Speaker Velasco takes oath as Marinduque solon with Sara Duterte as guest of honor

House Speaker Lord Allan Velasco has taken his oath as the re-elected Marinduque lone district representative in the 19th Congress while he shared the stage with Vice President-elect Sara Duterte-Carpio.

 

Outgoing House Speaker and re-elected Marinduque lone district Rep. Lord Allan Velasco takes oath beside VP-elect Sara Duterte (photo from House of Representatives Media)

Velasco has held this post from 2010 to 2013 in the 15th Congress; and then from 2016 consecutively In the 16th Congress into the incoming 19th incoming Congress.

He took oath at the Marinduque Sports Complex, Municipality of Boac, Marinduque Province before Supreme Court Associate Justice Jhosep Lopez; Duterte held the bible upon which Velasco swore his oath.

“Sa bawat pagsubok at hamon na ating kinaharap sa Kongreso, iisa lamang po ang aking pangunahing gabay— ang Pag-ibig. Pag-ibig sa Panginoon, Pag-ibig sa Bayan, at Pag-ibig sa Pamilya. Ito ang nagpapabangon sa atin tuwing umaga upang gawin ang lahat ng ating makakaya upang lalong bumuti ang kalagayan ng ating bayan at ng ating bansa (For every trial and tribulation faced by the Congress, there was only one guiding principle: Love. Love for God, for country, and for family. This is what got us up every morning in order to do what we could to improve the situation of our province and country),” Velasco said in his speech before the Marinduqueños present at his oath taking on Sunday, June 26.

“Ito rin po ang dahilan kung bakit lubos ang paghanga ko kay Mayor Inday. Dalisay po ang pag-ibig niya sa ating bayan. Isang probinsyanang Punong-Bayan na nakinig sa hiling ng mamamayan na maglingkod hindi lamang sa isang lungsod bagkus, sa buong bansa (This is what I admire most in Duterte. Her love for our country is pure. She is a provincial leader who listens to the voice of the people and serves not only the province but the entire country),” he continued.

Duterte, during the swearing in ceremony, asked that she be recognized as an “adopted daughter” of the Marinduque Province–a request which Velasco affirmed by asking that the Provincial Council resolve to recognize her as such.

He concluded his speech by issuing a reminder to the youth of Marinduque.

“At sa paglipas ng panahon, nais kong ipaalala sa mga kabataan, lalo na sa kabataan ng Marinduque, na ‘kaya natin;’ na huwag magduda at huwag maliitin ang pinanggalingan. Kaya nating mapabuti ang bayan, mapabuti ang ating pamayanan, mapabuti ang ating barangay at mga tahanan (As time goes on, I want to remind the youth, especially those of Marinduque: we can do this, don’t doubt or underestimate your origins. We can improve our province, our community, our barangays and our homes),” Velasco said.

“Kaya natin kahit ang tanging tangan lamang natin ay ang pananampalataya sa Panginoon, ang mabuting prinsipyo, at pagmamahal sa bayan. Kaya nating itakda ang sariling tadhana, dahil tayo ang susunod na pagbabago (We can do this through our faith in God, our principles, and love for country. We can forge our own destiny because we are the incoming change),” the outgoing House Speaker concluded.

This article first appeared in Manila Bulletin

Statement of Speaker Velasco on the Marinduque RTC decision awarding damages to Macopper tragedy victims

 

We applaud the Marinduque Regional Trial Court’s decision ordering Marcopper Mining Corporation to pay damages to those affected when the firm’s siltation dam burst in 1993, killing the Mogpog River and flooding nearby communities with toxic residues of heavy metals and silt. Three years later in 1996, a much worse disaster took place when a fracture in the drainage tunnel of Marcopper’s Taipan pit spilled more than 1.6 million cubic meters of toxic mine tailings, flooding villages and poisoning the Boac River.

This recent court ruling is very welcome and long overdue. It is a major victory for the people of Marinduque against the company responsible for one of the worst mining and environmental disasters in Philippine history.

But the quest for justice for all victims is far from over. In fact, in 2020, authorities discovered about 100 barrels containing what they described as “toxic substances” in Marcopper’s old storage facility.

It is regrettable that even after more than two and a half decades, we are still hounded by the Marcopper tragedy that caused the biological death of Boac River, killing the livelihood of thousands of farmers, fisherfolk and other residents of at least 20 villages who are dependent on the river.

To this day, people in the area continue to suffer the effects of the mining tragedy as evidenced by health problems, making it all the more imperative to come up with stringent and long-term environmental solutions.

We strongly believe that the government must continue to exact accountability from Marcopper for the consequences of its irresponsible mining practices that have caused irreparable damage to the environment and to the people of Marinduque.

House chief reelected unopposed as Marinduque representative

Speaker Lord Allan Velasco has been reelected unopposed as representative of the lone legislative district of Marinduque province for a third consecutive term.

The Marinduque Provincial Board of Canvassers on Tuesday proclaimed Velasco as the winner in the congressional polls after the tabulation of all election returns.

Velasco obtained 100,794 votes in the final tally. Marinduque has 161,538 registered voters, but only 140,674 voted.

The Speaker’s parents, retired Supreme Court Justice Presbitero Velasco Jr. and Lorna Quinto Velasco, were also reelected as governor and mayor of Torrijos town, respectively.

“I am deeply honored and humbled by my reelection to the House of Representatives. I am extremely grateful to the people of my beloved province of Marinduque for putting their trust and faith in me to represent them in Congress for another three years,” Velasco said.

He also congratulated his colleagues in the 18th Congress who have been reelected to the House.

“I look forward to seeing all my fellow House members as we and our Senate counterparts convene in two weeks’ time as the National Board of Canvassers which will canvass the votes cast, and proclaim the newly-elected President and Vice President of the Republic of the Philippines,” he added.

Hailing from Torrijos town, Velasco was first elected Marinduque representative in 2010. He tried to get reelected in 2013 but lost to the late Regina Reyes-Mandanas, whose COC was later canceled by the Comelec after she was found to be naturalized American citizen.

After almost three years of battling it out at the House of Representatives Electoral Tribunal and the Supreme Court, Velasco took his oath of office as congressman in February 2016 or three months before that year’s general elections. He ran again for the same post in 2016 and 2019, winning both instances.

