# House Committee on Appropriations: DFA - September 3, 2026 Source: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7SOYFcTLESo AI-assisted working draft. AI can make errors. Always check quotations, names, rulings, and other consequential details against the official video. **[00:00:00.240] Rep. Sancho Fernando "Ando" F. Oaminal** (asr-000001) the members and the resource persons present today. **[00:00:08.060] Committee Secretary** (asr-000002) Good afternoon, Your Honor. **[00:00:11.300] Committee Secretary** (asr-000003) May we acknowledge the presence of the following members, **[00:00:15.560] Committee Secretary** (asr-000004) Vice Chair Sancho Ando Oaminal **[00:00:18.360] Committee Secretary** (asr-000005) and Vice Chair Niko Raul Daza, **[00:00:24.360] Committee Secretary** (asr-000006) Deputy Minority Leader Percival Perci Cendaña, **[00:00:28.820] Committee Secretary** (asr-000007) Representative Leody Odie Tarriela, **[00:00:35.840] Committee Secretary** (asr-000008) Representative Dadah Kiram Ismula, **[00:00:40.500] Committee Secretary** (asr-000009) Representative Renee Louise Co, **[00:00:44.140] Committee Secretary** (asr-000010) Representative Brian Poe. **[00:00:46.740] Committee Secretary** (asr-000011) And for the resource persons from the Department of Foreign Affairs, **[00:00:53.100] Committee Secretary** (asr-000012) from the Office of the Secretary, **[00:00:57.300] Committee Secretary** (asr-000013) Your Honorable Secretary, **[00:00:58.820] Committee Secretary** (asr-000014) Secretary Maria Teresa Lazaro, **[00:01:02.540] Committee Secretary** (asr-000015) Chief Coordinator Maria Antonina M. Mendoza Oblena, **[00:01:08.920] Committee Secretary** (asr-000016) from the Office of Policy Planning and Coordination, OPPC, **[00:01:15.240] Committee Secretary** (asr-000017) ASEC Robespierre L. Bolivar, **[00:01:20.280] Committee Secretary** (asr-000018) from the Office of Treaties and Legal Affairs, OTLA, **[00:01:23.860] Committee Secretary** (asr-000019) Deputy Assistant Secretary and Executive Director, **[00:01:26.420] Committee Secretary** (asr-000020) Anthony Achilles L. Mandap, **[00:01:28.820] Committee Secretary** (asr-000021) Present. **[00:01:34.800] Committee Secretary** (asr-000022) Yes, sir, thank you. **[00:01:37.340] Committee Secretary** (asr-000023) From the Internal Audit Service, **[00:01:39.180] Committee Secretary** (asr-000024) Assistant Secretary Robert Operer Jr. **[00:01:41.800] Committee Secretary** (asr-000025) Thank you, sir. **[00:01:43.500] Committee Secretary** (asr-000026) From the Office of Public Diplomacy, **[00:01:46.200] Committee Secretary** (asr-000027) Acting AAC and Spokesperson Analing D. Ratonel, **[00:01:50.280] Committee Secretary** (asr-000028) from the Office of USeC for Administration, **[00:01:56.720] Committee Secretary** (asr-000029) Under-secretary Maria Teresa B. Dizon de Vega, **[00:02:01.200] Committee Secretary** (asr-000030) Present. **[00:02:02.520] Committee Secretary** (asr-000031) Ma'am, sorry. **[00:02:03.160] Committee Secretary** (asr-000032) From the Human Resources Management Office, Assistant Secretary Marford Angeles. **[00:02:11.820] Committee Secretary** (asr-000033) Thank you, sir. **[00:02:13.260] Committee Secretary** (asr-000034) From the Office of Asset Management and Support Services, Assistant Secretary Charmaine Cernachua. **[00:02:21.020] Committee Secretary** (asr-000035) Thank you, ma'am. **[00:02:22.600] Committee Secretary** (asr-000036) From the Office of Protocol, Assistant Secretary Ariel Peñaranda. **[00:02:28.120] Committee Secretary** (asr-000037) Thank you, sir. **[00:02:28.840] Committee Secretary** (asr-000038) From the Office of Financial Management Services, Assistant Secretary Emilio Fernandez. **[00:02:34.760] Committee Secretary** (asr-000039) Thank you, sir. **[00:02:36.360] Committee Secretary** (asr-000040) From the Office