The House of Representatives has approved on third and final reading a bill institutionalizing and strengthening political parties in the country through reforms in campaign financing through effective and transparent mechanisms during elections.
By a unanimous 168 votes, the House approved House Bill 6551 designed to level the playing field among all candidates and political parties during elections and to reduce opportunities for graft and corruption.
Principally authored by Rep. Rufus Rodriguez (2nd District, Cagayan de Oro City), the proposed "Political Party Development Act of 2012," applies to political parties duly registered with and certified to as such by the Commission on Elections. Parties are also mandated to craft a clear policy agenda and program of governance consistent with their party philosophy and ideals.
Under the bill, each party is also mandated to formulate a system on nomination and selection of candidates, in which all party members are involved.
The measure mandates that a State subsidy be created to augment the operating funds of the Accredited National Political Parties (APPs) and shall be used directly and exclusively for party development and campaign expenditures.
As such, these expenditures include party administration, recruitment and civic education, research and policy development, education and training of members, institution-building and constituent outreach programs, other reasonable logistical and operational expenses that are essential in strengthening the party, operating and traveling expenses, information dissemination, advocacy campaigns, production and distribution of electoral paraphernalia and other expenditures under Section 102 of the Omnibus Election Code.
The bill provides that the total amount of state subsidy fund shall be distributed as follows: 5 percent shall be used exclusively for monitoring purposes and the conduct of information dissemination campaigns and voters' education; 30 percent shall be proportionately and ratably distributed to accredited political parties (APPs) represented in the Senate based on the number of seats obtained in the most recent general elections.
Moreover, 65 percent shall be proportionately and ratably distributed to APPs in the House of Representatives based on the number of seats obtained in the most recent general elections.
Under the measure, voluntary contributions to any political party shall be allowed up to P1-million if from a natural person, and up to P10-million if from a juridical person. Any contribution in cash or in kind to a political party for campaign purposes, duly reported to the Commission, shall be exempt from donor's tax.
It provides also that criteria for eligibility to receive the said fund are based on political representation, organizational strength and mobilization capability, performance and track record of the party.
It mandates that disclosure and performance monitoring under this Act shall consist of the following: (a) the Commission on Audit (COA) shall examine the financial reports of the APPs on their use of the State subsidy; (b) APPs shall institute internal control mechanisms to promote accountability and transparency and (c) officials of every APP shall submit a sworn statement of their assets and liabilities to the Commission which shall be made available to the public at least six months before elections.
Another vital provision of the bill is appropriation of the amount of P500-million out of the funds of the National Treasury not otherwise appropriated, and the appropriation of P350-million every year thereafter.
The Comelec and the Department of Budget and Management are directed to promulgate guidelines to facilitate the release of the funds to every APP, and for the Comelec to promulgate the necessary rules and regulations to effectively implement the provisions of the proposed Act.
Other authors of the bill are Reps. Juan Edgardo Angara (Lone District, Aurora), Maximo Rodriguez, Jr. (Party-list, Abante Mindanao), Raymond Democrito Mendoza (Party-list, TUCP), Arthur Yap (3rd District, Bohol) and Elpidio Barzaga, Jr. (Lone District, City of Dasmariñas). - Lorelei V. Castillo, Media Relations Service-PRIB
Saturday, October 27, 2012
Monday, October 1, 2012
House approves Political Party System Reform Bill
The House of Representatives has approved on second reading a bill designed to level the playing field among all candidates and political parties during elections and to reduce opportunities for graft and corruption.
House Bill 6551, known as "An Act Strengthening the Political Party System, appropriating funds therefor and for other purposes," was steered through plenary by the Committee on Suffrage and Electoral Reforms chaired by Rep. Elpidio Barzaga, Jr.
The bill consolidated three original measures, House Bill 49, House Bill 403 and House Bill 159, which were authored by Reps. Rufus Rodriguez (2nd District, Cagayan de Oro City), Juan Edgardo Angara (Lone District, Aurora), Maximo Rodriguez (Party-list, Abante Mindanao), Raymond Democrito Mendoza (Party-list, TUCP) and Arthur Yap (3rd District, Bohol), respectively.
"We have to institutionalize and strengthen our political parties by introducing reforms in campaign financing through effective and transparent mechanisms to level the playing field and eliminate opportunities for corruption," the authors stressed.
The proposed Political Party Development Act of 2012 mandates that a State subsidy be created to augment the operating funds of the Accredited National Political Parties (APPs) and shall be used directly and exclusively for party development and campaign expenditures.
These expenditures include party administration, recruitment and civic education, research and policy development, education and training of members, institution-building and constituent outreach programs, other reasonable logistical and operational expenses that are essential in strengthening the party, operating and traveling expenses, information dissemination, advocacy campaigns, production and distribution of electoral paraphernalia and other expenditures under Section 102 of the Omnibus Election Code.
