On June 3, 2008, the sub-committee on oversight of the Committee on Social Services conducted deliberation on CIBAC Party List's resolution calling for an inquiry on the implementation, observance and enforcement of the Magna Carta for disabled persons (RA 7277) as amended by RA 9442 to determine additional measures to further strengthen and enhance laws for persons with disabilities. Representatives from the government's line agencies and the National Council for Disability Affairs were present during the hearing where each gave their support to the resolution filed by Rep. Villanueva.

Almost a year ago, I filed House Resolution No. 47. It was a resolution hoping to officially and formally express the solidarity of the House of Representatives with the nation in the celebration of the National Disability Prevention and Rehabilitation Week which was to be celebrated from July 17 to 23 last year. At the same time, it was also a resolution that called for a legislative inquiry on the implementation, observance and enforcement of Republic Act No. 7277 or the Magna Carta for Disabled Persons as amended by R.A. No. 9442.

Though it is saddening to note that it took the House almost a year to act on proposed House Resolution No. 47, the fact that this resolution is now before this committee for deliberation is encouraging.

The House of Representatives has embarked on a new reality show, dubbed Congress TV or “Bahay ni Nogie” that will broadcast live on cable television and on the Internet all the committee and plenary sessions.

“It will have no scripts. No makeups. No special effects. Just raw and live broadcast of what is going on in the House of Representatives,” Speaker Prospero Nograles said.

This is part of Nograles’ commitment to turn the Chamber into a true “House of the People” by being more transparent in conducting its affairs. It is also meant to encourage members to actively participate in committee and plenary deliberations.

“Apart from keeping the public abreast of what is going on in the Chamber, this would also dissuade lawmakers from malingering,” Nograles said. 

Umiiwas si Pangulong Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo na maipit sa banggaan ng GSIS at Meralco kaya ibinigay nito sa National Economic Development Authority (NEDA) ang kanyang responsibilidad na mamagitan sa Government Service Insurance System (GSIS) at Manila Electric Company (Meralco) upang makapaghugas ito ng kamay kapag hindi bumaba ang presyo ng kuryente.

Ganito inilarawan ni CIBAC party-list Rep. Joel Villanueva ang pagbuo ni Pangulong Arroyo ng core group NEDA para mamagitan sa GSIS at Meralco. “Pontio Pilato lang ang gumagawa ng ganyan. Para kapag nabigo sila na maibaba ang presyo ng kuryente, ang NEDA ang sisisihin,” pahayag ni Villanueva.

Ayon sa mambabatas, ngayon pa lamang ay hindi na kayang tuparin ni Arroyo ang pangako nitong ibaba ang presyo ng kuryente sa bansa kaya maaga itong umiwas sa usapin.

Citizens Battle Against Corruption (CIBAC) Rep. Joel Villanueva said the continued big revenue losses incurred by the Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR) may jeopardize Margarito Teves’ bid of retaining his post as Finance secretary.