Admin solons expect Duterte’s SONA to focus on federalism, drug war

By JOHN CARLO M. CAHINHINAN

Administrations solons are looking forward to hear a ​candid and ​substantive State of the Nation Address (SONA) of President Rodrigo Duterte which is expected to focus on his advocacy for federalism, war on drugs and corruption, as well as peace and security in the country.

House Justice Committee chair and Mindoro Oriental Rep. Reynaldo Umali ​expressed hope that​ the Preisident would remain steadfast in his campaign promises and advocacies against crime, corruption and illegal drugs and federalism.

“As the leader of the Filipino people advocating for real change, he should espouse peace and unity, and work together for the common good,” said Umali.

Quezon City Rep. Winston Castelo, chairman of the committee on Metro Manila development, said he expects Duterte’s third SONA to be “short but powerful.”

Castelo ​said the President w​ould likely​ make a strong push for the shift to a federal system coupled with reforms in the economy and in the political arena.

“We expect the President to rally his party mates and allies in the Congress to give priority to the proposed revisions in the Constitution to put in place the framework of a federal system and provide for smooth transition,” he said.

Since federalism was the cornerstone of the president’s campaign, Castelo said ​it was time to really to get it going.

Committee on Appropriations chair and Davao City Rep. Karlo Nograles said Duterte’s SONA on Monday (July 23) would ikely report on how far the latter has gone in making these visions a reality.

Nograles, a nephew of Duterte​,​ said he ​was ​expecting ​the SONA to be based on “extraordinary accomplishments” including the realization of his promise to double the salary of men in uniform and, more recently, the impending enactment of the Bangsamoro Basic Law.

“Last SONA, he promised a new Bangsamoro Basic Law and now we are about to have a new Bangsamoro Organic Law (BOL) which hopes to end the cycle of conflict in some parts of Mindanao,” said Nograles.

The Davao City lawmaker noted that at the beginning of his term, Duterte promised accessible quality education for all and so he expects him to report on the full implementation of the Free College Education law as well as on other beneficial legislations, such as the Ease of Doing Business Law, the law extending the validity of driver’s license to five years, and the national feeding program to address malnutrition in school children, among others.

“This feat has never been achieved by his predecessors until the end of their terms,” said Nograles.

Nograles ​also ​predict​ed​ that the gist of the President’s SoNA on Monday will focus on his administration’s effort to deliver on his commitments to the Filipino people.

Committee on Dangerous Drugs chair and Surigao del Norte Rep. Robert Ace Barbers said he thinks the chief executive will discuss lengthily the sustained economic gains under his administration.

“That’s a GNP of close to seven percent,” Barbers noted.

Barbers said he also expects President Duterte to talk about the achievements on the war against drugs and corruption, as well as the infrastructure revolution under the “Build, Build, Build” program.

​He was also hopeful that Duterte will demand from pharmaceutical firm Sanofi “the full refund of the Dengvaxia payment.”

​C​ommittee on Constitutional Amendments chair and Southern Leyte Rep. Roger Mercado believes the SONA would keep high hopes for the country’s better social and economic performance due to the president’s vision: “Ambisyon Natin 2040.”

Malacañang expects Duterte to sign Bangsamoro Organic Law on SONA day

Malacanang on Sunday expressed optimism that President Rodrigo Duterte would sign the proposed Bangsamoro Organic Law before his third State of the Nation Address (SONA) on Monday.

Presidential spokesperson Harry Roque made the remark amid "neutral" public response to the measure.

According to a second quarter 2018 survey of the Social Weather Stations, 31 percent agreed while 28 percent disagreed that Congress should pass the bill.

Forty percent, meanwhile, said they were undecided on the issue.

"While the public is neutral and is reserving judgment on the passage of this law based on the SWS survey, we consider this landmark measure as instrumental to our peace and security efforts in Mindanao," Roque said in a statement.

The bicameral conference committee on Wednesday last week approved its version of the then-proposed Bangsamoro Basic Law, reconciling the disagreeing provisions in the respective versions of the Senate and the House of Representatives of the measure.

Both houses will separately ratify the final version of the measure during their session in the morning of the President's SONA day.

The signing of the measure into law, meanwhile, is expected in the afternoon.

"We acknowledge the hard work of Congress and the Bangsamoro Transition Commission that brought us this historic law which would not only forge lasting peace in Mindanao but would also provide the much needed economic development in the island," Roque said. — Erwin Colcol/BM, GMA News

Will Senate assert its independence in charter change, no-el issues?

President Rodrigo Duterte knows exactly what he wants. But when it comes to legislation, the Senate may not always give whatever he wants.

In the first two years of the Duterte administration, the Senate has been a generous “partner for change” of the President, delivering on his legislative agenda and campaign promises.

When he stepped down in May 2018, former Senate President Aquilino “Koko” Pimentel III said that the upper chamber, under his leadership, delivered some of the priority legislation and promises of the President.

“We delivered,” Pimentel, who is president of the Duterte’s party, PDP-Laban, said. “If we audit the campaign promises, I think the President and the Senate and the House of Representatives were able to meet these because of the support of the other legislators.”

According to Malacañang, Duterte has signed 133 laws since 2016 – 39 of them national laws and 94 local laws. This is more than the number of laws signed by his predecessor, Benigno Aquino III, in his first two years of office.

Some of the priority and most significant measures enacted during the President Duterte’s first two years include:

• Tax Reform for for Acceleration and Inclusion (Train)
• An Act Extending the Validity of Philippine Passports
• An Act Extending the Validity Period of Drivers’ Licenses
• Universal Access to Quality Tertiary Education Act
• Free Irrigation Services Act
• An Act Strengthening the Anti-Hospital Deposit Law
• East of Doing Business Act

The President also recently signed the Philippine Mental Health Act, Anti-Hazing Act of 2018 and National School Feeding Law, among others.

He has yet to sign major measures, such as the Filipino Identification System and the Occupational Safety and Health Standards (OSHS).

Senate President Vicente “Tito” Sotto III, Pimentel’s successor, said the Senate delivered what was expected of them.

“To sum it up in one word: Magaling!” he said.

Senate independence

As he took over the reins of leadership, Sotto, the Senate’s most senior member, vowed to protect the chamber’s independence while being supportive of the President’s legislative agenda.

But to serve as the check to the President’s major legislative agenda – charter change and the country’s shift to federalism – the Senate has to remain independent.

The chamber’s independence will be put to test starting on Monday, when the Congress resumes to hear the President deliver his third State of the Nation Address (Sona).

The House of Representatives and the Senate have been bickering on the process of the amending the 1987 Constitution to facilitate the country’s shift to federalism.

House Speaker Pantaleon Alvarez said his chamber would proceed even without the Senate, but the senators begged to differ.

Alvarez has proposed no-elections, or “no-el,” scenario in 2019, even through a people’s initiative.

Jan Robert Go, an assistant professor of political science at the University of the Philippines, believes the Senate can start asserting its independence by blocking moves to railroad charter change and the push for a “no-el” scenario in 2019.

“The Senate is usually seen as the more independent chamber of Congress,” Go told INQUIRER.net. “So even ‘if], for example, they have majority, the idea of majority is just for the purposes of leadership. Each senator is free, each senator is an individual republic in the Senate.”

In terms of the chamber’s legislative record, Go said, the Senate has promptly passed the President’s priority measures. But there are other measures still pending at the committee level.

“You can see that even if they have the majority, they still keep the image of the Senate as the check to the aggressiveness of the House of Representatives,” he said.

“Even if the majority members are vocally supportive of the President, in terms of how they actually work in the legislative agenda of the President, it doesn’t automatically translate to that,” he added.

Go cited the reimposition of death penalty as an example.

The House approved the death penalty bill in third and final reading in March 2017. But the measure is still pending at the committee level at the Senate.

In a recent interview with reporters, Sotto himself said that the Senate could withstand pressure from the public or even the President.

“The Senate was created to be independent, fair, impartial, but courageous,” he said. “Therefore it was created, I believe, to withstand pressure from public opinion, but also pressure from presidential powers.”

“We will listen, but we sill also digest what we hear,” Sotto said. “We shall decide on what will be good for the majority of the Filipinos.”

What’s in it for them?

The Senate’s independence heavily relies on the character and individual interests of every senator, especially now that term extension through what many critics see as unconstitutional “no-el” scenario is being dangled right before them.

The prospect of a term extension can be a boon for at least 11 senators, six of whom are re-electionists and five have already serve two terms.

Many senators, whether in the majority or in the minority, have expressed opposition to the cancellation of the elections, citing unconstitutionality and self-serving motivations.

Sen. Panfilo Lacson said the Senate would block such moves.

“It goes without saying, the majority of the senators, even those running for re-election, will fight tooth and nail any attempt to cancel the 2019 midterm elections simply because it is wrong and self-serving,” Lacson he said.

Sen. Francis Escudero, who has already served two terms, was baffled by Alvarez’s obsession for “no-el.”

“Quite frankly, I don’t know why he seems so obsessed with postponing the election when neither the people nor the Palace supports such postponement,” Escudero said.

On federalism, Sotto himself said the sense of the Senate was not to rush the shift, pointing out that the Bangsamoro Organic Law would be a good “test case” for the country’s shift to a federal type of government.

Duterte now has a draft charter that is expected to be handed down to the Congress anytime soon.

For Go, federalism will be a tough issue to contend with given the “concession” available and its future implication on the power of politicians.