The bill also provides that criteria for eligibility to receive the said fund are based on political representation, organizational strength and mobilization capability, performance and track record of the party.
The total amount of state subsidy fund shall be distributed as follows: 5 percent shall be used exclusively for monitoring purposes and the conduct of information dissemination campaigns and voters' education; 30 percent shall be proportionately and ratably distributed to APPs represented in the Senate based on the number of seats obtained in the most recent general elections.
Likewise, 65 percent shall be proportionately and ratably distributed to APPs in the House of Representatives based on the number of seats obtained in the most recent general elections.
It also provides that disclosure and performance monitoring under this Act shall consist of the following: (a) the Commission on Audit (COA) shall examine the financial reports of the APPs on their use of the State subsidy; (b) APPs shall institute internal control mechanisms to promote accountability and transparency and (c) officials of every APP shall submit a sworn statement of their assets and liabilities to the Commission which shall be made available to the public at least six months before elections.
HB 6551 shall apply to political parties duly registered with and certified to as such by the Commission on Elections. Parties are also mandated to craft clear policy agenda and program of governance consistent with their party philosophy and ideals. Each party is also mandated to formulate a system on nomination and selection of candidates, in which all party members are involved.
Another vital provision is that voluntary contributions to any APP shall be up to P1-million if from a natural person, and up to P10-million if from a juridical person. Any contribution in cash or in kind to a political party for campaign purposes, duly reported to the Commission, shall be exempt from donor's tax.
The bill provides that the amount of P500-million is appropriated out of the funds of the National Treasury not otherwise appropriated, and the amount of P350-million shall be appropriated every year thereafter.
The Comelec and the Department of Budget and Management shall promulgate guidelines to facilitate the release of the funds to every APP, and for the Comelec to promulgate the necessary rules and regulations to effectively implement the provisions of the proposed Act. - Dionisio P. Tubianosa, Media Relations Service
House Bill 6551, known as "An Act Strengthening the Political Party System, appropriating funds therefor and for other purposes," was steered through plenary by the Committee on Suffrage and Electoral Reforms chaired by Rep. Elpidio Barzaga, Jr.
The bill consolidated three original measures, House Bill 49, House Bill 403 and House Bill 159, which were authored by Reps. Rufus Rodriguez (2nd District, Cagayan de Oro City), Juan Edgardo Angara (Lone District, Aurora), Maximo Rodriguez (Party-list, Abante Mindanao), Raymond Democrito Mendoza (Party-list, TUCP) and Arthur Yap (3rd District, Bohol), respectively.
"We have to institutionalize and strengthen our political parties by introducing reforms in campaign financing through effective and transparent mechanisms to level the playing field and eliminate opportunities for corruption," the authors stressed.
The proposed Political Party Development Act of 2012 mandates that a State subsidy be created to augment the operating funds of the Accredited National Political Parties (APPs) and shall be used directly and exclusively for party development and campaign expenditures.
These expenditures include party administration, recruitment and civic education, research and policy development, education and training of members, institution-building and constituent outreach programs, other reasonable logistical and operational expenses that are essential in strengthening the party, operating and traveling expenses, information dissemination, advocacy campaigns, production and distribution of electoral paraphernalia and other expenditures under Section 102 of the Omnibus Election Code.
The bill also provides that criteria for eligibility to receive the said fund are based on political representation, organizational strength and mobilization capability, performance and track record of the party.
The total amount of state subsidy fund shall be distributed as follows: 5 percent shall be used exclusively for monitoring purposes and the conduct of information dissemination campaigns and voters' education; 30 percent shall be proportionately and ratably distributed to APPs represented in the Senate based on the number of seats obtained in the most recent general elections.
Likewise, 65 percent shall be proportionately and ratably distributed to APPs in the House of Representatives based on the number of seats obtained in the most recent general elections.
It also provides that disclosure and performance monitoring under this Act shall consist of the following: (a) the Commission on Audit (COA) shall examine the financial reports of the APPs on their use of the State subsidy; (b) APPs shall institute internal control mechanisms to promote accountability and transparency and (c) officials of every APP shall submit a sworn statement of their assets and liabilities to the Commission which shall be made available to the public at least six months before elections.
HB 6551 shall apply to political parties duly registered with and certified to as such by the Commission on Elections. Parties are also mandated to craft clear policy agenda and program of governance consistent with their party philosophy and ideals. Each party is also mandated to formulate a system on nomination and selection of candidates, in which all party members are involved.
Another vital provision is that voluntary contributions to any APP shall be up to P1-million if from a natural person, and up to P10-million if from a juridical person. Any contribution in cash or in kind to a political party for campaign purposes, duly reported to the Commission, shall be exempt from donor's tax.
The bill provides that the amount of P500-million is appropriated out of the funds of the National Treasury not otherwise appropriated, and the amount of P350-million shall be appropriated every year thereafter.
