PDF, 210k - House of Representatives
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PDF, 210k - House of Representatives
Journal of the House of Representatives SIXTEENTH CONGRESS SECOND REGULAR SESSION 2014 – 2015 JOURNAL NO. 56 Tuesday, March 3, 2015 Prepared by the JOURNAL SERVICE Plenary Affairs Bureau JOURNAL NO. 56 Tuesday, March 3, 2015 CALL TO ORDER By Representative Enverga At 4:00 p.m., Deputy Speaker Roberto V. Puno called the session to order. TO NATIONAL ANTHEM AND PRAYER Pursuant to Section 73, Rule XI of the Rules of the House, the Members sang the National Anthem and thereafter, observed a minute of silent prayer. DEFERMENT OF THE ROLL CALL On motion of Representative Mar-Len Abigail S. Binay, there being no objection, the Body deferred the calling of the Roll. APPROVAL OF THE JOURNAL On further motion of Rep. Binay, there being no objection, the Body approved Journal No. 55, dated March 2, 2015. REFERENCE OF BUSINESS Thereafter, on another motion of Rep. Binay, there being no objection, the Body proceeded to the Reference of Business. Upon direction of the Chair, the Secretary General read on First Reading the titles of the following Bills and Resolutions, including the Committee Reports, which were referred to the appropriate Committees hereunder indicated: BILLS ON FIRST READING House Bill No. 5494, entitled: “AN ACT SEPARATING PAGBILAO NATIONAL HIGH SCHOOL EXTENSION IN BARANGAY MAPAGONG, PAGBILAO, QUEZON FROM SILANGANG MALICBOY NATIONAL HIGH SCHOOL (FORMERLY PAGBILAO NATIONAL HIGH SCHOOL MAIN), CONVERTING IT INTO AN INDEPENDENT NATIONAL HIGH SCHOOL TO BE KNOWN AS PAGBILAO NATIONAL HIGH SCHOOL AND APPROPRIATING FUNDS THEREFOR” THE COMMITTEE ON EDUCATION AND CULTURE BASIC House Bill No. 5495, entitled: “AN ACT ESTABLISHING A NATIONAL HIGH SCHOOL IN BARANGAY LABBEN, MUNICIPALITY OF ALLACAPAN, PROVINCE OF CAGAYAN, TO BE KNOWN AS THE LABBEN NATIONAL HIGH SCHOOL, AND APPROPRIATING FUNDS THEREFOR” By Representative Vargas-Alfonso TO THE COMMITTEE ON EDUCATION AND CULTURE BASIC House Bill No. 5496, entitled: “AN ACT PROMOTING SMALL SCALE MINING BY EXEMPTING FROM THE PAYMENT OF INCOME AND EXCISE TAXES THE SALE OF GOLD PURSUANT TO REPUBLIC ACT NO. 7076, OTHERWISE KNOWN AS THE PEOPLE'S SMALL-SCALE MINING ACT, AMENDING FOR THE PURPOSE SECTIONS 32 AND 151 OF THE NATIONAL INTERNAL REVENUE CODE, AS AMENDED, AND FOR OTHER PURPOSES” By Representative Escudero TO THE COMMITTEE ON WAYS AND MEANS House Bill No. 5497, entitled: “AN ACT CREATING THE YOUTH DRUG ABUSE RESISTANCE EDUCATION AND PREVENTION PROGRAM (Y - DARE) AND PROVIDING FUNDS THEREFOR” By Representative Quisumbing TO THE COMMITTEE ON DANGEROUS DRUGS 2 TUESDAY, MARCH 3, 2015 House Resolution No. 1944, entitled: RESOLUTIONS “RESOLUTION DIRECTING THE HOUSE COMMITTEE ON HOUSING AND URBAN DEVELOPMENT TO CONDUCT AN INQUIRY, IN AID OF LEGISLATION, ON THE PROBLEMS, ISSUES AND CONCERNS AFFECTING THE DELIVERY OF HOUSING AND RELATED SERVICES BY THE NATIONAL HOUSING AUTHORITY (NHA) AND OTHER AGENCIES PARTICULARLY IN CALAMITY AREAS AND FOR OTHER PURPOSES” “RESOLUTION DIRECTING THE APPROPRIATE COMMITTEE IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TO CONDUCT AN INVESTIGATION, IN AID OF LEGISLATION, TO DETERMINE THE UNWARRANTED DELAY IN THE RELEASE OF THE FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE GRANTED TO STUDENTS/RECIPIENTS UNDER THE TULONG DUNONG PROGRAM OF THE COMMISSION ON HIGHER EDUCATION (CHED) AND TO PROVIDE REMEDIAL MEASURES TO PREVENT THE OCCURRENCE OF SIMILAR PROBLEM” By Representative Dela Cruz By Representative Villanueva TO THE COMMITTEE ON RULES TO THE COMMITTEE ON RULES House Resolution No. 1940, entitled: House Resolution No. 1941, entitled: House Resolution No. 1945, entitled: “A RESOLUTION CONGRATULATING AND COMMENDING MAYOR JED PATRICK MABILOG FOR BEING INCLUDED IN THE 2014 WORLD MAYOR AWARDS” “RESOLUTION CALLING FOR PEACE AND EXPRESSING SUPPORT FOR HIS EXCELLENCY, PRESIDENT BENIGNO S. AQUINO III, IN THE QUEST TO INSTILL LASTING PEACE IN THE PHILIPPINES” By Representative Olivarez TO THE COMMITTEE GOVERNMENT ON LOCAL House Resolution No. 1942, entitled: “A RESOLUTION CALLING ON THE COMMITTEES OF WELFARE OF CHILDREN AND DANGEROUS DRUGS TO INVESTIGATE, IN AID OF LEGISLATION, THE PDEA REPORT THAT MORE MINORS WERE ARRESTED FOR DRUGS IN 2014” By Representative Castelo TO THE COMMITTEE ON RULES House Resolution No. 1943, entitled: “RESOLUTION CONGRATULATING AND COMMENDING THE 2014 OUTSTANDING YOUNG MEN (TOYM) OF THE PHILIPPINES AWARDEES” By Representative Olivarez TO THE COMMITTEE ON RULES By Representatives Sarmiento (C.), GeronaRobredo, Bichara, Gonzales, BarcelonaReyes, Panotes, Ramos, Batocabe, Fuentebella, Fortuno, Bravo (M.), Kho and Escudero TO THE COMMITTEE ON PEACE, RECONCILIATION AND UNITY House Resolution No. 1946, entitled: “RESOLUTION URGING THE HOUSE COMMITTEE ON HIGHER AND TECHNICAL EDUCATION, TO CONDUCT INQUIRY, IN AID OF LEGISLATION, ON ACCOUNTS OF INTIMIDATION AND OTHER FORMS OF THREAT AND DEMOCRATIC RIGHTS VIOLATIONS OF THE UNIVERSITY OF THE EAST MANILA AND CALOOCAN ADMINISTRATIONS ON STUDENT LEADERS WHO DENOUNCED AND PROTESTED AGAINST TUITION AND OTHER FEE INCREASES IN THEIR RESPECTIVE CAMPUSES” By Representative Ridon TO THE COMMITTEE ON RULES TUESDAY, MARCH 3, 2015 3 House Resolution No. 1947, entitled: GOVERNMENT SUPPORT NEEDED FOR A COMPREHENSIVE AND SUSTAINED RELIEF AND REHABILITATION PROGRAM IN THE REGION” “RESOLUTION ORGANIZING THE PHILIPPINES-ISRAEL PARLIAMENTARIANS' FRIENDSHIP ASSOCI-ATION” By Representative Hicap By Representative Del Mar TO THE COMMITTEE ON RULES TO THE COMMITTEE ON INTERPARLIAMENTARY RELATIONS AND DIPLOMACY House Resolution No. 1951, entitled: “A House Resolution No. 1948, entitled: “RESOLUTION EXPRESSING PROFOUND CONDOLENCES OF THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES ON THE DEMISE OF ALENG CRISTINA DAPIDRAN, GRANDMOTHER OF HONORABLE EMMANUEL D. PACQUIAO OF THE LONE DISTRICT OF SARANGANI” RESOLUTION CALLING ON THE COMMITTEES OF PUBLIC ORDER AND SAFETY AND NATIONAL DEFENSE AND SECURITY TO INVESTIGATE, IN AID OF LEGISLATION, THE REPORT THAT THE MUSLIM REBELS RETURNED TO THE GOVERNMENT THE CACHE OF WEAPONS THEY TOOK FROM THE SLAIN SAF MEMBERS FOR A MONETARY CONSIDERATION” By Representative Olivarez By Representative Castelo TO THE COMMITTEE ON RULES TO THE COMMITTEE ON RULES House Resolution No. 1949, entitled: “RESOLUTION HONORING THE MEMORY OF THE LATE KRISTEL MAE PADASAS FOR BEING A POSITIVE ROLE MODEL FOR THE YOUTH THROUGH HER SELFLESS DEVOTION TO A LIFE OF SERVICE FOR HER COUNTRYMEN IN NEED AND FOR GOD, AND EXPRESSING THE SINCERE CONDOLENCES AND SYMPATHY OF THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES FOR HER PASSING” House Resolution No. 1952, entitled: “A RESOLUTION EXPRESSING THE PROFOUND SENSE OF THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TO DECLARE 06 MARCH 2015 AS A 'NATIONAL DAY OF HEALING FOR UNITY AND ALL-OUTPEACE, ALL-OUT-JUSTICE” By Representatives Bello (S.), Gutierrez, Ilagan, Belmonte (J.), Ramos, Deloso-Montalla, Gerona-Robredo, Turabin-Hataman, Mendoza (R.), Hataman-Salliman and Balindong By Representative Cayetano TO TO THE COMMITTEE ON RULES House Resolution No. 1950, entitled: “RESOLUTION DIRECTING THE COMMITTEES ON POVERTY ALLEVIATION, GOOD GOVERNMENT & PUBLIC ACCOUNTABILITY, AND NATIONAL DEFENSE & SECURITY TO CONDUCT A JOINT INQUIRY, IN AID OF LEGISLATION, ON THE ACTUAL EXTENT AND NATURE OF DAMAGES WROUGHT BY TYPHOONS RUBY AND SENIANG ON YOLANDA-HIT AREAS IN EASTERN VISAYAS IN ORDER TO MORE ACCURATELY DETERMINE THE AMOUNT AND FORMS OF THE COMMITTEE ON PEACE, RECONCILIATION AND UNITY House Resolution No. 1953, entitled: “RESOLUTION URGING THE DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION AND COMMUNICATIONS (DOTC) TO INCLUDE IN ITS BUDGET THE P229,059,250.99 JUDGMENT AWARD IN FAVOR OF 221 FORMER EMPLOYEES, AGAINST THE DOTC'S THEN ATTACHED AGENCY, METRO TRANSIT ORGANIZATION, INC. (MTOI) PURSUANT TO THE ENTRY OF JUDGMENT ISSUED BY THE HONORABLE SUPREME COURT THIRD DIVISION, TO SATISFY THE JUDGMENT 4 TUESDAY, MARCH 3, 2015 AWARD IN FAVOR OF THE SAID FORMER EMPLOYEES OF MTOI WHO ARE MEMBERS OF PIGLAS-NFWUKMU” ADDITIONAL COAUTHORS With the permission of the Body, the following Members were made coauthors of the Bills and Resolution hereunder indicated: By Representatives Colmenares and Zarate TO THE COMMITTEE ON APPROPRIATIONS House Resolution No. 1954, entitled: Rep. Mariano U. Piamonte Jr. for House Bill No. 5493; Rep. Mark A. Villar for House Bill No. 5489; “RESOLUTION STRONGLY URGING THE HOUSE COMMITTEE ON NATIONAL DEFENSE TO CONDUCT AN INVESTIGATION, IN AID OF LEGISLATION, ON THE PERFORMANCE AND ACTIVITIES OF THE JOINT SPECIAL OPERATIONS TASK FORCEPHILIPPINES (JSOTF-P), A SPECIAL FORCES PROGRAM OF THE UNITED STATES WHICH RAN FROM 2002 UNTIL 2015, THAT ALLOWED US TROOPS TO PARTICIPATE IN COMBAT OPERATIONS, BUILD STRUCTURES, PREPOSITION EQUIPMENT, ETC., DESPITE CLEAR PROHIBITIONS OF THE 1987 PHILIPPINE CONSTITUTION” Rep. Marlyn L. Primicias-Agabas for House Bills No. 5452, 5468 and 5469; By Representative Ridon Reps. Mariano U. Piamonte Jr., Magnolia C. Antonino, Estrellita B. Suansing and Kimi S. Cojuangco for House Bills No. 2464 and 2700; TO THE COMMITTEE ON RULES House Resolution