In October 2020, Velasco assumed the speakership in the middle of a raging global pandemic. Undaunted, he was able to lead the “bigger house of Congress” in producing desperately needed legislation aimed at mitigating the impacts of COVID-19.

To pull this off, Velasco prioritized the health and safety of House members and employees in order to keep the legislative mill running so that the chamber could continue to pass critical emergency pandemic response measures.

The House under Velasco’s leadership has put in place strict health and safety protocols, including regular COVID-19 testing and mass vaccination.

This resulted in the passage of urgently needed legislation, foremost of which is Republic Act 11525 or the COVID-19 Vaccination Program Act. Despite initial supply challenges worldwide, Congress nevertheless supported the complete rollout of the country’s inoculation program through this law, expediting the procurement of COVID-19 vaccines and the establishment of a P500-million indemnity fund.

For two years in a row, Velasco oversaw the passage of the national budget that contained programs and projects designed to address the pandemic, making the spending plan the government’s “single most powerful tool” to fight COVID-19.

Even as he became Speaker, Velasco would always keep a close watch on Marinduque, ensuring that his constituents are provided with basic government services and that they benefit from the programs and projects he specifically made for them.

Speaker Velasco: Mayor Inday Sara will make a good VP

 

Speaker Lord Allan Velasco on Friday said he strongly believes Davao City Mayor Sara Duterte will make a good vice president, as he reiterated his all-out and unconditional support for her candidacy.

Velasco likened the vice-presidential frontrunner to the majestic Philippine Eagle that symbolizes courage and compassion.

“Mayor Inday Sara possesses a clear vision, is courageous, has integrity, honesty, humility, compassion and clear focus. There is no doubt she will be a good vice president,” Velasco, a close friend and ally of the presidential daughter, said while campaigning for her Friday morning in Cabanatuan City.

The House leader issued the statement as his team joined the Luzon leg of Mayor Duterte’s Mahalin Natin ang Pilipinas Ride (MNPR), a month-long national caravan that is taking her from Davao City to various parts of the country.

Velasco, who is running unopposed in Marinduque’s lone congressional district, is also supporting Pusong Pinoy Party-list, which is running under the platform “Labanan ang Sakit at Kahirapan.”

Thousands of people lined up along the highway in Nueva Ecija as they waited for the arrival of Mayor Duterte and her team.

The caravan was headed for Bayombong, Nueva Vizcaya Friday afternoon.

Team Velasco: Turn-over ng mga bagong firetrucks para sa Mogpog, Torrijos mula sa BFP

 

Kaugnay ng kanilang layuning patuloy na itaguyod ang kaligtasan at seguridad ng mamamayan ng Marinduque, pinangunahan nina Speaker Lord Allan Velasco at Governor Presby Velasco ang pag turn-over at ceremonial blessing ng bagong firetrucks mula sa Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP) para sa mga bayan ng Mogpog at Torrijos.

Dumalo sa nasabing programa sina Bokal Lyn Angeles, Marinduque Provincial Administrator Mike Velasco, BFP MIMAROPA Regional Director SSupt Damian Rejano Jr., Marinduque Provincial Fire Director Supt. Jude Sumeg-ang, Mogpog Mayor Augusto Leo Livelo, Rev. Father Eulogio Mangui at iba pang opisyales at kawani ng lalawigan.

Gov. Presby Velasco: Manatiling maging huwaran, matapat at magmalasakit sa ating mga kababayan

Sa pagsisimula ng panibagong linggo ng paglilingkod at paglalaan ng sarili para sa Diyos at bayan ay pinapaalalahan ang bawat kawani ng pamahalaan at kapwa ko lingkod-bayan ng ating sinumpaang tungkulin.

Manatili tayong maging huwaran, matapat at magmalasakit sa ating mga kababayang pinipiling paglingkuran.

Ngayong araw, Pebrero 7, ay pinangunahan po ng inyong lingkod kasama ang ating ipinagmamalaking Speaker of the House, Lord Allan Velasco ang Flag Raising Ceremony kasama si Deputy Sec. General Atty. Jocelia Bighani Sipin, Bokal Lyn Angeles, PA Mike Velasco at ang mga opisyales at empleyado ng Pamahalaang Panlalawigan. -- GOV. PRESBY VELASCO

Speaker Velasco hails House approval of bill promoting Baybayin, other traditional writing systems

Speaker Lord Allan Velasco hailed the unanimous approval by the House of Representatives of a measure seeking to promote, protect and preserve 𝘉𝘢𝘺𝘣𝘢𝘺𝘪𝘯 and other Philippine indigenous and traditional writing systems as part of the country’s cultural treasures.

The legislative chamber on Monday voted 197-0 to approve on third and final reading House Bill 10657 or the proposed “Philippine Indigenous and Traditional Writing Systems Act,” principally authored by Velasco.

“It is time for our country to revisit our past through one of its cultural remnants, our indigenous and traditional writing systems, including pre-colonial writing system called 𝘉𝘢𝘺𝘣𝘢𝘺𝘪𝘯,” Velasco said.

𝘉𝘢𝘺𝘣𝘢𝘺𝘪𝘯 is an ancient syllabary script, which means “to spell.” It is said to be one of at least 16 different writing systems that were used by early Filipinos prior to the Spanish era.

“Lost, but not forgotten, 𝘉𝘢𝘺𝘣𝘢𝘺𝘪𝘯, together with other indigenous and traditional writing scripts, should be preserved and promoted as part of the country’s resurgence,” Velasco pointed out.

According to the House chief, 𝘉𝘢𝘺𝘣𝘢𝘺𝘪𝘯 and other indigenous writing scripts are representations of Filipino tradition and national identity.

“There is a need to promote, protect, preserve and conserve Philippine indigenous and traditional systems as tools for cultural development, for instilling national pride, and for protecting Filipino cultural heritage and identity,” Velasco said.

He added that promotion and preservation of these writing systems are a must in order to “generate greater awareness of indigenous and traditional scripts and to foster wider appreciation of their significance and beauty.”

Under the bill, the Department of Education (DepEd) and the Commission on Higher Education (CHED) are mandated to include indigenous and traditional writing systems in relevant subjects of basic and higher education curricula, and to create an elective or specialized course in higher education for the study of the same.