The Comelec and the Department of Budget and Management shall promulgate guidelines to facilitate the release of the funds to every APP, and for the Comelec to promulgate the necessary rules and regulations to effectively implement the provisions of the proposed Act. - Dionisio P. Tubianosa, Media Relations Service
Wednesday, July 25, 2012
Bill creating a magna carta for workers in the informal economy
A magna carta for workers in the informal economy who were described as one of the "most neglected sector of the society" has been filed at the House of Representatives.
Rep. Raymond Democrito Mendoza (Party-list, TUCP) authored House Bill 6182 to give full protection by establishing an institutional mechanism for the informal sector.
Mendoza said the informal sector could be found in every sector of the economy including commerce, agriculture, construction, transportation, manufacturing and services.
The bill identifies the informal sector as the ordinary farmers, fisherfolk, home-based workers, industrial home-based workers, self-employed, vendors, drivers, operators of jeepney and tricycles, domestic helpers, small scale miners, workers of barangay micro business enterprises, waste pickers and recyclers, on-call workers, volunteer workers, unpaid family workers and seasonally hired workers.
Data from the National Statistics Office (NSO) shows the sector accounts for 99.2 percent of all establishments in the country, with a population of 16 million in 2005.
Mendoza said informal employment is often casual, irregular or seasonal implying frequent changes of workplaces and employers.
Under the bill, Mendoza said the informal workers will have a right to living wages, equal opportunities for promotion, safe and healthy working conditions, maternity protection and self-organization.
The bill mandates the state to extend social security protection under the Social Security System (SSS) to all workers and their beneficiaries against hazards of disability, sickness, maternity, old age, death, unemployment and other contingencies resulting in loss of income or financial burden.
Volunteer workers of government instrumentalities shall be covered by the Government Service Insurance System (GSIS) and be entitled to at least a minimum package of customized products, services and benefits.
The bill provides that all working arrangements entered into by workers in the informal economy shall be in accordance with the minimum applicable labor and social standards.
In cases wherein minors are contracted with, the negotiated contract shall be signed in his or her behalf by their parents or guardians.
The bill allows the employment of children 15 to 17 years of age provided that parental or legal guardian consent can be presented by any representative of the local government unit or a duly elected barangay official.
The bill prohibits the following: forced night work, bonded labor, labor-only contracting, recruitment and finder’s fees as well as hazardous work and conditions.
The bill provides that the normal hours of work shall be set at 8 hours per day, exclusive of one hour breaks each for breakfast, lunch and dinner. They are also entitled to a P1,000 clothing allowance.
The bill will create the Informal Economy Development Authority (IEDA), the primary agency that will act as a one-stop shop to facilitate and coordinate national efforts to promote the informal economy's viability and growth. It shall also perform as a regulatory and quasi-judicial body.
The IEDA shall have a chairman with the rank of cabinet secretary. Its members will be the secretaries of the Departments of Labor and Employment, Trade and Industry, Agriculture, Agrarian Reform, Social Welfare and Development, Health, Interior and Local Government, Finance, the heads of the National Economic and Development Authority, National Anti-Poverty Commission, Technical Education and Skills Development Authority, Development Bank of the Philippines, Land Bank of the Philippines, Social Security System, Philhealth, National Commission on the Role of Filipino Women and the Housing and Urban Development Coordinating Council.
Likewise, the bill shall also create the Workers in the Informal Economy Local Development Office (WIELDO) in every province. It will prepare an overall development plan and work program to address the needs of the workers in the informal economy in the region, province, city, municipal and barangay levels.
Under the bill, 10 percent of the annual national budget shall be appropriated for programs and services for workers in the informal economy to be implemented by the proposed Informal Economy Development Authority (IEDA) and Workers in the Informal Economy and Local Development Office (WIELDO).
The bill imposes one month to six months imprisonment and a fine of P20,000 to violators. - Jazmin S. Camero, MRS-PRIB
Rep. Raymond Democrito Mendoza (Party-list, TUCP) authored House Bill 6182 to give full protection by establishing an institutional mechanism for the informal sector.
"The informal sectors are more easily found in exploitative conditions. They are excluded from the protective scope of laws and regulations," Mendoza said.
Mendoza said the informal sector could be found in every sector of the economy including commerce, agriculture, construction, transportation, manufacturing and services.
The bill identifies the informal sector as the ordinary farmers, fisherfolk, home-based workers, industrial home-based workers, self-employed, vendors, drivers, operators of jeepney and tricycles, domestic helpers, small scale miners, workers of barangay micro business enterprises, waste pickers and recyclers, on-call workers, volunteer workers, unpaid family workers and seasonally hired workers.
Data from the National Statistics Office (NSO) shows the sector accounts for 99.2 percent of all establishments in the country, with a population of 16 million in 2005.
Mendoza said informal employment is often casual, irregular or seasonal implying frequent changes of workplaces and employers.