No. 1955, entitled: “RESOLUTION URGING THE GOVERNMENT TO CANCEL THE MEMORANDUM OF AGREEMENT ENTERED INTO BETWEEN CALIFORNIA ENERGY CASECNAN WATER AND ENERGY COMPANY (CE CASECNAN) AND THE NATIONAL IRRIGATION ADMINISTRATION (NIA) FOR VIOLATIONS OF TERMS AND CONDITIONS OF THE MOA” By Representative Padilla TO THE COMMITTEE ON ENERGY House Resolution No. 1956, entitled: “RESOLUTION COMMENDING DR. HELENA ZOILA BENITEZ FOR HER DYNAMIC ROLE IN UPLIFTING THE STATUS OF WOMEN IN THE PHILIPPINES” By Representative De Venecia TO THE COMMITTEE ON RULES Rep. Winston “Winnie” Castelo for House Bill No. 4024; Rep. Nicasio M. Aliping Jr. for House Bill No. 2620; Rep. Marlyn L. Primicias-Agabas for House Bills No. 5336 and 5431; Reps. Leah S. Paquiz, Gwendolyn F. Garcia, Rosenda Ann Ocampo, Juliet R. Cortuna, Mariano U. Piamonte Jr., Pryde Henry A. Teves, Sherwin T. Gatchalian, Harlin C. Abayon and Magnolia C. Antonino for House Bills No. 5296 and 5337; Reps. Rufus B. Rodriguez, Evelina G. Escudero, Barry Gutierrez and Teddy Brawner Baguilat Jr. for House Bill No. 2700; Rep. Gerald Anthony V. Gullas Jr. for House Bill No. 5057; Rep. Teodorico T. Haresco Jr. for House Bill No. 982; Reps. Gwendolyn F. Garcia, Napoleon S. Dy, Jim Hataman-Salliman, Gus S. Tambunting, Conrado M. Estrella III, Juliette T. Uy, Delph Gan Lee, Maryam Napii Arbison, Erlinda M. Santiago and Raul V. Del Mar for House Bill No. 2620; Rep. Elmer E. Panotes for House Resolution No. 1876; Rep. Rene L. Relampagos for House Bill No. 2306; Reps. Silvestre "Bebot" H. Bello III, Florencio T. Flores Jr., M.D., Eleanor C. Bulut-Begtang and Maria Vida E. Bravo for House Bill No. 2620; Rep. Maria Vida E. Bravo and Benhur L. Salimbangon for House Bill No. 5489; TUESDAY, MARCH 3, 2015 Rep. Estrellita B. Suansing for House Bill No. 5449; Rep. Eric L. Olivarez for House Bill No. 1516; Rep. Juan Johnny R. Revilla for House Bill No. 3795; Rep. Nancy A. Catamco for House Bills No. 2620 and 5431; Rep. Aleta C. Suarez, Dakila Carlo E. Cua and Elmer E. Panotes for House Bill No. 5373; Rep. Terry L. Ridon for House Bill No. 5440; Rep. Eleanor C. Bulut-Begtang for House Bill No. 443; and 5 Report by the Committee on Public Works and Highways and the Committee on Appropriations (Committee Report No. 581), re H. No. 5510, entitled: “AN ACT CONVERTING THE ROAD STRETCHING FROM BARANGAY FIVE (5) TO BARANGAY IGCABUGAO, ALL OF THE MUNICIPALITY OF IGBARAS, PROVINCE OF ILOILO INTO A NATIONAL ROAD AND APPROPRIATING FUNDS THEREFOR” recommending its approval in substitution of House Bill No. 3420 Sponsors: Representatives Cosalan and Garin (O.) TO THE COMMITTEE ON RULES Rep. Marlyn L. Primicias-Agabas for House Bill No. 5487. COMMITTEE REPORTS Report by the Committee on Public Works and Highways and the Committee on Appropriations (Committee Report No. 579), re H. No. 5508, entitled: “AN ACT CONVERTING THE ROAD STRETCHING FROM BARANGAY SIBUCAUAN, MUNICIPALITY OF TUBUNGAN TO BARANGAY IGCABUGAO, MUNICIPALITY OF IGBARAS, ALL OF THE PROVINCE OF ILOILO INTO A NATIONAL ROAD AND APPROPRIATING FUNDS THEREFOR” recommending its approval in substitution of House Bill No. 3417 Sponsors: Representatives Cosalan and Garin (O.) TO THE COMMITTEE ON RULES Report by the Committee on Public Works and Highways and the Committee on Appropriations (Committee Report No. 580), re H. No. 5509, entitled: “AN ACT CONVERTING THE ROAD STRETCHING FROM BARANGAY POBLACION EAST TO BARANGAY ALEGRE, ALL OF THE MUNICIPALITY OF OTON, PROVINCE OF ILOILO INTO A NATIONAL ROAD AND APPROPRIATING FUNDS THEREFOR” recommending its approval in substitution of House Bill No. 3418 Sponsors: Representatives Cosalin and Garin (O.) TO THE COMMITTEE ON RULES Thereafter, on motion of Rep. Xavier Jesus “XJ” D. Romualdo, the Chair recognized Rep. Elpidio F. Barzaga Jr. on a question of personal and collective privilege. QUESTION OF PRIVILEGE OF REP. BARZAGA Rep. Barzaga spoke on the disqualification made by the bids and awards committee (BAC) of the Commission on Elections (Comelec) on the prospective bidders, namely Smartmatic and Indra Sistemas, for the lease with option to purchase additional precinct count optical scan (PCOS) machines and other necessary equipment to be used in the automated May 2016 elections. Citing the reasons of the BAC for disqualifying the two bidders, he stated that the Comelec had pronounced that on account of said disqualification, their preparations for the coming 2016 elections would be delayed by two months. He however pointed out that Comelec’s planning and preparation should not have been delayed because there was no need for a second bidding considering that one of the two bids should have been declared as responsive. He then requested that his speech be immediately referred to the Committee on Suffrage and Electoral Reforms so it may conduct an investigation in aid of legislation. He also said that per prior arrangement with the Committee on Rules, he will not answer interpellations related to his speech. REFERRAL OF REP. BARZAGA’S SPEECH On motion of Rep. Binay, there being no objection, the Body referred Rep. Barzaga’s speech to the Committee on Rules. 