DINAGAT Islands Representative Rep. Alan 1 Ecleo spoke before the House Plenary yesterday to defend House Bill 10422, which introduces amendments to the national policy on disaster risk reduction and management, allowing disaster-stricken areas to more easily access funds for rehabilitation and recovery, and expanding the deadline to such areas to submit documents necessary to secure funding.
“Based on our own experience, two years are not enough for a Province which has lost everything to submit a long list of documents needed to secure funds for rehabilitation,” said Ecleo. “This Bill lengthens the time for preparation and compliance and shortens the list of requirements to access post-disaster funds.”
Aside from the said provisions, House Bill 10422 entitled, “An Act Strengthening the Philippine Disaster Risk Reduction and Management System, Amending for the Purpose Republic Act No. 10121, Otherwise Known as the ‘Philippine Disaster Risk Reduction And Management Act Of 2010’” also empowers LGUs, NGOs, and youth organizations to join post-disaster efforts through maintaining a national database of community disaster volunteers.
Ecleo answered concerns raised by Kabataan Partylist Rep. Raoul Manuel on the extent of the participation of accredited youth organizations in disaster response, which the Bill encourages. “This Bill encourages youth volunteerism and participation in responding to crises, not force them in any way,” said Ecleo. “Lahat ay dadaanin sa pag-uusap at hindi sa pilitan.”
Ecleo also responded to concerns by Gabriela Partylist Rep. Arlene Brosas on how the amendments would avoid corruption in the use of calamity funds: “Aside from already existing measures to ensure compliance and avoid corruption, the implementation of the Law shall be subject to an Annual Sunset Review to be conducted by the Congressional Oversight Committee.”
The said Committee shall be chaired by the Committee on Disaster Resilience of the House of Representatives as Co-Chairperson alongside the Senate’s Chairperson of National Defense and Security, to ensure that the use of funds and disaster response overall are subject to more transparency and accountability.
After the interpellation, the House Plenary unanimously passed House Bill 10422 on its second reading.