Under the bill, Mendoza said the informal workers will have a right to living wages, equal opportunities for promotion, safe and healthy working conditions, maternity protection and self-organization.
The bill mandates the state to extend social security protection under the Social Security System (SSS) to all workers and their beneficiaries against hazards of disability, sickness, maternity, old age, death, unemployment and other contingencies resulting in loss of income or financial burden.
Volunteer workers of government instrumentalities shall be covered by the Government Service Insurance System (GSIS) and be entitled to at least a minimum package of customized products, services and benefits.
The bill provides that all working arrangements entered into by workers in the informal economy shall be in accordance with the minimum applicable labor and social standards.
In cases wherein minors are contracted with, the negotiated contract shall be signed in his or her behalf by their parents or guardians.
The bill allows the employment of children 15 to 17 years of age provided that parental or legal guardian consent can be presented by any representative of the local government unit or a duly elected barangay official.
The bill prohibits the following: forced night work, bonded labor, labor-only contracting, recruitment and finder’s fees as well as hazardous work and conditions.
The bill provides that the normal hours of work shall be set at 8 hours per day, exclusive of one hour breaks each for breakfast, lunch and dinner. They are also entitled to a P1,000 clothing allowance.
The bill will create the Informal Economy Development Authority (IEDA), the primary agency that will act as a one-stop shop to facilitate and coordinate national efforts to promote the informal economy's viability and growth. It shall also perform as a regulatory and quasi-judicial body.
The IEDA shall have a chairman with the rank of cabinet secretary. Its members will be the secretaries of the Departments of Labor and Employment, Trade and Industry, Agriculture, Agrarian Reform, Social Welfare and Development, Health, Interior and Local Government, Finance, the heads of the National Economic and Development Authority, National Anti-Poverty Commission, Technical Education and Skills Development Authority, Development Bank of the Philippines, Land Bank of the Philippines, Social Security System, Philhealth, National Commission on the Role of Filipino Women and the Housing and Urban Development Coordinating Council.
Likewise, the bill shall also create the Workers in the Informal Economy Local Development Office (WIELDO) in every province. It will prepare an overall development plan and work program to address the needs of the workers in the informal economy in the region, province, city, municipal and barangay levels.
Under the bill, 10 percent of the annual national budget shall be appropriated for programs and services for workers in the informal economy to be implemented by the proposed Informal Economy Development Authority (IEDA) and Workers in the Informal Economy and Local Development Office (WIELDO).
The bill imposes one month to six months imprisonment and a fine of P20,000 to violators. - Jazmin S. Camero, MRS-PRIB
Tuesday, June 26, 2012
TUCP files bill giving benefits to street vendors, drivers, tailors, others
 |
| A new bill seeks to protect and give benefits to street vendors and workers who are part of the informal economy. INQUIRER FILE PHOTO |
The Trade Union Congress Party (TUCP) said in a statement released Monday that it has filed House Bill No. 6182 proposing a “Magna Carta for Workers in the Informal Economy” that aims to help “street vendors, tricycle and jeepney drivers, garment tailors and sewers, pastry-makers, jewelry, handicrafts and ready-to-wear direct selling.”
“Informal economy workers can be found in every sector of our economy, either in production, commerce, agriculture, trade and services,” TUCP said.
The TUCP, citing data from the National Statistics Office, said that as of 2005 the informal economy “accounted for one-third of the country’s non-agricultural Gross Domestic Product and their share of employment was estimated at 17 million.”
TUCP Representative Raymond Mendoza, who is the main author of the bill, said that “these informal workers’ are the most vulnerable to exploitation and subject to poor working conditions specifically safe and healthy standards.”
Mendoza said that informal workers are “victimized by kotong [and] abuses” and they do not have social protection. “They also lack access to needed capital and technology,” he added.
“The situation of the informal sector workers’ can be remedied if only they will be included in the protective scope of the laws and subsequent regulations,” Mendoza said.
TUCP said that the bill aims to “establish an institutional mechanism at the national and local level” to improve “efforts in sustaining the growth and viability of the informal sector.”
It added that the bill will uplift the workers and their interests by allowing the appropriate government agencies to respond to their needs and allocate resources for them.
“It is about time that our workers in the informal economy be given due recognition and afforded full protection by the state considering their significant contribution in our national economy,” Mendoza said.
“We need to make sure that workers in the informal economy are workers and should be afforded with equal rights and recognition by law. It is imperative that appropriate programs and services be extended to them,” he said. - Matikas Santos @MSantosINQ INQUIRER.net
Monday, June 4, 2012
House approves creation of Philippine Trade Representative Office
The House of Representatives has approved on third and final reading a bill creating the Philippine Trade Representative Office which is principally responsible for monitoring and maintaining a cohesive and coherent trade policy vis-a -vis the country's national interest.
