Neophyte Party-list Representatives leave indelible impact, champion advocacies in Congress

By Peter Paul Duran

HON. JONATHAN CLEMENT “JC” ABALOS II

4PS: ENHANCING SOCIAL WELFARE PROGRAMS targeting critical infrastructure, which negatively impact trade, government services, and the people, particularly the underprivileged who heavily rely on these services.

AS

THE 19th Congress of the Philippines shifts into high gear, a dynamic group of neophyte party-list representatives has stepped up to the plate to champion their respective advocacies.

These emerging leaders, hailing from diverse sectors and communities, are fueled by a shared determination to drive positive change and tackle the pressing issues their constituents face.

Amidst the intricacies of parliamentary proceedings, these neophyte party-list representatives bring fresh perspectives and innovative ideas to the forefront. Their presence injects a renewed sense of energy and dynamism into the halls of Congress, sparking discussions on critical issues that demand attention. From social justice and environmental sustainability to labor rights and poverty alleviation, these representatives are keen on addressing the multifaceted challenges that confront our nation.

As we share snippets of their meaningful advocacies, we also asked them two important questions for readers to have a deeper appreciation for these new yet invigorated legislators.

What are the key issues that your partylist organization aims to address?

What measures so far have you proposed to address their unique needs and challenges?

HON. BONIFACIO L. BOSITA and HON. RAMON RODRIGO L. GUTIERREZ

1-RIDER: ENSURING RIGHTS AND SAFETY FOR MOTORCYCLE RIDERS

Rep. Bosita and Rep. Gutierrez represent Ang Buklod ng mga Motorista ng Pilipinas or 1-Rider Party List, championing the welfare and causes of riders nationwide, recognizing their vital role in delivering goods, facilitating trade, and ensuring mobility and safety. Their objectives include raising the standard of the transport system, improving its management, delivering sustainable services to the rider community, establishing a 24/7 Motorists Assistance Center, and advocating for legislation that addresses the pressing concerns and promotes the interests of riders. By prioritizing the holistic development and utmost service of the transport sector, the party list aims to elevate its economic competitiveness and enhance the well-being of riders and their families.

Reps. Bosita and Gutierrez of the 1-Rider Party-list are committed to advancing the welfare of riders and their families. Anchored in their RIDE principle, they strive to raise the standard and improve the entire transport system (land, sea, and air) while delivering sustainable services to the rider community. Through their Motorists Assistance Center, they engage with riders 24/7, addressing their concerns and needs. Furthermore, as a legislators, they actively propose bills and measures that promote the interests and welfare of riders, ensuring a thriving environment for all. Together, Reps. Bosita and Gutierrez embody the dedication and commitment of the 1-Rider Party-list in championing the rights and well-being of riders.

As a neophyte in the House of Representatives, the 1-Rider Party-list has been proactive in introducing bills and proposing legislation in the 19th Congress.

Notably, House Bill 3366, titled “An Act Enforcing Fair Traffic Apprehension, Granting for the Purpose Compensation to Drivers of Motor Vehicles for Improper Traffic Apprehensions And Imposing Administrative Sanctions for Erring Traffic Enforcement Personnel,” aims to bring fairness to traffic apprehensions. Similarly, House Bill 5115, titled “An Act Integrating Road Discharge and Safety Education in The Senior High School Curriculum and Appropriating Funds Thereof,” focuses on educating both riders and passengers on road disciplines.

Additionally, House Bill 4545, titled “An Act Protecting the Rights of Consumers in the Purchase of Motorcycles, including its parts and accessories, and helmet,” seeks to safeguard consumers’ rights in motorcycle purchases. These bills are currently undergoing committee hearings for further advocacy and lobbying.

In addition to legislative efforts, the party-list has launched the Motorists Assistance Center, providing round-the-clock support for riders to voice their concerns. Collaborating with institutions like DSWD, DOH, TESDA, as well as building strong relationships with MMDA and LTO, the 1-Rider Party-list is actively working to advance the interests of riders. Through ongoing breakthrough programs, they strive to effectively represent the diverse community of riders across the country.

