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23/01/2024

LOOK | PCSO GM Robles defied OGCC legal opinion and arrogated BBM’s power to himself on E-Lotto scheme-Barbers"

Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office General Manager Mel Robles has blatantly defied the Office of Government Corporate Counsel’s (OGCC) legal opinion and arrogated upon himself the power of the President in approving and implementing the agency’s online Lotto betting scheme, Surigao del Norte Rep. Robert Ace Barbers said.

Barbers, chair of the House Committee on Dangerous Drugs, said the currently scandal-ridden PCSO contracted the services of a third party, the Pacific Online Systems Corporation (POSC) bereft of a public bidding and despite non-approval of the OGCC.

He said that for a one-year test-run, the PCSO and POSC executed a memorandum of agreement (MOA) whereby PCSO granted POSC 14% commission based on the generated daily sales, instead of reasonable return or reimbursement of its operating costs.

“These are all prohibited transactions made by the PCSO under Mr. Robles’ helm. The contract with POSC was done without bidding; with great advantage in the 14% commission to the favored party (POSC), and worse, without the approval of the Office of the Government Corporate Counsel, and implemented without the prior approval of the Office of the President, as required by law,” Barbers said.

“Clearly, the PCSO violated laws under its own charter, blatantly defied the OGCC’s legal opinion on the E-Lotto scheme, and Mr. Robles virtually arrogating upon himself President Marcos Jr.’s powers to approve it prior to its implementation,” he stressed.

The solon from Mindanao said recent series of events raised doubts on the integrity of the PCSO, and they include the publication of a poorly-edited photo of an alleged Lotto winner; the P236 million Lotto draw where 433 bettors won at the same time; more than a billion pesos have been on in a span of three weeks, with one bettor winning, and the use of the un-approved new E-Lotto platform. “Only in the Philippines, indeed.”

“Now, people apparently distrust the whole system. Without them betting, how can PCSO raise funds for the poor Juan dela Cruz who needs medicine, food and government care? PCSO’s credibility is now tainted because of poor management,” Barbers said.

In Resolution 1547, has asked the Committee on Public Accounts to investigate the legality of the PCSO-POSC contract despite non-approval thereof of the OGCC and without the President’s approval prior to its implementation.

Citing the OGCC legal opinion on the issue, he said the former found very damaging and damning evidence of graft and other violations by the PCSO, to the great disadvantage of the government.

These include violation of Section 1 of RA 1169 (PCSO Charter) as amended, which prohibits PCSO from holding and conducting lotteries “in collaboration, association or joint venture with any person or company ###”.

“Jurisprudence on the same matter further prohibited the PCSO from investing in a business engaged in sweepstakes, lotteries and other similar activities, whether in collaboration or joint venture with others. This prohibition did not deter GM Mel Robles of PCSO from contracting with POSC for the e-lotto platform,” Barbers said.

Instead of conducting a public bidding, PCSO directly contracted with POSC, in violation of the Government Procurement Act and its Revised IRR on Direct Contracting, as the proposal did not fall within the exceptions enumerated in the Revised IRR; ex*****on of a PCSO-POSC MOA granting POSC 14% commission based on the generated daily sales, instead of reasonable return or reimbursement of its operating costs.

“This Agreement makes the Board and officials of the PCSO liable under the Anti-Graft and Corrupt Practices Act, RA 3019, for giving unwarranted benefit, advantage or preference to POSC during the test-run period. Since the platform is merely experimental, there appears to be no justifiable reason for the grant of 14% commission, based on the sale and marketing of game tickets,” he said.

Barbers said as required under Section 10 of RA 1169, the Web-based Application Betting Platform (WABP/E-LOTTO) must have the approval of the Office of the President for its implementation. “There was none. What GM Robles read in the Senate hearing was an approval by the Office of the President of a betting platform …. In 2021, on another matter and signed by Executive Secretary Medialdea. This was way before the e-lotto was conceptualized and implemented in 2023. Robles seems to have made a fool out of some Senators,” he said.

