Senate holds plenary session — May 4

[4:25] The 59th session of the Senate in the first regular session of the 20th Congress is hereby called to order. [4:35] Senator Joel Villanueva will lead the chamber in prayer. [4:40] Let's put ourselves in the presence of the Lord. [4:44] Dakilang Diyos, ama naming suma sa langit. [4:46] Diyos na may gawa ng langit at lupa. [4:48] Diyos na nagsabi na kung may dalawa o tatlo na nagkakatipon sa kanyang pangalan, [4:53] siya ay nasa kanilang kalagitnaan. [4:54] Kami po ay nagpapakumbaba, naninikluhod, [4:58] umihingi ng kapatawaran sa aming mga kasalanan, sa isip, salita o sa gawa. [5:04] Damitan mo po kami ng iyong damit ng katwiran [5:06] at tulungan mo po kami na makalapit sa iyong paanan. [5:10] Sinabi mo po, O Diyos, sa Juan 16-33, [5:17] ang mga bagay na ito ay sinalita ko sa inyo [5:20] upang kayo'y magkaroon sa akin ng kapayapaan. [5:23] Sa sanglibutan ay mayroon kayong kapighatian, [5:27] ngunit lakasan ninyo ang loob. [5:29] Aking dineig ang sanglibutan. [5:32] Maraming salamat po, O Diyos, sa katotohanan na napagtagumpayan mo [5:36] ang sanglibutan. [5:37] At sa gitna po ng mga kalamidad, [5:40] inilalapit po namin sa iyo ang mga biktima ng pagputok ng bulkang mayon [5:45] na ngayon ay dinaranas ng ating mga kababayan sa kabikulan. [5:50] Sa nagpapatuloy po na krisis sa gitnang silangan, [5:54] na dahilan ng lalong pagtaas ng presyo ng bilihin at paglawak ng kahirapan, [5:59] tulungan niyo po ang bawat isa sa amin. [6:01] Lalo na po sa pagbubukas ng aming sesyon dito sa Senado, [6:06] tulungan mo ang bawat isa. [6:08] Bigyan mo po kami ng katalinuhan na nagmumula lamang sa iyo. [6:13] At kagaya po ng pagtatagumpay mo sa mundong ito, [6:16] samahan mo po kami na malagpasan ang bawat suliranin at kabigatan sa mundo. [6:21] Tulungan mo po ang bawat isa sa amin na magkaisa, [6:25] magbayanihan, [6:27] at unahin po lagi ang kapakanan ng aming kapwa. [6:30] Gamitin mo po ang bawat isa sa amin na maging instrumento upang makatulong, [6:35] mapagaan ng pasanin, [6:38] at makapagawa ng mabuti para sa aming inang bayan. [6:41] Ito po ang aming hiling. [6:42] Sa tanging pangalam po ng aming Panginoong Yesus, [6:45] ang lahat po ang makiisa at magsabing amen. [6:48] The San Sebastian Parish Choir will lead us in the singing of the Philippine National Anthem [6:55] and thereafter the group will also render a song entitled Philippines. [7:00] The San Sebastian Parish Choir will lead us in the singing of the Philippine National Anthem. [7:20] The San Sebastian Parish Choir will lead us in the singing of the Philippine National Anthem. [7:22] The San Sebastian Parish Choir will lead us in the singing of the Philippine National Anthem. [7:25] The San Sebastian Parish Choir will lead us in the singing of the Philippine National Anthem. [7:27] The San Sebastian Parish Choir will lead us in the singing of the Philippine National Anthem. [7:29] The San Sebastian Parish Choir will lead us in the singing of the Philippine National Anthem. [7:30] The San Sebastian Parish Choir will lead us in the singing of the Philippine National Anthem. [9:11] The Secretary will please call the roll. [12:56] With 23 senators present, the chair declares the presence of a courtroom. [13:12] Thank you very much, Mr. President. [13:13] Before we act on our agenda today, we'd just like to greet guests of the Senate, [13:18] guests of Senator Pangilinan, Ms. Elizabeth Means, [13:21] together with Coach Ryan Gregorio and Mr. Sander Gubat [13:25] of the Samang Basketball ng Pilipinas. [13:29] We are tackling House Bill No. 664, [13:34] or we tackled House Bill No. 6641, [13:37] granting Ms. Elizabeth Jean-Janet Means citizenship, [13:42] which was approved last March 16, [13:44] and we had asked that she at least visit the Senate, Mr. President, [13:49] as a courtesy to the Senate that approved the bill. [13:52] Also, therefore, Mr. President would like to recognize them. [13:55] They're in the gallery. [13:56] Thank you. We thank our guests for joining us this afternoon. [14:00] Senator Pangilinan is recognized. [14:01] Yes, just a quick manifestation, Mr. President. [14:04] When we passed this measure on third reading granting citizenship to Ms. Mead, [14:10] she was unavailable because she had to leave for the United States for a personal family emergency. [14:17] However, it was manifested by our colleagues that it is tradition that those who seek citizenship through the legislative process must be present at the third reading. [14:35] And as such, we manifested that she should, number one, explain her absence, and number two, be present here in the first day of the session. [14:47] She has written to the Senate. She has submitted her explanation. [14:52] And therefore, she complied with that first requirement, and the second is to be present today. [15:04] And she is here today, Mr. President. For the record, Mr. President. [15:08] Thank you. Yes, we acknowledge the manifestation and place it on record. [15:13] Thank you very much. Majority Leader. [15:15] Thank you very much. We appreciate the explanation of the sponsor, the Chairman of the Committee of Justice, Senator Kiko Pangilinan. [15:21] We'd also like to recognize members of the JCI San Juan Pinaglabanan are here also guests of Senator JV Hersito, Mr. President. [15:31] Welcome to the Senate. [15:32] Thank you. Mr. President, before we take up the reference of business, may we proceed to the third reading. [15:38] Would you like to approve the journal