of Consular Affairs, OCA, Assistant Secretary Anne Hlando-On-Lui. **[00:02:43.240] Committee Secretary** (asr-000041) Thank you, ma'am. **[00:02:44.700] Committee Secretary** (asr-000042) Office of USEC for Policy, Undersecretary Leo Jerela Lim. **[00:02:49.960] Committee Secretary** (asr-000043) Thank you, sir. **[00:02:51.820] Committee Secretary** (asr-000044) Office of Middle East and African Affairs, Assistant Secretary Herminia Aguilar-Usudan. **[00:02:57.380] Committee Secretary** (asr-000045) Thank you, ma'am. **[00:02:58.840] Committee Secretary** (asr-000046) United Nations and International Organizations, Assistant Secretary Laila Lora-Santos. **[00:03:06.400] Committee Secretary** (asr-000047) Thank you, ma'am. **[00:03:08.060] Committee Secretary** (asr-000048) Office of Asian and Pacific Affairs, Assistant Secretary Marcial Louie Alperes. **[00:03:13.660] Committee Secretary** (asr-000049) Thank you, sir. **[00:03:15.520] Committee Secretary** (asr-000050) Office of American Affairs, Assistant Secretary Renita Rodriguez. **[00:03:20.080] Committee Secretary** (asr-000051) Thank you, ma'am. **[00:03:21.300] Committee Secretary** (asr-000052) Office of European Affairs, Assistant Secretary Dina Joy Amato. **[00:03:26.100] Committee Secretary** (asr-000053) Thank you, ma'am. **[00:03:27.160] Committee Secretary** (asr-000054) Office of ASEAN Affairs, Assistant Secretary Anna Maria Hernando. **[00:03:30.840] Committee Secretary** (asr-000055) Thank you, ma'am. **[00:03:31.340] Committee Secretary** (asr-000056) Maritime and Ocean Affairs Office, Deputy Assistant Secretary and Spokesperson for Maritime Affairs, Rogelio Villanueva, Jr. **[00:03:42.660] Committee Secretary** (asr-000057) Thank you, sir. **[00:03:44.320] Committee Secretary** (asr-000058) Office of USEC for Economic and Cultural Diplomacy, Undersecretary Maria Adrelita Austria. **[00:03:52.200] Committee Secretary** (asr-000059) Thank you, ma'am. **[00:03:53.980] Committee Secretary** (asr-000060) Office of Economic and Cultural Diplomacy, Deputy Assistant Secretary and Executive Director Arlene Magno. **[00:04:00.340] Committee Secretary** (asr-000061) Thank you, ma'am. **[00:04:02.060] Committee Secretary** (asr-000062) Office of the USEC, Undersecretary for Migration Affairs, Ecedin H. Tagua. **[00:04:09.740] Committee Secretary** (asr-000063) Thank you, sir. **[00:04:10.360] Committee Secretary** (asr-000064) Office of Migration Affairs, Assistant Secretary Angelica Escalona. **[00:04:15.180] Committee Secretary** (asr-000065) Thank you, ma'am. **[00:04:16.540] Committee Secretary** (asr-000066) Foreign Service Institute, Director General Neil Frank-Perrer. **[00:04:21.460] Committee Secretary** (asr-000067) Thank you, sir. **[00:04:22.880] Committee Secretary** (asr-000068) Presidential Commission on Visiting Forces, Undersecretary Antonio Jaulana. **[00:04:29.260] Committee Secretary** (asr-000069) Thank you, sir. **[00:04:31.100] Committee Secretary** (asr-000070) UNESCO National Commission of the Philippines, SecGen Ivan Anthony Henares. **[00:04:36.420] Committee Secretary** (asr-000071) Thank you, sir. **[00:04:38.440] Committee Secretary** (asr-000072) Beads and Awards Committee, Chairperson Paulo Saret. **[00:04:42.180] Committee Secretary** (asr-000073) Thank you, sir. **[00:04:43.800] Committee Secretary** (asr-000074) And lastly, Office of Intelligence and Security Services, Assistant Secretary Elmer G. Cato. **[00:04:50.120] Committee Secretary** (asr-000075) And there are more additional resource persons. **[00:04:53.780] Committee Secretary** (asr-000076) Members of the House, Representative Milagros Aquino Magsaysay. **[00:04:58.480] Rep. Henry "Indy" F. Oaminal Jr.