“Senators would have to weigh in today and tomorrow: What’s in it for me today and how will it affect me tomorrow? Especially [since] these are politicians and changes on the political system will have repercussions on them,” Go said.

“Will they still be senators?” he added. “Thinking of senators now elected by regions, will they have stronghold in a particular region that they will be able to continue as senators?”

“At the end of the day, it’s all about their interests,” he said. “The rhetoric is ‘the interest of the Filipino people.’ B ut it’s more of their interest as politicians to keep themselves in power.” /atm

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Duterte admin’s Sona promises for 2016, 2017: A review

By tradition, the State of the Nation Address (Sona) by the President offers a view of the government’s priorities, the assessment of the state of the nation that drives the agenda and the needed legislative action. It invariably includes a number of promises.

In his last two Sonas, President Rodrigo Duterte made more than 75 promises ranging from the very specific and short-term to the more encompassing and long-term.

In this compilation of updates of some the President’s promises, a scoring is attempted: A thumbs up for promise kept; A thumbs down for a promise not kept; and a thumbs up/thumbs down for a promise that has mixed results of good and bad or ongoing and still being done.

Updates on President Duterte’s 2016 Sona promises

Promise: Relax constitutional restrictions on economy, institute mandatory reforms to promote ease in doing business

Update: The proposed 11th foreign investment negative list (FINL) would reduce to $200,000 the minimum paid-up capital needed by foreigners to participate in domestic retail trade.

Socioeconomic Planning Secretary Ernesto Pernia said the latest FINL would also allow the entry of international construction companies. He also endorsed a draft executive order raising the share of foreign contractors in local projects to “over 40 percent.”

Finance Secretary Carlos G. Dominguez III said he was amenable to lifting foreign investment restrictions in the Constitution, except for land ownership.

Score: Thumbs up/Thumbs down

Promise: Review mining and logging permits and intensify illegal logging and illegal mining campaign with the help of the military

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Update: In her 11-month tenure as Environment Secretary, Regina Paz Lopez ordered the closure of 28 operating mines and the cancellation of 75 mineral production sharing agreements (MPSA)—a quarter of the industry’s contracts—claiming these illegally encroached on watersheds, leaked waste into rivers and destroyed trees.

She also directed a ban on open-pit mining, which led to the closure of more than half of the country’s operating mines that used this method.

In October 2017, new Environment Secretary Roy Cimatu, under the guidance of the Mining Industry Coordinating Council that he co-chairs with Finance Secretary Carlos Dominguez III, decided to reverse the ban on open-pit mining.

Cimatu also crafted a five-point document called the “Baguio Declaration,” which promotes sustainable and responsible mining. Included in it were the protection and enhancement of the environment, protection of the indigenous communities, fair contribution to the economy, and compliance with highest international standards.

The Chamber of Mines of the Philippines, the country’s largest mining organization. subscribed to the Mining Association of Canada’s (MAC) initiative called “Towards Sustainable Mining (TSM)” program, known as a globally recognized set of standards that would serve as the industry’s latest benchmark in measuring its performance.

Score: Thumbs up/Thumbs down

Promise: Full implementation of Responsible Parenthood and Reproductive Health Law

Update: In January 2017, President Duterte issued Executive Order No. 12, which ordered the budget department to “realign and augment appropriations” to support the full implementation of the Reproductive Health Law in 2017, with the funding requirements in subsequent years to be included in the annual budget law.



Under EO 12, the Department of Health (DOH), the Commission on Population and the Department of the Interior and Local Government will work with local governments for the provision of contraceptives and family planning services.

Score: Thumbs up

Promise: Develop a national broadband plan, provide free Wi-Fi in public areas

Update: In its 2017 audit report, the Commission on Audit (COA) said the lack of project planning and coordination resulted in the delayed and failed implementation of Project Pipol Konek, the four-year, P6.5-billion project of the Department of Information and Communications Technology.

With an initial fund layout of P4.8 billion, Pipol Konek was started in January 2015. The COA findings, however, revealed that as of December 2017, the project achieved a “very low-performance rate.”

Score: Thumbs down

Promise: Maintain and improve macroeconomic policies/ have prudent fiscal and monetary policies. Achieve solid growth, low and stable inflation, dollar reserves and robust fiscal position by the end f term

Update: The country’s gross domestic product (GDP) grew by 6.7 percent for the full year of 2017, making the Philippines among the fastest growing economies in Asia, according to Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA’s in its report last April. But inflation picked up faster than expected to 5.2 percent year-on-year in June, the highest in more than five years, due to costlier food and “sin” products.

Rising inflation, blamed on the enforcement of the Tax Reform for Acceleration and Inclusion (TRAIN) Act starting January, a weak peso and firmer global oil prices, has prompted the central bank to raise interest rates in May and June.

The TRAIN law raised the ceiling on tax-exempt income, but imposed excise on oil products despite the value-added tax on fuel and slapped higher taxes on tobacco, alcohol and other so-called sin products.

Score: Thumbs Up/Thumbs down

Promise: Relax bank secrecy law

Update: By April next year, the government would implement tax amnesty, which forms part of tax reform package “1B,” an offshoot of the TRAIN law. The tax package also includes an estate tax amnesty, higher motor vehicle user’s charge, bank secrecy relaxation and automatic exchange of information.

Score: Thumbs up/Thumbs down

Promise: Provide modern agriculture infrastructure and establish modern harvest and post-harvest facilities

Update: The government plans to issue bonds to raise funds for the completion of the Department of Agriculture (DA)’s farm-to-market roads (FMRs) and its farm and fisheries mechanization program.

Agriculture Secretary Emmanuel Piñol said the agency would need P140 billion to finish some 13,000 kilometers of FMRs all over the country, while another P60 billion would be required to finance the mechanization of farms and fishing communities nationwide.

The agency is also pushing for a P900-million loan with the Japan International Cooperation Agency (Jica) for a program to fully mechanize select clusters of farms starting with 10 pilot areas of 1,000-hectares each.

Under the proposed Philippine Agricultural Modernization Program, the DA intended to provide farmers in 10 model sites nationwide with farm equipment, post-harvest facilities, technical support and institutional development.

Score: Thumbs up/Thumbs down

Promise: Address perennial flooding in Metro Manila and neighboring areas/put up new pumping stations in strategic places

Update: In its 2017 audit report, the Commission on Audit found 47 out of 68 projects of the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) that were programmed for the year were not completed on schedule, due to frequent changes in the MMDA’s organization.

Based on audit findings, the MMDA allotted a total of P459 million for 68 flood-control projects, the bulk of which were the 35 drainage improvement projects, worth P207.1 million.

But at the end of 2017, the COA found only 21 flood-control projects completed, while 11 were still ongoing and 36 were not yet started. Of the 21 projects completed, 20 did not meet target completion timetable.

In January, the Department of Finance said the government would begin work on the $500-million Metro Manila Flood Control Management Project to be jointly implemented by the Department of Public Works and Highways and MMDA.

Partly financed by China-led Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank, it was aimed for completion in 2024.

Score: Thumbs down

Promise: Implement Freedom of Information

Update: According to online FOI portal (https://www.foi.gov.ph), there had been 5269 requests broken down into 1,817 successful requests, 1,376 pending/processing and at least 1,385 denied. A number of pending requests are more than 15- working- days old (the mandated standard processing time). There are 283 participating agencies but as of July 15, only 32 have FOI Manuals. There were also complaints of redacted SALNs.

Score: Thumbs up/Thumbs down

Promise: Increase number of Metro Rail Transit-3 running trains from 16 to 20 and increase train speed from 40 kph to 60 kph

Update: There are only 12 running MRT trains as of July 15.

Score: Thumbs down

Promise: Provide financial education to Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs) to encourage entrepreneurship

Update: In October 2017, financial assistance for Filipino Overseas Workers (OFWs) in the Balik Pinas! Balik Hanapbuhay! Program was increased P10,000 to P20,000 to ensure sufficient start-up capital for livelihood projects.

Last June, the President led the launch of the Overseas Filipino Bank (OFB), rebranded Philippine Postal Savings Bank, which was acquired by the state-owned Land Bank of the Philippines for conversion into a financial institution catering mainly to overseas Filipino workers by providing them with low-cost financing or loans.

Score: Thumbs up

Promise: Protect human rights and ensure the rule of law shall at all times prevail

Update: The Duterte administration enjoys majority approval rating (71 percent) on “Enforcing the law on all, whether influential or ordinary people,” according to a Pulse Asia Research, Inc. survey done in March. A Pulse Asia survey in September says that 73 percent believed that EJKs exist in the government’s anti drug campaign.

Score: Thumbs up/Thumbs down

Promise: Amend laws on human terrorism, terrorism financing and cybercrime

Update: Bills to amend the laws are pending in the House and Senate.

Score: Thumbs down

Promise: Coordinate with Indonesia and Malaysia to suppress kidnappings in the waters of these countries

Update: Malaysia, Indonesia and the Philippines launched Trilateral Maritime Patrol Arrangement for joint naval patrol in June last year. In October they launched joined trilateral air patrol.

Score: Thumbs up

Promise: Improve household income

Update: TRAIN law provides tax relief to over six million tax-exempt wage or salary earners (those with taxable income of P685 per day or P20,833 per month and below) and additional take-home pay for the 13-month pay and other bonuses not exceeding P90,000 exempted from personal tax.. The restructured personal tax-exempt brackets will also benefit those with yearly taxable income of up to P2 million.

