Nograles’ Defeat Dampens Endorsement of Scholarship Program

DAVAO CITY, Philippines — After former House Speaker Prospero Nograles lost in the last elections, barangay captains supporting him have stopped recruiting scholars for Nograles’ Oplan Kaalam program.

At the University of the Philippines (UP) Mindanao campus alone, the number of Oplan Kaalam scholars went down from 174 in the previous semester to only 123 this year.

Jess Baswuil, barangay (village) captain of 11-A, said he was ashamed to endorse students from his barangay to the Oplan Kaalam scholarship program after Nograles’ defeat.

“Mahiya ako na natalo ang manok ko (I am embarrassed, my candidate lost),” Baswuil said, referring to former House Speaker Nograles who lost to Mayor-elect Sara Duterte in the last elections.

At the UP-Mindanao campus, where the scholarship has been running in the last two years, only 106 old Oplan Kaalam scholars were renewed while five of them already graduated in April this year.

Liza Fulbadora, head of the university’s scholarship affairs, said that 220 students had applied for the scholarship at the start of this semester.

Fulbadora also told Davao Today that former scholars were taken out of the program because they weren’t from the first district, which Nograles represents. Students had told her the program accepted scholars from all three congressional districts in the city in the semester leading to the elections, when the older Nograles ran for mayor.

Bawuil said barangay 11-A used to be considered a “Nograles’ bulwark” but the area did not deliver the votes in the last elections. Of the 2000 voters in his barangay, 900 voted for Duterte and only around 500 voted for Nograles.

Oplan Kaalam, which was funded largely by Nograles’ pork barrel, required prospective scholars to present a barangay official’s endorsement before they were admitted to the program “to confirm the student’s residency.”

Bawuil said he already passed on to the barangay councilors the task of endorsing scholars for Oplan Kaalam in his area. He said Nograles’ office might no longer accept the scholars coming from him.

At UP Mindanao, Oplan Kaalam scholars outnumbered all other scholars in the previous semester.

Oplan Kaalam scholars made up 35 percent of the 500 students with full or partial scholarships in the university. After the tuition fee increase two school years back, each unit at UP Mindanao costs 600 pesos and Oplan Kaalam pays for its scholars’ tuition in full.

At the University of South Eastern Philippines (Usep), where the most number of Oplan Kaalam scholars were enrolled, Susan Villarente, director of the Usep’s Office of Student Services, refused to reveal the number of Nograles scholars. She said the university had to seek clearance from Nograles’ office before giving out this information.

Representative-elect Karlo Nograles, son of the outgoing speaker, said Oplan Kaalam has 1,800 new scholars enrolled at Usep for the first semester of schoolyear 2009-20101. He said the scholarship program was set to spend 25 million for the school year. UP’s Fulbadora added that Oplan Kaalam is the only scholarship program in the university that did not have grade requirements. (CJ Kuizon - Davao Today / Bulatlat.com)


Link: http://www.bulatlat.com/main/2010/07/15/nograles%E2%80%99-defeat-dampens-endorsement-of-scholarship-program/

Appeals for release of kidnapped ICRC team, teachers in the Philippines mounting

MANILA, Philippines - House Speaker Prospero Nograles appealed to the country's top Islamic leaders to help in securing the safe and unconditional release of the three public school teachers and three International Red Cross Volunteers who have been abducted by armed men in separate incidents in Mindanao as he pointed out that these acts of terrorism are pushing back gains to bring peace and progress in Southern Philippines.

“ These people who are behind these dastardly acts of terrorism are throwing away all our efforts to finally usher in an era of peace and progress in Mindanao. I'm appealing to our Islamic leaders to step up and help in securing the safe and unconditional release of the teachers and the IRC volunteers who are believed to have been kidnapped by Islamic armed groups,” Nograles said in a statement.

Nograles said that while the unrelenting cases of armed attacks and kidnapping by Islamic extremists are isolated in few areas in Mindanao, these incidents are big turn-off to investors even with the bright prospects of investments on mineral, agriculture and oil exploration in the region.

“There are bright prospects for investments in Mindanao and these are major ones which will employ thousands of Mindanaoans. However, the continuing peace and order problem in some areas are serious concerns and everyone should help to stop these acts of terrorism,” he said.

Nograles said that under the P1.415 General Approapropriations Act, many infrastructure development projects are centered on the development of Mindanao including the establishment of a Mindanao Railway System which will criss-cross Mindanao mainland.

“We are rushing this Mindanao Railway System but the peace and order situation in some areas is a continuing concern,” he said.The three teachers – Janette de los Reyes, Rafael Mayonado and Freires Quizon – were snatched by armed men off Sacol Island last Friday and are said to have been brought to Basilan.

A ransom of P6-Million is allegedly being demanded by the kidnappers for their safe release.Several weeks ago, gunmen believed to be members of the Abu Sayyaf also kidnapped three volunteers of the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) team that included a Swiss and an Italian national in Jolo, Sulu.

Swiss national Andreas Notter, Eugenio Vagni of Italy and Filipina Jean Lacaba were on a relief and medical mission when they were kidnapped in Patikul town. A P5 Million ransom is allegedly being demanded by the kidnappers for their safe release.