Rep. Abalos, of the Pagtibayin at Palaguin ang Pangkabuhayang Pilipino (4Ps) Party-list, is dedicated to empowering marginalized sectors and addressing poverty in the Philippines. Their party-list organization aims to help individuals break the cycle of poverty and achieve sustainable socio-economic progress. Rep. Abalos has proposed measures that focus on removing barriers and creating an enabling environment for marginalized individuals to thrive. Through comprehensive support systems and targeted initiatives, the 4Ps Party-list strives to uplift disadvantaged populations, improve their living conditions, and offer tangible solutions for poverty reduction.

The 4Ps Party-list aims to help individuals break the cycle of poverty and achieve sustainable socio-economic progress by proposing measures that remove barriers and create an enabling environment for marginalized individuals to thrive.

Rep. Abalos proposes measures to empower marginalized individuals, remove barriers, and create an enabling environment for socio-economic progress. These measures include addressing women’s issues, tackling discrimination faced by individuals with criminal records, advocating for an Election Day holiday, and increasing conditional cash grants to mitigate the impact of inflation and the pandemic on vulnerable populations.

HON. LEX ANTHONY CRIS A. COLADA AAMBIS-OWA: EMPOWERING VISAYAN FARMERS

Atty. Colada, the First Nominee and Representative of Aambis-Owa Party-List, is a dedicated advocate for Filipino farmers. With a strong track record in the House of Representatives, he has served as the Deputy Minority Leader and sponsored important measures for economic recovery. Atty. Colada, with his diverse background and educational achievements, including a Bachelor of Laws degree, brings valuable experience to his role. He has also made significant contributions as the former President of Iloilo 1 Electric Cooperative, Inc. (ILECO 1). Additionally, Atty. Colada is an accomplished farmer and game fowl breeder, with numerous awards and national championships to his name.

Aambis-Owa focuses on important issues such as food security, the development of Philippine agriculture, affordable and sustainable energy, efficient transportation, quality education, accessible healthcare, environmental preservation, poverty eradication, justice, and fairness.

Since assuming his role as a legislator, Rep. Colada has taken proactive steps to address these needs and challenges. He has filed bills for the development of specific agricultural industries, advocated for tax reform, restructuring of the mining industry, amendments to the EPIRA law, establishment of a nuclear power plant, privatization of PAGCOR, and introduced bills focused on vital agricultural products. Additionally, he actively participates in the national budget allocation for important government programs.

HON. EDVIC G. YAP

Combating Crime And Terrorism

ACT-CIS:

Rep. Yap, the representative of Anti-Crime and Terrorism Community Involvement and Support (ACT-CIS), brings a strong commitment to combat crime and terrorism. With a focus on enhancing law enforcement efforts and ensuring the safety and security of communities, Rep. Yap aims to champion initiatives that promote peace and protect the rights of citizens.

The ACT-CIS Partylist actively represents the face of the common Filipino, spanning across multiple sectors, particularly focusing on the oppressed and underprivileged. Branded as “Kakampi ng mga Inaapi” or “Defenders of the Oppressed,” they continuously advance the interests of marginalized, vulnerable, and underrepresented individuals.

They have authored 139 bills and co-authored 9 bills, addressing a wide range of pressing issues. Notable legislations include the Magna Carta for Barangay Healthcare workers, Security Guards, and Social Workers, as well as the Protection of Caregivers, Media Workers, and Freelance Workers. They have also worked towards increasing grants and benefits for Teachers, Centenarians, Persons with Disabilities, Filipino Athletes, Farmers, and Overseas Filipino Workers.

In pursuit of inclusivity, they also champion the Community-Driven Development Bill, empowering communities through participatory planning and decisionmaking based on their unique conditions. This legislation promotes bottom-up leadership and responsive governance, prioritizing the needs of the basic sectors and fostering consensus-building.