But concerns have been raised for those in the informal sector and for everyone because of the impact of TRAIN in inflation as it raises tax on petroleum products, among others. The highest inflation in years erodes everyone’s purchasing power.

Score: Thumbs up/Thumbs down

Promise: Attract investments and generate jobs for the poor and less skilled and attract investments for labor-intensive industries

Update: Foreign direct investment (FDI) net inflows reached a record high of US$10 billion in 2017, up by 21.4 percent from the year-ago level. Filipino-led investments hit P805.7 billion last year, also up 72.5 percent from P466.9 billion in 2016. But 10.9 adult Filipinos million were jobless, according to a survey done by SWS last March, up from 7.2 million in December. The jobless include about 3.5 million who

Score: Thumbs up/Thumbs down

Promise: Invest in human capital. Increase spending on basic education and expand alternative learning system programs.

Update: Budget for pre-primary and primary education went up from Php 170.3 billion in 2016 to Php 201.9 B in 2017. The ALS program has Php P533 million budget for 2018. In place is a 3-year program to enhance ALS curriculum. An initiative called ALS-Education and Skills Training or ALS-EST was implemented on pilot bases for 2017 to 2018. The aim is to have ALS graduates who are ready for immediate employment.

Last June, the MOA between the Commission on Higher Education (CHED),112 State Universities and Colleges (SUCs), and 78-CHED Registered Local Universities and Colleges (LUCs) was signed to implement Republic Act No. 10931 or the Universal Access to Quality Tertiary Education Act. With this law, 1.3 million students enrolled in SUCs and LUCs are to enjoy free tuition and miscellaneous fees beginning academic year 2018-19.

Score: Thumbs up

Promise: Optimize agricultural production

Update: Signed into law in February, Republic Act No. 10969 or the Free Irrigation Service Act ensures free irrigation services are made available to poor farmers through the continued construction, repair, and maintenance of necessary irrigation facilities.

Palay production went up from 17.63 million metric tons in 2016 to 19.28 million metric tons in 2017. But prices of rice continued to increase for at least 24 weeks from. As of the third week of June, the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) reported that the average retail price of regular-milled and well-milled rice reached P40.57 and P44.21 a kilogram, respectively. Compared to year ago levels, prices have gone up by 7.67 percent and 5.77 percent, respectively. The NFA had to distribute imported rice from Thailand and Vietnam to help bring down the prices.

Score: Thumbs up/Thumbs down

Promise: Revive the operation of the Pasig River Ferry Service System

Update: In April 2014, the Pasig River ferry system was reopened as an alternative mode of transportation in congested Metro Manila.

At present, the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority runs the ferry system which has few operating ferries without air-conditioning while the stations are in dilapidated condition.

In April this year, Budget Secretary Benjamin E. Diokno said that the government would bid out the contract to operate the Pasig River ferry system to a private firm by midyear. The government also plans to build an additional 17 stations on top of the existing 12 stations in the next four years to serve up to 76,800 passengers a day.

By 2022, the government wants at least 24 air-conditioned ferries, each with a capacity of 50 seats, serving the Pasig River route.

Score: Thumbs Down

Promise: Immediately intensify anti-colorum and out-of-apprehension campaign

Update: In March 2018, the transportation department formed the “Task Force Kamao” to intensify its crackdown on colorum (operating without a valid franchise) vehicles based on the President’s directive.

Score: Thumbs Up

Promise: Extend effectiveness of drivers’ licenses to five years

Update: On Aug. 2, 2017, President Duterte signed Republic Act No. 10930, which extends the validity of drivers’ licenses from three years to five years.

Score: Thumbs Up

Promise: Lengthen the validity of passports from five years to 10 years and open additional consular offices to avoid queues in passport application

Update: Republic Act No. 10928, signed by President Duterte on Aug. 2, extended the validity of Philippine passports from five to 10 years. The DFA issued Implementing Rules and Regulations (IRR) for the act on Oct. 25, 2017. It took effect on Jan. 1, 2018.

Score: Thumbs Up

Promise: Extend LRT operating hours to 10:30 p.m.

Update: LRT 2 has extended operating hours to 10:30 p.m.

Score: Thumbs Up

Promise: Decongest NAIA and shift some domestic and international airlines to the Clark Airport

Update: In September 2017 the Department of Transportation (DOTr), in partnership with the Genesis Transport Service Inc. (GTSI), launched a bus service program that can ferry passengers from the Clark International Airport in Pampanga to NAIA 3.According to an official statement, this move was meant to provide “convenient transportation from the Clark International Airport to NAIA as the government plans to transfer flights between the two airports, while helping decongest traffic in Metro Manila.”

Score: Thumbs Up/Thumbs Down

Promise: Transform Laguna Lake into a vibrant economic zone and prioritize the entitlement of the small fisherman

Update: In December 2017, the Laguna Lake Development Authority (LLDA) closed down an open dump in Taguig City that had been operating for years on illegally reclaimed land facing Laguna de Bay. The agency also filed charges against the operators of the dump located along C6 Road in Barangay Hagonoy.

Score: Thumbs Up/Thumbs Down

Promise: Provide rice subsidies to the poorest families

Update: The DSWD started the release in March 2017 of rice subsidies to an estimated four (4) million Pantawid Pamilya households. Each active and compliant household is entitled to receive a PhP600.00 monthly rice subsidy, equivalent to around 18 kilos of rice.

Score: Thumbs Up

Promise: Provide universal health insurance and strengthen capabilities of government hospitals

Update: For the health advancement efforts of the government, Sec. Orogo shared that 93 percent of Filipinos are already covered by PhilHealth. These include the 32.7 million indigents listed on the DSWD’s Listahanan of poor households and 8.6 million senior citizens. Meanwhile, the Medical Assistance for the Indigents Patients (MAIP) has served a total of 751,007 clients, while the DSWD’s Lingap sa Masa has benefited a total of 63,178 clients.

Score: Thumbs Up

Promise: Fully implement the Magna Carta of Women down to the barangays

Update: The DSWD held caravans to raise awareness on the various forms of harassment and where to report cases of the same. The theme for National Women’s Month celebration (NWMC) for 2017-2022, “We Make Change Work for Women” refers to efforts to strengthen the implementation of the Magna Carta for Women (MCW) at all levels; and ensure compassionate and harmonized actions and networks for gender equality. A total of 381, 908 women availed of community-based and center-based programs and services from January to December 2017.

Score: Thumbs Up/Thumbs Down

Promise: Streamline case investigation processes to address backlogs in courts

Update: According to the its annual report for year 2006-2017, the PNP continues to advance its Information Technology (IT)Solutions to emphasize the significance of investigation incrime prevention and solution. The core components of the IT Solutions are the enhanced e-Blotter or Crime Information Reporting and Analysis System (CIRAS); Case Information Database Management System (CIDMS); Case Management and Analysis System (CMAS); e-Subpoena System; e-Rogues Gallery and, e-Warrant System.

Score: Thumbs Up

Promise: Enact the whistleblower protection law and strengthen the witness protection program

Update: Whistleblower Protection Act filed by Richard Gordon is pending at the Senate as of May 2017

Score: Thumbs down

Promise: Hire more lawyers and staff in the Public Attorney’s Office

Update: PAO had a manpower of 2,989 employees in 2017, up from 2,712 in 2016

Score: Thumbs Up

Updates on President Duterte’s 2017 Sona promises

Promise: Unremitting and unrelenting fight against drugs. In 2016 Sona: No let up in campaign against drugs. Rehabilitate drug users/Increase rehab facilities

Update: From Philippine National Police (PNP): a total of 91,704 anti-drug operations (from July 2016 to March 20, 2018) where 123,648 drug suspects were arrested; and 189 drug dens and clandestine laboratories dismantled; P19.67 billion-worth of drugs, and laboratory equipment were seized by government forces.

Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) reported that, as of April 2018, 6,462 barangays in the country have already been declared drug-free.

Amidst the public outcry over the killing of three young Filipinos – Kian Loyd delos Santos, 17 years old Carl Angelo Arnaiz, 19 and Reynaldo De Guzman, 14, Mr. Duterte ordered the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) to be the lead agency in the government’s drug war in October last year. The Philippine National Police (PNP) then suspended its Oplan Double Barrel and Tokhang, the controversial campaign against illegal drugs, which led to thousands of deaths of suspected drug users and peddlers. After being suspended twice, Oplan Tokhang was relaunched in March as a “bloodless” campaign.

How many have died from the government’s brutal war on drugs has been subject to different estimates. In #RealNumbers in the Fighting Illegal Drugs found in report by Presidential Communications Operations Office, “The Duterte Administration Year-End Report,” it is stated that, there were “3,967 drug personalities who died in ant-drug operations from July 1, 2016 to November 27, 2017” and “16,355 homicide cases under investigation from July 1, 2016 to September 30, 2017,” — a total of over 20,000 killed by police officers and unknown assailants.

As of 2017, there are 48 accredited rehabilitation centers in the country, more than half of which are operated by private groups. But the government continues to construct rehab facilities in the provinces.

Rehab centers funded by the Chinese government built/being built: Mega drug rehab in Sarangani and in Agusan del Sur (150 beds each) and through donation of Chinese real estate tycoon, Huang Rulan: 10,000-bed capacity Mega Drug Abuse Treatment and Rehabilitation Facility (MDATRF).

But critics have said that smaller, community-based rehab centers are more effective in reducing drug demand. As of June 2017, the MDATRF only has 315 male patients.