** (asr-000077) Thank you, ma'am. **[00:05:00.340] Committee Secretary** (asr-000078) That's all, Chair. **[00:05:01.340] Committee Secretary** (asr-000079) Thank you. **[00:05:02.340] Rep. Sancho Fernando "Ando" F. Oaminal** (asr-000080) Thank you, Mr. Secretary. **[00:05:03.340] Rep. Sancho Fernando "Ando" F. Oaminal** (asr-000081) Before we proceed with the presentation, I would like to recognize my co-sponsor, Congressman **[00:05:14.340] Rep. Sancho Fernando "Ando" F. Oaminal** (asr-000082) Nico Raul Daza, for his brief manifestation of support. **[00:05:21.340] Rep. Niko Raul S.J. Daza** (asr-000083) Thank you, Mr. Chair. **[00:05:22.340] Rep. Niko Raul S.J. Daza** (asr-000084) Mr. Chair, distinguished colleagues, good afternoon. **[00:05:25.420] Rep. Niko Raul S.J. Daza** (asr-000085) Allow this representation to first acknowledge the presence of the Secretary of Foreign Affairs, **[00:05:30.100] Rep. Niko Raul S.J. Daza** (asr-000086) the Honorable Maria Teresa Lazaro, a career diplomat of over four decades, whose steady **[00:05:35.660] Rep. Niko Raul S.J. Daza** (asr-000087) hand has served this Republic from the halls of ASEAN to the capitals of Europe, and now **[00:05:41.180] Rep. Niko Raul S.J. Daza** (asr-000088) at the helm of our entire Foreign Service. **[00:05:45.440] Rep. Niko Raul S.J. Daza** (asr-000089) With her are the Undersecretaries and Assistant Secretaries of the Department, the leadership **[00:05:50.480] Rep. Niko Raul S.J. Daza** (asr-000090) of the Foreign Service Institute, the UNESCO National Commission of the Philippines, and **[00:05:55.360] Rep. Niko Raul S.J. Daza** (asr-000091) the Presidential Commission on Visiting Forces, and the men and women of our Foreign Service, **[00:06:00.100] Rep. Niko Raul S.J. Daza** (asr-000092) many of whom serve quietly, far from home, so that no Filipino abroad ever has to stand **[00:06:04.740] Rep. Niko Raul S.J. Daza** (asr-000093) alone. **[00:06:05.800] Rep. Niko Raul S.J. Daza** (asr-000094) We welcome you all to the House of the People. **[00:06:08.660] Rep. Niko Raul S.J. Daza** (asr-000095) Mr. Chair, it is the distinct honor of this representation to co-sponsor the proposed **[00:06:13.580] Rep. Niko Raul S.J. Daza** (asr-000096) fiscal year 2027 budget of the Department of Foreign Affairs and its attached agencies **[00:06:18.620] Rep. Niko Raul S.J. Daza** (asr-000097) in the amount of 35 billion pesos. **[00:06:23.020] Rep. Niko Raul S.J. Daza** (asr-000098) Diplomacy is our first line of defense, long before any show of force is ever contemplated. **[00:06:28.080] Rep. Niko Raul S.J. Daza** (asr-000099) It is the diplomat who stands for the flag. **[00:06:30.100] Rep. Niko Raul S.J. Daza** (asr-000101) At the negotiating table, in the consular window, at the side of a distressed kababayan **[00:06:35.320] Rep. Niko Raul S.J. Daza** (asr-000102) seeking help in foreign soil. **[00:06:38.100] Rep. Niko Raul S.J. Daza** (asr-000103) When we fund the DFA, we fund the peaceful assertion of who we are as a nation, the protection **[00:06:43.460] Rep. Niko Raul S.J. Daza** (asr-000104) of our national interests, the promotion of the welfare and dignity of every Filipino **[00:06:47.920] Rep. Niko Raul S.J. Daza** (asr-000105) overseas, the pursuit of economic opportunity through our partnerships abroad, and the projection **[00:06:53.740] Rep. Niko Raul S.J. Daza** (asr-000106) of the best that the Filipino has to offer to the world. **[00:06:57.280] Rep. Niko Raul S.J. Daza** (asr-000107) These are the pillars of our nation's foreign policy. **[00:07:00.840] Rep. Niko Raul S.J. Daza** (asr-000110) This budget is their foundation. **[00:07:02.940] Rep. Niko Raul S.J. Daza** (asr-000111) On that score, the department has earned this chamber's confidence. **[00:07:06.680] Rep. Niko Raul S.J. Daza** (asr-000112) The 2025 annual performance review shows every indicator met or exceeded. **[00:07:11.760] Rep. Niko Raul S.J. Daza** (asr-000113) On the consular side, the part our constituents feel. **[00:07:15.380] Rep. Niko Raul S.J. Daza** (asr-000114) Ninety-nine