The measure seeks to create or support activities that promote awareness of these writing systems, particularly during 𝘉𝘶𝘸𝘢𝘯 𝘯𝘨 𝘞𝘪𝘬𝘢 and similar occasions and events.

It also calls for conduct of seminars, conferences, conventions, symposia and other relevant activities on the study of Philippine Indigenous and Traditional Writing Systems, as well as good record-keeping of relevant documents and preservation of oral evidence on these writing systems.

The National Commission for Culture and the Arts (NCCA) shall be the lead policymaking unit for the promotion of indigenous and traditional writing systems.

The NCCA is mandated to protect, preserve and conserve these writing systems as National Cultural Treasures, in accordance with Republic Act No. 10066 or the National Cultural Heritage Act of 2009. It shall coordinate with DepEd, CHED and other relevant agencies for the proper implementation of that mandate.

Other authors of the bill are Representatives John Marvin “Yul Servo” Nieto (Manila, 3rd District), Cheryl Deloso-Montalla (Zambales, 2nd District), Roman Romulo (Pasig City), and Ruth Mariano-Hernandez (Laguna, 2nd District)/

Pagbati ni House Speaker Lord Allan Velasco

Mula sa inyong lingkod at sa aming buong pamilya, Maligayang Pasko po sa 

inyong lahat!

 

Ecotourism sites pa more

 

Pasado na sa Kamara, na pinamumunuan ni Speaker Lord Allan Velasco, ang mga panukalang nagdedeklara sa apat na bagong ecotourism sites: ang Managong Waterfalls sa Sibagat, Agusan del Sur (HB 10516), Tugonan Waterfalls sa Prosperidad, Agusan del Sur (HB 10517), Paraiso Ti Caribquib sa Banna, Ilocos Norte (HB 10532), at Malasi Tree Park & Wildlife Sanctuary sa Cabagan, Isabela (HB 10533).

Tugonon Waterfalls, Prosperidad, Agusan del Sur

Malasi Tree Park & Wildlife Sanctuary, Cabagan, Isabela

Paraiso Ti Caribquib, Banna, Ilocos Norte

Speaker Velasco: Time to give private sector wider role in COVID-19 vaccination drive

To sustain the momentum of COVID-19 vaccination, Speaker Lord Allan Velasco is urging the national government to explore the possibility of giving the private sector much wider role in the inoculation drive against the deadly coronavirus.

Velasco said the national government can start by reviewing and revising the policy on COVID-19 vaccine procurement in order to allow the private sector to purchase directly from manufacturers.

“Since there is now ample supply of safe and effective COVID-19 vaccines globally, it is time that the national government consider allowing the private sector to deal directly with manufacturers to ensure a more sustainable and dependable supply of life-saving vaccines for Filipinos,” Velasco said.

Pursuant to Republic Act 11525 or the COVID-19 Vaccination Program Act of 2021, private companies and local government units (LGUs) are authorized to procure vaccines which have been given emergency use authorization through a tripartite agreement with manufacturers and the national government, represented by the Department of Health (DOH) and the National Task Force Against COVID-19 (NTF).

Velasco, who was the principal author of RA 11525 in the House of Representatives, said he was open to amending the law to allow private companies to directly purchase vaccines for their workers and their dependents.

The House leader said he was also amenable to devolving some responsibilities and functions in the COVID-19 vaccination program from the national government to LGUs.

Velasco said that granting the private sector the authority to directly purchase COVID-19 shots will “relieve pressure on government resources considering that vaccine procurement and administration entails a lot of logistical challenges.”

“By granting the private sector greater participation in the vaccination campaign, the government can focus its resources on the inoculation of frontliners, uniformed personnel and vulnerable sectors,” Velasco pointed out.

“The amount the government will save  can be channeled to efforts to help economic recovery post-pandemic,” he added.

Given the high-level of efficiency associated with the private sector, Velasco said its greater involvement in COVID-19 vaccination would enhance government efforts to ensure rapid and efficient rollout of available vaccines.

Meanwhile, Velasco urged the DOH and NTF to make public any findings as to how long does COVID-19 vaccine-induced immunity last.

“They should inform the public how long a certain vaccine brand lasts so that people would know when they get a booster or get inoculated again,” Velasco said.

Velasco had earlier lauded the national government for its aggressive vaccination efforts, which resulted in the dramatic decline in COVID-19 infection rates, particularly in the National Capital Region where a good number of residents are already fully vaccinated.

He also congratulated the Duterte administration on the successful holding of the National COVID-19 Vaccination Days, where an additional 9.9 million Filipinos were vaccinated from Nov. 29 to Dec. 3. The vaccination drive will have a second run on Dec. 15 to 17. (FSC)

Speaker Velasco receives Award of Distinction from UST Law Alumni Foundation

 

Speaker Lord Allan Velasco has been conferred with the Award of Distinction by his fellow alumni from the University of Santo Tomas (UST) Faculty of Civil Law.

This award, the highest honor the UST Law Alumni Foundation Inc. can bestow, is given to distinguished law graduates of the university in recognition of their outstanding career achievements, leadership in the professions, and noteworthy public service.

The foundation recognized the 44-year-old Velasco for his “sterling leadership” as Speaker of the House of Representatives; representative of the lone district of Marinduque province;  past president of the Integrated Bar of the Philippines-Marinduque Chapter; and provincial administrator of Marinduque.

It said that in all of which positions, Velasco has “proudly exhibited an unqualified commitment to serve God and the nation through a strong adherence to the Thomasian core values of competence, compassion and commitment.”

The House leader was also recognized for his “impeccable governance marked with honesty and selflessness.”

The foundation likewise noted Velasco’s “firm determination to conduct his professional and personal endeavors with integrity, thereby enhancing the honor and prestige of his venerable Alma Mater, the Faculty of Civil Law of the [UST].”

The foundation officials, led by their president Atty. Maria Elena Go Francisco and Committee on Awards chair retired Sandiganbayan Justice Teresita Diaz-Baldos, personally handed over the award to Velasco at the Batasang Pambansa in Quezon City.

They also gave the plaque of appreciation to Velasco as keynote speaker at the 287th Founding Anniversary of the UST Faculty of Civil Law and Grand Alumni Reunion for 2020 and 2021 held on December 5.

In response, Velasco thanked the foundation for the recognition as he attributed his career brilliance to the sound education he acquired from his alma mater.

