convention.
These measures, we at the House of Representatives believe, will help
create a more vibrant economy not only for the Philippines but also
for the countries in the Asia-Pacific Region, by reducing, if not,
totally eliminating economic barriers to investments. Indeed, there
are so much more to look forward to,” Speaker Romualdez said.

The other House priorities that have been approved on third and final
reading are the following: On-Site, In-City Near City Local Government
Resettlement Program, Open Access in Data Transmission, Online
Registration of Voters, Amendments to the Philippine Crop Insurance
Corporation Charter, and Mandatory Establishment of Evacuation Centers
in Every City, Province, Municipality/Permanent Evacuation Centers,
and Local Government Income Classification.

As of prees time Wednesday, the House is scheduled to ratify the bicameral conference committee report on the AFP Fixed Term Law, which is also a House priority.

Under other priority measures are Government Procurement Act (TWG),
Department of Resilience (committee level), and Livestock Development
and Competitiveness Bill (committee level).

Several other measures — Revitalizing Salt Industry, Philippine
Ecosystem and Natural Capital Accounting System, Bureau of Immigration
Modernization, National Employment Action Plan, Amendment to the
Anti-Agricultural Smuggling Act, , and Infrastructure Development
Plan/Build Build Build Program— are for LEDAC inclusion and undergoing
committee deliberation.

PRESS RELEASE
Office of Speaker Ferdinand Martin G. Romualdez
Reference: Ryan Ponce Pacpaco
March 22

House OKs bill setting 1st Monday of August as line workers day

THE House of Representatives on Tuesday gave its final nod to a bill declaring every first Monday of August as the “National Line Workers Appreciation Day” to recognize the service and important role of electric line workers in the country’s development.

The chamber approved on third reading House Bill (HB) No. 7426 with an overwhelming 282 votes.

“Without our hardworking electric line workers, economic growth and development will not be possible. This legislation is a simple way to show our appreciation to our line workers who tirelessly serve us so that our country will enjoy a reliable supply of electricity wherever we are,” Speaker Ferdinand Martin G. Romualdez said.

“We acknowledge the role of all electrical line workers in attaining sustainable rural development through total electrification of the countryside. They deserve to receive recognition and honor every year for their crucial contribution to our nation,” he added.

Section 4 of the proposed legislation mandates the National Electrification Administration (NEA) to spearhead the conduct of an annual national convention during the National Line Workers Appreciation Day.

Other activities such as lecture sessions for line workers, trainings, seminars, and other learning sessions will also be conducted in coordination with stakeholders in the power industry including electric cooperatives, National Grid Corporation of the Philippines, National Transmission Corporation, Private Electric Power Operators Association, Manila Electric Company and other organizations employing line workers.

The Department of Energy and private distribution utilities including power transmission companies and telecommunications companies are also enjoined to launch activities for line workers.

Representatives Sergio Dagooc, Luis Raymund Villafuerte, Miguel Villafuerte, Tsuyoshi Horibata, Nicholas Enciso VIII, Lord Allan Jay Velasco, Arnie Fuentebella, Ambrocio Cruz, Gerardo Valmayor Jr., Zia Adiong, Francisco Ortega, Jurdin Romualdo, Rosanna Vergara, Felimon Espares, Kristine Singson-Meehan, David Suarez, Dan Fernandez, Ray Reyes, Mario Mariño, Anna Veloso-Tuazon, Antonio Legarda Jr., Isidro Lumayag, Mercedes Alvarez, Gerville Luistro, Raoul Danniel Manuel, and Presley De Jesus authored HB 7426.

PRESS RELEASE
Office of Speaker Ferdinand Martin G. Romualdez
Reference: Ryan Ponce Pacpaco
March 21

House approves creation of district engineering office in Sogod, Southern Leyte

THE House of Representatives on Tuesday approved on third and final reading House Bill (HB) No. 7508 which creates a district engineering office of the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) in the Second District of Southern Leyte province to be located in the Municipality of Sogod.

