Rep. Kaka Bag-ao's Explanation of Vote on the Death Penalty

Tweet

Delivered after the voting on Third and Final Reading, 07 March 2017.

Mr. Speaker, my dear colleagues—I vote NO to the proposal to reinstate the death penalty based on our fundamental values anchored on social justice and human rights and dignity.

Ang urong-sulong na pagtanggal ng mga krimen na nasasakop sa parusang bitay, tulad ng rape, plunder, at murder, ay indikasyon na wala talagang sapat na pamantayan para sa “compelling reason” at “heinousness” na isanasaad na kondisyon ng Korte Suprema para sa pagbalik ng parusang bitay. Ang pamantayan lang ngayon ay kung ano ang utos ng mayorya.

Sponsorship Speech for the On-Site, In-City, or Near-City Resettlement Bill

Tweet

Dinagat Islands Rep. Kaka Bag-ao’s sponsorship speech for House Bill No. 3936 (On-Site, In-City, or Near-City Resettlement Bill), which was approved on 07 November 2016 by the House Committee on Housing and Urban Development. 

People’s participation in the provision of sustainable housing is one of the legacies of former DILG Secretary Jesse Robredo. His vision, which established a different lens in the implementation of socialized housing projects paved the way for the birth of the Oplan LIKAS Program (Lipat para Iwas Kalamidad At Sakit). Oplan LIKAS was executed pursuant to a 16-point “Social Contract with the Filipino People” of the previous administration which sought “inclusive urban development where people of varying income levels are integrated in productive, healthy, and safe communities.” The program aimed to provide safe, affordable and decent, permanent housing solutions to Informal Settler Families (ISFs) living in danger zones by relocating the affected families in on-site, near-city, and in-city relocation sites in accordance with a “People’s Plan” forwarded by these ISFs. This government program serves as the springboard for the proposed bill.

Sponsorship Speech for the Agrarian Reform Commission Bill

Dinagat Islands Rep. Kaka Bag-ao delivered this sponsorship speech during the 06 August 2014 hearing of the Committee on Agrarian Reform for the initial consideration of House Bill No. 4375 (Agrarian Reform Commission Bill), which she authored with Camarines Sur Rep. Leni Robredo.

[LEGAL NOTES] Queries on CARPER beyond 2014

The DAR’s continuing mandate and authority to process and proceed with the acquisition and distribution of agricultural landholdings issued with Notices of Coverage prior to CARP expiration on June 30, 2014.

Utilization of legislated budget for a government program for its full implementation shall be allowed even after the expiration of said program.

No less than Section 4, Article VIII of the Philippine Constitution  mandates that “The State shall, by law, undertake an agrarian reform program founded on the right of farmers and regular farm workers, who are landless, to own directly or indirectly the land they till.” The same section adds that, “the State shall encourage and undertake the just distribution of all agricultural lands, subject to such priorities and reasonable retention limits as the Congress may provide xxx.” 

[LEGAL NOTES] Upholding the rule of law or the rule of men? (On the SC recall of its FASAP decision)

It has been said that the Supreme Court is the last bulwark of constitutional rights and liberties. But, what happens when the Supreme Court itself transgresses these very rights that it is duty-bound to protect?

  

The Supreme Court is vested with the power to protect the constitutionally guaranteed rights of the citizens and provide a redress of wrongs for violations of such rights.  However, the recent decision of the Supreme Court to recall the final and executory judgment in the case between the Flight Attendants and Stewards Association of the Philippines (FASAP) and the Philippine Airlines (PAL) has placed the integrity of the High Court in question. 

[LEGAL NOTES] Void or valid?: The legal acrobatics of the Supreme Court decision on Hacienda Luisita

Tweet

Decision or Confusion?

In its decision dated July 5, 2011, the Supreme Court affirmed the resolution of the Presidential Agrarian Reform Council (PARC) revoking the Stock Distribution Plan (SDP) of the Hacienda Luisita Inc. (HLI). At first glance, it may seem that the decision is a victory for the farmers. However, a close reading of the lengthy decision will show that it leaves much to be desired.

[LEGAL NOTES] HLI must subscribe to the tenets of social justice and distribute the land to the farmers

Tweet

The Stock Distribution Program being implemented by Hacienda Luisita is contrary to the purpose of the agrarian reform law and violates the constitution. 

To meet the ends of social justice, the distribution of the land to the farmers who have tilled it all their lives is in order.

The provision in the law which allows such option should also be declared unconstitutional by the Supreme Court for being contrary to the noble purpose of agrarian reform.