Vol. II No. 92

January 28, 2021

A publication of the Committee Affairs Department Department

18th Congress Second Regular Session

COMMITTEE MEETINGS ON HOUSE MEASURES

COMMITTEE

MEASURES

SUBJECT MATTER ACTION TAKEN/DISCUSSION NO.

PRINCIPAL AUTHOR

Agriculture and Food jt. w/ North Luzon Growth Quadrangle (Special Committee)

HR 1348 Speaker Velasco

Inquiry into the severe and unprecedented flooding in the Provinces of Cagayan and Isabela during the onslaught of Typhoon Ulysses

The joint Committee, co-presided by Rep. Wilfrido Mark Enverga (1st District, Quezon), Chair of the Committee on Agriculture and Food, and Rep. Joseph "Jojo" Lara (3rd District, Cagayan), Vice Chair of the Special Committee on North Luzon Growth Quadrangle, agreed to create a technical working group (TWG) to continue the inquiry into the massive and unprecedented flooding in the Provinces of Cagayan and Isabela. The aim of the inquiry is to determine and adopt appropriate interventions that will prevent similar disasters from happening in the future. At the outset, Rep. Enverga informed the body of the preliminary findings of the Joint Committee based on inputs gathered during its meeting held on November 24, 2020. He said that the discharge of water from the Magat Dam during Typhoon Ulysses was only one of the factors that caused the flooding in the Provinces of Cagayan and Isabela. Other major factors were the excessive and continuous rain causing the saturation of soil in large areas, massive siltation of the Cagayan River Basin, denuded mountains in the watershed areas as a result of illegal logging, mining and quarrying, and soil erosion due to deforestation. Among the recommendations of the Joint Committee to avert the repeat of a similar disaster were the drafting of an updated protocol system on dam management, creation of the Cagayan River Basin and Tributary Rehabilitation Plan, and replication of the plan in other river basin areas with similar flooding problems. Ifugao Rep. Solomon Chungalao suggested that an aerial inspection of the Magat Dam be conducted to find out the span of coverage of the dam which includes not only Cagayan and Isabela but also the neighboring provinces. He said this will give the Members a better perspective in coming up with flood control strategies. National Irrigation Administration (NIA) Administrator Ricardo Visaya mentioned the creation of a multi-agency TWG which task is to review existing protocols on water discharges from dams. The TWG is composed of NIA, Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG), Office of Civil Defense

HR 1345 Rep. Herrera-Dy

Investigation into the untimely and irresponsible opening of floodgates of dams and watersheds in Luzon during the onslaught of Typhoon Ulysses

HR 1369 Rep. Lara Inquiry into the massive flooding in the Province of Cagayan caused by Typhoon Ulysses and water released from the Magat Dam with the end goal of identifying needed infrastructure projects and government intervention programs to prevent similar disaster from happening again

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(OCD), National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC), Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA), and National Water Resources Board (NWRB). Visaya reported that the TWG already came up with an updated protocol on dam discharge and flood operations of Magat Dam. This protocol has two stages, before the onset of the typhoon and during the typhoon. In case there is an approaching typhoon, NIA coordinates with PAGASA to find out the date and time of the typhoon’s landfall including its speed, direction, and gustiness, and the regions that will be affected. According to Visaya, this will enable them to prepare well for possible water release from the dam. He added that instead of six hours, the issuance of announcement that water will be released from the dam will now be done 24 hours before the actual release. During this period, NIA will activate the warning stations and likewise disseminate the public announcement through text messages. National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA) Region II Director Dionisio Ledres Jr. presented the Cagayan Flood Mitigation and Rehabilitation Program. He said that flooding in the provinces of Cagayan and Isabela can be addressed through structural and vegetative measures. The program will undertake the following structural measures to ease the flow of water in the Cagayan River: removal and dredging of sandbars in the Cagayan River; desilting of the Magat Dam; construction of riverbank protection structures; channel widening and realignment; opening of secondary channels; and construction of dams, dikes, and small water impounding projects (SWIPs). SWIP is a water harvesting and storage structure consisting of an earth embankment spillway, outlet works, and canal facilities. For vegetative measures, Ledres explained that this will include the establishment of buffer zones (tree lanes/vegetation shields), further strengthening of the National Greening Program, and promotion of agroforestry and sloping agricultural land technology which help control soil erosion. He said that establishing tree lanes and vegetation shields along the riverbanks can reduce the currents during floods. In addition to these measures, Ledres proposed the upgrading of flood early warning devices, procurement of rescue vehicles, communication equipment, and dredging machinery and equipment by the local governments, and relocation of flooded

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communities to safer grounds and reacquiring the easement zones. Total investment requirement for the structural and vegetative measures for FY 2021-2025 will amount to P127.83 billion and P2.35 billion, respectively. Rep. France Castro (Party-List, ACT-TEACHERS) asked NEDA how much will be required for the resettlement of people living within the easement areas of the river. Ledres replied that NEDA still needs to assess the number of people who will be affected in order to come up with the proper budget proposal. Tuguegarao City Mayor Jefferson Soriano said that his city has set aside a budget for the relocation of families living in areas frequently affected by floods. OCD’s Policy Development and Planning Service Director Tecson John Lim expressed his support to NIA’s recommendations. He also suggested that Congress pass a law on dam safety protocol to ensure its enforcement. He likewise urged the strict implementation of land use ordinances and prevent people from settling in flood hazard areas. On the part of the Department of Agriculture (DA), Region II Executive Director Narciso Edillo informed the body that the DA’s implementation of structural, vegetative, and adaptive measures (outscaling and upscaling climate resilient agriculture) will require a budget of P673.07 million, P87.68 million, and P121.20 million, respectively. The resource persons were requested to submit a copy of their respective reports that were presented during the meeting.