With an overwhelming 283 votes, the chamber approved the establishment of the Southern Leyte Second District Engineering Office which will serve the Municipalities of Anahawan, Hinunangan, Hinundayan, Libagon, Liloan, Pintuyan, St. Bernard, San Francisco, San Juan, San Ricardo, Silago, and Sogod.

“We hope that with the creation of this new engineering office, we can better serve the needs of our people in the Second District of Southern Leyte,” Speaker Ferdinand Martin G. Romualdez said.

“We also hope that the implementation of various infrastructure projects in the area will be more efficient once the proposed legislation is signed into law,” he added.

Section 3 of HB 7508 tasks the Secretary of Public Works and Highways to include the operationalization of the Office in the Department’s program and the annual national budget.

Romualdez, along with TINGOG Reps. Yedda Marie Romualdez and Jude Acidre, House Committee on Public Works and Highways Chair Romeo Momo, Sr., House Appropriations Committee Chair Elizalde Co, and Reps. Christopherson Yap, Carl Cari, Ramon Jolo Revilla III, and Edwin Olivarez authored the bill.

PRESS RELEASE
Office of Speaker Ferdinand Martin G. Romualdez
Reference: Ryan Ponce Pacpaco
March 21

House approves bill on suspension of Philhealth premium increase

VOTING 273 against three and zero abstentions, the House of Representatives on Tuesday approved on third and final reading a bill giving the President the power to suspend the increase in premiums of “direct contributors” of the Philippine Health Insurance Corp. (Philhealth), members.

Speaker Ferdinand Martin G. Romualdez, the principal author of House Bill (HB) No. 6772, said the suspension of the increase would result in some savings for millions of government and private sector workers, professionals, self-employed, and other Philhealth contributors who are still recovering from the COVID-19 pandemic.

He said daily wage earners and many employees, who comprise the majority of Philhealth members, would save at least P50 a month or P600 a year from their health insurance premium payment if the adjustment were suspended.

Those earning more will naturally save more, he said.

“Suspending the imposition of the new Philhealth premium rates will provide a much-needed relief during national emergencies or calamities and will assure Filipinos that the government is sensitive to their sentiments in this difficult time,” the Speaker and his co-authors said in filing the bill.

Under Republic Act No. 11223, otherwise known as the Universal Health Care Act, contributions will increase from 4 percent last year to 4.5 percent this year, or from the minimum monthly premium of P400 to P450.

The rate will further go up to 5 percent starting next year.

The Romualdez bill would amend RA 11223, which was enacted in 2018.

The Speaker’s co-authors are Majority Leader Jose “Mannix” Dalipe, Senior Majority Leader and Ilocos Norte Rep. Ferdinand Alexander Marcos, and Representatives Yedda Marie Romualdez and Jude Acidre of party-list group Tingog Sinirangan.

Their proposed amendment states: “The President of the Philippines may, upon recommendation of the Philhealth board, suspend and adjust the period of implementation of the scheduled increase of premium rates during national emergencies or calamities, or when public interest so requires.”

The amendment would be a new paragraph under Section 10 of the law.

In filing Bill No. 6772, the Speaker and his four co-authors cited the objective of the Universal Health Care Act itself, which is to “ensure that all Filipinos are guaranteed equitable access to quality and affordable health care goods and services, and protected against financial risk.”

“The intent of the law is clear and cannot be overemphasized. Filipinos need and deserve a comprehensive set of health services that are cost-effective, high quality, and responsive to the requirements of all citizens,” they said.

Based on Philhealth’s computation for this year, they said those earning P10,000 and below would pay a premium of P450, those with an income of more than P10,000 up to P89,999.99 would contribute P450 to P4,050, while those making P90,000 or more would chip in P4,050.

“While Philhealth only aims to fulfill and remain faithful to its mandate, imposing a higher premium on Filipinos in these current conditions where most of them are grappling with the pandemic will definitely enforce a new round of financial burden to its members,” they added.

They pointed out that the nation has barely recovered from losses and difficulties caused by the pandemic, as many businesses have not yet reopened and many people remain jobless.

The Speaker and his colleagues stressed that President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. himself has supported calls to defer this year’s increase in Philhealth premiums.