But according to the Department of Health figures as of September 2017, 16,103 drug dependents underwent rehab, while 2,236 drug users completed the government’s rehab program. Some 14,046 drug surrenderers got livelihood and skills training.

Score: Thumbs Up/Thumbs Down

Promise: Continue pursuit of peace, but no talks with communist rebels. In 2016 Sona, 1) Unilateral ceasefire with CPP/NDFP/NPA and resume peace talks/end mistrust and warfare with Muslim and Communist rebels 2) Crush the Abu Sayyaf by application of full force of AFP

Update: By end of 2017, the President had issued proclamations declaring to end peace talks and to declare the CPP/NDF/NPA as terrorist organizations. Jose Maria Sison, the CCP’s founding chair, then said that there was no need to talk peace due to the Duterte’s administration “obsession with martial law and mass murder.”

Weeks before this year’s Sona, Sison further said only a miracle could save the peace negotiations as the insurgents would consider returning to the table only if the President would revoke the proclamations that terminated peace negotiations and declared the CPP and NPA as terrorist organization. There is only a Chinaman’s chance, considering the President’s hardened stance as he voiced preference for the holding of localized peace talks.

Though the largest faction of the Abu Sayyaf led by Isnilon Hapilon was wiped out in Marawi, there have been sporadic clashes with the army and kidnappings by the Abu Sayyaf this year.

Score: Thumbs down

Promise: Strengthen the AFP

Update: President Duterte has approved the P300-billion budget for the second phase of the modernization program of Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP), Defense spokesperson Arsenio Andolong said in June.

In the shopping list of the government include multi-role fighters, radar systems, unmanned aerial vehicles, helicopters (attack and combat utility) for the Philippine Air Force; corvettes, submarines, amphibious assault vehicles, anti-submarine helicopters for the Philippine Navy; howitzers, multiple launch rocket systems and night-fighting equipment for the Philippine Army.

The modernization program is divided into three “horizons”: from 2013 to 2017, from 2018 to 2022 and the last from 2023 to 2028.

Score: Thumbs Up

Promise: Establish a Bangsamoro government that reflects Muslim aspirations. In 2016 Sona: Address concerns of the Bangsamoro and work for peace. Pass the Bangsamoro Basic Law.

Update: After grappling with contentious issues and several debacle, the congressional Bicameral Conference Committee approved on July 18, the reconciled version of the Bangsamoro Basic Law (BBL), which was renamed the Organic Law for the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM) or the Bangsamoro Organic Law.

According to a Malacanang news release on July 11, it is expected to be signed into law before the Sona.

Score: Thumbs up

Promise: Urge agencies to act on climate change. In 2016 Sona: Consider both global warming and industrialization concerns

Update: The last notable action of the President on climate change was his signing of the Paris Agreement on Feb. 28 last year. The Paris Agreement aims to keep the global average temperature rise this century to well below 2 degrees Celsius above preindustrial levels.

Score: Thumbs Down

Promise: Mining firms of being taxed to death unless they compensate public for damages to the environment

Update: The review of the interagency Mining Industry Coordinating Council (MICC) of the first batch of mining sites ordered shut down or suspended by former Gina Lopez was delayed several times. The mine sites were ordered closed in February 2017 for allegedly damaging watersheds and for siltation of coastal waters and farmlands.

The MICC review was supposed to start by June 2017, but it pushed through just this year. The decision on the cases is expected this month.

Score: Thumbs Down

Promise: Pursue relations with other countries based on sovereign equality, mutual respect and non-interference

Update: Thumbs up for maintaining strong presence in the Asean and Apec and alliance with Japan. But the President’s independent foreign policy has been viewed as anti-American, proRussian and proChinese with friendship with China as a key pillar. A critic said that when a country cannot assert issues concerning national interest (like in West Philippine Sea), it does not have an independent foreign policy.

Score: Thumbs up/Thumbs down

Promise: Cultivate warmer relations with China through bilateral dialogues and other mechanisms, leading to easing of tensions between the two countries and improved negotiating environment on the West Philippine Sea. In 2016 Sona promise: Respect for Permanent Court of Arbitration ruling

Update: Arbitration ruling not implemented in favor of more trade, investments and aid from China and because of the President’s position of “I won’t go to war I can’t win.” This has made the Philippines become a ‘willing victim’ of China in the sea dispute according to former Foreign Affairs Secretary Albert del Rosario.

Score: Thumbs up/Thumbs down

Promise: Press the United States to return Balangiga bells

Update: Two months after President Duterte raised during his second State of the Nation Address the issue on the Balangiga bells, he said that the effort to return the bells could outlive his term. The President said that the return of the bells to the Philippines would be difficult because American war veterans were opposed to the idea.

But according to US Ambassador to the Philippines Sung Kim in September 2017, there have been discussions between the two governments “to try to facilitate the return of the bells as quickly as possible.”

Score: Thumbs Down

Promise: No excessive salaries, allowances, and bonuses across all GOCCs

Update: In July 2017, President Duterte issued Executive Order (EO) No. 36 that suspended the Compensation and Position Classification System (CPCS) and the Index of Occupational Services (IOS) under EO No. 203, which set the framework of government-owned and controlled corporations (GOCC) employees’ compensation and the computation of their bonuses and incentives.

Duterte said that there was a “need to further study and review the compensation of GOCCs and eliminate excessive, unauthorized, illegal, and/or unconscionable allowances, incentives, and benefits.”

Score: Thumbs up

Promise: Tackle federalism. In 2016 Sona: Nationwide information campaign on Federalism by the DILG

Update: The Consultative Committee for the Review the 1987 Constituted submitted to the President its proposed federal constitution on July 9. A small majority of Filipinos (55 percent) report awareness of proposals to change the country’s charter according to a survey last June by June Pulse Asia, Inc.

Score: Thumbs up/Thumbs down

Promise: Direct MMDA, lgus of Manila and Cebu to clear road obstructions/ Clear the roads of Manila from traffic and obstructions. Related 2016 promise: Emergency powers to address traffic problems and map secondary roads with local government units

Update: According to the 2017 annual report of the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA), the top three common traffic violations committed last year were disregarding a traffic sign, obstruction and violating the number coding scheme.

Data from the MMDA’s Traffic Discipline Office (TDO) Ticket Management Division showed that there were 91,843 traffic-sign violations, 73,082 obstruction violations and 30,474 number-coding violations. The same report showed that a total of 11,888 tickets were issued to violators who were apprehended for loading and unloading in prohibited zones along Edsa, one of the busiest thoroughfares in Metro Manila, in 2017.

Starting Aug. 1, MMDA will implement partial, temporary ban on buses plying Edsa. The agency hopes to reduce the number of buses on the busy thoroughfare by 2,000 units.

Score: Thumbs down

Promise: Direct DOF and BIR to accept Mighty Corp’s tax settlement

Update: In March 2017, Mighty cigarettes had been found bearing fake tax stamps to evade excise tax payments, such that the government slapped the homegrown manufacturer three tax evasion cases worth nearly P38 billion.

The government eventually decided to settle with Mighty. Under the deal, the Bulacan-based company had to sell P46.8 billion in assets to tobacco giant Japan Tobacco International. The government will also receive P30 billion to cover the tax deficiencies.

As part of the tax settlement, the Department of Justice in October 2017 dismissed the tax evasion cases against Mighty owner Alexander Wongchuking, president Edilberto Adan, executive vice president Oscar Barrientos and treasurer Ernesto Victa.

Score: Thumbs up

Promise: Submit to Congress an activist budget of Php3.767 trillion for 2018

Update: From January to June, P3.413 trillion or 90.6 percent of this year’s budget was already released, including continuing appropriations under the 2017 national budget as well as other automatic appropriations, the latest Department of Budget and Management data showed.

Last December, President Duterte signed the P3.767-trillion national budget into law, saying it forms part of the first step toward transforming the Philippines into an “upper middle class” country before the end of his term.

It will fund the administration’s ambitious infrastructure program, free college education in state universities and colleges (SUCs), universal healthcare, free irrigation, maintenance of peace and order in the country, and doubling of salaries of police and military personnel, Duterte said.

Score: Thumbs up

Promise: Appeal to pass National Land Use Act

Update: On July 4, 2017, the House of Representatives approved on third and final reading House Bill No. 5240 or the proposed “National Land Use and Management Act of the Philippines,” which seeks to institutionalize a National Land Use Policy that will govern the country’s land use and management. On July 26, 2017, Sen. Miguel Zubiri filed Senate Bill No. 1522 or the National Land Use Act of 2017. The bill has been pending in the Environmental and Natural Resources committee chaired by Sen. Cynthia Villar since July 31, 2017.

Score: Thumbs Down

Promise: Ask Congress to act on all pending legislations to reimpose the death penalty on heinous crimes

Update: In his State of the Nation Address in July 2017, President Duterte called on both houses of Congress to pass the bill on capital punishment. Voting 216 to 54 with one abstention, the House passed the bill bringing back death penalty, but in a watered-down draft that excludes crimes like rape, kidnap-for-ransom and plunder. .The Senate has not passed a counterpart bill.

Score: Thumbs Down

Promise: Increase of assistance to the OFW from 400 million pesos to more than 1 billion

Update: In August 2017, President Duterte approved DFA’s request for a P1 billion budget to assist distressed Filipinos abroad in 2018. The Assistance to Nationals (ATN) Fund increased from P400 million to P1 billion and the Legal Assistance Fund (LAF) from P100 million to P200 million for 2018. In December, the DFA released guidelines on the use of the more than P1-billion in funds to assist Filipinos who encounter emergencies and other problems abroad.