6 TUESDAY, MARCH 3, 2015 ACKNOWLEDGMENT OF GUESTS Rep. Gerald Anthony V. Gullas Jr. acknowledged the presence in the Session Hall of guests of Rep. Imelda Quibranza-Dimaporo. ADDITIONAL REFERENCE OF BUSINESS Thereafter, on motion of Rep. Gullas, there being no objection, the Body proceeded to the Additional Reference of Business. Upon direction of the Chair, the Secretary General read on First Reading the title of the following Resolution which was referred to the appropriate Committee hereunder indicated: RESOLUTION House Resolution No. 1958, entitled: “RESOLUTION CONVEYING THE HIGHEST RECOGNITION AND COMMENDATION TO THE PRESIDIUM OF THE DANISH PARLIAMENT HEADED BY HONORABLE MOGENS LYKKETOFT, SPEAKER OF THE DANISH PARLIAMENT, FOR THEIR COMMITMENT TO THE IDEALS AND PRINCIPLES OF DEMOCRACY, GOOD GOVERNANCE AND SOCIAL DEVELOPMENT” By Representatives Belmonte (F.), Gonzales and Zamora (R.) TO THE COMMITTEE ON RULES ADOPTION OF CERTAIN HOUSE RESOLUTIONS On successive motions of Rep. Binay, there being no objection, the Body considered the following House Resolutions; dispensed with the reading of the texts thereof without prejudice to their insertion into the Record of the House; and unanimously adopted the measures: 1. House Resolution No. 1958, entitled: “RESOLUTION CONVEYING THE HIGHEST RECOGNITION AND COMMENDATION TO THE PRESIDIUM OF THE DANISH PARLIAMENT HEADED BY HONORABLE MOGENS LYKKETOFT, SPEAKER OF THE DANISH PARLIAMENT, FOR THEIR COMMITMENT TO THE IDEALS AND PRINCIPLES OF DEMOCRACY, GOOD GOVERNANCE AND SOCIAL DEVELOPMENT”; and 2. House Resolution No. 1956, entitled: “RESOLUTION COMMENDING DR. HELENA ZOILA BENITEZ FOR HER DYNAMIC ROLE IN UPLIFTING THE STATUS OF WOMEN IN THE PHILIPPINES”. Thereafter, on motion of Rep. Binay, the Chair recognized Rep. Carlos Isagani T. Zarate who rose on a question of privilege. QUESTION OF PRIVILEGE OF REP. ZARATE On the occasion of the 20 years of the Philippine Mining Act of 1995 or Republic Act (RA) No. 7942, Rep. Zarate reiterated the need to address the adverse consequences brought about by large-scale mining to the environment through the enactment of a new mining law to replace RA No. 7942. He argued that the mining law had failed its intended mandate to develop and conserve natural resources for national economic progress and protection of the affected people and indigenous communities. This, as he enumerated several grave environmental hazards that resulted from large-scale mining operations, including those caused by mining companies Marcopper, Lafayette, and Philex and others, that could be gleaned from the ongoing photo-exhibit in the North Lobby sponsored jointly by the Committee on Indigenous Cultural Communities and Indigenous Peoples and the Committee on Natural Resources. Thereupon, Rep. Zarate explained that however substantial the contribution of the mining industry to the country’s economic progress, important consideration must be given to its social costs particularly on the promotion of public health and the conservation of the natural resources. He proposed a complete restructuring of the Philippine Mining Act of 1995 and urged his peers to deliberate on House Bill No. 171 which seeks to promote scientific, propeople and proenvironment methods of mining. He recommended the repeal of RA No. 7942 for its failure to achieve its mandate. REFERRAL OF REP. ZARATE’S SPEECH On motion of Rep. Gullas, there being no objection, the Body referred the speech of Rep. Zarate to the Committee on Rules. ACKNOWLEDGMENT OF GUESTS At this juncture, Reps. Gullas and Francis Gerald A. Abaya acknowledged the presence in the Session TUESDAY, MARCH 3, 2015 Hall of guests of Reps. Teddy Brawner Baguilat Jr. and Jeffrey D. Khonghun, respectively. Rep. Francisco Emmanuel R. Ortega III also acknowledged the presence in the Session Hall of Parliamentarians from the Danish Parliament Presidium and their spouses who were accompanied by Philippine Ambassador to Oslo Bayani S. Mercado and the officers of the Congressional Spouses Foundation, Inc. headed by Quezon City Vice Mayor Joy Belmonte. SUSPENSION OF SESSION To