Republic of the Philippines
House of Representatives
Quezon City

Twelfth Congress
1st Regular Session


House Bill No. 4591



Introduced by Honorable ANICETO G. SALUDO, JR.



AN ACT
ESTABLISHING THREE ADDITIONAL REGIONAL TRIAL COURT SALAS IN THE PROVINCE OF SOUTHERN LEYTE, PARTICULARLY IN
THE CITY OF MAASIN AND IN THE MUNICIPALITIES OF HINUNANGAN AND MALITBOG, AMENDING FOR THE PURPOSE
BATAS PAMBANSA 129, OTHERWISE KNOWN AS THE
"JUDICIARY REORGANIZATION ACT OF 1980", AS AMENDED BY
R.A. 7154 AND APPROPRIATING FUNDS THEREFOR


Be it enacted by the Senate and the House of Representatives of the Philippines in Congress assembled:

Section 1. Section 14, paragraph (i) of Batas Pambansa 129, otherwise known as the "Judiciary Reorganization Act of 1980" is hereby amended to read as follows:

(i) Forty-four Regional Trial Judges shall be commissioned for the Eighth Judicial Region. There shall be:

Seven branches for the Province of Southern Leyte, with two (2) seats at Maasin City, and one (1) seat each in San Juan, Sogod, Hinunangan and Malitbog; and

Section 2. The Supreme Court shall issue the necessary rules and regulations for the effective implementation of this Act and if warranted the alignment of the seats of existing branches and their territorial jurisdiction.

Section 3. The amount necessary to carry out the provisions of this Act is hereby authorized to be included in the appropriations of the Supreme Court in the annual General Appropriations Act of the year following its enactment in to law and thereafter.

Section 4. This Act takes effect upon its approval.


Approved.


Republic of the Philippines
House of Representatives
Quezon City

Twelfth Congress
1st Regular Session

House Bill No. 4591



Introduced by Honorable ANICETO G. SALUDO, JR.



EXPLANATORY NOTE


In order to facilitate the resolution of cases filed in the local courts and to immediately render justice to those who seek it, it is the intention of this bill to create three (3) additional Regional Trial Court (RTC) salas in the Eighth Judicial Region which shall be located in the Municipalities of Hinunangan and Malitbog and the City of Maasin, all in the Province of Southern Leyte, amending for the purpose Batas Pambansa Blg. 129, as amended.

The establishment of said RTC salas in Malitbog, Hinunangan and Maasin is aimed to decongest the processing and hearing of cases in said areas, thereby fast tracking the promulgation of decisions.

Furthermore, this measure is geared to benefit poor plaintiffs by cutting down travel and other incidental expenses that they may incur when pursuing their cases in courts less accessible to them. It is through this Bill that justice is ultimately served the soonest.

Immediate approval of this measure is earnestly requested.



ANICETO G. SALUDO, JR.

 

Republic of the Philippines
House of Representatives
Quezon City


Twelfth Congress
1st Regular Session

House Bill No. 4376



Introduced by ANICETO G. SALUDO, JR.


AN ACT
ESTABLISHING A NATIONAL HIGH SCHOOL IN BARANGAY TIGBAWAN, CITY OF MAASIN, PROVINCE OF SOUTHERN LEYTE, TO BE KNOWN AS THE TIGBAWAN NATIONAL HIGH SCHOOL, AND APPROPRIATING FUNDS THEREFOR

Be it enacted by the Senate and the House of Representatives in Congress assembled:

Section 1. There shall be established under the supervision of the Department of Education, a National High School in Barangay Tigbawan, City of Maasin, Province of Southern Leyte, to be known as the Tigbawan National High School

Section 2. The Secretary of the Department of Education is hereby directed to take such steps as may be necessary for the immediate implementation of this Act and shall issue such rules and regulations as maybe necessary to carry out the purpose of this Act

Section 3. The financial amount necessary to carry out the provisions of this Act us hereby authorized to be appropriated in the General Appropriations Act of the year following its enactment into law and thereafter

Section 4. This Act takes effect upon its approval.

Approved,





Republic of the Philippines
House of Representatives
Quezon City


Twelfth Congress
1st Regular Session

House Bill No. 4376



Introduced by ANICETO G. SALUDO, JR.



EXPLANATORY NOTE

The 1987 Constitution assures the right of every Filipino child to primary education. It is therefore the responsibility of the State to, not only provide educational institutions, but also to make it accessible to everyone.

Barangay Tigbawan in the City of Maasin is the center of the eight (8) barangays, namely: Basak, Conyuom, Hinapu Daku and Libertad of Maasin City, and Tigbawan I, Tigbawan II, Cadaruhan and Cadaruhan Sur of Malitbog. Most children in these barangays belong to low-income families. The distance that students in this area are required to travel in order to reach the nearest high school, which is fifteen (15) kilometers hinders most of the students to pursue their schooling,

At present, only 30 percent of the elementary school graduates in these barangays are able to proceed and enjoy free secondary education. This is primarily the reason why the demand for the establishment of a secondary school in this area has been persistently growing.

The goal of the Constitution to provide free primary education for every Filipino citizen, no matter how noble its objectives are, could be undermined if the intended beneficiaries do not actually benefit from it.

This bill seeks to establish the Tigbawan National High School in the City of Maasin, Province of Southern Leyte. Immediate approval of this measure is earnestly sought.




ANICETO G. SALUDO, JR.
 

Republic of the Philippines
House of Representatives
Quezon City


Twelfth Congress
1st Regular Session

House Bill No. 4376



Introduced by ANICETO G. SALUDO, JR.


AN ACT
ESTABLISHING A NATIONAL HIGH SCHOOL IN BARANGAY TIGBAWAN, CITY OF MAASIN, PROVINCE OF SOUTHERN LEYTE, TO BE KNOWN AS THE TIGBAWAN NATIONAL HIGH SCHOOL, AND APPROPRIATING FUNDS THEREFOR

Be it enacted by the Senate and the House of Representatives in Congress assembled:

Section 1. There shall be established under the supervision of the Department of Education, a National High School in Barangay Tigbawan, City of Maasin, Province of Southern Leyte, to be known as the Tigbawan National High School

Section 2. The Secretary of the Department of Education is hereby directed to take such steps as may be necessary for the immediate implementation of this Act and shall issue such rules and regulations as maybe necessary to carry out the purpose of this Act

Section 3. The financial amount necessary to carry out the provisions of this Act us hereby authorized to be appropriated in the General Appropriations Act of the year following its enactment into law and thereafter

Section 4. This Act takes effect upon its approval.

Approved,





Republic of the Philippines
House of Representatives
Quezon City


Twelfth Congress
1st Regular Session

House Bill No. 4376



Introduced by ANICETO G. SALUDO, JR.



EXPLANATORY NOTE

The 1987 Constitution assures the right of every Filipino child to primary education. It is therefore the responsibility of the State to, not only provide educational institutions, but also to make it accessible to everyone.

Barangay Tigbawan in the City of Maasin is the center of the eight (8) barangays, namely: Basak, Conyuom, Hinapu Daku and Libertad of Maasin City, and Tigbawan I, Tigbawan II, Cadaruhan and Cadaruhan Sur of Malitbog. Most children in these barangays belong to low-income families. The distance that students in this area are required to travel in order to reach the nearest high school, which is fifteen (15) kilometers hinders most of the students to pursue their schooling,

At present, only 30 percent of the elementary school graduates in these barangays are able to proceed and enjoy free secondary education. This is primarily the reason why the demand for the establishment of a secondary school in this area has been persistently growing.

The goal of the Constitution to provide free primary education for every Filipino citizen, no matter how noble its objectives are, could be undermined if the intended beneficiaries do not actually benefit from it.

This bill seeks to establish the Tigbawan National High School in the City of Maasin, Province of Southern Leyte. Immediate approval of this measure is earnestly sought.




ANICETO G. SALUDO, JR.
 

Republic of the Philippines
House of Representatives
Quezon City

Twelfth Congress
1st Regular Session

House Bill No. 4374



Introduced by Honorable ANICETO G. SALUDO, JR.



EXPLANATORY NOTE

By virtue of Republic Act No. 8796, His Excellency Joseph Ejercito Estrada signed into law the conversion of the Municipality of Maasin into the City of Maasin.

With an affirmative vote of 19,273, the Maasinhons confirmed their overwhelming support to the development of the capital town of Southern Leyte on August 10, 2000.

Because of the growing desire among its local officials and residents to commemorate its historic evolution, this Bill seeks to declare August tenth of each year to be a special non-working public holiday in the City of Maasin.

Immediate approval of this Bill is earnestly requested.



ANICETO G. SALUDO, JR.



Republic of the Philippines
House of Representatives
Quezon City

Twelfth Congress
1st Regular Session

House Bill No. 4374


Introduced by Honorable ANICETO G. SALUDO, JR.



AN ACT DECLARING AUGUST TENTH OF EACH YEAR AS A SPECIAL NON-WORKING PUBLIC HOLIDAY IN THE CITY OF MAASIN, PROVINCE OF SOUTHERN LEYTE


Be it enacted by the Senate and the House of Representatives of the Philippines in Congress assembled:


SECTION 1. August ten (August 10) of each year is hereby declared a special non-working public holiday in the City of Maasin, Province of Southern Leyte.

SECTION 2. This Act shall take effect upon its approval.


Approved.


 

Republic of the Philippines
House of Representatives
Quezon City


Twelfth Congress
1st Regular Session

House Bill No. 4215



Introduced by ANICETO G. SALUDO, JR.