HON. BRYAN B. REVILLA AGIMAT: CHAMPIONING MARGINALIZED SECTORS

Rep. Revilla, representing Agimat Party-List, focuses on addressing key issues such as cybersecurity and information security. He recognizes the increasing cyber threats

To address these unique needs and challenges, he has proposed House Bill No. 8199, known as the Critical Information Infrastructure Protection Act. This bill aims to mandate covered firms, both public and private, to implement minimum information security standards for their ICT systems and enhance the country’s capacity to respond to cyberattacks. Rep. Revilla urges the swift passage of the CIIPA Bill to safeguard critical information infrastructure

HON. WILBERT T. LEE

AGRI: PROMOTING FARMERS’ WELFARE AND AGRICULTURAL REFORMS

Rep. Lee, the Representative of AGRI Party-list (AGRIAGRA Na Reporma Para Sa Magsasaka ng Pilipinas), is a staunch advocate for the agriculture and fisheries sector, fighting for the rights and well-being of marginalized individuals. He prioritizes the advancement of Filipino workers’ welfare, ensuring their access to economic opportunities, food, education, and healthcare. With a remarkable portfolio, he has authored and co-authored 100 bills and actively serves on 24 Congressional Committees. Beyond his public role, Rep. Lee actively promotes food security, youth education, and livelihood opportunities for communities.

AGRI fights for the rights and welfare of farmers, fishermen, and food producers nationwide and aims to address pressing issues in various sectors, including healthcare, education, transportation, and housing. Their goal is to provide all Filipinos, particularly the marginalized, with access to quality government services, empowering them to improve their lives.

They have proposed several key measures to address the needs and challenges of the agriculture sector and marginalized communities. These include the Essential Crop Insurance Act, Agripreneurs Scholarship Program Act, Agriculture Pension Act, Rental Housing Subsidy Act, National Fertilizer Subsidy Act, Kadiwa Agri-Food Terminal Act, Post-Harvest Facilities Support Act, and more.

HON. RAUL ANGELO “JILL” D. BONGALON AKO BICOL: PROGRESS AND LIVELIHOOD OPPORTUNITIES FOR BICOLANOS

Rep. Bongalon represents the hopes and aspirations of Bicolanos as the second nominee of Ako Bicol Partylist, alongside party founder and chairman Rep. Elizaldy S. Co. With a background in youth leadership and a Juris Doctor Degree, he is dedicated to championing the rights and welfare of the Filipino people. As a neophyte in Congress, he holds important positions such as Assistant Majority Leader and Vice Chairperson of key committees.

Rep. Bongalon has authored numerous bills and resolutions focused on poverty alleviation, equal opportunities in education, quality healthcare, and sustainable livelihood. Some notable initiatives include the Media Workers Welfare Act, Universal Social Pension for Senior Citizens, and Amendments to the Universal Access to Quality Tertiary Education. Rep. Bongalon is a champion for every Bicolano in Congress, striving to make a positive impact on their behalf.

HON. RICHELLE SINGSON AKO ILOCANO AKO: CHAMPIONING ILOCANO VIRTUES

Rep. Singson represents Ako Ilocano Ako, a party-list focused on championing the interests of the Ilocano people. Singson aims to advocate for initiatives that promote economic development, cultural preservation, and social progress in the Ilocos region. By highlighting the rich heritage and potential of the Ilocano community, Singson strives to create opportunities and improve the lives of the Ilocano people.

HON. RAY T. REYES

ANAKALUSUGAN:

ENHANCING HEALTHCARE FOR ALL FILIPINOS

Rep. Reyes, representing Alagaan Natin Ating Kalusugan (Anakalusugan), is committed to improving healthcare services and access for all Filipinos. His focus includes addressing health disparities, promoting public health initiatives, and enhancing healthcare infrastructure. He advocates for policies that prioritize the well-being and health of the Filipino people. Anakalusugan Party-list aims to address the gaps in Philippine healthcare, including the shortage of healthcare workers, the slow implementation of the Universal Health Care Act, and the need to amend the EPIRA Law for a rationalized national grid policy in terms of national security. Rep. Reyes has filed House Bill 6631, which proposes the Nursing Scholarship and Return Service program to provide scholarships to deserving students. They are actively coordinating with the Philippine Health Insurance Corporation (PhilHealth) to extend assistance in expediting the implementation of the Universal Health Care Act.