House Bill 5977, authored by Reps. Lorenzo Tañada III (4th District, Quezon), Henry Pryde Teves (3rd District, Negros Oriental) and Karlo Alexei Nograles (1st District, Davao City), aims to ensure greater accountability of trade negotiators with regard to trade and investment agreements.
Tañada said the Trade Office shall lead, direct, formulate and coordinate government agencies towards formulating coherent and cohesive policies, positions and measures and conduct regular stakeholders' consultations with respect to international trade and investment relations and negotiations.
"The creation of the Trade Office will beef up the country's negotiating capacity by building up databases, trade intelligence work, having solid research analysts and a legal team," Tañada said.
Teves said the Trade Office will put in place mandatory consultative mechanisms for greater participation of the private sector as well as civil society organizations in trade negotiations.
"Over the years, the Philippines has entered into 37 Bilateral Investment Promotion and Protection Agreements, 38 Bilateral Agreements and other multilateral and regional trade agreements while other agreements are still in the process of negotiations. With the potential increase in the number of trade negotiations, it is imperative that the Philippines is equipped with the necessary resources and capability to engage in all trade discussions," Teves said.
Nograles said the Trade Office will provide closer coordination between the Philippine Trade Representative, the various departments involved and Congress.
"Congress will be involved in formulating a negotiating mandate before any negotiations take place," Nograles said.
Under the measure to be known as the "Charter of the Philippine Trade Representative Office," the Trade Office shall be headed by the Philippine Trade Representative who shall be appointed by the President and confirmed by the Commission on Appointments.
The bill provides that the Trade Office shall negotiate trade and investment agreements on the basis of the Philippine Constitution and other laws, and will represents the country in all international trade negotiations.
Under the bill, the Tariff and Related Matters Committee (TRMC) together with the Technical Committee on World Trade Organization (WTO) Matters shall continue to function for six months until the Office of the Philippine Trade Representative is set up whichever comes earlier, after which they shall cease to function.
Co-authors of the measure are Reps. Cesar Jalosjos (3rd District, Zamboanga del Norte), Albert Raymond Garcia (2nd District, Bataan), Joseph Emilio Abaya (1st District, Cavite), Arthur Defensor, Jr. (3rd District, Iloilo), Jorge Almonte (1st District, Misamis Occidental), Ma. Amelita Calimbas-Villarosa (Lone District, Occidental Mindoro), Mary Mitzi Cajayon (2nd District, Caloocan City), Salvador Escudero III (1st District, Sorsogon), Aurelio Gonzales, Jr. (3rd District, Pampanga), Emil Ong (2nd District, Northern Samar), Erico Aumentado (2nd District, Bohol), Florencio Flores, Jr. (2nd District, Bukidnon), Emerenciana de Jesus (Party-list, Gabriela), Jesus Sacdalan (1st District, North Cotabato), Teddy Casiño (Party-list, Bayan Muna), Pedro Pancho (2nd District, Bulacan), Deogracias Ramos, Jr. (2nd District, Sorsogon), Agapito Guanlao (Party-list, Butil), Guillermo Romarate, Jr. (2nd District, Surigao del Norte), Maria Evita Arago (3rd District, Laguna), Arnel Ty (Paty-list, LPGMA), Rufus Rodriguez (2nd District, Cagayan de Oro City), Scott Davies Lanete, M.D. (3rd District, Masbate), Romeo Jalosjos, Jr. (2nd District, Zamboanga Sibugay), Pastor Alcover, Jr. (Party-list, ANAD), Rodolfo Antonino (4th District, Nueva Ecija), Rodel Batocabe (Party-list, Ako Bicol), Alfredo Garbin, Jr. (Party-list, Ako Bicol), Danilo Ramon Fernandez (1st District, Laguna), Rodolfo Valencia (1st District, Oriental Mindoro), Ma. Theresa Bonoan-David (4th District, Manila), Anthony Rolando Golez (Lone District, Bacolod City), Cesar Sarmiento (Lone District, Catanduanes), Jocelyn Limkaichong (1st District, Negros Oriental), Fernando Gonzalez (3rd District, Albay), Henedina Abad (Lone District, Batanes), Cresente Paez (Party-list, COOP-NATCCO), Joel Roy Duavit (1st District, Rizal), Jerry Treñas (Lone District, Iloilo City), Pedro Acharon, Jr. (1st District, South Cotabato and General Santos City), Irvin