Congressional Record

PLENARY PROCEEDINGS OF THE 15th CONGRESS, FIRST REGULAR SESSION HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES Vol. 3 Monday, March 14, 2011 No. 64 CALL TO ORDER At 4:00 p.m., Deputy Speaker Maria Isabelle Beng G. Climaco called the session to order. THE DEPUTY SPEAKER (Rep. Climaco). The session is called to order. NATIONAL ANTHEM THE DEPUTY SPEAKER (Rep. Climaco). Please rise for the singing of the Philippine National Anthem. Everybody rose to sing the Philippine National Anthem. THE DEPUTY SPEAKER (Rep. Climaco). Please remain standing for the Invocation to be led by the Hon. Ma. Amelita A. Calimbas-Villarosa, Representative of the Lone District of Occidental Mindoro. Everybody remained standing for the Invocation. INVOCATION REP. CALIMBAS-VILLAROSA. In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen. Dear Father God, As we in Philippine Congress celebrate the 100th International Womens Day, we offer to You our collective and individual dreams of how ideal this world can be if we can ensure that all Your people have equal rights and access to opportunities so that they may reach their full potential. I stand here as a woman, among many other men and women, whom You have blessed by making us Your cocreators. Not only are we mothers, fathers, grandmothers, grandfathers, but also public servants to whom You have allowed the privilege to be of unique service to our countrys families and communities. Today in particular, we pray that we can seize the opportunities that come our way, whether by way of legislation or social action or within our own families, to empower the women and girls whose talents, natural gifts and skills have been repressed by societal ills and norms, and whose values have been warped by sufferings and hardships experienced over time. Dear Lord, we pray through the intercession of the Blessed Mother that our country may break the vicious cycle of poverty, lack of education and warped values; and that all women can take their place as transformative agents of change against all who would attempt to control or break their spirit. This years celebration of International Womens Day focuses on the participation of women and girls in education, training, science and technology. It also focuses our attention on the promotion of womens equal access to full employment and decent work. Although much has been

accomplished here in the Philippines, we still have much to look forward to ensure better and brighter years for the younger generations. Also, most of the time, progress does not come quickly enough, and it often comes with a steep price. More Filipinas participate in public policy and yet much work still needs to be done in the implementation process of many worthwhile programs and projects. We pray that we may be given proper moral guidance and conviction to ensure the stoppage of all forms of violence against women and girls, which are often inflicted by their own intimate partners or relatives. It is morally and intellectually repugnant that, whether at home or at school, in the workplace or in the community, being female too often means being weak-minded and emotionally and physically vulnerable. We pray that true change occurs in the Philippines, Oh Lord, and that You may transform our thinking so that we can ensure a nation committed to finally end all violence against women, most especially to all children. This year, the United Nations launched the UN Entity for Gender Equality and the Empowerment of Women UN Women to demonstrate their intent to deepen their pursuit of this agenda. Help us to do our part as Representatives of our 90 million people in the only predominantly Catholic and religious nation in Asia, so that we may live out our values not only through prayers like these but more importantly, matched by appropriate work aimed towards a just and peaceful society in private, corporate and public realms. Ora et Laboreour prayer and our workthese we offer to You and our fellowmen and most especially, the children, along with our hearts. In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen. THE DEPUTY SPEAKER (Rep. Climaco). As part of the International Womens Month Celebration, todays session will be presided over by several lady legislators as we discuss issues and deliberate on proposed legislations relating to the rights of women and the welfare of children as well. Relative to this, the Chair would like to inform the Body that pursuant to Section 15 (h), Rule IV of the Rules of the House of Representatives, the honorable Speaker Feliciano Belmonte Jr. has designated the following House Members to preside

2 MONDAY, MARCH 14, 2011 successively over todays session: Rep. Ma. Georgina P. De Venecia of the Fourth District of Pangasinan, Rep. Kimi S. Cojuangco of the Fifth District of Pangasinan, Rep. Bernadette R. Herrera-Dy of the Bagong Henerasyon (BH) Party-List, and Rep. Josefina M. Joson of the First District of Nueva Ecija. SUSPENSION OF SESSION THE DEPUTY SPEAKER (Rep. Climaco). The session is suspended. It was 4:08 p.m. RESUMPTION OF SESSION At 4:30 p.m., the session was resumed with Rep. Ma. Georgina P. De Venecia presiding. THE PRESIDING OFFICER (Rep. De Venecia). The session is resumed. ROLL CALL REP. AMANTE-MATBA. Mme. Speaker, I move that we call the roll. THE PRESIDING OFFICER (Rep. De Venecia). Is there any objection? (Silence) The Chair hears none; the motion is approved. The Secretary General will please call the roll. The Secretary General called the roll, and the result is as follows, per Journal No. 64: PRESENT Cari Casio Castro Catamco Celeste Cerilles Chipeco Climaco Co Cojuangco (E.) Cojuangco (K.) Cortuna Cua Dalog Datumanong Dayanghirang Daza De Jesus De Venecia Defensor Del Mar Del Rosario (A. A.) Diaz Dimaporo (F.) Duavit Durano Ejercito Emano Enverga Eriguel Escudero Espina Estrella Evardone Fabian Farias Fernandez Ferrer (A.) Ferriol Flores Fortuno Fua Fuentebella Garay Garbin Garcia (A.) Garcia (P.) Garcia (P.J.) Garcia-Albano Garin (J.) Go (A.) Go (A.C.) Golez (A.) Golez (R.) Gomez Gonzales (N.) Gonzalez Guanlao Gullas Gunigundo Hataman-Salliman Herrera-Dy Ilagan Jaafar Jalosjos (C.) Jalosjos (S.) Joson Kho (D.) Lacson-Noel Lagdameo (A.) Lagdameo (M.) Lagman Lapus Lazatin Leonen-Pizarro Lico Limkaichong Macapagal Arroyo (J.) Macapagal-Arroyo (G.) Madrona Magsaysay (E.) Magsaysay (M.) Maliksi Mandanas Marcos Mariano Mellana Mendoza (J.) Mendoza (M.) Mendoza (R.) Mercado (H.) Mercado (R.) Mercado-Revilla Montejo Noel Obillo Ocampos Olivares Ong Abad Ortega (V.) Abayon Osmea Acharon Padilla Acop Paez Aggabao Palmones Aglipay Pancho Agyao Pangandaman (M.) Albano Pangandaman (S.) Alcover Panotes Almario Paras Almonte