“It is my honor to uphold the values and embody the Tomasian spirit in my career as a public servant,” Velasco said.

“I consider this a privilege and as proof that I am treading the right path in my work as a legislator,” he added.

Velasco earned a degree on business management from the De La Salle University.  He obtained his law degree from UST and was admitted to the Philippine Bar in 2005.

Prior to becoming provincial administrator under then-governor Jose Antonio Carrion, Velasco worked at the Supreme Court—first as court attorney and then as judicial staff head.

Pagpapasa ng Resolusyon sa State of Calamity sa buong lalawigan dala ng ASF; Gabay sa pagbiyahe ng mga baboy papuntang NCR

 

Nagpadala ng opisyal na kahilingan sa Sangguniang Panlalawigan si Gov. Presby Velasco, Jr. noong Nobyembre 10 upang himukin na agarang magpasa ng resolusyon na magalagay sa buong probinsya sa ilalim ng State of Calamity.

Makakatulong ito sa mabilis na paglatag ng programa upang mapigilan ang pagkalat ng ASF at agarang makapagbigay ng tulong sa mga apektakdo nating mga kababayan.

Samantala, patuloy naman ang pakikipag-ugnayan ng Punong-Lalawigan sa iba’t ibang ahensya ng pamahalaan upang matulungang maisalba at magkaroon ng pagkakakitaan ang mga nag-aalaga ng baboy. Nakiusap ang Gobernador na payagan na muling makapagluwas ng mga baboy mula sa mga barangay na naka-classify na green zone papuntang National Capital Region.

Nakaagapay ang Pamahalaang Panlalawigan kasama si Speaker Lord Allan Velasco sa mga lubos na naapektuhan ng ASF at pandemya.

House Bill for ODA Effectiveness Act and 25-year franchise renewal to Air Philippines approved on final reading

 

The House of Representatives under the leadership of Speaker Lord Allan Velasco today approved on third and final reading House Bill No. 10322 or the proposed “ODA Effectiveness Act” which seeks to ensure the effective utilization of Official Development Assistance (ODA) loans and grants and maximize the benefits that can be derived from them.

The measure amends the objectives in administering ODA loans, lays out the duties and responsibilities of the Congressional Oversight Committee, and mandates the creation of a Citizen’s Participation Committee for each ODA-funded project to monitor, review and submit recommendations for the proper implementation of the same, among others.  

Likewise approved on final reading are HB No. 10442 which seeks to renew for another 25 years the franchise granted to Air Philippines Corporation, and four (4) bills of local significance.

Singapore, Canadian envoys pay courtesy call on Speaker Lord Allan Velasco

 

Speaker Lord Allan Velasco receives Singapore Ambassador to the Philippines Gerard Ho Wei Hong during a courtesy call at the House of Representatives on Tuesday, November 23. The House leader also met Canadian Ambassador to the Philippines Peter James MacArthur, who called on him later in the day via Zoom videoconference. Speaker Velasco had cordial discussions with the foreign diplomats involving a wide range of topics such as economy, bilateral relations, and COVID-19 response.

Speaker Velasco: Govt's aggressive vaccination strategy paying off

 

Speaker Lord Allan Velasco today said that the government’s aggressive mass vaccination strategy is paying off as the rate of infection dramatically goes down not only in Metro Manila, but the entire country.

In his speech during the first flag-raising ceremony in the House of Representatives in almost eight months, Velasco said the country’s current COVID-19 situation has improved remarkably compared to previous months, thanks to the government’s aggressive vaccination rollout.

“The skies are bluer after the storm. The light brighter after going through a dark tunnel. And even if we are not officially ‘out of the woods’ yet and may have to live with COVID-19 for quite a while, it would seem that the government strategy of aggressive mass vaccination has dramatically brought down the number of mortalities and severe and critical cases of COVID in the country,” Velasco said.

As a result, Velasco said the Inter-Agency Task Force on Emerging Infectious Diseases or IATF has approved the de-escalation of the National Capital Region to Alert Level 2 from Alert Level 3 starting last November 5.

Velasco, however, said there should be no room for laxity despite declining COVID-19 cases and hospitalizations.

“Parang nabunutan po tayo ng tinik sa lalamunan at tila nakahinga tayo nang maluwag matapos ang matagal na panahon ng pagpigil ng hininga. Subalit hindi ito ang panahon ng pagiging kampante. Let us not put our guards down,” Velasco said.

The House chief advised everyone to continue observing health protocols set by health experts especially as more businesses start to reopen and more citizens are allowed to go out.

Also during the event, Velasco announced the official rollout of the HousePass, an innovative system in ensuring the health, safety and security of House members, employees and visitors through the use of QR codes for contact tracing through health declaration forms, entry log-ins and antigen testing.

“We want to ensure that we can all work in a safe and healthy environment,” Velasco said.

The HousePass system, he said, is only part of a wide-ranging technological reform at the House.

“As Speaker of the House at this time of great change in our lives, it is my dream to bequeath these reforms to our House Members, Secretariat officials, and staff so that we all better adapt to the new normal working conditions,” Velasco said.

Velasco pointed out that the House started these innovations through the overhaul of its information technology organization and the implementation of the CongVax program, which enabled the chamber to have safe and efficient vaccinations.

He said foremost among the high-tech improvements is the new HRep ID, which will give members and workers access through the gates and will have a built-in e-wallet through Paymaya.

“It remains an Identification Card but with advanced security features that opens the speedgates found in our building lobbies and it also symbolizes how the House of Representatives is also leading the way in embracing the new digital economy,” Velasco said.

The House chief also cited the improvement of the Security Operations Center and the use of RFID gates and high-tech cameras at the main gates.

He said the turnstiles at the gates and lobbies can also detect body temperature so that those with fevers will not be allowed entry.

Aside from these health and security reforms, Velasco said the House has started implementing its Solar Power project for a more sustainable energy consumption, as well as the water catchment facility for a more sustainable and environment-friendly water consumption.

The Speaker said the House and its workers stand to benefit from these meaningful programs and projects for many years to come.

He also applauded the men and women of the legislative chamber for their “unity and commitment to keep the legislative mill working despite the present public health crisis.”

With all health and security protocols now in place, Velasco urged House members and workers to continue performing their duties and responsibilities to the best of their abilities.