Alcala (2nd Dsitrict, Quezon), Teoderico Haresco, Jr. (Party-list, Ang Kasangga), Elmer Panotes (2nd District, Camarines Norte), Angelo Palmones (Party-list, AGHAM), Nur-Ana Sahidulla (2nd District, Sulu), Ben Evardone (Lone District, Eastern Samar), Victor Yu (1st District, Zamboanga del Sur), Paolo Javier (Lone District, Antique), Raymond Democrito Mendoza (Party-list, TUCP), Rommel Amatong (2nd District, Compostela Valley), Jim Hataman-Salliman (Lone District, Basilan), Jonathan Cabilao-Yambao (1st District, Zamboanga Sibugay), Vincent Crisologo (1st District, Quezon City), Rolando Andaya, Jr. (1st District, Camarines Sur), Ma. Angelica Amante-Matba (2nd District, Agusan del Norte), Antonio Alvarez (1st District, Palawan), Florencio Garay (2nd District, Surigao del Sur), David Kho (Party-list, Senior Citizens), Josefina Joson (1st District, Nueva Ecija), Wilfrido Mark Enverga (1st District, Quezon), Nicanor Briones (Party-list, Agap), Peter “Sr. Pedro†Unabia (1st District, Misamis Oriental), Czarina Umali (3rd District, Nueva Ecija), Randolph Ting (3rd District, Cagayan), Imelda Quibranza-Dimaporo (1st District, Lanao del Norte), Tomas Osmeña (2nd District, Cebu City), Evelyn Mellana (2nd District, Agusan del Sur), Joseph Victor Ejercito (Lone District, San Juan City), Jeffrey Ferrer (4th District, Negros Occidental), Rene Relampagos (1st District, Bohol), Teddy Baguilat, Jr. (Lone District, Ifugao), Franklin Bautista (2nd District, Davao del Sur), Kimi Cojuangco (5th District, Pangasinan), Ronald Cosalan (Lone District, Benguet), Joaquin Carlos Rahman Nava (Lone District, Guimaras), Gabriel Luis Quisumbing (6th District, Cebu), Herminia Roman (1st District, Bataan), Victor Ortega (1st District, La Union), Juan Ponce-Enrile, Jr. (1st District, Cagayan), Augusto Boboy Syjuco (2nd District, Iloilo) and Pedro Romualdo (Lone District, Camigun). - Lorelei V. Castillo, MRS-PRIB
House Bill 5977, authored by Reps. Lorenzo Tañada III (4th District, Quezon), Henry Pryde Teves (3rd District, Negros Oriental) and Karlo Alexei Nograles (1st District, Davao City), aims to ensure greater accountability of trade negotiators with regard to trade and investment agreements.
Tañada said the Trade Office shall lead, direct, formulate and coordinate government agencies towards formulating coherent and cohesive policies, positions and measures and conduct regular stakeholders' consultations with respect to international trade and investment relations and negotiations.
"The creation of the Trade Office will beef up the country's negotiating capacity by building up databases, trade intelligence work, having solid research analysts and a legal team," Tañada said.
Teves said the Trade Office will put in place mandatory consultative mechanisms for greater participation of the private sector as well as civil society organizations in trade negotiations.
"Over the years, the Philippines has entered into 37 Bilateral Investment Promotion and Protection Agreements, 38 Bilateral Agreements and other multilateral and regional trade agreements while other agreements are still in the process of negotiations. With the potential increase in the number of trade negotiations, it is imperative that the Philippines is equipped with the necessary resources and capability to engage in all trade discussions," Teves said.
Nograles said the Trade Office will provide closer coordination between the Philippine Trade Representative, the various departments involved and Congress.
"Congress will be involved in formulating a negotiating mandate before any negotiations take place," Nograles said.
Under the measure to be known as the "Charter of the Philippine Trade Representative Office," the Trade Office shall be headed by the Philippine Trade Representative who shall be appointed by the President and confirmed by the Commission on Appointments.
The bill provides that the Trade Office shall negotiate trade and investment agreements on the basis of the Philippine Constitution and other laws, and will represents the country in all international trade negotiations.
Under the bill, the Tariff and Related Matters Committee (TRMC) together with the Technical Committee on World Trade Organization (WTO) Matters shall continue to function for six months until the Office of the Philippine Trade Representative is set up whichever comes earlier, after which they shall cease to function.