Payuyo Alvarez (A.) Piamonte Alvarez (M.) Pichay Amante-Matba Ping-ay Amatong Plaza Andaya Puno Angara Quibranza-Dimaporo Antonino Quimbo Apacible Quisumbing Apostol Radaza Aquino Ramos Arenas Relampagos Arnaiz Remulla Arroyo (D.) Rivera Aumentado Robes Bag-ao Bagasina Bagatsing Balindong Banal Bataoil Batocabe Bautista Bello Belmonte (F.) Bernos Biazon Bichara Binay Bondoc Bonoan-David Bravo Briones Bulut-Begtang Cabaluna Cabilao Yambao Cagas Cajayon Calimbas-Villarosa Canonigo

MONDAY, MARCH 14, 2011 3 Rodriguez (I.) Rodriguez (R.) Roman Romarate Romualdez Romulo Sacdalan Sahidulla Sakaluran Salimbangon Salvacion San Luis Sarmiento (C.) Sarmiento (M.) Sema Socrates Suarez Sy-Alvarado Tan Taada Teodoro Teves Tiangco BILLS ON FIRST READING Tieng Ting House Bill No. 4331, entitled: Tinio AN ACT CREATING A MANGYAN CULTURE AND Tomawis ARTS BOARD, DEFINING ITS POWERS AND Treas FUNCTIONS, AND APPROPRIATING FUNDS Tugna THEREFOR Umali (C.) By Representative Umali (R.) Umali (R.) TO THE COMMITTEE ON GOVERNMENT Unico REORGANIZATION AND THE COMMITTEE Valencia ON NATIONAL CULTURAL COMMUNITIES Velarde Velasco House Bill No. 4332, entitled: Vergara AN ACT STRICTLY ENFORCING THE Villafuerte OCCUPATIONAL SAFETY AND HEALTH Villar STANDARDS IN WORKPLACES BY Villarica STRENGTHENING THE VISITORIAL AND Yap (A.) ENFORCEMENT POWER OF THE SECRETARY Yap (S.) OF LABOR AND EMPLOYMENT, THEREBY Yu AMENDING PRESIDENTIAL DECREE NO. 442, Zamora-Apsay AS AMENDED Zubiri By Representative Palatino TO THE COMMITTEE ON LABOR AND THE SECRETARY GENERAL. The House is in EMPLOYMENT receipt of the official notices of absence of the following Members: on official mission within the country are Reps. House Bill No. 4333, entitled: Arago, Del Rosario (A.G.), Ecleo, Nava, Ortega (F.) and AN ACT CREATING ONE (1) ADDITIONAL BRANCH Rodriguez (M.). OF MUNICIPAL TRIAL COURT FOR THE Mme. Speaker, the roll call shows that 218 Members MUNICIPALITIES OF MABALACAT AND responded to the call. MAGALANG, PAMPANGA, AMENDING FOR THE PURPOSE SECTION 30 OF BATAS THE PRESIDING OFFICER (Rep. De Venecia). With

PAMBANSA BILANG 129, OTHERWISE KNOWN 218 Members present, the Chair declares the presence of a AS THE JUDICIARY REORGANIZATION ACT OF quorum. 1980, AS AMENDED, AND APPROPRIATING FUNDS THEREFOR APPROVAL OF THE JOURNAL By Representative Lazatin TO THE COMMITTEE ON JUSTICE REP. AMANTE-MATBA. Mme. Speaker, I move that we approve Journal No. 63 dated February 28, March 1, 2, 7, House Bill No. 4335, entitled: 8, and 9, 2011. AN ACT AMENDING SECTION 11 (a) OF REPUBLIC ACT NO. 10121, OTHERWISE THE PRESIDING OFFICER (Rep. De Venecia). Is there KNOWN AS THE PHILIPPINE RISK any objection? (Silence) The Chair hears none; the motion is REDUCTION AND MANAGEMENT ACT OF approved. 2010 Journal No. 63 dated February 28, March 1, 2, 7, 8, and By Representative Treas 9, 2011 is hereby approved. TO THE COMMITTEE ON NATIONAL DEFENSE AND SECURITY REP. AMANTE-MATBA. Mme. Speaker, I move that we proceed to the Reference of Business. House Bill No. 4336, entitled: AN ACT PROVIDING FOR THE THE PRESIDING OFFICER (Rep. De Venecia). Is there REAPPORTIONMENT OF LEGISLATIVE any objection? (Silence) The Chair hears none; the motion is DISTRICTS IN THE PROVINCE OF LEYTE approved. By Representatives Apostol, Salvacion, Gomez and Cari The Secretary General will please read the Reference of TO THE COMMITTEE ON LOCAL GOVERNMENT Business. House Bill No. 4337, entitled: REFERENCE OF BUSINESS AN ACT INSTITUTIONALIZING THE ALTERNATIVE CLASSROOM LEARNING The Secretary General read the following House Bills EXPERIENCE (ACLE) PROGRAM TO ALL and Resolutions on First Reading, and Committee Reports, SECONDARY AND TERTIARY EDUCATIONAL and the Presiding Officer made the corresponding