In June 1954, RA 1169 or the PCSO Charters was enacted. Since then, PCSO remained an indispensable charity arm of the government, frequently summoned to fund essential health and welfare projects nationwide. In 1995, in order to raise more funds and finance more health and welfare projects, PCSO launched the first on-line lottery, better known as the lotto. The people welcomed it and patronized it, raising much needed revenues for charity programs.

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23/01/2024

TINGNAN: Pormal na isinumite ng ang Year One Report nito sa House of Representatives of the Philippines at kay Speaker Martin Romualdez. Ngayong araw naman magrereport sa Senado ang Komisyon. Kasama sa pagsusumite sina Co-Chair Rep. Roman Romulo at Co-Chair Congressman Mark Go at si Komisyoner Cong. Kiko Benitez, si Executive Director Dr. Karol Mark Yee, Chief Legal Officer Atty. Joseph Noel Estrada, at mga miyembro ng Advisory Council at Standing Committees.

Ayon sa RA 11899, kabilang sa functions ng Komisyon ay: "Report to Congress its accomplishments on a periodic basis, its findings and recommendations on actions to be taken by Congress, the departments, and other government agencies concerned with education, and provide a final report at the end of the existence of the Commission."

23/01/2024

23/01/2024

READ | "BARBERS SLAMS CHED FOR ALLEGED OSG INCLUSION IN PAYROLL"

Surigao del Norte Representative Robert Ace Barbers today lauded the order of the Office of the President suspending CHED Commissioner Adrin Darilag and ordering an investigation on charges of grave misconduct against said Commissioner.

Barbers however said that the investigation should not only be confined to Darilag but should extend to all CHED Commissioners including its Chairman even of there are no pending charges against them.

“I am elated at the swift action of the Office of the President. This shows our President’s resolve to rid our government agencies of corrupt, incompetent and undeserving officials. They are being paid by the people and it is very embarrasing when they do not perform their duties as public servants honestly and beyond reproach”, Barbers said.

“Investigations should not be limited to those with pending cases. All actions and pronouncements of the other Commissioners including its Chairman should also be reviewed to find out whether they are acting with competence in the discharge of their duties. If there are questionable rulings, opinions, actions manifesting gross ignorance of the laws and evident partiality, they must be meted with penalties allowed by law and replaced immediately should they cling to their posts and refuse to resign”, Barbers said.

“I have voiced my observation and displeasure at some highly questionable actions of the Commission. I was right about Commissioner Libre. But there are other actions of the Commission that need to be reviewed such as its alleged engagement for a fee of the Office of the Solicitor General to render legal advise and opinions on matters concerning interpretations of RA 8292 and such other laws governing the Commission. This was proudly revealed and announced by ex-Commissioner Libre in one of the SUC board meetings he presided over last December. Yet despite the presence of two OSG lawyers in the board meeting, the question on the prohibition of elected officials to be appointed in other government positions in any capacity couldn’t be addressed, when an elected barangay kagawad continued to sit as member of the governing board of that SUC. More importantly, when asked if the term limit of eight years for SUC Presidents has been amended already, both CHED and the OSG lawyers could not categorically reply. It seems that at least in that instance, CHED tried to evade responsibility in taking an official position and delegated that function to the OSG which is to my thinking, highly irregular at the least”, Barbers said.

“If this is now the practice of CHED as announced by Libre, it renders the legal department of CHED totally useless and puts in question the propriety if not legality of engaging the OSG as the agency’s legal team, in the absence of actual controversy in our courts”, Barbers said.

“Is this alleged practice allowed, if ever? The OSG has its hands full as the lawyers of the government in cases where the government is hailed to courts or made to state an official legal position. If all agencies can hire the services of the OSG in substitution of their legal departments and included in their payrolls, there will be nobody left defending the government in courts. And this alleged practice violates the Constitution and the laws on double compensation and conflict of interest to say the least. The OSG could be tying its hands or be estopped should an actual controvery arise”, Barbers added.