first? [15:41] Yes, Mr. President, I move that we approve, dispense with the reading of the journal 53 session Wednesday, March 18, 2026, [15:48] and consider the same as approved, Mr. President. [15:50] All right. Any objection? Chair hears none. The journal is approved. [15:55] Thank you, Mr. President. Mr. President, I move that we proceed with the third reading of two measures. [16:03] I move that, first of all, before we proceed with that, Mr. President, I would just like to say that we electronically distributed these all, [16:10] please all, to all the senators on the 17th of April, 2026, and the 29th of April, 2026, in compliance with the three-day rule of the Constitution for both measures. [16:20] Thank you. We place that on record. Likewise. [16:22] So I move, Mr. President, that we approve on third reading Senate Bill Number 1981 and ask the Secretary to read the title and proceed with the roll call vote. [16:31] Any objection? Beating none, the Secretary will read the title of the measure and conduct a roll call vote for third reading. [16:41] Senate Bill Number 1981, [16:43] Anak establishing the Private Basic Education Voucher Program, [16:47] Deporting Funds 04, repeating for the purpose of Public Act No. 6728, [16:51] the government assistance to students and teachers in private education as amended. [16:55] All call of members, [16:56] Senator Aquino, [16:58] Sir Caetano Alan, [17:01] Senator Caetano Pia, [17:02] Senator De La Rosa, [17:04] Senator Ejercito, [17:05] Senator Escudero, [17:07] Senator Estrada, [17:08] Senator Gachalian, [17:10] Senator Goh, [17:12] Senator Hantiveros, [17:14] Senator Lacson, [17:15] Senator Lapid, [17:16] Senator Ligarda, [17:19] Senator Marguleta, [17:20] Senator Marcos, [17:22] Senator Padilla, [17:23] Senator Pangilinan, [17:25] Senator Tulfo Irwin, [17:26] Senator Tulfo Rafi, [17:28] Senator William Neva, [17:31] Senator Villar-Camille, [17:32] Senator Villar-Camille, [17:33] Senator Villar-Mar, [17:35] Senator Subiri, [17:36] Senator President Soteri III. [17:40] With 22 affirmative votes, [17:42] no negative votes, [17:43] no abstention, [17:44] Senate Bill 1981 is approved on third reading. [17:48] Thank you very much, Mr. President. [17:50] Just to also just let our colleagues know, [17:52] this is the act establishing the Private Basic Education Voucher Program, [17:56] to help our students in tertiary education. [18:00] Mr. President, [18:01] I move that we approve as well on second reading. [18:03] This is a very timely and sought-after ledak measure, Mr. President. [18:08] This is a ledak measure. [18:09] This is the freedom of information that the good Senator from Bicol and our adopted son of Mindanao, [18:18] Senator Robin Hood Padilla, had passed at second reading. [18:22] I move that we approve of third reading, Mr. President. [18:25] Senate Bill No. 1432. [18:27] Any objection? [18:30] Hearing none, the Secretary will read the title of the measure and conduct a roll call vote for third reading. [18:36] Senate Bill No. 1432. [18:38] Unlock implementing the people's right to information and the constitutional policies of full public disclosure and honesty in the public service and for other purposes. [18:46] All call of members, [18:48] Senator Aquino, [18:49] Senator Cayetano Alan, [18:50] Senator Cayetano Pia, [18:53] Senator De La Rosa, [18:54] Senator Ejercito, [18:56] Senator Escudero, [18:57] Senator Estrada, [18:59] Senator Gazzalian, [19:01] Senator Goh, [19:03] Senator Hantiveros, [19:06] Senator Lacson, [19:07] Senator Lapid, [19:10] Senator Ligarda, [19:11] Senator Marculeta, [19:12] Senator Marcos, [19:14] Senator Padilla, [19:15] Senator Pangilinan, [19:17] Senator Tulfo Irwin, [19:19] Senator Tulfo Rafi, [19:21] Senator Villaneva, [19:22] Senator Villar Camil, [19:25] Senator Villar Mark, [19:27] Senator Subiri, [19:28] Senate President Souther III. [19:31] With 22 affirmative votes, [19:34] no negative votes, [19:35] no abstentions, [19:36] Senate Bill 1432 is approved on third reading. [19:38] Thank you very much, Mr. President. [19:40] Congratulations to all the authors and sponsors. [19:42] Mr. President, we proceed with the reference of this. [19:46] Secretary will proceed with the reference of this. [19:48] Mr. President, [19:49] Mr. President of our [19:50] Senator Joel Villaneva is recognized. [19:52] Yes, Mr. President. [19:53] May I just be allowed to insert into the records my explanation of vote, [19:57] Mr. President, [19:58] especially on the Freedom of Information Act that we have been espousing for quite a long time. [20:03] And again, we congratulate this institution for working very fast, [20:07] especially our Chairperson, Senator Robin Hood Padilla. [20:10] Thank you, Mr. President. [20:11] Thank you. [20:12] All right. [20:13] It's placed on record. [20:15] Senator Robin Padilla is recognized. [20:17] Mr. President, [20:21] Mr. President, [20:22] Mr. President, [20:23] Mr. President, [20:24] Mr. President, [20:25] Mr. President, [20:26] Mr. President, [20:27] Mr. President, [20:28] Mr. President, [20:29] Mr. President, [20:30] Mr. President, [20:32] Mr. President, [20:33] Mr. President, [20:34] Mr. President, [20:35] Mr. President, [20:36] Mr. President, [20:37] Mr. President, [20:38] Mr. President, [20:39] Mr. President, [20:40] Mr. President, [20:41] Mr. President, [20:42] Mr. President, [20:44] Mr. President, [20:45] Mr. President, [20:46] Mr. President, [20:47] Mr. President, [20:48] Mr. President, [20:49] Thank you very much. [21:22] Thank