Basic Education and Culture

HR 1176 Majority Leader Romualdez

Expressing the sense of the House of Representatives to nominate Ramon Revilla, Sr. for the National Artist Award for Film in recognition of his immense contributions to Philippine culture and the arts, specifically to Philippine entertainment industry

The Committee chaired by Pasig City Rep. Roman Romulo adopted HR 1176 subject to style. Cultural Center of the Philippines (CCP) Vice President and Artistic Director Chris Millado expressed his support to the resolution subject to the submission of the required documents for proper evaluation.

HB 6287 Rep. Salceda

Creating a network of Meister schools in the country

The Committee will prepare a substitute bill to HB 6287, taking into consideration the position papers of the Department of Education (DepEd), Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA), and other stakeholders. Rep. Joey Sarte Salceda (2nd District, Albay), author of HB 6287, said that the objective of his bill is to elevate the status of technical and vocational (tech-voc) education in the country

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and to have a large base of highly-skilled, highly-hirable tech-voc graduates without college degrees. The proposed law is patterned after the tech-voc schools in Korea that produce “meisters,” which is a German word meaning master craftsmen. It seeks to establish at least one senior high school to be known as “Meister School” in every region which shall be funded in the manner of national high schools. Meister schools shall offer courses for highly-specialized, higher-order industrial and technical skills with the goal of producing graduates who can find employment in highly-technical, high-skill functions in the manufacturing sector and other high-value industries such as energy, machinery, mechatronics, and telecommunications. Rep. France Castro (Party-List, ACT-TEACHERS) asked that the bill be studied further. She said that the objectives of the proposed law are already covered by the existing K-12 Program of the government. On the other hand, Rep. Romulo clarified that the proposed law will actually improve the K-12 Program as it will enhance access to affordable and competitive industrial schools and will promote technical and vocational education in the country. The establishment of Meister Schools will also bolster the existing linkages of TESDA with several industries. DepEd Undersecretary Tonisito Umali expressed his support to the bill. TESDA Planning Office Acting Executive Director Rosalina Constantino said that there was no mention of TESDA in any of the provisions of the bill. She suggested that TESDA be included in the Board of Trustees of each Meister School. However, she also requested that the proposed law be studied for any possible conflict with existing laws governing senior high schools in the country. DepEd and TESDA were requested to submit their respective position papers on the bill.

HB 7961 Rep. Zubiri

Protecting the mental health of K-12 students during the COVID-19 pandemic through scholastic leniency for the school year 2020-2021

The Committee decided to come up with a substitute resolution for the two measures, urging scholastic leniency and academic ease during the pandemic without sacrificing the quality of education of the students.

Rep. Castro and Baguio City Rep. Mark Go do not agree to the idea of adopting a “pass or drop” grading system in public and private education institutions in this time of pandemic. Instead of “drop,” the student may be given a grade of “incomplete” to allow him or her a chance to catch up on the lessons.

DepEd Assistant Secretary Alma Ruby Torio said that DepEd already recommended not to

HR 1383 Rep. Violago

Urging the DepEd and the Commission on Higher Education (CHED) to authorize and encourage all public and private educational institutions to adopt a "pass" or "drop" grading system by the end of the current school year 2020-2021 or current semester or equivalent academic period

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adopt a “pass or drop” assessment for grading the learners. In case a student fails, a program should be provided by the school wherein the student can catch up and comply with the academic requirements. Coordinating Council of Private Educational Associations (COCOPEA) Managing Director Joseph Noel Estrada said that he supports the call for scholastic leniency and academic ease during this pandemic.

HBs 7600 & 8293

Reps. Tambunting and Villafuerte

Establishing the Philippine High School for Creative Arts System and appropriating funds therefor

The Committee agreed to consolidate HBs 7600 and 8293 with the previously approved substitute bill on the Philippine High School for Creative Arts System Act.

HBs 8027 & 8329

Reps. Villafuerte and Cabochan

Strengthening the Philippine Public Library System, amending for the purpose RA 7743, or the law providing for the establishment of congressional, city, and municipal libraries and barangay reading centers throughout the Philippines

The Committee agreed to consolidate HBs 8027 and 8329 with the bills seeking to amend RA 7743 that were referred to a technical working group (TWG) for further deliberation.

HB 6405 Rep. Go (M.)

Abrogating the implementation of the mother tongue-based multilingual education for students in Kindergarten to Grade 3, amending for the purpose RA 10533, otherwise known as the Enhanced Basic Education Act of 2013

The Committee agreed to create a TWG to refine HB 6405. Rep. Go, who is the bill’s author, was designated as TWG Chair.

According to Rep. Go, his bill proposes the abrogation of the mandatory use of the regional language as the primary medium of instruction in Kindergarten to Grade 3, and to relegate regional languages as auxiliary medium of instruction as provided for by the Constitution. He explained that the mandatory use of the regional language instead of the widely understood Filipino or English has become difficult for teachers and learners alike. Rep. Go said that while it is recognized that the development of regional languages is essential in cultivating the national identity, it is the development of the learners that would suffer if the mandatory use of the mother tongue will be imposed. He explained that even the teachers themselves are not equipped to teach using the mother tongue and the learners are more competent in using Filipino or English. He added that these two languages remain to be the most widely used in commerce and mass media and that there are readily available instructional materials in Filipino and English which learners and teachers can use. The Cordillera Advocates for Real Education (CARE) gave its support to the bill while the DepEd said it will study further the proposed law so that it could provide the necessary inputs to improve the bill. UP Department of Linguistic Associate Professor Ricardo Nolasco argued that

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promoting the use of the mother tongue in schools can be pursued while at the same time intensifying the English curriculum. He said that there are highly developed countries in Asia that value English proficiency but still give high regard to their native languages. Meanwhile, DepEd Bureau of Curriculum Development (BCD) Director Jocelyn Andaya apprised the body that BCD conducted a series of seminars with the theme “Revisiting the Language Policies of Education,” the aim of which is to address issues related to the implementation of the mother tongue-based multilingual education. On the query of the Chair if there are textbooks and workbooks available in different mother tongue languages, Andaya replied that there are textbooks and workbooks printed already in 19 mother tongue languages. The DepEd was requested to furnish the Committee with copies of these textbooks and workbooks and to provide the list of regions that are already using these materials.

