Resolutions

SRN-1115: Seaports, Airports, Expressways and National Roads

RESOLUTION DIRECTING THE APPROPRIATE SENATE COMMITTEES TO CONDUCT AN INQUIRY, IN AID OF LEGISLATION, ON THE PRIORITIZATION OF TRANSPORTATION INFRASTRUCTURE PROJECTS AND THE EFFICIENCY OF SYSTEMS MANAGEMENT IN SEAPORTS, AIRPORTS, EXPRESSWAYS AND NATIONAL ROADS WITH THE END VIEW OF STREAMLINING ITS OPERA TIONS TO IMPROVE SERVICES TO THE PUBLIC

Whereas, ground and air transportation infrastructures are crucial for economic development, domestic and foreign investment, as well as job creation, which are necessary to reduce poverty in the Philippines, The quality, adequacy and accessibility of infrastructure facilities and services are needed in order to achieve efficient movement of people and goods, and this ultimately impacts on the country’s competitiveness;

Whereas, the goal of the ASEAN Economic Community is to fully integrate by 2015. AEC envisages the following key characteristics: (a) a single market and production base, (b) a highly competitive economic region, (c) a region of equitable economic development, and (d) a region fully integrated into the global economy. Modern efficient road systems are being implemented in Southeast Asia. Malaysia had set the standards for their region with 1,500 kilometers of expressways in operation. Malaysian and Indian toll expressways were built and operated using Build Operate and Transfer/Public Private Partnership (BOT /PPP) financing to avail of private sector capital and management;

Whereas, last December 2014, millions of Filipinos, traveling by air, water and land for the holidays, accessed major transportation hubs and experienced heavy traffic and congestion in major ports, airports and toll ways in the country. Based on news reports, massive traffic was recorded during the holiday rush in the South and North Luzon Expressways. The traffic was attributed to the slow processing of toll payments in the tollgates. Furthermore, the public had to stop at several tollgates within a short distance and this resulted to the build-up of cars in the expressways. Moreover, port congestion continues to be a problem with the Manila International Container Terminal (MICT) at 86% and South Harbor Terminal at 91%, far from the ideal utilization level of 70%. Flight cancellations and delays were also reported during the recent holiday break in major airports in the country;

Whereas, the Philippines need to improve its limited network of seaports, airports and expressways, to the detriment of transporting passengers or goods, by land, water or air. The national government should focus on the improvement and integration of major transportation infrastructures.

Whereas, it is crucial to have a periodic planning process that will identify the critical road segments and undertake feasibility and economic analysis in order to determine the needed investment and improvement in the systems operations of the transportation infrastructure. The different government agencies and offices, such as the Department of Transportation and Communication, Department of Public Works and Highways, need to intensify their inter-agency work plan and strategy in order to address the recurring heavy traffic in the flow of goods and passengers in the country;

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, as it is hereby resolved to direct the appropriate Senate Committees to conduct an inquiry, in aid of legislation, on the prioritization of transportation infrastructure projects and the efficiency of the systems management in seaports, airports, expressways and national roads with the end view of streamlining its operations to improve the services to the public.

 

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SRN-1156: Posthumous Awarding of the Medal of Valor to the Forty-Four (44) Saf Officers

RESOLUTION RECOMMENDING THE POSTHUMOUS AWARDING OF THE MEDAL OF VALOR TO THE FORTY-FOUR (44) PNP SAF OFFICERS WHO SACRIFICED THEIR LIVES IN MAMASAPANO, MAGUINDANAO, IN THE PERFORMANCE OF THEIR DUTY AND COMMENDING THEM FOR THEIR EXEMPLARY COURAGE AND HEROISM

Whereas, the 19B7 Constitution upholds that the maintenance of peace and order, the protection of life, liberty and property and the promotion of the general welfare are essential for the enjoyment by all the people of the blessings of democracy;

Whereas, Republic Act No. 6975 otherwise known as the Department of the Interior and Local Government Act of 1990, establishes one of the core functions of the Philippine National Police (PNP) which is to maintain peace and order and take all necessary steps to ensure public safety;

Whereas, on January 25, 2015, members of the PNP Special Action Force (SAF) conducted a law enforcement operation that involved the serving of an outstanding arrest warrant to Southeast Asia’s most wanted terrorist, Zulkipli Bin Hir, alias Abu Marwan, in a rebel-controlled area in Mamasapano, Maguindanao;