AN ACT
ESTABLISHING A NATIONAL HIGH SCHOOL IN BARANGAY KATIPUNAN, MUNICIPALITY OF SILAGO, PROVINCE OF SOUTHERN LEYTE, TO BE KNOWN AS THE KATIPUNAN NATIONAL HIGH SCHOOL, AND APPROPRIATING FUNDS THEREFOR

Be it enacted by the Senate and the House of Representatives in Congress assembled:

Section 1. There shall be established under the supervision of the Department of Education, a National High School in Barangay Katipunan, Municipality of Silago, Province of Southern Leyte, to be known as the Katipunan National High School

Section 2. The Secretary of the Department of Education is hereby directed to take such steps as may be necessary for the immediate implementation of this Act and shall issue such rules and regulations as maybe necessary to carry out the purpose of this Act

Section 3. The financial amount necessary to carry out the provisions of this Act us hereby authorized to be appropriated in the General Appropriations Act of the year following its enactment into law and thereafter

Section 4. This Act takes effect upon its approval.

Approved,





Republic of the Philippines
House of Representatives
Quezon City


Twelfth Congress
1st Regular Session

House Bill No. 4215



Introduced by ANICETO G. SALUDO, JR.



EXPLANATORY NOTE

Barangay Katipunan in the Municipality of Silago is the seat of trade in the mountainous barangays that include Catmon, Pinamanagan, Mahayahay, Tinucolan, Taligue, Libertad, Traya and Imelda. Because of the economic activities that take place in this barangay, it has become the convergent zone for many other societal activities.
 

Republic of the Philippines
House of Representatives
Quezon City


Twelfth Congress
1st Regular Session

House Bill No. 4215



Introduced by ANICETO G. SALUDO, JR.


AN ACT
ESTABLISHING A NATIONAL HIGH SCHOOL IN BARANGAY KATIPUNAN, MUNICIPALITY OF SILAGO, PROVINCE OF SOUTHERN LEYTE, TO BE KNOWN AS THE KATIPUNAN NATIONAL HIGH SCHOOL, AND APPROPRIATING FUNDS THEREFOR

Be it enacted by the Senate and the House of Representatives in Congress assembled:

Section 1. There shall be established under the supervision of the Department of Education, a National High School in Barangay Katipunan, Municipality of Silago, Province of Southern Leyte, to be known as the Katipunan National High School

Section 2. The Secretary of the Department of Education is hereby directed to take such steps as may be necessary for the immediate implementation of this Act and shall issue such rules and regulations as maybe necessary to carry out the purpose of this Act

Section 3. The financial amount necessary to carry out the provisions of this Act us hereby authorized to be appropriated in the General Appropriations Act of the year following its enactment into law and thereafter

Section 4. This Act takes effect upon its approval.

Approved,





Republic of the Philippines
House of Representatives
Quezon City


Twelfth Congress
1st Regular Session

House Bill No. 4215



Introduced by ANICETO G. SALUDO, JR.



EXPLANATORY NOTE

Barangay Katipunan in the Municipality of Silago is the seat of trade in the mountainous barangays that include Catmon, Pinamanagan, Mahayahay, Tinucolan, Taligue, Libertad, Traya and Imelda. Because of the economic activities that take place in this barangay, it has become the convergent zone for many other societal activities.

However, even with the existence of active business transactions, the absence of educational facilities is apparent that the residents in these barangays began to clamor for government action.

The nearest high school where parents could send their children is at least fifteen (15) kilometers away. Due to the rough terrain, the road places the students in great risk during the rainy season. This situation has become a major obstacle among students in their effort to pursue secondary education.

Barangay Katipunan witnessed the necessity to open a secondary school in the area. The youth and their parents also voiced out their concurring opinion on the matter that they have called for the Congress' intervention to remedy this crucial need

The establishment of institutions of learning is a constant demand that the Philippine Constitution has guaranteed to address. It is therefore imperative that this measure is immediately approved.



ANICETO G. SALUDO, JR.
 

Republic of the Philippines
House Of Representatives
Quezon City, Phlippines

Second Regular Session
TWELFTH CONGRESS


HOUSE BILL NO. 4056


Introduced by Honorable ANICETO G. SALUDO, JR.



AN ACT
ESTABLISHING A NATIONAL HIGH SCHOOL IN THE MUNICIPALITY OF HINUNANGAN, PROVINCE OF SOUTHERN LEYTE, TO BE KNOWN AS THE HINUNANGAN NATIONAL HIGH SCHOOL, AND APPROPRIATING FUNDS THEREFOR

Be it enacted by the Senate and the House of Representatives in Congress assembled:

Section 1. There shall be established under the supervision of the Department of Education a National High School in the Municipality of Hinunangan, Province of Southern Leyte, to be known as the Hinunangan National High School.

Section 2. The Secretary of the Department of Education is hereby directed to take such steps as may be necessary for the immediate implementation of this Act and shall issue such rules and regulations as may be necessary to carry out the purpose of this Act.

Section 3. The financial amount necessary to carry out the provisions of this Act is hereby authorized to be appropriated in the General Appropriations Act of the year following its enactment into law and thereafter.

Section 4. This Act takes effect upon its approval.

Approved,

Republic of the Philippines
House Of Representatives
Quezon City, Phlippines

Second Regular Session
TWELFTH CONGRESS


HOUSE BILL NO. 4056


Introduced by Honorable ANICETO G. SALUDO, JR.



EXPLANATORY NOTE


With their aim to modernize the secondary and tertiary education in the country, the Department of Education, Culture and Sports (DECS) and the Commission on Higher Education (CHED) issued separate orders directing State Universities and Colleges (SUCs) to phase out their high school curriculum and authorized DECS to absorb these schools into its supervision in order to pave way for more specialized and updated curriculum offering for the students in the entire country.

Because of these directives, the supervision of the Hinunangan National High School will eventually be transferred from the Southern Leyte Institute of Agriculture and Technology (SLIAT), a CHED-supervised institution, to DECS. This transfer of management triggered fear among students of the affected school and their parents, and expressed apprehension that the operation of said school may not be sustained because of the absence of a charter to support its existence.

In order to ease the fear of my constituents and to secure the automatic allocation for the continued operation of the Hinunangan National High School, immediate approval of this bill is sought.



ANICETO G. SALUDO, JR.


 

Republic of the Philippines
House Of Representatives
Quezon City, Phlippines

Second Regular Session
TWELFTH CONGRESS


HOUSE BILL NO. 4055


Introduced by Honorable ANICETO G. SALUDO, JR.



AN ACT
ESTABLISHING A NATIONAL HIGH SCHOOL IN THE MUNICIPALITY OF BONTOC, PROVINCE OF SOUTHERN LEYTE, TO BE KNOWN AS THE BONTOC NATIONAL HIGH SCHOOL, AND APPROPRIATING FUNDS THEREFOR

Be it enacted by the Senate and the House of Representatives in Congress assembled:

Section 1. There shall be established under the supervision of the Department of Education a National High School in the Municipality of Bontoc, Province of Southern Leyte, to be known as the Bontoc National High School.

Section 2. The Secretary of the Department of Education is hereby directed to take such steps as may be necessary for the immediate implementation of this Act and shall issue such rules and regulations as may be necessary to carry out the purpose of this Act.

Section 3. The financial amount necessary to carry out the provisions of this Act is hereby authorized to be appropriated in the General Appropriations Act of the year following its enactment into law and thereafter.

Section 4. This Act takes effect upon its approval.

Approved,

Republic of the Philippines
House Of Representatives
Quezon City, Phlippines

Second Regular Session
TWELFTH CONGRESS


HOUSE BILL NO. 4055


Introduced by Honorable ANICETO G. SALUDO, JR.



EXPLANATORY NOTE

Responding to the urgent need to upgrade the quality of secondary and tertiary education in the country, the Department of Education, Culture and Sports (DECS) and the Commission on Higher Education (CHED) issued directives authorizing the integration of CHED-supervised institutions (CSI) into a State University or College (SUC).

Because of this, it has been ordered that all secondary educational institutions affected by the integration will be transferred to the supervision of the DECS to unify the programs being offered in secondary curriculum throughout the country.

The Bontoc National High School, which is under the Ruperto K. Kangleon Memorial Agro-Fisheries and Technical Institute (RKKMAFTI), is among the high schools in the Province of Southern Leyte that will be affected by such directive. Without a charter to support it, students of the said high school and their parents expressed reservations against the integration of RKKMAFTI with four (4) other institutions into a university because of the fear that the high school may eventually cease to exist.

In order to ensure the continued operation of the Bontoc National High School and secure the secondary education of my constituents in the said town, approval of this proposed Bill is urgently sought.



ANICETO G. SALUDO, JR.

 

Republic of the Philippines
House of Representatives
Quezon City


Twelfth Congress
1st Regular Session

House Bill No. 1919



Introduced by ANICETO G. SALUDO, JR.


AN ACT GRANTING FILIPINO CITIZENSHIP TO ENGR. ARMANDO T. DE ROSSI, WITH ALL RIGHTS, PRIVILEGES, AND PREROGATIVES APPURTENANT THERETO

Be it enacted by the Senate and the House of Representatives of the Philippines in Congress assembled:

Section 1. There is hereby granted a special recognition to Engr. Armando T. De Rossi for his long, continuous and outstanding service to the Filipino people through his involvement in various developmental, humanitarian and socio-civic projects, and for his excellent performance in his field of endeavor, particularly in the field of power generation and has proven himself worthy of all the rights, privileges and prerogatives conferred to citizens of the Republic of the Philippines.