INSTITUTIONS THROUGHOUT THE references: COUNTRY

4 MONDAY, MARCH 14, 2011 By Representative Palatino TO THE COMMITTEE ON BASIC EDUCATION AND CULTURE AND THE COMMITTEE ON HIGHER AND TECHNICAL EDUCATION RESOLUTIONS House Resolution No. 1047, entitled: A RESOLUTION URGING THE SPECIAL COMMITTEE ON FOOD SECURITY AND THE COMMITTEE ON AGRICULTURE AND FOOD IN A JOINT COMMITTEE TO REVIEW THE IMPLEMENTATION OF THE COUNTRYS CREDIT FACILITY PROGRAMS FOR SMALL FARMERS AND FISHERFOLK INCLUDING THE AGRI-AGRA REFORM CREDIT ACT OF 2010" By Representatives Guanlao and Mendoza (M.) TO THE COMMITTEE ON RULES House Resolution No. 1048, entitled: RESOLUTION URGING THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TO CONDEMN THE PEOPLES REPUBLIC OF CHINAS BULLYING AND SNUBBING OF THE DIPLOMATIC PROTEST LODGED BY THE PHILIPPINE GOVERNMENT ON THE RECENT INCIDENT IN THE DISPUTED SPRATLY GROUP OF ISLANDS AND EXPRESS SUPPORT TO THE GOVERNMENTS EFFORT TO RESOLVE THE ISSUE THROUGH DIPLOMATIC AND PEACEFUL NEGOTIATIONS By Representative Alcover TO THE COMMITTEE ON FOREIGN AFFAIRS House Resolution No. 1050, entitled: RESOLUTION CALLING FOR THE INVESTIGATION OF THE MOTIVES AND REASONS FOR THE UNDUE DELAY OF THE IMPLEMENTATION OF REPUBLIC ACT NO. 10085 By Representative Singson (E.) TO THE COMMITTEE ON RULES House Resolution No. 1051, entitled: RESOLUTION COMMENDING THE THREE FILIPINO-AMERICAN PRODUCERS OF THE BEST SHORT FILM GOD OF LOVE IN THE 83RD ANNUAL ACADEMY AWARDS By Representative Haresco TO THE COMMITTEE ON RULES House Resolution No. 1052, entitled: A RESOLUTION DIRECTING THE COMMITTEE ON TRANSPORTATION AND COMMUNICATION TO INVESTIGATE WHY MANY TAXI DRIVERS REFUSE TO CARRY SENIOR CITIZENS AND RECOMMEND MEASURES TO THE DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION AND COMMUNICATIONS TO CORRECT THIS PRACTICE By Representative Palmones TO THE COMMITTEE ON RULES House Resolution No. 1053, entitled: A RESOLUTION DIRECTING THE DEPARTMENT OF INTERIOR AND LOCAL GOVERNMENT, CONCERNED LOCAL GOVERNMENT UNITS IN MINDANAO AND THE DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC WORKS AND HIGHWAYS TO INFORM THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES RISK- REDUCTION MEASURES THEY HAVE ESTABLISHED IN HAZARD PRONE AREAS IN THEIR RESPECTIVE JURISDICTIONS By Representatives Palmones, Go (A.), Unabia, Ocampos and Catamco TO THE COMMITTEE ON RULES House Resolution No. 1054, entitled: RESOLUTION URGING THE COMMITTEE ON NATIONAL CULTURAL COMMUNITIES TO FORMALLY CONDUCT AN INQUIRY, IN AID OF LEGISLATION, AS REGARDS THE IMPLEMENTATION OF CHAPTER III SECTIONS 5 AND 8(a) OF THE INDIGENOUS PEOPLES RIGHTS ACT OF 1997 VIS-A-VIS THE CONVERSION OF ANCESTRAL LANDS IN BARANGAY IRISAN, BAGUIO CITY INTO

SUBDIVISIONS WHICH WILL EVENTUALLY BE SOLD TO NON-MEMBERS OF INDIGENOUS COMMUNITIES By Representative Cosalan TO THE COMMITTEE ON RULES ADDITIONAL COAUTHORS Rep. Jose Carlos L. Cari for House Bills No. 15, 913 and 4185; Rep. Susan A. Yap for House Bills No. 16 and 23; Reps. Henedina R. Abad, Emmeline Y. Aglipay, Mercedes K. Alvarez, Maria Zenaida B. Angping, Kaka J. Bag-ao, Maria Jocelyn V. Bernos, Daryl Grace J. Abayon, Daisy Avance-Fuentes, Catalina C. Bagasina, Mar-Len Abigail S. Binay, Sharon S. Garin, Lucy T. Gomez, Josephine Veronique R. Lacson-Noel, Carol Jayne B. Lopez, Maria Milagros Mitos H. Magsaysay, Evelyn P. Mellana, Reena Concepcion G. Obillo, Ana Cristina Siquian Go, Josefina M. Joson, Monique Yazmin Q. Lagdameo, Jocelyn S. Limkaichong, Gloria M. Macapagal-Arroyo, Imelda R. Marcos, Lani Mercado-Revilla, Rosenda Ann Ocampo, Marlyn L. Primicias-Agabas, Anna York P. Bondoc, Ma. Amelita A. Calimbas-Villarosa, Julieta R. Cortuna, Aurora E. Cerilles, Mylene J. Garcia-Albano, Mary Mitzi L. Cajayon, Nancy A. Catamco, Kimi S. Cojuangco, Ma. Georgina P. De Venecia, Imelda Quibranza-Dimaporo, Janette L. Garin, Herminia B. Roman, Bai Sandra A. Sema, Milagrosa Mila T. Tan, Ma. Victoria R. Sy-Alvarado and Maria Carmen Zamora-Apsay for House Bill No. 23; Rep. Maria Isabelle Beng G. Climaco for House Bills No. 23 and 3506; Reps. Thelma Z. Almario and Nur-Ana I. Sahidulla for House Bills No. 23 and 3537; Reps. Eleanor Bulut-Begtang, Catalina Leonen-Pizarro and Emi G. Calixto-Rubiano for House Bills No. 23 and 3962; Rep. Jane T. Castro for House Bills No. 23, 3088 and 3678; Rep. Linabelle Ruth R. Villarica for House Bills No. 23 and 4217;