Whereas, the SAF team succeeded in killing the terrorist, Marwan. However, In the course of the operation, members of the team came under intense rebel fire from members of the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) and the Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters (BIFF). Forty four (44) SAF officers were killed in the encounter which lasted eleven hours;

Whereas, the names of the 44 SAF officers killed during this high-risk police operation are as follows:

1. Sr. Insp. Ryan Ballesteros Pabalinas

2. Sr. Insp. John Garry Alcantara Erana

3. Sr. Insp. Max Jim Ramirez Tria

4. Sr. Insp. Cyrus Paleyan Anniban

5. Sr. Insp. Gednat G. Tabdi

6. Insp. Joey Sacristan Gamutan

7. Insp. Rennie Tayrus

8. SPOI Lover L. Inocencio

9. P03 Rodrigo F. Acob Jr.

10. P03 Virgel S. Villanueva

11. P03 Andres Vlernes Duque Jr.

12. P03 Vitoriano Nacion Acain

13. P03 Noel Onangey Golocan

14. P03 Junrel Narvas Kibete

15. P031ed-ln Abubakar AsJali

16. P03 Robert Dommolog Allaga

17. P03 John Lloyd Rebammonte SumbiIla

18. P02 Amman Mlsuari Esmula

19. P02 Peterson I. Carap

20. P02 Roger C. Cordero

21. P02 Nicky DC Naclno Jr.

22. P02 Glenn Berecio Bedua

23. P02 Chum Goc-Ong Agabon

24. P02 Richelle Salangan Baluga

25. P02 Noel Nebrida Balaca

26. P02 Joel Bimidang Dulnuan

27. P02 Godofredo Basak Cabanlet

28. P02 Franklin Cadap Danao

29. P02 Wainer Faustino Danao

30. P02 Jerry Dailay Kayob

31. P02 Noble Sungay Kiangan

32. P02 Ephraim G. Mejia

33. P02 Omar Agacer Nacionales

34. P02 Rodel Eva Ramacula

35. P02 Romeo Valles Senin II

36. POl Russel Bawaan Bilog

37. POl Angel C. Kodiamat

38. POI Windell Llano Candano

39. POl Loreto Guyab Capinding

40. POl Gringo Charag Cayang-o

41. POl Romeo Cumanoy Cempron

42. POI Mark Lory Orloque Clemencio

43. POl Joseph Gumatay Sagonoy

44. POl Oliebeth Ligutan Viernes

Whereas, Republic Act No. 9049 honors military heroes and affiliates for their supreme self-sacrifice and distinctive acts of heroism and gallantry by awarding the Medal of Valor which entitles the widower and/or dependents of the awardee to a lifetime monthly gratuity and precedence in employment in National Government Agencies (NGAs) or Government-Owned and Controlled Corporations (GOCCs) among other benefits;

Whereas, the 44 officers of the PNP-SAF fought valiantly and sacrificed their lives in the performance of their duty, in the service to the Filipino people and the nation’s quest for peace;

NOW THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, AS IT IS HEREBY RESOLVED, recommending the posthumous awarding of the Medal of Valor to the forty-four (44) PNP SAF officers who sacrificed their lives in Mamasapano, Maguindanao, in the performance of their duty and commending them for their exemplary courage and heroism.

 

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Resolution No. 74 – National Day of Healing for Unity and Peace

RESOLUTION EXPRESSING THE SENSE OF THE SENATE OF THE PHILIPPINES TO DECLARE 06 MARCH 2015 AS A “NATIONAL DAY OF HEALING FOR UNITY AND PEACE”

WHEREAS, our 1987 Constitution declares that the Philippines renounces war as an instrument of national policy, adopts the generally accepted principles of international law as part of the law of the land, and adheres to the policy of peace, equality, justice, freedom, cooperation, and amity with all nations (Article II, Section 2);

WHEREAS, the Constitution likewise holds that the maintenance of peace and order, the protection of life, liberty, and property, and promotion of the general welfare are essential for the enjoyment by all the people of the blessings of democracy (Article II, Section 5);

WHEREAS, in the quest for a just and lasting peace in Mindanao, the Government of the Philippines (GPH) and the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) signed a peace agreement last March 27, 2014;