“Let us work; and work better regardless of dark or clear skies. The leadership of the House values your diligence and sacrifice and has engaged these technological reforms, systems improvement, and streamlining processes to ensure your safety and continuous productivity,” Velasco.

“All we ask now is for all of us to work well and to continue to work hard, so we can deliver the kind of public service the Filipino people deserve from the House of Representatives,” he added.

Speaker Velasco vows timely transmittal of House-approved budget bill to Senate

 

Speaker Lord Allan Velasco has renewed his commitment to ensure the timely enactment of the P5.024-trillion General Appropriations Bill (GAB) as the House of Representatives prepares to transmit to the Senate what he called a “more responsive and balanced national budget” for 2022.

“We are very proud of this budget and what it will do to help our country recover from the devastation caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. We believe the House delivered a budget that directly responds to the greatest needs of the Filipino people amid this unprecedented global health crisis,” Velasco said.

The Speaker assured that the printed copy of House-approved GAB will be transmitted to the Senate on or before October 27 to give senators ample time to likewise examine the government’s spending plan for next year.

Velasco said the lower chamber’s version of the budget measure includes institutional amendments designed to help boost the government’s COVID-19 response, as well as upgrade the assets of the Philippine Air Force (PAF) and fund state universities and colleges (SUCs) in the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM).

The institutional amendments were vetted and approved by the five-member committee formed by the House to consolidate individual amendments on the proposed 2022 national budget as contained in House Bill 10153.

The panel was composed of Committee on Appropriations Chair Eric Yap, Majority Leader Ferdinand Martin Romualdez, Committee on Ways and Means Chair Joey Salceda, Deputy Minority Leader Stella Luz Quimbo, and Albay Representative Edcel Lagman.

Velasco thanked the committee for “painstakingly putting together the amendments introduced by individual members in order to create the highest quality budget.”

In line with its commitment to give higher spending priority to health care, Velasco said the House is providing the Department of Health additional funding of P29.5 billion for procurement of more COVID-19 vaccines, providing medical assistance to indigent patients, and ensuring special risk allowance of public and private health workers.

The House leader said an additional P5.5 billion will be given to the Department of National Defense for the purchase of five brand new C-130J planes for the PAF.

“This will allow the Air Force to effectively fulfill its mandate of protecting the nation’s airspace, and to continue responding to disasters and transporting medical equipment and supplies during this pandemic,” Velasco said.

He said the House also set aside P504 million for the operational requirements of four SUCs in the BARMM that were unfunded in the National Expenditure Program. These are the Adiong Memorial Polytechnic State College in Lanao del Sur, Cotabato State University, Sulu State College, and Tawi-Tawi Regional Agricultural College.

“We have decided to restore the budgets of the biggest SUCs in BARMM to avert their possible closure. We are not just trying to save thousands of jobs, we are also making sure that these institutions will continue to educate and mold students into future leaders of Muslim Mindanao,” Velasco pointed out.

Under the House version of the 2022 GAB, an additional P10 billion is allocated to the Department of Labor and Employment for its Tulong Panghanapbuhay sa Ating Disadvantaged/Displaced Workers or TUPAD Program.

The Department of Social Welfare and Development will receive a total of P11 billion for the implementation of its Assistance to Individuals in Crisis Situation or AICS Program and Sustainable Livelihood Program.

The Department of Transportation—through the Land Transportation Franchise and Regulatory Board—will get an additional P6 billion for its Service Contracting Program, which extends assistance to pandemic-hit transport drivers and operators while at the same time providing free rides to the commuting public.

To fast-track the country’s digital transformation, P3 billion has been allocated for the National Broadband Program of the Department of Information and Communications Technology.

"Our intention in passing this budget is two-fold: addressing the pandemic while paving the way towards revitalizing our economy. We made sure that while there is sufficient funding for our health sector in battling the pandemic, there is also enough funding for other agencies to help create jobs, pump prime the economy, and move the country forward," Velasco noted.

The House chief maintained that the overall objective is for President Rodrigo Roa Duterte to sign the GAB into law by December to prevent a reenacted budget that could slow economic growth and hamper the delivery of government services.

“It is important to us that the national budget is passed on time to enable the government to implement programs and projects in a timely manner,” Velasco said.

He added: “We will work with our Senate counterparts to ensure that the key programs critical to our economic recovery and to our continuing battle against COVID-19 get priority funding in 2022. Together, we can fight and overcome this pandemic.” - Filipino Social Club

Speaker Velasco seeks reelection as Marinduque Representative

Banking on his proven track record and strong commitment to public service, Speaker Lord Allan Velasco is seeking reelection for another three-year term as representative of the lone district of Marinduque province in Congress.

Velasco said he has more work to do in the House of Representatives where he has been serving two consecutive terms as congressman for over five years now and as Speaker since October 2020.

“I’m really grateful to the people of Marinduque for giving me many chances and I’m asking them for another one so I can continue to champion their interests and welfare in Congress,” Velasco said as he filed Tuesday, October 5, his certificate of candidacy (COC) for the May 2022 polls before the local office of the Commission on Elections in Boac town.

“There’s so much to do for Marinduqueños, and I would very much like to have the honor of representing them again,” he added.

Hailing from Torrijos town, Velasco was first elected Marinduque representative in 2010. He tried to get reelected in 2013 but lost to Regina Ongsiako Reyes, whose COC was later canceled by the Comelec after she was found to be naturalized American citizen.

After almost three years of battling it out at the House of Representatives Electoral Tribunal and the Supreme Court, Velasco took his oath of office as congressman in February 2016 or three months before that year’s general elections. He ran again for the same post in 2016 and 2019, winning both instances.

Last year, Velasco assumed the speakership in the middle of a raging global pandemic. Undaunted, he was able to lead the “bigger house of Congress” in producing desperately needed legislation aimed at mitigating the impacts of COVID-19.

To pull this off, Velasco prioritized the health and safety of House members and employees in order to keep the legislative mill running so that the chamber could continue to pass critical emergency pandemic response measures.

The House under Velasco’s leadership has put in place strict health and safety protocols, including regular COVID-19 testing and mass vaccination.

This resulted in the passage of urgently needed legislation, foremost of which is Republic Act 11525 or the COVID-19 Vaccination Program Act. Despite initial supply challenges worldwide, Congress nevertheless supported the complete roll-out of the country’s inoculation program through this law, expediting the procurement of COVID-19 vaccines and the establishment of a P500-million indemnity fund.