Score: Thumbs Up

Promise: Act on complaints received through hotlines 911 and 8888. In 2016 Sona: Set up an 8888 hotline for complaints

Update: According to the 2017 year end report of Hotline 8888, of the 213,142 calls handled in their 15-month operation, 158,654 tickets have been issued. Tickets are divided between simple and complex concerns elevated to government agencies for resolutions. A total of 47,889 tickets were complaints while 24,508 tickets were requests for assistance. Local government units had the highest number of complaints for graft and corrupt practices.

Score: Thumbs Up

Promise: Expedite passage of “The Act Rightsizing the National Government to Improve Public Service Delivery and for other Purposes.”

Update: On March 15, 2017, Senate Bill No. 1395 or Rightsizing the National Government Act was filed in the Senate. It’s status has been on pending second reading since then. On July 26, 2017, the House of Representatives approved on third and final reading House Bill No. 5707, a bill rightsizing the government to improve the delivery of public services with 230 affirmative votes, six negative and zero abstentions.

Score: Thumbs up/Thumbs down

Promise: Urge Congress to thoroughly review the existing procurement laws, and come up with legislation that will ensure prompt delivery of goods and services to the people

Update: In November 2017, President Duterte said he wanted to eliminate the bidding process for public work projects. In January 2018, he reiterated this and said the country should just adapt the Swiss challenge system where a government agency that receives an unsolicited proposal for a project from a private group invites third parties to match or offer a better proposal. The original project proponent would be allowed to match that counterbid or improve on it. The current procurement law directs the government to bid out its public works or services projects and the lowest bidder normally is awarded the contract. Sen. Aquilino Pimentel III has filed to bills in February and March seeking to amend the current Government Procurement Reform Act but both are still pending in committee levels.

Score: Thumbs Up/Down

Promise: Give equitable access to quality and affordable health services and expand health insurance coverage and benefits. The destitute and the indigents, or those who just could not afford hospitalization, can be provided with free services of government-operated and public hospitals as well. Strengthen the implementation of the No Balance Billing Policy.

Update: The health sector got one of the top 10 high allocation in the 2018 budget at Ph170 billion. The DOH budget was increased was to provide more funds to its medical assistance program for indigent patients and additional medicine for cancer patients.

In relation to the Dengvaxia scare, a memorandum of agreement between the Department of Health (DOH) and public and private hospitals to also ensure the implementation of a “no-balance billing” policy, ensuring that Dengvaxia recipients would not shoulder any hospitalization charge should they be admitted for dengue. Under the policy, the DOH medical assistance program would pay for the remaining balance in excess of that covered by PhilHealth.

A bill that will provide for Filipino’s access to comprehensive set of health services at an affordable rate is already in the pipeline, according to Health Secretary Duque.

Score: Thumbs Up

Promise: Build, build, build — make the next few years the “Golden Age of Infrastructure” in the Philippines to enhance our mobility and connectivity. Related 2016 Sona promise: Accelerate infrastructure spending to implement Mindanao Logistics Infrastructure Network and other road network master plans. Modernize the Ports of Iloilo, General Santos, Cagayan de Oro and Zamboanga. Related 2016 Sona promises: Construct more access roads and tourism gateways. Pursue inter-island linkage projects. Pursue and complete rail projects in Metro Manila and the Mindanao Railway Project, Davao Transit System, the Cebu Transit System, the North and South Luzon Railways, and the Panay Railways project by end of term;

Update: The government allocated P8.4-trillion on public infrastructure from 2017 to 2022 under the “Build, Build, Build” program. According to NEDA Director General Pernia, the government’s massive infrastructure program “Build, Build, Build” should contribute to growth in the following quarters and years. Neda expects to spend as much as 7.3 percent of GDP on public infrastructure and envision the completion of 32 of 75 flagship projects by end-2022, while making sure that the 4,909 other projects across the country will have broken ground by then.

The Duterte administration’s infrastructure push continues to be hampered by bureaucratic bottlenecks, as shown by the Department of Public Works and Highways’ use of only a third of its P662.69-billion funding in 2017.

In its 2017 annual audit report, the Commission on Audit said only P222.66 billion, or 33.6 percent, of the DPWH’s allotment was disbursed “due to the delayed/non-implementation of infrastructure projects.”

Score: Thumbs up/Thumbs Down

Promise: Pass Tax Reform Law. Related 2016 Sona promise: Lowering of personal and corporate income tax rates and pursue an efficient tax system

Update: The Tax Reform for Acceleration and Inclusion (TRAIN) was signed into law last December. Some senators have called for its suspension and the need to amend it.

Score: Thumbs up/Thumbs down

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SPECIAL REPORT ON DUTERTE’S THIRD SONA: Key bills passed since July 2017: Martial law extension, Train, Bangsamoro

On July 24, 2017, President Rodrigo Duterte delivered his second State of the Nation Address (Sona) for more than two hours, highlighting national issues he wants to solve and legislative goals he wants to achieve.

Among these proclamations were his administration’s “unrelenting” fight against illegal drugs, criminality, and corruption despite international and local pressures.

These statements, more often than not, translate to marching orders and signals for various branches of the government, especially for the legislative branch: the Senate and the House of Representatives. At the House, where the majority rule prevails, having many allies is a key advantage of the Duterte administration.

Rogelio Alicor Panao, assistant professor at the Department of Political Science, University of the Philippines-Diliman, explained that Congress members are “generally in favor” of the President in most cases.

“Kasi karamihan ng nasa Congress, lalo sa lower house ay kaalyado ng Presidente. Ang Presidente meron siyang command sa mga myembro ng Congress na kapartido niya,” Panao told INQUIRER.net in an interview.

(This is because most members of Congress, especially in the lower house, are allies of the President, especially his partymates.)

However, with his extensive research on the relationship between the executive and legislative branches in the Philippine government and on law-making in the House, Panao now predicts that since Duterte is now halfway through his six-year single term, his influence on legislators would begin to dwindle. The reason? It’s all about politics and self-interest.

INQUIRER.net has rounded up the top legislative output of the lower chamber from Duterte’s Sona in 2017 to the Sona on Monday, July 23, hoping to get a glimpse of the President’s plans for the country in his next three years at the helm.

Peace and order

1. Extension of martial law

On May 23, 2017, President Duterte imposed martial law in Mindanao through Proclamation 216 after the Islamic State-inspired Maute terrorist group attacked the Islamic City of Marawi, and attempted to establish a caliphate there. Consequently, the presidential directive suspended the writ of habeas corpus in the southern region.

During his Sona in July 2017, the 73-year-old first Mindanaoan President of the Philippines justified his declaration of the martial rule as “the fastest way to quell the rebellion at the least cost of lives and properties.”

“There is rebellion in Mindanao. The extremists have declared it their purpose to establish a caliphate within Philippine territory along the teachings and beliefs of (the) Islamic State of Iraq and Syria or otherwise known as ISIS,” Duterte said.

“I declared Martial Law in Mindanao because I believed that that was the fastest way to quell the rebellion at the least cost of lives and properties… Martial Law and the suspension of the Writ of Habeas Corpus enable the military to arrest, detain and question suspected members and sympathizers of the rebellion similar to what happened to the parents of the Maute brothers,” he continued.

Even as the government declared an end to fierce urban fighting in Marawi, he would later ask Congress to extend martial rule in the southern region until the end of 2018.

On December 13, 2017, Congress overwhelmingly granted the President’s request for the second time.

2. Congress Joint Resolution on salary increase of uniformed personnel

In line with his fight against criminality, Duterte also acknowledged the military and the police as “the silent heroes” who deserve comprehensive social and financial assistance.

“At the vanguard of our struggle for peace and order are our Armed Forces and Police. They are the silent heroes who risk their lives every day for our country’s security. In recognition of their valor, we have crafted a program to provide them with comprehensive social assistance, including financial, should they meet harm in the performance of their duty,” he said during his Sona in 2017.

This statement would later translate to the passage of Congress Joint Resolution Number 1, authorizing the increase in base pay of military and uniformed personnel on January 1, 2018.

3. PNP given subpoena powers

Still in line with the Duterte administration’s anti-criminality drive, Congress approved on March 1, 2018 Republic Act (RA) 10973, a law granting the chief of the Philippine National Police (PNP) and the director and deputy director for administration of the Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG) the authority to administer oath and to issue subpoena.

4. Postponement of local polls

Duterte said he wanted to postpone the elections because he feared drug money may be used to fund the campaign of some candidates.

Originally scheduled for Oct. 31, 2016, the Barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan elections were moved to Oct. 23, 2017, and then postponed again to May 14, 2018, effectively extending the three-year term of village officials who were retained in a holdover capacity. This was made through RA 10952.

Another attempt to postpone the local polls last May 14 was unsuccessful even as the House approved on third reading another bill seeking to move the date of the village and youth elections. This was because the Senate no longer sees the need to cancel the elections anew.

5. RA 10951, or the Revised Penal Code

Congress has also passed a law that increases the outdated amounts in the Revised Penal Code on which fines and penalties are based. The new law, Republic Act 10951, imposes fines and penalties ranging from P1,000 to P4 million for various offenses.

Laws that may improve the lives of people

Aside from passing laws that are in line with the Duterte administration’s anti-drug and anti-criminality drive, Congress has also passed several laws that could help Filipinos.