MONDAY, MARCH 14, 2011 5 Rep. Sherwin N. Tugna for House Bills No. 25, 269, 393, 437, 439, 477, 559, 631, 693, 823, 1213, 1214, 1379, 1380 and 3527; Rep. Bernadette R. Herrera-Dy for House Bills No. 48, 113, 244, 404, 414, 446, 468, 938, 1347, 1485, 1681, 1685, 3447, 3495, 3665, 4121, 4151, 4152, 4155, 4162, 4169 and 4235; Reps. Vincent P. Crisologo and Rolando G. Andaya Jr. for House Bill No. 56; Reps. Danilo Ramon S. Fernandez, Alfredo A. Garbin Jr. and Christopher S. Co for House Bill No. 162; Rep. Jerry P. Treas for House Bills No. 162 and 3506; Rep. Teddy A. Casio for House Bills No. 960, 975, 995, 3537, 4197, 4237 and 4254; Rep. Augusto Boboy Syjuco, Ph.D. for House Bill No. 1707; Reps. Karlo Alexei B. Nograles and Nicanor M. Briones for House Bills No. 2042 and 2045; Rep. Feliciano Belmonte Jr. for House Bills No. 3393, 3394, 3395 and 3488; Rep. Rodolfo W. Antonino for House Bill No. 3528; Reps. Scott Davies S. Lanete, M.D., Erico Basilio A. Fabian, Seth P. Jalosjos, Wilfrido Mark M. Enverga, Erico B. Aumentado and Eu franio Franny C. Eriguel, M.D. for House Bill No. 3537; Rep. Winston Winnie Castelo for House Bills No. 3537, 4202 and 4306; Rep. Arthur C. Yap for House Bill No. 3826; Rep. Rodel M. Batocabe for House Bill No. 3952; Rep. Abigail Faye C. Ferriol for House Bill No. 3962; Rep. Romeo M. Acop for House Bills No. 4031 and 4213; Rep. Rene L. Relampagos for House Bill No. 3537 and House Resolution No. 999; and Rep. Ma. Angelica M. Amante-Matba for House Bill No. 3962 and House Resolution No. 634. COMMITTEE REPORTS Report by the Committee on Civil Service and Professional Regulation (Committee Report No. 728), re H. No. 4357, entitled: AN ACT CONFERRING UPON A MEMBER OF THE SANGGUNIANG BAYAN, SANGGUNIANG PANLUNGSOD AND SANGGUNIANG PANLALAWIGAN THE APPROPRIATE CIVIL SERVICE ELIGIBILITY recommending its approval in substitution of House Bill Nos. 3116 and 3678 Sponsors: Representatives Salvacion, Rodriguez (I.) and Abayon TO THE COMMITTEE ON RULES Report by the Committee on Veterans Affairs and Welfare (Committee Report No. 729), re H. No. 3697, entitled: AN ACT FURTHER AMENDING REPUBLIC ACT NO. 6948 OTHERWISE KNOWN AS AN ACT STANDARDIZING AND UPGRADING THE BENEFITS FOR MILITARY VETERANS AND THEIR DEPENDENTS, AS AMENDED recommending its approval without amendment Sponsors: Representatives Roman and Rodriguez (R.) TO THE COMMITTEE ON RULES Report by the Committee on Veterans Affairs and Welfare and the Committee on Appropriations (Committee Report No. 730), re H. No. 4359, entitled: AN ACT PROVIDING FOR THE PAYMENT OF THE ADMINISTRATIVE TOTAL DISABILITY PENSION TO SENIOR VETERANS OF WARS AND MILITARY CAMPAIGNS recommending its approval in substitution of House Bill No. 601 Sponsors: Representatives Roman, Abaya, Rodriguez (R.) and Rodriguez (M.) TO THE COMMITTEE ON RULES Report by the Committee on Ways and Means (Committee

Report No. 731), re H. No. 4361, entitled: AN ACT SIMPLIFYING THE AVAILMENT OF THE GROSS INCOME TAX FOR CORPORATIONS AMENDING FOR THE PURPOSE SECTION 27 (A) AND 28 (A) OF THE NATIONAL INTERNAL REVENUE CODE (NIRC) OF 1997, AS AMENDED recommending its approval in substitution of House Bill No. 3927 Sponsor: Representative Mandanas TO THE COMMITTEE ON RULES THE PRESIDING OFFICER (Rep. De Venecia). The acting Floor Leader is recognized. REP. AMANTE-MATBA. Mme. Speaker, I move that we acknowledge the presence of our guests in the gallery: former Speaker Jose De Venecia Jr., Mr. Christopher De Venecia, Ms. Carissa Cruz-Evangelista, Mrs. Marichu P. Maceda, Mrs. Lilibeth P. Nakpil, Mrs. Chona P. Ampil, Mr. Cocoy Vera-Perez and Mr. Max Maceda. May we request the guests to please stand as their name is called. THE PRESIDING OFFICER (Rep. De Venecia). Please stand up to be recognized. Welcome to the House of Representatives. (Applause) REP. AMANTE-MATBA. Also here are Ms. Rica Maceda, Ms. Annie Maceda, Mrs. Maridee Rodriguez, Mrs. Bibi Yu, Mrs. Precy Meneses, Mrs. Ina Yulo, Mrs. Bernie Nepomuceno, Mayor Patrick Meneses, Mayor Nelson Sotto, Mrs. Roselle Sotto, Ms. Elsa Kapunan, Ms. Bi Antonio, Ms. Tina Maalac, Mr. Alex Pareja and Mrs. Rose Orbos, the former First Lady of Pangasinan. THE PRESIDING OFFICER (Rep. De Venecia). Welcome to the House of Representatives. (Applause) REP. AMANTE-MATBA. We also have Sister Baptista Busmente, Sister Victoria Bulacan, Mrs. Josie Elicao and Mr. Jun Lozada, the guests of Rep. Gina De Venecia. Sister Mary John Mananzan is also here. THE PRESIDING OFFICER (Rep. De Venecia). Welcome to the House of Representatives. (Applause)

