Latest news with #Villar
The Star
2 days ago
- Business
- The Star
Philippine lawmaker seeks prioritisation of rice tariff law amendments
FILE PHOTO: A farmer walks along a paddy field on a rice terrace in Banaue, Ifugao province, the Philippines, on Saturday, Nov. 4, 2023. Rice prices have remained volatile, while the influx of cheap imported rice has displaced locally produced varieties. - Bloomberg MANILA: Las Piñas Rep. Mark Anthony Santos has urged colleagues in the House of Representatives to prioritise deliberations on proposed amendments to Republic Act No. 11203, or the Rice Tariffication Law (RTL), to ensure sustained availability of affordable rice in public markets. In a statement on Monday (July 21), Santos said the benefits promised under the RTL—such as lower rice prices and improved support for local farmers—have not materialised, highlighting the need for revisions to the law. Santos noted that rice prices have remained volatile, while the influx of cheap imported rice has displaced locally produced varieties. 'We have not felt the promised benefits of the Rice Tariffication Law. Rice prices failed to decrease significantly, and our farmers' lives became harder,' he said. According to Santos, amending the law would enable the government to prioritise local production, restore the National Food Authority's (NFA) authority to purchase unhusked rice from local farmers, and maintain a buffer stock that could be utilised beyond emergencies. During the 19th Congress, the House approved on third reading a proposal to amend the RTL, which seeks to restore some of the NFA's functions. House Bill No. 10381 was approved in May 2024, with 231 lawmakers voting in favour, three against, and one abstaining. House leaders, including 19th Congress Speaker Ferdinand Martin Romualdez, believe the amendments could lower rice prices by P10 (US$0.18) to 15 per kilogram. However, the bill faced opposition in the Senate due to concerns that restoring some of the NFA's mandates might lead to renewed corruption. Quezon 1st District Rep. Wilfrido Mark Enverga, former chair of the House committee on agriculture and food, assured that this would not happen since the NFA would play a limited role in importation. Enverga also said they intended to brief senators on the proposal, noting he understands the concerns raised by Villar and other senators. Villar, along with several senators in the 19th Congress, warned against amending RA 11203, noting that the law barred the NFA from importing and selling rice precisely due to rampant corruption within the agency. For the 20th Congress, Romualdez has proposed to 'strengthen the regulatory powers' of the NFA through House Bill (HB) No. 1, also known as the proposed Rice Industry and Consumer Empowerment (RICE) Act. According to a copy of the bill, the NFA's regulatory authority would be reinforced by amending Republic Act No. 8178, or the Agricultural Tariffication Act, which was later amended by the RTL. Romualdez said House Bill No. 1 and House Bill No. 14, the proposed Philippine Crop Insurance Corporation Act, will support the administration's food security programme and aid the Benteng Bigas Meron Na initiative, which is anchored on President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.'s campaign promise to bring down rice prices to 20 per kilogram. - Philippine Daily Inquirer/ANN
GMA Network
09-07-2025
- Politics
- GMA Network
Marcos agrees with LWUA probe recommendation on PrimeWater — Palace
President Bongbong Marcos at presentation of the 50th Gawad Saka National Awardees and Ugnayan with Farmers on Monday, June 30, 2025 at the Science City of Muñoz in Nueva Ecija. RTVM screenshot President Ferdinand "Bongbong" Marcos Jr. concurs with the recommendation of the Local Water Utilities Administration (LWUA) following its investigation into the operations of water service provider PrimeWater. Palace Press Officer Undersecretary Atty. Claire Castro said in a briefing Wednesday that Marcos has studied LWUA's report and already has an opinion on the matter. However, Castro did not disclose LWUA's recommendation as it was not yet the right time. "Ang Pangulo po ay naaral na po ang report mula sa LWUA, siya po mismo ang nag-aral nito at ang rekomendasyon po sa kanya ay kanya naman pong inayunan," Castro said. (The President already studied the LWUA report and