Section 2. The Republic of the Philippines will be considered the permanent place of abode of Engr. Armando T. De Rossi and his family to which they shall forever owe and pledge their allegiance and loyalty.

Section 3. Philippine citizenship is hereby granted to Engr. Armando T. De Rossi, with all the rights, privileges and prerogatives appurtenant thereto.

Section 4. This Act shall take effect upon its approval.

Approved,

Republic of the Philippines
House of Representatives
Quezon City


Twelfth Congress
1st Regular Session

House Bill No. 1919



Introduced by ANICETO G. SALUDO, JR.


EXPLANATORY NOTE

This bill seeks to grant Philippine Citizenship to Armando De T. Rossi, an Italian national.

Engr. Armando De Rossi, a civil engineer and holder of Master's Degree in Civil Engineering, arrived in the Philippines on May 19, 1977 as one of the foreign consultants engaged by the National Power Corporation in its various energy projects throughout the country. During his continuous service to the Filipino people from 1977 to 2001, he has involved himself in various significant and social activities; learned to speak and write in Filipino and other dialects like Cebuano, Chavacano, and Maranaw; embraced Filipino custom, tradition and ideals and has developed love and affection for the Philippines. He has decided to renounce Italian citizenship, become Filipino and make the Philippines his permanent home.

As a manifestation for his strong desire to become a Filipino citizen, the following are the significant social and civic activities of Engr. De Rossi:

1. He is married to the former Miss Lilibeth Pescador with whom he has a child Michael who the couple raised in the Filipino tradition and custom and Christian way of life;
2. Past President, Rotary Club of Pagsanjan, Laguna
3. Charter President, Rotary Club of Illana Bay, Lanao del Sur of which he is also an adopted son;
4. Master Mason, 1978 in Sta. Cruz, Laguna
5. Member, Philippine Institute of Civil Engineers
6. Sustained member, United Way Foundation, Iligan City
7. Adopted son of the Province of Laguna per resolution of the Provincial Board in 1980
8. Donated and erected the barangay rural high school in the Municipality of Marogong, Lanao del Sur
9. Donated and rendered design and consulting services for the provincial sports center in Laguna
10. Inspected, prepared and donated to the Municipality of Jolo, Sulu and to the province of Sulu the project study for 5 mini-hydro projects
11. Inspected and donated study for hydro resources of Tawi-tawi province
12. As a holder of a Filipino commercial pilot license he piloted and flew a group of indigent deaf and mute children over Metro Manila
13. Designated by the Provincial Board of Lanao del Sur, as contained in their Resolution No. 94-A s. 1987, as the duly authorized representative of the provincial government in making the necessary follow-up of the Mini-Hydro Electric Power Plant for Malabang with the NEDA and other concerned government offices including the Italian government.
14. He is an adopted mistah of the Philippine Military Academy (PMA) Class '83
15. He is a man of good moral character with all the qualifications and none of the disqualifications to become a Filipino Citizen

Due to his alien status, he is not entitled to acquire real properties and have limited rights and privileges compared to Filipino citizens to invest more in the country of his choice.

Thus, the grant of Filipino citizenship to Engr. De Rossi is clothing him with the rights and privileges enjoyed only by Filipinos. Considering his education, training and experience, he can actively participate in various development programs of the Government as a citizen and an investor. His desire to contribute for progress will be supplemented as this was shown by his active participation and involvement despite being an alien.

Through a special act passed by the legislature, Filipino citizenship may be granted to deserving individuals who have demonstrated outstanding contribution to our country and the determination as well as the qualification to be a Filipino citizen.

For these reasons the approval of this bill is earnestly requested.




ANICETO G. SALUDO, JR.


 

Republic of the Philippines
House of Representatives
Quezon City


Twelfth Congress
1st Regular Session


HOUSE BILL NO. 1781


INTRODUCED BY: HON. ANICETO G. SALUDO, JR.



EXPLANATORY NOTE


This bill seeks to establish a national crime database that will help in combating crime and criminal elements.

In support of the government's efforts to address crime-related activities, there is a strong need to adopt a measure that will maintain an accurate national criminal record database. With the establishment of the database, police investigations can be fast-tracked, which means better quality services for the public.

Our nation depends on police officers to efficiently implement laws that seek to establish and maintain peace and order. The identification of criminal elements is a step forward in resolving hard to unravel cases.

Early approval of this measure is earnestly sought.


ANICETO G. SALUDO, JR.



Republic of the Philippines
House of Representatives
Quezon City


Twelfth Congress
1st Regular Session


HOUSE BILL NO.


INTRODUCED BY: HON. ANICETO G. SALUDO, JR.


AN ACT ESTABLISHING A NATIONAL CRIME DATABASE

Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the Philippines in Congress assembled:

SECTION 1. Short Title. This Act shall be known as the "National Crime Database Act of 2001."

SECTION 2. Purpose. The purposes of this Act are:

(a) to create a complete and accurate national criminal record database that is an essential element in fighting crime; and
(b) to require the National Bureau of Investigation and the Philippine National Police to provide information and records for the National Identification Index and the National Fingerprint File and to provide criminal-history records, in a timely fashion, to criminal-history record repositories and for noncriminal-justice purposes, to update existing criminal record systems that are currently outdated and contain incomplete or incorrect information; and
(c) to mail accessible detailed database of criminal-history records, including arrests and dispositions.

SECTION 3. Definition of Terms. As used in this Act:

(a) "Crime database officer" means an official so designated by the Director of the NBI as the chief administrator of the region's criminal-history record repository or a designee who is regular full-time employee of that repository.
(b) "Criminal-history records" means information collected by criminal-justice agencies on individuals consisting of identifiable descriptions and notations of arrests, detentions, indictments, or other informal criminal charges, and any disposition arising there from, including acquittal, sentencing, correctional supervision, or release. The term does not include identification information such as fingerprint records if such information does not indicate involvement of the individual with the criminal justice system.
(c) "Criminal-history repository" means the agency designated by the appropriate executive official or the legislature to perform centralized record-keeping functions for criminal-history records and services in the State.
(d) "Criminal-justice" encompasses any of the following activities: detection, apprehension, detention, pretrial release, post-trial release, prosecution, adjudication, correctional supervision, or rehabilitation of accused persons or criminal offenders. The administration of criminal justice shall include criminal identification activities and the collection, storage, and dissemination of criminal-history records.
(e) "Criminal-justice agency" means (1) Courts; (2) a governmental agency or any subunit thereof which performs the administration of criminal justice pursuant to a stature or executive order, and which allocates a substantial part of its annual budget to the administration of criminal-justice.
(f) "Criminal-justice services" means services provided by the NBI to criminal-justice agencies in response to a request for information about a particular individual or as an update to information previously provided for criminal justice purposes.
(g) "Direct access" means access to the National Identification Index by computer terminal or other automated means not requiring the assistance of or intervention by any other party or agency.
(h) "NBI" means the National Bureau of Investigation
(i) "PNP" means the Philippine National Police
(j) "Interregional Identification Index System" or "III System" means the system for the storage of criminal-history records and includes the National Identification Index, the National Fingerprint File and, the criminal-history record repositories of the NBI, the PNP, the Courts, and other criminal justice agencies.
(k) "National Fingerprint File" means a database of fingerprints, or other uniquely personal identifying information, about an arrested or charged individual maintained by the NBI to provide positive identification of records subjects indexed in the III System.
(l) "National Identification Index" means index maintained by the NBI consisting of names, identifying numbers, and other descriptive information relating to record subjects about whom there are criminal-history records in the III System."
(m) "National indices" means the National Identification Index and the National Fingerprint File.
(n) "Noncriminal-justice purposes" means the use of the criminal-history record for crime prevention and other legitimate law enforcement purposes authorized by federal or state law including, but not limited to, employment suitability or licensing determinations, immigration and naturalization matters, and national security clearances.
(o) "Positive identification" means a determination, based upon a comparison of fingerprints or other equally reliable biometric identification techniques, that the subject of a record search is the person as the subject of a criminal-history record or records indexed in the III System.
(p) "Regional unit" means the NBI or PNP regional units covering the 14 geographical regions of the Philippines, unless otherwise specified.
(q) "NBI National Office" means the main office which shall have control over the national indices of the national crime database.

SECTION 4. Establishment of National Crime Database Council

(a) There is hereby established a National Crime Database Council which shall have the authority to promulgate rules and procedures governing the use of the III System for criminal-justice and noncriminal-justice purposes. The Council shall be located, for administrative purposes, within the NBI main office. The Council shall be organized and its first meeting held as soon as practicable after the effective date of this Act.
(b) The Council shall consist of 8 members:
(1) Director of the National Bureau of Investigation
(2) Secretary of Justice
(3) Secretary of Interior and Local Government
(4) Court Administrator
(5) Chief of the Presidential Anti-Organized Crime Task Force
(6) Head of the Crime Prevention and Coordination Service of the National Police Commission
(7) Director of the Philippine National Police Computer Center
(8) Representative of a non-governmental organization involved in crime prevention and eradication.

(a) The Chairman of the Council shall be a member of and elected by the members of the Council. The chairman shall serve a two-year term and may be re-elected to only one additional two-year term.
(b) The Council shall meet at least once a year. Meetings shall be open to the public. Appropriate prior public notices shall be provided.
(c) The Council shall have authority to request from the NBU such reports, studies, statistics, or other information or materials as it finds necessary to enable it to perform its duties under this Act. The NBI, to the extent authorized by law, may provide such assistance or information.
(d) The Chairman may establish technical or other committees as necessary and may prescribe their membership, responsibilities, and duration.