percent of cases involving overseas Filipinos were acted upon with the prescribed **[00:07:20.180] Rep. Niko Raul S.J. Daza** (asr-000115) period. **[00:07:21.940] Rep. Niko Raul S.J. Daza** (asr-000116) All other consular documents were issued on time, and another 99 percent of passports **[00:07:26.840] Rep. Niko Raul S.J. Daza** (asr-000117) were released within the prescribed period. **[00:07:28.500] Rep. Niko Raul S.J. Daza** (asr-000118) These are not abstractions. **[00:07:30.400] Rep. Niko Raul S.J. Daza** (asr-000119) behind each percentage point is a filipino whose government answered when it mattered **[00:07:36.400] Rep. Niko Raul S.J. Daza** (asr-000120) mr chair kindly indulged this representation a brief personal note under the leadership of **[00:07:41.280] Rep. Niko Raul S.J. Daza** (asr-000121) secretary lazaro and through the department's openness to work with this representation **[00:07:46.880] Rep. Niko Raul S.J. Daza** (asr-000122) the establishment of the 43rd consular office in catarman northern samar **[00:07:50.880] Rep. Niko Raul S.J. Daza** (asr-000123) was granted and funded. Bilang Catarmananon, nagpapasalamat ako. **[00:07:55.680] Rep. Niko Raul S.J. Daza** (asr-000124) Ilalapit na po natin ang mga serbisyo ng DFA para sa lahat ng Nortehanon. Dakong salamat, Madam Secretary. This is a department that listens. This representation is confident that the department **[00:08:07.360] Rep. Niko Raul S.J. Daza** (asr-000125) will continue to bring its services closer to every filipino whether at home or abroad **[00:08:12.640] Rep. Niko Raul S.J. Daza** (asr-000126) mr chair the mandate of the department is to promote and protect philippine interests in **[00:08:16.400] Rep. Niko Raul S.J. Daza** (asr-000127) the global community at a time of shifting geopolitics with our sovereignty tested in **[00:08:21.440] Rep. Niko Raul S.J. Daza** (asr-000128) the west philippine sea and with millions of filipinos living and working abroad that **[00:08:26.240] Rep. Niko Raul S.J. Daza** (asr-000129) mandate is not a slogan on a wall it is a promise that wherever it **[00:08:29.840] Rep. Niko Raul S.J. Daza** (asr-000130) may be in the world, their government stands with them. Saan man sila sa mundo, hindi sila nag-iisa. **[00:08:37.300] Rep. Niko Raul S.J. Daza** (asr-000131) for these reasons these representations this representation respectfully asks this august **[00:08:42.160] Rep. Niko Raul S.J. Daza** (asr-000132) chamber to support the proposed 2027 budget of the department of foreign affairs and its attached **[00:08:47.920] Rep. Niko Raul S.J. Daza** (asr-000133) agencies not merely as an appropriation but as an investment in our sovereignty in our standing **[00:08:53.280] Rep. Niko Raul S.J. Daza** (asr-000134) among nature among nations and in every filipino who carries our flag beyond our shore thank you mr **[00:08:58.880] Rep. Niko Raul S.J. Daza** (asr-000135) chair **[00:09:02.660] Rep. Sancho Fernando "Ando" F. Oaminal** (asr-000136) thank you congressman nico and to the department of foreign affairs family i also have **[00:09:14.340] Rep. Sancho Fernando "Ando" F. Oaminal** (asr-000137) a letter a manifestation of support from the very good representative from **[00:09:20.740] Rep. Sancho Fernando "Ando" F. Oaminal** (asr-000138) second district of Pangasinan, the Honorable Mark Cojuangco, and I would like to read a **[00:09:27.780] Rep. Sancho Fernando "Ando" F. Oaminal** (asr-000139) part of this letter addressed to the honorable maria teresa p lazaro **[00:09:32.660] Rep. Sancho Fernando "Ando" F. Oaminal** (asr-000140) secretary department of foreign affairs dear secretary lazaro i have the honor to **[00:09:38.260] Rep. Sancho Fernando "Ando" F. Oaminal** (asr-000141) convey my highest compliments and extend my profound appreciation to the department of **[00:09:43.620] Rep. Sancho Fernando "Ando" F. Oaminal** (asr-000142) foreign affairs for the invaluable assistance rendered to my office and the house delegation **[00:09:50.100] Rep. Sancho Fernando "Ando" F. Oaminal** (asr-000143) during our recent official nuclear energy missions in the united states and canada **[00:09:56.980] Rep. Sancho Fernando "Ando" F. Oaminal** (asr-000144) under your distinguished stewardship the foreign service continues to uphold the highest standing **[00:10:02.660] Rep. Sancho Fernando "Ando" F. Oaminal** (asr-000145) standards of public administration and international representation the support provided to our **[00:10:09.300] Rep. Sancho Fernando "Ando" F. Oaminal** (asr-000146) delegation ensured not only the efficient execution of our official schedule but also the **[00:10:15.140] Rep. Sancho Fernando "Ando" F. Oaminal** (asr-000147) total realization of our legislative objectives please accept honorable secretary the assurances **[00:10:22.020] Rep. Sancho Fernando "Ando" F. Oaminal** (asr-000148) of my highest consideration and esteem. Sincerely, Mark Cojuangco. So, once again, good afternoon to **[00:10:33.140] Rep. Sancho Fernando "Ando" F. Oaminal** (asr-000149) uh secretary maria teresa lazaro to our distinguished undersecretaries assistant **[00:10:40.820] Rep. Sancho Fernando "Ando" F. Oaminal** (asr-000150) secretaries members of the department of foreign affairs family and our dear colleagues in congress **[00:10:51.700] Rep. Sancho Fernando "Ando" F. Oaminal** (asr-000151) at this point we are now ready to hear your present presentation so secretary you may now proceed **[00:11:01.460] Rep. Sancho Fernando "Ando" F. Oaminal** (asr-000152) thank you **[00:11:02.060] DFA Secretary Ma. Theresa P. Lazaro** (asr-000152-split-2) thank you very much **[00:11:02.980] DFA Secretary Ma. Theresa P. Lazaro** (asr-000153) thank you very much mr chair thank you very much uh your honor also for the um for the endorsement **[00:11:08.900] DFA Secretary Ma. Theresa P. Lazaro** (asr-000154) that has been given. The same goes also for Congressman Cojuangco for, um, the letter that you **[00:11:14.740] DFA Secretary Ma. Theresa P. Lazaro** (asr-000155) have um mr chair that you have uh read and um just for my opening remarks again um good afternoon **[00:11:21.380] DFA Secretary Ma. Theresa P. Lazaro** (asr-000156) also to the honorable members of the committee in appropriations on behalf of the department **[00:11:26.820] DFA Secretary Ma. Theresa P. Lazaro** (asr-000157) of foreign affairs allow me to thank the committee for this opportunity to present and **[00:11:32.660] DFA Secretary Ma. Theresa P. Lazaro** (asr-000158) discuss the department's proposed budget for fiscal year 2027 today's briefing is an opportunity **[00:11:39.940] DFA Secretary Ma. Theresa P. Lazaro** (asr-000159) to provide you with an overview of dfa and his attached agencies key accomplishments priorities **[00:11:47.220] DFA Secretary Ma. Theresa P. Lazaro** (asr-000160) and proposed fiscal year 2027 budget the work of the department continues to be anchored on **[00:11:53.780] DFA Secretary Ma. Theresa P. Lazaro** (asr-000161) the three pillars of our philippine foreign policy one preservation enhancement of national security to **[00:12:01.060] DFA Secretary Ma. Theresa P. Lazaro** (asr-000162) promotion and attainment of economic security and three protection of the rights and promotion of **[00:12:07.140] DFA Secretary Ma. Theresa P. Lazaro** (asr-000163) the welfare and interests of filipinos overseas these pillars guide our diplomatic engagements **[00:12:14.820] DFA Secretary Ma. Theresa P. Lazaro** (asr-000164) our work in advancing the country's economic interests and our delivery of consular services **[00:12:21.140] DFA Secretary Ma. Theresa P. Lazaro** (asr-000165) and assistance to national services to overseas filipinos around the world for fiscal year 27 **[00:12:28.020] DFA