6 MONDAY, MARCH 14, 2011 REP. AMANTE-MATBA. Also with us today are Hon. Mina Joy Pangasinan, Mayor of Sison, Pangasinan, and the officers and staff of the Office of the Mayor. We also have Mayor Eleuterio Reyes, Mr. Loajan Anodon, Mr. Cresensio Karganilla and Ms. Joy Julaton as guests of Congresswoman Kimi S. Cojuangco. THE PRESIDING OFFICER (Rep. De Venecia). Welcome to the House of Representatives. (Applause) REP. AMANTE-MATBA. Other guests here with us today are Ms. Jo Salcedo of DWDD Radio AM Station, Jaimie Santos, Anna Lyn Aquino, Boby Aguillon, and Jeremy and Patty Santos. Also here are delegates from Soroptimist International of Founder Manila headed by President Cristy Lee and Mrs. Catalina Lanting; Soroptimist International Philippine Region headed by Governor Paloming Papa; Soroptimist International of Tagaytay City led by President Jasmin Manahan; friends from Eco Trend Villas Zapote and Barangay Zapote Federation Home Owners Association led by Ms. Mary Jazul. Likewise, present here today are staff from the Court of Appeals, Manila; teachers from Flora Ylagan High School, Manuel Roxas High School and Don Alejandro Roces High School. There are also delegates from DepEd, Quezon City: Gloria Espino, Ms. Milagros Jimenez, Ms. Josephine Villapando, Mr. Ronald Serqueno, Ms. Florentina Gorospe and Mr. Victor Espino. Ms. Jovy Alvar of Las Pias, Metro Manila is also here, as well as the barangay officials of 177 Zabarte, Kalookan City headed by Chairwoman Donna Jarito, Kagawad Norma Allada, Kagawad Dolores Pacho, Kagawad Estelita Calilung, Kagawad Jun Acosta, Kagawad Magno Del Rosario, Barangay Secretary Dexter Fresnosa and Barangay Librarian Senesid Gallano Jr. We also have as guests the members of Pamana Group of Barangay 176 headed by President Julie Catangay, Chairwoman Rita Carpio, Coordinator Mayeth Tano and other coordinators from Bian, Laguna headed by Mr. Joel Loyola; and ABS-CHED scholars Diane Garces and Clowee Garces as guests, of Hon. Catalina Leonen-Pizarro. THE PRESIDING OFFICER (Rep. De Venecia). Please stand up to be recognized. Welcome to the House of Representatives. (Applause) REP. AMANTE-MATBA. Miss Antonette Stephanie Yu, 2005 Miss Philippines Fire is also here as a guest of Reps. Luz Ilagan and Emmi De Jesus of Gabriela Womens Party. THE PRESIDING OFFICER (Rep. De Venecia). Welcome to the House of Representatives. (Applause) REP. AMANTE-MATBA. We also have the municipal officials of Sulat, Eastern Samar headed by Hon. Virginia Zacate; municipal councilors Hon. Nelencia Clarito, Hon. Vivian Tiu, Hon. Nita Tiu, Hon. Honorio Ty Jr., Hon. Ric Osit, Hon. Benedicto Gudes, Hon. Ignacio Acuba Jr., Hon. Augusto Baldado; municipal SK Federation president Kim Ivis Tiu; ABC President Marcial Mecardal; and Hon. Daniel A. Villarino, a city councilor of Borongan, Eastern Samar, as guests of Congressman Ben P. Evardone. THE PRESIDING OFFICER (Rep. De Venecia). Welcome to the House of Representatives. (Applause) REP. AMANTE-MATBA. Also here are the guests of Hon. Reena Concepcion G. Obillo of the Una ang Pamilya Party-List. THE PRESIDING OFFICER (Rep. De Venecia). Welcome to the House of Representatives. (Applause) REP. AMANTE-MATBA. Members of the Catholic Womens League of the Philippines headed by Dr. Amelita Baby Go and the heads of the CWL in the different dioceses are also here as guests of Hon. Catalina C. Bagasina. THE PRESIDING OFFICER (Rep. De Venecia). Welcome to the House of Representatives. (Applause) REP. AMANTE-MATBA. The Sangguniang Bayan members from New Bataan, Compostela Valley are also here as guests of Hon. Maria Carmen Zamora-Apsay.

THE PRESIDING OFFICER (Rep. De Venecia). Welcome to the House of Representatives. (Applause) REP. AMANTE-MATBA. Mme. Speaker, we also have as guests of Hon. Linabelle Ruth R. Villarica: Mayor Joan V. Alarilla; members of Samahan ng Kababaihan ng Meycauayan and Meycauayan Ladies Club Foundation, Inc.; and members from the Soroptimist International of the Philippines Region (A Foundation), Inc., Soroptimist International of Meycauayan, Soroptimist International of Sto Nio, Soroptimist International of Bocaue, Soroptimist International of Marilao, Soroptimist International of Pandi, Soroptimist International of San Jose del Monte, Soroptimist International of Malabon, Soroptimist International of Manila Tourist Belt, Soroptimist International of Navotas, Soroptimist International of Valenzuela, Soroptimist International of Founder Manila, Soroptimist International of Sampaloc, Soroptimist International of Caloocan, Soroptimist International of Tagaytay, Soroptimist International of Taguig, Soroptimist International of Congressional, Soroptimist International of Marikina Metro, Soroptimist International of Quezon City, Soroptimist International of Ortigas and Environs, Soroptimist International of Makati, Soroptimist International of Mandaluyong, Soroptimist International of Antipolo, Soroptimist International of Novaliches Central, and Soroptimist International of Metro Cabanatuan. THE PRESIDING OFFICER (Rep. De Venecia). Welcome to the House of Representatives. (Applause) REP. AMANTE-MATBA. We also have representatives from UN-AIDS led by its country coordinator, Ms. Theresita Bagasao, and Youth Aids Filipinas Alliance Inc. headed by Mr. Ismael Aquino as the guests of Rep. Lani Mercado- Revilla.

MONDAY, MARCH 14, 2011 7 THE PRESIDING OFFICER (Rep. De Venecia). Welcome to the House of Representatives. (Applause) REP. AMANTE-MATBA. Mme. Speaker, we also have Ms. Tocy Sumulong with Miss Mikko and Mr. Milo Sumulong, the daughter-in-law and grandchildren, respectively, of the late Hon. Francisco Komong Sumulong. THE PRESIDING OFFICER (Rep. De Venecia). Please stand up to be recognized. They are at the VIP gallery. Welcome to the House of Representatives. (Applause) SUSPENSION OF SESSION REP. AMANTE-MATBA. Mme. Speaker, I move that we suspend the session for a few minutes. THE PRESIDING OFFICER (Rep. De Venecia). The session is suspended. It was 4:54 p.m. RESUMPTION OF SESSION At 4:59 p.m., the session was resumed. THE PRESIDING OFFICER (Rep. De Venecia). The session is resumed. The acting Floor Leader is recognized. REP. AMANTE-MATBA. Mme. Speaker, last March 8, 2011, the House adopted Resolution No. 96 ... SUSPENSION OF SESSION REP. AMANTE-MATBA. Mme. Speaker, may I request for a few minutes suspension of the session. THE PRESIDING OFFICER (Rep. De Venecia). The session is suspended. It was 5:00 p.m. RESUMPTION OF SESSION At 5:03 p.m., the session was resumed. THE PRESIDING OFFICER (Rep. De Venecia). The session is resumed. REP. AMANTE-MATBA. Mme. Speaker, I move that we acknowledge the presence of additional guests in the gallery: Mr. Hilarion M. Henares Jr., Heal the Philippines; Dr. Eloisa L. Henares-Esguerra, Children for Breastfeeding; Ms. Nona D. Andaya-Castillo, Nurturers of the Earth and former presidential consultant for the Infant and Young Child Feeding Program; and Mr. Eric L. Henares. They are the guests of Rep. Anna York P. Bondoc. THE PRESIDING OFFICER (Rep. De Venecia). Please stand up to be recognized. Welcome to the House of Representatives. (Applause) The acting Floor Leader is recognized. REP. AMANTE-MATBA. Mme. Speaker, last March 8, 2011, the House adopted Resolution No. 96, congratulating Sr. Deputy Majority Leader Janette L. Garin of the House of Representatives, and Sr. Mary John Mananzan of the Benedictine Order of the Catholic Church, for being named and cited as among the Top 100 Inspiring People in the World. (Applause) Mme. Speaker, I move that the Secretary General be directed to read the full title of the resolution. THE PRESIDING OFFICER (Rep. De Venecia). Is there any objection? (Silence) The Chair hears none; the motion is approved. The Secretary General is directed to read the full title of Resolution No. 96.