you very much. [21:55] Thank you very much. [22:28] Thank you very much. [22:59] Thank you very much. [23:30] Thank you very much. [24:04] Thank you very much. [24:35] Thank you very much. [25:06] Thank you very much. [25:37] Thank you very much. [26:07] Thank you very much. [26:38] Thank you. [27:10] Thank you. [27:40] Thank you. [28:11] Thank you. [28:42] Thank you. [29:12] Thank you. [29:43] Thank you. [30:13] Thank you. [30:43] Thank you. [31:15] Thank you. [31:46] Thank you. [32:17] Thank you. [32:47] Thank you. [33:18] Thank you. [33:55] Thank you. [34:27] Thank you. [34:57] Thank you. [35:28] Thank you. [35:59] Thank you. [36:29] Thank you. [37:00] Thank you. [37:33] Thank you. [38:04] Thank you. [38:36] Thank you. [39:08] Thank you. [39:38] Thank you. [40:08] Thank you. [40:39] Thank you. [41:09] Thank you. [41:39] Thank you. [42:09] Thank you. [42:40] Thank you. [43:10] Thank you. [43:40] Thank you. [44:11] Thank you. [44:41] Thank you. [45:12] Thank you. [45:42] Thank you. [46:13] Thank you. [46:44] Thank you. [47:27] Thank you. [47:58] Thank you. [48:32] Thank you. [49:06] Thank you. [49:37] Thank you. [50:22] Thank you. [50:56] Thank you. [51:28] Thank you. [52:00] Thank you. [52:31] Thank you. [55:45] Thank you. [56:51] Thank you. [57:23] Thank you, [57:59] Thank you. [58:29] Thank you. [59:05] Thank you. [1:00:08] Thank you. [1:00:42] Thank you. [1:01:28] Thank you, [1:02:08] Thank you. [1:02:41] Thank you. [1:03:14] Thank you. [1:05:04] Thank you. [1:05:35] Thank you. [1:06:07] Thank you. [1:07:45] Thank you. [1:08:50] Thank you. [1:09:28] Thank you. [1:09:58] Thank you. [1:10:28] Thank you, [1:10:58] Thank you. [2:22:58] Thank you. [2:23:46] Thank you. [2:24:21] Thank you. [2:24:56] Thank you. [2:25:32] Thank you. [2:26:07] Thank you. [2:26:41] Thank you. [2:27:15] Thank you. [2:27:50] Thank you. [2:28:25] Thank you. [2:28:59] Thank you. [2:29:31] Thank you. [2:30:05] Thank you. [2:30:06] Thank you. [2:30:38] Thank you. [2:31:16] Thank you. [2:31:50] Thank you. [2:32:23] Thank you. [2:33:00] Thank you. [2:33:01] Thank you, [2:33:36] Thank you. [2:33:39] Thank you. [2:34:12] Thank you, [2:35:12] Thank you, [2:35:51] Thank you. [2:35:53] Thank you. [2:35:54] Thank you. [2:35:55] Thank you. [2:35:56] Thank you. [2:36:29] Thank you. [2:36:31] Thank you. [2:36:32] Thank you. [2:36:33] Thank you. [2:36:34] Thank you. [2:36:35] Thank you. [2:36:36] Thank you. [2:36:37] Thank you. [2:36:38] Thank you. [2:36:39] Thank you. [2:36:40] Thank you. [2:36:41] Thank you. [2:36:43] Thank you. [2:36:44] Thank you. [2:36:45] Thank you. [2:36:46] Okay. [2:36:47] Thank you. [2:36:49] lingkod. This measure, Mr. President, does not seek to dismantle the regulation per se, nor to interfere with legitimate business operations. [2:37:00] Sa halip, layunin itong palakasin ng accountability sa pamagitan ng transparency o kalinawan sa presyuhan ng produktong petrolyo sa bansa. [2:37:11] Sa kasulukuyan kasi, hindi required ang mga oil companies na ibunyag ang detalyadong bataya ng tunay na halaga ng kanilang imported fuel. [2:37:22] And because of this, Mr. President, the government, more importantly, the Filipino people are left in the dark. [2:37:31] Nakikita natin ang sunod-sunod na pagtaas ng presyo ng langis sa mga gasolinahan. [2:37:37] Ngunit tila walang malinaw na basihan na naintindihan ng taong bayan. [2:37:43] Oo nga't may digmaan po ngayon na nagaganap sa Middle East. [2:37:46] Pero dahilan ba ito para sumirit agad sa higit isandaang piso ang bawat litro ng krudo? [2:37:53] Ilang araw pa lang ang gyera doon? [2:37:56] Tila tayo lang po ginong pangulo ang bansa sa Asia na tumaas ng halos 50% ang presyo ng petrolyo sa ating mga gasolinahan. [2:38:07] Hindi rin po malinaw ang paliwanag ng mga oil companies na kapag tumaas ang presyo ng petrolyo sa world market, [2:38:16] kinabukasan ay kailangang itaas na rin ang presyo ng petrolyo sa ating mga gasolinahan. [2:38:22] At kapag bumaba naman ang presyo ng petrolyo sa pandaigdigang kalakalan, [2:38:29] kapiranggot lang ang rollback ng petrolyo sa bansa at hindi na palibalik pa sa dating presyo nito. [2:38:37] Bakit po ganoon? [2:38:39] Kaya dapat natin itanong, [2:38:41] Are these price adjustments truly reflective of global market trends? [2:38:46] O pinapataas lang nila kumita ng mas malaki at ang papasan ay ang mga mahamayan? [2:38:53] Senate Bill No. 641 provides a concrete answer. [2:38:59] Sa ilalim ng panukalang ito, binibigyan ng mas malinaw na kapangyarihan ng Department of Energy, [2:39:06] alinsunod sa mandato nito upang puwersahin na ang oil companies na ilatag ang actual cost ng kanilang imported fuel, [2:39:14] kasamang acquisition costs, freight charges, taxes at iba pang components na buubuo sa presyo ng ating mga gasolinahan. [2:39:23] With this authority, the government will finally have the tools to scrutinize pricing structures [2:39:31] and determine whether the increase are justified or whether they impose an undue burden on Filipino consumers. [2:39:40] Sa madaling sabi, ginong Pangulo, [2:39:42] maaari nang makialam at may say na, [2:39:45] ikanga ang pamahalaan sa presyuhan ng petrolyo sa bansa. [2:39:50] Let me be clear. [2:39:52] This is not about punishing the industry. [2:39:55] May malinaw na safeguard ang panukala. [2:39:59] Pinoprotektahan ang confidential at proprietary information ng mga kumpanya [2:40:05] habang binibigyan ang pamahala ng sapat, nakakayahan, [2:40:09] upang gampanan ang tungkulin itong bantayan at ipagtanggol ang kapakanan ng