Secretary Ma. Theresa P. Lazaro** (asr-000166) the department is seeking a total budget of approximately 35 billion 173 **[00:12:36.260] DFA Secretary Ma. Theresa P. Lazaro** (asr-000167) million which will enable which will enable us to sustain our core operations and respond to **[00:12:42.580] DFA Secretary Ma. Theresa P. Lazaro** (asr-000168) the philippines growing requirements in national security economic diplomacy consular services **[00:12:49.540] DFA Secretary Ma. Theresa P. Lazaro** (asr-000169) assistance to nationals and organization development we hope that today's briefing **[00:12:53.860] DFA Secretary Ma. Theresa P. Lazaro** (asr-000170) will provide the committee with a clear picture for the department's work and the **[00:12:58.020] DFA Secretary Ma. Theresa P. Lazaro** (asr-000172) resources required to carry our mandate effectively the key officials of the department **[00:13:02.900] DFA Secretary Ma. Theresa P. Lazaro** (asr-000173) and our attached agencies are all present to respond to the questions of the committee **[00:13:08.340] DFA Secretary Ma. Theresa P. Lazaro** (asr-000174) we are grateful for the continued support of the house of representatives **[00:13:12.340] DFA Secretary Ma. Theresa P. Lazaro** (asr-000175) for the department its programs and we look forward to a constructive discussion on our **[00:13:16.820] DFA Secretary Ma. Theresa P. Lazaro** (asr-000176) proposed budget thank you very much my colleagues will make a brief presentation for just for the **[00:13:22.900] DFA Secretary Ma. Theresa P. Lazaro** (asr-000177) information of the committee members thank you **[00:13:27.140] DFA Assistant Secretary Robespierre L. Bolivar** (asr-000177-split-2) good afternoon honorable members of **[00:13:31.680] DFA Assistant Secretary Robespierre L. Bolivar** (asr-000178) the house uh my name is Robespierre Bolivar i'm the assistant secretary for policy planning **[00:13:37.200] DFA Assistant Secretary Robespierre L. Bolivar** (asr-000179) and uh i have been asked by the secretary to present the budgetary thrusts of the department **[00:13:41.760] DFA Assistant Secretary Robespierre L. Bolivar** (asr-000180) of foreign affairs for fiscal year 2027 i believe we have some slides uh to show you **[00:13:55.080] DFA Assistant Secretary Robespierre L. Bolivar** (asr-000181) next slide please as the secretary mentioned in her opening remarks **[00:14:05.480] DFA Assistant Secretary Robespierre L. Bolivar** (asr-000182) uh department of foreign affairs pursues the three pillars of foreign policy the enhancement **[00:14:09.880] DFA Assistant Secretary Robespierre L. Bolivar** (asr-000183) of our national security the promotion of our economic security and the protection of the rights **[00:14:14.840] DFA Assistant Secretary Robespierre L. Bolivar** (asr-000184) welfare of our nationals through assistance to nationals programs and the delivery of world-class **[00:14:20.360] DFA Assistant Secretary Robespierre L. Bolivar** (asr-000185) consular services undergirding the three pillars are our efforts to ensure effective public and **[00:14:27.560] DFA Assistant Secretary Robespierre L. Bolivar** (asr-000186) cultural diplomacy to create an environment which is friendly to the pursuit of philippine interests **[00:14:31.640] DFA Assistant Secretary Robespierre L. Bolivar** (asr-000187) overseas and organizational development or the strengthening of the dfa as an institution **[00:14:36.840] DFA Assistant Secretary Robespierre L. Bolivar** (asr-000188) next slide please for fiscal year 2026 our key milestone is the philippine chairship of asean **[00:14:46.520] DFA Assistant Secretary Robespierre L. Bolivar** (asr-000189) under the theme navigating our future together over the course of the year we hope and expect to **[00:14:53.480] DFA Assistant Secretary Robespierre L. Bolivar** (asr-000190) host over 641 meetings both