he agreed with the agency's recommendation.) Marcos had directed an investigation into the operations of PrimeWater Infrastructure Corp. due to numerous service-related complaints. The water service provider had vowed to be open to any meaningful dialogue that would resolve concerns as it also affirmed it is committed to cooperating with LWUA. Last week, LWUA Administrator Jose Moises Salonga was asked if it included in its list of recommendations the termination of PrimeWater joint venture agreements (JVAs). In response, he answered that the agency would prioritize putting water in people's pipes first. Salonga also noted that the LWUA was previously an attached agency of Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH), and the possible conflict may be linked to the previous officials of these offices. Castro had said JVAs between PrimeWater and other local water districts increased in 2019, when LWUA was still an attached agency of the DPWH under the leadership of Senator Mark Villar. For his part, Villar on Saturday denied any participation in JVAs entered into by PrimeWater and local water districts through the LWUA during his tenure as DPWH secretary. Castro clarified on Monday that she did not insinuate that Villar had a hand in the PrimeWater deals. PrimeWater Infrastructure Corp. is owned by the Villar family. — VDV, GMA Integrated News
GMA Network
08-07-2025
- Politics
- GMA Network
Camille Villar reports spending P179.6 million in Eleksyon 2025 campaign
Based on her Statement of Contributions and Expenditures (SOCE), Villar reported spending P179.6 million for her senatorial campaign in the May 12 polls, with campaign advertisements taking the lion's share of her expenses. Sen. Camille Villar was the biggest spender among senatorial candidates in Eleksyon 2025. Based on her Statement of Contributions and Expenditures (SOCE), Villar reported spending P179.6 million for her senatorial campaign in the May 12 polls, with campaign advertisements taking the lion's share of her expenses. Villar spent P175.8 million for advertisements in newspapers, radio, TV, as well as online ad placements. She also spent P2.6 million on the printing and distribution of printed campaign paraphernalia. According to the submissions to the Commission on Elections (Comelec), there were 14 senatorial candidates who spent more than P100 million in their campaigns in the 2025 midterm elections. Reelectionist Senators Lito Lapid and Pia Cayetano reported spending P163.5 million and P162 million, for their campaigns, respectively. They were followed by former Interior Secretary Benhur Abalos, who spent P160.5 million for his campaign in the national and local elections (NLE). Other senatorial bets whose campaign expenditures reached more than P100 million are as follows: Former Makati Mayor Abby Binay — P157.9 million Former Senator Francis Tolentino — P149.8 million Reelectionist Senator Imee Marcos — P139.3 million Reelectionist Senator Bato dela Rosa — P128.7 million Former Senator Bong Revilla — P128.1 million Reelectionist Senator Bong Go — P127.3 million Senator Kiko Pangilinan — P119.4 million Senator Rodante Marcoleta — P112.8 million Senator Erwin Tulfo — P110.3 million Willie Revillame — P104.7 million Senatorial bet Jose Montemayor Jr. reported zero campaign expenditures for his campaign in the May polls. He also indicated receiving no campaign contributions on his SOCE. Other senatorial candidates who did not receive election contributions include retired Marine Colonel Ariel Querubin and former Rep. Eric Martinez. Section 13 of Republic Act No. 7166 provides the limitation of authorized expenses of candidates and political parties. It states that candidates vying for the presidency and vice-presidency shall spend P10 for every voter currently registered in the constituency where they filed their certificate of candidacy. Aspirants with political parties will be allowed to spend P3 for every voter, while independent candidates will be allowed up to P5. Political parties, for their part, are allowed up to P5 for every voter currently registered in the constituency or constituencies where it has official candidates. The Comelec set the deadline for the SOCE submissions on June 11. –NB, GMA Integrated News For more Eleksyon 2025 related content and updates, visit GMA News Online's Eleksyon 2025 microsite.