allow the Members to greet the guests, the Chair motu proprio suspended the session at 4:59 p.m. RESUMPTION OF SESSION At 5:11 p.m., the session resumed with Speaker Feliciano Belmonte Jr. presiding. PRESENTATION OF HOUSE RESOLUTION NO. 1958 Upon recognition by the Chair, Majority Leader Neptali M. Gonzales II stated that the Body had earlier adopted House Resolution No. 1958, conveying the highest recognition and commendation to the Presidium of the Danish Parliament headed by the honorable Speaker Mogens Lykketoft for their commitment to the ideals and principles of democracy, good governance and social development. Thereupon, on motion of Rep. Gonzales, there being no objection, Speaker Mogens Lykketoft, accompanied by his four Deputy Speakers, ascended the rostrum to receive a copy of House Resolution No. 1958 from Speaker Belmonte. SUSPENSION OF SESSION On motion of Rep. Gonzales, the Chair suspended the session at 5:15 to allow the Members to extend their greetings to their guests. RESUMPTION OF SESSION At 5:18 p.m., the session resumed with Deputy Speaker Puno presiding. ROLL CALL On motion of Rep. Binay, there being no objection, the Chair directed the Secretary General to call the Roll and the following Members were present: Abad Abaya Abayon 7 Abu Abueg Acharon Acosta-Alba Adiong Advincula Aggabao Agyao Albano Aliping Almario Almonte Alvarez (M.) Amatong (I.) Antonino Apostol Aragones Arbison Arnaiz Asilo Atienza Bagatsing Baguilat Balindong Banal Barcelona-Reyes Barzaga Batocabe Belmonte (F.) Belmonte (J.) Benitez Bichara Binay Bondoc Bravo (A.) Bravo (M.) Cabilao Cagas Calalay Calixto-Rubiano Caminero Castelo Castro Celeste Cerafica Cerilles Chipeco Co Cojuangco (E.) Colmenares Cortuna Cua Cueva Dalog De Jesus De Venecia Defensor Del Mar 8 TUESDAY, MARCH 3, 2015 Del Rosario (A.G.) Del Rosario (A.A.) Dela Cruz Deloso-Montalla Duavit Echiverri Enverga Erice Escudero Espina Fariñas Ferriol Flores Fortun Fortuno Garay Garcia (E.) Garcia (G.) Garin (R.) Garin (S.) Gatchalian (S.) Gatchalian (W.) Geron Gerona-Robredo Go (A.F.) Gomez Gonzales Gonzalez Gorriceta Guanlao Guiao Gullas Gunigundo Gutierrez Hicap Hofer Iway Khonghun Labadlabad Lacson-Noel Lagdameo (A.) Lagdameo (M.) Lee Leonardia Leonen-Pizarro Lobregat Loong Macrohon-Nuño Madrona Magsaysay Marcos Matugas Mellana Mendoza (R.) Mirasol Nava (J.) Nava (P.) Noel Nograles Oaminal Ocampo Ong Ortega (F.) Padilla Pancho Panganiban Panotes Paquiz Pernes Piamonte Pichay Plaza Primicias-Agabas Puno Quimbo Radaza Ramos Relampagos Reyes Ridon Rivera Rodriguez (I.) Rodriguez (M.) Rodriguez (O.) Rodriguez (R.) Roman Romarate Romualdo Romulo Sacdalan Sakaluran Salimbangon Salvacion Santiago Sarmiento (C.) Sema Singson (R.) Suansing Tambunting Tan (A.) Tejada Teodoro Teves Tiangco Tieng Tinio Tolentino Treñas Tugna Tupas Unabia Ungab Uy (R.) Villanueva Villar Villarica TUESDAY, MARCH 3, 2015 Violago Yap (S.) Yu Zamora (R.) Zarate With 182 Members responding to the Call, the Chair declared the presence of a quorum. (See also Appendix 1) UNFINISHED BUSINESS: COMMITTEE REPORT NO. 518 ON HOUSE BILL NO. 5286 On motion of Rep. Ortega (F.), there being no objection, the Body resumed consideration on Second Reading of House Bill No. 5286, as contained in Committee Report No. 518 and reported out by the Committee on Economic Affairs. Upon direction of the Chair, the Secretary General read the title of the Bill, to wit: “AN ACT PROMOTING A NATIONAL COMPETITION POLICY FOR THE PHILIPPINES, PROHIBITING ANTICOMPETITIVE AGREEMENT OR CONDUCT, ABUSE OF DOMINANT POSITION, ANTI-COMPETITIVE MERGERS AND ACQUISITIONS, AND OTHER UNFAIR TRADE OR BUSINESS PRACTICES, ESTABLISHING THE PHILIPPINE COMPETITION COMMISSION AND APPROPRIATING FUNDS THEREFOR.” At this point, Rep. Ortega stated that the parliamentary status of the Bill was that it was still in the period of sponsorship and debate. On further motion of Rep. Ortega, the Chair recognized Rep. Anthony G. Del Rosario to sponsor the measure, and Rep. Magtanggol T. Gunigundo I to interpellate thereon. INTERPELLATION OF REP. GUNIGUNDO Rep. Gunigundo discussed with Rep. Del Rosario (A.G.) the question on whether the concept of antitrust regulation is new to the Philippines, and whether congressional franchises can be considered as within the purview of an anti-trust or competition law. SUSPENSION OF SESSION The Chair motu proprio suspended the session at 5:38 p.m. 9 RESUMPTION OF SESSION The session resumed at 5:41 p.m. INTERPELLATION OF REP. GUNIGUNDO (Continuation) Rep. Del Rosario (A.G.) then concurred with Rep. Gunigundo that anti-competitive behavior was also addressed by