Creative Industry and Performing Arts (Special Committee)

HBs 1255 & 3630

Reps. Villafuerte and Nieto

Establishing a framework for film and television tourism in the Philippines, providing tax incentives, marketing the industry globally and providing employment for the sector

The Committee, chaired by Rep. Christopher de Venecia (4th District, Pangasinan), agreed to create a technical working group (TWG) to harmonize the provisions of the bills and to consolidate the same.

Rep. John Marvin "Yul Servo" Nieto (3rd District, Manila) was designated as head of the TWG.

Rep. De Venecia, who is also the author of HB 7634, spoke of the need to institutionalize the FPO to pave the way for the development of the film and television industry. The FPO shall be the catalyst in developing the country as a prime filming destination, he added.

According to Rep. De Venecia, HB 7634 also establishes a framework of incentives that will boost the country’s tourism by encouraging foreign film and movie producers and directors to stage the production of their films and other cinematographic and audiovisual works in the Philippines. A significant component of support shall also be extended to local film and television producers, Rep. De Venecia said.

Rep. Nieto, author of HB 3630, manifested that the explanatory note attached to his bill serves as his sponsorship speech. In his explanatory note, Rep. Nieto said that the proposed law will help the Philippines showcase its astounding world-class tourist destinations; further promote tourism in the country; and provide local filmmakers, production houses, and technical crews their well-deserved recognition.

Film Development Council of the Philippines (FDCP) Chair and Chief Executive Officer

HB 7634 Rep. De Venecia

Providing for the promotion of film and television tourism, creating the Film Philippines Office (FPO), providing funds therefor

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Mary Liza Diño, apprised the Committee of the Council’s Film Location Incentive Program (FLIP,) the International Co-Production Fund (ICOF), and the ASEAN Co-Production Fund (ACOF). Diño said that the FLIP provides an incentive of 20% cash rebates for foreign productions that spend at least P8 million in the Philippines. Meanwhile, the ICOF and ACOF provide support and incentives to selected projects of eligible applicants with a cost of up to P10 million (or US$200,000) and P7.3 million (or US$146,000), respectively. Philippine Film Studios, Inc.’s chief Lope “Jun” Juban Jr. said that aside from the grant of incentives, other forms of assistance may prove to be more effective in developing and promoting the local film production industry. This may be by way of streamlining the requirements for work permits and lowering the costs for visa extensions for foreign crew members especially for most of the major projects. He added that this will all the more encourage foreign film production companies to collaborate with their local counterparts. Department of Tourism (DOT) Assistant Secretary Howard Lance Uyking noted that the Tourism Promotions Board is identified in HB 7634 as a source of funding for the implementation of the proposed law. Uyking suggested to look for alternative sources of funding because the agency has low revenues as a result of the pandemic. Department of Budget and Management (DBM) Assistant Director Jane Abella suggested that instead of creating another body, the proponents of the bills could look at the existing functions of the FDCP and incorporate additional functions in the existing structure. The DBM expressed willingness to increase the staff complement of the FDCP to operationalize this proposal. Department of Finance (DOF) Economist Khristine Racoma said that the tax and duty-free importation of filming equipment is already in Section 800 of RA 10863 or the Customs Modernization and Tariff Act. Some resource persons suggested that the tax incentive to be given to foreign production companies proposed under the bills should also be extended to local film producers. Department of Labor and Employment – Bureau of Local Employment (DOLE-BLE) supervisor Geraldine Labayani suggested that the bill should carry a provision that will prohibit foreign workers brought by foreign film producers to find local employment. Rep. De Venecia requested the resource persons to submit the following: guidelines in

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the provision of incentives by FDCP; data on films shot in regions, the support they got from local government units; and challenges faced by local production companies like ABS-CBN and Regal Films; data on the incentives given by the DTI and other agencies to film producers; and data on foreign trade agreements with regard to film from the DTI.

Disaster Resilience

Substitute Bill to HBs 2135, 3480, 5683 & 5646

Reps. Castelo, Mariño, Reyes, and Delos Santos

Mandating the participation of public and private establishments and facilities handling, storing, and transporting hazardous materials, and public and private educational institutions in the conduct of quarterly nationwide simultaneous earthquake drill, providing penalties for violations thereof

The Committee, chaired by Rep. Lucy Torres-Gomez (4th District, Leyte), approved the Committee Report on the Substitute Bill. At the outset, Rep. Torres-Gomez stated that the Committee has in its agenda for today’s meeting bills pertaining to the development of emergency preparedness and survival skills through the conduct of regular drills; and bills mandating language accessibility of disaster-related information. Rep. Allan Benedict Reyes (3rd District, Quezon City), author of HB 5683, said that with the country experiencing a lot of strong earthquakes in recent years, the need for increasing people’s awareness and enhancing the capacity of the government and the public to deal with natural disasters has never been more relevant. He said the government has exerted much effort to promote disaster preparedness through the conduct of regular earthquake drills and similar simulations. Despite this, he said, there is still a need for organized, government-initiated nationwide drills to strengthen and intensify the mechanisms that are already in place. National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council’s (NDRRMC) Director for Policy Development and Planning Service Tecson John Lim expressed support for the proposed law and said that the NDRRMC can provide technical assistance if needed. Department of Education’s (DepEd) Disaster Risk Reduction Management Service Director Ronilda Co likewise expressed her support for the bill. She informed the Committee that the DepEd already has mechanisms in place for the following areas: disaster risk reduction and management, climate change adaptation and mitigation, and education in emergencies related to armed conflict.

