Congressional Record

PLENARY PROCEEDINGS OF THE 15th CONGRESS, FIRST REGULAR SESSION HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES Vol. 3 Wednesday, February 23, 2011 No. 62a RESUMPTION OF SESSION At 4:00 p.m., the session was resumed with Deputy Speaker Arnulfo P. Fuentebella presiding. THE DEPUTY SPEAKER (Rep. Fuentebella). The session is resumed. The Dep. Majority Leader is recognized. REP. ROMULO. Mr. Speaker, may we acknowledge the presence of some guests in the gallery. We welcome the Barangay Chairmen and DILG Officers of Mangatarem, Pangasinanguests of the Hon. Leopoldo N. Bataoil from the Second District of Pangasinan. (Applause) THE DEPUTY SPEAKER (Rep. Fuentebella). Welcome to the House of Representatives. REP. ROMULO. Mr. Speaker, may we also acknowledge the presence of the guests of Hon. Herminia B. Roman from the First District of Bataan, and Hon. Albert Raymond S. Garcia from the Second District of Bataan, namely: the students of Bachelor of Science in Accountancy from the Bataan Peninsula State University. THE DEPUTY SPEAKER (Rep. Fuentebella). Please rise. (Applause) They are all welcome here in the House of Representatives. SUSPENSION OF SESSION REP. ROMULO. Mr. Speaker, may we suspend the session for a few minutes. THE DEPUTY SPEAKER (Rep. Fuentebella). The session is suspended. It was 4:01 p.m. RESUMPTION OF SESSION At 4:36 p.m., the session was resumed. THE DEPUTY SPEAKER (Rep. Fuentebella). The session is resumed. The Dep. Majority Leader is recognized. REP. ROMULO. Mr. Speaker, may we acknowledge the presence of our guests in the gallery. We have the guests of Hon. Romero Federico Miro S. Quimbo from the Second District of Marikina Citythe officers and the volunteers of Tzu Chi Foundation Philippines: Mr. Alfredo Li, CEO; Manuel Siao; Linda Chua; Eric Ngan; James Chua; Ferdinand Dy; Amella Dy; Pengdu Tan; Nanelita Alburo and Perla Morante.

THE DEPUTY SPEAKER (Rep. Fuentebella). Welcome to the House of Representatives. REP. ROMULO. May we also welcome to the House of Representatives the Secretariat officers from the Kenya National Assembly who are on a study visit. The delegation is headed by Mr. Samuel Obudo; Mr. Japhet M. Muthomi, Public Relations Officer; Ms. Anne Musandu, Clerk Assistant; Mr. Noah Too, Research Officer; Ms. Jenipher Amaya, Personal Secretary to the Speaker; and Ms. Farida W. Kinuya, Personal Secretary to the Clerk. THE DEPUTY SPEAKER (Rep. Fuentebella). Welcome to the House of Representatives. (Applause) REP. ROMULO. May we also acknowledge the presence in the gallery of the Vice Mayors of Catanduanes, who are the guests of Hon. Cesar V. Sarmiento. THE DEPUTY SPEAKER (Rep. Fuentebella). Welcome to the House of Representatives, mga kabayan. (Applause) REP. ROMULO. May we also acknowledge the presence of the students from the Polytechnic University of the Philippines, Lopez, Quezon, taking up Bachelor in Office Administration. They are the guests of Deputy Speaker Lorenzo R. Taada III. THE DEPUTY SPEAKER (Rep. Fuentebella). Please rise. Welcome to the House of Representatives. (Applause) REP. ROMULO. May we also acknowledge the presence of the guests of Hon. Pedro P. Romualdo from the Lone District of Camiguin, namely: Mr. Jesus Pacuribot, Provincial Board Member and Mr. Fred Soriano, former Member of the Provincial Board. THE DEPUTY SPEAKER (Rep. Fuentebella). Please rise. Welcome to the House of Representatives. (Applause) REP. ROMULO. May we also acknowledge the presence of the guests of Hon. Joselito Jonjon R. Mendoza from the Third District of Bulacan, namely: Municipal Councilors Ernesto

2 WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 23, 2011 Sulit and Josie Buan from the municipality of San Miguel, Bulacan; and the Sangguniang Barangay of Sibul, San Miguel, Bulacan, headed by Brgy. Capt. Rosauro Magat Jr. THE DEPUTY SPEAKER (Rep. Fuentebella). Welcome to the House of Representatives. (Applause) REP. ROMULO. Mr. Speaker, I move that we take up the Additional Reference of Business, and may I request that the Secretary General be directed to read the same. THE DEPUTY SPEAKER (Rep. Fuentebella). Is there any objection? (Silence) The Chair hears none; the motion is approved. The Secretary General is directed to read the Additional Reference of Business. ADDITIONAL REFERENCE OF BUSINESS The Secretary General read the following House Bills and Resolutions on First Reading, Communication and Committee Reports, and the Deputy Speaker made the corresponding references: BILLS ON FIRST READING House Bill No. 4212, entitled: AN ACT AMENDING REPUBLIC ACT NO. 9208, ENTITLED AN ACT TO INSTITUTE POLICIES TO ELIMINATE TRAFFICKING IN PERSONS ESPECIALLY WOMEN AND CHILDREN, ESTABLISHING THE NECESSARY INSTITUTIONAL MECHANISMS FOR THE PROTECTION AND SUPPORT OF TRAFFICKED PERSONS, PROVIDING PENALTIES FOR ITS VIOLATIONS, AND FOR OTHER PURPOSES By Representatives Pacquiao and Bello TO THE COMMITTEE ON REVISION OF LAWS House Bill No. 4213, entitled: AN ACT ESTABLISHING THE NATIONAL IDENTIFICATION SYSTEM AND FOR OTHER PURPOSES By Representatives Rodriguez (R.) and Rodriguez (M.) TO THE COMMITTEE ON JUSTICE House Bill No. 4214, entitled: AN ACT PROMOTING THE WELFARE OF THE REBEL RETURNEES, CREATING FOR THE PURPOSE THE SOCIAL INTEGRATION BUREAU UNDER THE DEPARTMENT OF INTERIOR AND LOCAL GOVERNMENT AND APPROPRIATING FUNDS THEREFOR By Representative Alcover TO THE COMMITTEE ON GOVERNMENT REORGANIZATION AND THE SPECIAL COMMITTEE ON PEACE, RECONCILIATION AND UNITY House Bill No. 4215, entitled: AN ACT CHANGING THE NAME OF MOUNT MANUNGGAL IN BARANGAY MAGSAYSAY, MUNICIPALITY OF BALAMBAN, PROVINCE OF CEBU, TO MOUNT RAMON F. MAGSAYSAY IN HONOR OF PRESIDENT RAMON MAGSAYSAY, A GREAT LEADER AND CHAMPION OF THE MASSES By Representative Alcover TO THE COMMITTEE ON LOCAL GOVERNMENT House Bill No. 4216, entitled: AN ACT CONVERTING THE PIDIGANSAN ISIDRO VILLAVICIOSAPOBLACION (PILAR)PANG-OT PROVINCIAL ROAD CONNECTING THE MUNICIPALITIES OF PIDIGAN, SAN ISIDRO, VILLAVICIOSA AND PILAR, PROVINCE OF ABRA, INTO A NATIONAL ROAD By Representative Bernos TO THE COMMITTEE ON PUBLIC WORKS AND HIGHWAYS House Bill No. 4217, entitled:

AN ACT ESTABLISHING A WOMEN AND CHILDREN MONITORING DESK IN REGIONAL OFFICES OF THE DEPARTMENT OF LABOR AND EMPLOYMENT (DOLE) AND THE CIVIL SERVICE COMMISSION (CSC), AMENDING FOR THE PURPOSE SECTION 43 OF REPUBLIC ACT NO. 9262, OTHERWISE KNOWN AS THE ANTI-VIOLENCE TO WOMEN AND THEIR CHILDREN ACT OF 2004 By Representatives Ilagan and De Jesus TO THE COMMITTEE ON WOMEN AND GENDER EQUALITY AND THE COMMITTEE ON WELFARE OF CHILDREN House Bill No. 4218, entitled: AN ACT PROVIDING MANDATORY SCHOLARSHIP PROGRAM FOR CHILDREN OF BARANGAY OFFICIALS AND APPROPRIATING FUNDS THEREFOR By Representative Castelo TO THE COMMITTEE ON HIGHER AND TECHNICAL EDUCATION House Bill No. 4219, entitled: AN ACT ENHANCING THE CURRICULUM AND INCREASING THE NUMBER OF YEARS FOR BASIC EDUCATION, APPROPRIATING FUNDS THEREFOR, AND FOR OTHER PURPOSES By Representatives Belmonte (F.), Angara, Piamonte, Cortuna, Abaya, Almario, Herrera-Dy and Climaco TO THE COMMITTEE ON BASIC EDUCATION AND CULTURE House Bill No. 4220, entitled: AN ACT PROVIDING FOR THE ESTABLISHMENT OF A TEN (10) -BED HOSPITAL IN THE MUNICIPALITY OF TABOGON OF THE 4TH DISTRICT OF THE PROVINCE OF CEBU TO BE KNOWN AS THE MUNICIPAL HOSPITAL OF TABOGON, AND APPROPRI ATING FUNDS THEREFOR By Representative Salimbangon TO THE COMMITTEE ON HEALTH House Bill No. 4221, entitled: AN ACT MANDATING ALL BUSINESS PROCESS

WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 23, 2011 3 OUTSOURCING COMPANIES OPERATING IN THE PHILIPPINES TO PROVIDE RETIREMENT BENEFITS TO ALL THEIR EMPLOYEES WHO HAVE RENDERED A CONTINUOUS SERVICE OF AT LEAST FIVE YEARS AND PROVIDING PENALTIES FOR VIOLATION THEREOF By Representative Gunigundo TO THE COMMITTEE ON LABOR AND EMPLOYMENT House Bill No. 4222, entitled: AN ACT CONVERTING THE LUPON SCHOOL OF FISHERIES IN THE MUNICIPALITY OF LUPON, PROVINCE OF DAVAO ORIENTAL, INTO THE LUPON INSTITUTE OF TECHNOLOGY AND APPROPRIATING FUNDS THEREFOR By Representative Almario TO THE COMMITTEE ON HIGHER AND TECHNICAL EDUCATION House Bill No. 4223, entitled: AN ACT PROVIDING FOR THE EXPROPRIATION AND FULL UTILIZATION OF ALL IDLE AND ABANDONED PRIVATE AGRICULTURAL LANDS, APPROPRIATING FUNDS THEREFOR AND FOR OTHER PURPOSES By Representative Relampagos TO THE COMMITTEE ON AGRICULTURE AND FOOD House Bill No. 4226, entitled: AN ACT APPROPRIATING FUNDS FOR THE CONSTRUCTION OF THE MANILA TO BATAAN COASTAL HIGHWAY By Representative Sy-Alvarado TO THE COMMITTEE ON PUBLIC WORKS AND HIGHWAYS House Bill No. 4227, entitled: AN ACT SEPARATING THE NEW SIBONGA HIGH SCHOOLANNEX NABUNTURAN NATIONAL COMPREHENSIVE HIGH SCHOOL, NABUNTURAN, COMPOSTELA VALLEY PROVINCE FROM NEW SIBONGA HIGH SCHOOL, CONVERTING IT INTO AN INDEPENDENT NATIONAL HIGH SCHOOL AND APPROPRIATING FUNDS THEREFOR By Representative Amatong TO THE COMMITTEE ON BASIC EDUCATION AND CULTURE House Bill No. 4228, entitled: AN ACT SEPARATING THE LAAK NATIONAL HIGH SCHOOLSAN ANTONIO ANNEX IN BARANGAY SAN ANTONIO, MUNICIPALITY OF LAAK, PROVINCE OF COMPOSTELA VALLEY, FROM THE MAIN LAAK NATIONAL HIGH SCHOOL, AND CONVERTING IT INTO AN INDEPENDENT NATIONAL HIGH SCHOOL TO BE KNOWN AS THE SAN ANTONIO NATIONAL HIGH SCHOOL AND APPROPRIATING FUNDS THEREFOR By Representative Amatong TO THE COMMITTEE ON BASIC EDUCATION AND CULTURE House Bill No. 4229, entitled: AN ACT SEPARATING THE TAMBONGON NATIONAL HIGH SCHOOLNAPNAPAN ANNEX, LOCATED IN BARANGAY NAPNAPAN, MUNICIPALITY OF PANTUKAN, COMPOSTELA VALLEY PROVINCE FROM THE MAIN TAMBONGON NATIONAL HIGH SCHOOL, AND CONVERTING IT INTO AN INDEPENDENT NATIONAL HIGH SCHOOL TO BE KNOWN AS NAPNAPAN NATIONAL HIGH SCHOOL, AND APPROPRIATING FUNDS THEREFOR By Representative Amatong TO THE COMMITTEE ON BASIC EDUCATION AND CULTURE