For two years in a row, Velasco oversaw the passage of the national budget that contained programs and projects designed to address the pandemic, making the spending plan the government’s “single most powerful tool” to fight the pandemic.

Even as he became Speaker, Velasco would always keep a close watch on Marinduque, ensuring that his constituents are provided with basic government services and that they benefit from the programs and projects he specifically made for them.

“Becoming Speaker of the House is a wonderful bonus in my career as a public servant, but becoming a worthy representative of Marinduque and being able to look after the welfare of its residents have always been my priority,” Velasco said.

In the past five years, several projects were realized in Marinduque with the help of Velasco. This includes the reopening of the Marinduque Airport, laying of the submarine cable that connects the islands of Polo and Maniwaya to the main province of Marinduque, construction of over 100 kilometers of road, building of almost 200 classrooms, and widening of Balanacan Port Road and Marinduque Circumferential Road.

Velasco spearheaded more than 130 infrastructure projects such as covered courts, evacuation centers, barangay halls, multi-purpose buildings, and flood control initiatives including that for the whole stretch of Boac River.

The Speaker is also regularly providing educational, medical and livelihood assistance to his constituents. So far, almost 26,000 students have availed of his scholarship program, while more than 50,000 Marinduqueños benefited from the Tulong Panghanapbuhay sa Ating Disadvantaged/Displaced Workers Program or TUPAD and other programs under the Department of Labor and Employment. - Fiipino Social Club

Speaker Velasco welcomes Comelec heeding Congress, public clamor to extend voter registration

Speaker Lord Allan Velasco has welcomed the decision of the Commission on Elections (Comelec) to extend the voter registration period for the May 2022 elections until October 31 this year.

Velasco said he was glad the Comelec has finally heeded the clamor of Congress and the public to give voters, who face the prospect of being disenfranchised because of the COVID-19 pandemic, more time to register and vote in the coming polls.

“We thank the Comelec for seeing the wisdom of extending the voter registration to allow more Filipinos to exercise their right of suffrage, which is one of the most important rights and responsibilities we have as citizens of the Philippines,” Velasco said.

The Comelec decision came two days after the House of Representatives and the Senate approved on third and final reading a bill seeking to compel the poll body to extend by one month the voter registration period, which was supposed to end on September 30.

Principally authored by Speaker Velasco, House Bill 10261 sets the deadline for voter registration to “30 days after the effectivity” of the proposed measure.

Senate Majority Leader Juan Miguel Zubiri, the main sponsor of the counterpart measure in the Upper Chamber, reportedly said the Senate will adopt the House version of the bill.

This will allow the legislature to do away with the bicameral conference committee meeting as the final version will be sent straight to President Rodrigo Roa Duterte for his signature.

Velasco maintained that extending the voter registration would prevent “massive voter disenfranchisement” given the “extraordinary circumstances” brought about by the pandemic.

“Again, we hope the Comelec will use the extension to ramp up voter registration and ensure that more people can vote next year because we cannot afford to disenfranchise Filipino voters,” Velasco said.

The Speaker noted that the six-month suspension of voter registration during the height of the health crisis in 2020 prevented a lot of Filipinos from taking the crucial first step in participating in the May 2022 polls.

He noted that registrations were suspended further in 2021 as the nation was placed under different community quarantine classifications.

Data from the Philippine Statistics Authority show that 73 million voters are qualified to participate in the May 2022 polls.

The Comelec has reported that as of last August 23, there are around 61 million registered voters in the country. This could mean that there are still around 12 million Filipinos who have yet to register. 

Pandemic deaths 1918-1919 at 2020-2021 sa Marinduque; Covid-19 updates at mga pagsisikap ng mga namumuno

Ang pinakahuli lamang na turnover Aug 30 ng medical supplies, equipment, ambulances, service vehicles para sa Marinduque sa inisyatibo ni Speaker Lord Allan Velasco ay tinanggap ni Gov. Presby Velasco. Pinasalamatan ang DOH, OCD at Pilipinong May Puso Foundation at marami pang iba.
 

Sa Marinduque ay 979 ang namatay sa Spanish Flu noong 1918. 

Datos mula sa The Philippines in the World of the Influenza Pandemic of 1918–1919, F Gealogo. 

Naganap sa mundo at Pilipinas kasama na ang Marinduque ang isang pandemya noong 1918. 

Spanish Flu ang tawag nila dito. 40% ng mga Pilipino ang tinamaan, 88,906 ang pumanaw. 10 buwan ang inabot ng 3 waves noon, yung ikalawa mas nakamamatay kaysa nauna. 

Sa Marinduque ay 979 ang namatay. Panahong ang naitalang populasyon ng ating islang-lalawigan ay 56,868 pa lamang.

Ang populasyon ng Marinduque sa kasalukuyan ay 239,207 ayon sa 2020 Census.

Sa mga karatig lalawigan naman natin sa ngayo'y kilala bilang MIMAROPA ay ito naging death toll sa Spanish Flu: Mindoro, 1,003; Romblon, 279; Palawan, 1,640.

Sa kasalukuyang pandemya ng COVID-19 sa Marinduque makaraan ang 1 at kalahating taon (Marso 2020-August 2021) ay ito naman ang naging record: 1,919 ang inamaan ng sakit at 89 lamang ang sumakabilang-buhay.

Sa kasalukuyan, pinaghirapan na ng husto ng ating mga iginagalang na mga pinuno ng pamahalaan at ang mga frontliners, ay patuloy na ginagawa ang lahat ng kanilang makakaya. 

Walang sino man sa kanila angt nagpapabaya, mula sa punong-lalawigan, Gov. Presbiterno Velasco, Jr., lahat ng opisyales ng pamahalaang panlalawigan, lahat ng opisyales ng anim na bayan at lalong-lalo na ang kongresista ng Marinduque na ngayo'y nakatayo bilang Speaker of the House Lord Allan Velasco.

Unang naganap sa lokal na kasaysayan ng lalawigan ang ganitong pagkakataon.

Di katakatakang lahat ng available resources sa loob at labas ng lalawigan ay kayang-kayang gawan ng paraaan para iparating dito.

