Mandatory Helmet Bill pushed at Senate by Sen. Revilla

A measure obligating all motorcycle drivers to wear a standard quality helmet is now being pushed in the Senate.

According to Senator Ramon “Bong” Revilla, Jr., the measure, Senate Bill 1863, is a bid to implement safe motorcycle riding nationwide and said he hopes that the Mandatory Helmet Bill would be approved.

Citing figures issued by the Metro Manila Development Authority Traffic Operations Center (MMDA-TOC) from January to December 2008, Revilla said motorcycles have the highest fatality rate with 106 motorcycles involved, or 28.19 percent of the total fatal accidents.

Likewise, a report of the Traffic Management Group (TMG) showed that out of the total 14,202 traffic accidents in year 2004, 3,010 or 21 percent involved motorcycles. The figures rose to 24 percent or 2,798 out of 11,425 accidents in 2005 and in the first two months of 2006, the TMG recorded a total of 485 motorcycle accidents out of the total 1,364 accidents, which accounted for 35 percent of the total traffic accidents.

“The World Health Organization (WHO) maintains that wearing a helmet is the single most effective way of reducing head injuries and fatalities resulting from motorcycle crashes. Wearing a helmet has been shown to decrease the risk and severity of injuries among motorcyclists by about 70 percent and the likelihood of deaths by almost 40 percent,” Revilla, chairman of the Senate Committee on Public Services, pointed out.

Revilla said Thailand gained a 40 percent reduction in head injuries among motorcyclists and a 24 percent drop in motorcycle deaths after it passed a legislation in the north-eastern province of Khon Kaen to make helmet use mandatory.

“There is also a considerable long list of other countries which have laws on mandatory helmet use, such as the US, Australia, Austria, Canada, France, Germany, India, Indonesia, Italy, Japan, Singapore, and 31 others. The first motorcycle helmet use law in the world took effect on January 1, 1961, in Victoria, Australia,” Revilla said.

The bill provides all motorcycle riders, including its back rider, to wear a standard quality helmets while driving, whether on a long or short drive any time of the day and in any type of road or highway.

Tricycle drivers are exempted from this bill.

“Some camps argue that a legislative enactment is no longer necessary, and that what is needed is simply a strengthened motorcycle safety education program for riders to consider their own safety,” he said.

“They assert that enough space must be given for self-regulation. If we follow this argument, then we should not have passed the seatbelt law which has the same purpose and intent of this proposal,” Revilla stressed.

Revilla eyed as Lakas standard bearer

Senator Ramon “Bong” Revilla is being considered as the standard bearer of the ruling Lakas-Christian Muslim Democrats, a party official said Tuesday.

Ray Roquero, executive director of Lakas, said local officials and followers of the senator in the party have proposed the inclusion of Revilla in the list of candidates for the 2010 elections.

Roquero said among those pushing for Revilla’s nomination were Mayor Gerry Pelayo of Pampanga and officials from Cavite, the senator’s home province.

“May mga nagpupush sa kanyang mga local official [There are local officials pushing for him]. He is being considered. Dati naman siyang governor at marami siyang followers [He used to be governor and he has many followers],” Roquero told INQUIRER.net over the phone.

“Matagal na rin siya sa Lakas at dapat isama naman siya sa mga survey [He has been in Lakas for quite sometime and he should be included in the survey],” Roquero said.

He said that Revilla has a good chance in the presidential race given his “star appeal.”

Before this, Roquero disclosed that Revilla has expressed his desire to run for vice president.

“He told me that he wanted to be considered as Lakas vice presidential bet. He also said the same during a small group meeting of Lakas,” Roquero said.
As of posting time, INQUIRER.net is trying to reach Revilla for his comment.

As of posting time, INQUIRER.net is trying to reach Revilla for his comment

But in a separate statement, Roquero said Pelayo quoted Revilla as saying he is “ready and available to seek the presidential nomination” of Lakas CMD.

“Count me in as a presidential contender,” the statement said quoting Revilla.

“Lakas need not look far. The talent it needs for the country’s next president can be found not elsewhere but in its stable, and they are ready and prepared to take on the challenge of national leadership,” Revilla dded.

Roqueo said several Lakas leaders are convincing Revilla to make himself available for the presidential nomination, putting into account his consistent good showing in various surveys and his rich experience, both as a former governor and as senator.

The Lakas official agreed with this assessment, saying the actor turned politician could easily bank on his rich experience as former governor of Cavite to know the needs of people and the kind of leadership demanded by them.

Revilla is the third Lakas CMD member to seek the party’s nomination after MMDA chairman Bayani Fernando and Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corp. chairman Ephraim Genuino.

 

by Maila Ager, INQUIRER.net

Bong: ‘Only the best lawyer for Ipe’

If only Phillip Salvador will ask him, Sen. Ramon “Bong” Revilla Jr. will find the best lawyer for his close friend.

"That's really the only thing I can do for Ipe (Salvador's nickname). I told him not to feel sad. If he really has a clean conscience, he has nothing to be afraid of," the senator told a group of reporters during a dinner party he hosted Tuesday night.