Among these legislations were the following:

1. RA 10928, the law extending the validity of Philippine passports from five to 10 years, except for those of minors, was signed on Aug. 2, 2017.

2. RA 10928, the law extending the validity period of drivers’ licenses from three years to five years, was also signed on Aug. 2, 2017.

3. On Aug. 3, 2017, Duterte signed RA 10931, or the law promoting universal access to quality tertiary education by providing for free tuition and other school fees in State universities and colleges (SUCs) and State-run technical vocational institutions.

4. On Aug. 3, 2017, Duterte also signed RA 10932, the law strengthening the Anti-Hospital Deposit Law by increasing penalties for hospitals and medical clinics which refuse to administer medical treatment for patients in emergency or serious medical conditions.

5. In June 2018, the President also signed RA 11036 or the Philippine Mental Health Law, RA 11053 or the Anti-Hazing Act of 2018, an amendment of the 1995 version, and RA 11035, or the Balik Scientist Act, providing incentives and assistance to Filipino scientists, experts, inventors, and engineers returning to the country.

During Duterte’s Sona last year, he reiterated his directive to all government agencies “to further streamline their respective services to make these truly efficient, and people-friendly.”

“We want to ensure that our people receive the quality services that they deserve, minus the delays caused by bureaucratic red tape. I expect speedy reforms along this line. We will right-size the national government,” he said.

Congress passed the bill, and on May 28. 2018, he signed RA 11032, or an act establishing a national policy on ease of doing business.

Controversial measures

Congress has also made headlines for passing highly criticized measures like the RA 10963 or the Tax Reform for Acceleration and Inclusion (Train) Law.

Despite Duterte’s assurances that his administration’s tax reforms “are designed to be pro-poor, especially when the people understand how the revenues will be spent,” many Filipinos continue to experience otherwise, especially with the continuing increase in the inflation rate.

“The poor and vulnerable are at the heart of my tax reform. Your support would ensure that the benefits of the tax reform can be felt immediately by them,” Duterte said in his 2017 Sona.

In his speech, he also warned erring mining companies “to refrain from the unbridled and irresponsible destruction of our watersheds, forests, and aquatic resources.” He even declared that he would “tax them to death.”

Under the Train Law, the mining excise tax has been raised from 2 percent to 4 percent. The law also imposed higher excise taxes on fuel products, cars, tobacco, and sugar-sweetened beverage. But it also increased the tax-free cap of the 13th-month pay and other bonuses received by workers to P90,000, as well as the tax income exemption to P250,000.

The lower chamber also had its share of controversial measures like House Bill 7303, or an act instituting absolute divorce and dissolution of marriage in the Philippines. The chamber approved it on third and final reading last March 19, 2018.

This measure remains pending as the Senate, some members of which had already expressed opposition to the bill, has yet to act on it. Duterte is also against it, saying it would be bad for children of separated parents.

The Bangsamoro Organic Law

Duterte has promised that the Bangsamoro Basic Law (BBL) would come into fruition under his term.

In his Sona last year, he said he took steps to promote inclusiveness in the Bangsamoro Transition Commission (BTC) by expanding its membership through Executive Order Number 8, which he signed in November 2016.

“By giving representation to indigenous peoples, women, children, and sultanates, and key stakeholders in the drafting of the Bangsa[moro] Basic Law, we ensure a Bangsamoro government that truly reflects the aspirations of our Muslim brothers and sisters as well as our indigenous brethren,” he said.

The bicameral conference committee on BBL approved last July 18, the Organic Law for the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM) or the Bangsamoro Organic Law.

The panel said they would forward the proposed measure to Duterte for review. If the President approves it, both chambers of Congress would have it ratified in plenary when they convene for the third regular session at 10 a.m.on July 23. President Duterte can sign it into law before his State of the Nation Address (Sona) at 4:00 p.m.

Charter change (Cha-cha), federalism

As early as January 18, 2018, the lower chamber already adopted House Concurrent Resolution No. 9, convening Congress into a Constituent assembly (Con-ass) to amend the 1987 Constitution, enabling the country to shift to a federal form of government.  It is Congress acting as such that would determine the final draft of the federal charter to be presented to the Filipino people for ratification.

But while the House has already made its move, Charter change (Cha-cha) initiatives remain pending in Senate. Senators are also united in their stance that once they convene in a Con-ass, both chambers should vote separately instead of jointly, as the House proposed.

The President also created a Consultative Committee (Con-com) which approved draft federal charter last July 3.

Despite continuous efforts to push for federalism, coupled with Duterte’s stronghold in the legislative branch and his popularity, people have yet to agree with his administration’s flagship advocacy of federalism.

But House Deputy Speaker Gwendolyn Garcia revealed that aside from the Bangsamoro Organic Law, Cha-cha is among the top priority of the House for the third regular session of the 17th Congress.

Garcia also admitted the need for the House to conduct a massive information campaign to educate the Filipino people on the features of the proposed federal system.

Panao doubts that the no-election scenario and the peoples’ initiative to change to Constitution being floated by House Speaker Pantaleon Alvarez could come into reality.

“Mas malaki pa ang possibility na matuloy election at maisantabi ang Constitutional change (There is a big possibility that the election will push through and the Constitutional change may be set aside),” he said.

“If Speaker Alvarez is banking on the idea of a peoples’ initiative, I don’t think that’s likely given that if you analyze surveys, the overall sentiment is against Charter change. Malabo (not clear),” he added.

Panao said local government units could be empowered by amending the Local Government Code of the country, instead of shifting to federalism. Legislators need to be creative in crafting laws, he stressed, especially now that they are losing time to push for the shift.

He stressed the crucial role of Congress in instituting changes to the country.

“Mahalaga nag Kongreso kasi (Congress is important because) they are representatives of the people, and they should represent the needs of you and me, the man on the streets, of everyone,” he said.

But he asked: “Sinasalamin ba ng kanilang mga panukala at ng profile ng mga mambabatas ang ordinaryong Pilipino (Do laws enacted by Congress and the profile lawmakers reflect the ordinary Filipino)?”

As the government branch that is mandated to give life to the Constitution through lawmaking, Panao said Congress should do its part. “Meron din namang teorya sinasabing ang pangulo ang nagse-set ng legislative agenda, oo, pero wala ka bang gagawin (There is a theory that says the Presisdent is the setting the legislative agenda, but aren’t they going to do anything?)” he asked.

However, the professor also underscored the need for the Filipino people to be vigilant, citing Article II, Section 1 of the 1987 Constitution, which specifically states that, “Sovereignty resides in the people and all government authority emanates from them.”

“Pero tayo ring botante merong responsibilidad na paalalahanan, i-shake ang ating mga leaders (The voters also have the responsibility to ‘shake’ our leaders),” he said, adding that the public should lobby for relevant legislation.

He said the people has the power to make or break the vibrancy and relevance of the country’s policies and laws, and from thereon, the country’s future.

From July 25, 2016 to May 30, 2018, Congress passed a total of 30 laws that are national in scope, according to the data released by the House Press and Public Affairs Bureau on June 6. /ee

Solons hope Bangsamoro Organic Law will be ratified, later signed by Duterte

Leaders of the House of Representatives are hopeful the Bangsamoro Organic Law (BOC) will be ratified and will be subsequently signed by President Duterte on July 23.

Isabela Rep. Rodito Albano, who is part of the 28-man bicameral conference committee on the peace measure, and Southern Leyte Rep. Roger Mercado expressed hope that the BOL, which calls for the creation of a Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM) would be ratified by Congress and would be signed by President Duterte either before or during his third State of the Nation Address (SONA).

“We earnestly hope that the Bangsamoro Organic Law will be ratified and signed tomorrow,” Albano said in an interview.

Mercado said they are bound to ratify the Bangsamoro Basic Law. “We will ratify it,” he said.

Anak Mindanao party-list Rep. Amihilda Sangcopan, also a member of the bicameral conference committee on the BOL, expressed confidence about Congress’ ratification of the BOL and the signing of the law before President’s SONA.

“I am very much confident that the peace bill will be ratified Monday morning for President Duterte’s signature before his SONA,” she said.

Sangcopan said there is nothing unconstitutional with the final version of the BOL which the bicameral panel approved on Wednesday night.

“The BOL that we approved was not watered-down. The new Bangsamoro would have greater regional government, a parliament, fiscal autonomy, and justice system and that can withstand constitutional scrutiny before the Supreme Court (SC),” she said.

For his part, AKO BICOL party-list Rep. Rodel Batocabe, president of the House partylist coalition bloc, said, “Our bicameral members took a lot of time to fine tune a well-crafted compromise bill.”

Last week, House Majority Floor Leader and Ilocos Norte Rep. Rodolfo “Rudy” Fariñas said they will submit the bicameral report on the peace measure for ratification on Monday.

But, when asked about its scheduled ratification yesterday, the House leader said Malacañang is “still studying it.”

In a television interview, Speaker Pantaleon Alvarez earlier said they could ratify the BOL in the morning and send it to Malacañang by afternoon of July 23 for the President’s signature.

In a radio interview yesterday, House secretary general Cesar Strait Pareja said they expect the ratification of the bicameral conference committee report on the proposed Bangsamoro Organic Law when Congress convenes its Third Regular Session on Monday morning and the subsequent signing of the peace measure into law by the President in the afternoon.