THE SECRETARY GENERAL. Resolution No. 96, entitled: RESOLUTION CONGRATULATING CONGRESSWOMAN JANETTE LORETO-GARIN AND SR. MARY JOHN MANANZAN FOR BEING NAMED AND CITED AS AMONG THE TOP 100 INSPIRING PEOPLE IN THE WORLD BY THE INTERNATIONAL ORGANIZATION WOMEN DELIVER-NEW YORK. REP. AMANTE-MATBA. Mme. Speaker, Representative Janette Garin and Sister Mananzan, OSB are present in the Session Hall today. I move therefore that they be invited to ascend the Speakers rostrum to receive a copy of Resolution No. 96. THE PRESIDING OFFICER (Rep. De Venecia). Is there any objection? (Silence) The Chair hears none; the motion is approved. Sr. Deputy Majority Leader Janette Loreto-Garin and Sr. Mary John Mananzan, OSB are invited to ascend the Speakers rostrum and receive a copy of Resolution No. 96. (Appla use) At this juncture, Rep. Garin (J.) and Sr. Mary John Mananzan, OSB ascended the Speakers rostrum and received a copy of the resolution. THE PRESIDING OFFICER (Rep. De Venecia). The acting Floor Leader is recognized. SUSPENSION OF SESSION REP. AMANTE-MATBA. Mme. Speaker, I move that we suspend the session for a few minutes to allow the Members of the House to personally congratulate the awardees. THE PRESIDING OFFICER (Rep. De Venecia). The session is suspended. It was 5:09 p.m. RESUMPTION OF SESSION At 5:11 p.m., the session was resumed with Rep. Kimi S. Cojuangco presiding.

8 MONDAY, MARCH 14, 2011 THE PRESIDING OFFICER (Rep. Cojuangco, K.). The session is resumed. The acting Floor Leader is recognized. REP. CAJAYON. Mme. Speaker, I move that we acknowledge the presence of the following guests of Rep. Susan A. Yap from the Second District of Tarlac: Regional Director Adelina S. Apostol of DSWD, Region III; Ms. Tam T. Lirio and Ms. Gracia A. Zablan. May we request the guests to stand up. THE PRESIDING OFFICER (Rep. Cojuangco, K.). Please rise. Welcome to the House of Representatives. (Applause) PRIVILEGE HOUR REP. CAJAYON. Mme. Speaker, today being a Monday and pursuant to our Rules, I move that we open the Privilege Hour. THE PRESIDING OFFICER (Rep. Cojuangco, K.). Is there any objection? (Silence) The Chair hears none; the motion is approved. The Chair declares the Privilege Hour open. REP. CAJAYON. Mme. Speaker, I move that the Hon. Linabelle Ruth R. Villarica from the Fourth District of Bulacan be recognized to avail of the Privilege Hour. THE PRESIDING OFFICER (Rep. Cojuangco, K.). The Honorable Villarica is recognized. PRIVILEGE SPEECH OF REP. VILLARICA REP. VILLARICA. Mme. Speaker, esteemed colleagues: Good afternoon: We are all familiar with the story, She ate the forbidden fruit, the result of the temptation of the serpent, and that was said to be the start of a womans fall from grace. It is a steep and stark fall indeed that todays daughters of Eve have become th e objects of temptation enticing the other half of the gender-divide into buying anything from alcohol to tires, cologne, energy drinks, jeans, et cetera. The 1987 Constitution declares the dignity of every human person as a State policy. To give life to the constitutional mandate, Section 16 of the Magna Carta for Women provides for the non-discriminatory and nonderogatory portrayal of women in media and film. Its implementing rules and regulations (IRRs) are more categorical in saying that the portrayal of women in a discriminatory, demeaning and/or derogatory manner in advertisements, shows, and programs is not allowed. Although the Magna Carta and its IRRs do not define what constitutes a demeaning portrayal of women, Book 2, Title 6, Chapter 2 of the Revised Penal Code punishes offenses against decency and good customs.Moreover, in adopting self-regulation, the advertising and broadcast industries have set parameters through the Standards of Advertising of the Ad Standards Council and the Television Code of the Kapisanan ng mga Brodkaster sa Pilipinas (KBP) respectively. There is basis for the foregoing. Television, whether free TV or cable TV (CATV), is the medium of choice for most Filipinos. Laws and industry self-regulation notwithstanding, we have to agree with the United Nations (UN) when it said that advertising is the worst offender in perpetuating the image of women as sex symbols and an inferior class of human beings. Advertisement -driven television shows follow this trend. But even more worrisome is that for an unregulated medium like the Internet, there are now ads that are deliberately crossing the line and straining the standards on self-regulation and the portrayal of women. Please take a look at the screen. (Screen presentation) We see women posing for these ads and appearing on television scantily dressed on account of prestige, money and a career move, among a host of other reasons. A woman is raffled off as a prize for a date with a lucky customer, while another is baited off seemingly as an incentive for using a cologneare these not, indeed, objectification of women? Is her presence, being clothed only