other laws such as the Revised Penal Code and Price Act, international agreements entered into by the Philippines such as the World Trade Organization-General Agreement on Tariffs and Trade (WTO-GATT), and several jurisprudence. He affirmed that House Bill No. 5286 would consolidate all of these. He also agreed with a trade expert’s opinion cited by Rep. Gunigundo that violations continued despite the surfeit of laws because there were too many enforcement agencies, the regulators lacked expertise and information, and existing mechanisms did not allow for easy prosecution. Thereupon, Reps. Del Rosario and Gunigundo discussed the composition, staffing pattern and budget requirements of the proposed Philippine Competition Commission (PCC), with both Members agreeing that the salaries of the commissioners and personnel of the PCC should be exempted from the Salary Standardization Law (SSL) in order to hire the best and the brightest in the field. They next debated on the anti-competition version that the Committee on Economic Affairs used in crafting House Bill No. 5286. Rep. Gunigundo then asked which particular provisions of the measure were patterned after foreign anti-competition models. SUSPENSION OF SESSION The session was suspended at 6:13 p.m., upon motion of Rep. Del Rosario (A.G.). RESUMPTION OF SESSION The session resumed at 6:15 p.m. INTERPELLATION OF REP. GUNIGUNDO (Continuation) In reply, Rep. Del Rosario (A.G.) stated that some anti-competitive agreements in the measure were based from the United States (US) and European Union (EU) models. He then next discussed with Rep. Gunigundo the difference between the US and EU Competition Laws and the goal and intent of House Bill No. 5286. 10 TUESDAY, MARCH 3, 2015 Then delving into the definition of the word “entity” under Section 4(g) of the measure, Rep. Gunigundo cited his reasons for his proposal to amend the provision by excluding certain entities, like cooperatives and nonprofit organizations, from the coverage of the proposed law. The Sponsor agreed to consider Rep. Gunigundo’s proposed amendments at the proper time, including the need to incorporate in the measure a nolo contendere provision or a plea of no contest and to qualify the words “Filipino citizen” as a qualification for appointment to the proposed PCC. Rep. Gunigundo also discussed with the Sponsor his others concerns including, among others: 1) the inclusion of a provision on Herfindahl-Hirschman Index (HHI) in the measure; 2) issues concerning per se and rule of reason violations; 3) coercive and innocent monopolies; 4) the unintended consequences of the proposed law; and 5) how the risk of “regulatory capture” can be reduced by providing appropriate and sufficient safeguards and incentives in the measure. With regard to penalties provided under the Bill, Rep. Del Rosario said that the Committee is amenable to the proposal of the Members in increasing the same. He also stated that the Committee would concede to corresponding amendatory provisions that will further improve the measure. Thereupon, on motion of Rep. Romualdo, the Chair recognized Rep. Jonathan A. Dela Cruz to continue with his interpellation. SUSPENSION OF SESSION Thereupon, the Chair motu proprio suspended the session at 7:15 p.m. RESUMPTION OF SESSION At 7:16 p.m., the session resumed. INTERPELLATION OF REP. DELA CRUZ (Continuation) Upon resumption of session, Rep. Dela Cruz deferred his pending query upon the request of the Sponsor. He subsequently adverted to Section 6(a) of the Bill and inquired whether the Committee would be amenable to deleting the phrase “in good faith” inasmuch as this can be considered a loophole to favor big corporations abusing their dominant position. Moreover, he explained that the aforementioned phrase has no place in crafting the provisions of an anti-competition law, explaining the legal basis thereof in the enactment of similar anti-competition measures in Europe and the US. He also proposed to delete the said phrase as it appears on Section 7(g) of the Bill. Rep. Del Rosario (A.G.) said the Committee would be amenable to the proposed amendment if Rep. Dela Cruz can submit an alternative to the phrase, saying its deletion might change the meaning of the provisions. SUSPENSION OF SESSION INTERPELLATION OF REP. DELA CRUZ (Continuation) Rep. Dela Cruz resumed his inquiry on the issue of what constitutes anti-competitive behavior specifically the definition of “abuse of dominant position.” He further inquired into particular cases that are relevant to crafting a definition of anti-competitive behavior, particularly those which had