IN BRIEF

Bill to cut procurement time from 72 to 27 days

SENIOR Deputy Speaker and Pampanga Rep. Aurelio Gonzales Jr. is proposing to shorten the procurement process in the entire bureaucracy from 72 days to 27 days.

His proposal is contained in House Bill 7944 titled “Ang Bagong Pilipinas Government Procurement Reform Act.”

It would apply to all government agencies and offices, including local government units, state corporations, and state universities and colleges, and would repeal Republic Act 9184.

The measure was taken up by the House Committee on the revision of laws chaired by Manila Rep. Edward Maceda in a meeting before Congress went into its sine die adjournment last week.

Gonzales said the government procurement system “needs to be updated and streamlined to put an end to recurring delays in the acquisition of goods and services, and the awarding and implementation of infrastructure projects like roads, expressways, and school buildings.”

He said the huge increase in state expenditures since 2003, when Republic Act No. 9184 or the Government Procurement Reform Act was enacted, necessitates the updating of the law. Maricel V. Cruz

US Embassy shows Progress Pride Flag

FLAG in hopes of raising awareness about the fight for equality of the LGBTQI+ community.

In a tweet, US Ambassador to the Philippines

MaryKay Carlson posted a photo of the flag being raised on one of the buildings of the embassy.

“We at @USEmbassyPH are proud to display the Progress Pride Flag as a symbol of our steadfast support for the LGBTQI+ community. Together, we persist in the fight for equality and acceptance. #PrideMonth #WithPride,” she said.

Developed in 2018 by non-binary American artist and designer Daniel Quasar, the Progress Pride Flag was based on the iconic rainbow flag from 1978.

While the rainbow colors represent the LGBTQI+ community, the addition of the five new colors represents the further diversity of the community—black and brown for people of color, and pink, light blue and white to represent trans, gender non-binary, intersex, and those across the gender spectrum.

The US Embassy in Manila likewise posted on Facebook in support of the Pride Month.

“Today and every day, we support the LGBTQI+ community in the fight for justice and acceptance,” it said. Rey E. Requejo

‘Cops need training on mental health too’

REP. Ray T. Reyes of AnaKalusugan partylist group on Monday urged the Philippine National Police (PNP) to prioritize mental health training for its personnel to equip them with the skills and knowledge needed to effectively deal with individuals in crisis.

“This will not only improve the safety of our communities but also prevent unnecessary harm to individuals who may be experiencing mental health issues,” Reyes, vice chair of the House Committee on health, said.

“Being able to assess the situation effectively can help our uniformed personnel make informed decisions whatever situation they may be in, at any given time,” he added.

Reyes said mental health training will also help PNP personnel cope with the mental and emotional tolls their job entails.

He said the job of police officers is no joke as they are exposed to various dangers and sometimes threats to their lives.

“I believe that being at the peak of our health, both physically and mentally, helps us in providing help and care to the citizens more efficiently,” he added. For their part, the lawmaker said AnaKalusugan Partylist continues to review and improve existing mental health laws to ensure that they are aligned with international standards and best practices. Maricel V. Cruz

By Maricel V. Cruz

HOUSE Ways and Means Chair Rep.

Joey Sarte Salceda has urged the Department of Social Welfare and Development to integrate its proposed food stamps program with the efforts of the Department of Agriculture to purchase and market domestic farm produce, emphasizing that “the poorest communities remain the rural poor of this country.”

“Food stamps, as envisioned and implemented in other countries, are really agricultural programs. They aim to bridge rural surpluses with food-poor urban communities. That way, we address both urban poverty and rural poverty,” Salceda said in a statement.

“Around 30 percent of farmers are poor. So, if you want to make this program sustainable, you link it with boosting farmer incomes,” the Albay lawmaker added.

Salceda made the statement in response to the DSWD’s proposed food stamp program, which has so far met some opposition from economic managers due to costs.

“As it was originally implemented in the US, where the food stamp program is most prevalent and arguably most successful, you can have a specific amount for general food items, and you can have a special stamp or voucher for surplus produce,” he said.

“What the farmers can get for surplus produce are food stamps for the general program. So, you help solve their food insecurity issues. You take out the surplus, helping manage prices. And you provide free surplus food to those who need it. It’s a great synergy,” Salceda added.

“So, I think the DSWD should really team up with the DA on this program,” he said.