“If we are really sincere in turning Mindanao into a place of peace and prosperity, we should pitch in and Mindanaoans, Muslims and Christians alike, should resist these acts of terrorism by helping our law enforcement authorities get to them. Let's stop blaming the government and make our contribution for the sake of Mindanao's future. Let's not allow these thugs to turn Mindanao into Somalia and Afghanistan,” Nograles said.

The Department of Education also appealed for the release of the teachers.

"Our teachers come from poor families and wish nothing more than support their parents, brothers, and sisters. These teachers give their time to nurture the children of Zamboanga City to be better citizens and contribute to the economic growth of Mindanao. The parents cannot raise the amount demanded and the government follows a no ransom policy. We pray that the teachers be released," said Zamboanga City Division Superintendent Dolores Alcantara.

Education Secretary Jesli Lapus earlier instructed Undersecretary for Regional Operations Ramon Bacani and the local education office to coordinate with the authorities. He also tasked them to assist the families of the victims. "We are deeply concerned with the safety of our teachers," expressed Lapus. "They preferred to be teachers here than abroad. Why do they have to go through this ordeal? In taking them, the children under their care are deprived of the education they so rightfully deserve."

Congress-Executive action needed to address unemployment crisis in RP

MANILA, Philippines - Concerned with reports of massive lay-offs in the United States and other known destinations of Filipino overseas contract workers, Speaker Prospero Nograles said Congress and the Executive should immediately work out a formula that would address the possible escalation of the country's unemployment problem into crisis proportion.

Nograles also proposed that President Arroyo's economic team should immediately meet anew with the House economic team and a counterpart team from the Senate the soonest possible opportunity to re-map a common economic legislative agenda that would already factor in the projected effects of the US recession and the financial turbulence now being experienced by countries in Europe and elsewhere.

"Reports on OFWs losing their jobs because of the creeping global recession is a serious concern," Nograles said, adding that government should come up with policies and programs "anchored on real facts and figures."

Nograles raised the need for the creation of an accurate and comprehensive central database of Filipino workers here and abroad who have lost their jobs as an aftermath of the global financial crisis.

"We have to face this problem now and provide every available assistance, including job placements, for Filipinos who have lost their jobs due to the global economic crunch. Our unemployment problem might grow into crisis proportion if we do not act the soonest possible time," he said.

"Those who are losing their jobs because of the financial crisis have proven their worth as productive Filipinos. They have shown their willingness to sacrifice and toil with their hands just to help not only their families but the country as well. The government should ensure that they remain as productive members of our society," Nograles said.

He said he will mobilize the House economic team which would coordinate with the the various government agencies such as the Department of Labor and Employment, National Statistics Office and the Department of Foreign Affairs for the collection and collation of updated and accurate facts and figures that would form part of a central database and monitoring mechanism on Filipinos who lost their jobs due to the global financial turmoil.

Nograles lamented that up to this time, there is no real unemployment database except general facts and figures which does not even jibe with the information coming from non-government organizations.

Nograles said that with the advent of advance computing technology, it is no longer impossible for the government to get specific names, employment history and the field of specialization of unemployed Filipinos. A menu of possible government assistance can even be automatically generated through the aid of computing technology.

"These are important facts which can help us determining what kind of assistance that they need. If they have entrepreneurial skills, maybe we can refer them to the Department of Trade and Industry for assistance in putting up their own business or we can give them re-employment priority for available job opportunities in countries which continue to have a demand for overseas contract workers," Nograles said adding that the government should harness the full potential of technology in formulating its action plan to prevent a full-blown unemployment crisis.

"These people are those who are willing to help themselves instead of just waiting for manna from heaven. We should help them so that they can continue contributing for our nation's economy," he said.

Two months ago, the Speaker has initiated a coordination meeting between the House economic group and that of the President's economic team composed of representatives from the Departments of Finance, Trade and Industry, the National Economic and Development Authority, and Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas, among others.

The House contingent to regularly coordinate and consult with the Palace team are Majority Leader Arthur Defensor, Reps. Junie Cua (chairman-Appropriations Committee), Jaime Lopez (Banks and Financial Intermediaries), Danilo Suarez (Oversight), Exequiel Javier (Ways and Means) Ramon Durano VI (Economic Affairs), Antonio Alvarez (Trade and Industry), Manuel "Way Kurat" Zamora (Overseas Workers Affairs), and Magtanggol Gunigundo (Labor and Employment).

"Trickling but alarming reports of thousands of OFWs losing their jobs should mobilize government, with the help of the private sector, to set in place contingency plans and programs to mitigate the domino-effects of such retrenchments," Nograles said.

"We must continue this coordinated action and come up with concrete policies and programs to strengthen current policies and programs related to job creation, promotion of entrepreneurship among Filipinos, promotion of foreign investments and investment dispersal to the countryside," Nograles said.

While the government is concerned with OFWs losing their jobs in foreign lands, Nograles said there is also the possible real danger of mass lay-off by local companies that depend mainly on foreign job orders.