mamayan. [2:40:16] Transparency is about protecting the public. [2:40:19] It builds trust. [2:40:20] It ensures fairness. [2:40:22] And it prevents abuse. [2:40:23] Sa pagtaas po ng ating cost of living, [2:40:26] bawat piso ay mahalaga. [2:40:29] Kapag tumaas kasi ang presyo ng langistiyak, [2:40:32] natataas ang pamasahe, [2:40:34] ang presyo ng pagkain, [2:40:36] kuryente at iba pang pangunahing bilihin. [2:40:39] At gaya ng nakasanayan, [2:40:41] ang pinakapektado ay ang ordinaryong mamayang Pilipino. [2:40:44] We cannot allow this practice anymore to continue in a sector that is so vital to our national welfare. [2:40:56] Colleagues, this bill is a step forward, [2:41:00] restoring balance between free enterprise and public accountability, [2:41:06] between profit and protection, [2:41:09] between deregulation and responsible governance. [2:41:12] Bilang ko-autor ng panukalang ito, [2:41:15] nakikisa ako sa principal author na si Senator Wynne Gatchalian [2:41:19] sa pagsulong ng Senate Bill No. 641. [2:41:23] And I respectfully urge this chamber to likewise support this measure [2:41:27] para matiyak natin na ang sistema ng presyuan ng gasolina sa ating bansa [2:41:34] ay mas malinaw at mas makatarungan sa bawat Pilipino. [2:41:40] Maraming salamat po, Ginong Pangulo. [2:41:42] Thank you very much, Mr. President. [2:41:55] Mr. President, I move that the speech of the good gentleman [2:41:58] from Palawan, Republic of the Philippines, [2:42:00] after Irwin Tooth, will be referred to the Committee on Energy. [2:42:04] Committee on Energy. [2:42:05] No objection, so referred. [2:42:08] Thank you very much, Mr. President. [2:42:17] Is it going down? [2:42:27] I may ask just for a minute suspension, Mr. President. [2:42:29] Session suspended. [2:42:30] We consider Committee Report No. 56. [2:44:36] IsoMove is present. [2:44:38] It's the alleged LGU bypass in Dupax Del Norte mining. [2:44:45] IsoMove is present. [2:44:46] We take it out. [2:44:47] This is, it's already in the calendar for special orders, right? [2:44:54] Yes. [2:44:55] Is it in the calendar for special order? [2:44:56] It is. [2:44:56] All right. [2:44:56] I move to transfer the calendar for special business to special order. [2:45:02] It's already in the special orders. [2:45:03] So it's been transferred already. [2:45:06] That's it? [2:45:07] Yes. [2:45:07] It's in the calendar for ordinary business. [2:45:11] Okay. [2:45:12] May we entertain a motion to transfer? [2:45:14] Yes, Mr. President. [2:45:14] I move that we transfer to the calendar for ordinary business to special order. [2:45:17] Special orders. [2:45:18] Any objection? [2:45:19] Hearing none. [2:45:20] So transferred. [2:45:21] Mr. President, I move that we take up Committee Report No. 56 [2:45:24] and recognize the chairperson of the committee, Senator Jingoy Estrada Committee on Local Government [2:45:31] to sponsor the committee. [2:45:32] Consideration of Committee Report No. 56 is in order, and Senator Jingoy Estrada is recognized. [2:45:40] Thank you, Mr. President. [2:45:41] Mr. President, distinguished colleagues, the 1987 Philippine Constitution provides a strong [2:45:47] legal framework for environmental protection. [2:45:50] The principle of local autonomy is also enshrined in our fundamental law. [2:45:57] Republic Act No. 7.160, or the Local Government Code of 1991, concretizes this mandate by devolving [2:46:07] powers, responsibilities, and resources to local government units, enabling them to become [2:46:12] primary implementers in protection, management, and sustainable use of our natural resources. [2:46:17] But how do we reconcile this with instances where there has been a purported systemic exclusion [2:46:26] of LGUs in the issuance of an exploration permit to a huge mining company? [2:46:34] Today, the Senate Committee, your Senate Committee and local government joint, with the Committee [2:46:39] on Environment, Natural Resources, and Climate Change, submits Committee Report No. 56 and reports [2:46:45] the outcome of our public hearings and consultations with the key stakeholders, including the local [2:46:51] government of Dupax del Norte, affected barangays, residents, and private sector representatives [2:46:59] in relation to the exploration activities of Wogal Corporation in the said municipality in Nueva Vizcaya. [2:47:07] Mr. President, the province of Nueva Vizcaya is considered the watershed haven for the entire [2:47:13] region 2, or Cagayan Valley. It hosts several major watersheds that feed into key river systems, [2:47:21] such as the Magat River and Cagayan River, the longest river in the Philippines, as well [2:47:26] as forest reserves and protected landscapes that are critical for local communities and wildlife. [2:47:33] During the course of the Committee's two public hearings, we learned that Wogal Corporation, [2:47:38] a subsidiary of British mining firm, Metals Exploration, applied for an exploration permit from the [2:47:46] Mines and Geosciences Bureau as early as July 4 of the year 2022. Their application covers [2:47:54] 3,101.1 hectares of land located in five barangays in the municipality of Dupax del Norte, Nueva Vizcaya, [2:48:02] with the purpose of exploring gold, copper, lead, zinc, and other associated minerals. [2:48:10] Thereafter, on August 4, 2025, MGB issued exploration permit to Wogal Corporation and registered the same [2:48:20] with the regional office on August 7 of 2025. Wogal Corporation held meetings, presentations [2:48:27] with the