RA 11223 defines “direct contributors” as “those who have the capacity to pay premiums, are gainfully employed and are bound by an employer-employee relationship, or are self-earning, professional practitioners, migrant workers, including their qualified dependents, and lifetime members.”

The term “indirect contributors” refers to “all others not included as direct contributors, as well as their qualified dependents, whose premium shall be subsidized by the national government including those who are subsidized as a result of special laws.”

PRESS RELEASE
Office of Speaker Martin G. Romualdez
Reference: Ryan Ponce Pacpaco
March 21

Philippines now open for business, Speaker Romualdez tells envoys

THE country is now ready to receive foreign visitors, prospective investors, and parliamentarians, Speaker Ferdinand Martin Romualdez said Tuesday.

He made the statement during a luncheon meeting with ambassadors of Asia-Pacific Parliamentary Forum (APPF)-member-countries at Shangri-La The Fort as part of the preparations for the APPF’s 31st annual conference the Philippines will host in November this year.

“Our dear Ambassadors, please extend our warmest invitation to our peers in your countries and let them know that the Philippines is very much open for business, and we have a lot to offer,” Speaker Romualdez said.

“This year, 2023, in Manila, your parliamentarians will rediscover another unique and rich culture, reflecting all three of our heritage – our island nation ancestry, our deep Southeast Asian roots as well as our Latin American kinship,” he said.

Speaker Romualdez also said that the House of Representatives approved the Maharlika Investment Fund (MIF) and the proposals amending the restrictive economic provisions of the Constitution to further stimulate economic activities, create job opportunities, and provide better health care services for Filipinos

“Two of our more promising initiatives is the Maharlika Investment Fund (MIF) proposal and the efforts to amend the economic provisions of our existing Constitution through a Constitutional Convention. These measures, we at the House of Representatives believe, will help create a more vibrant economy not only for the Philippines but also for the countries in the Asia-Pacific Region, by reducing, if not, totally eliminating economic barriers to investments. Indeed, there are so much more to look forward to,” Speaker Romualdez said.

Speaker Romualdez cited the foreign policy declaration of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. that the Philippines “is a friend to all, enemy to none.”

“Our country extends the open hand of friendship to our neighbors as we host the Asia Pacific Parliamentarians Forum this year. We are excited to have your legislators here. I am sure that the Senate President shares this sentiment,” he said, referring to Senate President Juan Miguel “Migz” Zubiri. The Senate President chairs the 31st APPF, with Speaker Romualdez as co-chair.

The House leader told the ambassadors that he is looking forward to receiving and interacting with APPF lawmakers.

“Personally, I am eager to meet our counterparts from our neighboring countries. I am quite partial to face-to-face meetings. I find it easier to communicate, coordinate and provide support to each other when we are all physically present,” he said.

He cited APPF’s important role in “serving as a platform where parliamentarians from the Asia-Pacific parliamentarians can come together to promote regional peace and security, sustainable development and regional cooperation.”

“The recent pandemic has once again shown us how deeply inter-connected we all are. It is certain that the pandemic is not the last challenge that we will face as a region. Rather than build walls that isolate, to continue building bridges that foster understanding and cooperation is the wiser course of action. In unity is strength,” he said.

He said that through APPF, representatives of peoples from the Asia Pacific region could “engage with each other on equal footing, bringing large and small nations, from four continents to a common table.”

He thanked Zubiri and the Senate for leading the organization of this year’s APPF annual conference.

“I look forward to seeing everyone at the Forum later this year and working together to build a closer community of nations that advances sustainable regional prosperity,” Speaker Romualdez said.

Among the ambassadors and diplomats who attended the luncheon meeting were those from Australia, Cambodia, Canada, China. Colombia, Indonesia, Laos, New Zealand, Papua New Guinea, Russia, Singapore, Thailand, United States of America and Vietnam; to the Deputy Chiefs of Mission from Japan and Korea; to the Charge d’ Affaires from Malaysia, Mexico and Brunei; to the Honorary Consuls from Fiji, Marshall Islands, Peru and Mongolia.