"We also have to look at the local employment and job generation scenario. Our economy is not impregnable. We cannot go easy and just wait for the bomb to explode in our faces," Nograles said. (Gil Bugaoisan)

Malice no longer presumed in libel

MANILA, Philippines - The House Committee on Revision of Laws has reported out for floor deliberation a substitute bill on libel removing the presumption of malice in defamatory statements and fixing the venue for filing libel cases.

Rep. Giorgidi B. Aggabao (4th District, Isabela), Committee Chairman, said the measure consolidating House Bills No. 2133, 2791, 2802, 3535 and 4914, requires that malice be proven by the complainant. This means the defendant must be shown to have acted with the knowledge that statements made were false or there was clear disregard for the truth, Aggabao said.

In the substitute bill, malice is not presumed in any discussion of any matter of public concern, or criticism of official conduct of public figures.

The substitute bill also limits the venue to where the principal place of business of the journalist, editor, business manager or publisher is located. Under the present law, libel may be filed where the article was published or at the place of the complainant's residence.

Speaker Prospero C. Nograles, author of HB No. 2802, said in explanatory note that more often than not, the offended party usually chooses the venue that is farthest from the principal office or place of work of the accused media practitioner. The proposed measure will protect community journalists accused of libel by providing a fair venue for both parties.

Aggabao, also the author of HB No. 4914, said removing the presumption of malice will make truth a complete defense and thus enrich freedom of speech and of the press.

Rep. Salvador H. Escudero III (1st District, Sorsogon), who filed HB No. 2791 said a strong print media could give great service to the Filipino in providing an effective mechanism of complete and fearless transparency over the excesses of government in the exercise of its powers.

Reps. Satur C. Ocampo and Teodoro A. Casino (Party-List, BAYAN MUNA), Liza L. Maza, and Luzviminda C Ilagan (Party-List, GABRIELA), all authors of HB No. 3535 said a free press is an essential component of a democratic society and acts as the watchdog of government.

Rep. Rufus B. Rodriguez (2nd District, Cagayan de Oro), author of HB No. 2133 said that imposing a higher fine will discourage if not totally deter the commission of the crime of libel. The substitute bill also increases the fine for libel, which used to range from P200.00 to P 6,000.00 to the proposed P100,000.00 to P300,000.00. (Abigail Macabeo)

Philippine Congress To Finally Tackle Land Reform Law

MANILA, Philippines - The Philippine Congress is set to deliberate next month the proposed extension of the Comprehensive Agrarian Reform Program (CARP).

The CARP is to end in December, but there are proposals to prolong its life so it can undertake more land tenure improvement. The passage of the Comprehensive Agrarian Reform Law (CARL), Republic Act 6655, in 1988 was hailed as a historic occasion.

CARL promised to redistribute agricultural lands -- in several phases -- to those who actually till them.

It undertakes land tenure improvement, development of program beneficiaries, and the delivery of agrarian justice. DAR conducts land survey in resettlement areas. It undertakes land acquisition and distribution and land management studies.

The DAR also orchestrates the delivery of support services to farmer-beneficiaries and promotes the development of viable agrarian reform communities.

Most of the government funding for CARP came from the recovered P50-billion of the so-called Marcos' ill-gotten wealth; however, only P10 billion was allocated to the DAR, the rest of the money was distributed to other agencies, including P8-million for human rights victims under then President Ferdinand Marcos.

Belgium, Spain and Japan among the countries that are supporting the CARPSome 7 million hectares of agricultural lands, from more than four millions all over the country, have already been distributed. More than four million farmers benefited from the CARP, according to the Department of Agrarian Reform.

House Speaker Prospero Nograles also confirmed that Congress will tackle the extension of the CARP on Nov. 9.

Nograles last month called for the consolidation of all the needed amendments before the CARP law expires. He requested congressmen to submit their amendments so it can be consolidated in the plenary and ensure that the agrarian reform law would truly improve the country’s food productivity.

“I am concerned because proposals are coming only in trickles. We only have three months left and we need to finalize all the substantive amendments to perfect the extension measure,” Nograles said.

“We don’t want to end up cramming and rushing again just to beat the December deadline. What I want is for us to have a CARP extension law that is acceptable to everyone before December 31,” he said.

Nograles said the Department of Agrarian Reform, which administers the CARP, needs funding for such program extension.

“DAR is asking for their budget, but if we cannot pass the extension law for the simple reason that we still cannot find a win-win solution for the impasse on CARP, then we will be providing appropriations for a program that will cease to exist on December 31. Our country needs this CARP, especially now that our thrust is food productivity,” he said. ”We will surely find time for this very important piece of legislation.”

However, Nograles said the CARP extension should not just be about distributing lands to the landless farmers, but it should also assure beneficiaries enough government support to make their lands productive.

“We cannot afford to let the country’s agrarian reform program to fail and just go to waste,” Nograles said, adding “we have to correct or redirect the programs under the present CARP law as demanded by current situations.”

The status of the proposed extension of the CARP law under House Bill No. 4077 is still open to amendments as the bill has yet to hurdle plenary interpellation. Both the antis and proponents of the measure are expected to contribute their inputs during the plenary period of amendments.