A Las Piñas court recently sentenced Salvador up to 20 years in prison for estafa and ordered him to pay P5.1 million to businesswoman Cristina Decena, his former girlfriend. The court acquitted his brother Ramon. Decena has filed the case against the Salvadors in 2002.

"I spoke with him this morning. He was so depressed. He even cried to me. Let's not pre-judge Ipe's case. It's still with the Court of Appeals. Mahabang proseso pa 'yan," the senator pointed out.

Meanwhile, Revilla said another close friend, Sen. Jinggoy Estrada, was "doing better" a day after he was rushed to the Cardinal Santos Memorial Medical Center in San Juan City. Revilla said Estrada had suffered a viral infection.

Estrada underwent an operation two months ago to remove gallstones. Revilla said he would immediately proceed to the hospital to visit his Estrada after the party, which was held at a restaurant along Tomas Morato Ave. in Quezon City.

 

by Marinel Cruz, Philippine Daily Inquirer

Oro mayor thanks Sen. Revilla, Camiguin dads for giving aid to flashflood victims

City Mayor Constantino G. Jaraula recently thanked Senator Ramon "Bong" Revilla Jr. and the local political leaders of the Province of Camiguin for quickly responding to the City Government's appeal for calamity assistance to the flashflood victims.

Speaking before guests and exhibitors at the opening of the three-day 1st Cagayan de Oro Construction Show 2009 at the Limketkai Rotunda, Mayor Jaraula said that Senator Revilla called him up last night and pledged to extend P500,000 worth of rice assistance for the flashflood victims.

The Romualdo political clan in the island province of Camiguin, led by Congressman Pedro Romualdo, has also committed to extend relief assistance to thousands of families adversely affected by the flashfloods, Mayor Jaraula added.

Mayor Jaraula and Vice Mayor Vicente Y. Emano earlier thanked all sectors of society which aptly responded to extend whatever form of assistance to thousands of residents in Cagayan de Oro affected by rampaging flashfloods that brought tremendous devastation to the city recently.

The city government particularly expressed its appreciation and gratitude to all business and commercial establishments, socio-civic groups, government and non-government organizations, police and military, rescue groups, media, kind-hearted individuals, philanthropists, youth and volunteers who gave donations such as used clothings, mats and mattress, kitchen utensils, canned goods, ready-to-eat foods and other relief goods.

"I am very proud and happy that all Cagayanons have demonstrated the spirit of unity by joining together in helping those victims whose houses and properties were inundated by floods," the City Chief Executive said.

Latest report from the City Disaster Coordinating Council (CDCC) Operation Action Center at the Tourism Hall as of 11:00 a.m., January 16, 2009, the total number of affected families has risen to 17,524 or displacing 91,223 persons.

The floods that hit 47 out of the 80 rural and urban barangays in Cagayan de Oro City have left two persons dead, with 313 houses totally damaged and 641 partially damaged.

Badly hit are barangays Iponan, Kauswagan, Canitoan, Consolacion, Bulua, Bayabas, Barangay 13, Puntod, Barangay 22, Barangay 35, Pagatpat and Macasandig.

Revilla pushes probe into Cavite factory blast

Senator Ramon “Bong" Revilla, Jr. on Thursday said he wanted the powerful explosion that rocked a fireworks factory in his home province probed, citing reports that this is the second time that such an incident has occurred.

“Unang-una dapat paimbestigahan ito. Kung dalawang beses ito parang di na sila natuto. Tignan muna natin (The incident should be investigated. If this is the second time it happened, it seems the owners did not learn. But let us look into the incident further)," Revilla said in an interview on dzBB radio.

Revilla said he was guest speaker at an event in Maragondon town in Cavite, but when he learned of the incident, he immediately went to Trece Martires City.

“Nalaman ko kaya napatakbo ako dito (I rushed to Trece Martires when I learned of the explosion)," he said.

The death toll in the explosion at Starmakers Factory rose to two Thursday noon, according to Trece Martires City police chief Superintendent Reynaldo Galang.

On the other hand, Cavite provincial police director Senior Superintendent Hernando Zafra said three persons were already confirmed dead while 38 were reportedly wounded in the powerful blast.

 

by Sophia Dedace, GMANews.TV

Senate Big Spenders: Bong, Lito, Jinggoy

Senators Ramon “Bong” Revilla Jr., Jose “Jinggoy” Estrada and Manuel “Lito” Lapid may have crossed over from filmdom to politics, but they haven’t given up their lead roles—as big spenders, that is.

In a financial report covering January to December 2007, the Commission on Audit (COA) said the actors-turned-politicians were among the top spenders on administrative operations in the Senate.

Sen. Francis “Kiko” Pangilinan, who is married to megastar Sharon Cuneta, was in the same ballpark.

Revilla spent P15,889,626.66, Estrada P15,449,229.69, Pangilinan P15,271,305.21 and Lapid P15,103,242.15.

Non-show biz type

The fifth slot went to a non-show biz type—Senate President Juan Ponce Enrile with P14,993,705.40.

In salaries and benefits, Revilla was at the top with P7,836,398.98, followed by Estrada at P6,933,427.69.

Revilla topped the list because of the need to fill in regular plantilla positions, according to his chief of staff, Reena Angeli Alejar.

She said while other senators had ample committee staff, there was a need to hire additional employees, including consultants, for the Senate committee on public works chaired by Revilla.