Both the NDRRMC and DepEd requested for the support of Congress in increasing their respective budgets for disaster preparedness activities.

HB 7519, in consolidation with HBs 8049 & 8325

Reps. Villafuerte, Tambunting, and Cabochan

Mandating the language accessibility of disaster-related information

The Committee approved the Committee Report on HB 7519 in consolidation with HBs 8049 and 8325, with amendments.

Rep. Joy Myra Tambunting (2nd District, Parañaque City), author of HB 8049, said that her bill seeks to require all agencies and local government units (LGUs) to translate to

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Filipino and all other appropriate regional languages all their announcements and issuances relevant to disasters or emergencies, whether national, provincial, city or municipal in scope. This is to allow the effective dissemination of information and to ensure people are able to prepare better for emergencies, disasters and calamities. Rep. Mohamad Khalid Dimaporo (1st District, Lanao del Norte) requested that local government agencies and units under the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM) be specified as being included in the coverage of the proposed law, to which the Committee agreed. Expressing support for the proposed law were NDRRMC Director Lim, Department of Social Welfare and Development’s (DSWD) Project Development Officer Hiasma Gani, Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) Deputy Administrator Landrico Dalida Jr., and Department of Health’s (DOH) Policy and Technology, Health Promotion and Communication Service head Rodley Carza. Dalida, however, informed the Committee that translating weather forecasts and announcements to regional languages, particularly in Mindanao, may pose a challenge to PAGASA since it lacks weather forecasters who are fluent in dialects used in the region. The DOH suggested that Filipino sign language be included in the required translations for the effective and inclusive dissemination of information especially during emergencies, disasters and calamities.

Higher and Technical Education

HB 8418 Deputy Speaker Rodriguez

Converting the Cagayan de Oro (Bugo) School of Arts and Trades (COBSAT) in the City of Cagayan de Oro, Province of Misamis Oriental, into a polytechnic institute to be known as the Cagayan de Oro Polytechnic Institute (COPI), and appropriating funds therefor

The Committee, chaired by Baguio City Rep. Mark Go, approved HB 8418.

HR 1485 Deputy Speaker Rodriguez

Congratulating and commending the 14 Philippine universities which brought pride and honor to the country by making it to the list of Asia’s Best Higher Education Institutions based on the latest Quacquarelli Symonds World University Rankings (Asia 2021)

The Committee adopted HR 1485.

HB 5645 Rep. Adiong

Renaming the Adiong Memorial Polytechnic State College (AMPSC) in the Municipality of Ditsaan Ramain, Province of Lanao Del Sur, as the Adiong Memorial State College, and extending the term of the Office of the President, amending for the purpose RA 8651 and RA 7935, and appropriating funds therefor

The Committee will deliberate further on HB 5645 in its next meeting. The Commission on Higher Education (CHED) expressed its support in renaming AMPSC to Adiong Memorial State College. With regard to the bill’s proposal to extend the term of office of the President of AMPSC, the

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Committee Members decided that it would be best to confer with the author first the recommendations made by CHED and AMPSC on the matter in the next meeting.

Overseas Workers Affairs

Substitute Bill to HBs 1825, 1826, 3887, 4426 & 5333

Reps. Chatto, Ong, Deputy Speaker Savellano, and Rep. Panotes

Establishing regional and provincial overseas Filipino workers (OFW) centers

The Committee, chaired by Rep. Raymond Democrito Mendoza (Party-List, TUCP), approved the Substitute Bill. The bill will be referred to the Committee on Appropriations for review of its funding provision. Rep. Edgar Chatto (1st District, Bohol), author of HBs 1825 and 1826, underscored the need to create provincial and satellite offices for OFW concerns to ensure that services to this sector will continue to be accessible despite the limitations in mobility brought about by the pandemic. Rep. Ferdinand Gaite (Party-List, BAYAN MUNA) favors the establishment of regional and provincial OFW centers for speedy delivery of much needed services and assistance not only to the OFWs but also to their families. Rep. Mendoza gave the Committee’s support to the creation of new OFW centers in the provinces.

HR 1344

Rep. Lusotan Urging the Departments of Foreign Affairs (DFA), Transportation (DOT), Labor and Employment (DOLE), and Justice (DOJ), Philippine Coast Guard (PCG), Maritime Industry Authority (MARINA), Philippine Overseas Employment Administration (POEA), Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA), and other relevant government agencies to create a task force responsible for conducting search and rescue operations during sea mishaps occurring in territorial waters, foreign waters, and the open sea and ensuring that the families of surviving, missing or dead Filipino crew members will receive appropriate government assistance and legal claims from private entities

The Committee adopted HR 1344 subject to style and amendment. Rep. Macnell Lusotan (Party-List, MARINO), author of HR 1344, said that he filed the resolution because of the rising incidences of sea mishaps. He said the creation of a task force is necessary in order to establish proper procedure in conducting investigations of sea mishaps and closely monitor search and rescue operations. Rep. Lusotan added that the measure also covers cases of disappearance of seafarers on board where no proper investigation or report has been provided. Reps. Chatto and Gaite expressed support for the measure saying that the task force can provide valuable information and support in the conduct of investigations and ensure that government assistance is provided to the families of the victims of sea mishaps. Expressing support for the measure were representatives from government agencies such as the DFA, DOLE, PCG, MARINA, POEA, OWWA, and the Department of Transportation (DOTr). Also in support of the measure are the Joint Manning Group (JMG), Filipino Association for Mariner’s Employment (FAME), Associated Marine Officers and Seamen’s Union of the Philippines (AMOSUP), and the Associated

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Philippine Seafarers’ Union-International Transport Workers’ Federation (APSU-ITF).