PRESS RELEASE
Office of Speaker Ferdinand Martin G. Romualdez
Reference: Ryan Ponce Pacpaco
March 21

STATEMENT ON LAST NIGHT’S MEETING WITH ATTY. TOPACIO

The legal counsel of Rep. Arnolfo “Arnie” A. Teves, Jr., Atty. Ferdinand Topacio, sought a private meeting with me Wednesday night to personally relay some concerns of his client.

In that meeting, I reiterated my stand that Cong. Arnie should return to the country and report for work at once.

I relayed to Atty. Topacio the decision of the House Committee on Ethics to investigate Cong. Arnie’s refusal to heed a direct order from the Speaker for him to come back home after the expiration of his travel authority last March 9.

The Committee on Ethics has already acquired jurisdiction on Cong. Arnie’s case. I will act accordingly after the Committee wraps up its investigation and submits its recommendation to the House leadership.

I also reiterated the assurance that the Speaker and the entire House leadership will exert all means necessary to pave the way for Cong. Arnie’s safe return to the country.

I strongly urge Cong. Arnie to reconsider his decision not to return. It does not sit well for a House Member to flee the country rather than avail himself of all the legal remedies available to him.

PRESS STATEMENT
Office of Speaker Ferdinand Martin G. Romualdez
Reference: Ryan Ponce Pacpaco
March 16

STATEMENT ON CON-CON APPROVAL

The House of Representatives will continue enacting more laws and acting on legislative measures that will boost the economy and improve the living condition of our people.

When we passed the twin resolutions on the proposed Constitutional Convention, which were co-authored by 301 House Members, our mission was clear. We need to amend the restrictive provisions of the Constitution that prohibit the entry of foreign direct investments in the Philippines. We are competing with other countries in attracting foreign investments needed to encourage more business activities, which will create high-paying and quality jobs for Filipinos here in the country.

Yes, the 301 House Members who co-authored the twin resolutions are in a rush to amend these restrictive provisions of the Constitution. Just as we, in the House of Representatives, are in a rush to approve priority measures agreed upon in the LEDAC (Legislative-Executive Development Advisory) meetings to give flesh to the 8-Point Socio-Economic Agenda of the national government.

Let me make it clear, though. All legislative measures approved in the House of Representatives were deliberated extensively and exhaustively — from the committee level to plenary sessions. All voices were heard before we take a vote. Lahat ng ito, dumaan sa tamang proseso at masusing pag-aaral.

Kung nagta-trabaho man kami ng mabilis, ito ay dahil interes ng mamamayan ang nakataya. Hindi pulitika, kundi ekonomiya ng bansa. Hindi eleksyon, kundi misyon na iahon ang mga kababayan natin sa kahirapan. Kailan pa naging kasalanan ang mag-trabaho nang mabilis para sa bayan?

Amending the Constitution is the last piece of the puzzle. While the Philippines made progress in addressing foreign ownership limitations that has constrained investment in many sectors, though legislation such as the Public Services Act, the Retail Trade Liberalization Act, and the Foreign Investments Act, fundamental investment restrictions enshrined in the Philippine Constitution could not be corrected by simple legislations nor by Executive decisions. Hence a need for constitutional amendments.

Though we, in the House of Representatives, already did our part in moving the process of amending the Constitution, we have no time to rest. I have directed the House leadership to go full-blast in expediting the approval of other pending measures aimed at creating the environment that will boost economic activities and job creation.

This is on top of 23 out of 31 other urgent measures that the House of Representatives already approved on third and final reading as part of our commitment to the LEDAC meetings, which were religiously attended by leaders of both chambers.

Inuulit ko po, wala kaming planong mag-slow down o mag-relax sa trabaho. Sa halip, dodoblehin namin ang sipag sa trabaho. Pangako namin ito sa taumbayan na naghahal sa amin sa Kongreso.

PRESS STATEMENT
Office of Speaker Ferdinand Martin G. Romualdez
Reference: Ryan Ponce Pacpaco
March 15

House approves Con-Con bill

VOTING 301 against 7, the House of Representatives approved on Tuesday House Bill (HB) No. 7352, which implements the Resolution of Both Houses No. 6 that calls for convening a constitutional convention that would propose amendments to the economic provisions of the Constitution.