This will “maximize” the use of salary budget for each senator because more staff members have actually been hired by Revilla compared with others, she said.

 

by Michael Lim Ubac & Ania Aquino, Philippine Daily Inquirer

Vox populi, says Bong Revilla on 2010 plans

What will make Sen. Ramon “Bong” Revilla Jr. run for president in 2010 elections? Revilla, who is also an actor, said it is all up to the people.

"I will base my decision siguro on survey because I believe in survey. The voice of the people is the voice of God. Vox populi, vox Dei. So kung ano ‘yong magiging senyales ng Panginoon, I will wait for that," Revilla said.

"Mahirap kasing pumasok, ipilit ‘yong sarili mo na hindi ka naman napapanahon.  hindi ka naman gusto ng tao, o hindi naman gusto ng Panginoon, mahirap na," he added.

Revilla said he was overwhelmed by reports that he was being considered to become the standard bearer of the ruling party Lakas-Christian Muslim Democrats (CMD) in 2010 polls.

He said he could not believe it when he first heard about the reports. He said it is a victory in itself if he makes it on the list of Lakas members who are being considered to become the party’s presidential bet.

“That's why I'm very thankful sa mga kasamahan ko sa partido... may mga tao palang naniniwala din if ever naman," he said.

Currently though, Revilla said he would rather focus on his work as a senator and not think about the 2010 polls.

Meanwhile, Revilla, a star of a television show in another network, said he is set to do a remake of “Panday.” He said it might be shown October or November of this year.

2010 ELECTION WATCH: Bong Revilla says running for president is in God's hands

Bago ang thanksgiving party ni Senator Bong Revilla para sa entertainment press kagabi, January 27, sa Annabel's restaurant sa Tomas Morato, Quezon City, ipinakita muna ang teaser ng pelikulang gagawin ng actor-politician this year under GMA Films, Panday.

Balitang December pa ito ipalalabas, pero unang buwan pa lang ng taon ay nakikiusap na si Bong na suportahan daw sana ang napakalaking project niyang ito.

KAP'S AMAZING STORIES. Masaya naman si Bong dahil sa walang-sawang suporta ng mga tao sa kanyang show sa GMA-7 na Kap's Amazing Stories. Laging mataas ang rating nito.

"Nagpapasalamat ako sa walang-sawang sumusuporta sa Kap's. Sa mga tagahanga ko na tumatangkilik hanggang ngayon, hindi ako pinapabayaan. Maraming-maraming salamat po kasi ang Kap's ay talagang napakaganda ng rating," saad ni Bong sa PEP (Philippine Entertainment Portal) at iba pang entertainment press.

Maging ang ilang eskuwelahan daw sa bansa ay nire-require na panoorin ng mga estudyante ang kanyang show dahil sa maraming impormasyon na puwedeng malaman dito.

"Actually, since magsimula yung Kap's Amazing Stories, nire-require ng mga school yung mga estudyante na pag-aralan. Then, tina-tackle kung ano ang napanood nila. So, napakaganda. At least, very educational. So, it's infotainment, e. Kaya on my part, nakakatuwa, nakakalaki ng puso. At least, nare-recognize nila ang nagagawa natin para sa kabataan."

PANDAY. Ayon kay Bong, by mid-March daw nila sisimulan ang shooting ng Panday para mas mahaba ang maging time for the special effects and post-production. Excited siya sa project dahil medyo matagal na raw nang huli niyang gawin ang Panday at bata pa raw siya noon.

"Kaya pa naman nating tumalun-talon at lumipad-lipad!" natatawa niyang sabi. "Actually, nag-eensayo ako ngayon. Nag-eensayo ulit akong humawak ng sword. Pati yung mga stunts, nag-start na rin tayo. Siyempre, hindi tayo bumabata kaya kailangan nating magbanat ng buto."

Nang tanungin kung sino ang magiging leading lady niya sa Panday, secret muna raw ito at abangan na lang.

POLITICAL PLANS. Napangiti si Senator Bong nang kamustahin namin ang napapabalitang pagtakbo niya bilang presidente ng Pilipinas sa 2010.        

"Well, regarding that, masyado pang matagal. Ayokong isipin ‘yan. Una kong narinig ‘yan, nanlamig ang talampakan ko at nanginig ang tuhod ko!" natatawa niyang sabi.

Patuloy niya, "Alam ko, I'm still young, mahaba ang tatahakin natin. At hindi naman ako nagmamadali. But I do believe in destiny. If you're really destined to be the next president, wala kang magagawa run.  Kahit ayaw mo, itutulak ka, e. 

"Ang point ko lang, basta gagawin ko kung ano ang tama. Tutulong ako para sa bayan at gagawin ko lahat ng magagawa ko. Anyway, regarding that, ang partido ang magdedesisyon diyan. Mahaba pang proseso ‘yan, although niluluto na nila yung pangalan ko. To be recognized on the party is already a victory on my part. Malaki nang bagay yun."

Ano ang pakiramdam na mismong ang partido niya ang nagsasabing siya ang gusto nilang tumakbo for president?

"Nakakalaki nga ng puso," sagot ng senador. "Sabi ko nga, to be recognized by the party is already a victory on my part. Para na rin akong nanalo noon."