Public Order and Safety

Substitute Bill to HBs 518, 2325, 3547, 3669 & 7037

Rep. Aglipay, Deputy Speaker Escudero, Reps. Robes, Geron, and Romualdez (Y.M.)

Strengthening the private security industry, repealing for the purpose RA 5487, entitled, “An Act to regulate the organization and operation of private detective, watchmen or security guard agencies,” as amended

The Committee, chaired by Rep. Narciso Bravo Jr. (1st District, Masbate), will deliberate further on the substitute bill in its next meeting. Rep. Bravo said that the Committee invited various stakeholders to hear their comments and recommendations on the proposed law that could serve as vital inputs in the crafting of a more responsive and appropriate legislation regulating the private security industry. Committee Vice Chair, Iligan City Rep. Frederick Siao, who is also the Chair of the Subcommittee on Allied Services that crafted the draft substitute bill, presented the salient features of the proposed law. Among the provisions discussed pertain to the following: fair labor practices; requirements for training and professional certification of security practitioners; streamlined requirements for the licensing, operation, and regulation of private security agencies; and penalties for violation of the provisions of the law. Philippine Regulation Commission (PRC) Board of Criminology Chairperson Ramil Gabao said that criminology graduates have been practicing as security officers or private detectives in security agencies. He suggested that a registered criminologist with license issued by the PRC should already be authorized to practice as a private detective or security officer. In the proposed law, a criminologist applying for a private detective or security officer position must secure a license to practice such profession on top of the PRC-issued license. Philippine National Police (PNP) Supervisory Office for Security and Investigation Agencies (SOSIA) Chief, Brigadier General Sidney Villaflor, said that apart from the consideration of the academic requirements to practice as a security officer, other requirements such as neuro-psychiatric test, drug test, and other clearances should also be complied with.

Commission on Higher Education (CHED) Senior Education Program Specialist Shiela Jalbuena suggested that the proposed ladderized training and education to be offered by the private security institution should be harmonized with the Bachelor of Science in Industrial Security Management (BSISM) program.

Substitute Bill to HBs 1593, 3895, 4728, 5127, 5674, 6109, 6912,

Deputy Speaker Romero, Reps. Cuaresma, Castelo,

Fixing the validity period of the license to own and possess, permit to carry outside of residence or place of business, and registration of firearms, amending for the purpose Sections 3, 4, 7, & 19 of RA

The Committee will deliberate further on the substitute bill to the nine measures in its next meeting.

Deputy Speaker Arnolfo "Arnie" Teves Jr. (3rd District, Negros Oriental), author of HB 8055

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8055 & 8271 Cabochan, Deputy Speaker Savellano, Rep. Villafuerte Jr., Deputy Speaker Teves, and Rep. Suansing (E.)

10591, otherwise known as the Comprehensive Firearms and Ammunition Regulation Act

and chair of the technical working group which crafted the substitute bill, reported to the Committee the key provisions of the proposed law. Among these provisions are as follows: merger of the License to Own and Possess Firearms (LTOPF) and Permit to Carry Firearms Outside of Residence (PTCFOR) into a single license; establishment of new set of fees depending on the length of validity of permits and licenses; and simplification of the application process. Rep. Manuel Cabochan III (Party-List, MAGDALO), author of HB 5127, noted that his bill provides a fixed and uniform validity period of five years for the LTOPF, PTCFOR, and registration of firearms, whereas the substitute bill provides different periods of validity. Nueva Vizcaya Rep. Luisa Lloren Cuaresma, author of HB 3895, said that her bill does not only prescribe a fixed validity period but also proposes to amend the law with respect to firearms manufacturing, sale, import, export and gunsmithing. On the rationale for prescribing different periods of validity for these licenses and permits, Deputy Speaker Teves explained that this is intended to accommodate gun owners who may not be able to afford the fee for a five-year validity period. The Committee agreed to invite the PNP and other stakeholders to its next meeting to hear their position on the substitute bill.

TECHNICAL WORKING GROUP MEETINGS ON HOUSE MEASURES

COMMITTEE

MEASURES

SUBJECT MATTER ACTION TAKEN/ DISCUSSION NO.

PRINCIPAL AUTHOR

Information and Communications Technology (Technical Working Group)

Draft Substitute Bill to HBs 412, 2338, 3825, 4665, & 8202

Rep. Romualdo, Deputy Speakers Escudero and Rodriguez, Reps. Crisologo and Roman

Pole Attachments Act

The technical working group (TWG), chaired by Rep. Anthony Peter "Onyx" Crisologo (1st District, Quezon City), will deliberate further on the draft Substitute Bill. In today’s meeting, the TWG focused on Sections 2 to 10 of the draft substitute bill. Among the agreements reached were the following:

Rationalize the imposition of pole rental and other related fees;

Define the terms “TV signals” and “underserved/unserved areas” in the proposed law;

Provide discounted pole rates in underserved/unserved areas;

Refine the powers of the proposed Pole Structures Board;

Include the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) and the National Electrification Administration (NEA)

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as members of the proposed Pole Structures Board; and

Include the penalty of imprisonment in the penalty provision.