at leaders level ministerial senior officials and technical working **[00:15:00.000] DFA Assistant Secretary Robespierre L. Bolivar** (asr-000191) levels. We have 26 heads of state level meetings. Our **[00:15:05.160] DFA Assistant Secretary Robespierre L. Bolivar** (asr-000192) chairship also coincides with the following milestones. The **[00:15:08.520] DFA Assistant Secretary Robespierre L. Bolivar** (asr-000193) first year of the implementation of the ASEAN Community Vision **[00:15:11.100] DFA Assistant Secretary Robespierre L. Bolivar** (asr-000194) 2045, commemoration of the 50th anniversary of the Treaty of **[00:15:14.940] DFA Assistant Secretary Robespierre L. Bolivar** (asr-000195) Amity and Cooperation in Southeast Asia. And our ASEAN **[00:15:18.540] DFA Assistant Secretary Robespierre L. Bolivar** (asr-000196) leaders also issued their statement in response to the **[00:15:20.820] DFA Assistant Secretary Robespierre L. Bolivar** (asr-000197) Middle East crisis during their summit in earlier this year in **[00:15:24.260] DFA Assistant Secretary Robespierre L. Bolivar** (asr-000198) Cebu, and also issued a declaration on maritime **[00:15:28.360] DFA Assistant Secretary Robespierre L. Bolivar** (asr-000199) cooperation, which is, as the honourable members would know, **[00:15:32.080] DFA Assistant Secretary Robespierre L. Bolivar** (asr-000200) is very close to the heart of the Philippines. Next slide, **[00:15:34.660] DFA Assistant Secretary Robespierre L. Bolivar** (asr-000201) please. In terms of ASEAN maritime cooperation, this **[00:15:37.900] DFA Assistant Secretary Robespierre L. Bolivar** (asr-000202) leaders declaration issued in Cebu in May 2026, discussed **[00:15:45.320] DFA Assistant Secretary Robespierre L. Bolivar** (asr-000203) regional cooperation maritime issues anchored on the UN **[00:15:47.960] DFA Assistant Secretary Robespierre L. Bolivar** (asr-000204) Convention on the Law of the Sea and most importantly, the **[00:15:51.400] DFA Assistant Secretary Robespierre L. Bolivar** (asr-000205) leaders endorsed the proposal to create an ASEAN Maritime Centre **[00:15:55.360] DFA Assistant Secretary Robespierre L. Bolivar** (asr-000206) to be hosted by the Philippines. Next slide, please. **[00:15:58.360] DFA Assistant Secretary Robespierre L. Bolivar** (asr-000207) For the entire ASEAN chairship up to the end of the year, we also **[00:16:03.220] DFA Assistant Secretary Robespierre L. Bolivar** (asr-000208) continue to support the House of Representatives in matters **[00:16:06.440] DFA Assistant Secretary Robespierre L. Bolivar** (asr-000209) relating to the ASEAN Interparliamentary Assembly and by **[00:16:10.720] DFA Assistant Secretary Robespierre L. Bolivar** (asr-000210) providing inputs, guidance and substance and logistics support **[00:16:14.780] DFA Assistant Secretary Robespierre L. Bolivar** (asr-000211) for the House of Representatives. Continuing on to **[00:16:19.480] DFA Assistant Secretary Robespierre L. Bolivar** (asr-000212) maritime interests in the West Philippine Sea, this year, in **[00:16:23.740] DFA Assistant Secretary Robespierre L. Bolivar** (asr-000213) July, we celebrated the 10th anniversary of the landmark 2016 **[00:16:28.080] DFA Assistant Secretary Robespierre L. Bolivar** (asr-000214) Arbitral Award, and we continue to look at the award as the legal **[00:16:33.040] DFA Assistant Secretary Robespierre L. Bolivar** (asr-000215) foundation for the protection of our sovereign rights, sovereignty **[00:16:35.980] DFA Assistant Secretary Robespierre L. Bolivar** (asr-000216) and jurisdiction over the West Philippine Sea. In 2026, so far, **[00:16:42.720] DFA Assistant Secretary Robespierre L. Bolivar** (asr-000217) the department has undertaken 33 diplomatic protests to defend **[00:16:47.220] DFA Assistant Secretary Robespierre L. Bolivar** (asr-000218) the sovereign rights and jurisdictions. And