Among the salient features of the bill is the seven-month term of office of the convention, starting from December 1, 2023, up to June 30, 2024.

Speaker Ferdinand Martin G. Romualdez, Majority Leader Manuel Jose Dalipe, and Cagayan de Oro 2nd District Rep. Rufus Rodriguez, who chairs the committee on constitutional amendments, led 301 of the 314 House members in authoring and voting for the bill.

Speaker Romualdez said the House constitutional reform initiative aims to rewrite the “restrictive” economic provisions of the Constitution to enable the country to attract more foreign investments.

“We need more foreign capital to create additional job and income opportunities for our people. Increased investments will sustain our economic growth,” he said.

He said relaxing the Charter’s economic provisions would enhance the investment and economic space in the country.

Rodriguez said several business groups and Fitch Solutions, a unit of leading credit ratings and financial market analysis provider Fitch Ratings, have welcomed the House economic constitutional reform effort.

Under HB No. 7352, Charter amendments to be endorsed by the proposed constitutional convention (con-con) shall be submitted to the people for ratification in a plebiscite to be held not earlier than 60 days nor later than 90 days after the submission of the convention report to the President and Congress.

The envisioned con-con shall be composed of elected delegates, one from each legislative district, to be voted on Oct. 30, 2023.

The con-con shall also have sectoral representatives, comprising 20 percent of the total number of delegates, to be appointed jointly by the Senate President and the House Speaker.

The appointed sectoral representatives shall include three retired members of the judiciary, three from the academe, three from the legal profession, two economists, and two each from the business sector, labor, urban poor, farmers and fisherfolk, indigenous cultural communities, women, youth, veterans, cooperatives, senior citizens and persons with disability, and such other sectors as the Senate president and House Speaker may determine.

The bill provides that convention delegates “must be of recognized probity, independence, nationalism, and patriotism,” and “with recognized knowledge and competence in the Constitution, and a deep understanding of the State and the principles which underlie its existence, organization, and activities, as well as of government and governance.”

A delegate must at least be 25 years of age on the day of his election or appointment, must be a college degree holder, a registered voter in his district, and a resident of such district at least one year before the election.

Those convicted by final judgment of a crime involving moral turpitude are not qualified to be elected/appointed to the convention.

The Commission on Elections (Comelec) shall issue implementing rules and regulations for the election of con-con members. The Senate president and House Speaker shall appoint the appointive members within 15 days before the start of the convention.

Officers and members of all political parties or coalitions shall be prohibited from nominating, fielding, endorsing, supporting, or campaigning for any candidate for con-con delegate.

No aspirant shall represent or allow himself/herself to be represented as a candidate of a political party/coalition. Any person holding public office, including members of the armed forces, shall be considered resigned upon the filing of his certificate of candidacy for con-con delegate.

Any person elected or appointed to the convention shall not be eligible to run in the first local or national elections after the ratification of the proposed amendments, or appointed to any government position while the convention is in session and within one year after its adjournment.

The Senate Secretary and House Secretary-General shall initially convene and preside over the con-con at 10 in the morning at the Philippine International Convention Center on Dec. 1, 2023, until it has elected its president and presiding officer.

A con-con delegate shall enjoy the same parliamentary immunity accorded to a member of Congress.

The Senate, the House, and other government agencies shall make available personnel, facilities, equipment, or office space needed by the convention without hampering public service.

The con-con shall submit its report to the President, Congress, and Comelec within 30 days after the completion of the proposed amendments, or on June 30, 2024.

Funding for the convention shall initially be charged against any available appropriations in the 2023 national budget and subsequently included in next year’s budget proposal.

PRESS RELEASE
Office of Speaker Ferdinand Martin G. Romualdez
Reference: Ryan Ponce Pacpaco
March 14

Women’s Month celebration; It’s an all-women plenary session at the House

IN celebration of women’s month, the House of Representatives on Monday featured an all-women ensemble of officers—from the presiding officer to the majority leader—leading the plenary session as the leadership’s gesture of recognition of the significant role women play in our society.

