IN a decisive move to address the urgent need to stem the increase in the prices of basic goods, particularly rice, the House of Representatives led by Speaker Ferdinand Martin G. Romualdez approved Tuesday on third and final reading House Bill 10381, which would strengthen the government’s buffer stocking authority.
The bill, which received an overwhelming majority of 231 affirmative votes, three negative votes, and one abstention, would amend Republic Act 8178, or the Rice Tariffication Law, and authorize the government to make market interventions to stabilize rice prices and prevent manipulative pricing and hoarding.
Key provisions of the measure include restoring the price stabilization and supply regulation functions of the National Food Authority (NFA). It also empowers the NFA to regulate foreign investments in the rice and corn industries, as well as empower the agency to inspect warehouses to ensure compliance with standards related to rice quality and supply.
HB 10381 also seeks to extend the validity period of the Rice Competitiveness Enhancement Fund (RCEF) for another six years to enhance its programs.
The House also approved several bills touching on the welfare of senior citizens and persons with disabilities (PWDs).
HB 10174, or the “Geriatric Health Act,” gained the House’s approval with 230 unanimous votes. The bill aims to convert the Dr. Eva Macaraeg-Macapagal National Center for Geriatric Health into the National Center for Geriatric Health and Research Institute (NCGHRI).
The proposed NCGHRI would be mandated to provide medical facilities and equipment for senior citizens needing various care services. It will also serve as an apex hospital or end-referral facility that specializes in geriatric health services.
The House also unanimously passed on final reading, HB 10423, which would grant universal social pension for senior citizens and HB 10188, which seek to protect senior citizens from various forms of fraud. Both bills received 232 affirmative votes.
Other bills approved on third and final reading were: 1) HB 10312, enhancing the discount on the purchase of goods and services of senior citizens and PWDs with 235 affirmative votes; 2) HB 10313, promoting the welfare of senior citizens and PWDs through their inclusion in the eGov Super App with 235 affirmative votes; 3) HB 10314, rationalizing the benefits and privileges of senior citizens and PWDs with 236 votes; 4) HB 10284 or the “Bagong Paluwagan ng Bayan Act,” with 231 affirmative votes and three negative votes; and 5) HB 10263 or the “Bamboo Products Procurement Act,” with 231 affirmative votes, two negative votes and one abstention.
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