Co-authors of the measure are Reps. Cesar Jalosjos (3rd District, Zamboanga del Norte), Albert Raymond Garcia (2nd District, Bataan), Joseph Emilio Abaya (1st District, Cavite), Arthur Defensor, Jr. (3rd District, Iloilo), Jorge Almonte (1st District, Misamis Occidental), Ma. Amelita Calimbas-Villarosa (Lone District, Occidental Mindoro), Mary Mitzi Cajayon (2nd District, Caloocan City), Salvador Escudero III (1st District, Sorsogon), Aurelio Gonzales, Jr. (3rd District, Pampanga), Emil Ong (2nd District, Northern Samar), Erico Aumentado (2nd District, Bohol), Florencio Flores, Jr. (2nd District, Bukidnon), Emerenciana de Jesus (Party-list, Gabriela), Jesus Sacdalan (1st District, North Cotabato), Teddy Casiño (Party-list, Bayan Muna), Pedro Pancho (2nd District, Bulacan), Deogracias Ramos, Jr. (2nd District, Sorsogon), Agapito Guanlao (Party-list, Butil), Guillermo Romarate, Jr. (2nd District, Surigao del Norte), Maria Evita Arago (3rd District, Laguna), Arnel Ty (Paty-list, LPGMA), Rufus Rodriguez (2nd District, Cagayan de Oro City), Scott Davies Lanete, M.D. (3rd District, Masbate), Romeo Jalosjos, Jr. (2nd District, Zamboanga Sibugay), Pastor Alcover, Jr. (Party-list, ANAD), Rodolfo Antonino (4th District, Nueva Ecija), Rodel Batocabe (Party-list, Ako Bicol), Alfredo Garbin, Jr. (Party-list, Ako Bicol), Danilo Ramon Fernandez (1st District, Laguna), Rodolfo Valencia (1st District, Oriental Mindoro), Ma. Theresa Bonoan-David (4th District, Manila), Anthony Rolando Golez (Lone District, Bacolod City), Cesar Sarmiento (Lone District, Catanduanes), Jocelyn Limkaichong (1st District, Negros Oriental), Fernando Gonzalez (3rd District, Albay), Henedina Abad (Lone District, Batanes), Cresente Paez (Party-list, COOP-NATCCO), Joel Roy Duavit (1st District, Rizal), Jerry Treñas (Lone District, Iloilo City), Pedro Acharon, Jr. (1st District, South Cotabato and General Santos City), Irvin Alcala (2nd Dsitrict, Quezon), Teoderico Haresco, Jr. (Party-list, Ang Kasangga), Elmer Panotes (2nd District, Camarines Norte), Angelo Palmones (Party-list, AGHAM), Nur-Ana Sahidulla (2nd District, Sulu), Ben Evardone (Lone District, Eastern Samar), Victor Yu (1st District, Zamboanga del Sur), Paolo Javier (Lone District, Antique), Raymond Democrito Mendoza (Party-list, TUCP), Rommel Amatong (2nd District, Compostela Valley), Jim Hataman-Salliman (Lone District, Basilan), Jonathan Cabilao-Yambao (1st District, Zamboanga Sibugay), Vincent Crisologo (1st District, Quezon City), Rolando Andaya, Jr. (1st District, Camarines Sur), Ma. Angelica Amante-Matba (2nd District, Agusan del Norte), Antonio Alvarez (1st District, Palawan), Florencio Garay (2nd District, Surigao del Sur), David Kho (Party-list, Senior Citizens), Josefina Joson (1st District, Nueva Ecija), Wilfrido Mark Enverga (1st District, Quezon), Nicanor Briones (Party-list, Agap), Peter “Sr. Pedro†Unabia (1st District, Misamis Oriental), Czarina Umali (3rd District, Nueva Ecija), Randolph Ting (3rd District, Cagayan), Imelda Quibranza-Dimaporo (1st District, Lanao del Norte), Tomas Osmeña (2nd District, Cebu City), Evelyn Mellana (2nd District, Agusan del Sur), Joseph Victor Ejercito (Lone District, San Juan City), Jeffrey Ferrer (4th District, Negros Occidental), Rene Relampagos (1st District, Bohol), Teddy Baguilat, Jr. (Lone District, Ifugao), Franklin Bautista (2nd District, Davao del Sur), Kimi Cojuangco (5th District, Pangasinan), Ronald Cosalan (Lone District, Benguet), Joaquin Carlos Rahman Nava (Lone District, Guimaras), Gabriel Luis Quisumbing (6th District, Cebu), Herminia Roman (1st District, Bataan), Victor Ortega (1st District, La Union), Juan Ponce-Enrile, Jr. (1st District, Cagayan), Augusto Boboy Syjuco (2nd District, Iloilo) and Pedro Romualdo (Lone District, Camigun). - Lorelei V. Castillo, MRS-PRIB
Tuesday, March 27, 2012
Committee on Ways and Means approves tax provision of Student Loan Program bill
The House Committee on Ways and Means has approved a tax provision of the proposed Student Loan Program Act that aims to help poor but deserving students finish their college and post-graduate degrees through the availment of loans.
Rep. Isidro Ungab (3rd District, Davao City), committee chairman, said the panel's support for the measure is a big victory for students who want to avail of loan programs to complete their college education or degrees.
This shall also ensure that education is made accessible to all according to Ungab.
Section 10 of the unnumbered substitute bill to House Bill 1876 provides that "For any loan procured under the Student Loan Program Act, lenders shall charge an interest based on the prevailing 91-day Treasury Bill rate at the time of release of the loan to be paid by the student borrower." It also provides that such loans shall be exempted from payment of documentary tax.
Prior to its referral to the Committee on Ways and Means, the bill was approved by the Committee on Higher and Technical Education chaired by Rep. Juan Edgardo Angara (Lone District, Aurora).
Rep. Rufus Rodriguez (2nd District, Cagayan de Oro City) assuaged the fear of finance officials that the loan program could saddle many students with loans to pay after graduation just like their counterparts in the United States.