The plenary has already formed a committee that will receive and collate all amending proposals from stakeholders through their respective representatives.

“We have yet to receive the various proposals so they can be consolidated by the House Committee on Agrarian Reform chaired by Apayao Rep. Elias Bulut, Jr.,” Nograles said.

Nograles emphasized that the agrarian reform law must be compatible with the government efforts in attaining food security through the maximized use of all agricultural lands.

“The distribution of lands to tiller-farmers must not equate to loss of agricultural productivity through mismanagement,” Nograles stressed, adding that agrarian reform must be just and equitable, both to the farmer-beneficiaries and landowners. (With a report from Romy Bwaga)

Nograles Park In Davao City Demolished

DAVAO CITY, Philippines (Mindanao Examiner / Oct. 22, 2008) – Local government authorities demolished a mini-park put up by the family of House Speaker Prospero Nograles.

The Erico Nograles park along the Mini-Forest Boulevard was ordered demolished Monday to pave way for a canal project in the area. The solon has ordered an investigation into the demolition of the park, which he said was put up for residents in the area.

“The one who ordered the demolition of the Erico Nograles Park should face the consequence for the incident since the demolition made by the City Engineer's Office Oplan Canal is illegal,” Nograles said.

Yusop Jimlani, head of the project, said the canal would solve the flooding problem in the city and that dozens of structures which are obstructing the flow of water in the area would also be demolished, including the house of village chieftain Amil Bangsa Manding, an ally of Nograles.

Nograles is a political opponent of Davao City Mayor Rodrigo Duterte. (Romy Bwaga)

Gunmen Ambush Mindanao Solon's Chief Aide In Quezon City

MANILA, Philippines (Mindanao Examiner / Oct. 8, 2008) – Unidentified gunmen ambushed Wednesday a senior aide of a Filipino solon in a broad daylight attack in the Philippine capital, police said.

Police said Robert Delano, 48, was shot in Quezon City while driving his vehicle and died before reaching the hospital. Delano was the chief of staff of Compostela Valley Rep. Manuel Zamora.

The motive of the attack was unknown, police said, adding, it is still investigating the killing.

House Speaker Prospero Nograles has condemned the killing of Delano. “It is a cowardly act and a clear disregard for human life,” he said.

Nograles also called on the Philippine National Police to immediately bring to justice the killers of Delano. “I am confident that the Philippine National Police and other concerned law enforcement and investigative agencies will immediately serve justice to whom it is due,” he said.

He appealed to citizens who witnessed the attack to come forward and help authorities in solving the murder. “Each of us has a responsibility to society. We must bind together to put a stop to criminality that has victimized countless citizens due to the total disregard of the law and to human dignity by a few,” he said.

"It is urgent now, more than ever, to enhance the surveillance and intelligence gathering capabilities of our law enforcement agencies because criminals respect nothing and no one," he added. (With a report from Romy Bwaga)

Fate Of Philippine Agrarian Reform Law Hangs In The Balance

MANILA, Philippines (Mindanao Examiner / Sept. 24, 2008) – Expressing his concern over the fate of the Comprehensive Agrarian Reform Program, Speaker Prospero Nograles called for the consolidation of all the needed amendments before the CARP law expires in December.

Nograles earlier requested congressmen to submit their amendments so it can be consolidated in the plenary and ensure that the agrarian reform law would truly improve the country’s food productivity.

“I am concerned because proposals are coming only in trickles. We only have three months left and we need to finalize all the substantive amendments to perfect the extension measure,” Nograles told Lakas party solons during their regular monthly caucus in Quezon City.

“We don’t want to end up cramming and rushing again just to beat the December deadline. What I want is for us to have a CARP extension law that is acceptable to everyone before December 31,” he said.

While he acknowledged that all the House committees are focused in the on going deliberation of the proposed P1.41-trillion 2009 General Appropriations Act, Nograles said the Department of Agrarian Reform, which administers the CARP, needs funding for such program extension.

“DAR is asking for their budget, but if we cannot pass the extension law for the simple reason that we still cannot find a win-win solution for the impasse on CARP, then we will be providing appropriations for a program that will cease to exist on December 31. Our country needs this CARP, especially now that our thrust is food productivity,” he said. ”We will surely find time for this very important piece of legislation.”

However, Nograles said the CARP extension should not just be about distributing lands to the landless farmers, but it should also assure beneficiaries enough government support to make their lands productive.

“We cannot afford to let the country’s agrarian reform program to fail and just go to waste,” Nograles said, adding “we have to correct or redirect the programs under the present CARP law as demanded by current situations.”

The status of the proposed extension of the CARP law under House Bill No. 4077 is still open to amendments as the bill has yet to hurdle plenary interpellation. Both the antis and proponents of the measure are expected to contribute their inputs during the plenary period of amendments.

The plenary has already formed a committee that will receive and collate all amending proposals from stakeholders through their respective representatives.

“We have yet to receive the various proposals so they can be consolidated by the House Committee on Agrarian Reform chaired by Apayao Rep. Elias Bulut, Jr.,” Nograles said.

Nograles emphasized that the agrarian reform law must be compatible with the government efforts in attaining food security through the maximized use of all agricultural lands.