House Bill No. 4230, entitled: AN ACT PROVIDING FOR REPRESENTATION IN ALL LEVELS OF LOCAL GOVERNMENT FOR SENIOR CITIZENS, CREATING THE SANGGUNIANG SENIOR CITIZENS, THE KATIPUNAN NG SENIOR CITIZENS, PROVIDING FOR THEIR POWERS AND FUNCTIONS, AMENDING FOR THE PURPOSE PERTINENT SECTIONS OF REPUBLIC ACT NO. 7610, AS AMENDED, OTHERWISE KNOWN AS THE LOCAL GOVERNMENT CODE OF 1991, AND FOR OTHER PURPOSES By Representative Yap (A.) TO THE COMMITTEE ON LOCAL GOVERNMENT House Bill No. 4231, entitled: AN ACT TO PROMOTE RURAL DEVELOPMENT BY PROVIDING FOR AN ACCELERATED PROGRAM WITHIN A SIX-YEAR PERIOD FOR THE CONSTRUCTION OF IRRIGATION PROJECTS By Representatives Bello, Alcala, Apacible, Escudero, Paez, Sarmiento (C.), Cosalan, Brawner Baguilat, Bag-ao and Lico TO THE COMMITTEE ON RURAL DEVELOPMENT House Bill No. 4232, entitled: AN ACT ESTABLISHING THE MAGNA CARTA FOR BARANGAYS By Representative Valencia TO THE COMMITTEE ON LOCAL GOVERNMENT House Bill No. 4233, entitled: AN ACT AMENDING RA 7947 OTHERWISE KNOWN AS AN ACT CONVERTING THE LARENA NATIONAL VOCATIONAL COLLEGE (LNVC) INTO THE SIQUIJOR STATE COLLEGE (SSC) AND AUTHORIZING THE APPROPRIATION OF FUNDS THEREFOR By Representative Fua TO THE COMMITTEE ON HIGHER AND TECHNICAL EDUCATION House Bill No. 4234, entitled: AN ACT PROVIDING FINANCIAL REWARD TO INDIVIDUALS WHO PROVIDED RECORDED VIDEO OR PHOTOGRAPH OF FELONY OR CRIME WHICH LED OR MATERIALLY CONTRIBUTED

4 WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 23, 2011 TO THE PROSECUTION OR CONVICTION OF THE OFFENDER AND FOR OTHER PURPOSES B y Representative Villar TO THE COMMITTEE ON JUSTICE House Bill No. 4235, entitled: AN ACT AMENDING SECTION 5 OF REPUBLIC ACT 7875 OTHERWISE KNOWN AS AN ACT INSTITUTING A NATIONAL HEALTH INSURANCE PROGRAM FOR ALL FILIPINOS AND ESTABLISHING THE PHILIPPINE HEALTH INSURANCE CORPORATION FOR THE PURPOSE By Representative Espina TO THE COMMITTEE ON HEALTH House Bill No. 4236, entitled: AN ACT PROVIDING FOR THE COMPUTERIZATION/ MODERNIZATION OF THE PHILIPPINE HEALTH INSURANCE CORPORATION AND FOR OTHER PURPOSES By Representative Espina TO THE COMMITTEE ON HEALTH House Bill No. 4237, entitled: AN ACT DECLARING THE TWENTIETH (20TH) OF EVERY SEPTEMBER AS NATIONAL YOUNG MARTYRS DAY By Representative Palatino TO THE COMMITTEE ON BASIC EDUCATION AND CULTURE House Bill No. 4238, entitled: AN ACT STRENGTHENING THE IMPLEMENTATION OF THE NATIONAL HEALTH INSURANCE PROGRAM (NHIP), AMENDING CERTAIN PROVISIONS OF REPUBLIC ACT NO. 7875, AS AMENDED BY RA 9241, FOR THE PURPOSE By Representative Pichay TO THE COMMITTEE ON H EALTH House Bill No. 4239, entitled: AN ACT MANDATING THE CONSTRUCTION OF RAILWAY SYSTEM NATIONWIDE THAT WILL LINK LUZON VISAYAS AND MINDANAO INCLUDING THE MAJOR ISLANDS OF THE VISAYAS SUCH AS CEBU, NEGROS, BOHOL, SAMAR, LEYTE, PANAY AND MINDORO By Repre sentative Mercado TO THE COMMITTEE ON TRANSPORTATION House Bill No. 4240, entitled: AN ACT PROVIDING FOR THE CONVERSION OF THE JUNCTION (TER) MABUHAY (UBAY) BAYONGANSAN MIGUEL PROVINCIAL ROAD IN THE PROVINCE OF BOHOL INTO A NATIONAL ROAD, APPROPRIATING FUNDS THEREFOR, AND FOR OTHER PURPOSES By Representative Aumentado TO THE COMMITTEE ON PUBLIC WORKS AND HIGHWAYS RESOLUTIONS House Resolution No. 967, entitled: RESOLUTION DIRECTING THE COMMITTEE ON NATIONAL DEFENSE AND SECURITY TO CONDUCT AN INQUIRY, IN AID OF LEGISLATION, ON THE ALLEGED CONVERSION INTO SLUSH FUNDS OF THE TOTAL AMOUNT OF 179.4 BILLION PESOS FROM THE DEPARTMENT OF NATIONAL DEFENSEARMED FORCES OF THE PHILIPPINES (DND-AFP) ANNUAL APPROPRIATIONS FOR CALENDAR YEARS 2002-2010 FOR USE OF SENIOR OFFICERS LED BY THE CHIEF OF STAFF, AFP By Representative Biazon TO THE COMMITTEE ON RULES House Resolution No. 968, entitled:

RESOLUTION URGING THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TO DENOUNCE THE UNABATED EXTORTION ACTIVITIES OF THE MAOIST TERRORIST NEW PEOPLES ARMY BY COLLECTING MONEY FROM THE PEOPLE UNDER THE GUISE OF A REVOLUTIONARY TAX WHICH LED TO THE BRUTAL MURDER OF BUSINESSMAN, PEDRITO BICO, HIS SON, CHRISTIAN BICO, FAMILY DRIVER, CRISPIN GAMER, AND HELPER, ARMANDO QUETO, LAST FEBRUARY 4, 2011 AND MANY OTHERS IN THE PAST FOR NOT PAYING THE SAID REVOLUTIONARY TAX AS THIS STANDS OPPOSED TO THE SPIRIT AND BEARS HEAVILY AGAINST THE EFFORTS OF THE PEACE NEGOTIATIONS By Representative Alcover TO THE SPECIAL COMMITTEE ON PEACE, RECONCILIATION AND UNITY House Resolution No. 969, entitled: A RESOLUTION REQUESTING THE OVERSEAS WORKERS WELFARE ADMINISTRATION TO PROVIDE AN UPDATE ON THE STATUS OF THE AGENCYS UNLIQUIDATED FUNDS AMOUNTING TO P170,982,691 AS REPORTED BY THE COMMISSION ON AUDIT IN ITS 2009 AUDIT REPORT DESPITE COAs PREVIOUS YEARS FINDINGS OF THE SAME AMOUNTING TO P101,413,182 AND COAs RECOMMENDATION TO STOP GRANTING ADDITIONAL CASH ADVANCES IF THE PREVIOUS ONES HAD NOT YET BEEN LIQUIDATED TO AVOID ACCUMULATION THEREOF By Representatives Ilagan and De Jesus TO THE COMMITTEE ON RULES House Resolution No. 970, entitled: RESOLUTION REQUESTING THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TO CONDUCT AN INVESTIGATION IN AID OF LEGISLATION REGARDING THE NON REMITTANCE OF THE

WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 23, 2011 5 SHARE OF PHILIPPINE HEALTH INSURANCE CORPORATION (PHILHEALTH) OF THE SIN TAXES By Representative Bondoc TO THE COMMITTEE ON RULES House Resolution No. 971, entitled: A RESOLUTION REQUESTING THE COURT ADMINISTRATOR OF THE SUPREME COURT THAT THE MUNICIPAL CIRCUIT TRIAL COURT OF DAANBANTAYAN, SAN REMIGIO, AND MEDELLIN SITUATED IN MEDELLIN, PROVINCE OF CEBU SHALL CONDUCT HEARINGS AT THE MUNICIPAL HALL OF SAN REMIGIO ONCE A WEEK PREFERABLY DURING THURSDAY By Representative Salimbangon TO THE COMMITTEE ON JUSTICE House Resolution No. 972, entitled: RESOLUTION URGING THAT TWENTY (20%) OF THE PERSONNEL SERVICES (PS) BUDGET OF THE ARMED FORCES OF THE PHILIPPINES (AFP) BE REALIGNED AS FOLLOWS: HALF FOR ADDITIONAL ALLOWANCES FOR AFP PERSONNEL AND HALF TO PAY PART OF THE PENSION DIFFERENTIAL ARREARAGES NOW AMOUNTING TO AROUND P16 BILLION By Representative Golez (R.) TO THE COMMITTEE ON APPROPRIATIONS House Resolution No. 973, entitled: A RESOLUTION DIRECTING THE DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC WORKS AND HIGHWAYS (DPWH) TO GIVE PRIORITY ATTENTION TO CHECK ON WATERWAYS AND FLOOD CONTROL PROJECTS IN METRO MANILA IN PREPARATION FOR THE COMING RAINY SEASON By Representative Palmones TO THE COMMITTEE ON PUBLIC WORKS AND HIGHWAYS House Resolution No. 974, entitled: RESOLUTION URGING THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TO CALL ON THE ADMINISTRATION OF PRESIDENT BENIGNO SIMEON AQUINO III TO EXTEND TO THE LATE FORMER PRESIDENT FERDINAND E. MARCOS THE HONOR OF ALLOWING HIS REMAINS TO BE BURIED AT THE LIBINGAN NG MGA BAYANI, IN FORT BONIFACIO, AND TO AFFORD THE CORRESPONDING STATE HONOR BEFITTING A FORMER PRESIDENT OF THE REP UBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES By Representative Alcover TO THE COMMITTEE ON BASIC EDUCATION AND CULTURE House Resolution No. 975, entitled: A RESOLUTION DIRECTING THE HOUSE COMMITTEE ON PEOPLES PARTICIPATION TO CONDUCT AN INQUIRY, IN AID OF LEGISLATION, ON THE STATUS OF IMPLEMENTATION OF REPUBLIC ACT NO. 1827, OTHERWISE KNOWN AS AN ACT TO REGULATE LOBBYING IN THE CONGRESS OF THE PHILIPPINES AND IN THE COMMISSION ON APPOINTMENTS By Representative Palatino TO THE COMMITTEE ON RULES House Resolution No. 976, entitled: A RESOLUTION URGING THE DEPARTMENT OF BUDGET AND MANAGEMENT TO ALLOW AN INCREASE IN ANNUAL BUDGET ALLOCATION FOR THE DEPARTMENT OF SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY AND THE DEPARTMENT OF ENVIRONMENT AND NATURAL RESOURCES FOR RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT ON CLEAN ENERGY, ZERO EMISSION VEHICLES, POLLUTION REDUCTION/REVERSAL, ENVIRONMENTAL DISASTER RISK REDUCTION AND RELATED TECHNOLOGIES By Representative Mercado TO THE COMMITTEE ON APPROPRIATIONS

House Resolution No. 977, entitled: RESOLUTION DIRECTING THE COMMITTEE ON GOOD GOVERNMENT AND PUBLIC ACCOUNTABILITY TO INVESTIGATE THE POSSIBLE MALVERSATION OF P179 BILLION IN THE BUDGET FOR PERSONAL SERVICES OF THE ARMED FORCES OF THE PHILIPPINES FROM 2002 TO 2010 IN ORDER TO UNCOVER POSSIBLE CONVERSION AND HOLD ACCOU NTABLE OFFICIALS INVOLVED IN THE ANOMALY AND INSTITUTE CORRECTIVE MEASURES TO PROTECT PUBLIC FUNDS By Representatives Colmenares, Tinio and Palatino TO THE COMMITTEE ON RULES House Resolution No. 978, entitled: RESOLUTION DIRECTING THE COMMITTEE ON TRANSPORTATION AND COMMUNICATIONS TO CONDUCT AN INQUIRY, IN AID OF LEGISLATION ON THE HIGH COSTS OF INTER- ISLAND FREIGHT AND TO REVIEW EXISTING LAWS RELATIVE TO THE SHIPPING INDUSTRY IN THE PHILIPPINES By Representative Climaco TO THE COMMITTEE ON RULES House Resolution No. 981, entitled: A RESOLUTION DIRECTING THE COMMITTEE ON BASIC EDUCATION AND CULTURE TO CONDUCT AN INQUIRY, IN AID OF LEGISLATION, ON THE PROLIFERATION OF KOREAN SCHOOLS OWNED BY KOREAN NATIONALS ALL OVER THE PHILIPPINES TO DETERMINE IF THEY COMPLY WITH CONSTITUTIONAL AND STATUTORY REQUIREMENTS OF OWNING AND OPERATING SCHOOLS IN THE COUNTRY By Representatives Rodriguez (R.) and Rodriguez (M.) TO THE COMMITTEE ON RULES