SECTION 5. Development of a Plan for Establishing a National Crime Database

(1) In general - Not later than 45 days after the date of enactment of this Act, the National Crime Database Council, in coordination with other criminal-justice agencies, and after consultation with the different regional directors of both the National Bureau of Investigation and the Philippine National Police, shall develop a plan on how to create a national crime database, using the interregional identification index system or III system, to which the criminal justice agencies shall have direct access.
(2) Objective- The objective of the plan developed under paragraph (1) shall be to establish a national crime database, which shall include the criminal history records, with samples of fingerprints, and the disposition of cases, if any. The existing database of criminal history records being used for employment or travel clearances shall be updated and integrated with proposed national crime database.



SECTION 6. Responsibilities of Criminal Justice Agencies

(a) NBI Responsibilities

1. The NBI Director shall appoint an NBI Crime Database Officer who will :
(A) have responsibility for administering the provisions of this Act within the NBI and criminal justice agency community.
(B) Ensure that any provisions and rule, procedures, and standards established under this Act are complied with; and
(C) Regulate the use of records received by means of the III System from other criminal justice agencies when such records are supplied by the NBI directly to other criminal justice agencies.

(1) The NBI will provide to criminal justice agencies and to regional criminal-history record repositories, criminal-history records maintained in its database for non-criminal justice purposes described in Section 3, paragraph (n).
(2) The NBI will provide a telecommunications network and maintain centralized facilities for the exchange of criminal-history records for both criminal-justice and noncriminal-justice purposes described in Section 3, paragraphs (d) and (n). The NBI will ensure that the exchange of these records for criminal-justice purposes has priority over exchange for noncriminal-justice purposes.
(3) The NBI will modify or enter into user agreements with regional criminal-history record repositories to require them to establish record-request procedures conforming to those prescribed in this Act.

(b) Responsibilities of the NBI and PNP regional units

1. Each regional unit shall appoint a crime database officer who will:

(A) have responsibility for administering the provisions of this Act within that region;
(B) ensure that provisions and rules, procedures, and standards established under this Act and other forthcoming implementing rules are complied within the region; and
(C) regulate the in-region use of records received by means the III System from the NBI National Office or from other criminal justice agencies.

2. Each regional criminal-history record repository will:

(A) provide information and records for the National Identification Index and the National Fingerprint File; and
(B) provide the region's III System-indexed criminal-history records for non-criminal justice purposes described in Section 3, paragraph (n); and
(C) be managed by the regional NBI unit.

3. Each regional unit will participate in the National Fingerprint File.
4. Each regional unit will provide and maintain telecommunications links and related equipment necessary to support the services set forth in this Act.

(c) The Courts

1. The courts will provide the data concerning the disposition of cases, to be included in criminal history records.
2. The courts will provide information as to the status of pending cases.

(a) Compliance with III System Standards.

In carrying out their responsibilities under the Act, criminal justice agencies and the NBI will comply with system rules, procedures, and standards duly established under this Act and any implementing rules or regulation issued by the National Crime Database Council, concerning record dissemination and use, response time, data quality, system security, and other aspects of system operation.

(d) Maintenance of Record Services
1. Use of the III System for noncriminal-justice purposes authorized in this Act shall be managed so as not to diminish the level of service provided in support of criminal-justice purposes.
2. Administration of the provisions of this Act shall not reduce the level of service available to authorized noncriminal-justice users on the effective date of this Act.

SECTION 7. Authorized Record Disclosures

To the extent authorized by our laws which authorize national indices checks, the NBI National Office criminal-history record repository will provide on request criminal-history records to regional criminal-history record repositories for noncriminal-justice purposes.

(a) The NBI National Office criminal-history record repository, and regional criminal-history record repositories will provide criminal-history records to criminal-justice agencies and other government or non-governmental agencies for noncriminal-justice purposes allowed by our laws, which authorize national indices checks.
(b) Records obtained under this Act may be used only for the official purposes for which they were requested. Implementing rules and regulations shall be issued, that shall establish procedures and measures consistent with the provisions of this Act, to ensure that records are used only by authorized officials for authorized purposes and to require that subsequent record checks are requested to obtain current information whenever a new need arises. These procedures must ensure that record entries that may not legally be used for a particular noncriminal-justice purpose will be deleted from the response and, if no information authorized for release remains, an appropriate "no record" response will be communicated to the requesting official.

SECTION 8. Record-request Procedures

(a) Applicant fingerprints or other approved forms of positive identification will be submitted with all requests for criminal-history record checks for non-criminal-justice purposes.
(b) Requests for criminal-history record checks utilizing the National Indices made under any law shall be submitted through that regional criminal-history records repository. A regional criminal-history record repository will process interregional requests for non-criminal-justice purposes through the national indices only if such requests are transmitted through another regional criminal-history record repository or the NBI National Office.
(c) Requests for criminal-history record checks utilizing the National Indices made under any law shall be submitted through the NBI National Office or, if the repository consents to process fingerprint submissions, through the repository in the region in which such requests originated. Direct access to the National Identification Index by entities other than the NBI National Office and regional criminal-history records repositories shall not be permitted for noncriminal-justice purposes.
(d) The NBI National Office and the regional criminal-history record repository may charge fees for handling requests involving fingerprint processing for noncriminal-justice purposes. No fees will be charged, however, for providing criminal-history records in response to an electric request for a record that does not involve a request process fingerprints.
(e) If a regional repository cannot positively identify the subject of a record request made for noncriminal-justice purposes, then the request, together with fingerprints or other approved identifying information, will be forwarded to the NBI National Office for a search of the national indices. If the NBI positively identify the subjects as having a III System-indexed record or records, then the NBI will so advise the regional repository that submitted the request. The repository will then be entitled to obtain the additional criminal-history record information from the NBI or other regional repositories.

SECTION 13. Effectivity Clause. This Act shall take effect fifteen (15) days after its publication in at least two (2) newspapers of general circulation.


Approved,
 

Republic of the Philippines
House of Representatives
Quezon City

Twelfth Congress
1st Regular Session

House Bill No. 1771


Introduced by ANICETO G. SALUDO, JR.


AN ACT
PROVIDING FOR THE RETENTION OF CITIZENSHIP BY PHILIPPINE CITIZENS WHO ACQUIRE FOREIGN CITIZENSHIP, AMENDING FOR THE PURPOSE COMMONWEALTH ACT NO. 63, AS AMENDED, AND FOR OTHER PURPOSES

Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the Philippines in Congress assembled

Section 1. Short Title. - This Act shall be known as the "Citizenship Retention Act of 2001."

Section 2. Declaration of Policy. - Pursuant to Section 1 (2), Article IV of the Constitution which mandates that "(t)hose whose fathers or mothers are citizens of the Philippines" are among those embraced by the State as its citizens, it is hereby declared the policy of the State to recognize that Philippine citizenship acquired by parentage is constitutionally guaranteed and protected, such that its natural-born citizens may not be automatically deprived of Philippine citizenship ipso jure absent any corresponding free, willful and voluntary act on their part to expressly and formally renounce their citizenship before proper Philippine authorities or without the commission of acts patently inconsistent with the retention of citizenship.

Section 3. Retention of Philippine Citizenship. - Any provision of law to the contrary notwithstanding, natural-born citizens of the Philippines who are naturalized citizens of a foreign country are hereby declared to have re-acquired their Philippine citizenship upon the effectivity of this Act, unless, by their free, willful, and voluntary act, they: (a) previously renounced under oath their Philippine citizenship before a Philippine consular official abroad or any public officer authorized to administer an oath; Provided, however, That a renunciation which was merely a part of, or in connection with, the oath of allegiance which been required by the said foreign country for purposes of naturalization will not be a bar to the reacquisition of Philippine citizenship; (b) became a candidate or was elected to any public office in the country of which they are naturalized citizens; or (c) served as commissioned or non-commissioned officer in the armed forces of the country of which they are naturalized citizens.

Natural-born citizens of the Philippines who, after the effectivity of this Act, become citizens of a foreign country shall retain their Philippine citizenship, unless such Philippine citizenship is lost in the same manner provided in the preceding paragraph.

Section 4. Irrevocability of Renunciation. - A valid renunciation of Philippine citizenship under the provisions of this Act shall be irrevocable, without prejudice to its reacquisition under the laws governing judicial naturalization of aliens. A renunciation made by parents shall not have effect of divesting their minor children of Philippine citizenship.

Section 5. Civil and Political Rights. - Unless Philippine citizenship is lost in the manner provided for under this Act, natural-born citizens of the Philippines who acquire foreign citizenship shall, except when placed under interdiction by a court of competent jurisdiction, continue to enjoy full civil and political rights: Provided, That those intending to exercise their right of suffrage must meet the requirements under Section 1, Article V of the Constitution: Provided, further, That those intending to run for any public office in the Philippines shall meet the qualifications for holding such public office as required by the Constitution and existing laws and, at the time of the filling of the certificate of candidacy, make a personal and sworn renunciation of any and all foreign citizenship before any public officer authorized to administer an oath.

Section 6. Rules and Regulations. - The Department of Foreign Affairs and the Department of Justice shall within sixty (60) days from the effectivity of this Act jointly issue the necessary rules and regulations for the proper implementation of this Act.

Section 7. Separability Clause. - If any section or provision of this Act is held unsconstitutional or invalid, other sections or provisions not affected thereby shall remain valid and effective.

