(File photo) MANILA - A measure requiring the Philippine Merchant Marine Academy (PMMA) to admit one cadet from each congressional district in the country hurdled second reading approval at the House of Representatives. During the plenary session on Wednesday, the chamber passed through voice voting House Bill 6994, which seeks to mandate the PMMA to admit one cadet from each congressional district every school year to comprise its freshman class. It seeks to widen access to quality education and give deserving students from remote provinces and far-flung areas equal opportunities to study at the PMMA. Cagayan de Oro City Rep. Rufus Rodriguez, author of the measure, said majority of the cadets entering the PMMA come from bigger cities and provinces. Rodriguez stressed it is "high time" for a more balanced composition of every "class" that graduates from the PMMA. "One way to do this is to, as far as practicable, select at least one incoming cadet from every con
The House of Representatives on Monday approved on the third and final reading a measure protecting the right of the people to freedom of religion in the country. With 256 affirmative votes, one negative vote and three abstentions, the chamber passed House Bill 6492, or the proposed Magna Carta on Religious Freedom Act, which seeks to prohibit the government or any person to burden, curtail, impinge or encroach on a person's right to exercise his/her religious belief, freedom and liberty of conscience. Manila Rep. Bienvenido Abante Jr., author of the measure, said the right to freedom of religion or belief is enshrined in Section 5, Article III of the Constitution, which states that "the free exercise and enjoyment of religious profession and worship, without discrimination or preference, shall forever be allowed." "HB 6492 ensures that no act of the government or any of its agencies, instrumentalities, officers or employees shall burden, curtail, impinge or encroach
Magpupungko Rock Formation in Siargao Island (Photo courtesy of Radyo Pilipinas Butuan) MANILA - The House of Representatives on Wednesday overwhelmingly approved on final reading a measure creating the Siargao Islands Development Authority (SIDA) to promote the sustainable development of the island. With 224 affirmative votes, the chamber passed on third reading House Bill 10683 creating a government-owned corporation to be known as SIDA, which shall exercise jurisdiction over the entirety of Siargao Island and its surrounding islets. The SIDA shall be mandated to develop Siargao Islands into a self-sustaining, industrial, commercial, financial, and investment center to generate employment opportunities. The proposed body shall also promote productive local and foreign investments, while strictly prioritizing the protection and preservation of its natural resources and biodiversity. Davao del Norte Rep. Pantaleon Alvarez, author of the measure, said the economic potential of Siargao i