Pero handa na ba siyang tumakbo at kung sakali ay maupo bilang presidente?

"Siguro naman, kung ang pagbabasehan ay ang track record, naging bise gobernador na rin ako, naging governor, tapos ngayon ay senator. But, as I've said, bata pa naman ako. Hindi tayo nagmamadali. Hintayin na lang natin ang tamang panahon and I just leave my fate to God. Leave my fate to Him kung anuman ang magiging kapalaran natin," saad niya.

Kung sakali, makakaya kaya niyang iwan ang showbiz?

"Siyempre, ang showbiz, palaging ano ko ‘yan, e, hindi ko puwedeng talikuran. Mahal ko ang industriya. Diyan ako galing. Sabi nga nila, di ba, ang taong hindi marunong lumingon sa pinanggalingan, hindi makararating sa paroroonan?"

Nasa plano na ba talaga niya ang tumakbo bilang presidente ng bansa?

"Hindi ko pinangarap, e," sagot ni Bong. "Hindi ko rin pinangarap maging senator, maging governor, di ba? So, pero kapag may calling, hindi natin alam kung ano ang mangyayari."

Kailan malalaman kung tatakbo nga siyang presidente?

"We don't know... Maybe mid this year, alam na natin kung sino ang nasa frontline. Although, definitely, I'm running for 2010—hindi ko lang alam kung anong position. Pero, siyempre, kung sinuman ang mauupo, alam nating hindi birong responsibilidad ‘yan."

Sa puso niya ngayon, lamang ba ang pagtakbo niya sa pinakamataas na posisyon sa bansa?

"Ang nasa puso ko ngayon yung pagtulong sa tao, e," sabi niya. "So, kung anuman ang responsibilidad na iatang sa akin, kung sa tingin ng Panginoon, ito ang gampanan mong role, di ba? Hindi lang sa pelikula kundi gawin mo sa totoong buhay. I'll do it if I have too."

PHILLIP'S CASE. Just recently, may lumabas na balita na nadesisyunan na raw ng Court of Appeals ang kasong isinampa ng businesswoman na si Cristina Decena sa kaibigan ni Bong na si Phillip Salvador.

Ayon kasi sa lumabas na report sa isang tabloid, kinatigan daw ng Office of the Solicitor General ang naunang desisyon ng Las Piñas Regional Trial Court sa kasong estafa na isinampa ni Cristina kay Phillip. Napatunayan daw na "guilty" si Phillip at hinatulang makulong ng anim hanggang 12 taon.

Pero napag-alaman ng PEP (Philippine Entertainment Portal) na hindi pa ito ang desisyon talaga ng Court of Appeals kundi isang brief for appellee pa lamang from the Office of the Solicitor General. Kaya maaari pang umapela si Phillip sa Supreme Court.

Pero ano ba ang masasabi ni Bong tungkol sa kaso ng kanyang kaibigan?           

"Well, alam n'yo, yung sa aming magkakaibigan, yung ganoon, siyempre laban niya yun. Hindi naman siya nag-aano sa amin na, ‘Tulungan n'yo ako.' Ang katwiran niya kasi diyan, ‘Kaya ko ‘to dahil alam ko wala akong kasalanan,'" sabi ni Bong.

Anong support ang naibibigay nila kay Ipe?

"Moral support lang ang maibibigay namin sa kanya. Nandiyan na sa korte, e. Basta, naniniwala ako na hindi siya pababayaan ng Panginoon at maaabsuwelto pa rin siya. Kilala ko ang kaibigan ko, napakabait na tao ni Phillip. Napakabait na kaibigan nun."

May mga nagsasabi na posibleng maimpluwensiyahan ang desisyon ng korte dahil sa pagiging malapit ni Phillip kina Bong at Jinggoy Estrada, na kapwa senador. Kaya merong nag-iisip na kung may kaso man ito, posibleng makalusot din daw ito sa tulong nila.

Pero ayon kay Senator Bong, "Kung talagang ginagamit namin ang puwersa namin, sana umpisa pa lang hindi siya nasentensiyahan. That is so unfair, di ba?"

Revilla: Flattered, but no rush

Senator Ramon “Bong” Revilla Jr. broke his silence on Wednesday on the mention of his name as among those being considered by the ruling Lakas-Christian Muslim Democrats as a presidential contender, saying he was “flattered” but was “not rushing” into the presidency.

“I am very flattered by the trust of my peers in Lakas considering me to be its standard-bearer in the 2010 presidential elections,” Revilla said in a statement.

“It is heartwarming to note that our colleagues in the party recognize our efforts over the last 15 years – from being vice governor and governor of Cavite; our campaign against piracy at the VRB [Video Regulatory Board]; and our performance here at the Senate,” said Revilla in Filipino.

“Nonetheless, I believe that being President of a country is not an ambition but a gift from God,” the actor-turned-politician said.

Becoming President, the senator added, was one’s destiny and beyond any individual’s control.

“I am not rushing into this. It is still too early to even consider this possibility but being a party soldier, I will abide by the party’s ultimate decision. Bata pa naman tayo at eligible pa naman tayo [We are still young and still eligible] for re-election,” Revilla further said.