barangays after the permit's issuance. Only a few days after, the mining company commenced [2:48:34] exploration activities, which involved digging several hundred feet to the ground to acquire [2:48:39] one samples to determine whether or not the area is potentially rich in gold and other minerals. [2:48:47] But the exploration activities were met with strong opposition, not just from the residents, [2:48:52] but also from the barangays' concern, pointing out that there was no genuine consultation, [2:48:57] and there was no endorsement from the local government units. [2:49:00] Papano masasabing nagkaroon ng masusing konsultasyon kung isang araw lamang ito ginawa [2:49:07] ng Wogal Corporation sa bawat barangay at sa lokal na pamalaan ng Dupax del Norte? [2:49:14] Ang mas malala pa, ang attendance sheet at certification mula sa ilang barangay, [2:49:20] ang ginawang attachment at basihan ng mining company para sa kanilang exploration permit application, [2:49:26] ngayong presentation lamang ang ginawa ng Wogal tulad ng sinabi ng mga kapitan ng mga barangay. [2:49:35] Thereafter, the LGUs covered by the exploration permit had adopted resolutions opposing the exploration activities [2:49:42] and requested the MGB to immediately cancel the permit issued to Wogal Corporation citing the absence of consultations [2:49:51] as mandated under the Philippine Mining Act and its implementing rules and regulations as well as the local government code [2:50:00] in order to ensure that exploration or mining activities are undertaken with transparency, [2:50:07] social acceptability, and consideration of the welfare of the people. [2:50:13] Mr. President, the lack of genuine public consultation in mining activities still persists. [2:50:21] Such actions of regulatory agencies in the mining company involve not only undermine the fundamental principle [2:50:31] of local autonomy but also the spirit of participatory governance. [2:50:37] Without genuine public consultations, there are serious concerns about transparency and accountability. [2:50:43] It deprives LGUs of their voice and authority on vital projects that are, I mean again, expected to have far-reaching implications [2:50:54] not just on the environment but also the livelihood of residents. [2:51:00] Thus, the committee recommends that the Philippine Mining Act of 1995 [2:51:04] and relevant issuance of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources [2:51:08] be amended to reflect the true essence of local autonomy [2:51:13] and remove continuing misgivings about whether or not [2:51:16] for your prior community and sanggunian consultation must occur [2:51:21] and what constitutes sufficient compliance [2:51:24] even in exploration permit applications. [2:51:27] It is imperative that we revisit and strengthen mechanisms [2:51:32] that ensure meaningful consultation, genuine consent, [2:51:37] and active participation of local governments [2:51:39] in decisions that directly impact the environment and their constituents. [2:51:45] The committee further finds that stronger safeguards [2:51:48] are needed for mining exploration applications [2:51:51] that affect protected areas, watersheds, forest reserves, agriculture production zones [2:51:58] and national greening program sites. [2:52:01] We recommend that the law should mandate a more rigorous review [2:52:04] and evaluation of the proposed permit area [2:52:08] along with a clear determination that is legally open to mining [2:52:12] and consistent with existing environmental, land use, and resource management laws and policies. [2:52:19] In-recommended rin ang committee [2:52:21] ang pagpaparusa sa material misrepresentation kaugnay [2:52:27] ng konsultasyon at local government endorsement [2:52:31] kabilang na ang agarang kansilasyon o hindi paggawad ng permit. [2:52:36] Nais din ang committee na palakasin ang boses ng mga mamayan sa local governance [2:52:41] at bibigang halaga kung merong malawakang oposisyon [2:52:45] mula sa mga residente at lokal na pamalahan [2:52:49] kaugnay ng anumang sa tingin nila ay mapaminsalang proyekto [2:52:55] na makakaapekto sa kanilang pamayanan. [2:52:58] Thus, regulatory agencies must consider the findings of the committee [2:53:03] and its recommendations that genuine public consultation [2:53:06] and free and informed consent from residents and LGUs affected [2:53:11] must take place before any exploration activity. [2:53:17] For the residents, farmers, and indigenous peoples of Dupax del Norte, [2:53:22] the people of Nueva Vizcaya, and the nation, [2:53:26] thank you, Mr. President. [2:53:28] Jolity Leader? [2:53:34] Yes. May be recognized as Senator Irving. [2:53:38] Senator Irving Doolboy is recognized. [2:53:41] Maraming salamat po, Ginoong Pangulo. [2:53:43] Ginoong Pangulo, mga kagalang-galang nakasama sa Senado, [2:53:48] nais ko pong ipabot ang aking taus-pusong pasasalamat [2:53:51] sa Chairman of Committee and Local Government, [2:53:55] si Senador Jingo Estrada, [2:53:57] sa kanyang agarang pagkilos at masusing investigasyon [2:54:01] sa nangyaring anomalia sa Dupax del Norte [2:54:04] na siyang nagugat sa aking privileged speech ng ikalawa ng Pebrero. [2:54:09] Ang mga natuklasan po sa Committee Report No. 56 [2:54:13] ay nagpapatulay lamang na mayroong malaking butas sa ating kasalukuyang batas. [2:54:20] Isang butas na nagbibigay daano pang mabaliwala ang boses ng ating mga kababayan. [2:54:28] Ang tunggalian sa pagitan ng mga residente ng Dupax del Norte [2:54:32] at