Roxas seeks Senate probe on stricter SALN access

Senator Mar Roxas today sought a Senate inquiry into new restrictions imposed by the Ombudsman on public access to a public document that reveals the net worth and properties of all public officials and employees amid ongoing media investigation of the alleged inexplicable ballooning wealth of President Arroyo and her family.

Roxas filed Senate Resolution No. 1374, asking the appropriate Senate committee to look into the validity and legality of the Office of the Ombudsman Memorandum Circular No. 01, series of 2009, or the Revised Guidelines Governing Access to Statement of Assets, Liabilities and Net Worth or SALNs filed with the Ombudsman.

He said the new Ombudsman rules requires those who want access to SALNs to fill up forms and need to swear under oath from fiscals or public prosecutors the purpose or purposes they have in accessing those documents.

These new guidelines issued by the Ombudsman “obstruct rather than reinforce constitutional mandates of transparency and accountability in public service as well as undermine constitutional rights of access to information by the people,” Roxas insisted.

As author of the proposed Free Information Act that is still pending approval in both chambers of Congress, Roxas pointed out that the Constitution compels all public officers and employees to submit a declaration under oath of their assets, liabilities and net worth upon their assumptions to office, which shall be disclosed to the public.

The Anti-Graft and Corrupt Practices Act (Republic Act No. 3019) also requires public officials to “prepare and file a true, detailed and sworn statement of assets and liabilities” while the Code of Conduct and Ethical Standards for Public Officials and Employees (RA 6713) “reinforces the public’s constitutionally protected right to information and access to public documents by providing that the (SALNs) of public officials shall be made available for inspection at reasonable hours and copying or reduction.”

Ombudsman Merceditas Gutierrez issued the new guidelines on June 16 this year, amidst calls for an investigation into the alleged unexplained wealth of President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo and her family.

At the time the new guidelines came out, the Philippine Center for Investigative Journalism (PCIJ) was doing a research on and conducting an examination of the SALN of President Arroyo, which it noted had allegedly grown significantly based on her 2008 SALN. The report also said Mrs. Arroyo got rich faster than the three presidents before her.

"The motivation and timing of the release of the Ombudsman Memorandum Circular is questionable, coming at a time when the SALNs of the President and her immediate family were under intense public inspection," the Visayan senator said.

Wednesday, September 23, 2009 | posted in free information act, mar roxas, merceditas gutierrez, ombudsman, pgma, president, saln | 0 comments [ More ]

Kevin Ray Chua's Official Statement on Mar's giving way for Noynoy

I blog this in a somewhat sad note. I keep asking to myself, "was my endeavor a complete failure?" When the word about Senator Mar Roxas' "major announcement" was buzzing around the internet and confirmed it with his staff, I was not feeling well. I didn't even attended my class on that time as more and more people are talking about it online.

(From left to right: Kevin Ray N. Chua, Senator Mar Roxas II, Councilor Peter Laviña and my dad Ronilo Chua)
The picture above with me doing a "Laban" sign, which I meant as "Liberal," might have been a sign that something different will happen.

But on that morning, before the "major announcement", I already said on my blog post that "whenever Roxas, coming from his heart, tells his supporters to support an Aquino-Roxas tandem instead for the good of the country, then I'm for it just like what former Vice President Doy Laurel did to President Cory." I was still hoping that a Roxas-Aquino tandem will stay in place with Roxas as President and Aquino as Vice President. But it seems that things were not going that way.

Many supporters have been e-mailing, chatting, plurking and twitting me if Roxas would give way for Aquino. I told them that I remain hopeful that Roxas would remain as the Liberal Party's standard bearer.

As I was watching Roxas delivering his speech live as aired in the television, I held back my tears. Together with my colleagues in our student government, we watched as this historic event unfold. When Roxas finally made it clear that he's stepping aside for Aquino, I can't help but give him a standing ovation and so did my colleagues. I must admit that I was disappointed with his decision, but I know that he also has been feeling what I was feeling when several people have already started to push for Aquino's presidential bid in 2010.

As a staunch supporter of Roxas, I find it hard to do what I said. Knowing that I have did my part, without pressure or dictate from Roxas' staff or even himself, I felt sad. The times that I spent on internet cafés just to blog for Roxas ended with this unfortunate event. But upon listening to his speech, I saw that Mar Roxas that other people didn't. He was a true statesman. Untainted with allegations of corruption, he has exhibited a true sense of leadership and selflessness by putting the country first before himself. Setting aside his personal ambition for the good of the party.

There's no shame in his act. His critics might hurl him the worst, but I stand by my support on him. He chose to lead in unity, not in division.

I vehemently believe that Mar Roxas will be a good president, a contrast to the present administration. Probably, it was not just his time and the Almighty One has a greater plan for him. With this, I throw my support, as what Roxas did, to Noynoy Aquino for President in 2010 and I ask everyone to do so. But here's the thing, Roxas still didn't said that he's going to be Aquino's Vice Presidential candidate. It's my and your duty to convince Roxas to push through an Aquino-Roxas tandem in 2010.

To fellow Roxas supporters, to Roxas' Senate Staff (which a lot of them I have met and became friends with), to myself and to Mar Roxas: Tuloy ang Laban, Lalaban tayo!

What will happen to this blog? I will still continue to be blogging and will start to encourage Roxas to run alongside with Aquino as Vice President. In that way, I will do my part for growing the seeds of reform and change that Roxas has planted.

Coming soon, Mar Roxas for President in 2016!

NOTE: If you have a friend from the media, please tell him/her that this is the official statement of the blogger who created a blog supporting Roxas' candidacy for President.

