13th Congress Closes
Officially ending its term on 8 June 2007, the 13th Congress will be remembered for the controversial 2004 Presidential elections, leading to two impeachment attempts against President Arroyo which were successfully blocked by her allies in the House of Representatives. Also in this Congress, the Senate questioned the legality of the President’s gag orders – EO 464, PP1017, and CPR – which were ruled by the Supreme Court in favor of the petitioners. Charter change also took center stage in this Congress.
This Congress passed the EVAT Law to generate additional revenue for the government; the Sin Tax Law, which increased the excise taxes on alcohol and tobacco products; the amendment to the Automated Elections Law, which was never implemented; the Biofuels Act, which allowed use of alternative fuels; and the Anti-Terrorism Act.
This recently concluded Congress boasts of passing 154 laws, 140 of which were approved during the Third Regular Session (24 July 2006 – 7 June 2007). Of the 154, only 39 were of national application accounting to 25.3% of the total laws passed. The figure is lower than the output of the previous Congresses where it listed 92, 54, and 69 national laws during the 10th, 11th, and 12th Congress, respectively.
The low output was due to the extensive debate on Charter change and the mid-term elections. Lack of quorum during sessions was also a problem. Records show at least 40 plenary sessions in the House from 24 July 2006 to 6 February 2007. Roll call was done in 21 sessions only. The House failed to reach a quorum in seven sessions. Session was adjourned in those cases.
After taking a break for the 14 May elections, Congress resumed session on 4 June, but for three straight days the House again failed to reach a quorum. The Senate likewise failed to proceed with the agenda when their invited speakers to discuss environmental bills did not show up in the session.
All pending bills were not enacted into law, including the following:
Cheaper Medicines Act (HB 6035/SB 2263)
The bill allows early production and sale of generic drugs so cheaper medicines will be made available to the public. The bill became controversial following allegations that big pharmaceutical companies were trying to block its passage. Last 21 February, Pharmaceutical Healthcare Association of the Philippines (PHAP) lawyers were sent out of the session hall after they passed a note to Rep. Teodoro Locsin Jr. asking him to question the quorum during the deliberation. The lawyers were concerned about an amendment introducing a price regulatory board, which might control the maximum prices of goods.
Tourism Act of 2007 (HB 6088/SB2138)
The bill seeks to strengthen the Department of Tourism by streamlining its structure and the agencies attached to it. It aims to improve the level of competitiveness of tourist facilities and services through a system of accreditation, standard-setting, and classification.
Credit Information System Act (HB 5948/SB 1936)
The bill establishes a Credit Information Corporation to act as the central collator of comprehensive credit information. The Corporation will source its information from banks and other credit providers that will be identified by the Monetary Board. Those covered by the Bank Secrecy Law are excluded from the information to be shared in the system.
Personal Equity Retirement Account Act (HB 6078/SB 2233)
This bill provides contributors a savings plan for their retirement. It creates a voluntary retirement account to be placed in PERA investment products in the form of trust funds, mutual funds, insurance and pre-need pension plan, shares of stock, and other investment products.
Philippine Lemon Law (HB 5303/SB 2464)
Also known as the Brand New Motor Vehicle Consumer Protection Act, this bill guarantees buyers of defective brand new four-wheel vehicles to have their vehicles serviced up to four times with the dealers and manufacturers shouldering half the cost. Consumers may also opt to demand a replacement or a refund of their vehicles.
Attendance Matters
Based on individual performances, at least 19 representatives were present in all 21 sessions. Topping the list with perfect attendance without a tardiness was Rep. Arthur Defensor (Iloilo, 3rd district). Also with perfect attendance but with one late were Reps. Leonila Chavez (Butil party-list), Isidro Rodriguez Jr. (Rizal, 2nd district), and Luis Villafuerte (Camarines Sur, 2nd district). Another 18 representatives were present in all roll call but have some late marks.
At the bottom of the list was Rep. Carlos Cojuangco (Negros Occidental, 4th district) with one session present and one session where he was on official mission. Rep. Carlos Imperial (Albay, 2nd district) had 19 absences. Anakpawis Representative Crispin Beltran was absent during the entire Third Regular Session after he was “invited” by the Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG) last February 2006 on a charge of inciting to rebellion back in 1985.
Senator Jinggoy Estrada and outgoing Senator Juan Flavier posted a perfect attendance with no tardiness in 60 sessions (24 July 2006 to 30 January 2007). Senator Juan Ponce Enrile attended all sessions but was late six times. Senators Joker Arroyo, Franklin Drilon, and Richard Gordon likewise have no absences but a part of their attendance was spent on official mission either local or abroad. Senator Miriam Santiago incurred the most absences with 21, primarily due to illness.
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