Ayaw kang talikuran kahit pagod na pagod na sila at ang panganib na nakaamba ay naiisantabi pa rin dahil sa kanilang dedikasyon at pagkalinga sa pinagsisilbihan.

Hindi maitatanggi na isa itong uri ng inspiradong pamamalakad at paninilbihan sa bayan ng mga lider natin.

Spanish Flu death toll 

Ayon sa isang panulat, “America’s Forgotten Pandemic” ni Alfred W. Crosby sa nabanggit na "1918 Spanish Flu" na basta ang tawag lamang sa atin ay "Trancazo" ay ganito: “Ang flu morbidity at mortality statistics ng Pilipinas, na may populasyon na 9 hanggang 10.5 million, depende na sa kung anong awtoridad ang iyong kinokonsulta, ay di maaasahan. Mga 40 porsyento ng mga Filipino ang nahawa sa sakit, at 70,000-90,000 ang nangagkamatay. 

“Kahit pa gamitan ng pinaka-konserbatibong pagtatantiya, ang pandemic ay pumatay sa 2 porsyento ng mga nagkasakit nito. 

“Sa maraming barangay sa pinakamatinding panahon, walang supisyenteng mga taong may kakayahang maglibing sa mga patay. Ang pandemya ay tila pinakamatinding perwisyo ang ginawa sa malalayong lugar, tulad ng Cotabato sa Mindanao, kung saan 95 porsiyento ang nagkasakit.”

Ang general COVID-19 situation sa Marinduque

 

Sinalubong nina Gov. Velasco at mga kasamahan ang pagdating ng additional vaccines para sa Marinduque. 18% na ng populasyon ang nabakunahan sa kasalukuyan.

Naging laman ng mga balita nitong mga nakaraang araw ang lalawigan natin ng Marinduque dahil sa nakakabahalang pagtaas ng bilang ng mga COVID-19 cases. 

Umaabot sa halos 1,300 ang bilang ng covid cases mula sa 390 cases noon lamang nakaraang buwan ng Mayo.

Sinasabing maaaring nasa likod ito ng pagsulpot sa lalawigan ng nakakahawang Delta variant ng covid, habang umaasa ang lalawigan sa patuloy na pagdating ng mga bakuna mula sa national government.

Kinumpirma naman ng Philippine Genome Center na pitong kaso ng Delta variant na naitala sa bayan ng Sta. Cruz. 

“Ang evaluation po namin ay baka itong Delta variant po ay meron na rin sa ibang bayan. Kaya lang po, wala pa po ‘yong ibang report doon sa Philippine Genome Center”, pahayag no Governor Presby Velasco.

Samantala, nasa 18 porsyento na ng populasyon ang nabakunahan, anang gobernador. 

August 20 PDRRMC meeting para sa Covid-19 updates

Karagdagang impormasyon

Naglabas naman ng isang Infoshare si Bokal Adeline Angeles bilang bahagi ng kamakailang pagpupulong ng mga reourse personns mula sa DOH, Provincial Health Office (PHO), mga Municipal Health Offices, Chiefs of Hospital, PDRRMO Council, mga Mayors, si House Speaker Lord Allan Velasco, kanyang tanggapan bilang tugon sa ipinatawag na marathon meetings ni Gov. Presby Velasco mula noong Agosto 16, 2021.

Ilang bahagi ng mga tala ni Bokal "Lyn" Angeles:

Si Bokal Lyn Angeles kasama si Rino Labay ng PDRRMC

TANONG (T): ANO ANG GENERAL COVID-19 SITUATION SA MARINDUQUE?

SAGOT(S): Tulad ng nangyayari sa buong bansa, patuloy na dumarami ang COVID-19 cases.

As of August 23, 2021: 1,614 COVID-19 cases; 340 active cases; recorded 7 Delta Cases in Sta. Cruz, 4 Delta in Torrijos; and 1 Theta in Boac. May 4.2% fatality rate na karamihan ay walang bakuna.

Generally, sa ngayon, halos wala nang hospital sa labas ng lalawigan na tumatanggap ng COVID patients dahil sobra na rin sa kanilang capacity.

T: PAANO ITO HINA-HANDLE NG LALAWIGAN?

S: Pinagsusumikapan na makaroon ng JOINT EFFORT AND COORDINATED RESPONSE ang Province, LGUs (Municipality, Barangay), DOH, PNP, DILG and other National Gov’t Agencies at ilang private sector. Sapagkat Level 1 hospital lamang ang MPH, isinasagawa ang mga sumusunod:

1. Strategy of “catching the patient at the early stage for timely management”.

2. Continuous and active implementation of vaccination program hand in hand with management of COVID positive cases.

3. As per coordination protocol agreed between MPH, Sta Cruz/Torrijos Hospital and partner MHO/LGU, ang ipa-prioritize i-admit sa MPH ay SEVERE CASES that match the agreed CRITERIA  like an identified threshold of oxygen level among others. Ang mga Moderate at Asymptomatic cases naman ay RHU ng bawat Munisipyo ang magha-handle sa mga Temporary Treatment and Monitoring Facility (TTMF) nila.

4. Sapagkat ang Municipal isolation facility ay maghahandle ng non-severe COVID cases bilang Temporary Treatment and Monitoring Facility (TTMF), ito ay higit na inaayos at dinadagdagan ng mga munisipyo. Nag-identify din ng additional schools para maging pansamantalang isolation facility.

NOTE: DOH requirement for Municipal Isolation Facility: 1 bed for every 1,000 population.

Sta. Cruz District Hospital

STATUS:

Sta. Cruz – has 20 TTMF bed capacity; 38 still needed

Mogpog – has 24 TTMF bed capacity; 11 still needed

Torrijos – has 8 TTMF bed capacity; 24 still needed

Boac - has 10 TTMF bed capacity; 47 still needed

Gasan - has 24 TTMF bed capacity; 12 still needed

Buenavista – has 18 TTMF bed capacity; 7 still needed

NOTE:  In the pipeline po ang mga sumusunod:

- Construction of 30M 71 bed capacity Isolation Facility (Sta. Cruz) - funded by Office of Civil Defense (OCD)

- Construction of 25M 68 bed Facility (Torrijos) – funded by OCD

- Construction of 5M 24 bed Facility (Boac) – funded by LGU

- On-going construction of 10M 17 bed capacity – funded by DOH Bayanihan Act 2

T: TOTOO BANG MAY MGA PASYENTE ANG MPH NA SA TENT NA LANG NAG-STAY AT PAGOD NA ANG ATING MGA FRONTLINERS SA HOSPITAL?