“Naka-schedule sana ngayon during SONA, pero siyempre hinahantay rin natin yung final version dahil ia-approve pa dapat muna ito sa umaga ng both chambers. Pag nag-resume kami ng third regular session sa umaga, yun ang naka-schedule na isa sa mga gagawin, i-ratify. At pag na-ratify na yun, eh di handa na kami sa pirmahan para i-present ito sa Pangulo during SONA,” he said.

He also assured that all is set for President’s SONA which will be attended by former Presidents, members of judiciary and dignitaries.

“Naka-ready na, naghahanda kung ano man lahat ng puwedeng gawin,” he said, as the House is set to roll down its red carpet for 3,000 guests.

Except for Duterte’s predecessor, former President Benigno Aquino III, other former presidents, including Joseph Estrada, Fidel Ramos, and Gloria Macapagal Arroyo confirmed their attendance for Duterte’s Third SONA.

Since Friday, the House and Senate Legislative Security Bureaus, in close coordination with the Presidential Security Group (PSG), started the lockdown at the House for security and sanitation purposes, according to Pareja.

House sergeant-at-arms Gen. Roland Detabali, chairman of the Task Force SONA 2018 committee on security and presidential honors, said they have considered all possible scenarios that might happen during the SONA – from bombings, fires and chemical attacks.

Citing that security preparations include land and air assets, he said soldiers from specialized units of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP), the Philippine National Police’s (PNP) Special Action Force (SAF) and joint special operations groups, including the Light Reaction company, Philippine Navy special units sent to Marawi City last year are also now part of the contingency force.

Detabali said they also considered other threats arising from modern terrorism hence, the security groups have additional capability and people with special equipment.

He added consequence management groups like evacuation teams, fire trucks and the Office of the Civil Defense (OCD) personnel are also part of the contingency force for other eventualities like fire and earthquake.

Detabali said also included in security preparations electronic paneling, canine and thorough inspection which will be maintained until after the SONA.

Duterte’s Sona will consist of 16 pages, says Go

The third State of the Nation Address (Sona) of President Rodrigo Duterte, which he will deliver on Monday, will consist of 16 pages, Special Assistant to the President Christopher “Bong” Go said on Sunday.

“Sixteen [pages] as of today [Sunday afternoon],” Go said.

The President, he added, would rehearse the speech on Sunday night.

“I am sure the President will be reporting what he has done the past two years, specifically on the war on drugs, crime and corruption,” Go said.

“He will also [be] talking about the programs he has implemented, especially those that require a leader with the political will, since these are for the greatest good of the majority,” he added.

Earlier, presidential spokesperson Harry Roque quoted the President, who is known for his long impromptu speeches, as saying he would read a prepared speech, which would not exceed 35 minutes. /atm

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NCRPO chief: No threats to Sona 2018

National Capital Region Police Office (NCRPO) director Chief Supt. Guillermo Eleazar said on Sunday that they have not received any threats related for the third State of the Nation Address of President Rodrigo Duterte.

Eleazar, however, said that police personnel would not be lax even though the agency has not received any reports on possible untoward incidents that might happen as Duterte delivers his report to the public.

He added that the agency had conducted some exercises in just a commotion sparked within the vicinity of Batasang Pambasa Complex.

“Sa ngayon wala tayong ganung impormasyon, pero hindi tayo makukumpyansa at tuloy tuloy ang ating pakikipag-ugnayan sa local concerned agencies pati sa MMDA at intelligence community kung mayroong ganito,” Eleazar said during a news forum.

(For now, we don’t have that kind of information, but we will not be lax and we will be continuously be coordinating with local concerned agencies, the MMDA, and the intelligence community if something comes up.)

“Pero sinasabi nga natin (But like we said), we are prepared, we have contingencies plans. In fact, we have simulation exercises at some extent doon sa mga possible scenarios na mangyayare at kasama ang MMDA (and to some extent, possible scenarios that may happen and with the MMDA),” he added.

The NCRPO remained hopeful that this year’s Sona would be as peaceful as the previous Sonas of Duterte.

“Sana walang mangyareng ganoon pero handa kami (Hopefully nothing like that would happen, but we are ready nonetheless),” Eleazar said. /je

Read more: http://newsinfo.inquirer.net/1012768/ncrpo-chief-no-threats-to-sona-2018#ixzz5LzgCnYe2
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Senate to meet post-SONA to determine priority bills

By Mario Casayuran

The 24-member Senate resumes regular session tomorrow, focusing on priority measures for the 3rd Regular Session of the 17th Congress, Senate President Vicente C. Sotto III said today.

Sotto said the Upper Chamber is also expected to act on the bicameral conference committee report on the Bangsamoro Organic Law (BOL) or the ‘Organic Law for the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao,’ which was approved last July 18.

He said senators would hold a caucus on Tuesday, a day after President Rodrigo Duterte’s State of the Nation Address (SONA), to determine the “common priority legislative agenda” the Senate would tackle in the coming months.

Sotto pointed out that each senator had been asked to submit his or her list of priority bills for consideration of the whole body.

The senators would then compare their list of common priority measures to that of the House of Representatives and the executive branch, he explained.

Sotto said that for his part, his priority measures would include the proposed Special Protection of Children in Situations of Armed Conflict Act, the Prevention of Terrorism Act, the Medical Scholarship Act, the Presidential Anti-Drug Authority Act, and the Medical Scholarship Act of 2016.

The Senate chief also said that during the caucus, senators would discuss the Consultative Committee’s draft federal constitution in order to “determine and gauge what would be the stand of the Senate” regarding proposals to amend the 1987 Constitution and to adopt a federal form of government

After the opening ceremonies at the Senate plenary hall tomorrow morning, the senators will proceed to the Batasang Pambansa Complex in the afternoon to attend the joint session of Congress and hear the President’s third SONA.

The Senate will go back to its legislative work in the third regular session while enjoying the highest public approval and trust ratings among key government agencies, according to a recent Pulse Asia poll.

The survey conducted last June said the Senate received a 69 percent approval rating and 61 percent trust rating from Filipinos throughout the country.

Duterte to rehearse for Sona on Sunday night

President Rodrigo Duterte will rehearse his 2018 State of the Nation Address (Sona) speech in Malacañang on Sunday night.

“[It will be] tonight (Sunday night),” Special Assistant to the President Christopher “Bong” Go told INQUIRER.net in a text message on Sunday.

Presidential Spokesperson Harry Roque had earlier confirmed that the President’s rehearsal would be on Sunday.

“Rehearsals of the President for the Sona will be on Sunday,” he told reporters.

Roque quoted Duterte, who is known for his long impromptu speeches, saying the President would read a prepared speech, which would not exceed 35 minutes.

READ: Duterte on 3rd Sona: I will read my speech and it won’t exceed 35 minutes

In a statement, Roque said the President would highlight in his speech his plans for the next 12 months.

“Traditionally, the Sona is a highlight of achievements of the previous year, but this year’s Sona is all about the essentials on what PRRD intends to do in the next twelve months of his administration,” he said. /je



Read more: http://newsinfo.inquirer.net/1012744/duterte-to-rehearse-for-sona-on-sunday-night#ixzz5LzhAnjJy
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ED's feature in UAAP magazine scrapped

Now it's gone. Actor Enchong Dee shelves his appearance in UAAP Magazine.

Effective last May 22, in a text message confirmed to ABS-CBN news website, the former UAAP athlete is no longer appearing in UAAP Magazine due to his focus on showbiz career. According to Biboy Arboleda of Maderbibs, he wanted to say his statements on regarding pullout due to hectic schedule due to numerous shows he's in—such as the noontime show "ASAP" and primetime drama series "The Blood Sisters".

5 (The 5 Network) schedule (July 22-28, 2018)

Sunday

• 6 am - Euromaxx
• 6:30 am - Arts 21
• 7 am - The Dr Oz Show 7
• 8 am - Talking Point Specials
• 8:30 am - Misa Nazareno
• 9:30 am - Make You Laugh Out Loud 3
• 10 am - Stars Of Tomorrow Presented By Rolando Villazon
• 11 am - This Is Opera
• 12 pm - Anjum's Spice Stories
• 12:30 pm - Miguel's Tropical Kitchen
• 1 pm - Superhuman
• 2 pm - Car Crash TV
• 2:30 pm - Chaos Caught On Camera
• 3 pm - MacGyver
• 4 pm - Cosentino
• 5 pm - The $100,000 Pyramid
• 5:30 pm - Films & Stars
• 6 pm - Mission: Impossible III
• 8:30 pm - Crimewatch 2018
• 9 pm - Blue Planet II: Oceans Of Wonder (HD)
• 11 pm - So You Think You Can Dance 13 
• 12 mn to 3 am - ONE Championship: Pursuit Of Power (Kuala Lumpur)

Monday

• 6 am - Portrait Artist Of The Year 2
• 7 am - Aksyon sa Umaga (Live)
• 9 am - The Dr Oz Show 9
• 10 am - Celebrity Name Game
• 10:30 am - JML TV Home Shopping (Paid Presentation)
• 11 am - Everyday Gourmet 3
• 11:30 am - Miguel's Tropical Kitchen
• 12 pm - Gordon Ramsay's Ultimate Home Cooking
• 12:30 pm - Boys Weekend
• 1 pm - Films & Stars
• 1:30 pm - 东陵 Tanglin
• 2 pm - 同在屋檐下 Under One Roof 6
• 2:30 pm - State of the Nation Address 2018
• 6:30 pm - Aksyon (Live)
• 7:30 pm - The Wall Australia
• 8:30 pm - 东陵 Tanglin
• 9 pm - Aksyon Tonite (Live)
• 9:30 pm - Special Delivery
• 10 pm - Hawaii Five-O 8
• 11 pm - Blindspot 2
• 12 mn - Aksyon Tonite (Live)