WHEREAS, the gains of 17 years of peace negotiation between the GPH and MILF took a serious blow in the wake of the Mamasapano incident last January 25, 2015, that led to the deaths of 44 members of the Philippine National Police – Special Action Force, 18 Moro fighters and some innocent civilians;

WHEREAS, as an immediate repercussion of this January 25 incident, the Commission on Human Rights (CHR) has reported the internal displacement of at least 1,500 families due to fears that armed confrontations in the area of Mamasapano, Maguindanao and its immediate surroundings may escalate;

WHEREAS, the Mamasapano incident has grave implications to the continuing peace process and to the lives of the peoples of Mindanao who continue to suffer from the debilitating impact of decades of armed conflict even while undergoing rehabilitation efforts;

WHEREAS, this unfortunate incident has likewise caused a national divide threatening to polarize the country ,and its peace-loving peoples, with some sections issuing condemnation, hasty judgement and espousing bloody retaliation and ‘all-out war;

WHEREAS, civil society, the broad peace movements and the peoples of Mindanao, while expressing full support to all investigations aimed at unearthing the truth and providing justice to all the victims of that unfortunate January 25 incident in Mamasapano, remain steadfast in their commitment to the peace process which is on the verge of hopefully ending the armed conflict in Mindanao;

WHEREAS, in order to maintain calm and sobriety in these tension-filled times and arrive at an objective and impartial result of the ongoing investigations on the Mamasapano incident, there is an imperative and urgent need to pause and reassess our common aspirations to bring peaceful solutions to our nation’s problems;

WHEREAS, civil society groups, peace movements and communities across the country have started to gather as peace advocates calling for unity and peace, which will culminate on the ’40th day of the tragedy on March 6, 2015;

WHEREAS, on this day, simultaneous events will be held In cities nationwide to remember those who perished in Mamasapano as well as the thousands of lives lost from decades of armed conflict, and to call on the Filipino people to stand for justice and stay the course of peace: Now, therefore, be it

Resolved, as it is hereby resolved, To express the sense of the Senate of the Philippines to declare March 6, 2015, the 40th day after the unfortunate and bloody Mamasapano incident, as a “National Day of Healing for Unity and Peace”.

 

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SRN-1180: Recommending and Awarding of the Medal of Valor to the Surviving SAF Officers and Wounded Personnel

RESOLUTION RECOMMENDING THE AWARDING OF THE MEDAL OF VALOR TO THE SURVIVING SAF OFFICERS AND WOUNDED PERSONNEL WHO DIRECTLY PARTICIPATED IN THE POLICE OPERATIONS IN MAMASAPANO, MAGUINDANAO AND COMMENDING THEM FOR THEIR EXEMPLARY COURAGE AND HEROISM

Whereas, it is the policy of the State to consistently honor its military and police officers in order to strengthen patriotic spirit and nationalist consciousness, Towards this end, the State shall give due recognition to an awardee of the Medal of Valor of his supreme self-sacrifice and distinctive acts of heroism and gallantry by providing adequate social services and financial rewards in order to encourage men and women to perform heroic deeds for their country;

Whereas, on 24 January 2015, members of the Philippine National Police – Special Action Force (PNP-SAF) carried out an operation to serve the warrants of arrest issued against Jemaah Islamiyah leader Zulkifli Bin Hir alias “Marwan” and Basit Usman in Barangay Tukanalipao, Mamasapano, Maguindanao, The SAF officers were successful in eliminating Marwan but Usman was able to escape;

Whereas, in the course of the operation, members of the team came under intense rebel fire from members of the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF), Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters (BIFF) and other armed groups, From the 55th SAF Company which served as the blocking force, only one soldier survived the gun battle, Thirty- five (35) of his comrades did not make it. From the Seaborne Unit of the 84th SAF Company, thirty (30) out of the thirty-nine (39) soldiers were wounded and/or survived the battle. Based on records as of 05 February 2015, thirty-one (31) PNP-SAF officers and personnel survived the Mamasapano encounter. In the aftermath of that tragic day of 25 January 2015, fortyfour (44) members of the PNP-SAF were killed;

Whereas, the death of the PNP-SAF officers and all those wounded in the police operations should serve as a continuing reminder that the ultimate purpose of the government is to protect its citizens. The sacrifice of these uniformed men displayed their dedication in carrying out their duties to protect the citizenry and to maintain peace and order in the country. Thus, they deserve the award of a Medal of Valor and the benefits/entitlements under Republic Act No. 9049;