“The distribution of lands to tiller-farmers must not equate to loss of agricultural productivity through mismanagement,” Nograles stressed, adding that agrarian reform must be just and equitable, both to the farmer-beneficiaries and landowners. (With a report from Romy Bwaga)

Congresswomen To Play An Active Role On Issue Of Controversial Reproductive Health Bill

DAVAO CITY, Philippines (Mindanao Examiner / Sept. 23, 2008) – Women members of the Philippine Congress may soon play an active role on the issue of the Reproductive Health Bill.

Speaker Prospero Nograles said he will commission women members of the House of Representatives and the Congressional Spouses Foundation Inc. to conduct “all-women” district consultations on the Reproductive Health Bill.

The controversial bill has sparked debates from various groups and lawmakers in the largely Catholic country. Nograles said that women are the ones directly affected by the measure so “let's hear it from the women themselves.”

But Nograles was quick to say that as a devout Catholic, he will maintain “cold neutrality” in the Reproductive Health Bill and pointed out that he is neither for nor against the measure until he “listens to all sides.”

Nograles stressed, however, that he is also prepared to put the measure to a vote in the plenary “when the proper time comes.”

“The arguments of the proponents that overpopulations is the cause of poverty in the Philippines and those against it that human resource is our country’s best asset are both valid and correct,” Nograles said. "But as Speaker, I will not avoid the issue and I will call for a vote after all the plenary debates in the House.”

Nograles said he is prepared to set aside his own personal views on the issue in favor of the position of the majority members of the House of Representatives whom he has asked to consult with their constituents with regards to the raging debate on the Reproductive Health Bill, along with two other contentious issues which are the amendments to the Change and the extension of the Comprehensive Agrarian Reform Law.

“Even if I’m the Speaker, I only have one vote. This is the reason why I have asked our peers to conduct massive consultations in their districts so that their positions on these controversial issues will be reflective of the sentiment of their constituents,” Nograles said, adding that even the members of Congress should set aside their personal views in favor of the sentiment of their constituents.

“And as a lawyer, I was trained to deal only with facts and not speculations. I will maintain cold neutrality on this issue but I will take my personal stand based on facts and not on speculations,” he said.

Nograles also appealed to the proponents and the oppositionists of the Reproductive Health Bill not to resort to “name-calling” and personal attacks and focus their arguments only on facts.

“We cannot avoid this issue forever. We have to confront it head on sooner or later so why not sooner than later? The House may or may not approve this measure but what is more important is that we are able to bring all arguments on the table and decide which is best for our country. No one has the monopoly of wisdom so the best thing to do is listen and learn from the proponents and those who are against it,” he said.

Nograles said the proponents and the oppositionists of the bill should find a middle ground and craft a measure that is acceptable to both sides. And since the arguments of both sides have their own merits, Nograles said it will be best if the proponents are willing to accept amendments based on the recommendations of those who are opposing the bill.

“This issue should not be treated as something that one is wrong and the other is right. This is not black or white. Both sides have their strong and weak points so why not bring the strong points together and remove or reword the provisions in a way that is acceptable to everyone?” he pointed out.

“We should find a win-win solution or a middle ground that is acceptable to both sides. There is no need to fight over something that we can still compromise on,” Nograles said.

Bishops and priests have branded the bill as “anti-life,” but there is nothing in the Reproductive Health Bill that promotes abortion, while those who are supporting it said women should be given a choice of their own and decide for their future.

Albay Rep. Edcel Lagman is the main proponent of House Bill 5043 or the Reproductive Health, Responsible Parenthood, Family Planning and Population Management Bill.

“We must not fear to legislate because it is courage which is the handmaiden of a good and vital law,” Lagman said. “This bill is not solely about pills, condoms and IUDs. Neither is it about sex, morality or religion no matter how desperately its oppositors claim it is.” (Romy Bwaga)

Davao Solon To Retire In 2010, Son To Continue Legacy

House Speaker Prospero Nograles gestures as son, lawyer Karlo Nograles, looks on during a press conference in Davao City.

DAVAO CITY, Philippines (Mindanao Examiner / September 21, 2008) – House Speaker Prospero Nograles on Sunday announced that he would retire from politics when his term ends in 2010.

Nograles said he will just support his son, lawyer Karlo Nograles, if he decides to run for any political position in the next election. “Sorry to disappoint you guys but I will not seek any more local position after my term ends,” Nograles told reporters, when asked about his political plans in 2010.

Local media have floated a possible clash between Nograles and Rodrigo Duterte, the current mayor of Davao City, who is said to be eyeing the congressional position.

“I will help Karlo win in the elections so he can continue our good programs and projects for our people. Karlo is now ready to take my place,” Nograles said. “Before I end my term as Speaker of the House, I will try my best to implement as many projects as possible for Mindanao.” (Romy Bwaga)

Philippine Congress Pledges More School Buildings

DAVAO CITY, Philippines (Mindanao Examiner / September 13, 2008) – With education getting the lion's share of the P1.415-trillion proposed 2009 national budget, Speaker Prospero Nograles said building new schools and classrooms and modernizing the educational system should be sustained to ensure a competitive human capital resource.