6 WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 23, 2011 House Resolution No. 982, entitled: A RESOLUTION DIRECTING THE COMMITTEE ON PUBLIC ORDER AND SAFETY TO CONDUCT AN INQUIRY, IN AID OF LEGISLATION, ON THE ALLEGED INVOLVEMENT OF OFFICIALS OF THE LAND TRANSPORTATION OFFICE AND OF THE PHILIPPINE NATIONAL POLICE IN CARJACKING/CARNAPPING ACTIVITIES IN THE COUNTRY By Representatives Rodriguez (R.) and Rodriguez (M.) TO THE COMMITTEE ON RULES House Resolution No. 983, entitled: A RESOLUTION URGING THE COMMISSION ON ELECTIONS TO REFRAIN FROM USING THE AUTOMATED ELECTION SYSTEM PROVIDED BY SMARTMATIC-TIM IN THE AUGUST 8, 2011 AUTONOMOUS REGION IN MUSLIM MINDANAO (ARMM) ELECTIONS By Representative Tinio TO THE COMMITTEE ON SUFFRAGE AND ELECTORAL REFORMS House Resolution No. 984, entitled: A RESOLUTION DIRECTING THE COMMITTEE ON GAMES AND AMUSEMENT OF THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES, TO INVESTIGATE, IN AID OF LEGISLATION, THE ILLEGAL OPERATION OF SMALL TOWN LOTTERY (STL) IN THE PROVINCE OF ILOILO By Representative Garin (J.) TO THE COMMITTEE ON RULES House Resolution No. 986, entitled: RESOLUTION CALLING ON THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TO CONDUCT AN INQUIRY, IN AID OF LEGISLATION, ON THE PEACE AGREEMENTS ENTERED INTO BETWEEN THE GOVERNMENT OF THE REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES AND THE REBOLUSYONARYONG PARTIDO NG MANGGAGAWA-PILIPINAS/ REVOLUTIONARY PROLETARIAN ARMY-ALEX BONCAYAO BRIGADE (RPM-P/RPA-ABB); AS WELL AS THE GOVERNMENT OF THE REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES AND THE CORDILLERA PEOPLES LIBERATION ARMY (CPLA) WITH THE END OF KNOWING VITAL INFORMATION ON SUCH AGREEMENTS TOGETHER WITH ITS ATTENDANT FLAWS AS REFERENCE MATERIALS/INFORMATION IN CRAFTING POSSIBLE AGREEMENTS THAT MAY BE ENTERED INTO IN THE CURRENT PEACE NEGOTIATIONS BETWEEN THE GOVERNMENT OF THE REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES AND THE MAOIST COMMUNIST PARTY OF THE PHILIPPINES-NEW PEOPLES ARMYNATIONAL DEMOCRATIC FRONT By Representative Alcover TO THE COMMITTEE ON RULES House Resolution No. 987, entitled: RESOLUTION CREATING A SPECIAL COMMITTEE ON PERSONS WITH DISABILITIES IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES By Representative Romulo TO THE COMMITTEE ON RULES House Resolution No. 988, entitled: RESOLUTION URGING THE SECRETARY OF THE DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION AND COMMUNICATION AND THE CHAIRMAN OF THE LAND TRANSPORTATION FRANCHISING AND REGULATORY BOARD TO REVIEW, REVISE, AND RECONSIDER LIFTING THE BAN ON EXTENDING THE VALIDITY OF THE CERTIFICATE OF PUBLIC CONVENIENCE ISSUED TO FILCABS/MULTICABS THAT ARE TEN YEARS OLD FROM THE DATE OF MANUFACTURE By Representative Nograles TO THE COMMITTEE ON TRANSPORTATION House Resolution No. 992, entitled:

A RESOLUTION DIRECTING THE COMMITTEE ON ECOLOGY TO CONDUCT AN INVESTIGATION, IN AID OF LEGISLATION, OF THE EXTRACTION OF PETRIFIED LOGS IN SULA CHANNEL, SITIO PECADERO, BARANGAY SULA, ALBAY, FOR THE PROTECTION OF CULTURAL TREASURES DUE TO ITS HISTORICAL, ENVIRONMENTAL AND TOURISM VALUES By Representatives Co, Batocabe and Garbin TO THE COMMITTEE ON RULES House Resolution No. 993, entitled: RESOLUTION CALLING THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TO CONDUCT AN INQUIRY, IN AID OF LEGISLATION, ON THE COLLECTIONS, USES, AND RELEASES OF THE MALAMPAYA-CAMAGO GAS PROJECT By Representative Nograles TO THE COMMITTEE ON RULES House Resolution No. 994, entitled: RESOLUTION DIRECTING THE COMMITTEE ON COOPERATIVES TO CONDUCT A CONGRESSIONAL INQUIRY, IN AID OF LEGISLATION, INTO THE LEGALITY AND APPROPRIATENESS OF NON-STOCK ELECTRIC COOPERATIVES COLLECTING CAPITAL CONTRIBUTIONS FROM MEMBER- CONSUMERS By Representatives Ping-ay and Paez TO THE COMMITTEE ON RULES House Resolution No. 995, entitled: A RESOLUTION URGING THE DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION AND THE COMMISSION ON HIGHER EDUCATION TO STRICTLY IMPLEMENT THE POLICY OF SIMPLE GRADUATION RITES AND THE POLICY OF NON-COLLECTION OF EXORBITANT NON-ACADEMIC GRADUATION REQUIREMENTS ON SCHOOLS, COLLEGES AND UNIVERSITIES NATIONWIDE

WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 23, 2011 7 By Representative Palatino TO THE COMMITTEE ON BASIC EDUCATION AND CULTURE AND THE COMMITTEE ON HIGHER AND TECHNICAL EDUCATION House Resolution No. 996, entitled: A RESOLUTION DIRECTING THE HOUSE COMMITTEE ON TRANSPORTATION TO INQUIRE, IN AID OF LEGISLATION, INTO THE CURRENT STATE OF THE 80 KM NORTHRAIL REHABILITATION PROJECT, AND FOR OTHER PURPOSES By Representative Gunigundo TO THE COMMITTEE ON RULES House Resolution No. 997, entitled: A RESOLUTION EXPRESSING THE SENSE OF THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES S TRONGLY URGING HIS EXCELLENCY PRESIDENT BENIGNO SIMEON C. AQUINO III TO DIRECT THE DEPARTMENT OF FOREIGN AFFAIRS, DEPARTMENT OF LABOR AND EMPLOYMENT, DEPARTMENT OF FINANCE, BANGKO SENTRAL NG PILIPINAS, AND SUCH OTHER CONCERNED AGENCIES TO ESTABLISH A PROGRAM THAT WOULD EFFECTIVELY LOWER THE COST OF REMITTANCES FROM OVERSEAS FILIPINO WORKERS ABROAD AND THEREBY MAXIMIZE THE ECONOMIC IMPACT OF REMITTANCES By Representative Evardone TO THE COMMITTEE ON OVERSEAS WORKERS AFFAIRS House Resolution No. 998, entitled: RESOLUTION DIRECTING THE COMMITTEE ON COOPERATIVES DEVELOPMENT TO URGE THE BANGKO SENTRAL NG PILIPINAS TO UNDERTAKE IMMEDIATE REHABILITATION PROGRAMS FOR THE TEN (10) COOPERATIVE BANKS UNDER PROMPT CORRECTIVE ACTION (PCA) AND FOR THE BANGKO SENTRAL NG PILIPINAS TO APPROPRIATE THE AMOUNT OF TWO BILLION FIVE HUNDRED MILLION PESOS (PhP2,500,000,000) FOR THE SAID PURPOSE AS THE COOPERATIVE BANK ENDOWMENT AND VIABILITY ENHANCEMENT FUND AND TO PROVIDE THE APPROPRIATE GUIDELINES THEREFOR By Representatives Ping-ay and Paez TO THE COMMITTEE ON COOPERATIVES DEVELOPMENT House Resolution No. 999, entitled: A RESOLUTION CONGRATULATING NONITO DONAIRE, JR. FOR AGAIN BRINGING HONOR AND PRIDE TO THE COUNTRY, FOR HIS SENSATIONAL SECOND ROUND TECHNICAL KNOCK OUT VICTORY OVER FERNANDO MONTIEL, AND WINNING THE WORLD BOXING COUNCIL AND WORLD BOXING ORGANIZATION BANTAMWEIGHT CROWNS, CONFERRING ON HIM THE CONGRESSIONAL MEDAL OF ACHIEVEMENT, URGING THE PROVINCIAL GOVERNMENT OF BOHOL TO DECLARE A LOCAL HOLIDAY, LAUNCH VICTORY PARADES AND SPECIAL PROGRAMS IN HONOR OF ITS NATIVE SON, AND FOR OTHER PURPOSES By Representative Yap (A.) TO THE COMMITTEE ON RULES House Resolution No. 1000, entitled: RESOLUTION COMMENDING AND CONGRATULATING NONITO DONAIRE, JR. FOR HIS REMARKABLE SECOND ROUND VICTORY OVER FERNANDO MONTIEL OF MEXICO, ON THEIR BOXING MATCH HELD ON FEBRUARY 19, 2011 AT LAS VEGAS, NEVADA, USA TO BECOME THE WBC/WBO BANTAMWEIGHT CHAMPION By Representative Lopez (C.J.) TO THE COMMITTEE ON RULES House Resolution No. 1001, entitled: RESOLUTION DIRECTING THE COMMITTE ON BASIC EDUCATION AND CULTURE AND/OR OTHER APPROPRIATE HOUSE COMMITTEES TO CONDUCT AN INQUIRY IN AID OF LEGISLATION ON THE ALLEGED VIOLATIONS OF PERTINENT PROVISIONS OF R.A. 7836 BY ADMINISTRATORS AND/OR

GOVERNING BOARD OF PRIVATE SCHOOLS LEADING TO ABUSES COMMITTED AGAINST PROFESSIONAL TEACHERS By Representative Magsaysay (E.) TO THE COMMITTEE ON RULES House Resolution No. 1002, entitled: RESOLUTION DIRECTING THE COMMITTEE ON GOOD GOVERNMENT AND PUBLIC ACCOUNTABILITY TO CONDUCT AN INQUIRY, IN AID OF LEGISLATION, ON THE ALLEGED ANOMALY ON THE METROPOLITAN WATERWORKS AND SEWERAGE SYSTEMS (MWSS) ANGAT AQUEDUCT IMPROVEMENT PROJECT (PACKAGE 2) AND RECOMMEND APPROPRIATE ACTION By Representative Lapus TO THE COMMITTEE ON RULES House Resolution No. 1003, entitled: RESOLUTION DIRECTING THE COMMITTEE ON TRANSPORTATION TO CONDUCT AN INQUIRY, IN AID OF LEGISLATION, ON THE COLLISION OF TWO LIGHT RAIL TRANSIT AUTHORITYS LINE 1 (LRT-LINE 1) COACHES THAT RESULTED TO THE DISRUPTION OF OPERATIONS AND DAMAGE TO ITS FACILITIES AND TO RECOMMEND APPROPRIATE ACTION By Representative Lapus TO THE COMMITTEE ON RULES House Resolution No. 1004, entitled: A RESOLUTION COMMENDING THE BUREAU OF CUSTOMS (BoC) FOR ITS VIGILANCE AND

8 WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 23, 2011 STRENGTHENED EFFORT TO STOP UNSCRUPULOUS ACT OF IMPORTERS By Representatives Palmones, Guanlao and Mendoza (M.) TO THE COMMITTEE ON TRADE AND INDUSTRY House Resolution No. 1005, entitled: RESOLUTION DIRECTING THE COMMITTEE ON OVERSEAS WORKERS AFFAIRS TO CONDUCT AN INQUIRY IN AID OF LEGISLATION INTO THE STATUS OF CRIMINAL CASES INVOLVING OVERSEAS FILIPINO WORKERS (OFWs) IN HOST COUNTRIES AND THE ADEQUACY AND UTILIZATION OF FUNDING FOR ASSISTANCE TO NATIONALS AND LEGAL ASSISTANCE FUNDS, WITH A VIEW TO INSTITUTING REMEDIAL MEASURES AND REFORMS TO PROTECT OFWs FROM EXPLOITATION OF CRIMINAL SYNDICATES AND TO ENSURE THAT THEIR RIGHTS ARE ADEQUATELY SAFEGUARDED By Representatives Lagman, Cagas, Calimbas-Villarosa, Datumanong, Aumentado, Bagasina, Bataoil, Lazatin, Mercado-Revilla, Ortega (V.), Romualdez, Macapagal-Arroyo (G.), Arroyo (D.), Albano, Fua, Gonzales (A.), Magsaysay (M.), Obillo, Macapagal- Arroyo (J.), Radaza and Yap (A.) TO THE COMMITTEE ON RULES ADDITIONAL COAUTHORS Rep. Eduardo R. Gullas for House Bills No. 46 and 1485; Reps. Henedina R. Abad, Michael Angelo C. Rivera and Cesar V. Sarmiento for House Bill No. 478; Rep. Nancy A. Catamco for House Bills No. 478 and 3763; Rep. Anthony Rolando T. Golez Jr. for House Bills No. 633, 1991 and 2862; Rep. Dakila Carlo E. Cua for House Bills No. 3133 and 3200; Rep. Agapito H. Guanlao for House Bill No. 3528; Reps. Jane T. Castro, Sharon S. Garin, Solaiman C. Pangandaman, Tomas R. Osmea and Ferdinand Martin G. Romualdez for House Bill No. 3537; Reps. Marcelino R. Teodoro, Romero Federico Miro S. Quimbo and Feliciano Belmonte Jr. for House Bill No. 3929; Reps. Christopher S. Co, Rodel M. Batocabe and Alfredo A. Garbin Jr. for House Bills No. 4139 and 4140; Rep. Angelo B. Palmones for House Bill No. 4141; Rep. Emmeline Y. Aglipay for House Bill No. 4146; Rep. Erico B. Aumentado for House Bills No. 4212, 4214, 4219, 4231, 4232, 4234 and 4239, and House Resolution No. 976; and Reps. Carlos M. Padilla, Mel Senen S. Sarmiento, Philip A. Pichay and Maria Milagros Mitos H. Magsaysay for House Resolution No. 237. WITHDRAWAL OF COAUTHORSHIP Rep. Emmeline Y. Aglipay for House Bill No. 4146. COMMUNICATION Letter dated 18 February 2011 of Paquito N. Ochoa, Jr., Executive Secretary, Office of the President, Malacaan, informing the Speaker that the President has expanded the list of twenty-three (23) legislative measures which will comprise the Presidents Priority Legislative Agenda TO THE COMMITTEE ON RUL ES COMMITTEE REPORTS Report by the Committee on Local Government (Committee Report No. 669), re H. No. 4259, entitled: AN ACT CONVERTING THE MUNICIPALITY OF CABUYAO IN THE PROVINCE OF LAGUNA INTO A COMPONENT CITY TO BE KNOWN AS THE CITY OF CABUYAO recommending its approval in substitution of House Bill

