IN BRIEF

Makabayan asks SC to reconsider MIF

THE Makabayan bloc has filed a motion for reconsideration, led by ex-Bayan Muna representative Neri Colmenares, to the Supreme Court decision dismissing their petition questioning the swift passage of the Maharlika Investment Fund (MIF) Bill.

“We stand by our assertion that the President’s certification of the measure as urgent did not explicitly spell out any public calamity nor emergency, in violation of Article VI Section 26 (2) of the Constitution,” Colmenares said.

“The controversial bill was also passed on second and third reading on the same day, violating the rules of procedure of the House of Representatives, which state that no bill must be approved on second and third reading on the same day,” he said. Rio N. Araja

Villar cites life-changing medical mission

NOTING that cleft lip and palate remain common birth defects in the Philippines, affecting one in every 1,000 children, Sen. Cynthia Villar has hailed a medical mission to address this concern.

She specifically acknowledged “Operation Restore Hope” on its 30th anniversary of bringing this lifechanging medical mission to underprivileged children with these deformities.

“The condition can have a significant impact on a child’s ability to eat, speak, hear, and socialize normally, leading to low self-esteem and social isolation. That’s why this medical mission, which provides free lip and cleft palate surgeries to underprivileged children, is so important,” the senator said. Macon Ramos-Araneta