been utilized in the EU. SUSPENSION OF SESSION Thereupon, on motion of Rep. Del Rosario (A.G.), the Chair suspended the session at 7:13 p.m. RESUMPTION OF SESSION At 7:14 p.m., the session resumed. ACKNOWLEDGMENT OF GUESTS With the permission of the Body, Rep. Romualdo acknowledged the presence in the Session Hall of guests of Reps. Salvio B. Fortuno, Anthony M. Bravo and Jose L. Atienza, Jr. On motion of Rep. Del Rosario (A.G.), the Chair suspended the session at 7:24 p.m. RESUMPTION OF SESSION The session resumed at 7:30 p.m. INTERPELLATION OF REP. DELA CRUZ (Continuation) Upon resumption of session, Reps. Dela Cruz and Del Rosario discussed the possible deletion of not only the phrase “in good faith” in the aforesaid Sections of the measure but the entire paragraphs containing the same. Thereafter, the Members talked about the provision on permissible price differentials. SUSPENSION OF SESSION On motion of Rep. Del Rosario (A.G.), the Chair suspended the session at 7:36 p.m. RESUMPTION OF SESSION The session resumed at 7:38 p.m. TUESDAY, MARCH 3, 2015 INTERPELLATION OF REP. DELA CRUZ (Continuation) Whereupon, Reps. Dela Cruz and Del Rosario (A.G.) agreed that the former will just discuss in writing with the Sponsor his concern about permissible price differentials so that he can present amendments at the proper time. On another matter, Rep. Dela Cruz inquired whether there is a provision in the particular Act regarding the abuse of buying power. Rep. Del Rosario read Section 6(f) in response to his colleague’s query and affirmed that the PCC would set standards as regards purchase prices. He said that he will study Rep. Dela Cruz’ request to delete two provisos in the last paragraph of Section 6 as they negate the prohibition on dominance. He also said that he will consider at the proper time the latter’s proposal to place a public interest clause in Section 8 in order to protect workers’ interests in mergers and acquisitions. TERMINATION OF THE PERIOD OF SPONSORSHIP AND DEBATE ON HOUSE BILL NO. 5286 On motion of Rep. Binay, there being no objection, the Body terminated the period of sponsorship and debate on House Bill No. 5286. SUSPENSION OF CONSIDERATION OF HOUSE BILL NO. 5286 Rep. Binay next moved for the suspension of consideration on Second Reading of House Bill No. 5286. There being no objection, the motion was approved. OMNIBUS APPROVAL ON SECOND READING OF HOUSE BILLS UNDER THE BUSINESS FOR THURSDAY AND FRIDAY On an omnibus motion of Rep. Binay, there being no objection, the Body considered on Second Reading the following House Bills calendared under the Business for Thursday and Friday, as contained in various Committee Reports submitted by the Committees concerned; dispensed with the reading of the texts of the measures without prejudice to their insertion into the Record of the House; adopted the Explanatory Notes as the sponsorship remarks on the measures; terminated the period of sponsorship and debate; approved the amendments as contained in the Committee Reports, if any; terminated the period of amendments; and approved the same on Second Reading through viva voce voting: 11 1. House Bill No. 5171, as contained in Committee Report No. 473 and submitted by the Committee on Public Works and Highways, naming the portion of the national road connecting Isulan Highway Jct.- Dukay – Bagumbayan – Senator Ninoy Aquino – Kalamansig, Sultan Kudarat, traversing the Municipality of Senator Ninoy Aquino as ”President Corazon Aquino National Highway”; 2. House Bill No. 5508, as contained in Committee Report No. 579 and submitted by the Committees on Public Works and Highways and Appropriations, converting the road stretching from Sibucauan, Tubungan to Igcabugao, Igbaras, all of Iloilo into a national road; 3. House Bill No. 5509, as contained in Committee Report No. 580 and submitted by the Committees on Public Works and Highways and Appropriations, converting the road stretching from Poblacion East to Alegre, all of Oton, Iloilo into a national road; and 4. House Bill No. 5510, as contained in Committee Report No. 581 and submitted by the Committees on Public Works and Highways and Appropriations, converting the road stretching from Barangay 5 to Igcabucao, all of Igbaras, Iloilo into a national road. REFERRAL OF CERTAIN HOUSE RESOLUTIONS ON INQUIRIES IN AID OF LEGISLATION On successive motions of Rep. Binay, there being no objection, the Body approved to refer the following House Resolutions on inquiries in aid of legislation to the appropriate Committees hereunder indicated: 1. House Resolution 1828, to immediately conduct an investigation