“In meetings of the governing board of an SUC under my jurisdiction, the lawyers from OSG were present and the CHED Commisioners who presided as Chairmen made the OSG lawyers to comment on legal questions. Is this normal? They have disregarded their legal department whose head and staff may now enjoy holidays and travels abroad and other extra legal affairs”, Barbers said.

“Nagtatanong lang po ako kung totoo itong mga sinabi ni ex-Commissioner Libre. Hindi pala libre ang serbisyo ng OSG sa CHED”, Barbers said. | Via Rene Tichangco

23/01/2024

READ | "On the Senate’s statement on People’s Initiative
Rep. Joey Sarte Salceda"

The People’s Initiative is a valid mode of amending the Constitution. Neither the Senate nor the House can deny this. That is why, despite its broad powers to legislate, the Senate can issue only a statement against the People’s Initiative. Ultimately, over and above the House and the Senate, the people are supreme and sovereign.

Once the signature campaign crosses the 12% threshold for registered voters nationwide, and 3% per district, the Constitution should operate, and a plebiscite to bring the matter to the people directly is in order.

I do want to address the Senate resolution’s issue with foreign ownership of land. When we “protect” our restrictive land policies, do we really intend to protect a failure?

Are we protecting our farms, or starving it of capital? We have the lowest farm mechanization among all major ASEAN economies (1.2 horsepower per hectare versus 1.6 percent on average).

Are we protecting our farmers or keeping them poor? Over 42% of agricultural households are poor, versus 11 percent for non-agricultural households. That means our non-agricultural households alone are already at the same poverty rate as rich countries like Germany and Canada.

Are we protecting our agriculture sector or keeping it stunted? The agriculture sector GVA growth has been stuck at an average of 0.46 percent per year, even as the annual growth rate of the population has been at 1.5 percent. If we keep at this rate, we will depend more on imported food every year, or starve.

The world’s best countries for agricultural efficiency – Israel and Netherlands – impose no restrictions on foreign ownership of private land. And these are very small countries with limited land supply. As a result of keeping the tap open, the flow of foreign capital and technology in their agriculture is steady.

We have already tried some of the most radically nativist land policies the world has ever known – from comprehensive land reform, to near-total restrictions on the foreign ownership of land, to heavy tariffs against agricultural imports, to restrictions in land consolidation. Nothing has worked to actually feed our people and lift farmers out of poverty.

Perhaps we should try freedom: The freedom of the people to amend their constitution. The freedom of farmers to work with foreign capital and technology. The freedom of Filipinos to invest in the agriculture sector.

Frankly, to address the heart of the matter, so what if a foreigner buys land? As long as he buys it at a fair price and invests to make it productive. I would rather allow the foreigner to do agriculture here, than import cheaper food abroad with hard-earned OFW dollars. We Filipinos are already among the largest landowners in Australia and that country does not complain.

We should not be afraid of the popular will. The House is not, and the Senate, as a bastion of democracy, should not be. | Via Rene Tichangco

23/01/2024

23/01/2024

READ| STATEMENT OF HOUSE MAJORITY LEADER MANUEL JOSE “MANNIX” M. DALIPE

With profound disappointment, the House of Representatives addresses the recent statements from Senate Majority Leader Joel Villanueva.

His assertion that "a lot of senators are not interested anymore in pushing for" Resolution of Both Houses (RBH) No. 6—an essential measure aimed at convening a constitutional assembly to amend the 1987 Constitution—raises serious concerns.

These claims, grounded in allegations linking the House leadership to the people's initiative, are not only baseless but also regrettably cast a shadow over the collaborative efforts required for constitutional reforms.