ng Wugal Corporation ay isang malinaw na halimbawa nito. [2:54:37] Bilang tugon po sa naturang Committee Report, [2:54:42] ang inyong pong lingkod ay maghahain ng panukalang batas [2:54:45] na siyang naglalayang amyendahan ang Philippine Mining Act, [2:54:50] particular na ang Section 21, [2:54:53] kung saan sisiguruhing mayroong paunang konsultasyon sa komunidad [2:54:58] at lokal na pamahalaan bago pa man maaprubahan ang exploration permit. [2:55:04] Inaasaan kong muli ang suporta po ng aking mga kasama sa panukalang batas na ito. [2:55:12] Hindi dapat mapunta sa karahasan ang usapin ng kalikasan at kabuhayan. [2:55:20] Maraming salamat po, Ginong Pangulo. [2:55:22] Mr. President, we recognize Senator Robin Padilla. [2:55:29] Senator Robin Padilla is recognized. [2:55:34] Maraming salamat po, Ginong Pangulo, at sa ating pinunong mayorya. [2:55:38] Ako po ay tumitingdig ngayon upang i-cosponsor at magpahayag ng pagsuporta [2:55:46] hinggil sa Committee Report sa issue ng proyektong pagmimina [2:55:49] at exploration sa DUPACS del Norte, Nueva Biscaya. [2:55:55] Ako po ay buong pusong nagpapasalamat kay Senator Jingo Estrada, [2:55:59] ang taga-pangulo po ng Committee ng Local Government, [2:56:04] at kay Senator Erwin Tulfo. [2:56:06] Sa pagkat personal po ang ating pakay dito sa pangyayari na ito. [2:56:11] Sa pagkat kung natatandaan nyo po, tayo po'y tumindig dito [2:56:15] at nagpahayag po tayo ng matinding sama ng loob. [2:56:22] Sa pagkat ito po'y paulit-ulit na. [2:56:25] Ito pong pangaabuso sa ating mga katutubo [2:56:28] ay lagi na lamang pong nangyayari. [2:56:32] At ang laging culprit dito ay ang mga minero. [2:56:36] Kaya po sana, ito pong pagkakataon na ito na naungkat na po ito. [2:56:44] Ito po sanang 20th Congress ay magkaroon na po sana ng kasagutan [2:56:49] ang hinain ng ating mga katutubo [2:56:51] sapagkat pagtungkol na sa kanila, [2:56:55] lagi na lamang po itong nakakalimutan. [2:56:59] Pag-uusapan at makakalimutan. [2:57:01] Ito pong pangyayari na ito ay iregalo na po natin sa aming yumao [2:57:10] kay Gobernor Carlos Padilla. [2:57:14] Alam ko naman po na lahat kayo dito ay kilala nyo po ang aking amain. [2:57:19] Alam nyo po ang kanyang ipinaglaban. [2:57:21] At umaasa po ako na itong pangyayari na ito [2:57:25] ang magbubukas sa ating mga mata [2:57:27] na hanggang sa mga oras na ito [2:57:30] ang ating mga katutubo ay inaabuso [2:57:33] hindi lamang, hindi lamang na mga dayuhang kumpanya [2:57:39] kung hindi na mga local government officials [2:57:43] na hanggang sa ngayon ay dini-deny nila [2:57:46] na hindi nila alam ito. [2:57:48] Kaya sana po, mga mahal kong kasama [2:57:51] kung ano man ang panukala [2:57:53] na iihayin natin para dito [2:57:55] ay magkaroon na po ng liwanag [2:57:58] ang kinabukasan ng ating mga katutubo. [2:58:01] Marami pong salamat. [2:58:06] George Delida. [2:58:10] Mr. President, may recognize as well [2:58:12] Senator Lauren Lagarde. [2:58:14] Senator Lauren Lagarde, Sir Grace. [2:58:24] Mr. President, distinguished colleagues, [2:58:26] I rise today to co-sponsor [2:58:28] the committee report [2:58:30] in defense of the people of Dupacs del Norte. [2:58:33] Senator Irwin Tulfo [2:58:35] sounded the alarm on January 31. [2:58:39] Exposing how Woggle Corporation [2:58:41] pushed an open pit mining project [2:58:44] over 3,100 hectares [2:58:46] without genuine consultation, [2:58:49] without respect for local autonomy, [2:58:52] without regard for indigenous people. [2:58:56] A barangay meeting was misrepresented [2:58:58] as public consultation. [2:59:01] Hindi ito konsultasyon. [2:59:03] Ito ay paglilinlang. [2:59:05] The site lies near the [2:59:07] Kasek Non-Protected Landscape [2:59:08] legislated under E-NIPAS Act, [2:59:12] a watershed vital for food [2:59:14] and energy security. [2:59:16] Kung masisira ang ating kalikasan, [2:59:20] nanganganib din sa pagkasira [2:59:23] ang ating supply ng pagkain, [2:59:26] enerhiya, [2:59:27] at maging ang kinabukasan [2:59:29] ng susunod na henerasyon. [2:59:31] On January 23, [2:59:34] over 300 police and SWAT personnel [2:59:37] dispersed unarmed civilians, [2:59:39] arresting community leader [2:59:41] Florentino Dainos [2:59:43] and six indigenous women, [2:59:45] the Dupac Seven. [2:59:46] Their only defense [2:59:48] was a human barricade. [2:59:51] This is not just about one corporation. [2:59:53] It is about integrity in governance, [2:59:56] respect for indigenous rights, [2:59:58] protection of our environment. [3:00:01] Walang tunay na kaunlaran [3:00:03] kung ito ay may bahid [3:00:05] ng paglilinlang, [3:00:07] pangaabuso, [3:00:08] pagkasira ng kalikasan. [3:00:11] Ang trahedya sa Dupacs del Norte [3:00:13] ay nagsilbing tagapanggmulat [3:00:16] na ang ehekutibo, [3:00:20] the executive, [3:00:22] ay dapat magpatupad [3:00:24] ng may katapatan [3:00:26] at pananagutan [3:00:27] at ang mga mabatas [3:00:28] ay dapat magsulong [3:00:30] ng mga reformang bubuo [3:00:32] ng mas matibay na proteksyon [3:00:34] laban sa pangaabuso. [3:00:37] I therefore urge our esteemed colleagues [3:00:39] for the approval of this report. [3:00:41] Ating galangin ang tinig ng bayan [3:00:43] ipagtanggol ang karapatan [3:00:45] ng ating mga katutubo, [3:00:47] ingatan ang kalikasan [3:00:49] na siyang ugat [3:00:50] ng ating kinabukasan. [3:00:52] Thank you, Mr. President. [3:00:55] Majority Leader. [3:00:58] Thank you very much, Mr. President. [3:00:59] Mr. President, last but not the least, [3:01:00] we'd like to recognize [3:01:01] Senator