The TWG maintained that the Secretary of the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) shall be an ex-officio head of the proposed Pole Structures Board. The TWG also invited the National Telecommunications Commission (NTC) Region X director to brief the TWG about the Region’s Task Force Hapsay Kable, a campaign to remove dangling wires.

Revision of Laws (Technical Working Group)

HB 6923 Deputy Speaker Romero

Prohibiting all forms of online sexual exploitation of children, providing for stiffer penalties and sanctions

The technical working group (TWG), chaired by Rep. Cheryl Deloso-Montalla (2nd District, Zambales), will deliberate further on the four bills in its next meeting. Rep. Deloso-Montalla, who is also the author of HB 7465, said that her bill seeks to protect children against all forms of online sexual abuse and exploitation (OSAEC) by providing stiffer penalties and sanctions to violators and perpetrators.

She noted that the sexual exploitation of children is a global issue with an increasing scope due to the rise in technology and internet connectivity worldwide. She lamented that global law enforcement data listed the Philippines as the largest known source of OSAEC cases, and in 2016, the United Nations International Children’s Emergency Fund (UNICEF) named the Philippines as the world epicenter of online sexual abuse trade wherein most of the victims were children.

Rep. Deloso-Montalla stressed that stakeholders in all sectors of society and the international community must strengthen their collaboration in protecting the children against online exploitation to ensure a brighter and safer future for them.

Ateneo Human Rights Center (AHRC) Program Officer Xamantha Sofia Santos shared the findings and recommendations of a technical research on OSAEC conducted through the joint efforts of the AHRC, UNICEF, and the Philippine Legislators’ Committee on Population and Development (PLCPD) Foundation.

The research identified the various legislative gaps in the country’s penal and ancillary laws relating to OSAEC. Santos suggested that these laws be revisited and reviewed to address the gaps and thereby bolster the country’s legal framework on OSAEC.

UNICEF Philippines Child Protection Officer Marie Michelle Quezon likewise presented two in-depth studies on child online protection that UNICEF worked on in response to the

HBs 7465 & 7633

Reps. Deloso-Montalla and Nograles (J.F.F.)

Defining the crime of sexual abuse or exploitation of children, prescribing penalties therefor, amending for the purpose RA 9775, otherwise known as the Anti-Child Pornography Act of 2009

HB 7947 Rep. Luis Raymund ‘LRay’ Villafuerte Jr.

Amending RA 9775 [by increasing the penalties against internet service providers (ISPs) which fail to comply with the requirements of the law resulting in the commission of crimes involving online child sexual exploitation using the ISPs' servers or facilities]

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increasing threat of online sexual abuse and exploitation in the Philippines, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic. She also advocated the exercise of congressional oversight to evaluate the effectiveness of the legal framework and accordingly bridge any gap in the implementation.

Child Rights Network (CRN) Nenita “Nitz” Dalde manifested that the CRN has submitted its own version of the bill for consideration by the TWG. She said that the CRN supports the conduct of a congressional oversight on OSAEC-related laws.

PLDT-Smart Center Head and Assistant Vice President for Cyber Security Strategy and Innovation Francisco Ashley Acedillo and Facebook Head of Safety in the Asia-Pacific Amber Hawkes informed the TWG that their respective companies employ innovative technologies and protocols that protect their users against OSAEC.

On the query of Rep. Arlene Brosas (Party-List, GABRIELA), Inter-Agency Council Against Child Pornography (IACACP) representative Christian Biok said that the IACACP has been religiously submitting its annual report to the Office of the President. Biok added that IACACP has recently submitted its semi-annual report, even at the height of the COVID-19 pandemic. He agreed to furnish the Committee a copy of this report.

Among the agreements reached during the meeting were the following:

The short title of the proposed law shall be “Anti-Online Sexual Abuse and Exploitation of Children (OSAEC) Act;”

The term “child” shall refer to any person under 18 years of age or any person over 18 but is unable to take care of himself or herself from abuse, neglect, cruelty, exploitation or discrimination on account of his or her mental condition;

The terms “telecommunications carriers,” “livestreaming,” and “social media platform” shall be defined in the bill; and

The act of “caressing any part of a child’s body in a lascivious manner” will be incorporated in the definition of “explicit sexual activity.”

Transportation (Technical Working Group)

HB 2419 Rep. Acosta Amending RA 8506, or the law banning the registration and operation of vehicles with right-hand steering wheel in any private or public street, road or highway, providing penalties for violation thereof [by allowing right hand drive vehicles to enter the country to facilitate the country's Roll-on Roll-off (RoRo) connectivity with ASEAN countries]

The technical working group (TWG), chaired by Navotas City Rep. John Reynald Tiangco, will deliberate further on HB 2419 in its next meeting. Rep. Tiangco said that the main objective of the bill is to grant special motor vehicle operation permit to ASEAN-registered private motor vehicles, including tourist vans or buses that carry tourists from another country and

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delivery trucks or lorries carrying goods from any ASEAN country, so that these vehicles could enter and operate on any highway, street or road in the Philippines even if these are right-hand drive vehicles.

The special permit and special driver’s license to be issued by the Department of Transportation (DOTr) shall have a validity of 30 days from the date of entry if the purpose is to ferry tourists, and a validity of seven days if the purpose is to deliver goods.

Rep. Gil "Kabarangay Jr." Acosta (3rd District, Palawan), author of HB 2419, clarified that the proposed law does not totally amend RA 8506 as it will only cover international ports in Palawan and some parts of Mindanao, particularly in Zamboanga. Palawan and Mindanao are the areas of focus of the Philippines with regard to its commitments under the Brunei Darussalam-Indonesia-Malaysia-Philippines East ASEAN Growth Area (BIMP-EAGA).