Wednesday, September 2, 2009 | posted in campaign, corazon aquino, gerry roxas, mar roxas, ninoy aquino, noynoy aquino, pgma, philippines, president | 8 comments [ More ]

A Mar Roxas-Noynoy Aquino tandem in 2010

Much has been said about this. Even before the death of former President Cory Aquino, I have been advocating for a Mar-Noynoy tandem in 2010.


Senators Mar Roxas and Noynoy Aquino are the fruits of good trees. Their team-up will be a formidable one. The tandem also gives a geographical balance with Roxas from the South and Aquino from the North.

But others, after the death of President Cory, have urged Noynoy to run for President. Now, that created a buzz on the Liberal Party on which it has been made known that Roxas will be the party's standard bearer for President. To prevent another party crack-up, Roxas and Aquino have been in talks since Sunday to iron out things and made September 9 as the date to watch.

I have been supporting Roxas since July 29, 2007 when I created this blog. For me, it's hard to give way being an avid Roxas supporter. I still believe on a Roxas-Aquino tandem.

But whenever Roxas, coming from his heart, tells his supporters to support an Aquino-Roxas tandem instead for the good of the country, then I'm for it just like what former Vice President Doy Laurel did to President Cory. As of now, I'm still pinning my hopes on the Roxas for President and Aquino for Vice President tandem in 2010.

I believe that this two persons are the exact opposite of the Arroyo administration. They have stood up against the wrong moves of this administration and will continue to do so for the good of the country. As what Manolo Quezon III said in his Philippine Inquirer article entitled The Long View: On the cusp of redemption, "the country already knows they’re the only two whom the present dispensation can’t tolerate. In that sense, they have already been redeemed."

Oras Na! Roxas-Aquino Na!

How about you? What do you think?

Tuesday, September 1, 2009 | posted in campaign, corazon aquino, manolo quezon iii, mar roxas, noynoy aquino, pgma, philippines, president | 0 comments [ More ]

Roxas files resolution declaring Jan. 25 as "Cory Aquino Day"

Liberal President Senator Mar Roxas today filed a resolution declaring January 25, the date of birth of former President Corazon Aquino, as "Cory Aquino Day."

In Joint Resolution No. 28, Roxas said the former President, who passed away on August 1, deserves to be honored yearly for her crucial role in the revival of democracy in our country.

He said the country should look up to Mrs. Aquino as a symbol of the fight against corruption.

"Former President Cory Aquino has demonstrated in the clearest terms that steep moral values and strength of character are what our nation need in times of unabated corruption and political and social decay," he said.

When she was president, Mrs. Aquino, endearingly called as "Tita Cory" by the people, took on the mission to run after the riches stolen from the nation during Martial Law, Roxas said.

The Senate is expected to pass Joint Resolution 28 today. The House of Representatives is also expected to pass a similar resolution.

Monday, August 3, 2009 | posted in corazon aquino, mar roxas, pgma, philippines, president | 1 comments [ More ]

Roxas to GMA: Don't politicize cheaper meds issue

President Arroyo’s tirades in her State of the Nation Address prove she used the Cheaper Medicines Law for politics and not to benefit the people, Liberal President Senator Mar Roxas said.

"Bakit hindi na lang niya pinirmahan ang executive order na nagka-kalahati ng presyo ng mgamahalagang gamot at inantay pa niya ang kanyang SONA bago ianunsiyo na pipirmahan na niya (Why didn’t she just sign the executive order that cuts by half the price of essential medicines and she waited to announce this in her SONA?)," Roxas asked during an interview on radio stations.

"Halatang pulitika lang ang dahilan (It’s obvious that politics is the reason)," he said.

Roxas said while he is heartened by the President’s tirades against him as it made his opposition to her government’s bad policies and practices stand out, his only real concern is to see that cheap medicines reach the market.

"Ang gusto ko lang ay talagang bumaba na ang presyo ng mga gamot para ma-benepisyo na ang ating mga kababayan (What I really want is for cheap medicines to benefit our people)," he said.

At the same time, Roxas said President Arroyo has no one to blame if she considers the Cheaper Medicines Law the "weaker" version of what it should be.

"Hindi pala niya gusto iyong bersyon nung batas (If that was not the version that she wanted), why did she not veto it?," asked Roxas, who is the primary author of the Universally Accessible, Quality and Cheaper Medicines law.

"Para sa isang Pangulo na napaka-poderoso, napaka-makapangyarihan, na hindi masabi na hindi ito ang gusto ko, na ito pala ang gusto, aba, napakahina naman niya (For a president who is very powerful, for her not to be able to say that this was not what she wanted and that she wanted another thing instead, for her not to be able to say this, well, it just shows that she’s a weak president)," he added.

He insisted the proposal of President Arroyo’s ally Rep. Ferjenel Biron to create a price regulatory board will corrupt the process of lowering medicine prices as has happened always under the Arroyo administration.

Friday, July 31, 2009 | posted in cheaper medicines bill, ferjenel biron, mar roxas, pgma, philippines | 0 comments [ More ]

Mar Roxas 2010 Blog's 2nd Year Anniversary

How fast time comes. This blog started last July 29, 2007 in an internet café (until now) by the stewardship of the ever-dynamic and avid supporter of Mar Roxas, none other than Kevin Ray N. Chua.

Just today, as I was waking up, I checked on the calendar and it's July 29. That's two years after I created this blog. Times have changed since I started this one. Being the first blog of the 2010 elections for a prospective presidential candidate, it has been a basis for other blogs supporting other people's presidential bet.