“The Department of Education, whose budget increased from P186.6 billion to P204.9 for 2009, will have its hands full,” Nograles said, adding, that the 14th Congress has already approved the establishment of some 169 new national high schools across the country.

“These 169 education-oriented bills are all local bills of national significance but sadly are, most often, relegated to obscurity,” said Nograles.

Marikina City Rep. Del de Guzman heads the House Committee on Basic Education and Culture.

“We should maximize the use of our resources to cover the needed financial requirements to ensure accessible, affordable and quality education,” he said as he expressed confidence the Senate will approve the 169 separate bills authored by an equal number of congressmen in answer to the needs of their respective districts.

Under the 2009 budget, some P8.5 billion is earmarked for the building of classrooms alone nationwide.

Nograles, noting an annual performance report submitted by De Guzman, said the figure excludes the conversion of state colleges to universities and the continuing evolution of community schools into more complex educational institutions that give access to quality and affordable education to the Filipino youth.

“Education would widen our horizon and open more opportunities for development,” Nograles said, adding, the other especial committees of the House of Representatives are performing equally well.

House Majority Leader Arthur Defensor, for his part, said that of the 169 measures, 157 have already been approved on 3rd reading and had endorsed them to the Senate and 12 others were also passed on 2nd reading last month.

“These measures would require a substantial amount of public spending, but it’s worth it. We have to invest in our youth to sustain our country’s global competitiveness in terms of human capital resource,” Defensor said.

Both Nograles and Defensor stressed that the proposed new high school systems support President Gloria Arroyo’s medium and long term programs promoting human resource development cultivated at grass roots levels.

De Guzman, on the other hand, said the Committee on Basic Education and Culture has jurisdiction over all matters directly and principally relating to preschool, elementary and secondary education.

And also science high schools excluding the Philippine Science High School system; special education; teachers’ and students’ welfare; informal and non-formal and other alternative basic learning systems and community adult education.

De Guzman explained that his panel is also mandated to act on measures pertaining to the preservation, enrichment and evolution of the national language, the Filipino culture and arts and all cultural institutions such as museums and libraries; and on all matters involving educational and cultural activities of international agencies, such as the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization.

Excluding the current 2nd regular session, de Guzman reported that from the opening of the 14th Congress up to June this year, his committee was able to act on some 602 of the total 748 local and national bills referred by the plenary during the period. (Romy Bwaga)

Philippine Congress To Pass More Laws To Ensure Food Security

Lawyer Karlo Nograles, son and chief of staff of House Speaker Prospero Nograles, right, speaks at a recent consultation with Rep. Abraham Mitra, of Palawan province, in Davao City in the southern Philippines. Nograles says Congress envisions the passing of more laws to protect the country from food crisis.

DAVAO CITY, Philippines (Mindanao Examiner / September 9, 2008) – The Philippine Congress are set to pass new laws that will ensure food security.

Lawyer Karlo Nograles, son and chief of staff of House Speaker Prospero Nograles, said with the success of the nationwide consultations on the implementation of the Agriculture and Fisheries Modernization Act (AFMA), Congress is set to pass new bills and resolutions aimed at strengthening food security in the country.

Two of the consultations, in coordination with the Department of Agriculture, were held in the cities of Davao and Cagayan de Oro.

The consultation in Davao was attended by many stakeholders. Nograles himself hosted the consultation on the Committee on Agriculture headed by Rep. Abraham Mitra, of Palawan province.

"The gathering was very significant in ensuring food security of the country," he said.

Mitra admitted that the high cost of rice resulted in food crisis and could be partly blamed to the lack of sufficient budget for the agricultural sector, particularly on the implementation of the AFMA.

Mitra said if only AFMA gets the budget it deserves - since the law was passed in 1997 - the crisis would not have happened.

Mitra explained the supposed P20 billion budgets in 1999 and P17 billion a year for the next six years from 2000-2005 for AFMA, did not materialize.

"If only the money was given to aid farmers and fishermen in the country, this food crisis would not have happened," Mitra told reporters.

Mitra said during their nationwide consultation they discovered that the country has ample supply of rice, but farmers cultivating the land did not have the resources to support their farming.

"I think if AFMA gets the right budget it deserve we do not anymore need to import rice from other countries," Mitra said.

He said they already relayed to President Gloria Arroyo the need to allocate some budget for AFMA implementation.

Mitra said they chose Davao City as venue for the consultation since the city and the entire Region 11 have many farmers aside from being one of the premier cities in the country.

"With the inputs we gather in our nationwide consultation we will create laws to benefit the agricultural sector in the country," he said. (Romy Bwaga)

House Bill Threatens Food Security In Philippines

MANILA, Philippines (Mindanao Examiner / September 9, 2008) - A Filipino lawmaker on Tuesday said a bill being proposed in Congress would affect food security in the Philippines.

Rep. Luzviminda Ilagan said the House Resolution 737 authored by Speaker Prospero Nograles, seeks to amend Sections 2 and 3 of Article XII of the Philippine Constitution that would allow the acquisition by foreign corporations and associations, and transfer of alienable lands and private lands.