Expressing their support to the bill were Palawan Governor Jose Chaves Alvarez and the representatives from the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) and Department of Trade and Industry (DTI).

DTI’s Bureau of Import Services and Strategic Trade Management Office Director Luis Catibayan recommended that additional safety features must be added to the bill such as drivers’ screening prior to the issuance of a special driver’s license and requiring an international insurance coverage for right-hand drive vehicles entering the country.

Land Transportation Office (LTO) Chief Edgar Galvante and DOTr Road Sector Consultant Alberto Suansing maintained that allowing right-hand drive vehicles into the country will have safety implications as the country’s existing road regulations are designed for left-hand drive vehicles.

Governor Alvarez said that in Japan, a sign is placed at the rear of the vehicle indicating that it is a right-hand drive, which can be adopted in the country. He also suggested that a pilot study or dry run be conducted in Palawan to determine the feasibility and safety of implementing the proposed law.

Rep. Acosta said that he is amenable to the suggestions of the resource persons that would improve his bill.

The resource persons were requested to submit their respective position papers on the bill.

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DISCUSSION WITH AGENCIES/ENTITIES

COMMITTEE SUBJECT MATTER DISCUSSIONS

Disaster Resilience

Briefing by the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC) on its plans and programs for 2021

The Committee, chaired by Rep. Lucy Torres-Gomez (4th District, Leyte), listened to the briefing by the NDRRMC on its plans and programs for 2021.

In his presentation, NDRRMC Director for Policy Development and Planning Service John Tecson Lim said that the agency envisions safer, adaptive, and disaster-resilient Filipino communities towards sustainable development. He outlined the different pillars and key result areas which are the focus of the NDRRMC Disaster Risk Reduction Management Plan. Some of the agency’s key activities for disaster prevention and mitigation are:

Establishment of DRRM budget;

Strengthening of the Philippine River Basin Management System;

Review and Enhancement of Local DRRM Plans; and

Creation of the National Committee for Dam Safety under NDRRMC.

Programs such as DRRM Learning/Trainings; public safety continuity plan; and online nationwide simultaneous earthquake drills (NSED) are also being pursued by the agency to improve the country’s disaster preparedness. Lim also discussed some of NDRRMC’s disaster response plans such as the enhancement of protocols on Incident Command System, digitization of information-gathering and reporting, enhancement of Pre-Disaster Risk Assessment (PDRA) Protocols, and the enhancement of operations of NDRRMC Response Clusters. Lim also reported on the NDRRMC’s institutional and foreign engagements which include partnerships with organizations such as the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA), Asian Disaster Preparedness Center, and the Asian Disaster Reduction Center.

He asked for Congress’ support, particularly with regard to the funding of NDRRMC’s enhanced organizational structure and staffing pattern, as well as the procurement of service/response vehicles and IT infrastructures which are very much needed by the agency.

The NDRRMC was requested to provide the Committee with a status update of the NDRRM Fund and the amount allocated to it for FY 2021.

Updates on the regulation pertaining to the construction and maintenance of billboards

The Committee listened to the report of the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) on existing regulations pertaining to the construction and maintenance of billboards.

DPWH Project Director for the Buildings and Management Cluster Johnson Domingo told the Committee that the agency has inspected and demolished signboards/billboards that extend up to the “road right-of-way” in compliance with Administrative Order (AO) 160 series of 2006 issued by then President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo. According to Domingo, the inspections are being done and form part of the requirements when applying for building permits.

AO 160 directs the DPWH to conduct field inspections, evaluations and assessments of all billboards and determine those that are hazardous and pose imminent danger to life,

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health, safety and property of the general public and to abate and dismantle the same.

Rep. Torres-Gomez asked the DPWH to submit data showing the level of enforcement and compliance with AO 160. Domingo admitted that the DPWH does not have the complete data but promised to submit what they have at the moment. He assured the Committee that guidelines are being strictly and continuously implemented.

Higher and Technical Education

Report of the Commission on Higher Education (CHED) on the virtual validation of compliance visits conducted on the following schools:

Surallah National Agricultural School (SuNAS)

Mindoro State College of Agriculture and Technology (MinSCAT);

Cotabato City State Polytechnic College (CCSPC)

Sorsogon State College (SSC);

Dr. Emilio B. Espinosa, Sr. Memorial State College of Agriculture and Technology (DEBESMSCAT); and

Zamboanga City State Polytechnic College (ZCSPC)

The Committee, chaired by Baguio City Rep. Mark Go, listened to the report of CHED on its findings and observations on the virtual validation of compliance visits that were conducted on the six schools last December 2020. CHED has approved the issuance of Certificate of Compliance (COC) to SuNAS on January 19. This means that SuNAS has complied with the requirements for its conversion from a Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA) school into a state college. It is also compliant with the minimum requirements for the initial operation of the proposed degree programs. With regard to the conversion to universities of the other five schools, CHED reported that they have substantially complied with the minimum requirements for research, linkages, and outreach programs. However, CHED and its panel of technical experts have observed that some of the schools have minor deficiencies. Also, all five schools were not compliant with the minimum faculty qualifications in some of their programs. These schools were asked to submit their plan of action to address the deficiencies noted by CHED. The composite teams that conducted the validation last December 2020 will reconvene on February 5 to evaluate the plans of action that will be submitted by the five schools. The results of these evaluations will be used as basis for the teams’ recommendations to the CHED en banc for the issuance of COCs to these schools.