GMA Network
05-07-2025
- Business
- GMA Network
Mark Villar denies hand in PrimeWater-LWUA deals as DPWH chief
Senator Mark Villar speaks at a hearing of the Senate Committee on Banks, Financial Institutions and Currencies hearing on January 16, 2024. Senate PRIB Senator Mark Villar on Saturday denied that he had any participation in joint venture agreements (JVAs) entered into by PrimeWater and other local water districts facilitated through the Local Water Utilities Administration (LWUA), when it was still an attached agency of the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) during his term as secretary. "I wish to take this opportunity to clarify that I have no direct or indirect ownership or controlling interest in Primewater," Villar said in a statement. "During my tenure as Secretary of Public Works, I did not participate in any capacity whatsoever in any transactions or potential transactions between Primewater and any of its partner districts. My focus then had been to implement our national goal of creating critical community infrastructure," the senator added. Villar was the chief of the DPWH from 2016 to 2021 during the administration of former President Rodrigo Duterte. Villar resigned from the post to seek a senatorial seat in Eleksyon 2022. PrimeWater Infrastructure Corp. is owned by the Villar family. The senator issued the statement after Palace Press Officer Undersecretary Atty. Claire Castro reported that JVAs between PrimeWater and other local water districts increased in 2019, noting that the DPWH during that time was led by then-secretary Villar. Castro added that the Office of the President held a meeting Friday with the LWUA and the Office of The Government Corporate Counsel (OGCC) to discuss the current situation of PrimeWater consumers. Saying that his tenure in the DPWH was aligned with the goal of creating critical community infrastructure, Villar said, "I have full faith that my service record in those years would bear witness to that focus and commitment." LWUA Administrator Jose Moises Salonga earlier said the agency already finished its initial investigation into the complaints against PrimeWater JVAs, and that its findings and recommendations were already submitted to the office of President Ferdinand "Bongbong" Marcos Jr. Salonga had said the LWUA was previously an attached agency of DPWH, and the possible conflict may be linked to the previous officials of these offices. Marcos earlier ordered an investigation into the operations of PrimeWater due to numerous service-related complaints. Meanwhile, a resolution has been filed in the House of Representatives seeking an inquiry into the JVAs entered into by PrimeWater and local water districts. For its part, the water service provider had vowed to be open to any meaningful dialogue that would resolve concerns as it also affirmed it is committed to cooperating with LWUA. — VDV, GMA Integrated News
GMA Network
11-06-2025
- Politics
- GMA Network
Departing senators deliver valedictories as Senate adjourns sine die
The Senate on Wednesday night adjourned sine die and formally closed its third regular session in the 19th Congress. Senate President Francis 'Chiz' Escudero pounded the gavel at around 8:50 p.m. The 20th Congress will convene on July 28, on the day of the fourth State of the Nation Address (SONA) of President Ferdinand 'Bongbong' Marcos Jr. During the plenary session, the Senate adopted resolutions commending outgoing senators Senators Cynthia Villar, Grace Poe, Ramon 'Bong' Revilla Jr., Nancy Binay, Aquilino 'Koko' Pimentel III, Francis Tolentino, Aquilino "Koko" Pimentel III, and Jinggoy Estrada 'for their invaluable contribution and dedicated service to the Filipino people.' In her valedictory speech, Villar said that she entered the Senate 12 years ago with the intention 'to serve with integrity and use [her] knowledge to make a difference, especially to uplift the lives of those who need it most.' 'In this chamber, you fondly call me Mama Bear—a simple moniker, but one I took to heart," Villar said. To be Mama Bear meant being fiercely protective, genuinely caring, and always dependable. I saw it as a gesture of trust and respect, and a reminder to always show up, give my best, and look out for those around me,' she added. Villar was elected to two consecutive terms in the Senate in 2013 and 2019 'My term may be ending, but my commitment to public service remains. Hindi po natatapos ang paglilingkod sa pagtatapos ng termino. Sa halip, ito ay simula ng panibagong paraan ng makabuluhang ambag sa bayan,' she added. (My service does not stop with the end of my term. Rather, it is the beginning of a new chance to give meaningful contribution to the nation.) Poe, who became emotional while delivering her valedictory speech, paid tribute to her colleagues whom she worked with at the Senate for 12 years, as well as her family, including her late father, Fernando Poe Jr. 