Risa Monteveros, [3:01:03] our deputy majority for you. [3:01:05] Senator Risa Monteveros, recognized. [3:01:07] Salamat po, Mr. President. [3:01:09] Maikling manipestasyon ng mabuhay. [3:01:13] Mabuhay kay Senator Irwin [3:01:16] sa kanilang pagpapahayag [3:01:18] ng privilege speech [3:01:20] na nagbunyag nitong issue [3:01:22] sa ating lahat. [3:01:23] Mabuhay kay Chair [3:01:25] Jingoy Estrada [3:01:26] sa pagpapahayag nila ngayon [3:01:28] ng isang napakalakas [3:01:29] at unequivocal [3:01:31] na committee report [3:01:32] alang-alang [3:01:34] sa sambayanan [3:01:34] ng Dupacs del Norte. [3:01:36] At mabuhay [3:01:37] sa mga mamamaya [3:01:39] ng Dupacs del Norte, [3:01:41] nakaisa ng diwa [3:01:42] ni dating Gobernador [3:01:43] Ruth Padilla [3:01:44] at ng yumaong dakilang [3:01:46] si Manong Kaloy [3:01:48] Padilla [3:01:49] ay ipinagtatanggol [3:01:51] ang pamanas sa kanila [3:01:53] ng kanilang mga ninuno [3:01:55] na kanilang inaalagaan [3:01:56] para sa ating lahat. [3:01:58] Dahil po sa [3:01:59] committee report na ito, [3:02:01] Mr. President, [3:02:02] lalo po akong nabubuhayan [3:02:03] ng loob [3:02:04] sa iba't ibang mga panukala [3:02:07] natin dito sa Senado, [3:02:09] kasama na po [3:02:10] yung aking panukalang batas [3:02:12] ng Alternative [3:02:13] Minerals Management Bill [3:02:15] na layong pagsamahin [3:02:17] yung pagtataguyod [3:02:18] ng karapatan [3:02:19] ng bawat komunidad [3:02:21] na mining affected, [3:02:23] kasama na po [3:02:24] yung mga katutubong [3:02:25] Pilipino [3:02:26] sa kanilang mga lupang [3:02:27] ninuno [3:02:28] at [3:02:28] ang pagpapaunlad [3:02:30] at pakikinabang [3:02:32] ng bawat Pilipino [3:02:33] sa pamamagitan [3:02:36] ng pagpapaunlad [3:02:38] ng maayos [3:02:39] na pagpapaunlad [3:02:40] ng industriya [3:02:41] ng pagmimina [3:02:41] sa ating ekonomiya. [3:02:43] Marami salamat po, [3:02:44] Mr. President, [3:02:45] at muli mabuhay [3:02:46] sa ating mga kasama. [3:02:55] Jority Leader, [3:02:59] Senator Lori Ligardo. [3:03:00] Thank you again, [3:03:01] Mr. President. [3:03:02] I failed to recognize [3:03:03] a sponsor of the [3:03:04] committee report. [3:03:05] While I mentioned [3:03:05] Senator Irwin Tulfo [3:03:07] as having brought it [3:03:09] to our attention, [3:03:10] I am grateful [3:03:11] to the good sponsor [3:03:13] that he immediately [3:03:14] heard it [3:03:14] and that he reported [3:03:16] out the committee report [3:03:17] on DUPACs del Norte [3:03:18] today. [3:03:19] So I'm grateful [3:03:20] to Senator [3:03:20] Jingoy Estrada. [3:03:22] Thank you, [3:03:22] Mr. President. [3:03:23] Thank you, [3:03:23] Senator Jingoy Estrada. [3:03:25] Thank you, [3:03:25] Mr. President. [3:03:26] First of all, [3:03:26] I would like to thank [3:03:27] my colleagues, [3:03:29] Senators [3:03:30] Robert Padilla, [3:03:31] Lorda Miligarda, [3:03:33] Luis Ante Veros, [3:03:34] and of course, [3:03:35] Senator Irwin Tulfo. [3:03:38] The reason why [3:03:39] I heard this [3:03:40] or passed this [3:03:43] committee report [3:03:44] is because [3:03:45] it stemmed [3:03:46] from the [3:03:47] privileged speech [3:03:47] of Senator Irwin Tulfo. [3:03:50] Again, [3:03:51] I would like [3:03:51] to thank my colleagues [3:03:52] for supporting [3:03:53] this particular measure. [3:03:54] Thank you very much. [3:03:56] All right, [3:03:57] Majority Leader. [3:03:58] Thank you very much, [3:03:59] Mr. President. [3:04:00] To allow our colleagues [3:04:00] to study the committee [3:04:02] report further [3:04:02] and maybe there will [3:04:03] be interpellations [3:04:04] later on, [3:04:05] I move to suspend [3:04:06] consideration of the measure. [3:04:08] Hearing no objection, [3:04:10] consideration is suspended. [3:04:11] Mr. President, [3:04:12] I would like to recognize [3:04:12] our distinguished colleague, [3:04:13] Senator Pia Cayetano, [3:04:15] to give a manifestation. [3:04:18] Senator Pia Cayetano [3:04:20] is recognized. [3:04:21] Thank you, [3:04:41] Mr. President. [3:04:44] Mr. President, [3:04:44] as the chairperson [3:04:45] of the Committee on Energy, [3:04:46] I would like to bring [3:04:47] attention to the growing [3:04:49] concern of many Filipinos [3:04:51] who have been shocked [3:04:52] by the recent surge [3:04:53] in their electricity bill. [3:04:55] This very short clip [3:04:56] will explain [3:04:57] the concern [3:04:58] that I'm bringing [3:04:59] to your attention, [3:05:00] Your Honors. [3:05:01] Sa init ng panahon ngayon, [3:05:03] aminado si Hazel [3:05:04] na mas madalas [3:05:05] nakaonang kanilang [3:05:06] nag-iisang aircon. [3:05:07] Pero tiwala siyang [3:05:08] pareho lang ang konsumo [3:05:09] niya ng kuryente [3:05:10] ngayong buwan [3:05:10] gaya noong Abril [3:05:11] ng nakaraang taon. [3:05:13] Kaya laking gulat niya [3:05:14] pagdating ng bill, [3:05:15] 7,013 pesos [3:05:17] ang singil [3:05:17] kumpara sa [3:05:18] 5,560 noong [3:05:20] nakaraang buwan. [3:05:21] Alam ko naman na [3:05:22] nagdagdag ako [3:05:23] ng oras sa aircon [3:05:25] so expected na rin po yun. [3:05:26] Pero mas mataas talaga siya [3:05:28] unlike last year. [3:05:29] May netizens ding [3:05:30] nag-post [3:05:31] tungkol sa kanilang [3:05:32] bill shock [3:05:32] o pagkagulat [3:05:33] sa biglang sipa [3:05:34] ng kanilang bill [3:05:35] sa kuryente. [3:05:36] Si Ivy Ocon, [3:05:37] galit na galit. [3:05:38] Napakarami pa raw [3:05:39] charges na umaabot [3:05:40] sa mahigit 4,000 pesos. [3:05:42] Halos 1,000 pesos [3:05:43] din daw