“Allowing 100 percent foreign ownership of Philippine lands will further endanger the country’s food security and may lead to higher hunger and poverty incidence in the Philippines," she said.

She said the resolution aims to scrap the provision in the Constitution requiring 60 percent ownership by Filipino citizens of corporations wanting to explore, develop and utilize the country’s natural resources and hopes to allow foreign individuals, corporations and associations to hold up to 1,000 hectares of alienable lands of public domain by lease or acquire up to 25 hectares of the same.

According to Ilagan, the resolution, which also aims to sustain national growth by attracting investments, contradicts the 1987 Constitution which states that the State “shall protect Filipino enterprises against unfair foreign competition and trade practices” and “promote industrialization and full employment based on sound agricultural development and agrarian reform”.

“HR 737 will open almost 50 percent of the Philippine’s 30 million hectares of lands to foreigners. Foreign corporations which have greater capability to buy lands than most Filipinos do, will transform these into huge plantations, large scale mining site and other conglomerates which will suit only commercial, transnational interests. As 93 percent of the alienable and disposable lands to become available to them are agricultural, it will displace farmers and will push the country to rely on rice imports to be able to eat,” Ilagan said.

In Mindanao, she said 8,262,612 hectares of the 20,399,772 island’s total land area can be owned by foreign corporations. She fears that Nograles’ plan will lead to further displacement of the Bangsamoro and indigenous peoples and the worsening of peace situation in the southern provinces.

Vast tracks of mineral-rich lands in Mindanao are already being exploited by multinational companies such as Canadian-owned TVI Pacific Inc. for gold, silver, copper and zinc and Crew Development Corporation for nickel. Oil behemoth Exxon Mobil is exploring Sulu for oil deposits while Australian mining giant BHP Billiton is interested in Davao’s nickel.

Ilagan also questioned the medium through which the Speaker is attempting to amend the Constitution. She said that a House resolution would not suffice as changes in the highest law of land should be done by a House bill that is either joint or concurrent that can be transmitted by the House to the Senate.

Gov't Critics On MILF Peace talks Told To Be Part Of Negotiations

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Arab Investments Needed To Bring Developments In Southern Philippines

DAVAO CITY, Philippines (Mindanao Examiner / September 6, 2008) - Mindanao can still be extricated from its present "chicken and egg" situation where peace is impossible to achieve with wide spread poverty or that poverty is impossible to solve without peace - if only the government could invite Arab investments that would generate jobs and jump-start development in the region.

House Speaker Prospero Nograles expressed belief that investments from rich Islamic countries can safely operate in Mindanao because they enjoy the trust and respect of Filipino Muslims, including the insurgents.

"No Muslim would blow up an Arab investment," Nograles surmised adding that nearly all major Mosques in the country are build from funds coming from the Organization of Islamic Countries (OIC).

According to Nograles, Mindanao is trapped in a situation where investments and infrastructure development that would generate jobs and provide livelihood to the Muslims and Christians in Mindanao cannot be put in place because of the volatile peace and order situation in the area.

He said that many investors attempted to put up job-generating businesses in some parts of Mindanao, including the province of Basilan, which is a known lair of the Abu Sayyaf, but decided to withdraw due to constant harassment and extortion by armed groups.

Nograles lamented that so-called Mindanao hot spots such as Basilan, Tawi-Tawi and Sulu provinces have so much potential in terms of investments.

Basilan is dotted with palm oil trees and it is also suitable for rubber tree plantations while Tawi-Tawi and Sulu are believed to hold huge deposits of oil and natural gas. The islands are also endowed with picture-perfect natural beauty that can match even the world's best tourist destinations.

"There are some who say that we can't have peace because there is no economic development, and we are poor. Some say investments won't come in because there is no peace. So, we really have a problem," he said.

"Since the insurgency in Mindanao is largely Muslim-related, I believe that we should put in investments coming from our Muslim brothers from the OIC.

The insurgents will not touch them especially because nearly all major Mosques in our country are funded by members of the OIC," he said.

Inviting Arab investments, Nograles said, can be the best approach to jump-start the development of Mindanao but they are discouraged by the restrictive equity requirement in the Constitution. And with China and even Vietnam opening up their economies, Nograles said that the country is losing much of its advantage as a viable investment destination.

"Our Arab friends and OPEC (Organization of Petroleum Exporting Countries) friends also tell us why go to Mindanao with our money and technology and you just give us 40 percent and you (Filipinos) keep 60 percent?"

"This was why I filed a Resolution (now with the Committee on Constitutional Amendments chaired by Rep. Victor Ortega) removing the 60-40 provision from the Constitution so that foreign corporations could come in, especially in areas of oil and mineral exploration and other major projects like a Mindanao railway system," Nograles said. (Romy Bwaga)

Private Corporations In RP Told To Comply With Requirements

DAVAO CITY, Philippines (September 4, 2008) – House Speaker Prospero Nograles warned private corporations against non-compliance with the requirements of their legislative franchises, endorsing an earlier call by a senior Mindanao lawmaker for a review of all franchises granted by Congress.