with the essentials, necessary to advertise the product? If one of them were your daughter or grandaughter, niece or god daughter, or sister, how would you feel? A US-based sociologist, quoting a 1997 study by Cooper says, This exploitation of female sexuality in advertising has negative consequences for women. Thanks to beauty pageants such as Miss World or Miss Universe, as well as locally-organized beauty pageants, teenage girls now define beauty by the shape and size of their bodies with the impression that being skinnier or more voluptuous is sexier. This unrealistic importance given to body image has been blamed for the poor self-esteem and unhappiness among ordinary people, particularly the youth. Is this not created inadequacy now feeding a burgeoning business in beauty and cosmetic clinics as well as the adultification of young girls? It can be argued that advertisements, shows and programs are forms of speech and therefore, are covered by the freedom of speech and expression clause under the Constitution. However, it cannot be said that a person exercises a right when he unnecessarily prejudices another or offends morals or good customs. Obscene speech, in whatever form, must yield to the right to dignity of every woman. While advertising shows and programs on local and cable television broadcasts are property rights and therefore, must not be impaired, the Supreme Court states, While the Bill of Rights also protects property rights, the primacy of human rights over property rights is recognized. It is, therefore, necessary that we Lady legislators and other Members of this august Chamber look into ways of upholding the dignity of women. If necessary, and by way of analogy, we can even apply the advertisement ban on tobacco products to apply to alcohol products which perennially use the bodies of women in their ads. In this way, advertising exposure for alcohol on account of their serious health impacts, vis--vis their unbridled demeaning portrayal of women, shall be limited to the point of sales. Or we move to phase out the practice of exploiting womens sexuality to pitch products. Are there more men watching TV than women so that sexplicit shows are being shown specially over cable to boost ratings or attract advertisers?

MONDAY, MARCH 14, 2011 9 According to the chief legal officer of MTRCB, problems of this nature have become endemic to the cable television industry. Unscrupulous CATV operators oftentimes violate the existing memorandum of agreements with the MTRCB which prohibit them from showing indecent shows and programs that offend the sensibilities of the general public. Violations by the local TV industry as a whole are routinely committed. After the MTRCB issues a permit to exhibit, insertions of offensive scenes are usually seen towards the end or at odd hours. To further strengthen the MTRCB in the discharge of its mandate under Presidential Decree No. 1986, I propose to include, in its present board membership of 30, the Chairperson of the House Committee on Women and Gender Equality and the Senate Committee on Youth, Women and Family Relations by virtue of the oversight powers of these Committees as well as the generally- accepted principle of checks and balances as enshrined in our Constitution. Under Section 2 of P.D. No. 1986, the present MTRCB should be subdivided into (1) policy, (2) review, and (3) adjudication. This will enable it to concentrate on these three primary functions under P.D. No. 1986. The MTRCB should also be clothed with subpoena and contempt powers. Section 3 of P.D. No. 1986 is bereft of these basic adjudicatory powers. I am also filing a resolution to investigate, in aid of legislation, and to determine the reasons why CATV operators, local broadcast TV producers and advertisers find it easy to violate pertinent laws with impunity, resulting to the demeaning of women, and to introduce appropriate amendments and/or bills thereafter. Great advancements in womens rights are of little value if women continue to be objectified in popular media, dumbed down to a little more than wrapping on the package. The worst of it is when people have come to take this as a norm. How deeply we have fallen, indeed. But I do believe that the steeper the fall, the more glorious the rising. A song popularized in the 1970s goes: I am woman, hear me roar In numbers too big to ignore And I know too much to go back and pretend With the National Statistics Coordination Board indicating that the average annual income and average annual savings for a household headed by a woman is higher than a household headed by a man, and that there are more women business registrants than men, coupled with the data that unemployment rate is lower for women, the market so desired by advertisers had better pay attention. With more Filipino women having higher functional and basic literacy rates than Filipino men, media will have to come to terms with upgrading their portrayal of them. Contrary to her portrayal as a sex kitten, the Filipina roars. There is a path leading away from this dearth of creativity and imagination. To cast off our truncated image of woman is to acknowledge that, in stature, women are and have always been co-equal to men. Mabuhay ang kababaihan! (Applause) REP. CAJAYON. Mme. Speaker, I move that the speech of the Honorable Villarica be referred to the appropriate committee. THE PRESIDING OFFICER (Rep. Cojuangco, K.). The speech of the Honorable Villarica is referred to the appropriate committee. REP. CAJAYON. Mme. Speaker, I move that the Hon. Lani Mercado-Revilla of the Second District of Cavite be recognized to avail of the Privilege Hour. REP. MERCADO-REVILLA. Mme. Speaker. THE PRESIDING OFFICER (Rep. Cojuangco, K.). The Hon. Lani Mercado-Revilla is recognized. She has three minutes. PRIVILEGE SPEECH OF REP. MERCADO-REVILLA REP. MERCADO-REVILLA. Mr. Speaker, my most esteemed colleagues in the Fifteenth Congress of the Republic of the Philippines, fellow Filipinos, ladies and gentlemen:

I rise today to speak about the modern scourge that is the HIV-AIDS and how it impacts on our life and on our nation. I also rise to impart insights I had gathered when I attended the HIV-AIDS Dialogue last February 16-17, 2011 in Bangkok, Thailand which was sponsored and organized by the United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific, and the Global Commission on HIV and the Law. Before anything, Mme. Speaker, I wish to direct your attention to a short audio-visual presentation. (Audio-visual presentation) Mme. Speaker, quite sadly, after more than 13 years since the passage of R.A. No. 8504 or the Philippine AIDS Prevention and Control Act of 1998, the Philippines has become one of the seven countries which have a steadily increasing number of HIV cases. According to the National Epidemiology Center of the Department of Health, since 1984, 6,617 HIV cases have been recorded in the DOH national registry; of these, 5,731 are asymptomatic and 886 have become full-blown AIDS. Further, infections among young people, 15 to 24 years of age, also increased 10 times during 2006 to 2010 from 44 cases in 2006 to 489 in 2010. These people are already on the threshold of death at a time when they are just starting to build their future and to begin to fulfill their dreams. In view of these, Mr. Speaker, there are a lot of painful questions which we need to find answers to. First, what are the treatments that persons with HIV-AIDS critically need? Anti-retroviral drugs are extremely expensive. These drugs are freely provided by a global fund through government hospitals like the Research Institute for Tropical Medicine, the San Lorenzo Hospital and the Philippine General Hospital, but only until 2012. It is estimated that from 2011 to 2016, the total AIDS investment requirements, using the Resource Needs Model, is US $1.148 billion. Quite clearly, our cash- strapped country does not possess this kind of money, and we still have a long way to go before universal health care can be provided to every Filipino. Second, Mme. Speaker, what about the persons with HIV- AIDS who are, as yet, either still unaware of their condition, or are already aware but are in denial? How do we test them? Do we stick to testing only those asking for itthe opt-in policy which we are currently implementing, or do we require everyone to undergo the test, the opt-out policy which is adopted in other countries? Third, Mme. Speaker, what about the ostracism, discrimination and marginalization that people with HIV-