As we approach the upcoming 2010 elections, I am hopeful that my bet, our bet, Mar Roxas, will run for President in 2010 (based on my own feelings, he's 101% running for the position). It's time to get out of the Erap-Gloria politics that we've had after EDSA.

I have also been thankful of the bloggers that I have met along the way, especially my friends in the Cebu Bloggers Society. Also, to supporters of Mar Roxas who have continued to give me the strength to continue blogging for Mar Roxas. And lastly, to Mar Roxas for being a good friend to me.

Cheers everyone as we celebrate the 2nd Year Blog Anniversary of Mar Roxas for President in 2010 Blog!

Oras Na! Roxas Na!

Wednesday, July 29, 2009 | posted in cebu bloggers' society, erap, kevin ray chua, mar roxas, pgma, philippines | 1 comments [ More ]

Roxas boycotts GMA's SONA, joins street protests

Liberal President Senator Mar Roxas today called on all Filipinos to look ahead into the future, instead of dwelling on the past as President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo was expected to do in her last State of the Nation Address (SONA).

“Ang pag-uusapan doon sa SONA ay tungkol sa nakaraan. Isang nakaraang inimbento lang at nilagyan ng palamuti. Isang nakaraan kung saan pinaghati-hatian nila ang kayamanan ng ating bansa (Gloria’s SONA is about the past. An invented and adorned past. A past where they split among themselves our country’s riches),” he said in a speech at the assembly of TindigNation in front of the Commission of Human Rights, prior to the multi-sectoral group marching to Batasan.

“Nandito tayo para panindigan ang ating malalim na paniniwala. Na tayo ay isang marangal na lahi. Tayo ay nararapat na magkaroon ng tuwid at tapat na gobyerno na siyang tutulong sa atin (We are here to stand up for our beliefs. That we are a dignified people. That we deserve better governance),” he stressed.

Stressing today’s SONA will be Mrs. Arroyo’s last, the Visayan senator said Filipinos should now begin preparing for the future, "because our destiny is now in our hands."

"Ang tunay na SONA, nasa puso nating lahat. Ang kinabukasan natin, wala roon sa loob ng gusali na puno ng mga pulitiko. Ang kinabukasan natin, narito sa labas, nakabilad sa araw, nagmamartsa sa kalye (The real SONA is in our hearts because our future is not inside that building full of politicians. Our future is here outside, exposed under the scorching sun, marching in the streets)," he said.

"Kasama ninyo ako na naniniwala na ang pag-asa natin ay nasa ating kamay. Huwag po tayong matatakot. Sama-sama po tayo. Lalaban po tayo (I am with you in declaring that hope is in our hands. Do not be afraid. We will fight together)," he stressed.

Monday, July 27, 2009 | posted in mar roxas, pgma, philippines, president, sona | 0 comments [ More ]

"Ramdam" - Mar Roxas' sequel of the Padyak TVC

Hello everyone! Check out Senator Mar Roxas latest TVC entitled "Ramdam", a sequel of the "Padyakitos" TVC, and please do share your comments on this one. Thanks!

Wednesday, July 22, 2009 | posted in campaign, cheaper medicines bill, education, mar roxas, pgma, philippines, poverty | 0 comments [ More ]

Roxas to GMA: Grab the credit as long as you sign EO on MRP

Liberal President Senator Mar Roxas today said President Arroyo can grab all the credit for the Cheaper Medicines Law as long as she signs the executive order imposing the maximum retail price on the 22 most essential medicines for Filipinos.

"Gawin na lang nating GMA (Gamot na Mura’t Abot-kaya) ang acronym nitong MRP (Maximum Retail Price) na ito para pirmahan na siya ni Pangulong Arroyo (Let’s just change the MRP to GMA to facilitate its immediate signing by President Arroyo)," said Roxas, who is primary author of the Universally Accessible, Cheaper and Quality Medicines Law.

He said getting the price of the 22 most essential medicines cut down by 50 percent once they are included in the MRP list is more important than who gets the credit for putting the program into law.

"Malaking isyu ito para kay GMA at sa kanyang mga alipores kaya ayan, gawin na lang nating G.M.A. para bumaba na ang presyo ng mga gamot (GMA and her men are making an issue out of this acronym so let us give what they want so prices of medicines would now go down)," he added.

"Madam President, huwag ka ng magselos sa akin dito sa Cheaper Medicines na ito, masyado ka namang insecure. Ayan at sa iyo na ang credit. Pirmahan mo na ang executive order (Mrs. President, stop being jealous of me because of this Cheaper Medicines law, you are too insecured. The credit is now yours. Sign the EO)," he also said.

The DOH has transmitted the draft EO on the MRP to the Office of the President as early as June 16. Almost a month today, the EO has yet to be signed by Mrs. Arroyo.

"Isang bolpen lang naman ang katapat niyan. Kung may oras kang makipag-miting sa mga pharmaceutical companies at bumiyahe sa ibang bansa, magbigay ka naman ng kahit isang minuto lang pirmahan itong EO na ito (You only need one ballpen to do this. If you have the time to meet with pharmaceutical companies and travel abroad, then spend even one minute to sign the EO)," he said.

"Matagal na itong hinihintay ng ating mga kababayan. Unahin mo naman ang kanilang kapakanan (Our countrymen have long been waiting for this. Prioritize their needs, please)," he added.

The proposed EO would allow the halving of the prices of essential medicines, like the anti-hypertensive drug Norvasc (to P22.50 from P44.50); anti-diabetic Diamicron (to P7.35 from P14.75); antibiotic Zithromax (to P149.37 from P298.75); and antibiotic Augmentin suspension 60 ml (to P179.50 from P359).