Overseas Workers Affairs

Update on the situation of the overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) affected by the pandemic:

Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA)

DOLE-International Labor Affairs Bureau (DOLE-ILAB)

The Committee, chaired by Rep. Raymond Democrito Mendoza (Party-List, TUCP), listened to the presentation of concerned government agencies relative to the situation of the OFWs affected by the COVID-19 pandemic.

DFA Assistant Secretary Enrico Fos reported that as of January 26, a total of 13,857 OFWs were infected by COVID-19. Of this figure, 8,845 have recovered, 954 died, and 4,067 are still active cases. Fos said that most of the infected OFWs, or 7,881, came from the Middle East and African countries.

The DFA has extended assistance to affected OFWs by way of repatriation and provision of financial and welfare assistance, such as emergency, medical, food, lodging, and transportation assistance, among others. Fos added that the DFA has also provided assistance in the shipment of the remains of OFWs who died abroad. On DFA’s repatriation efforts, Fos said that as of January 26 a total of 352,999 OFWs were repatriated, including 25,488 OFWs repatriated this January.

DOLE-ILAB Director Alice Visperas presented the DOLE COVID-19 Response Program for OFWs. She reported that based on the reports of the Philippine Overseas Labor Office (POLO), a total of 561,752 OFWs were affected by the

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Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA)

Philippine Overseas Employment Administration (POEA)

pandemic including 548,829 who were displaced. Out of the displaced OFWs, 422,828 were repatriated to the Philippines and are now back to their hometowns, 50,710 are awaiting repatriation, while 75,291 have opted to stay on-site. Visperas also reported that DOLE-ILAB has provided financial assistance to 5,236 COVID-19-infected OFWs at $200 each, amounting to a total of $1.05 million; and food and medical assistance to 124,014 COVID-infected OFWs equivalent to $2.49 million. On the implementation of the DOLE-Abot Kamay ang Pagtulong sa OFWs (AKAP), the Department provided assistance to 462,013 OFWs involving a total amount of P4.69 billion. Under the Bayanihan to Heal as One Act (Bayanihan 1) or RA 11469, the amount of P1.61 billion and P1.89 billion were given to 154,700 on-site OFWs and 189,043 repatriated OFWs, respectively. Under the Bayanihan to Recover as One Act (Bayanihan 2) or RA 11494, the amount of P183.59 million and P1.01 billion were granted to 17,653 on-site OFWs and 100,617 repatriated OFWs, respectively. OWWA Administrator Hans Leo Cacdac reported on the new testing and quarantine protocols for all persons (including OFWs) allowed entry in the Philippines as stated in Resolution No. 96 issued by the Inter-Agency Task Force (IATF) for the Management of Emerging Infectious Diseases on January 26. Cacdac said that upon arrival into the country of returning OFWs, they will be quarantined in an accredited hotel for five days. On the fifth day of arrival, if they exhibit no symptoms, they will undergo the Reverse Transcription Polymerase Chain Reaction (RT-PCR) test. With a negative result, they will be turned over to their respective local government units (LGU) but will still have to complete the mandatory 14-day quarantine whether inside a facility or in their respective homes. The new protocol will take effect on February 1, 2021. He also said that OWWA has assisted a total of 409,182 OFWs through its OFW Kalinga Program, while 396,620 were transported to their respective hometowns through its Hatid Probinsya Program. POEA Deputy Administrator Aristodes Ruaro said that the deployment of OFWs for work abroad dramatically decreased in 2020 as compared to 2019 figures due to the COVID-19 pandemic and subsequent travel restrictions. Ruaro said that the slowdown in the deployment will continue this year especially with the emergence of a new variant of COVID-19. He mentioned that the POEA has initiated job fairs to help displaced OFWs find work in the country. It also issued guidelines for the protection and promotion of the welfare of OFWs. Rep. Mendoza asked whether deployed OFWs are included in the vaccine program of the host countries. Fos answered in the affirmative, adding that it is the host country that will pay for the vaccination of the OFWs. Rep. Macnell Lusotan (Party-List, MARINO) urged the Committee to recommend to the IATF the inclusion of OFWs in the national vaccination program of the government. He underscored the importance of giving the OFWs priority in the rollout of the government’s COVID-19 vaccination

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program. He explained that OFWs might be required to present a certificate or proof that they were already inoculated before they will be allowed entry to the host countries. He said it would help if the government can introduce a “COVID vaccine passport” which the OFWs can show as official proof of their vaccination. Cacdac said that Department of Health (DOH) Undersecretary Maria Rosario Vergeire has reported that the government already has plans to issue a COVID vaccine passport. He added that Senator Pia Cayetano filed a bill on the use of COVID vaccine passport which would help the government keep track of those who have already received the vaccine. DOH Bureau of Quarantine (BOQ) Medical Officer IV Edgar Maala recalled that an office in the DOH used to issue a certificate as proof of vaccination for polio. DOLE confirmed that the OFWs are included in the priority list of the government’s vaccination program. Visperas also reported that 500 OFWs have already received their COVID-19 vaccine in Bahrain and 7,000 have enlisted for vaccination. More OFWs in the Middle East have already received the vaccine especially those working as frontliners, she added. The POEA and the Philippine Association of Service Exporters, Inc. (PASEI) agree that OFWs be among the sectors to be given priority in the government’s COVID-19 vaccination program. Rep. Ferdinand Gaite (Party-List, BAYAN MUNA) inquired on the status of repatriation of the remains of the 94 OFWs who died of COVID-19. Fos admitted that there are still remains that have not been transported back to the country, while some were already interred in the host country. He added that the DFA, DOLE, and OWWA are undertaking efforts to bring back home the remains of OFWs.

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