"Rep. Rodolfo Plaza was right when he sought such a review because the grant of a franchise is an act of Congress which can also be taken back or revoked when the grantees do not adhere to the mandates of their franchises," Nograles said.

Plaza (Agusan del Sur) revealed that a number of private corporations granted franchises by Congress are reportedly remiss in complying with the letters of their legislative concessions.

Nograles said Plaza's revelation, that certain firms deliberately conceal their true ownership when applying for a legislative franchise, "is something that should be really looked into".

Following this revelation, Nograles instructed the House Committee on Legislative Franchises chaired by Iloilo Rep. Ferjenel Biron, to exercise oversight over the franchises granted by Congress.

Nograles also wants Biron to "find out if these franchisees have been diligently complying with the terms and conditions pertinent to their legislative franchises including the submission of annual reports to Congress."

According to Plaza, a number of legislative franchise holders have not been submitting annual reports. Under the law, companies can be fined with up to P50,000 per day for failure to submit their annual reports.

Nograles said the congressional review would cover telecommunications service providers, broadcasting media companies, cable television firms, commercial airlines and public utilities.

"We owe it to the Filipino people," Nograles said and assured that "those who faithfully comply with the terms and conditions of their respective franchises have nothing to worry about." (Romy Bwaga)

No Line Up Yet For 2010 Polls, Lakas-CMD Say

DAVAO CITY, Philippines (Mindanao Examiner / September 3, 2008) – Philippine House Speaker Prospero Nograles, who is also president of the ruling political coalition Lakas-CMD, said they have yet to form a line up for the 2010 national polls.

“As far as the collective leadership is concerned, all positions thatare up for grabs in 2010 are still vacant, including our choices forpresident and vice-president.”

”We are a party that adheres to the democratic processes. We don'tdecide based on the say-so of one or two individual members. We havenot narrowed down our choices and in fact, we are trying to expand ourhorizon,” Nograles said.

The solon from Davao City made the statement after Rep. Jose de Venecia claimed that Lakas will draft Senate President Manuel Villar as its official candidate for President.

“Our party policy is to make a decision from the bottom up. Not fromabove. Certainly, if Senate President Villar wishes to forge analliance with us for the purpose of putting up a united front in 2010,we will consider it seriously but not to the exclusion of others whomay wish to come aboard,” he said.

Nograles said there is an effort to merge the Lakas-CMD to the political party of President Gloria Arroyo, the Kabalikat ng Malayang Pilipino (KAMPI).

“With the ongoing efforts of the government to maintain and sustaineconomic development in the wake of the global economic crunch, whatwe need is not the divisive and destructive politics but unity andhard work,” he stressed.

”The people expect their leaders to lead them away from poverty andnot feed on their personal ambitions,” he added.

”It is during challenging times or crisis that leaders come to fore.Who knows, between now and on the eve of the campaign period a newname might come to the national consciousness,” Nograle said without elaborating further. (Romy Bwaga)

Philippine Speaker Turns To Mindanao Leaders Over Peace In Troubled Region

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Boxing Program To Be Revived Again In Davao City

DAVAO CITY, Philippines (Mindanao Examiner / August 26, 2008) – Philippine House Speaker Prospero Nograles said he would revive his boxing program in Davao City in an effort to produce more world champions like Manny Pacquiao.

Lawyer Karlo Nograles, the solon’s son and chief aide, said the “Oplan Kamao” is expected to attract new breed amateur boxers who wanted to be like Pacquiao or other famous Filipino ring champions.

”Hopefully we can revive the program this year,” Nograles said, adding, the solon was inspired by two local boxers who won gold medals in the recent Palarong Pambansa sports competition held in Puerto Princesa City in Palawan province.

Davao boxers John Vincent Moralde, 13, and his elder brother Engelbert Moralde, 15, both students of Erico Nograles High School, topped their boxing divisions in the annual sporting event.

Earlier, Nograles offered scholarship grant to the two boxers for their victory which placed Davao City in the boxing map of the country.

”The scholarship grant will help these two young boxers attain their dreams and be proud that they are Davao boxers,” the young Nograles said.

John Vincent Morales ruled the powder-weight division (36 kgs) when he defeated Region 6 boxer Jhon Arcita. His elder brother ruled at the 45 kgs division.

”Sports has always been an advocacy of my father to focus the youth in sports and veer them away from drugs and other vices,” he said.

Nograles, a known sportsman, also put up basketball courts in many areas here and has continuously sponsored various sports activities and competition. (Romy Bwaga)

Davao Officials Pledge More Development Projects

DAVAO CITY, Philippines (Mindanao Examiner / August 25, 2008) – Davao City deputy mayor Sarah Duterte said the local government would concentrate its development and infrastructure projects in other parts of the metropolis.

Duterte said House Speaker Prospero Nograles has poured projects in the city’s Firsty District and that she would put more efforts in other parts of Davao – the Second and Third Districts.

Nograles has allocated more than P400 million in various development projects for the First District where he belongs.

“I thank vice mayor Duterte for recognizing the projects that the Speaker has poured in for the First District,” the solon’s son and chief aide, lawyer Karlo Nograles said.

“I am certain we all share in the same dreams for the people of our beloved city,” he said. (Romy Bwaga)