Wednesday, July 15, 2009 | posted in cheaper medicines bill, mar roxas, pgma, philippines, president | 0 comments [ More ]

Roxas to GMA: Resist Barack Obama pressure on cheap meds

Liberal President Senator Mar Roxas today asked President Arroyo to resist pressure when he meets with US President Barack Obama who will surely defend the US pharmaceutical companies’ opposition to the immediate implementation of the Cheaper Medicines law.

"Pangulong Arroyo, okay lang na makipagpulong ka kay President Obama pero huwag kang magpapa-braso na hindi natin pabababain ang presyo ng gamot dito sa ating bansa (It’s okay if you meet with President Obama but don’t be influenced into not bringing down the prices of medicines in our country)," he said.

"Matagal ng naghihintay ang ating mga kababayan na tuparin mo ang iyong pangako. Ipatupad mo na ang batas para sa murang gamot. Ang daming oras na ang nasasayang (Our people have long been waiting for you to make true your promise. Implement the law on cheaper medicines. We are wasting a lot of time with your administration’s dilly-dallying)," he added.

The Visayan senator noted pharmaceutical lobbying in the United States is one of the strongest and most influential in the world.

"Ang mga pharmaceutical companies, malaking industriya iyan sa Amerika. Yung pharmaceutical lobby isa sa pinakamalaki, pinaka-malakas, pinakamatindi…’yung healthcare reborn, isa sa pinakamalaking isyu sa Amerika. Kasi napakatindi ng lobby ng pharmaceutical industry (The pharmaceutical industry in America is big. The pharmaceutical lobby there is very strong. The healthcare reborn is a big issue because of the lobbying of the pharmaceutical industry)," he said.

Roxas reiterated his call for President Arroyo to sign the month-old draft executive order imposing the Maximum Retail Price (MRP) on 22 most essential medicines for Filipinos.

He said even the World Health Organization (WHO) noted that 122 governments all over the world impose price regulations on medicines sold in their respective countries.

"Bakit kailangang dito sa atin ay pahirapan ang pagpapatupad nitong MRP? Ginang Arroyo, isipin mo naman ang kapakanan ng ating mga kababayan (Why are we having a difficult time with the implementation of this MRP? Mrs. President, be more considerate of your people)," he also said.

| posted in barack obama, cheaper medicines bill, mar roxas, pgma, philippines, president, usa, world health organization | 0 comments [ More ]

Roxas asks GMA to attend oversight panel probe

Liberal President Senator Mar Roxas today announced that he invited President Arroyo to attend and explain before the Quality Affordable Medicines Oversight Committee her refusal to implement a vital provision of the law that reduces by half prices of 22 essential medicines.

The President will also be asked to shed light into reports that pharmaceutical companies have brought their lobbying against the implementation of the Cheaper Medicines law on the doorsteps of Malacañang; particularly the provision on Maximum Retail Prices (MRP) of medicines.

"Ginang Pangulo, gawin niyo po ang inyong trabaho. Pirmahan niyo na po itong executive order" that would impose the MRP on, and slash by half the prices of, the country’s top 22 prescribed but costly medicines, he said.

"Sa kadahilanan nga na nagkaroon ng miting dun sa Malakanyang at hindi natin alam kung ano ang napag-usapan—baka nagkaroon ng aregluhan, baka nagkaroon ng sabwatan kung ano na ang mangyayari dito sa batas—nagtakda tayo ng oversight committee hearing dito po sa pagpapatupad nitong batas," he also said.

The oversight committee had transmitted a notice of invitation to President Arroyo requesting her or her representative to attend to shed light on her alleged meeting with representatives of multinational drug companies held last July 8 in Malacañang.

He said: "Para malaman po natin ang katotohanan: paano nangyari itong miting na nito? Sino ang humingi nitong miting na ito? Kelan hiningi itong miting na ito at kelan pinag-bigyan, bakit nagkaroon agad ng schedule itong miting na ito? Makikita natin sa mga record. Malalaman natin ngayon kung ang gobyerno ba ay tumatayo para sa interest natin o tumatayo para sa interest nitong malalaking kumpanya na ito."

The Visayan senator had earlier lambasted what seems to be a conspiracy between the government and giant drug manufacturing firms to circumvent the implementation of the year-old law, which would bring relief to the public through easy access to cheaper but quality medicines.

Citing highly reliable sources, Roxas had exposed the "confidential meeting" and urged the Chief Executive to be wary of presidential advisers whose personal conflicts of interest might compromise her.

"Nanawagan ako sa Pangulo: Huwag po kayong makinig diyan. Nagla-lobby lang po ang mga iyan. Huwag po kayong makinig sa mga adviser ninyo, nagla-lobby lang po iyan. Panigan po ninyo, tayuan po ninyo, tindigan po ninyo, ang interest ng ating mga kababayan," he appealed to President Arroyo.

He vowed: "Hindi ko bibitiwan itong isyu na ito. Nasa batas na ito. Ang tagal na nating ipinaglaban ito. Ngayong nasa batas na ito, wala ng dahilan kung bakit hindi na mangyari ito kung hindi na lang iyong kagustuhan ng pangulo."

Friday, July 10, 2009 | posted in cheaper medicines bill, doh, mar roxas, pgma, philippines, president | 1 comments [ More ]

Roxas exposes conspiracy between GMA and multinational pharma

Liberal President Senator Mar Roxas today exposed a devious conspiracy between President Arroyo and multinational drug firms to circumvent the cheaper medicines law, in effect keeping critical drugs out of reach of the poor.