Section 8. - Repealing Clause. - All laws, decrees, orders, rules and regulations inconsistent with the provisions of this Act are hereby repealed or modified accordingly.

Section 9. Effectivity Clause. - This Act shall take effect after fifteen (15) days following its publication in the Official Gazette or two (2) newspapers of general circulation.

Approved,
Republic of the Philippines
House of Representatives
Quezon City

Twelfth Congress
1st Regular Session


House Bill No. 1771



Introduced by ANICETO G. SALUDO, JR.



EXPLANATORY NOTE

The 1935 Constitution provided that Philippine citizenship may be lost or reacquired in the manner required by the law. Commonwealth Act No. 63 offered means by which the Philippine citizenship can be lost- one of which is by naturalization in a foreign country.

One is therefore automatically stripped of his Philippine citizenship and the privileges that go with it once he acquires citizenship in a foreign state.

The twenty-first century is a period of the borderless world, where, mostly for economic reasons, various states bind in treaties and open their economies to cope up and be at pace with the increasing demands of a technologically evolving environment. Because of this, some nations have already allowed their citizens to acquire multiple-citizenship.

In the advent of a global quest for economic advancement, it is about time to reconsider the efficiency of CA 63, if not its fairness to Filipinos who have acquired foreign citizenships in their host countries in order to alleviate the welfare of their families and relatives who continue to reside in the Philippines.

Despite their acquisition of foreign citizenship, their continued allegiance to the Philippines has never ceased to exist. They have continued to maintain links to the homeland, have shown keen interest in and concern for the country and have always yearned to visit the country. Likewise, their contribution to the economy through investments or by sharing with their relatives here a part of the financial rewards they have reaped abroad have in no doubt shown that a vast majority of our erstwhile countrymen remain Filipinos in heart and mind.

Our laws should be responsive to the call of the times and recognize the sentiments and motives that drive some Filipinos to foreign coasts. It is therefore urgently necessary for us to look into the viability of allowing multiple-citizenship to Filipinos.

Immediate approval of this proposed measure is earnestly sought.



ANICETO G. SALUDO, JR.
 

Republic of the Philippines
House of Representatives
Quezon City


Twelfth Congress
1st Regular Session

House Bill No. 717



Introduced by ANICETO G. SALUDO, JR.



AN ACT
NAMING THE PHILIPPINE NATIONAL POLICE (PNP) PROVINCIAL OFFICE IN MAASIN, SOUTHERN LEYTE AS
CAMP GOVERNOR ALFREDO K. BANTUG


Be it enacted by the Senate and the House of Representatives of the Philippines in Congress assembled:

Section 1. Governor Alfredo K. Bantug was the first governor of the Province of Southern Leyte.

Section 2. To perpetuate his memory, the Philippine National Police (PNP) Provincial Office in Maasin, Southern Leyte is hereby named Camp Governor Alfredo K. Bantug.

Section 3. This Act shall take effect upon its approval.

Approved,




Republic of the Philippines
House of Representatives
Quezon City


Twelfth Congress
1st Regular Session

House Bill No. 717



Introduced by ANICETO G. SALUDO, JR.



EXPLANATORY NOTE


The Philippine National Police Provincial Office situated in Maasin City, Southern Leyte has no official name up to this time. It would be appropriate to name it after one of the great sons of Southern Leyte.

An exemplary public servant, Alfredo K. Bantug was a veteran in World War II serving the Maasin Area Command under the Southern Leyte Guerilla Unit. After the war, he was inducted to the military, Captain in the United States Armed Forces in the Far East (USAFFE). He held the distinction of serving the Southern Leyte's first Provincial Governor. Likewise, Alfredo K. Bantug was the undefeated mayor of then the Municipality of Maasin, capital of Southern Leyte.

His sacrifices and loyalty to the Province of Southern Leyte and to the country as well during the last World War will appropriately be given recognition if the PNP Provincial Office in Maasin City is named as Camp Governor Alfredo K. Bantug.

This Act aims to perpetuate the memory of one of the great sons of Southern Leyte.

Early passage of this measure is earnestly requested.




ANICETO G. SALUDO, JR.
 

Republic of the Philippines
House of Representatives
Quezon City


Twelfth Congress
1st Regular Session

House Bill No. 716



Introduced by ANICETO G. SALUDO, JR.


EXPLANATORY NOTE

This bill seeks to establish Forest and Fruit Trees Nursery in the City of Maasin and in some municipalities in the Province of Southern Leyte namely: Anahawan, Bontoc, Hinunangan, Limasawa, Macrohon, Malitbog, Padre Burgos, San Francisco, San Juan, Sogod, and Tomas Oppus.

The forest cover in the country is in a very despicable and miserable state. Due to illegal cutting of trees and destructive practices in farming, thousands of hectares of forestland are destroyed every year. One of the areas heavily affected by wanton disregard of the environment is the Province of Southern Leyte. As of today, it has only a minimal forest cover and therefore very prone and susceptible to disasters.

The proposed bill is in support to the reforestation program of the government. Seedlings of forest trees will be made more available and accessible to the local government and the local organizations. For the residents, it will provide potential source of income from the forest and fruit trees seedlings that will be planted and later developed into orchard farms.

For the foregoing reasons, passage of the proposed measure is earnestly requested.





ANICETO G. SALUDO, JR.


Republic of the Philippines
House of Representatives
Quezon City


Twelfth Congress
1st Regular Session

House Bill No. 716



Introduced by ANICETO G. SALUDO, JR.


AN ACT
PROVIDING FOR THE ESTABLISHMENT FOREST AND FRUIT TREES NURSERY IN THE CITY OF MAASIN AND IN SOME MUNICIPALITIES IN THE PROVINCE OF SOUTHERN LEYTE NAMELY: ANAHAWAN, BONTOC, HINUNANGAN, LIMASAWA, MACROHON, MALITBOG, PADRE BURGOS, SAN FRANCISCO, SAN JUAN, SOGOD, AND TOMAS OPPUS AND APPROPRIATING FUNDS THEREFOR

Be it enacted by the Senate and the House of Representatives in Congress assembled:

Section 1. There shall be established under the supervision of the Department of Agriculture and the Department of Environment and Natural Resources, a forest and fruit trees nursery in every city and municipality in the Province of Southern Leyte.

Section 2. The funds required for the implementation of this Act shall be charged to the current appropriations of the Department of Agriculture and the Department of Environment and Natural Resources. Thereafter, such funds as may be necessary for the maintenance of the forest and fruit trees nursery shall be included in the annual General Appropriations Act.

Section 3. This act shall take effect upon its approval.

Approved.
 

Republic of the Philippines
House of Representatives
Quezon City


Twelfth Congress
1st Regular Session

House Bill No. 422



Introduced by ANICETO G. SALUDO, JR.


EXPLANATORY NOTE

Pursuant to the government's policy to strengthen existing economic measures to foster growth and development in the country, there is a need to adopt a stronger and more efficient organizational and financial support to key government agencies.
As a result of the government's primary economic policy of privatizing Government Owned and Controlled Corporations (GOCCs) to make them more competitive to the challenge of globalization, there is a decrease in the number of GOCCs and a reduction of legal problems pertaining to them.
In line with the consequence of this economic policy, this Act seeks to abolish the Office of the Government Corporate Counsel (OGCC), hereby transferring all its powers, duties, functions, properties, accounts, cases, records and its unexpended appropriations to the Office of the Solicitor General (OSG) to have a more cohesive agency that represents the Government of the Philippines, its agencies and instrumentalities and its officials and agents in any litigation, proceeding or any matter requiring the services of lawyers.
This Act will minimize the unnecessary duplication and overlapping of agency functions. The transfer of powers and functions by the OGCC to the OSG will lead to a more efficient execution of functions and at the same time it will generate budgetary savings which can be utilized to implement other priority projects and programs of the government.
It is the objective of this Act to make the Office of the Solicitor General (OSG) the sole agency of government lawyers.
Early passage of this measure is earnestly requested.


ANICETO G. SALUDO, JR.



Republic of the Philippines
House of Representatives
Quezon City


Twelfth Congress
1st Regular Session

House Bill No. 422



Introduced by ANICETO G. SALUDO, JR.


AN ACT
TRANSFERRING THE POWERS AND FUNCTIONS OF THE OFFICE OF THE GOVERNMENT CORPORATE COUNSEL (OGCC) TO THE OFFICE OF THE SOLICITOR GENERAL (OSG).

Be it enacted by the Senate and the House of Representatives of the Philippines in Congress assembled:

SECTION 1. Declaration of Policy. - It is hereby declared the policy of the State to adopt measures to minimize the duplication and unnecessary overlapping of agency functions and to provide a strong organizational and financial support to key government agencies.

SECTION 2. Abolition of Office. - The Office of the Government Corporate Counsel (OGCC) is hereby abolished.

SECTION 3. Transfer and Integration of Functions. - All the powers, duties, functions, properties, accounts, cases, records, and the unexpended appropriations of the Office of the Government Corporate Counsel (OGCC) are hereby transferred to the Office of the Solicitor General (OSG).

SECTION 4. Transfer of Personnel - The officials and employees of the Office of the Government Corporate Counsel (OGCC), as may be necessary and expedient, may be appointed by the Solicitor General into the Office of the Solicitor General (OSG), provided, they are qualified to the position they are appointed to.

SECTION 5. Repealing Clause - All laws, decrees, rules or regulations or parts thereof which are inconsistent with the provisions of this Act are hereby deemed repealed, amended or modified accordingly.