and introduce appropriate measures to stop the rampant entry of smuggled rice, logs and sugar in Zamboanga City – to the Committee on Agriculture and Food and the Special Committee on Food Security; 2. House Resolution 1883, on the implementation of the free and prior informed consent (FPIC) and other provisions of Republic Act No. 8371 known as the Indigenous Peoples Rights Act (IPRA) – to the Committee on 12 TUESDAY, MARCH 3, 2015 Indigenous Cultural Communities and Indigenous Peoples; and 3. House Resolution 1884, on the status, implementation, guidelines and funding requirements for FY 2016, of the DPWHDOT convergence program in the country – to the Committee on Public Works and Highways. ADJOURNMENT OF SESSION On motion of Rep. Binay, there being no objection, the Chair then declared the session adjourned until four o’clock in the afternoon of Wednesday, March 4, 2015. It was 7:52 p.m. ----------------------------------------------------------I hereby certify to the correctness of the foregoing. (Sgd.) ATTY. MARILYN B. BARUA-YAP Secretary General Approved on March 4, 2015. (Appendix I) Congress of the Philippines House of Representatives Quezon City, Philippines MEMBERS' ATTENDANCE Date: March 03, 2015 * * * ***** ***** * * ***** * *** ***** * ***** * * * ***** **** ABAD ABAYA ABAYON ABELLANOSA ABU ABUEG ACEDILLO ACHARON ACOP ACOSTA-ALBA ADIONG ADVINCULA AGARAO AGGABAO AGLIPAY-VILLAR AGYAO ALBANO ALCALA ALEJANO ALIPING ALMARIO ALMONTE ALVAREZ (F.) ALVAREZ (M.) AMANTE AMATONG (I.) AMATONG (R.) ANDAYA ANGARA-CASTILLO ANGPING ANTONINO ANTONIO APOSTOL ARAGONES ARBISON ARENAS ARNAIZ ARROYO ASILO ATIENZA AUMENTADO BAG-AO BAGATSING BAGUILAT BALINDONG BANAL BARCELONA-REYES BARZAGA * BATAOIL BATOCABE ***** BAUTISTA ***** BELLO (S.) ***** BELLO (W.) BELMONTE (F.) BELMONTE (J.) **** BELMONTE (V.) BENITEZ **** BERNOS ***** BIAZON BICHARA BINAY ***** BIRON BONDOC * BONOAN BRAVO (A.) BRAVO (M.) ***** BRIONES * BULUT-BEGTANG CABILAO CAGAS CALALAY CALIXTO-RUBIANO CAMINERO ***** CARI CASTELO CASTRO ***** CATAMCO * CAYETANO CELESTE CERAFICA CERILLES CHIPECO CO COJUANGCO (E.) ***** COJUANGCO (K.) ***** COLLANTES COLMENARES CORTUNA ***** COSALAN * CRUZ-GONZALES CUA CUEVA DALOG ***** DAYANGHIRANG **** * ***** ***** * **** * ***** ***** * ***** ***** ***** * DE JESUS DE VENECIA DEFENSOR DEL MAR DEL ROSARIO (A.G.) DEL ROSARIO (A.A.) DELA CRUZ DELOSO-MONTALLA DIMAPORO (A.) DIMAPORO (I.) DUAVIT DURANO DY ECHIVERRI ENVERGA ERICE ERIGUEL ERMITA-BUHAIN ESCUDERO ESPINA ESTRELLA EVARDONE FARIÑAS FERNANDEZ FERRER (J.) FERRER (L.) FERRIOL FLORES FORTUN FORTUNO FUENTEBELLA GARAY GARCIA (E.) GARCIA (G.) GARCIA-ALBANO GARIN (R.) GARIN (S.) GATCHALIAN (S.) GATCHALIAN (W.) GERON GERONA-ROBREDO GO (A.C.) GO (A.F.) GOMEZ GONZALES GONZALEZ GORRICETA ***** * ***** ***** **** ***** * ***** ***** ***** ***** ***** ***** * *** **** ***** ***** ***** ***** ***** ***** **** ***** * ** *** **** ***** GUANLAO GUIAO GULLAS GUNIGUNDO GUTIERREZ HAGEDORN HARESCO HATAMAN-SALLIMAN HERNANDEZ HICAP HOFER ILAGAN IWAY JALOSJOS JAVIER KHO KHONGHUN LABADLABAD LACSON-NOEL LAGDAMEO (A.) LAGDAMEO (M.) LAGMAN LANETE LEACHON LEDESMA LEE LEONARDIA LEONEN-PIZARRO LOBREGAT LOONG LOPEZ (C.) LOPEZ (C.J.) LOYOLA MACAPAGAL-ARROYO MACROHON-NUÑO MADRONA MAGSAYSAY MANALO MANGUDADATU MARCOS MASONGSONG MATUGAS MELLANA MENDOZA (J.) MENDOZA (M.) MENDOZA (R.) MERCADO MERCADO-REVILLA MIRASOL MONTEJO **** ***** **** ***** * * ***** * ***** * ***** ***** ***** ***** NAVA (J.) NAVA (P.) NOEL NOGRALES OAMINAL OCAMPO OLIVAREZ ONG ORTEGA (F.) ORTEGA (V.) PACQUIAO PADILLA PADUANO PAEZ PAGDILAO PANCHO PANGANIBAN PANOTES PAQUIZ PERNES PIAMONTE PICHAY PLAZA PONCE ENRILE PRIMICIAS-AGABAS PUNO QUIMBO QUISUMBING RADAZA RAMIREZ-SATO RAMOS RELAMPAGOS REVILLA REYES RIDON RIVERA ROBES RODRIGUEZ (I.) RODRIGUEZ (M.) RODRIGUEZ (O.) RODRIGUEZ (R.) ROMAN ROMARATE ROMUALDEZ ROMUALDO ROMULO ROQUE SACDALAN SAHALI SAKALURAN *** **** * * **** * * * * **** ***** * ** * * * * ***** * SALIMBANGON SALVACION SANTIAGO SARMIENTO (C.) SARMIENTO (M.) SEMA SEÑERES SINGSON (E.) SINGSON (R.) SUANSING SUAREZ SY-ALVARADO TAMBUNTING TAN (A.) TAN (M.) TEJADA TEODORO TEVES TIANGCO TIENG TING TINIO TOLENTINO TREÑAS TUGNA TUPAS TURABIN-HATAMAN TY UMALI (C.) UMALI (R.) UNABIA UNGAB UY (J.) UY (R.) VARGAS VARGAS-ALFONSO VELARDE VELASCO VILLANUEVA VILLAR VILLARICA VIOLAGO YAP (A.) YAP (S.) YU ZAMORA (M.) ZAMORA (R.) ZARATE ZUBIRI Appeared before/after Roll Call On official mission Attended meetings of CA/HRET/Conference Committee/Committee meetings authorized by Committee on Rules Officially notified the House, through the Secretariat, of their absence Absent without notice