"I am informed by very reliable sources that recently, President Arroyo held a closed door meeting with representatives of multinational drug firms," he said.

"Sa meeting nila, napagkasunduan na ipagpaliban muna ang EO na magpapataw ng Maximum Retail Price (MRP) sa mga gamot. Ang kapalit, gagawa ng paraan ang big pharma companies na ibaba ang presyo ng gamot bago sumapit ang SONA ni GMA sa July 28," Roxas revealed.

The Executive Order setting the MRP for 22 essential medicines has been submitted by the Department of Health (DOH) to Mrs. Arroyo as early as June 16. The MRP list seeks to slash by half the prices of these drugs within reach of poor patients who are in need of life maintenance or at the brink of dying.

These drugs include the anti-hypertensive drug Norvasc (to P22.50 from P44.50); anti-diabetic Diamicron (to P7.35 from P14.75); antibiotic Zithromax (to P149.37 from P298.75); and antibiotic Augmentin suspension 60 ml (to P179.50 from P359).

"Sa meeting na iyon, nandoon daw ang Secretary of Health. Tinatanong kita, Secretary Duque, bakit hindi ka umalma sa kuntsabahang nasaksihan mo sa pagpupulong na iyon?" he said.

"I believe that this conspiracy was engineered with the facilitation of an influential Presidential Adviser who is also connected with one of the multinational pharmaceutical giants," he added.

"It is the poor patients that the President should call to Malacañang for a meeting so she can see for herself how hard it is to cling to dear life without affordable quality medication," he said.

Roxas demanded "for the nth time" that the President sign the EO on the MRP "and stop consultations with the pharmaceutical firms as if they were the victims in this issue."

He also demanded that Tamiflu—now priced as high as P150 per tablet—should also be included in the MRP.

"Stop playing with the lives of the people and just implement the law, Mrs. President," he said.

Thursday, July 9, 2009 | posted in cheaper medicines bill, doh, francisco duque, mar roxas, pgma, philippines, president, tamiflu | 1 comments [ More ]

Roxas: Road clear for 2010 LP victory

Liberal Party President Senator Mar Roxas today called on all Liberal Party members to unite and move towards victory in the coming 2010 national elections following a decision of the Commission on Elections upholding the November 26, 2007 proceedings of the LP’s National Executive Council (NECO).

"All stumbling blocks to the road to victory have been removed. Oras na para magkaisa (It’s time to unite)," Roxas said after being informed of the Comelec ruling.

"Oras na para tuluyan nating pagtagumpayan ang laban para baguhin ang sistema ng katiwalian na lumakas ng todo sa ilalim ng gobyernong Arroyo (It is now time for the LP to bring the fight to the final push and reform the system of corruption and patronage perpetuated by the Arroyo regime)," he added.

In a 12-page decision dated June 18, 2009, the Comelec denied the petition of DENR Secretary Joselito Atienza Jr. seeking to nullify the November 26, 2007 proceedings of the LP’s NECO in Club Filipino that elected Roxas as Party President to succeed former Senate President Franklin Drilon.

The decision was signed by Comelec Chair Jose Melo and Commissioners Armando Velasco, Lucenito Tagle, Ledonardo Leonida, Nicodemo Ferrer and Rene Sarmiento.

The Comelec decision also upheld the inherent right of political parties to impose discipline within its ranks and the determination of who can become members and the composition of its leadership.

The Supreme Court had earlier in July 31, 2007 also declared illegal an attempt by Atienza to form his own party leadership and upheld Drilon’s leadership following the LP’s decision in 2005 to break away from the Arroyo Administration over the “Hello Garci” controversy that alleged massive cheating in the 2004 presidential elections.

LP Secretary-General Rep. Joseph Emilio Aguinaldo Abaya hailed the Comelec decision as a signal for all LP members throughout the country to proceed with preparations for the coming 2010 elections.

"Destiny has put the LP at the forefront of struggles for reforms in the country. It is now time for us to unite to make sure we pursue this platform of reforming our country," Abaya said.

Tuesday, July 7, 2009 | posted in armando velasco, comelec, franklin drilon, hello garci, jose melo, joseph abaya, ledonardo leonida, lito atienza, lucenito tagle, mar roxas, nicodemo ferrer, pgma, philippines, rene sarmiento | 0 comments [ More ]

Roxas to GMA: Take responsibility for resolving automation crisis

Liberal President Senator Mar Roxas yesterday called on President Arroyo to take responsibility for resolving the crisis involving the Commission on Election’s poll automation project.

"It’s a matter of national security and public interest; President Arroyo should quickly call all parties involved to a meeting and find out for herself why and how this important project hit this snag," he said.

"Kung talagang desidido ang gobyernong ito na magkaroon ng malinis na halalan, dapat ang Pangulo mismo ang humanap ng paraan para resolbahin ang problemang ito. Oo, alitan ito sa pagitan ng dalawang mag-partner sa isang korporasyon, pero malaki ang implikasyon nito sa demokrasya natin," he added.

"Gutom na nga at walang trabaho ang mamamayan, nanakawin pa ng gobyerno ang pagkakataon nilang bumoto. Ito na nga lang ang nagbibigay sa kanila ng pag-asa na magkakaroon ng pagbabago. Pero di pa nga nagsisimula ang kampanya, ninanakaw na ang karapatan ng mamamayan sa tapat at malinis na halalan," he stressed.