SECTION 6. Implementing Rules and Regulations. The Solicitor General shall issue rules and regulations to implement this Act.

SECTION 7. Separability Clause. If, for any reason, any part or provision of this Act is declared invalid, such declaration shall not affect the other provisions of this Act.

SECTION 8. Effectivity - This Act shall take effect fifteen (15) days after its publication in the Official Gazette and in two (2) national newspapers of general circulation.

Approved,

 

Republic of the Philippines
House of Representatives
Quezon City


Twelfth Congress
1st Regular Session

House Bill No. 421



Introduced by ANICETO G. SALUDO, JR.



EXPLANATORY NOTE


The Constitution recognizes the vital role of information and communication in nation building (Section 24, Article II). The State, likewise, encourages equity participation in public utilities by the general public (Section 11, Article XII).
This Constitutional mandate is safeguarded by requiring franchise grantees of public utilities to open up to the public at least thirty percent (30%) of its authorized stock in any securities exchange. This is provided for in every franchise of the grantees, thus, promoting public participation in the ownership of such facilities.
The self-financing scheme known as the Subscriber Investment Plan (SIP) adopted by the Philippine Long Distance Telephone Company in 1973 is inconsistent with the above-mentioned Constitutional mandate. Geared to obtain low cost capital, the adoption of the SIP was made at the expense of subscribers by presenting them with limited options. The SIP is based on the concept that subscribers belong to the higher income segment of the population (Paragraph 6) and are therefore capable of self-financing the installation of their telephone lines. This statement no longer holds true at present since a telephone line has become a necessity for all segments in society. The continuous adoption of such scheme only suggests that the government is giving undue preference to private entities such as the PLDT by authorizing them to take measures that are disadvantageous to the public.
This measure aims to truly democratize the ownership of public utilities by promoting popular participation and prohibiting the imposition of any compulsory investments in such utilities.
It is in the best interest of the people, consistent with the policy of democratizing ownership of public utilities, to pass this bill.
Early passage of this measure is earnestly requested.


ANICETO G. SALUDO, JR.



Republic of the Philippines
House of Representatives
Quezon City


Twelfth Congress
1st Regular Session

House Bill No. 421



Introduced by ANICETO G. SALUDO, JR.


AN ACT
PROMOTING PUBLIC PARTICIPATION IN PUBLIC UTILITIES AND
PROHIBITING THE IMPOSITION OF COMPULSORY INVESTMENTS TO THE PUBLIC.

Be it enacted by the Senate and the House of Representatives of the Philippines in Congress assembled:

Section 1. Declaration of Policy.- It is the policy of the State to democratize the ownership of public utilities.

Section 2. Public Ownership in Public Utilities. - All franchise grantees of public utilities shall comply with the enabling law implementing the democratization of ownership of public utilities: Provided, that no franchise grantee shall require any form of compulsory investments from the public and its existing subscribers.

Section 3. Implementing Rules and Regulations. - The Securities and Exchange Commission may promulgate rules and regulations necessary to ensure that the concerned parties comply with this Act.

Section 4. Repealing Clause. - All laws, decrees, executive orders, rules and regulations, and other issuances inconsistent with this Act are hereby repealed or modified accordingly.

Section 5. Effectivity Clause. - This Act shall take effect fifteen (15) days after its complete publication in at least two (2) national newspapers of general circulation or in the Official Gazette.

Approved.

 

Republic of the Philippines
House of Representatives
Quezon City


Twelfth Congress
1st Regular Session

House Bill No. 420



Introduced by ANICETO G. SALUDO, JR.


EXPLANATORY NOTE

Under Republic Act 7160, otherwise known as the Local Government Act of 1991, among the powers, duties and functions vested on the local Sangguniang Bayan is to establish a scholarship fund for poor but deserving students within its jurisdiction. This is specifically provided for under Section 447 (5) xi) and Section 458 (5) (xi). With the present situation however, the vision is difficult to implement. Most of the universities and colleges that offer courses desired by the poor are located outside the jurisdictions of the municipalities.

The limitations posed by these particular provisions of the Local Government Code defeats the goal of delivering effective and efficient services to poor but deserving students. Unless otherwise amended, the dream of our students to earn a college education of their choice will just remain a dream.

Early approval of this bill is urgently solicited.



ANICETO G. SALUDO, JR.

Republic of the Philippines
House of Representatives
Quezon City


Twelfth Congress
1st Regular Session

House Bill No. 420



Introduced by ANICETO G. SALUDO, JR.



AN ACT EXPANDING THE COVERAGE OF SCHOOLS OF THE SCHOLARSHIP FUND FOR POOR BUT DESERVING STUDENTS AMENDING FOR THE PURPUSE REPUBLIC ACT NO. 7160, OTHERWISE KNOWN AS THE LOCAL GOVERNMENT CODE OF 1991

Be it enacted by the Senate and the House of Representatives of the Philippines in Congress assembled:

Section 1. Section 447 (5) (xi) of Republic Act 7160, otherwise known as the Local Government Code of 1991,is hereby amended to read as follows:

"Section 447 (5) (xi). Establish a scholarship fund for poor but deserving students residing within the municipality in (schools located within its jurisdiction), OR CITY, AS THE CASE MAY BE, IN SCHOOLS WITHIN THE PROVINCE."

Section 2. section 458 (5) (xi) of the same Act is hereby amended to read as follows:

"Section 458 (5) (xi). Establish a scholarship fund for poor but deserving students residing within the municipality ( in schools within its jurisdiction) OR THE CASE MAYBE, IN SCHOOLS WITHIN THE PROVINCE."

Section 3. This Act shall take effect upon its approval.

Approved.
 

Republic of the Philippines
House of Representatives
Quezon City


Twelfth Congress
1st Regular Session

House Bill No. 419



Introduced by ANICETO G. SALUDO, JR.



EXPLANATORY NOTE

This bill seeks to establish a Women's Crisis and Rehabilitation Center for victims of sexual abuse under the direct supervision and control of the Department of Social Welfare and Development.

Crimes against women are noted to be prevalent especially at this period when the country is experiencing an economic crunch. In particular, rape incidents are increasing as reported by the media and based on the cases filed in courts. This disturbing trend has already affected a lot of people, the victims, their family, community and the country in general.

Prosecuting a rapist is not easy which are oftentimes filled with emotions and never-ending tensions. But with the introduction of new laws and the continued support of the people, a considerable number of rapists were already convicted by the courts with some waiting for their turn in the death chamber. In fact, more laws are still being contemplated to further protect the rights of women and ultimately minimize incidents of rape and other sexual abuses against women.

The solution to the crimes committed against women will not end overnight. Even with the measures undertaken both by the government and concerned citizens, the prevalent sexual abuses will remain to be a major concern of the government for a period of time. What this representation is concerned about now is the future of the victims and their family who already suffered a lot during and after those violent incidents.

Victims of sexual abuses need more help from professionals and experts to contain the trauma they suffered. Campaigns and mass education have to be implemented to raise the awareness of the people and involve the community in the prevention and treatment of victims of rape and other sexually related abuse. Social workers, psychologists, psychiatrists, and other medical professionals have to be mobilized in the rehabilitation of victims and importantly in the prevention of sexual abuses committed against women.

This bill is biased in favor of victims of sexual abuses who have no ways and means to overcome their lifelong trauma and bring back to normal their shattered life. As the statistics on the victims of sexual abuses continue to increase, it is the duty of the government to assist its citizens who have been victims of violent crimes. Hence, early approval of this bill is earnestly sought.




ANICETO G. SALUDO, JR



Republic of the Philippines
House of Representatives
Quezon City


Twelfth Congress
1st Regular Session

House Bill No. 419



Introduced by ANICETO G. SALUDO, JR.



AN ACT
ESTABLISHING A CRISIS AND REHABILITATION CENTER FOR VICTIMS OF SEXUAL ABUSE

Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the Philippines in Congress assembled:

Section 1. Creation and Offices. - The Women Crisis and Rehabilitation Center for Victims of Sexual Abuse, hereinafter referred as the Center, shall be established in every Congressional District in the country to be run and managed by a competent social worker. The Center shall be under the direct supervision and administration of the Department of Social Welfare and Development.

Section 2. Functions - The Center will specialize in the rehabilitation of victims of sexual abuse and have the following functions:

- To receive, evaluate, and process the applications of victims of sexual abuse;
- To monitor sexual abuses and refer to appropriate agencies, offices and professionals for the proper treatment and rehabilitation of victims;
- To deputize appropriate agencies and offices to effectively implement its functions;
- To spearhead awareness activities to prevent sexual and other crimes committed against women;
- To come up with the rules and regulations in coordination with concerned agencies and offices for the effective and efficient implementation of this Act.

Section 3. Financial Claims. - The Center shall assist the victims in the processing of financial claims with the Board of Claims as provided by Republic Act No. 7309 under the Department of Justice.

Section 4. Medical Assistance. - Regional, Provincial and District hospitals shall offer their free medical services to victims of sexual abuse who are undergoing treatment and rehabilitation;

Section 5. Implementing Rules. - The Department of Social Welfare and Development, in coordination with the Department of Health, Department of Justice and other related offices especially the Non Government Organizations shall promulgate the rules and regulations necessary for the effective implementation of this Act.

Section 6. Funding. - For purposes of this Act, the initial amount of Fifty Million Pesos (P50,000,000.00) is hereby authorized to be appropriated from the funds of the National Treasury not otherwise appropriated for the immediate implementation of this Act.