Whereas, the outstanding act of bravery of these soldiers in the most dangerous combat circumstances only shows the quality of the country’s uniformed men in the service of the Filipino people. They disregarded the immediate danger, which surrounded them in order to defend the country. The courage and bravery of these uniformed men who became ill or injured in the line of duty deserve the honor and recognition of their supreme self-sacrifice for the country;

NOW THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, AS IT IS HEREBY RESOLVED, by the Senate to recommend the awarding of the Medal of Valor to the surviving SAF officers and wounded personnel who directly participated in the police operations in Mamasapano, Maguindanao and commending them for their exemplary courage and heroism.

 

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SRN-1203: Philippine Bamboo Industry

RESOLUTION DIRECTING THE APPROPRIATE SENATE COMMITTEES TO CONDUCT AN INQUIRY IN AID OF LEGISLATION, ON THE PHILIPPINE BAMBOO INDUSTRY DEVELOPMENT ROADMAP WITH THE END VIEW OF THE ALIGNMENT OF THE INDUSTRY WITH THE TRADE AND ENVIRONMENTAL PLANS OF THE GOVERNMENT

WHEREAS, Executive Order No. 879 which was issued in 2010 created the Philippine Bamboo Industry Development Council (PBDIC). PBDlC is mandated to provide the over-all policy and program directions for all stakeholders. Further, Executive Order No. 879 directed the use of bamboo for at least 25 percent of the desk and other bamboo furniture requirements of public elementary and secondary schools and prioritizing the use of bamboo in furniture fixtures and other construction requirements of government facilities;

WHEREAS, as of 2010, the Philippines is the 5th largest bamboo exporter in the world. From 2012-2014, there has been P306.3 million investments generated in the Philippine Bamboo Industry with P261.8 million sales and 13,103 jobs generated. There is an increasing global demand for bamboo and the local agricultural industry should take advantage of it. The local market demand for bamboo products is estimated at P11 billion. The current estimated global market demand is US$7 billion, and it is expected to rise to US$15-20 billion in 2017;

WHEREAS, the country’s bamboo-based furniture industry has a growth rate of 15% per year, with export revenues amounting to US$3.2 million per year. The bamboo-based handicraft industry has a growth rate of 7% with export revenues of up to US$8 billion per year. Despite of this, the Philippine Bamboo Foundation reported that up to 52,000 hectares of land in the country is planted with bamboo but this is not enough to meet market demand.

WHEREAS, bamboos grow rapidly and reach maturity in 3-5 years making it a viable alternative to hardwood and traditional timber when it comes to the furniture industry. The return on investment on bamboo is also a lost faster since it can be frequently harvested, making it an attractive and sustainable community project even for small farmers. It has a huge income potential and it can be utilized to improve the lives of people in the countryside;

WHEREAS, the government has committed to promote industrialization based on agricultural development and agrarian reform through industries that make full and efficient use of human and natural resources and which are competitive in both domestic and foreign markets. Moreover, through the issuance of Executive Order No. 879, the government has to reforest at least 500,000 hectares with bamboo as part of the 1 million hectares of designated areas as its contribution to the ASEAN commitment of 20 million hectares of new forest by 2020 as part of its initiatives to improve the environment;

WHEREAS, the main challenge is to make supply sufficient for its continuous and growing demand. There has not been any reliable inventory of available erect bamboos nationwide. Accordingly, there is a need for proper and timely coordination among relevant government agencies, NGOs, academe and business sector to determine a concrete industry roadmap;

NOW THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, AS IT IS HEREBY RESOLVED, to direct the appropriate Senate Committees to conduct an inquiry, in aid of legislation, on the Philippine Bamboo Industry Roadmap with the end view of the alignment of the industry with the trade and environmental plans of the government.

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Senate Resolution No. 929: Automotive Industry Development Roadmap

RESOLUTION DIRECTING THE APPROPRIATESENATE COMMITTEES TO CONDUCT AN INQUIRY, IN AID OF LEGISLATION, ON THE PHILIPPINE AUTOMOTIVE INDUSTRY DEVELOPMENT ROADMAP WITH THE END VIEW OF THE ALIGNMENT OF THE INDUSTRY WITH THE INFRASTRUCTURE PLANS OF THE GOVERNMENT

 

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