“It is an honor to be present today (Monday) with fellow women who work tirelessly to make the Philippines a better place for our countrymen. Women are powerful agents of change, and the advancement of women in the society, including increased leadership and decision-making roles, is a positive indicator of progress for all of us,” said Tinggog Party-list Rep. Yedda Marie K. Romualdez, who gave a brief opening remark before plenary sessions.

Pursuant to Section 15 (H), Rule IV of the rules of the House of Representatives, Speaker Ferdinand Martin G. Romualdez has designated Rep. Yedda Romualdez, Reps. Rep. Linabelle Ruth R. Villarica, Florida “Rida” P. Robes, Rosanna “Ria” V. Vergara, Lorna C. Silverio, Anna York P. Bondoc, Ma. Lucille L. Nava, M.D., Ruth Mariano-Hernandez, Midy N. Cua, Ysabel Maria J. Zamora, Margarita “Atty. Migs” B.
Nograles as presiding officers during Monday’s session.

Rep. Romualdez noted that today different facets of society are becoming more aware of the significant benefits of gender balance and diversity, recognizing that societies thrive where women are given equal opportunities and respect.

“Today, in line with our celebration of all womanhood this National Women’s Month, I welcome you all in this year’s all-women Session here in Congress. May this simple gesture of handing over power to the
women be the platform for positive change as we continue to lead our nation to a kinder and gentler world for the next generation of women,” added Rep. Romualdez, who also chairs the House Committee on Accounts.

She pointed out that throughout the world, women have been shattering glass ceilings and laying down a path for other women to walk on, from fighting for the right of suffrage to now being able to lead nations and influence economies.

“Women have become trailblazers and powerful figures in their own fields of specialization and the world can no longer deny us of our rightful place in society’s leadership,” she further said.

PRESS RELEASE
Tingog Party-list Rep. Yedda Marie K. Romualdez
Reference: Ryan Ponce Pacpaco
March 13

Speaker Romualdez calls for House probe of suspicious disappearance of Degamo’s security

SPEAKER Ferdinand Martin G. Romualdez on Sunday sought a congressional inquiry over the failure of several police escorts of slain Negros Oriental Gov. Roel Degamo to report for duty on the day he was gunned down in his own house.

He noted reports that five out of the six police escorts of Degamo did not show up for duty on March 4, 2023, when a group of gunmen attacked his house and killed him, along with eight other individuals, mostly civilians.

“Gov. Degamo had earlier reported to the police about the threats to his life so it stands to reason that his security detail should have implemented stricter measures to ensure his safety. That’s why it’s highly suspicious why these police escorts were missing on the day he was killed,” Speaker Romualdez noted in calling the House Committee on Public Order and Safety chaired by Sta. Rosa City Rep. Dan Fernandez
to investigate the matter.

“It appears that the perpetrators were aware of the fact that Gov. Degamo has practically no protection so they could easily accomplish their mission to assassinate him,” he added.

According to Speaker Romualdez, the congressional inquiry would seek not only to uncover the reason for the questionable actions of the Philippine National Police (PNP) security personnel assigned to Gov. Degamo but also to ensure that all government officials in danger are provided adequate protection.

“We want to find out why most of Gov. Degamo’s PNP security details went missing on that fateful day. We don’t want to blindly accuse anyone but the circumstances apparently point to collusion between some members of the PNP and the perpetrators of this dastardly crime,” Speaker Romualdez said.

Speaker Romualdez noted the striking parallels between the killing of Gov. Degamo and the 2019 assassination of Ako Bicol Party-list Rep. Rodel Batocabe, who was then running for Mayor of Daraga, Albay.

Reports said that despite threats to his life, two of the three police escorts of Batocabe were pulled out days before he was fatally shot.

“If we find out in this congressional inquiry that some PNP personnel were in cahoots with the perpetrators to remove the security protection of Gov. Degamo, we will recommend the filing of appropriate criminal charges against everyone involved,” Romualdez warned.

Romualdez has condemned the killing of Degamo and urged the PNP leadership to immediately act to bring the perpetrators to the bar of justice and restore peace and order in the province.

PRESS RELEASE
Office of Speaker Ferdinand Martin G. Romualdez
Reference: Ryan Ponce Pacpaco
March 12