The scheduled automation of the 2010 national elections is now in peril due to internal wrangling between Smartmatic and its Filipino partner, Total Information Management Corp. (TIM), which has withdrawn from the consortium, citing irreconcilable differences with the foreign firm.

The Visayan senator reiterated that a delay, much worse a cancellation, of the 2010 national elections is a severe setback to Philippines democracy as this would deny Filipinos the chance to elect their new leaders in the name of change and reform.

"Responsibilidad ng Pangulo at ng Comelec na siguruhing matutuloy ang eleksyon sa susunod na taon. Hindi maaaring panoorin lamang nila ang away sa pagitan ng Smartmatic at TIM nang wala silang ginagawang paraan upang maayos ang mga gusot at matuloy ang proyekto," he said.

"Kaya naman panahon na para patunayan ng administrasyong ito na iniisip din nila ang kapakanan ng taumbayan," he added.

Friday, July 3, 2009 | posted in comelec, jose melo, mar roxas, pgma, president, smartmatic, tim | 0 comments [ More ]

Roxas to GMA: Get back to work, slash drug prices

Liberal President Senator Mar Roxas today asked President Arroyo to get back to work now that she’s back in the country and sign an important executive order that imposes maximum retail price on the most vital drugs in the country.

In fact, Roxas said, Mrs. Arroyo should shake off the travel bug and even include the anti-flu drug Tamiflu as the 23rd medicine in the MRP list submitted to her by the Department of Health to make it more accessible to flu-scared consumers nationwide.

"Get back to work. Sign the executive order for the MRP so Filipinos can finally buy affordable and quality medicines in drugstores," Roxas said as GMA wound up a 13-day trip to Japan, the United States, Colombia, Brazil and Hong Kong at the height of the A(H1N1) flu scare in the country.

"Matagal ng inaantay ng taumbayan ang abot-kaya at de-kalidad na gamot. Isang taon simula nang maging batas ito, wala pa ring mabiling murang gamot ang taumbayan sa mga botika," lamented the primary author of the Universally Accessible Cheaper and Quality Medicines Law.

The DOH has submitted the draft EO on the MRP to the Office of the President last June 16. The President’s approval is necessary before the department could start imposing price ceilings on the top 22 prescribed medicines in the country, which includes, among others, hypertension, diabetes and anti-bacterial drugs.

Roxas renewed his call to include Tamiflu (Generic: Oseltamivir) and other anti-viral drugs in the MRP, stressing the need to put price ceilings on the drugs to ensure their affordability.

He noted the spiraling costs of medicines that treat symptoms of the A(H1N1) flu. Tamiflu had previously cost only P40/capsule before the flu virus began spreading in the country. It is now sold at an average of P150 to P155 apiece.

"Kailangang siguruhin nating abot-kaya ang halaga ng mga gamot laban sa A(H1N1)" the Visayan senator said.

"Responsibilidad ng pamahalaan na panatilihing malusog ang taumbayan. Bakit kailangang unahin ang biyahe bago bigyan ang taumbayan ng murang gamot?" he added.

Tuesday, June 30, 2009 | posted in a(h1n1), cheaper medicines bill, health, mar roxas, pgma, president, tamiflu | 0 comments [ More ]

Roxas to DOH: Do your job, enforce cheap meds law

Liberal President Senator Mar Roxas yesterday said local pharmaceutical companies could expect a more robust industry if government properly implements the one year-old Universally Accessible Cheaper and Quality Medicines law.

Roxas, primary author of the law, noted the 12% reported growth of the local pharmaceutical industry just a year after medicine patent rules were relaxed.

"Magandang balita ito. Ngunit higit sanang masigla ang industriya kung maging mas masigasig pa ang pagpapatupad sa batas na ito," he said.

He added: "Ngayong nagsisimula nang talagang kumikilos ang DOH para ipatupad ang batas para sa murang gamot, maaasahan nating mas lalong mararamdaman ang magagandang epekto para sa sambayanan."

The landmark law mandates healthier competition in the pharmaceutical industry by relaxing patent rules that have hindered local pharmaceutical firms from producing generic medicines. However, the price reductions that resulted from this have not yet been enough, he said.

He reiterated his appeal to President Arroyo not to heed active lobbying by international drug companies and to instead immediately sign the Maximum Retail Price (MRP) for the top 22 prescribed medicines in the country, which the DOH endorsed to the Office of the President last June 16.

"Gloria, pirmahan mo na agad itong MRP. Patunayan mo ang pangako mong pangangalagaan mo ang kalusugan ng ating mamamayan. Pirma mo lang ang kailangan para mangalahati ang presyo ng gamot," he stressed.

"Huwag mo ng pansinin ang mga dambuhalang kumpanya na patuloy na hinaharang ang pagpapatupad ng batas. Patunayan mo ang sinseridad mo sa taumbayan," he added.

Under the DOH-proposed MRP, prices of 22 most prescribed medicines in the country would be slashed by 50%. The initial list includes anti-hypertensive, anti-cholesterol, anti-diabetic, antibiotics and anti-neoplastic drugs.

Some of these branded drugs are the anti-hypertensive drug Norvasc, the price of which would drop to P22.50 from the present P44.50; anti-diabetic Diamicron, P7.35 from P14.75; antibiotic Flagyl, P66 from P132; antibiotic Zithromax, P149.37 from P298.75; antibiotic Tazocin, P1061.86 from P2,123.75; antibiotic Augmention suspension 60 ml, P179.50 from P359; Augmentin suspension 70 ml, P439.50 from P879; and anti-neoplastic Carboplatin 450 mg vial, P2117.61 from P4857.15.

