The House of Representatives has approved on third and final reading a proposed measure that is designed to level the playing field among all candidates and political parties during elections.
House Bill 6551, also known as Political Party Development Act of 2012, seeks to strengthen the country's political party system.
"We have to veer away from politics of patronage and money. We have to grow as a nation and center our politics on issues and political platforms," the authors said.
Authors include Reps. Juan Edgardo Angara (Lone District, Aurora), Rufus Rodriguez (2nd District, Cagayan de Oro City), Maximo Rodriguez, Jr. (Party-list, Abante Mindanao), Raymond Democrito Mendoza (Party-list, TUCP) and Arthur Yap (3rd District, Bohol).
"We have to institutionalize and strengthen our political parties by introducing reforms in campaign financing through effective and transparent mechanism to level the playing field and eliminate opportunities for corruption," the authors said.
The proposed Political Party Development Act 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.
Covered expenditures include party administration, recruitment and civic education, research and policy development, education and training of members, institution-building and constituent outreach programs, and other reasonable logistical and operational expenses that are essential in strengthening the party.
Also included are 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 measure provides that the criteria for eligibility to receive the said funds 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% shall be used exclusively for monitoring purposes and the conduct of information dissemination campaigns and voters’ education; 30% 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% 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.
The proposed Act also prescribes that the system for disclosure and monitoring with the Commission on Audit playing a vital role is examining the financial reports of the APPs on their use of State subsidy. It also provides that officials of every APP shall submit a sworn statement of their assets and liabilities to the COA, which shall be made available to the public at least six (6) months before elections.
The Act shall apply to political parties 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.
Under the Act, 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 further 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 the 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
Thursday, January 10, 2013
Saturday, October 27, 2012
House okays bill strengthening the political party system
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
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
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
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