It was Lakas executive director Ray Roquero, who announced Tuesday that several party leaders have been pushing Revilla to become the party’s standard bearer.

Lakas is planning to convene its executive committee next month and call a convention in March to decide on the matter.

 

by Maila Ager, INQUIRER.net

PDEA needs prosecutorial powers - Sen. Revilla

A bill that would give prosecutorial powers to the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency to expedite probes and filing of drug cases is being considered at the Senate.

Senator Ramon “Bong” Revilla Jr. said he would file the measure “to arrest the worsening row and finger-pointing” between the Department of Justice and the PDEA over the alleged bribery drug scandal involving some justice officials and prosecutors.

“The growing problem of illegal drug is peculiar and I believe that it should be given special attention and greater scrutiny, thus the creation of a focused team tasked solely for the purpose is necessary,” he said in a statement on Monday.

In his bill, Revilla said he would propose the creation of a special prosecutorial office within the PDEA that would be empowered to directly prosecute offenders involved in “no-bail” drug cases.

At present, the senator said, the PDEA could only cause the filing of appropriate criminal and civil cases for violation of all laws on illegal drugs but the prosecution of these cases remains with the DOJ.

“I believe the DOJ is doing its best to resolve all the cases submitted to it with only the best intentions and in the soonest possible time, but the DOJ’s hands are very full. It is in this light that we would like to unburden the DOJ,” said the senator.

If the PDEA would be granted prosecutorial powers, Revilla said the agency would have sole accountability in the determination of filing of drug cases and would avoid finger-pointing like what happened in the so-called “Alabang boys.”

He expressed apprehension that the drug problem in the country would further worsen if the word war between the PDEA and DOJ would continue.

“There is no reason for the DOJ and the PDEA to be at each other’s throat. I believe that drug money and big-time drug lords are fueling this controversy to their benefit. As concerned agencies engage in verbal fighting and buck passing, only drug syndicates are meriting,” Revilla added.

 

by Maila Ager, INQUIRER.net

Revilla backs sugar coops; says no to Charter change

Senator Ramon “Bong” Revilla Jr. Saturday said he supports the opposition of sugar cooperatives to taxes imposed on their produce by the Bureau of Internal Revenue, and that he will vote against any move towards Charter Change at this time.

He stressed that government officials should instead focus on a mitigation plan for the inevitable effect of a global economic slowdown that could result in Filipinos losing their jobs.

The senator was in Bacolod City Saturday to sign a Memorandum of Agreement with the Corazon Locsin Montelibano Memorial Regional Hospital, and to speak before gatherings of the Philippine Councilor’s League, Negros Occidental Group of Contactors Inc., and the Motorcycle Philippines Federation.

“We will not allow additional taxes to be imposed on the sugar cooperatives,” he said, but did not elaborate on how this will be done.

Some sugar cooperatives will seek a Temporary Retraining Order against Revenue Regulation 13-2008 issued by the BIR last week, which, they said, has made it near impossible for them to seek an exemption from Advance Value

Added Tax on their refined sugar.

The coop leaders insist that the law prohibits taxing of cooperatives that are currently reeling from the high costs of production.

CHA-CHA

Revilla, who is an administration senator, also said he is not in favor of Charter change and will vote against it. For sure it will not pass in the Senate, he said.

He also said he does not think the Supreme Court will grant the bid for the House and the Senate to vote as one on Charter Change.

As to moves to again impeach the president, Revilla said focus should instead be made on the real problem of the nation that is poverty.

Impeachment cases that have been filed in the past have failed and if nothing happens again now we will just be wasting time and money, he said.

FOCUS ON WORK

Asked is he is running for vice president in 2010, Revilla said “we will see when the time comes”
He said if the people want him to run for vice president, why not, but, “For now let us focus on work”.

According to one of President Arroyo’s economic advisers, the Philippines has yet to see the major effects of the financial troubles being experienced by top trading partner the United States, he said.

It is estimated that once the crisis hits full-blast, at least 250,000 Filipinos may lose their jobs, primarily in the export industry, because 35 percent of the country’s exports go to the US, he added.

“Hunger is the number one problem of the country right now, followed by unemployment. If this projection is not mitigated, another 250,000 will become unemployed and fall into hunger. Government has a responsibility to prevent this,” Revilla said.

Revilla said he is urging the Department of Labor and Employment to immediately activate its Quick Reaction Team to implement a mitigation plan to provide immediate alternative sources of income for workers who will be displaced.

USE HELMET

In his speech before the Motorcycle Philippine Federation in front of the Provincial Capitol in Bacolod City, the senator thanked its members for their support for his road safety crusade.

Revilla said he is pushing for the passage of his Mandatory Helmet Bill and Kids Off Motorcycle Bill to prevent road accidents.

While the passage of these bills into law is being awaited, Revilla said he is urging motorcycles drivers and their riders to already wear helmets and not to allow children 7 years old and below to ride motorcycles, he said.

The Bacolod City government has already passed ordinances requiring those riding motorcycles to wear helmets and banning children, 7 years old and below, from riding on.

CORRUPTION

In his speech before the PCL, Revilla told the councilors: We have to remain grounded with the people we serve so that the laws and measures we enact are the expression of their will and not ours.”

