Philippine House Moves Forward with Economic Charter Change ProposalAgusan del Sur Residents Receive P45.3 Million in Aid for Flood RecoveryAgriculture Secretary Reclaims Control of NFA Amid Suspension of Top Officials
Manila, Philippines – The Philippine House of Representatives has taken a significant step toward amending the 1987 Constitution’s economic provisions, with the Resolution of Both Houses No. 7 (RBH7) reaching the plenary floor. House Majority Leader Manuel Jose Dalipe confirmed that the chamber would conduct thorough deliberations on the proposed changes, which aim to ease restrictions on foreign ownership in sectors such as public utilities, education, and advertising.
According to Philippines News Agency, the resolution’s sponsorship marks a pivotal move towards aligning the Philippines with the dynamics of a rapidly evolving global economy. “With the increasing interdependence of world cultures and economies, the Philippines cannot remain indifferent. We must adapt and take advantage of the benefits that economic globalization offers,” Dalipe stated during Monday’s session.
The proposed amendments include the insertion of the phrase “unless otherwise provided by law” in specific sections of the Constitution, granting Congress the flexibility to adjust economic restrictions as needed. President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. and Speaker Martin Romualdez have both expressed strong support for these amendments, viewing them as essential for boosting economic activity and ensuring the protection of strategic sectors from foreign dominance.
Dalipe highlighted the exhaustive deliberations conducted by the House Committee of the Whole, which engaged a diverse group of experts and stakeholders over six days. “The hearings and deliberations were testaments of our commitment to democratic consultations, allowing for a broad range of perspectives on the proposed amendments,” he said.
The House aims to pass RBH7 on its second reading by Wednesday, allocating three days for plenary debates based on the anticipated volume of questions and discussions. Deputy Speaker and Pampanga Rep. Aurelio Gonzales Jr., in his sponsorship speech, urged the Senate to recognize the urgency of amending the Constitution’s restrictive economic provisions, framing it as a critical step towards national progress and improved quality of life for Filipinos.
Gonzales argued that the current provisions have “outlived” their purpose and that the amendments could attract significant investments, enhance competition, and ultimately lead to better services and job opportunities for Filipinos. He also highlighted the potential benefits for the education and advertising sectors, emphasizing the importance of nurturing intellectual capital and showcasing Filipino creativity on the global stage.
Agusan del Sur, Philippines – Nearly 9,069 residents of Agusan del Sur have received financial assistance totaling PHP45.3 million through a government-led aid distribution initiative, following the flood events that impacted the province last month. The Department of Social Welfare and Development in the Caraga Region (DSWD-13) facilitated the weeklong distribution of the Emergency Cash Transfer (ECT) program across seven towns to aid in the recovery efforts.
According to Philippines News Agency, the allocated funds were aimed at supporting the repair of homes damaged by the floods. Beneficiaries of the program received PHP5,004 each, providing a crucial lifeline for families seeking to rebuild in the aftermath of the disaster. The towns of San Luis, Bunawan, Trento, La Paz, Veruela, Prosperidad, and Bayugan saw significant numbers of residents benefitting from this initiative, with San Luis accounting for the largest share of recipients.
The local government units of the affected towns, along with other government agencies, played a pivotal role in supporting the distribution of aid, ensuring that the assistance reached those in dire need. DSWD-13 has committed to continuing the distribution of the ECT program to other regions affected by the recent floods, underscoring the government’s ongoing response to the natural disaster.
The floods that struck Agusan del Sur, as well as parts of Agusan del Norte and Butuan City in mid-February, were triggered by heavy rains associated with the shear line and the trough of a low-pressure area. This financial aid distribution marks a significant step in the community’s recovery process, providing essential support to those affected by the calamity.
Manila, Philippines – Agriculture Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel Jr. has resumed leadership of the National Food Authority (NFA) after the Office of the Ombudsman issued suspension orders against two additional officials of the agency. The suspensions are part of an ongoing investigation into the alleged improper sale of rice buffer stock.
According to Philippines News Agency, the latest suspensions target Piolito Santos, the newly appointed NFA Officer-in-Charge, and Jonathan Yazon, the Department Manager for Operation and Coordination. Secretary Laurel emphasized that the NFA’s operations would remain unaffected despite these developments and the ongoing inquiry.
“We want to stabilize the situation at the NFA following the events of last week,” Laurel stated, calling on the agency’s remaining staff to continue performing their duties diligently, especially during the crucial harvest season.
Laurel has appointed Larry Lacson as the new acting deputy administrator to ensure the smooth running of the NFA’s daily activities. The move comes after the initial suspension of NFA administrator Roderico Bioco, assistant administrator for operations John Robert Hermano, and numerous regional and branch managers, as well as warehouse supervisors, earlier this month.
The Office of the Ombudsman, alongside a parallel investigation panel from the DA, is scrutinizing transactions involving the sale of NFA rice, suspected to have been conducted disadvantageously to the government and without proper bidding procedures. These investigations aim to shed light on transactions dating back to as early as 2019, marking a significant inquiry into the practices and management of the NFA under its previous leadership.