No. 3811 Sponsors: Representatives Arnaiz and Chipeco TO THE COMMITTEE ON RULES Report by the Committee on Public Information (Committee Report No. 670), re H. No. 4262, entitled: AN ACT AMENDING REPUBLIC ACT NO. 53, AS AMENDED, OTHERWISE KNOWN AS AN ACT TO EXEMPT THE PUBLISHER, EDITOR OR REPORTER OF ANY PUBLICATION FROM REVEALING THE SOURCE OF PUBLISHED NEWS OR INFORMATION OBTAINED IN CONFIDENCE BY INCLUDING WITHIN ITS COVERAGE JOURNALISTS FROM BROADCAST, NEWS AGENCIES AND INTERNET PUBLICATIONS recommending its approval in substitution of House Bill Nos. 370 and 2275 Sponsors: Representatives Evardone, Del Mar, Rodriguez (R.) and Rodriguez (M.) TO THE COMMITTEE ON RULES THE DEPUTY SPEAKER (Rep. Fuentebella). The Dep. Majority Leader is recognized. REP. BANAL. Mr. Speaker, I move for the change of referral of the following measures: House Bill No. 1474Establishing a special hospital for overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) and their dependents, from the Committee on Overseas Workers Affairs to the Committee on Health. THE DEPUTY SPEAKER (Rep. Fuentebella). Is there any objection? (Silence) The Chair hears none; the motion is approved. REP. BANAL. House Bills No. 633 and 2045Defining as a crime the act of driving a motor vehicle while under the influence of liquor and/or prohibited drugs, from the Committee on Justice to the Committee on Transportation. THE DEPUTY SPEAKER (Rep. Fuentebella). Is there any objection? (Silence) The Chair hears none; the motion is approved. REP. BANAL. House Bill No. 357Ensure the accountability of GOCCs, GFIs, SUCs, and other similar

WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 23, 2011 9 agencies in the public sector by requiring them to be evaluated and subjected to the test of economic and financial viability, from the Committee on Government Enterprises and Privatization to the Committee on Appropriations. THE DEPUTY SPEAKER (Rep. Fuentebella). Is there any objection? (Silence) The Chair hears none; the motion is approved. REP. BANAL. House Bill No. 2277Amending articles 155 and 157 of Executive Order No. 209, as amended, otherwise known as the Family Code of the Philippines, from the Committee on Population and Family Relations to the Committee on Revision of Laws. THE DEPUTY SPEAKER (Rep. Fuentebella). Is there any objection? (Silence) The Chair hears none; the motion is approved. REP. BANAL. House Bill No. 2154Increasing the number of Immigration Officers of the Bureau of Immigration, from the Committee on Foreign Affairs to the Committees on Justice, and Foreign Affairs. THE DEPUTY SPEAKER (Rep. Fuentebella). Is there any objection? (Silence) The Chair hears none; the motion is approved. REP. BANAL. House Bill No. 2155Reorganizing and strengthening the capability of the Bureau of Immigration, from the Committees on Government Reorganization, and Foreign Affairs to the Committees on Justice, and Foreign Affairs. THE DEPUTY SPEAKER (Rep. Fuentebella). Is there any objection? (Silence) The Chair hears none; the motion is approved. REP. BANAL. Finally, Mr. Speaker, House Bill No. 113 Philippine Immigration Act, from the Committee on Justice to the Committees on Justice, and Foreign Affairs. THE DEPUTY SPEAKER (Rep. Fuentebella). Is there any objection? (Silence) The Chair hears none; the motion is approved. REP. COJUANGCO (K.). Mr. Speaker. THE DEPUTY SPEAKER (Rep. Fuentebella). What is the pleasure of the distinguished Lady from Pangasinan? REP. COJUANGCO (K.). Mr. Speaker, I rise on a question of personal and collective privilege. THE DEPUTY SPEAKER (Rep. Fuentebella). Please proceed. The Lady has 10 minutes. QUESTION OF PRIVILEGE OF REP. COJUANGCO (K.) REP. COJUANGCO (K.). All right, thank you, Mr. Speaker. My dear colleagues, for those among us who have attended the Committee on Energy meeting yesterday, we were the first to receive the bad news which came out in todays headlinesI mean, in the front page of most newspapersthat the Philippines now has the highest power rates in the world. If that is not alarming, then I do not know what else is. Yesterday, the honorable Cong. Maximo B. Rodriguez Jr. said that Power is the element of progress. I agree with him one hundred percent. It was really a sad news to hear and think that, so far, we have not found a solution to this problem. On our way out of the meeting, I happened to be with the honorable Representative Teddy A. Casio in the elevator, and we were both downhearted. He said to me, How do we get out of this mess? To tell you honestly, we are in a holy mess when it comes to assets and liabilities management in the power sector. Although I agree that we have to do a lot of investigation on where we went wrong which is what our honorable Chairperson Dina Abad is