If Senator Villanueva's assertion holds true, it is disheartening that certain senators perceive ghosts without substantial evidence. Unjustly implicating Speaker Ferdinand Martin G. Romualdez in relation to the people's initiative only serves to foster unwarranted doubts and distractions.

Furthermore, if Senator Villanueva's assertions are accurate, it is indeed regrettable that President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. has been fed with false information, having been led to believe that the Senate had already pledged its support for constitutional economic reforms, as earlier announced by Senate President Juan Miguel Zubiri.

Speaker Romualdez has even extended a welcoming hand in response to the Senate's favorable pronouncement on constitutional economic reforms, highlighting a collaborative approach for the greater good of the Filipino people.

Amidst this disturbing development, it is worth noting that over the past 36 years, the Senate has unfortunately blocked repeatedly efforts to amend the outdated 1987 Constitution and depriving the Filipino people of a better Philippines.

It is crucial that we set aside our differences and unite in our efforts to bring about meaningful constitutional reforms that will positively impact our nation. | Via Rene Tichangco

23/01/2024

23/01/2024

Ngayong araw sa kasaysayan taong 1899, ang Unang Republika ng Pilipinas, na kilala rin bilang Republika ng Malolos, ay pinasinayaan sa Malolos, Bulacan kasama si Heneral Emilio Aguinaldo bilang Pangulo

https://kahimyang.com/kauswagan/articles/895/today-in-philippine-history-january-23-1899-the-malolos-republic-was-inaugurated-in-malolos-bulacan

23/01/2024

𝗧𝗛𝗘 𝗣𝗘𝗢𝗣𝗟𝗘'𝗦 𝗦𝗘𝗡𝗔𝗧𝗘: The Senate stood united in protecting the Philippines' democracy. Led by Senate President Juan Miguel "Migz" F. Zubiri, all 24 senators crossed party lines to sign on Tuesday, January 23, 2024, a strongly-worded manifesto opposing attempts to undermine the country's democratic processes under the guise of a people's initiative. "The Senate once again stands as a bastion of democracy, as it rejects this brazen attempt to violate the Constitution, the country, and our people," the manifesto stated. "This Senate of the People will not allow itself to be silenced," it stressed. (Kyle Venturillo/OSHontiveros/Senate Social Media Unit)

23/01/2024

READ | "House approves 54th LEDAC bill"

THE House of Representatives today approved on 3rd and final reading the proposed Philippine Self-Reliant Defense Posture Program, the 54th Legislative-Executive Development Advisory Council (LEDAC) measure out of 57 bills passed by the leadership of Speaker Ferdinand Martin G. Romualdez, to serve as the government’s tool to develop the country’s national defense industry.

The three remaining LEDAC measures awaiting final approval are: amendments to the Electric Power Industry Reform Act, which is under technical working group finalization; and Budget Modernization Bill, and National Defense Act, which are under committee consideration.

Voting 194 against three and zero abstentions, the chamber approved on third reading House Bill (HB) No. 9713, which aims to support the country’s defense force through military and civilian partnership and local production of materiel, which refers to military technology, materials and equipment including arms and ammunition and combat clothing.

“The bill provides that the concept of self-reliance shall be manifested in the continued preference on local production of materiel, when feasible, for the country’s defense forces through the partnership between the military and civilian establishments,” Speaker Ferdinand Martin G. Romualdez said.

“Recourse to importation will only be resorted to for requirements that cannot be locally produced. The bill essentially provides for government support to the technical and financial needs of civilian manufacturers materiel,” he added. “The aim is to develop the defense capability of the country and rationalize defense acquisition.”

Section 6 of the proposed law allows in-country enterprises engaged or proposing to engage in the manufacture, servicing, and operation of materiel for the government to be registered with the Board of Investments and avail of incentives under the National Internal Revenue Code.

Section 14, meanwhile creates the Office of the Undersecretary for Defense Technology Research and Industry Development, which will manage a databank for analysis, research, and development for defense industry promotion.

