House okays 126 measures in two days

Thursday, 09 June 2011 02:51

The House of Representatives approved last Monday and Tuesday some 126 reform measures including 14 national bills and 105 local measures passed on third and second reading and the adoption of seven (7) various resolutions, Speaker Feliciano Belmonte, Jr. said before Wednesday's final session.

"We are a working Congress," Belmonte proudly declared as he lauded the diligence and responsiveness of members of the majority and the critical collaboration of those in the minority, noting the active guidance of the six Deputy Speakers, the Chairmen of standing and special Committees, the Minority bloc, and the consistent and vital role of the House Secretariat led by Sec. Gen. Marilyn Barua-Yap. Belmonte made the statement just hours after plenary concurred with the Senate amendments to (HB 4146) the synchronization of the elections and the term of office of elective officials of the ARMM with those of the National and other local officials.

The House on Tuesday also adopted HCR 11 confirming the authority conferred by law upon the Senate President and the Speaker of the House to fix and determine the salaries, allowances and other benefits of officials and employees of the Senate and the Commission on Appointments, and the House of Representatives, respectively.

HCR 11 also confirms the authority of both leaders of Congress to determine and address the budgetary requirements of their respective personnel, committees and service units as they may deem to be in the best interest of the service, subject to the limitations set by the Constitution and the General Appropriations Act.

Also adopted was HR 953, contained in CR No. 1065, recommending to the President the allocation of a P40-million budget to the National Historical Commission of the Philippines to fund the celebration commemorating the 150th birth anniversary of Dr. Jose Rizal and for the restoration of the physical facilities of National Historical places significant to Rizal's life.

As per data from the Committee on Rules chaired by Majority Leader Neptali Gonzales, the House last Monday approved on final reading 10 national measures that included amendments to the EPIRA Act of 2001 (SB 2846 adopted by the House as an amendment to HB 4169), and the creation and accreditation of Micro-Enterprise Development institutions (HB4688).

Also approved on 3rd reading were expanding the prohibited acts of discrimination against women on account of sex (HB 4643) and the institution of reforms in the drive against professional squatters and squatting racketeers (HB 4656), among others.

The House likewise approved 105 local bills - 36 on final reading and 69 on second reading - which promote efficiency in local governance, education and socio-economic development in the countryside.

Also on Tuesday, the House approved on second reading four (4) national bills:
(1) HB4791 - Penalizing the imposition of a 'No Permit, No Exam Policy' or any such policy that prohibits students of post-secondary education from taking their midterm or final examinations due to unpaid tuition and other school fees;
(2) HB4801 - Amending certain provisions of RA 7581 entitled "An Act providing protection to consumers by stabilizing the prices of basic necessities and prime commodities and by prescribing measures against undue price increases during emergency situations and like occasions";
(3) HB 4807 - Prohibiting racial, ethnic and religious discrimination; and
(4) HB 4612 - Providing for a Comprehensive Hazardous and Radioactive Wastes Management and providing penalties for violations thereof.

The plenary consideration of the controversial Responsible Parenthood, Reproductive Health and Population and Development Bill (HB 4244), which is still in the period of interpellation, was suspended minutes before session's suspension Tuesday. It remains under plenary's "Unfinished Business."