Based on his experience when he took up his master's degree at the Columbia Law School in the US, Rodriguez said many of his classmates were scholars and grantees of federal loans.
"The repayment scheme is good. In fact, the program has been going on for the past 30 years. The proposed student loan program has to be implemented otherwise many of our deserving students won't be able to finish college simply because they don't have the money while scholarship fund from the government is miniscule. The CHED is only giving P5,000 per year or P2,500 per semester. How can our poor students finish college?," said Rodriguez.
The proposed Student Loan Program Act aims to assist eligible students to obtain post-secondary technical or vocational certificates or diplomas in tech/voc institutes and colleges, and post-graduate degrees in higher education institutions by encouraging banks and government financial institutions to lend money to eligible students to be repaid in installments, at least 24 months after the student graduates or leaves the educational institution.
The loan shall cover the cost of the entire program offered by the higher educational institution (HEI) or tech-voc institute, including, but not limited to, tuition and miscellaneous fees. Provided that adjustments shall be made in case of increase in tuition and miscellaneous fees. It shall likewise include an amount for cost of attendance covering necessary expenses of the student for books, food, transportation, board and lodging, and a reasonable allowance for projects and other school requirements.
The substitute bill is authored by Reps. Roman Romulo (Lone District, Pasig City), Angara, Emil Ong (2nd District, Northern Samar), Mariano Piamonte, Jr. (Party-list, A Teacher), Eulogio “Amang†Magsaysay (Party-list, AVE), Pedro Romualdo (Lone District, Camiguin), Eduardo Gullas (1st District, Cebu), Cesar Sarmiento (Lone District, Catanduanes), Florencio Flores, Jr. (2nd District, Bukidnon), Raymond Democrito Mendoza (Party-list, TUCP), Sigfrido Tinga (2nd District, Taguig City) and Pryde Henry Teves (3rd District, Negros Oriental), and co-authored by members of the Committee on Ways and Means. - Rowena B. Bundang, MRS-PRIB
Rep. Isidro Ungab (3rd District, Davao City), committee chairman, said the panel's support for the measure is a big victory for students who want to avail of loan programs to complete their college education or degrees.
This shall also ensure that education is made accessible to all according to Ungab.
Section 10 of the unnumbered substitute bill to House Bill 1876 provides that "For any loan procured under the Student Loan Program Act, lenders shall charge an interest based on the prevailing 91-day Treasury Bill rate at the time of release of the loan to be paid by the student borrower." It also provides that such loans shall be exempted from payment of documentary tax.
Prior to its referral to the Committee on Ways and Means, the bill was approved by the Committee on Higher and Technical Education chaired by Rep. Juan Edgardo Angara (Lone District, Aurora).
Rep. Rufus Rodriguez (2nd District, Cagayan de Oro City) assuaged the fear of finance officials that the loan program could saddle many students with loans to pay after graduation just like their counterparts in the United States.
Based on his experience when he took up his master's degree at the Columbia Law School in the US, Rodriguez said many of his classmates were scholars and grantees of federal loans.
"The repayment scheme is good. In fact, the program has been going on for the past 30 years. The proposed student loan program has to be implemented otherwise many of our deserving students won't be able to finish college simply because they don't have the money while scholarship fund from the government is miniscule. The CHED is only giving P5,000 per year or P2,500 per semester. How can our poor students finish college?," said Rodriguez.
The proposed Student Loan Program Act aims to assist eligible students to obtain post-secondary technical or vocational certificates or diplomas in tech/voc institutes and colleges, and post-graduate degrees in higher education institutions by encouraging banks and government financial institutions to lend money to eligible students to be repaid in installments, at least 24 months after the student graduates or leaves the educational institution.
The loan shall cover the cost of the entire program offered by the higher educational institution (HEI) or tech-voc institute, including, but not limited to, tuition and miscellaneous fees. Provided that adjustments shall be made in case of increase in tuition and miscellaneous fees. It shall likewise include an amount for cost of attendance covering necessary expenses of the student for books, food, transportation, board and lodging, and a reasonable allowance for projects and other school requirements.
The substitute bill is authored by Reps. Roman Romulo (Lone District, Pasig City), Angara, Emil Ong (2nd District, Northern Samar), Mariano Piamonte, Jr. (Party-list, A Teacher), Eulogio “Amang†Magsaysay (Party-list, AVE), Pedro Romualdo (Lone District, Camiguin), Eduardo Gullas (1st District, Cebu), Cesar Sarmiento (Lone District, Catanduanes), Florencio Flores, Jr. (2nd District, Bukidnon), Raymond Democrito Mendoza (Party-list, TUCP), Sigfrido Tinga (2nd District, Taguig City) and Pryde Henry Teves (3rd District, Negros Oriental), and co-authored by members of the Committee on Ways and Means. - Rowena B. Bundang, MRS-PRIB
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)