While at the contractors’ affair, Revilla stressed the need for them to help fight corruption. “Because of corruption, our people are further set in to poverty,” he said. “We must act together to battle corruption at all levels,” Revilla told the contractors.

When he joined the Senate, Revilla said, the Department Public Works and Highways was listed as the number one most corrupt government agency and today it is in 5th place but there is still corruption.

“Let it not be said, therefore, that the construction industry is also in the list of corrupt-tainted businesses,” he said. “Police your own ranks and maintain a high standard of morality in your organization,” he said.

Pamalakaya warns Bong Revilla of political defeat

The Pambansang Lakas ng Kilusang Mamamalakaya ng Pilipinas (Pamalakaya) on Thursday warned Senator Ramon "Bong" Revilla Jr. of possible electoral defeat in 2010 if he would not stop his father, Ramon Sr., from pursuing a project that would evict small fishermen and poor communities in several coastal towns of CavitePamalakaya, a left-leaning fisherfolk alliance, wanted Ramon Sr., chair of the Philippine Reclamation Authority (PRA), to rescind the P8-billion Coastal Road 2 Project because it would lead to the reclamation of Cavite's coastal towns - Bacoor, Tanza, Kawit, Noveleta, Rosario and Cavite City.

The reclamation activities will pave the way for the revival and expansion of the former American naval base Sangley Point, which Revilla Sr. wanted to develop as a major international port, along with gambling and entertainment centers.

In order to proceed with the reclamation, the PRA has to demolish 26,000 fisherfolk families sourcing their living from Manila Bay and living along the coastal towns of the province. Pamalakaya national chair Fernando Hicap said in a statement that "Senator Bong will pay very dearly" if he fails to convince his father to scrap the project. The militant leader said Pamalakaya will not hesitate to campaign against Bong Revilla's candidacy whether in the senatorial or vice-presidential elections should he ignore their plea. "For us, politics is always in command.

He will not entertain a second thought of publicly campaigning against him, if he will not do his legal, moral and political assignment to defend the fisherfolk's rights against this grandslam, grand scam corporate takeover of Cavite fishing areas," Hicap added.

The young Revilla was reportedly eying the vice-presidency in the 2010 national elections, and could be the official vice-presidential standard-bearer of Lakas-CMD and Kabalikat ng Malayang Pilipino (Kampi).

Bong Revilla rides in Negros Occ for safety, peace in Mindanao

Senator Ramon “Bong” Revilla Jr. met with more or less 500 motorcycle owners and riders in Bacolod City over the weekend.Revilla discussed with them the growing number of accidents involving motorcycles in the country.

The senator also stressed upon them the importance of wearing a helmet when driving motorcycles to protect themselves from fatal injuries.

Revilla explained that the Mandatory Helmet and the Kids Off Motorcycles bills in Congress aim to protect motorcycle riders and their families and at the same time to minimize fatal motorcycle accidents.

He also vowed to wear a helmet when shooting his films to further promote the use of motorcycle helmets.

Revilla led the Ride for Peace launched by Motorcycles Federation of the Philippines from Bacolod City to Don Salvador Benedicto town which called for peace in Mindanao.

Sen. Revilla cites role of contractors in nation building

BACOLOD CITY – Around 150 contractors all over the province listened to Senator Ramon "Bong" Revilla Jr. when he graced the 1st Induction Ceremony of the Negros Occidental Group of Contractors Inc. (NOGCI) and served as the guest speaker of the activity held in Planta Hotel Sunday.

Revilla, who chairs the Senate Committee on Public Works and Committee on Public Information and Mass Media, said he was very grateful and honored to be with Negros contractors as he look forward the significance of construction industry in the country today.

He reiterated the importance of infrastructure as he defined it as the backbone of the nation, the foundation of development and measure of progress.

Revilla cited that better infrastructure facilities such as roads have something to do with investments.
"Kung maayos ang lansangan, bababa ang presyo ng mga produkto at bibilis ang kaunlaran. Kung sapat ang mga pasilidad, aayos ang mga serbisyo", Revilla added.

Bureaucracy leads to corruption as he described the paper trails with many "checkpoints". The so called "checkpoints" would mean additional burden to people's money since the contract of 50 million for example would become 100 million because of "tongpats". Out of this, Revilla said to the listening contractors to do their role in fighting graft and corruption.

Contractors are builders with great responsibility and partners of government in working for a more and efficient, effective and responsive construction industry.

"I'd like to believe, you are into this business not primarily to earn, but to help in the efforts of our government in uplifting the present state of our country's infrastructure. We must act together to the battle against corruption, at all levels," he stressed.

On the other hand, Engr. Bernabe Gilbor, the first NOGSI President he was very glad for having the good senator to be their guest speaker.

Gilbor was emotional in saying that in their endeavor, though they mean business but some people did some personal attacks against them as he exampled what happened to him in the Southern Negros where his license was suspended.
But despite of this situation still they are with the industry as he considered it as a very noble job with sense of professionalism.

Negros Governor Isidro Zayco as an inducting officer made a big challenge to the group to do the active role in nation building as he believed that contractors are the allies of the province in the development.