ang tax. [3:05:51] Okay, Mr. President, [3:05:51] so gusto ko lang ipakita [3:05:54] na ito talaga ang [3:05:55] mga pinag-uusapan, [3:05:56] mga nanay, [3:05:57] mga tatay, [3:05:58] mga tambay, [3:05:59] lahat ito ho ang [3:06:00] bumabagabag sa kanila. [3:06:03] Bakit ganun daw [3:06:04] kalaki ang bayarin [3:06:05] sa kuryente? [3:06:06] Across households, [3:06:08] we are hearing [3:06:08] the same story. [3:06:09] Consumers suddenly [3:06:10] facing unusually [3:06:11] high charges [3:06:12] in their electricity bill. [3:06:14] For many families, [3:06:15] this increases [3:06:16] of prompted questions [3:06:17] and a desire [3:06:18] for clearer information [3:06:19] on how electricity [3:06:20] costs are determined. [3:06:22] These are valid questions, [3:06:23] Mr. President, [3:06:24] and they deserve [3:06:25] clear, [3:06:26] transparent, [3:06:27] and timely answers. [3:06:28] Hindi ko objective [3:06:29] na sagutin ito ngayon, [3:06:30] pero I will [3:06:31] add to the concerns [3:06:34] of the, [3:06:35] I will try to add [3:06:36] a bit of clarity here [3:06:37] so that [3:06:38] everyone can be [3:06:39] on the same page [3:06:40] as we address this issue. [3:06:42] What are the components [3:06:43] of the electricity bill? [3:06:44] There's the generation charge, [3:06:46] the distribution charge, [3:06:47] transmission charge, [3:06:49] systems loss, [3:06:50] and other charges. [3:06:52] Ano ngayon itong [3:06:53] other charges? [3:06:54] Meron pong lifeline subsidy, [3:06:57] merong senior citizens discount, [3:06:59] may feed-in tariff, [3:07:01] may GEA all [3:07:03] for renewables, [3:07:05] green energy auction [3:07:07] ang ibig sabihin ng GEA, [3:07:08] and may universal charge. [3:07:10] So based on reports, [3:07:11] distribution utilities claim [3:07:13] that these charges [3:07:14] were approved [3:07:15] by the Energy Regulatory Commission. [3:07:19] For its part, [3:07:20] the ERC says [3:07:21] that these charges [3:07:22] are based on existing [3:07:24] laws and taxes. [3:07:26] But Mr. President, [3:07:28] even when charges [3:07:29] are approved, [3:07:30] and even when they comply [3:07:32] with existing laws [3:07:33] and regulations, [3:07:35] we must still ask, [3:07:36] do they continue [3:07:38] to serve the best [3:07:39] interests of the public? [3:07:41] That is what we are here for [3:07:43] as elected members [3:07:44] of the Senate. [3:07:46] Because legality [3:07:47] is a minimum standard, [3:07:49] public interest [3:07:50] must always be [3:07:51] the higher standard [3:07:52] that guides us. [3:07:53] For this reason, [3:07:55] the Committee on Energy [3:07:56] will be conducting [3:07:56] a hearing on this matter [3:07:58] next week, [3:07:58] and I invite all my colleagues, [3:08:00] all of whom I know [3:08:01] are very much concerned [3:08:02] about this plight [3:08:03] that our Kababayans [3:08:05] are faced with. [3:08:06] And we hope [3:08:08] to examine [3:08:09] the factors [3:08:10] that may have contributed [3:08:11] to the increases [3:08:12] in electricity costs [3:08:14] with the end [3:08:14] in view [3:08:15] of clarifying issues, [3:08:17] aligning existing law [3:08:18] with public welfare, [3:08:19] even amending [3:08:20] existing laws, [3:08:21] and identifying areas [3:08:23] where further improvement [3:08:24] in government policy [3:08:26] may be needed. [3:08:27] Before I end, [3:08:28] Mr. President, [3:08:29] I'm just going to [3:08:29] talk about the other charges. [3:08:32] There are also taxes. [3:08:34] So with that, [3:08:35] Mr. President, [3:08:36] I hope to see you all [3:08:37] in the Committee [3:08:38] on Energy hearing, [3:08:40] which we will send [3:08:41] a notice very soon. [3:08:42] Thank you, [3:08:43] Mr. President. [3:08:44] Thank you. [3:08:46] Majority Leader. [3:08:47] Thank you very much [3:08:48] to our distinguished colleague, [3:08:49] the Chairperson [3:08:50] of the Committee [3:08:50] on Energy. [3:08:51] This is very timely indeed [3:08:52] what her plan is to do [3:08:54] in her committee. [3:08:56] Mr. President, [3:08:57] just some admin matters. [3:08:58] I move to change [3:09:00] the primary committee referral [3:09:02] of the following bills [3:09:03] from the Committee on Rules [3:09:04] to Committee on Health [3:09:05] and Demography [3:09:06] as these bills [3:09:08] have already reached, [3:09:08] have been passed [3:09:09] in the House of Representatives [3:09:10] and already been referred [3:09:11] to us as present. [3:09:12] It's their local bills. [3:09:14] Senate Bill No. 1833, [3:09:15] Capist Medical Center. [3:09:17] Senate Bill No. 1195, [3:09:19] the Bukid Non-Provincial Hospital. [3:09:22] And Senate Bill No. 1429, [3:09:25] Soxar Gen Regional Medical Center [3:09:27] in South Cotabato. [3:09:28] I so move, Mr. President. [3:09:28] Is there any objection? [3:09:31] Heating none, [3:09:32] the motion is approved. [3:09:34] Mr. President, [3:09:34] with that, [3:09:39] the minority will not object [3:09:40] to this motion. [3:09:42] I move that we adjourn session, [3:09:43] Mr. President, [3:09:44] until 3 o'clock [3:09:45] in the afternoon, [3:09:46] Tuesday, [3:09:47] May 5, 2026. [3:09:50] Any objection? [3:09:51] Heating none, [3:09:52] the session is adjourned [3:09:54] until 3 o'clock [3:09:54] in the afternoon [3:09:55] of Tuesday, [3:09:56] May 5, 2026. [3:09:57] Thank you very much, [3:09:58] Mr. President. [3:09:58] Thank you. [3:09:59] Thank you. [3:10:00] Thank you. [3:10:00] Thank you.