Wednesday, June 24, 2009 | posted in cheaper medicines bill, doh, health, mar roxas, pgma, president | 0 comments [ More ]

Roxas: Expect LP presence in June 10 rally

Expect the Liberal Party to join the protest in Makati on June 10 against the brazen acts of the administration to ram through with an unwanted charter change, Liberal President Senator Mar Roxas said.

"Huwag nating hayaang sipsipin ng Con-Asswang na ito ang dugo ng ating bayan. (We should not let this monster called Constituent Assembly suck the blood of our nation)," he stressed.

"Asahan ninyo kaming mga Liberal na pumanig sa taumbayan. Lalaban tayo laban sa pambabalasubas ng mga nasa poder sa ating Konstitusyon (Expect us Liberals to be on the people’s side. We will fight any and all attempts by those in power to bastardize our Constitution)," he said.

Roxas said that aside from attending the rally in Makati on June 10, the LP will also organize education and information campaigns on the issue to rally the people against the Gloria Forever agenda.

"Kailangan nating gabayan ang mga kababayan natin sa mga panahong ito na uhaw na uhaw sa kapangyarihan ang mga nasa poder (We have to guide our people in these times when those in power thirst for power)," he said.

"Gutom na ang taumbayan sa pagbabago. Ilang beses na nilang sinabi, sa pamamagitan ng mga survey, na ayaw nila sa Gloria Forever cha-cha at gusto nilang matuloy ang eleksyon (The people hunger for change. They have said many times, through the surveys, that they oppose this Gloria Forever cha-cha and want the elections to push through)," he stressed.

Public outrage over the railroaded approval of House Resolution 1109 allowing the convening of a Senate-less constituent assembly has spread throughout the country. Various groups have announced street protests to dramatize public’s rejection of House moves to amend the Charter and lift term limits, allowing Arroyo to extend her term and stay in Malacañang beyond 2010.

Roxas has sponsored Senate Resolution No. 1126, co-sponsored by Senators Benigno Aquino III and Rodolfo Biazon, urging Mrs. Arroyo to exercise her constitutional and moral duties to the public by affirming the unconstitutionality of HR 1109.

Tuesday, June 9, 2009 | posted in charter change, constituent assembly, mar roxas, noynoy aquino, pgma, philippines, pong biazon | 0 comments [ More ]

Roxas: Pinoys can't rely on GMA promise on 2010 polls

Liberal President Senator Mar Roxas yesterday said revelations that President Arroyo herself ordered the vote on the constituent assembly resolution is clear proof that Filipinos cannot rely on her word that polls will push through in 2010 as scheduled.

Roxas said the Con-ASSwang (constituent assembly) railroaded by Palace allies at the House of Representatives is too potent to be fought by any single group.

"Kelangan talaga ng panlaban sa mga aswang sa Malacanang," he said.

He added false assurance from President Arroyo that the 2010 presidential elections would push through are not enough to assuage public outrage over the unconstitutional action of her House minions.

"Kulang ang salita lamang sa Pangulong lasing na sa kapangyarihan. Alam naman nating lahat na hindi siya marunong tumupad sa kanyang mga pangako," he said, referring to the 2003 broken promise of Mrs. Arroyo that she was not running for president in the 2004 polls.

The Visayan senator said the public is waiting for a decisive act from the President: "Magpakatotoo ka, Pangulong Arroyo. Aminin mong ikaw mismo ang nag-utos na ipasa na ang Con-Asswang. O kung hindi, iutos mong ibaon na nang tuluyan ang maitim na balak na sirain ang demokrasya sa ating bayan."

Public outrage over the railroaded approval of House Resolution 1109 allowing the convening of a Senate-less constituent assembly has spread throughout the country. Various groups have announced street protests to dramatize public's rejection of House moves to amend the Charter and lift term limits, allowing President Arroyo to extend her term and stay in Malacañang beyond 2010.

Roxas has sponsored Senate Resolution No. 1126, co-sponsored by Senators Benigno Aquino III and Rodolfo Biazon, urging Mrs. Arroyo to exercise her constitutional and moral duties to the public by affirming the unconstitutionality of HR 1109.

Saturday, June 6, 2009 | posted in charter change, constituent assembly, mar roxas, noynoy aquino, pgma, philippines, pong biazon, president | 0 comments [ More ]

Roxas' Privilege Speech on Con-AssWang

Sa probinsiya ko, sa Capiz, kilala namin ang ASWANG. At ang pinaka-mabisang panlaban sa mga ASWANG ay bawang.

Ngayong umaga, nag-desisyon ako na isuot ang kwintas ng bawang na ito para maitaboy ang ASWANG na tinatawag na Constituent Assembly o CON-ASSwang.

Kagabi ay kitang-kita natin ang kaaswangan nila. Balak nilang amyedahan ang Saligang Batas nang hindi kasama ang Senado. Pero pinapaalala ko lang sa kanila na noong a-kinse ng Disyembre nitong nakaraang taon, ipinasa na natin dito sa Senado ang isang resolusyon na labag sa Saligang Batas ang balakin ng Kamara.

Para tumibay lalo ang loob ng Senado, pinadalhan ko din ang mga kagalang-galang na mga kasamahan dito sa Senado at sa Kongreso na buong-tapang na nilalabanan ang Con-ASSWANG na ito

Itong Cha-Cha na ito, patay na pero pilit na binubuhay pang muli. Wala nang katawan, wala nang suporta ng taumbayan, pero pilit na binubuhay muli.