S: Totoo po at ito po ay nangyayari din sa  maraming  gov't hospital sa bansa. Kaya po seryosong kailangan ang PAKIKIISA NG LAHAT na maging maingat at tumulong upang hindi kumalat ang COVID.

T: ILANG COVID WARD MERON SA MPH?

S: Sa ngayon, may 1 COVID ward that could cater 15-20 patients pero inihahanda na rin ang isa pang COVID ward for around 15-20 patients more.

T: BAKIT HINDI NA LANG AGAD DAGDAGAN ANG COVID WARD SA HOSPITAL?

S: Hindi madali sapagkat bawat COVID ward with 15-20 patients capacity ay nangangailan ng karagdagang 8 Doctors, 8 Nurses at 8 Nursing Assistants na MAHIRAP din basta humanap sa ngayon dahil na rin sa kakulangan ng mga available doctors at medical professionals hindi lamang sa lalawigan kundi sa buong bansa.

NOTE: Sa ngayon, dahil na rin sa pakikipag-ugnayan ng Provincial Gov’t headed by Gov. Velasco meron nang nag-commit na 8 additional doctors at 5 Nurses mula sa labas ng lalawigan para sa additional COVID ward na isiniset-up.

T: MAY MGA COVID-19 MEDICINES / DRUGS BA NA MAGAGAMIT SA MPH PARA SA “SEVERE” CASES TULAD NG “REMDESIVIR”?

S: May mga inorder at nadeliver sa Provincial Hospital subalit ayon sa report mabilis ito maubos at nagiging limited din ang availability nito sa market. But the Governor has already instructed the hospital to seek for ways & means to make those medicines available.

T: ANONG ADDITIONAL EQUIPMENTS / TOOLS ANG INAASAHANG MADAGDAG SA GINAGAMIT SA MGA COVID FACILITIES?

S:  FROM SPEAKER LORD & Mrs. Wen Velasco & Pilipinong May Puso Foundation (ready for proper turn-over)

     -15 units oxygen concentrator

     -1,500 boxes various PPEs

     -100 boxes gloves

     -400 boxes face mask

     -1,000 boxes various medicine

     -300 pcs. modular tents

     -116 pcs. bed foam

From Office of Civil Defense para sa Isolation Facilities ng Probinsya at 6 Municipalities (reported to be ready for pick-up already)

     -34 units Generator set

     -166 bed foam

     -348 folding bed

     -75 folding bed w/ foam

     -426 electric fan

     -82 gas stove

     -33 refrigerator

     -44 washing machine

     -35 water & coffee boiler

     -70 water dispenser

     -Other various items

Funded by Provincial Government of Marinduque (On-going procurement process)

    -CPAP

    -High Flow machine

    -High Flow Cannula

    -150 modular tents with mattress

    -100 cylinders of Medical Oxygen (filled to 1,800 psi)

    - Antigen Test Kits for Hospital frontliners

    - Various medicines including Remdesivir

Note:

- Muling nag-approve ng panibagong additional/ Supplemental Budget ang Pamahalaang Panlalawigan para sa mga pangangailangan ng hospital.

- Patuloy pa rin and Vaccination gamit ang kararating na 14,000 vials Sinovac. May parating pa ring 10,000 dozes ng Sinofarm at may panibagong request ang Marinduque na inaasahang maibibigay din.

T: ANO ANG MOLECULAR LABORATORY? MERON NA BA NITO SA PROBINSYA?

S: Ang molecular laboratory ay isang facility na may kakayahan na magsagawa ng PCR-test. Sa ngayon ay may initial equipment donated by AYALA FOUNDATION pero may mga ilan pa ring kagamitan na dapat mai-provide. Gayundin, kailangan pa din ang DOH evaluation para ito’y maging operational. May ilang initiative din ang private sector gaya ng Marinduque Response Network para sa proyektong tulad nito.

Bahagi ng dumating na vaccines para sa Marinduque

T: PAANO MAKATUTULONG ANG ORDINARYONG MAMAYAN NG MARINDUQUE SA NGAYON?

1. HUWAG mag-panic.

2. Magpa BAKUNA (karamihan ng COVID fatality ay walang bakuna)

3. Maging RESPONSIBLE. ALAGAAN ang sarili at kapwa sa pamamagitan ng SERYOSONG PAGSUNOD SA MGA SIMPLENG HEALTH PROTOCOLS.

4. Alam ko pong nakakatakot, pero makakatulong na sa “early symptoms” pa lang ay humingi na agad ng MEDICAL ATTENTION para sa agarang pagtugon.

4. HUWAG MAGPALAKAT ng mga FAKE NEWS. Hindi ito nakakatulong.

5. HIGIT SA LAHAT: Patuloy na MAGDASAL at magtiwala sa AWA at kabutihan ng Diyos.

PAUNAWA: 

We are now in crisis because of this pandemic and we are faced with 2 OPTIONS:

1. TO BE PART OF THE PROBLEM; or 

2. TO BE PART OF THE SOLUTION THROUGH OUR OWN SIMPLE WAYS.

Special Thanks:  SA LAHAT PO NG MGA FRONTLINERS headed by:

Dr. Rachel Garcia & DOH staff; DR. Gerry Caballes & PHO; Dr. Manuel Zaratan & MPH Frontliners; Dr. Arlie Vertucio & Sta Cruz Hospital; Dra. Josine Oblipias & all TMH; Office of Gov. Presby Velasco Jr., Office of Speaker LordAllan Velasco, Sir Rino Labay & PDDRRMO/Council and staff, Ma'am Mirriam Sadiwa and the Finance team, All Municipal Health Officers & MHO partners in 6 municipalities; All Barangay  Frontliners.

Sa lahat po ng ating mga katuwang sa SERBISYO-PUBLIKO at sa MISYON NG PAGLILINGKOD mula sa iba’t-ibang sector at ahensiya…

Sa mamamayang MARINDUQUENO sa inyong responsableng pakikisangkot & kooperasyon…

MARAMING SALAMAT PO.

GOD BLESS EVERYONE! MISERERE NOBIS!