The annual budget of the Center shall be funded from one percent (1%) of the net income of the Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation and one percent (1%) of the net proceeds of the Philippine Charities and Sweepstakes Office (PCSO). Ten percent (10%) of the net proceeds from any contract relating to the story of any convict with final judgement and involved in sexual crimes in a movie, book, newspaper, magazine, radio or television production, live entertainment or any fund raising activities shall be collected by the state to finance the operation of the Center. Thereafter, such funds as may be necessary for the maintenance and operation of the Center shall be included in the annual General Appropriations Act.

Section 7. Repealing Clause. All laws, executive orders, and executive issuances inconsistent with this Act are hereby deemed repealed.

Section 8. Effectivity Clause. - This Act shall take effect upon its approval.

Approved.
 

Republic of the Philippines
House of Representatives
Quezon City


Twelfth Congress
1st Regular Session

House Bill No. 418



Introduced by ANICETO G. SALUDO, JR.


AN ACT ESTABLISHING THE SOUTHERN LEYTE STATE UNIVERSITY SYSTEM IN THE PROVINCE OF SOUTHERN LEYTE INTEGRATING THEREWITH THE SOUTHERN LEYTE STATE COLLEGE OF SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY (SLSCST) IN THE MUNICIPALITY OF SOGOD, THE TOMAS OPPUS NORMAL COLLEGE (TONC) IN THE MUNICIPALITY OF TOMAS OPPUS, THE RUPERTO K. KANGLEON MEMORIAL AGRO-FISHERY TECHNICAL INSTITUTE (RKKMAFTI) IN THE MUNICIPALITY OF BONTOC, THE SAN JUAN POLYTECHNIC COLLEGE (SJPC) IN THE MUNICIPALITY OF SAN JUAN AND THE SOUTHERN LEYTE INSTITUTE OF AGRICULTURAL TECHNOLOGY (SLIAT) IN THE MUNICIPALITY OF HINUNANGAN, ALL MUNICIPALITIES IN THE PROVINCE OF SOUTHERN LEYTE, APPROPRIATING FUNDS THEREFORE AND FOR OTHER PURPOSES.

Be it enacted by the Senate and the House of Representatives of the Philippines assembled:

Sec. 1. There is hereby established a State university in the Province of Southern Leyte to be known as the Southern Leyte State University System, hereinafter referred to as the University integrating therewith the Southern Leyte State College Of Science And Technology, Tomas Oppus Normal College, Ruperto K. Kangleon Memorial Agro-Fishery Technical Institute, San Juan Polytechnic College and the Southern Leyte Institute Of Agricultural Technology, all in the Province of Southern Leyte. The main campus of the University shall be in Sogod, Southern Leyte.

Sec. 2. The University shall primarily provide advance education, higher technological, professional and vocational instruction and training in trade, fishery, agriculture, forestry science, education, commerce, engineering and related courses. It shall also promote research, advance studies and progressive leadership in its areas of specialization.

Sec. 3. The University shall offer undergraduate, graduate and short term technical course within its areas of specialization and according to its capabilities as the Board of Regents may deem necessary to carry out its objectives, particularly to meet the needs of the province, the region and the nation: Provided: That a minimal number of secondary students of not more than five hundred (500- from 1st year to 4th year), shall be maintained in each campus to serve as feeders to college courses and laboratory classes for campuses offering teacher education curriculum.

Sec. 4. The University shall have the general powers of a corporation set forth in the Corporation Code. The administration of the University and the exercises of its corporate powers shall be vested exclusively in the Board of Regents and the president of the University insofar as authorized by the Board.

Sec. 5. The governing body of the University shall be the Board of Regents, hereinafter referred to as Board, which shall be composed of the following:

(a) Chairman of the Commission of Higher Education (CHED), chairman;
(b) President of the University, vice chairman;
(c) Chairman of the Committee on Higher Education, Culture and Arts of the Senate, member;
(d) Chairman of the Committee on Higher Education and Culture of the House of Representatives, member;
(e) Regional Director of the National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA), member;
(f) Regional Director of the Department of Science and Technology (DOST), member;
(g) A chosen representative from the Chancellor's group of the five (5) SLSUs, member;
(h) President of the faculty association of the University, member;
(i) President of the supreme student council of the University, member;
(j) President of the alumni association of the University, member; and
(k) Two (2) prominent citizens who have distinguished themselves in their profession or fields of specialization, members.

The two prominent citizens shall be appointed by the Board and shall be chosen from among a list of at least five (5) persons qualified in the province of Southern Leyte recommended by the search committee constituted by the University President in consultation with the chairman of CHED based on the normal standards and qualification for the position.

The term of office of the President of the faculty association, the student council and the alumni association shall be coterminous with the term of office.

The two (2) prominent citizens shall serve for a term of two (2) years.

Sec. 6. The Board shall promulgate and implement policies in accordance with the declared state policies on education and pertinent provisions of the Philippine Constitution on education, science and technology as well as the policies, standards and thrust of the CHED under Republic Act No. 7222.

Sec. 7. The Board shall have the following specific powers and duties in addition to its general powers of administration and the exercise of all the powers granted to the board of directors of a corporation under existing laws:

(a) To enact rules and regulations not contrary to law as may be necessary to carry out the purposes and functions of the University;

(b) To receive and appropriate all sums as may be provided, for the support of the University in the manner it may determine, in its discretion, to carry out the purposes and functions of the University;

(c) To import duty-free economic, technical and cultural books and/or publications, upon certification by the CHED that such imported books and/or publications are for economic, technical, vocational, scientific, philosophical, historical or cultural purposes, in accordance with the provisions of the Tariff and Customs Code, as amended;

(d) To receive in trust legacies, gifts and donations of real and personal properties of all kinds and to administer and dispose the same when necessary for the benefit of the University and subject to the limitations, directions and instructions of the donor, if any. Such donations shall be exempt from the donor's tax and the same shall be considered as allowable deductions from the gross income in the computation of the income tax of the donor, in accordance with the provisions of the National Internal Revenue Code (NIRC), as amended: Provided, That such donation shall not be disposed, transferred or sold; and

(e) To fix tuition fees and other necessary school charges such as, but not limited to, matriculation fees, graduation fees and laboratory fees, as the Board may deem proper to impose after due consultations with the involved sectors.

Such fees and charges, including government subsidies and other income generated by the University, shall constitute special trust funds and shall be deposited in any authorized government depository bank, and all interests that shall accrue therefrom shall form part of the same fund for the use of the University.

Any provision of existing laws, rules and regulations to the contrary notwithstanding, any income generated by the University from tuition fees and other charges, as well as from the operation of auxiliary services and land grants, shall be retained by the University, and may be disbursed by the Board for instruction, research, extension or other programs/projects of the University: Provided, That all fiduciary fees shall be disbursed for the specific purposes for which they are collected.

If for reasons beyond its control, the University shall not be able to pursue any projects for which the funds have been appropriated and allocated under its approved program of expenditures, the Board may authorize the use of said funds for any reasonable purpose which, in its discretion, may be necessary and urgent for the attainment of the objectives and goals of the University:

(f) To adopt and implement a socialized tuition scheme of tuition and school fees for greater access to poor but deserving students;

(g) To authorize the construction or repair of its buildings, machineries, equipment and other facilities and the purchase and acquisition of real properties, including necessary supplies, materials and equipment;

(h) To appoint upon recommendation of the president of the University, vice-presidents, deans, directors, heads of campuses, faculty members and other officials and employees;

(i) To fix and adjust salaries of faculty members and administrative officials and employees subject to the provisions of the Revised Compensation and Position Classification System and other pertinent budget and compensation laws governing hours of service and such other duties and conditions as it may deem proper; to grant them , at its discretion, leaves of absence under such regulations as it may promulgate, any provision of existing law to the contrary notwithstanding; and to remove them for cause in accordance with the requirement of due process of law;

(j) To approve the curricula, instructional programs and rules of discipline drawn by the administrative and academic councils herein provided;

(k) To set policies on admission and graduation of students;

(l) To award honorary degrees upon persons in recognition of outstanding contribution in the fields of education, public service, arts, science and technology, or in any field of specialization within the academic competence of the University; and to authorize the awarding of certificates for completion of non-degree and non-traditional courses;

(m) To establish and absorb tertiary institutions in the Province of Southern Leyte in accordance with the CHED and in consultation with the Department of Budget and Management, and to offer therein needed programs or courses to promote and carry out equal access to educational opportunities mandated by the Constitution;

(n) To establish research and extension centers where such will promote the development of the University;

(o) To establish chairs in the University and to provide fellowships for qualified faculty members and scholarships to deserving students;

(p) To delegate any of its power and duties provided for hereinabove to the President and/or other officials of the University as it may deem appropriate so as to expedite the administration of the affairs of the University;

(q) To authorize an external management of the institution, to be financed by the CHED, to institute reforms including academic and structural changes, on the basis of the audit results and recommendations;

(r) To collaborate with other governing boards of the state colleges and universities within the province or region, under the supervision of the CHED and in consultation with the Department of Budget and Management, the restructuring of the University to become more efficient, relevant, productive and competitive;

(s) To enter into joint ventures with business and industry for the profitable development and management of the economic assets of the University, the proceeds of which shall be used for the development and strengthening of the University;

(t) To develop consortia and other economic forms of linkages with local government units, institutions and agencies, both public and private, local and foreign, in the furtherance of the purpose and objectives of the University;

(u) To develop academic arrangements for institution capability building with appropriate institutions and agencies, public and private, local and foreign, and to appoint experts/specialists as consultants, or visiting or exchange professors, scholars, or researchers as the case may be;

(v) To set up the adoption of modern and innovative modes of transmitting knowledge such as the use of information technology, the dual system open learning, community laboratory, etc. for the promotion of greater access to education;

(w) To establish policy guidelines and procedures for participative decision-making and transparency within the University;

(x) To privatize, where most advantageous to the institution, management and non-academic services such as health, food, building or grounds or property maintenance and such other similar activities; and

(y) To extend the term of the president of the University beyond the age of retirement but not later than the age of seventy (70), whose performance the search committee has unanimously rated as outstanding and upon recommendation for the president of the University: Provided, That the said extension shall be applicable also to chancellors of the five (5) campuses with meritorious and outstanding performances as rated.

