Latest news with #FerdinandMartinRomualdez
GMA Network
4 days ago
- Politics
- GMA Network
Comelec can hold special polls without House resolution —SC
The Supreme Court has said that the Commission on Elections can hold special elections to fill congressional seats that become vacant even without a resolution from the House of Representatives. In a 34-page decision, the SC En Banc dismissed a petition seeking to compel the House of Representatives to officially declare a vacancy in the Third Legislative District of Palawan and call for a special election. 'In the event of a vacancy in the House of Representatives that occurs at least one year before the expiration of the term of such seat, it is incumbent upon the Comelec to call for and hold a special election to fill such vacancy not earlier than 60 days nor longer than 90 days after the occurrence of the vacancy,' the SC said. 'This mandatory and ministerial duty of the Comelec to call and hold the special election emanates from Republic Act (RA) No. 6645 as amended by RA No. 7166, and is no longer conditioned upon any certification or call from the House,' it added. After the passing of the representative in 2023, local government units passed resolutions asking House Speaker Ferdinand Martin Romualdez to request Comelec to hold a special election. However, the Comelec said that under RA 6645, it needs a resolution from the HOR before calling a special election. This led to the filing of the petition with the SC. For its part, the SC said that the requirement was removed under RA 7166, authorizing Comelec to act without waiting for Congress. It said that Comelec can rely on other means to confirm the vacancy such as official announcements, press releases, or certifications from the Speaker or the secretary-general. 'It should not be unduly constrained to await a certification from Congress—whether in the form of a resolution issued by the relevant chamber of Congress while in session, or a certification from the Speaker or the Senate President while Congress is in recess—before it may call and hold the special election,' the SC said. The SC said that to limit the Comelec to a resolution in determining the existence of a vacancy would be 'to curtail and render ineffectual its power and mandate.' However, the SC clarified that this ruling does not apply to vacancies in party-list seats. Sought for comment, Comelec chairperson George Garcia said the decision strengthens the Comelec's power to conduct special elections in case of vacancies. 'No need to await for the call of the chamber where the vacancy occurs,' Garcia said. The decision, penned by Associate Justice Ramon Hernando, was promulgated in April and made public in July. —AOL, GMA Integrated News
GMA Network
22-06-2025
- Business
- GMA Network
Bill seeking regulatory, marketing powers for NFA almost ready — DA
The Department of Agriculture (DA) on Sunday said it is almost done with a draft bill that aims to restore critical functions of the National Food Authority (NFA), particularly in stabilizing rice supply and prices in the country. In a news release, the DA said the proposed bill 'reflects a strategic recalibration of government policy, reinforcing the DA's role in safeguarding food security and reviving the NFA's capacity to act decisively during periods of price volatility and supply disruptions.' 'This is one of several measures House Speaker Ferdinand Martin Romualdez asked the DA to craft to help the government advance its food security agenda—particularly the program of President Marcos to sustain P20-per-kilo rice for vulnerable sectors through 2028,' said Agriculture Secretary Francisco P. Tiu Laurel Jr. According to the DA, the bill seeks to amend key provisions of the Rice Tariffication Law to grant certain regulatory powers to the NFA so it could better manage buffer stocks, regulate rice distribution and marketing, set a floor price for palay, and support farmers' cooperatives and recipients of Rice Processing Systems funded under the Rice Competitiveness Enhancement Fund. The DA added the bill will also refine protocols for a DA-led rice importation to ensure the country can respond swiftly to supply shortages and sudden spikes in commodity prices. 'Critically, the measure grants the NFA greater flexibility in managing the appropriate level of buffer stock and ensuring that they are always of optimum quality—an essential tool in supporting not only the P20-per-kilo rice goal but also broader government efforts to ensure price stability and protect both producers and consumers,' the department said. 'These changes will significantly address market inefficiencies and promote fairness—especially for farmers who work the land for months but remain the most disadvantaged,' said NFA Administrator Larry Lacson. 'For the NFA, this means becoming more efficient, more responsive, and financially stronger.' —RF, GMA Integrated News
GMA Network
26-05-2025
- Politics
- GMA Network
Romualdez to ASEAN solons: Protect our seas
KUALA LUMPUR — Speaker Ferdinand Martin Romualdez on Monday called on ASEAN lawmakers to uphold the rules-based international order and protect the region's seas. Speaking before heads of state and parliamentary leaders at the 14th ASEAN Leaders Interface with Representatives of the ASEAN Inter-Parliamentary Assembly (AIPA), Romualdez stressed the legislative's critical role in securing peace, prosperity, and regional sovereignty. 'We must move as one — translating ASEAN's collective aspirations into concrete policies that empower our workers, farmers, and fisherfolks, protect our seas, connect our digital economies, and defend the rules-based international order,' the House Speaker said. 'This includes upholding the 1982 United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea or UNCLOS, which guarantees peace, security, and sovereignty for all,'' he added. The regional peace and prosperity hinge on the steadfast observance of international law amid growing global polarization and external threats to maritime integrity. according to the House Speaker. As the leader of Congress' lower chamber, Romualdez said he has ensured that Philippine legislation should not just be responsive, but visionary. It must be catalytic, not just reactive, Romualdez emphasized. The House Speaker reaffirmed the Philippine Congress' full commitment to championing regional priorities through laws that will strengthen food security, renewable energy, digital infrastructure, cyber defense, and green, inclusive growth. 'We believe the role of AIPA is not only to support ASEAN's vision — but to shape it — boldly and bravely,' he said. The solon from Leyte further urged ASEAN lawmakers to embrace their role not only as policymakers but also as bridge-builders across cultures and generations. —RF, GMA Integrated News