The bill also seeks to establish the Self-Reliant Defense Posture Trust Fund. This fund will come from the savings generated from the annual net income of the government arsenal, shares of the government revenues from proceeds of reclamation projects determined by the President, grants and donations, and other sources as may be determined by the Department of National Defense (DND).

Reps. Raul "Boboy" Tupas, Albert Garcia, Ralph Recto, Arnan Panaligan, Mercedes Alvarez, Florida "Rida" Robes, John Tracy Cagas, Loreto Acharon, Divina Grace Yu, Jeyzel Victoria Yu, Rufus Rodriguez, Noel "B**g" Rivera, Shernee Tan-Tambut, Samier Tan, Fernando Cabredo, Keith Micah "Atty. Mike" Tan, Ma. Cynthia Chan, Eleanor Bulut-Begtang, Ernesto Dionisio Jr., Drixie Mae Cardema, Zia Alonto Adiong, Jorge "Patrol" Bustos, Jonathan Keith Flores, Jose Alvarez, and Lex Anthony Cris Colada introduced the bill. | Via Rene Tichangco

23/01/2024

The government aims to establish an additional 179 medical specialty centers before the end of President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.’s term of office with seven centers dedicated to lung care centers through the Regional Specialty Center Act.

Read: https://pco.gov.ph/PBBM-eyes-to-establish-179-specialty-centers-by-2028

23/01/2024

Ace York Caesar Asturias Aguilar (November 20, 1954 – December 15, 2007), better known as Ace Vergel, was a Filipino actor dubbed "The Original Bad Boy of Philippine Movies". He was the son of the late film actors Alicia Vergel and César Ramírez, and brother of actress Beverly Vergel.

23/01/2024

The Department of Justice (DOJ) reiterates its consistent stance on matters pertaining to the International Criminal Court (ICC). Having withdrawn from the ICC, the Philippines has no legal duty to comply with any obligations or proceedings thereunder
As a sovereign nation with a robust and functional justice system capable of addressing internal issues without external interference, the Philippine government has shown that it is ready, willing, and able to investigate and prosecute any crime committed within its territory.

As such, any presence of international bodies, such as the ICC, within our jurisdiction must be in accordance with our Constitution and relevant laws. Prior consent and approval of relevant Departments, including the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA), Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG), and the DOJ must be obtained before any foreign entities can conduct official activities within our territory.

As of today, the DOJ has not received any official communication or confirmation regarding the presence of the ICC within the country. Specifically, the DOJ has not received any advisory from the DFA that the ICC has indeed entered the Philippines, a requirement that would trigger the interdepartmental coordination concerning developments that go to the very core of our sovereignty and the primacy of our Constitution and our laws.

The DOJ is fully aware of the Supreme Court’s ruling in Pangilinan et al. vs Cayetano et al. (G.R. No. 238875) pertaining to supposed crimes committed before the withdrawal of the Philippines from the ICC. We note that the ruling was a mere obiter dictum or the court’s incidental expression of opinion not essential to the decision and not establishing precedent.

The DOJ is committed to upholding the principles of justice and the rule of law. The protection of the rights of our people regardless of color, race, beliefs, or creed remains and continues to be the cornerstone of our mandate. “Gumagana ang sistema natin. Our system works. Hindi namin papabayaan and mga biktima. Ipagtatanggol natin ang karapatan ng bawat Pilipino,” remarked the Secretary of Justice.