10 MONDAY, MARCH 14, 2011 AIDS experience, particularly in the workplace and in the society at large? We hear not only of the disquiet but the disdain by which their workmates relate to them, and we have cases of termination and nullification of benefits as a result of a persons admission of having HIV. There are other excruciating questions, Mme. Speaker, like: what about our migrant workers, especially our seafarers, who by the nature of their job location, are more exposed to HIV-AIDS vulnerabilities? What about our workers in the sex industry? What about the infants who were orphaned of their mothers because of the disease which they also have since inherited? What about our increasing number of drug users or drug dependents who use and share needles and syringes to feed their vicious vice? Now, where does all this bring us, Mme. Speaker? To my mind, this should bring us deeper into the recesses of our collective conscience as a nation. We are painfully aware of the dire consequences that will befall our country and our people if we are unable to adequately address and arrest the spread of HIV-AIDS. There still is the huge sword of Damocles hanging over our nations head posed by the increasing incidence of unplanned pregnancies, especially among our young. Mme. Speaker, I am the mother of a son who, at 16, fathered an offspring out of wedlock. I also have a daughter who, at 18, has become a mother. I myself became pregnant at the age of 18. I believe that I speak with the voice of many mothers when I say that there should be more than just condoms for us to better equip and empower our children who hold the key to the future of our country. Having said that, Mme. Speaker, this humble Representation from the Second District of Cavite has the honor to propose that while we continue to look into anti-AIDS tools such as the condom, let us also look into the option of adopting a comprehensive, values-based sex education program that will instill in our children the healthy attitude with which to become good stewards of their sexuality. Many people are turned off by the term chastity education, Mme. Speaker. So let us throw that term out of the window and use the phrase Youth Fidelity Education Program. We can empower our children to be faithful to their identity as masters of their own destiny. We can inspire them to be faithful to the spouse they may not even have met yet, but who holds in the palm of the hand the key to a future full of hope. We can teach them to be faithful to that future that is not yet theirs but is already theirs to claim. Subalit, nararapat din nating bigyan ng pag- unawa, kalinga at aruga ang ating mga kababayan na may HIV-AIDS. Hindi sila dapat itatwa. Let us push for the amendments needed to prevent, control and reverse the spread of HIV. Mme. Speaker, our country invests a lot in providing formal education to our children so they may become doctors, engineers, lawyersall professionals. Our children, tomorrows leaders and movers, need to be invested with the proper value system that will ensure not only that they have a heart that beats for the well-being of all, but also that they have health of body, mind and spirit with which they may live out the legacy of authentic freedom and happiness for our country and people. Maraming salamat at mabuhay po tayong lahat. (Applause) REP. CAJAYON. Mme. Speaker, I move that the speech of the Honorable Mercado-Revilla be referred to the appropriate committee. THE PRESIDING OFFICER (Rep. Cojuangco, K.). The speech of the Honorable Mercado-Revilla is referred to the appropriate committee. REP. CAJAYON. Mme. Speaker, I move to recognize Hon. Catalina Leonen-Pizarro of the ABS Party-List to avail of the Privilege Hour. THE PRESIDING OFFICER (Rep. Cojuangco, K.). The Honorable Leonen-Pizarro is recognized. She has three minutes. PRIVILEGE SPEECH OF REP. LEONEN-PIZARRO REP. LEONEN-PIZARRO. Mme. Speaker and my distinguished colleagues in this august Chamber:

Last March 8, 2011, we celebrated the annual special working holiday known as the National Womens Day pursuant to Republic Act No. 6949, which was passed into law on April 10, 1990. Section 2 of said law is quite explicit: To ensure meaningful observance of the holiday as herein declared, all heads of government agencies and instrumentalities, including government-owned and controlled corporations as well as local government units, and employers in the private sector shall encourage and afford sufficient time and opportunities for their employees to engage and participate in any activity conducted within the premises of their respective offices or establishments to celebrate National Womens Day. The opportune time has come to congratulate, remember, honor and thank all the women legislators from the past and up to the present for being part of enacting laws and determining policy directions of the government, as the legislature formulates the statutes needed to put our government in motion. Allow me then to cull into the records of history and walk through the memory lane with you. The Philippine Legislature was established in 1907 and the First Philippine Legislature lasted from 1907 to1909; the second from 1910 to 1912; the third, from 1912 to 1916; the fourth, from 1916 to 1919; the fifth, from 1919 to 1922; the sixth, from 1922 to 1925; the seventh, from 1925 to 1928; the eighth, from 1928 to 1931; the ninth, from 1931 to 1934; and the tenth from the 1934 to1935. Notably, no lady solon became a member of the Philippine Legislature from 1907 to 1935. Noong mga panahon na iyon, walang karapatang bumoto ang mga kababaihan kaya hindi sila puwedeng kumandidato para sa anumang panunungkulan sa pamahalaan. Hindi rin sila maaaring maitalaga sa anumang posisyon sa pamahalaan. They have no right of suffrage and no right to be voted to any public office. Fortunately, on December 7, 1933, Act No. 4112 entitled: AN ACT TO AMEND SECTION FOUR HUNDRED AND THIRTY-ONE OF THE ADMINISTRATIVE CODE, AS AMENDED, BY GRANTING THE RIGHT OF SUFFRAGE TO THE WOMEN AND MAKING THEM ELIGIBLE TO ALL PUBLIC OFFICES, AND FOR OTHER PURPOSES,