Madame President, noong isang lingo, buong ngiti kayo kasama ang mahigit na dalawandaang miyembro ng Kongreso na kasapi ng Lakas-Kampi merger. Lahat nang mga bumoto pabor sa resolusyon na ipasa ang Con-ASSwang na ito ay miyembro ng iyong Partidong Lakas-Kampi.

Madam President, walang maniniwala na ang Con-ASSwang na ito ay hindi iyo. Magpakatotoo ka. Ito ay nangyari lamang dahil pinakawalan mo ang Con-ASSwang na ito. You are responsible for this plague that has befallen us.

Ilang milyong Pilipino ang nabubuhay ng wala o kulang ang kanilang gamut, pagkain at edukasyon dahil sa kasakiman sa kwarta't kapangyarihan ng mga aswang sa paligid natin? Lahat nang kalokohang ito - para sa Gloria Forever Constitution!

Pero sa lahat ng pangyayaring ito, hindi ko pababayaang sipsipin nila ng todo ang dugo ng ating taumbayan. Hindi lang bawang ang kailangan natin para labanan ang mga aswang na ito.

Kailangan nating magsama-sama ng taumbayan para labanan ang Con-ASSwang ni Gloria. Ipangako natin muli sa taumbayan na itong Gloria Forever Constitution na ito ay siguradong mamamatay at 'di na mabubuhay para sipsipin pa ang buhay ng ating bansa.

Ngayong araw na ito ay magsasampa ako ng isang resolusyon - a resolution expressing the sense of the Senate asking the President to affirm, CATEGORICALLY, that the House convening itself as a constituent assembly on its own is unconstitutional.

Nananawagan ako kay Pangulong Arroyo na magpakatotoo at patunayan sa buong bayan na hindi siya ang nasa likod nitong Con-ASSwang na ito at utusan ang kanyang mga alipores sa Kongreso na tigilan na ang kalokohang ito.

Madam President, tayuan mo ito o itakwil mo! Magpakatotoo tayo!

Thursday, June 4, 2009 | posted in charter change, constituent assembly, joaquin bernas, mar roxas, pgma, philippines, president | 0 comments [ More ]

Roxas dares GMA: reject, disown Senate-less "Con-AssWang"

Liberal President Senator Mar Roxas today vowed to thwart President Arroyo’s bid to perpetuate herself to power beyond 2010 through a Gloria Forever Constitution railroaded by her allies at the House of Representatives on Tuesday night.

The Visayan senator came to the Senate session wearing a garland of "bawang" (garlic) to scare away what he called the "Con-ASSwang" from the lower house.

"Hindi ko pababayaang sipsipin nila ng todo ang dugo ng taumbayan. Hindi lang bawang ang kailangan natin para labanan ang mga aswang na ito. Kailangan nating magsama-sama para labanan ang Con-ASSwang ni Gloria," he said in a privileged speech.

"Ngayong hapon, nag-desisyon ako na isuot ang kwintas ng bawang na ito para maitaboy ang aswang na tinatawag na Constituent Assembly o Con-ASSwang. Para tumibay lalo ang loob ng Senado, pinadalhan ko din ang mga kagalang-galang na mga kasamahan ko sa Senado at sa Kongreso na buong-tapang na nilalabanan ang Con-ASSwang na ito," he added.

Roxas also challenged President Arroyo to reject and categorically disown the illegal Con-Ass railroaded by her House allies.

"Madame President, walang maniniwala na ang Con-ASSwang na ito ay hindi iyo. Magpakatotoo ka. Ito ay nangyari lamang dahil pinakawalan mo ang Con-ASSwang na ito. You are responsible for this plague that has befallen us. Tayuan mo ito o itakwil mo!"

Roxas authored a resolution expressing the Senate’s opposition to the Senate-less Con-Ass and insisting on its unconstitutionality.

"Now, therefore, be it resolved, as it is hereby resolved, to express the sense of the Senate urging President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo to uphold her constitutional duties by rejecting House Resolution No. 1109, affirming that the House of Representatives convening as a constituent assembly independent of the Senate is patently unconstitutional and by ordering her allies in the House of Representatives to stop such blatant disrespect of constitutional processes," the resolution read.

He insisted President Arroyo has the "constitutional and moral duty" to assure the Filipino people that she is not involved in the "foolishness" of her House allies.

He stressed that "in unilaterally convening itself as a constituent assembly through House Resolution No. 1109, the House of Representatives unlawfully disregarded the bicameral nature of Congress and blatantly disregarded the Senate of the Philippines as a co-equal body in the legislative branch of the government in violation of the sacred law of the land – the 1987 Philippine Constitution."

He cited the legal maxim of ut magis valeat quam pereat and said that "a complete reading of the 1987 Constitution would readily reveal that both the Senate and House of Representatives are intended to act and vote separately in all the measures that they are required to pass upon."

He also noted the opinion of constitutionalist Fr. Joaquin Bernas that the requirement of separate voting is apparent in the bicameral character of Congress.

Senators have unanimously adopted on December 15 last year Resolution No. 154 declaring as unconstitutional any attempt by the House of Representatives to unilaterally propose amendments to or revision of the Constitution without the approval by ¾ of the Senate voting separately.

Malacañang allies at the House of Representatives railroaded the approval of House Resolution No. 1109 late Tuesday night allowing the convening of a Constituent Assembly even without the participation of the Senate to introduce amendments to or revise the Constitution.

Wednesday, June 3, 2009 | posted in charter change, constituent assembly, joaquin bernas, mar roxas, pgma, philippines, president | 0 comments [ More ]