'Sa mga Pilipino, maraming, maraming salamat po sa inyong tiwala. Salamat sa pagkakataong makapag-lingkod hindi lamang bilang inyong senador, kundi bilang inyong anak, ina, kapatid, at kaibigan,' Poe said. 'Maaring bumagsak na ang tabing sa yugtong ito ngunit ang kwento ko ay patuloy na isinsulat para sa pangako ko sa aking ama, kay FPJ, kay Susan, at sa milyong-milyon Pilipinong nagtiwala at naniwala sa akin. Bukas pa rin ang ating pahina. Baka naman may plot twist. Abangan ang susunod na kabata. Sabi nga ni FPJ, hindi pa tapos ang laban,' she added.. (The curtain may have fallen on this stage, but my story continues as promised to my father, FPJ, my mother, Susan, and to the millions of Filipinos who trusted and believed in me. My book is still open. There might be a plot twist. Stay tuned for the next chapter. As FPJ said, the fight is not over yet.) Revilla, who lost in his bid for a second consecutive term as senator after ranking 14th in the 2025 midterm elections, said public service was not attached to a position. 'It pains me to have faced defeat in the elections – not for the loss of title or position, but for the missed opportunity to continue the honor and privilege of being the voice of our people in this chamber,' Revilla said. 'Hindi ito wakas, kung hindi panibagong yugto – na saan man dalhin ng agos ng buhay, may posisyon man o wala, lagi akong titindig para sa bansa at taumbayan,' he added. (This is not the end, but a new journey – wherever life takes me, with or without a position, I will always stand up for the country and the people.) Binay, who is now mayor-elect of Makati City, also became emotional as she recalled her stint at the Senate. 'I entered this chamber twelve years ago under less than ideal circumstances. Winning a mandate to serve, but also with a target on my back. Dakilang alalay lang daw ako," Binay said. "Pinuna ang kulay ng balat ko, pati ang mga damit ko. Ginawang meme na viral sa social media. They say the Senate is like the stage, where every move is scrutinized under glaring light,' she added. 'I am grateful for all the criticism –both the deserved and uncalled for– which has made my skin thicker. We need thick skin in governance, not so we can remain callous to the people's pleas, but so that we can trudge forward and stay true to what we believe in, even when it is unpopular or against the dominant powers," Binay said. Meanwhile, Pimentel, who is the Senate Minority Leader, called on senators who will continue their term in the 20th Congress to work on measures that will elevate the plight of the people. 'May the laws you pass rescue the poor and helpless and deliver them from the grasp of evil people, as written in Psalm 82:4,' Pimentel said. Pimentel lost the congressional race for Marikina's first district to Marikina Mayor Marcy Teodoro. 'To the public of the Philippines, you entrusted me not only with your votes but with your hopes. I hope my service has honored that trust. Through this chamber, I remained your public servant in my capacity as a lawyer and as a concerned and involved citizen, advocating for federalism, and faster local development for a just and fair society, and preferential focus on the poor.' Tolentino, who also lost in the senatorial race, did not give a valedictory speech. The remaining senators who are set to enter the 20th Congress also honored their outgoing colleagues in the upper chamber. During his speech, Senate President Francis Escudero thanked the outgoing senators for their service, as well as the other employees of the Senate. 'Lahat ng panukalang batas, resolution, committee report na naipasa natin ay dahil sa tulong at pagpahintulot ng bawat isa sa atin," Escudero (All the bills, resolutions, and committee reports we have passed are due to the help and permission of each and every one of us.) "I look forward to working with you in government, in the Senate, and anywhere in the name and in the service of the Filipino people. Maraming salamat po sa inyo at sa ating lahat (Thank you, everyone)," he added. –NB, GMA Integrated News