Sec. 8. The Board shall regularly convene at least once every quarter. However, the chairman of the Board may, upon three (3)- day prior written notice, call a special meeting whenever necessary.
A quorum of the Board shall consist of majority of all its members holding office at the time of the meeting: Provided, however, That the chairman of the Board or the president of the University is among those present in the meeting.

In the absence of the chairman of the CHED, a commissioner of the CHED, duly designated by him/her, shall represent him/her in the meeting with all the rights and responsibilities of a regular member: Provided, however, That in the said meeting, the president of the University as vice-chairman shall be the presiding officer.

The members of the Board shall not receive any salary but shall be entitled to reimbursements for actual and necessary expenses incurred, either in their attendance to meeting or in connection with other official business authorized by resolution of the Board, subject to existing laws and regulations.

Sec. 9. The University shall be headed by the president who shall render full time service. He shall be appointed by the Board, upon recommendation of a duly constituted search committee. He shall have a term of four (4) years and shall be eligible for reappointment for another term: Provided, That the chancellors of the five (5) campuses of SLSUs shall be given priority consideration by the search committee, if qualified.

The president shall be assisted by a vice-president for academic and technology affairs and vice-president for administrative affairs who shall be appointed by the Board upon the recommendation of the president without prejudice to the appointment of more than two vice-presidents when so warranted.

In case of vacancy by reason of death, resignation, removal for cause or incapacity of the president to perform the functions of this office, the Board shall have the authority to designate an officer-in-charge pending the appointment of new president.

In case of vacancy in the office of the president as mentioned in the immediately preceding paragraph, this successor shall hold office for the unexpired term.
The powers and duties of the president of the University, in addition to those specifically provided in this Act, shall be those usually pertaining to the office of the president of similar universities.
The powers and duties of the president of the University shall be in accordance with the Revised Compensation and Position Classification System and shall be comparable to that being received by the presidents of similar educational institutions of like standing.

Sec. 10. The University campuses shall be headed by chancellors who shall render full time service. They shall be appointed by the Board upon recommendation of the University president: Provided, That the incumbent campus head be appointed as the first chancellor.

Sec. 11. There shall be an administrative council consisting of the president of the University as chairman, the vice-presidents, the deans, directors and other officials of equal rank whose duty is to review and recommend to the Board of Regents policies governing the management, administration and development planning of the University for appropriate action by the Board.

Sec. 12. There should be an academic council with president of the University as chairman and all members of the academic staff with the rank of not lower than assistant professor as members.

The academic council shall have the power to review and recommend the curricular offerings and rules of discipline of the University subject for the appropriate action by the Board of Regents. It shall fix the requirements for the admission of students as well as for graduation and conferment of degrees, subject to review and/or approval by the Board of Regent through the president of the University. It shall have the disciplinary power over students of the University through the president within the limits prescribed by the rules of discipline as approved by the Board of Regents.

Sec. 13. The University shall provide a scholarship affirmative action program to assist poor but deserving students to qualify for admission to the University.

No student shall be denied admission to the University by reason of sex, religion, cultural or community affiliation or ethnic origin.
Sec. 14. The University shall enjoy academic freedom.

Sec. 15. The Board shall appoint a secretary who shall serve as such for both the Board and University and shall keep all records and proceedings of the Board. He/She shall communicate to each member of the Board the notices of meetings.

Sec. 16. The Treasurer of the Philippines shall be the ex officio treasurer of the University.

Sec. 17. In order to ensure the smooth transition to a university, the incumbent President of the Southern Leyte State College of Science and Technology, if qualified shall serve as the first President of the University subject to the provision of Section 9 on the University president.

Sec. 18. On or before the fifteenth (15th) day of the second month after the opening of the regular classes each year, the Board shall file with both Houses of Congress a detailed report on the progress, conditions and needs of the University.

Sec. 19. All assets, fixed and movable, personnel and records of Southern Leyte State College of Science and Technology, Tomas Oppus Normal College, Ruperto K. Kangleon Memorial Agro-Fishery Technical Institute, San Juan Polytechnic College and Southern Leyte Institute of Agricultural Technology, all in the Province of Southern Leyte, as well as liabilities or obligations are hereby transferred to the University: Provided, however, That the provision on right and security of tenure of faculty members and personnel therein employed under existing laws prior to absorption by the University are not impaired: Provided further, That the incumbents of the positions who satisfy the qualification standards of the Civil Service Commission shall remain in the same status while those deficient in qualification standards shall be given positions of equal salaries either with faculty ranks or administrative items as otherwise provided for by the Board. All parcels of land belonging to the government occupied by the Southern Leyte State College of Science and Technology, Tomas Oppus Normal College, Ruperto K. Kangleon Memorial Agro-Fishery Technical Institute, San Juan Polytechnic College and Southern Leyte Institute Agricultural Technology are hereby declared to be property of the Southern Leyte State University System and shall be titled under that name: Provided, That should the University cease to exist or be abolished or should such parcels of land aforementioned be no longer needed by the University, the same shall revert to the province, municipalities or cities where they are located.

Sec. 20. The heads of the bureaus and offices of the national government are hereby authorized to loan or transfer, upon the request of the president of the University such apparatus, equipment or supplies as may be needed by the University and to detail employees for duty therein when, in the judgment of the head of bureau or office such apparatus, equipment, supplies or services of such employees can be spared without serious detriment to the public service. The employees so detailed shall perform such duties as required of them by the president of the University and the time so employed shall be counted as part of their official service.

Sec. 21. It shall be the continuing policy of the University to accept the affiliation and/or integration within its operation of any existing national school whose program can contribute largely and effectively to the attainment of its objectives: Provided, however, That in case of integration, the chairperson of the CHED is hereby authorized to determine and approve the specific existing national schools that are to be integrated as part of the University. In this particular case, it is understood that all funds, personnel, properties and assets, as well as obligations of the integrated school shall be transferred to the University.

Sec. 22. Appropriations. - The Board of Regents of the University shall immediately prepare its programs to operationalize the Southern Leyte State University System, the initial funding of which shall be charged against the current year's appropriations of the Southern Leyte State College of Science and Technology, the Tomas Oppus Normal College, the Ruperto K. Kangleon Memorial Agro-Fishery Technical Institute, the San Juan Polytechnic College and the Southern Leyte Institute of Agricultural Technology, except the sums needed to continue the operations of the existing high schools. Thereafter, such sums as may be necessary for the continued operation and maintenance of the Southern Leyte State University System shall be included in the annual General Appropriations Act.

Sec. 23. Within the period of one hundred twenty (120) days after the approval of this Act, the University shall accomplish the following:

(a) Submit a five (5)-year development plan, including its corresponding program budget to the CHED for corresponding recommendation to DBM;

(b) Undergo a management audit in cooperation with CHED; and

(c) Accordingly set up its organizational, administrative as well as academic structure, including the appointment of the University key officials.

Sec. 24. Members of the faculty of the University at the tertiary level shall be exempt from any civil service examination as a requisite for appointment, without prejudice to the right of the Board to impose other professional examination requirements intended to maintain high academic standards.

Sec. 25. The provisions of Republic Act No. 8292, otherwise known as the "Higher Education Modernization Act of 1997", shall form part of this act and together shall serve as the governing charter of the University.

Sec. 26. All other powers, functions and privileges, responsibilities and limitations to State universities and/or their officials under existing laws shall be deemed granted to or imposed upon the University and/or its officials whenever appropriate.

Sec. 27. Repealing Clause. - All laws, presidential decrees, executive orders, rules and regulations contrary to or inconsistent with the provisions of this Act are hereby repealed or modified accordingly.

Sec. 28. Effectivity. - This Act shall take effect upon its approval.


Approved,

Republic of the Philippines
House of Representatives
Quezon City


Twelfth Congress
1st Regular Session

House Bill No. 418



Introduced by ANICETO G. SALUDO, JR.


 

EXPLANATORY NOTE
 

Southern Leyte is fast developing into a progressive province. It is becoming the center point of people coming from Cebu, Tacloban and Mindanao. It also has undertaken various development strategies to be able to graduate from the list of the Twenty Depressed Provinces in the country. In order for these strategies to work, the educational system in the province should likewise be improved and systematized.

This Bill proposes the integration of the existing state institutions for higher learning in the province to have a systematic and specialized system of operation particularly in the course offering, research, extension, and productive activities. The specialization will help in the optimum utilization of resources of these educational institutions in various parts of the province and at the same time bring better educational opportunities available to the people.

By having quality education more accessible to the people especially in rural communities, the influx of migration from rural to urban communities will be minimized. With more educated professionals and technical people in these communities, it is hoped that more development efforts will take place. For these reasons, the establishment of the Southern Leyte State University System is regarded with utmost urgency.

Immediate approval of this Bill is earnestly requested.



ANICETO G. SALUDO, JR.
 

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