Gilbor on the other hand accepted the challenge and promised to work together in line with government's vision.
Also with the new group is 4th District Congressman Jeffrey Ferrer together with Rene Fajardo, the OIC of the Philippine Contractors Accreditation Board.

Pamalakaya to Bong Revilla: 'Stop your father’s Sangley dream'

The Pambansang Lakas ng Kilusang Mamamalakaya ng Pilipinas (Pamalakaya) is objecting to the reclamation of coastal areas along Manila Bay to give way to the development of Sangley Point in Cavite City.

The activist fisherfolk alliance on Thursday called on Sen. Ramon “Bong" Revilla Jr to convince his father Ramon Sr, a former senator and concurrent chair of the Philippine Reclamation Authority (PRA), to scrap the project because it would affect fishermen in Cavite.

Revilla Sr wants to transform Sangley Point, a former US Naval Station, as an international logistics hub in Southern Tagalog region.

“Senator Bong Revilla, as chair of the Senate Committee on Public Works and Highways, must listen to the voice of the fisherfolk and the people in general who are affected by this across-the-bay reclamation project of his father to pave way for the transformation of Sangley Point into an international port harbor in the tradition of Hong Kong and Singapore," Pamalakaya national chair Fernando Hicap said in a statement.

Revilla Sr had talked about his dream to develop the Sangley Point as an international logistics hub where casinos, hospitals, call centers and recreational centers would be built.

But before construction could take place, the PRA must first reclaim coastal areas in Manila Bay, particularly in the coastal towns of Bacoor, Tanza, Noveleta, Kawit and Cavite City.

Hicap said the reclamation project would displace not less than 26,000 fishing families along the bay from Bacoor to Cavite City. He said the reclamation would also fast track the “death of Manila Bay" as a major fishing ground in the country.

Pamalakaya said Senator Revilla, as chairman of the powerful Senate Committee on Public Works and Highways, could intervene in favor of the collective interest of the people in Cavite.

Revilla Sr, a strong ally of President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo, said the P 200-billion Sangley Point Development Project can lead to various businesses and if completed could rival other major international ports in Asia like that in Singapore and Hong Kong. It is also seen to generate jobs to people of Cavite.

Senators’ streamers

Politicians who are believed to be aspiring for top national positions in 2010 came. Former Senate President Franklin Drilon joined the Translacion foot procession, while Metropolitan Manila Development Authority Chair Bayani Fernando, Sen. Bong Revilla and Muntinlupa Rep. Rufino Biazon came for the fluvial procession.

Streamers of Senate President Manuel Villar, Sen. Mar Roxas and Sen. Richard Gordon were posted in strategic locations to the annoyance of many residents who commented that the religious celebration was being used for political purposes.

Revilla caused quite a stir when he was allowed to board the barge or “pagoda” carrying the image of the Virgin of Peñafrancia although his name was not on the official list. Only select people, including journalists, from the different parishes of the Archdiocese of Caceres are allowed to ride the barge.

Other issues brought out included the pollution of the Naga River and the supposed P300-million deposit of the archdiocese in the closed Golden 7 Bank. But Fr. Luisito Occiano, spokesperson of the archdiocese, said the church deposit only amounted to P11 million and was mainly reserved for its social involvement activities.

Criticisms also flew that the local church, not just the city government, had been commercializing the religious activity.

Tarpaulins of telecom companies were spread inside the premises of the Naga City Metropolitan Cathedral. Booths from soft drink companies filled the Peñafrancia Basilica and other large churches.

But Msgr. Romulo Vergara, rector of basilica, said the booths were not meant for profit but to cater to the needs of pilgrims. The proceeds will be used for church maintenance, he said.

Minus the controversy, the Peñafrancia fiesta was as colorful as ever. More people joined the fluvial procession. Firework displays after the high Masses lit up the sky for several minutes.

Lani Mercado leads husband's Senator Bong Revilla Jr. bloodletting project

In Time for his husband's birthday, Lani Mercado headed the bloodletting project of Senator Bong Revilla Jr.

"This is our second year of doing this. We had organized same event last year and it turned out well so we decided to do it annually," the Revilla's matriarch said.

The senator celebrated his birthday Wednesday, September 24, 2008.

The bloodletting project is a personal project of Senator Bong in partnership with the different hospitals located in Pasig.

"Anybody who will donate blood will get blood for free," Lani said. "And then, if anybody goes to us and ask for blood we can give it for free."

According to Lani, this project of Senator Bong is an original project of Purposeful Stewardship Institute, a group where Lani is a member.

2010 plans

Last month, Senator Bong convened some of the press people to have a small dinner and talk. Many thought that was the initial way of the senator to express his plans in running for the 2010 elections.

But for Lani, she said: "Basta umiikot lang kami we're weighing what's going to happen. There is still no final decision because there are a lot of factors to consider. So far he is just continuing his work as a senator and that's it."

When asked if the senator has plans to run for a higher position, she said: "Kung yun ang pulso ng tao. He might say I want to run but then people might not like him so he needs to consider the people's want also. Kung sino ang makakasama niya and is he going to transfer or stay in Lakas. Maraming factors so pinag-aaralang mabuti ang lahat."