23/01/2024

Sylvester Stallone & Arnold Schwarzenegger 1990_2023 🥰😘

23/01/2024

LOOK | Speaker Ferdinand Martin G. Romualdez administers the oath to Misamis Occidental 2nd District Rep. Sancho Fernando "Ando" Oaminal as new Lakas-CMD member during simple rites held Tuesday afternoon at the Social Hall of the Speaker's in the House of Representatives. Witnessing the event are Majority Leader Manuel Jose "Mannix" Dalipe and Agusan Del Norte Rep. Jose "Joboy" Aquino.| Via Rene Tichangco

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23/01/2024

READ | Statement of Speaker Ferdinand Martin G. Romualdez on the People’s Initiative

In response to the discourse surrounding the People's Initiative, I wish to restate the House of Representatives' commitment to this essential democratic process. The People’s Initiative stands as a direct expression of the people’s will, providing a means for citizens to propose constitutional amendments. The House does not endorse or sanction direct participation by its members in signature gathering, ensuring the process's integrity and independence remains intact.

I vehemently denounce any allegations of bribery or unethical practices in persuading citizens to sign the petition for the People’s Initiative. Such actions, if true, would violate the initiative's spirit of honest and voluntary participation and erode our democratic foundations.

Echoing my previous statements, the entry of foreign capital and direct investments is crucial for our economy. It necessitates a reexamination of the Constitution, particularly its economic provisions, to remove growth barriers. The recent collaboration with the Senate, led by Senate President Juan Miguel Zubiri and the filing of Resolution of Both Houses No. 6, reflects a unified commitment to constitutional reform. This joint effort underscores our resolve to establish a reformed, responsive, and result-oriented constitutional framework. We envision an economy open to the investments needed to generate businesses, jobs, and livelihoods for Filipinos.

While the House respects and supports the People’s Initiative as an independent, citizen-driven process, our role is to facilitate and encourage democratic participation without direct involvement in signature collection. We are committed to ensuring that proposals are processed in accordance with legal and constitutional guidelines, maintaining the integrity of our Constitution in subsequent legislative actions.

The House of Representatives stands committed to providing a transparent and accountable framework to support the People’s Initiative, ensuring that it remains a true representation of the people's collective will. We are here to support and respect the outcomes of this process, affirming the People’s Initiative as the purest form of democracy. | Via Rene Tichangco

23/01/2024

23/01/2024

𝗔𝗡𝗚𝗔𝗥𝗔 𝗟𝗔𝗨𝗗𝗦 𝗗𝗟𝗦𝗨 𝗙𝗢𝗥 𝗜𝗧𝗦 𝗚𝗘𝗡𝗘𝗥𝗢𝗦𝗜𝗧𝗬: Sen. Sonny Angara, during the plenary session on Tuesday, January 23, 2024, sponsored a resolution commending De La Salle University (DLSU) for its contribution to the Second Congressional Commission on Education (EDCOM2). According to Angara, the resolution recognizes DLSU's role in partnering with EDCOM on its research and studies. “DLSU generosity has allowed EDCOM to devote its resources to other aspects,” Angara said. (Bibo Nueva España/Senate PRIB)

23/01/2024

𝗣𝗔𝗗𝗜𝗟𝗟𝗔 𝗧𝗛𝗔𝗡𝗞𝗦 𝗖𝗢𝗟𝗟𝗘𝗔𝗚𝗨𝗘𝗦 𝗙𝗢𝗥 𝗗𝗘𝗙𝗘𝗡𝗗𝗜𝗡𝗚 𝗧𝗛𝗘 𝗖𝗢𝗡𝗦𝗧𝗜𝗧𝗨𝗧𝗜𝗢𝗡: Sen. Robinhood Padilla thanked his fellow senators for defending the Philippine Constitution against attempts to undermine it through the so-called people’s initiative. During the plenary session on Tuesday, January 23, 2024, Padilla particularly cited the proposal to have the Senate and the House of Representatives vote jointly in amending the Constitution. He insisted that such a move is a violation of Article VI of the Constitution, specifically regarding the power of the legislative department, including their respective voting powers. (Joseph Vidal/Social Media Unit)

23/01/2024

Upon the instruction of Speaker Ferdinand Martin Romualdez, the Committees on Ways and Means and Senior Citizens and Special Committee on Persons with Disability today resumed its motu proprio inquiry on the implementation gaps in laws and policies providing discounts, incentives, and tax exemption to senior citizens and persons with disabilities.

