House Speaker Lord Allan Velasco |The Source

Summary

The video features an interview with House Speaker Lord Alan Velasco discussing the legislative achievements and priorities of the Duterte administration. Key topics include the progress of President Duterte's priority bills, challenges in passing certain laws, and upcoming legislative focus areas such as the Philippine Virology Institute Act and internet transactions. Velasco also addresses controversial issues like the death penalty and the ABS-CBN franchise renewal. The conversation highlights the House's role in responding to the COVID-19 pandemic and the need for additional funding, with a focus on uniting Congress and modernizing the House of Representatives.

Takeaways

• 📜 The House of Representatives passed 4 out of 21 priority bills outlined by President Rodrigo Duterte, including the CREATE Act, FIST, Coconut Farmers Trust Act, and Bayanihan laws.
• 🏛️ Speaker Lord Alan Velasco emphasized the House's focus on passing key pandemic-related legislation such as the National Appropriations Act and the Bayanihan 3 to address COVID-19 responses.
• 🏥 The House is prioritizing the Philippine Virology Institute Act, Center for Disease Control and Prevention Act, Continuing Professional Development Act, Bureau of Immigration Modernization Act, and National Housing Development Act.
• 🖥️ The Speaker hopes the Senate will prioritize the passage of the Internet Transactions Act and the OFW Department Bill due to their importance in consumer protection and overseas worker welfare.
• 🏠 The House is looking to pass the National Housing Development Act and is studying the Boracay Island Development Authority Act as a priority for the next session.
• 💊 Speaker Velasco supports the reintroduction of the death penalty for drug-related crimes, though he acknowledges it will face significant hurdles in the Senate.
• 💉 The House passed the COVID-19 Vaccination Program Act and is advocating for Bayanihan 3, with proposed financial aid of 1,000 pesos per individual to stimulate the economy.
• 💸 Congress is open to additional funding for COVID-19 response, especially with the emergence of the Delta variant, ensuring government funds are spent appropriately.
• 📚 Speaker Velasco highlighted the economic Charter Change (RBH2) to open up restrictive economic provisions in the Constitution, which could boost foreign investment.
• 🎓 Key achievements of President Duterte's administration according to Speaker Velasco include the fight against illegal drugs, free tertiary education, and universal healthcare.

Q & A

What were some of President Duterte's legislative priorities towards the end of his term?

President Duterte had 21 priority bills, of which at least four were signed into law, including the CREATE Act, FIST Act, Coconut Farmers Trust Act, and the Bayanihan Law.

What challenges did the House of Representatives face in passing some priority bills?

One of the main challenges was the focus on the 2021 national budget due to the need to address the COVID-19 pandemic. This took priority and delayed the passing of other bills.

Which bills are still priorities for the House of Representatives?

The priority bills include the Philippine Virology Institute Act, the Center for Disease Control and Prevention Act, the Continuing Professional Development Act, the Bureau of Immigration Modernization Act, and the National Housing Development Act.

What are some key measures passed by the House that the Senate has not yet approved?

Some of the key measures include the OFW Department Bill, the Disaster Resilience Department Bill, the Internet Transactions Act, and the Rental Housing Bill.

What is Speaker Velasco's stance on the death penalty for drug-related offenses?

Speaker Velasco is personally in favor of pushing for the death penalty for drug-related offenses, although he acknowledges it will face challenges, particularly in the Senate.

What is the status of the Boracay Island Development Authority bill?

The bill has passed the committee level and is expected to be tackled once the House resumes its session on July 26th.

How has Congress assisted in the government's COVID-19 response?

Congress passed the COVID-19 Vaccination Program Act (RA11525) to help the government procure and administer vaccines. There is also a push for Bayanihan 3, which would provide additional funding for pandemic response.

What is the status of Bayanihan 3 in Congress?

Bayanihan 3, which amounts to 401 billion pesos, has been passed in the House on third reading. Congress is working to get the Senate to pass it as well.

What is the economic Charter Change (Cha-Cha) resolution about?

The economic Charter Change resolution, Resolution of Both Houses No. 2, seeks to open up the restrictive economic provisions of the Philippine Constitution to attract foreign investments and create job opportunities.

What has been Speaker Velasco's biggest achievement since taking office?

Speaker Velasco takes pride in uniting Congress, which has over 300 members with differing interests. He considers keeping Congress intact and supportive as his biggest achievement.