Revilla to join Mindanao peace ride

Sen. Ramon “Bong” Revilla Jr. has assured motorbikers in the country that he would join them in a motorcycle peace caravan in Mindanao scheduled after the Ramadan.

The caravan, to be spearheaded by the Motorcycle Philippines Federation (MCPF), seeks to boost further Christian-Muslim relationship in the country.

In a press statement, Revilla said he assured the officers of the federation of his participation during a meeting at the Senate recently.

In their meeting, the MCPF formally informed and explained to the senator details about their planned “Freedom Ride for Peace in Mindanao,” the first ever motorcade of various motorcycle riders advocating peace in Mindanao.

The MCPF has asked Revilla to lead the Christian motorcycle riders when they launch the caravan. For the Muslim motorcycle riders, the MCPF is eyeing Revilla’s fellow action star Robin Padilla.

“Rest assured that I will participate in the peace caravan. The event will prove that serious concern for peace in Mindanao is greatly increasing in various sector in the country, including the motorcycle sector,” Revilla said in his statement.

He stressed that the event is a unique venue to further realize that the search for peace in Mindanao is alive among Christian and Muslim Filipinos.

“Having our Christian and Muslim countrymen together is a meaningful event to show that we are all one in the pursuit of the much-awaited peace in the region. We are all Filipinos,” he pointed out.

Minority senators face arrest over absences

Senators belonging to the minority bloc face arrest, if their boycott of the session continues on Monday, lawmakers said Thursday.

There was no session Thursday, as sessions are normally held Mondays to Wednesdays.

When the minority senators failed to show up Wednesday, Sen. Miriam Defensor Santiago moved for their arrest, adding jokingly that Sen. Gregorio Honasan head the arresting team.

But in a more serious note, Senate President Pro Tempore Jose “Jinggoy” Estrada pointed out that the Senate rules giving the presiding officer the power to order the arrest of truant senators apply only when there is no quorum.

Thirteen senators attended Wednesday’s session, enough to enable the Senate to proceed with their business of the day. Those present were Senate President Manuel Villar Jr., Senate Majority Leader Francis “Kiko” Pangilinan and Senators Santiago, Honasan, Estrada, Juan Ponce Enrile, Richard Gordon, Francis “Chiz” Escudero, Ramon “Bong” Revilla Jr., Alan Peter Cayetano, Juan Miguel Zubiri, Lito Lapid and Joker Arroyo.

The absence of the senators from the minority bloc prevented any substantial movement of priority measures, such as those amending the Fire Code and passing a measure on renewable energy. Villar earlier pushed for the approval of the Fire Code, which had been pending for several years.

Zubiri said the individual amendments to the renewable energy bill, which he was sponsoring, were already in the late stages.

Enrile and Zubiri said the absence of the minority senators had derailed the timetable for important pieces of legislation.

Santiago had proposed that the majority take advantage of the absence of the minority by approving all administration measures.

Arroyo and Escudero said they should adjourn even if there was quorum because at least one minority senator should be present in sessions.

But the senators of the majority bloc opposed the move to adjourn. In the end, Villar ruled that while the Senate should continue with its business, it should not approve any bill.

The Senate then proceeded to the individual amendments to the renewable energy bill but stopped short of passing them on second reading.

Santiago also moved for the insertion of the Senate records of her sponsorship speeches on the concurrence of the Senate on the ratification of three Philippine treaties on mutual legal assistance with the Association of Southeast Asian Nations and with Spain and South Korea.

The absence of the minority enabled the Senate to conduct its business without the tumult that had characterized the two previous sessions when they were discussing the alleged “double entry” on the C-5 road extension project.

Cayetano said he did not believe that the absence of the minority on Wednesday was merely coincidental. “They were absent because they wanted to prolong this issue [double entry] until next week.”

Bong on No criminal act in budget entries

Two Senate committees will investigate the alleged budget irregularities.

Senator Juan Ponce Enrile, chairman of the committee on finance, said he only wanted to "satisfy the public and the opposition."

"The impression is that there is something illegal, sinister, malicious and covetous in all of these things. We have to clarify that," he told reporters.

In his privilege speech on Monday, Mr. Lacson directly implicated Senate President Manuel B. Villar, Jr. in what he called "road to nowhere" mess.

But this early, Mr. Enrile noted nothing was irregular about the insertions. "There are no illegal insertions. In fact, you cannot spend any money in the budget unless you comply with the procurement law on public bidding," he told reporters in a chance interview.

Senator Ramon B. Revilla, Jr., chairman of the committee on public works, told BusinessWorld, "I welcome [the investigation] since we have to ferret out the truth cannot speculate at the moment" if there was any irregularity.

In a related development, Senator Joker P. Arroyo said Mr. Lacson allegations were unfounded and that he will oppose any investigation.

"If we investigate, we admit that we engaged in corruption," he said in a briefing, adding Mr. Lacson "twisted" the facts and "obscured the whole thing."

"Is he [Mr. Lacson] saying that [Congress] is wrong and he is the only one right? The sanctity of the proceedings in the Senate is at stake here. This is serious because this is the first time in the history of the Senate that a member challenged the Senate," Mr. Arroyo said in response to Mr. Lacson’s accusations that corruption was "committed right in this hall [Senate]."