During the hearing, Albay 2nd district Representative and Committee on Ways and Means chair Joey Salceda read the names of the various establishments and companies which were reported to the National Council on Disability Affairs (NCDA) for not granting the prescribed 20 percent discount and 12 percent VAT tax exemption as stipulated in the Magna Carta for Disabled Persons and Republic Act No. 7432.

In the spirit of fairness, representatives from Jollibee, McDonald’s, Grab, Food Panda, Angkas, SM Hypermarket, among other establishments mentioned by Rep. Salceda shall be invited in the next hearing to allow them to explain the reasons for such violations.

Speaker Romualdez earlier directed the House to scrutinize the compliance of business establishments and service providers of laws granting privileges and benefits to the senior citizens and PWDs. He also urged local authorities and government agencies to step up and ensure the proper and effective implementation of of these policies.

23/01/2024

READ | "House assured on expressway RFID discount for senior citizens, PWDs"

THE House of Representatives under Speaker Ferdinand Martin G. Romualdez Today received an assurance that millions of senior citizens and persons with disability (PWDs) would soon enjoy a 20-percent discount on the use of expressways and skyways in Metro Manila, southern Luzon,
and northern Luzon.

The committee on ways and means, committee on senior citizens, and the special committee on PWDs was given the commitment by a representative of San Miguel Corp. (SMC) during the continuation of their investigation into gaps and confusion in the implementation of laws on discounts and benefits for the elderly, PWDs and solo parents.

Speaker Romualdez ordered the inquiry upon receiving complaints that many business establishments have not been honoring the mandated privileges.

Former public works undersecretary Rafael Yabut, who now heads SMC’s infrastructure group, told the committees that they support the grant of the 20-percent discount.

He said they would coordinate with the Toll Regulatory Board (TRB) and other concerned agencies on how to grant it.

Albay Rep. Joey Salceda, who is presiding over the inquiry as ways and means committee chairman, suggested that instead of deducting 20 percent from the cost of an expressway or skyway radio frequency identification (RFID) card or its top-up load, an equivalent amount would be added to the card price or additional load.

“In other words, it would be an add-on. If you buy P5,000, you get P6,000, or P1,000 more, which is equivalent to 20 percent. There is no loss on the part of the expressway/skyway operator,” he said.

He said the vehicle on which the RFID sticker would be attached should be registered under the name of the senior citizen or PWD.

Yabut agreed to the proposal of Salceda, who thanked San Miguel Corp. for its gesture.

SMC operates the Metro Manila and Ninoy Aquino International Airport skyway system, South Luzon Expressway, Southern Tagalog Arterial Road, and Tarlac-Pangasinan-La Union Expressway.

The other toll roads in Luzon are operated by Metro Pacific Corp. These are North Luzon Expressway, Subic-Clark-Tarlac Expressway, Cavite-Laguna Expressway, Cavite Expressway, and NLEX-SLEX Connector.

No one spoke for Metro Pacific during this morning’s hearing.

The three committees also checked on compliance by Philippine Airlines and Cebu Pacific on discounts for senior citizens, PWDs and students.

Representatives of the two airlines said there is an option in their websites for those concerned to avail themselves of the discounts.

Salceda also read a long of list violators of laws on discounts and benefits, which included big malls, drugstores, supermarkets, and food and transportation service providers.

He named Food Panda and Grab among the alleged violators.

Popular bakeshop chain Goldilocks, which Salceda said has been accused of limiting the 20-percent discount “to a slice for every cake purchased,” did not send a representative to the hearing.

Salceda said they will invite them again.

During the three committees’ first hearing last week, Starbucks told the panels it has scrap its “one food item, one beverage” limit on the application of the 20-percent discount and apologized for its “mistake.” | Via Rene Tichangco