Tuesday

• 12:30 am - 东陵 Tanglin
• 1 am - The X Factor UK 13
• 1:45 am - The X Factor UK 13
• 3:10 am - Gordon Ramsay's Ultimate Home Cooking
• 3:40 am - Boys Weekend
• 4:10 am - OFF-AIR
• 6 am - Portrait Artist Of The Year 2
• 7 am - Aksyon sa Umaga (Live)
• 9 am - The Dr Oz Show 9
• 10 am - Celebrity Name Game
• 10:30 am - JML TV Home Shopping
• 11 am - Everyday Gourmet 3
• 11:30 am - Miguel's Tropical Kitchen
• 12 pm - Worst Cooks In America 5
• 1 pm - Wheel Of Fortune 35
• 1:30 pm - 东陵 Tanglin
• 2 pm - 同在屋檐下 Under One Roof 6
• 2:30 pm - Euromaxx
• 3 pm - The Dr Oz Show 9
• 4 pm - Maggi & Me
• 4:30 pm - Cash Struck!
• 5:30 pm - Little Big Shots
• 6:30 pm - Aksyon (Live)
• 7:30 pm -Make You Laugh Out Loud 4a
• 8 pm - Our Makan Places: Lost And Found 6
• 8:30 pm - 东陵 Tanglin
• 9 pm - Aksyon Tonite (Live)
• 9:30 pm - 家有酸甜苦辣事 3 The Family Affair 3
• 10 pm - Shark
• 11 pm - Meat And Greed 2 (HD) - EP 5
• 12 mn - Aksyon Tonite (Live)

Wednesday

• 12:30 am - 东陵 Tanglin
• 1 am - The X Factor UK 13
• 3:15 am - Portrait Artist Of The Year 2
• 4:10 am - Worst Cooks In America 5
• 4:40 am - Celebrity Name Game
• 5:10 am - OFF-AIR
• 6 am - Portrait Artist Of The Year 2
• 7 am - Aksyon sa Umaga (Live)
• 9 am - The Dr Oz Show 9
• 10 am - Celebrity Name Game
• 10:30 am - JML TV Home Shopping (Paid Presentation)
• 11 am - Everyday Gourmet 3
• 11:30 am - Miguel's Tropical Kitchen
• 12 pm - Worst Cooks In America 5
• 1 pm - Wheel Of Fortune 35
• 1:30 pm - 东陵 Tanglin
• 2 pm - 同在屋檐下 Under One Roof 6
• 2:30 pm - Euromaxx
• 3 pm - The Dr Oz Show 9
• 4 pm - Maggi & Me
• 4:30 pm - Cash Struck!
• 5:30 pm - Little Big Shots
• 6:30 pm - Aksyon (Live)
• 7:30 pm - The $100,000 Pyramid 2
• 8 pm - Just For Laughs Gags 18
• 8:30 pm - 东陵 Tanglin
• 9 pm - Aksyon Tonite (Live)
• 9:30 pm - Body And Soul 6
• 10 pm - Hawaii Five-O 8
• 11 pm - Lethal Weapon 2
• 12 mn - Aksyon Tonite (Live)

Thursday

• 12:30 am - 东陵 Tanglin
• 1 am - The X Factor UK 13
• 3:15 am - OFF-AIR
• 6 am - Portrait Artist Of The Year 2
• 7 am - Aksyon sa Umaga
• 9 am - The Dr Oz Show 9
• 9:45 am - Just For Laughs Gags 16
• 10 am - Celebrity Name Game
• 10:30 am - Make You Laugh Out Loud 3
• 11 am - Everyday Gourmet 3
• 11:30 am - Miguel's Tropical Kitchen
• 12 pm - Worst Cooks In America 5
• 1 pm - Wheel Of Fortune 35
• 1:30 pm - 东陵 Tanglin
• 2 pm - 同在屋檐下 Under One Roof 6
• 2:30 pm - On the Red Dot - Generation Gap
• 3 pm - The Dr Oz Show 9
• 3:45 pm - Just For Laughs Gags 16
• 4 pm - Maggi & Me 2
• 4:30 pm - Cash Struck!
• 5:30 pm - Aksyon (Live)
• 6:30 pm - America's Got Talent 13
• 8:30 pm - 东陵 Tanglin
• 9 pm - Aksyon Tonite (Live)
• 9:30 pm - Talking Point 2018
• 10 pm - The Gifted
• 11 pm - Supergirl 3
• 12 mn - Aksyon Tonite (Live)

Friday

• 12:30 am - 东陵 Tanglin (HD) - EP 778
• 1 am - The X Factor UK 13 (HD)
• 3:15 am - OFF-AIR
• 6 am - Portrait Artist Of The Year 2
• 7 am - Aksyon sa Umaga
• 9 am - The Dr Oz Show 9
• 9:45 am - Just For Laughs Gags 16
• 10 am - Celebrity Name Game
• 10:30 am - Make You Laugh Out Loud 3
• 11 am - Everyday Gourmet 3
• 11:30 am - Miguel's Tropical Kitchen
• 12 pm - Worst Cooks In America 5
• 1 pm - Wheel Of Fortune 35
• 1:30 pm - 东陵 Tanglin
• 2 pm - 同在屋檐下 Under One Roof 6
• 2:30 pm - On the Red Dot - Generation Gap
• 3 pm - The Dr Oz Show 9
• 3:45 pm - Just For Laughs Gags 16
• 4 pm - Maggi & Me 2
• 4:30 pm - Cash Struck!
• 5:30 pm - Superhuman
• 6:30 pm - Fantastic Four: Rise Of The Silver Surfer
• 8:30 pm - Tanglin
• 9 pm - Aksyon Tonite (Live)
• 9:30 pm - On the Red Dot - Generation Gap
• 10 pm - Plastic Surgery Is My Business
• 10:30 pm - Mamma Mia! (HD)
• 12:20 am - Aksyon Tontie (Live)

Saturday

• 12:50 am - 东陵 Tanglin
• 1:20 am - The X Factor UK 13
• 3:50 am - Worst Cooks In America 5
• 4:50 am - OFF-AIR
• 6 am - Being A Nurse
• 6:30 am - 健康与乐活 Body And Soul 2
• 7 am - The Dr Oz Show 7
• 8 am - On the Red Dot - Generation Gap
• 8:30 am - Rosary Crusade
• 9:30 am - Make You Laugh Out Loud 3
• 10 am - Euromaxx
• 10:30 am - Arts 21
• 11 am - Hairy Bikers' Asian Adventure
• 12:15 pm - Just For Laughs Gags 16
• 12:30 pm - Films & Stars
• 1 pm - In My Backyard
• 2 pm - The X Factor 14
• 3:20 pm - Just For Laughs Gags 16
• 3:30 pm - Hollywood Profiles
• 4 pm - We Are Singaporeans: Global Edition
• 5 pm - Hack My Life 2
• 5:30 pm - Celebrity Name Game
• 6 pm - Just For Laughs Gags 17
• 6:15 pm - Mission: Impossible - Ghost Protocol
• 8:25 pm - Aksyon Weekend (Live)
• 8:55 pm - Life's Perfectionists
• 9:30 pm - Secrets Of The Earth
• 10 pm - Anacondas: Trail Of Blood
• 11:30 pm - Grimm 4 (HD)

Opposition members join Mass ahead of Duterte's SONA

Opposition members joined members of a lay Christian organization in a Mass at the University of the Philippines (UP)-Diliman on Sunday, a day before President Rodrigo Duterte's third State of the Nation Address (SONA).

Among the personalities who attended the Mass were Vice President Leni Robredo, Senators Bam Aquino, Risa Hontiveros, and Antonio Trillanes IV, former government peace negotiator Teresita Deles, and former Human Rights chief Etta Rosales.

In his homily, Manila Auxiliary Bishop Broderick Pabilio slammed the proposed shift to federalism, which he believes is not the solution to the country's pressing problems. He said true leaders are like Jesus Christ, willing to lay down their lives for others.

"Hindi solusyon ang Cha-cha, ang pederalismo. Sana ang solusyon nila ay tataya sila sa mga pangako nila. Ang dami na nating narinig na magre-resign 'pag di natupad. At di naman natupad ang pangako niya," Pabilio said in a slight to President Duterte.

"Wala naman nangyari. Maniniwala pa ba tayo na kapag andito na ang pederalismo, magre-resign?" the bishop added.

Duterte vowed a shift to federalism when he was campaigning during the 2016 elections. He sees federalism as a solution to the unequal development in the country that has left several regions in poverty while Metro Manila prospers economically.

The Mass was celebrated in line with the launch of the Purple Cross Movement initiated by lay Catholics in defense of their faith following President Duterte's remarks against God, said lawyer Ma. Aleta Tolentino, one of the group's "prime movers."

Australian nun Patricia Fox, who has been ordered deported by the Immigration, also joined the Mass. The Immigration Bureau earlier ordered Fox's deportation for supposedly violating the terms of her missionary visa.

Fr. Robert Reyes and Bro. Armin Luistro were also at the Mass in support of the group. “Kailangan natin pag-aralan how the church will not be submissive but assertive in its defense of the faith,” Reyes said.

Evangelical groups also joined the group after the Mass.