doingI still believe that we have to start putting our heads together in finding a solution to this problem. So, I was given word by Cong. Dina Abad, the Chairperson of the Committee on Energy, that she would calendar my House Bill No. 1291 at the beginning of March, although there is no exact date yet. I am a person that honors peopl es words and I know that she will do that in the near future. In the meantime, I am calling on all the 180-strong coauthors of my bill to please help me in this fight. This will be a lonely fight, indeed, if I am all alone. I am calling on all of you. Let us put our heads together. The power crisis is here. This is a kind of alert to its highest level. There is a dark cloud over our country right now when it comes to power, but I would rather choose to see the silver lining. As far as I am concerned, that silver lining is right under our noses. Yes, many of us here are afraid. Many of us here disagree. Well, that is part of the process. That is part of democracy. I just hope that the debates will begin because even if we do agree to run the BNPP, it will take two to three years. So, time is of the essence. I will not even say that the time is ripe. It is overripe. My poor husband, Cong. Mark O. Cojuangco, during the Fourteenth Congress, subjected himself to hours and hours of deliberation. As I was going over the transcripts and saw the volumes of questions, maybe he may not have been too patient at that time, but at least, he allowed himself to be subjected to them. I think that broke the ice. I really commend him for that. Now is the Fifteenth Congress, and it is our turn to try to fix our situation. I call on all of you and hopefully those that have not yet even taken a look at the bill to give it a first look and, hopefully, a second look because I honestly feel that this is our only solution and this is our silver lining. I also feel that this should be given priority. To quote again Cong. Maximo B. Rodriguez Jr., Power is the element of progress. Where do we go from here? Let me tell youwithout power, we are going nowhere. Thank you so much for listening to me today. I am alarmed. I am upset because nothing is happening, but I really believe that if we put our heads together, the Fifteenth Congress will be a different Congress. So, I appeal to all of you. Whether we agree or disagree, let us put our hands together once and for all and get the ball rolling. Thank you. THE DEPUTY SPEAKER (Rep. Fuentebella). Well said. The Sr. Dep. Majority Leader is recognized. (Applause)

10 WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 23, 2011 REP. GARIN (J.). Mr. Speaker, I move that the speech of Hon. Kimi S. Cojuangco be referred to the appropriate committee. THE DEPUTY SPEAKER (Rep. Fuentebella). Is there any objection? (Silence) The Chair hears none; the motion is approved. The speech has been referred to the Committee on Rules. SUSPENSION OF SESSION REP. GARIN (J.). Mr. Speaker, I move for a few minutes suspension of the session. THE DEPUTY SPEAKER (Rep. Fuentebella). The session is suspended. It was 4:54 p.m. RESUMPTION OF SESSION At 4:56 p.m., the session was resumed with Speaker Feliciano Belmonte Jr. presiding. THE SPEAKER. The session is resumed. The Sr. Dep. Majority Leader is recognized. REP. GARIN (J.). Mr. Speaker, last January 18, 2011, the House adopted House Resolution No. 662 expressing the appreciation and commendation of the House of Representatives to the Buddhist Compassion Relief Tzu Chi Foundation for its invaluable service and assistance to the Filipino nation. The Chief Executive Officer, Mr. Alfredo Li, and other officers and members of the Buddhist Compassion Relief Tzu Chi Foundation Philippines, are present in the Session Hall today. May I request that they be invited to ascend the rostrum to receive a copy of Resolution No. 64, while the Secretary General is reading the title of said resolution. THE SPEAKER. Is there any objection? (Silence) The Chair hears none; the motion is approved. Accordingly, the Secretary General is directed to read the title of the resolution. Also, we would like to invite Mr. Alfredo Li and the officers to ascend the rostrum and receive the copy of the resolution. At this juncture, Mr. Alfredo Li and the officers of Tzu Chi Foundation Philippines ascended the rostrum. THE SECRETARY GENERAL. Resolution No. 64, entitled: RESOLUTION EXPRESSING THE APPRECIATION AND COMMENDATION OF THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TO THE TZU CHI FOUNDATION FOR ITS INVALUABLE SERVICE AND ASSISTANCE TO THE FILIPINO NATION. (Applause) SUSPENSION OF SESSION THE SPEAKER. We will suspend the session to enable the awardees to meet the Members of the House. The session is suspended. It was 4:59 p.m. RESUMPTION OF SESSION At 5:05 p.m., the session was resumed with Deputy Speaker Arnulfo P. Fuentebella presiding. THE DEPUTY SPEAKER (Rep. Fuentebella). The session is resumed. The Dep. Majority Leader is recognized. REP. BANAL. Thank you, Mr. Speaker. May we acknowledge the presence of the guests of Hon. David L. Kho and Hon. Godofredo V. Arquiza, both from the Senior Citizens Party-Listthe members of the Federation of Senior Citizens Association of the Philippines, NCR, headed by Esther Sales, Pedro de Jesus, Mayor and Mrs. Robinson Rais and other members. THE DEPUTY SPEAKER (Rep. Fuentebella). Welcome to the House of Representatives. (Applause)

REP. BANAL. At this point, Mr. Speaker, may we recognize the Hon. Tony Diaz from the Second District of Zambales. THE DEPUTY SPEAKER (Rep. Fuentebella). What is the pleasure of the Gentleman from Zambales? REP. DIAZ. Mr. Speaker, I rise on a question of personal and collective privilege and may I explain why. THE DEPUTY SPEAKER (Rep. Fuentebella). The Gentleman will please proceed. REP. DIAZ. With the 100,000 OFWs in Taipei, Taiwan, many of them have called me because they come from my district in Zambales. They are asking what I am doing about the anomaly concerning the six Taiwan tourists who were arrested by the Bureau of Immigration. THE DEPUTY SPEAKER (Rep. Fuentebella). Is the Gentleman already in his speech proper or is he through with justifying the question of his personal and collective privilege? REP. DIAZ. May I proceed with my speech, Mr. Speaker. THE DEPUTY SPEAKER (Rep. Fuentebella). The Gentleman has 10 minutes. QUESTION OF PRIVILEGE OF REP. DIAZ REP. DIAZ. Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, it seems that it is appropriate to protest against the government of the Republic of China the deportation by the Philippine government of 14 Taiwanese nationals, eight of whom have been recommended and sought to be deported by the Peoples Republic of China or Beijing, but basically, we are just strolling and walking on the road in front of the house being raided by the Bureau of Immigration. They were looking at the search and seizure being conducted in the house and they were just nabbed and lumped with those alleged Chinese nationals who were involved in filching