on 12 July **[00:16:51.760] DFA Assistant Secretary Robespierre L. Bolivar** (asr-000219) 2026, at the anniversary of the Arbitral Award, the Philippines **[00:16:55.940] DFA Assistant Secretary Robespierre L. Bolivar** (asr-000220) and its partner countries issued a joint statement, **[00:16:58.680] DFA Assistant Secretary Robespierre L. Bolivar** (asr-000221) to affirm that the 2016 award is legally binding and final, **[00:17:05.020] DFA Assistant Secretary Robespierre L. Bolivar** (asr-000222) rejecting China's claims of historic rights in the South China **[00:17:07.920] DFA Assistant Secretary Robespierre L. Bolivar** (asr-000223) Sea, and calls on all parties to abide by the award and to settle **[00:17:11.440] DFA Assistant Secretary Robespierre L. Bolivar** (asr-000224) disputes peacefully under the UN Convention on the Law of the **[00:17:14.260] DFA Assistant Secretary Robespierre L. Bolivar** (asr-000225) Sea. Beyond this joint statement, we have also received support, **[00:17:18.540] DFA Assistant Secretary Robespierre L. Bolivar** (asr-000226) written support from the European Union, Germany, Japan, the Republic **[00:17:22.500] DFA Assistant Secretary Robespierre L. Bolivar** (asr-000227) of Korea, each of which issued their own statements in support of the award. **[00:17:28.080] DFA Assistant Secretary Robespierre L. Bolivar** (asr-000228) Beyond the award, the Philippines also delivered the official presentation of our partial **[00:17:33.020] DFA Assistant Secretary Robespierre L. Bolivar** (asr-000229) submission concerning the country's entitlements to an extended continental shelf in the West **[00:17:37.320] DFA Assistant Secretary Robespierre L. Bolivar** (asr-000230) Philippine Sea, covering the West Palawan region, before the UN Convention on the limits **[00:17:42.000] DFA Assistant Secretary Robespierre L. Bolivar** (asr-000231) of the continental shelf at UN headquarters in New York. **[00:17:45.540] DFA Assistant Secretary Robespierre L. Bolivar** (asr-000232) Next slide, please. The Philippines also, sorry, the DFA also led in preparations for the **[00:17:52.260] DFA Assistant Secretary Robespierre L. Bolivar** (asr-000233) following bilateral engagements, led by the President, several outbound visits to the United **[00:17:57.820] DFA Assistant Secretary Robespierre L. Bolivar** (asr-000234) Arab Emirates, the United States, Japan, Canada, Russia, and Singapore, **[00:18:02.760] DFA Assistant Secretary Robespierre L. Bolivar** (asr-000235) and to welcome incoming leaders from Vietnam, Bhutan, Paraguay, the **[00:18:07.120] DFA Assistant Secretary Robespierre L. Bolivar** (asr-000236) Republic of Korea, Germany, and the 10 ASEAN member states at the 40th ASEAN **[00:18:13.780] DFA Assistant Secretary Robespierre L. Bolivar** (asr-000237) Summit in Cebu earlier this year. At the ministerial level, the Secretary **[00:18:19.650] DFA Assistant Secretary Robespierre L. Bolivar** (asr-000238) also welcomed 55 foreign ministers last month at the ASEAN ministerial **[00:18:24.370] DFA Assistant Secretary Robespierre L. Bolivar** (asr-000239) meeting, and met with 38 of her counterparts during the one week **[00:18:29.610] DFA Assistant Secretary Robespierre L. Bolivar** (asr-000240) of the ASEAN ministerial meeting. These engagements served to build and strengthen **[00:18:33.570] DFA Assistant Secretary Robespierre L. Bolivar** (asr-000241) alliances and partnerships with countries, and promote the Philippine economic interests, **[00:18:37.470] DFA Assistant Secretary Robespierre L. Bolivar** (asr-000242) particularly in trade and investment, and to strengthen people-to-people ties. **[00:18:40.830] DFA Assistant Secretary Robespierre L. Bolivar** (asr-000243) Next slide, please. At the United Nations, in March 2026, the President conducted a working **[00:18:46.710] DFA Assistant Secretary Robespierre L. Bolivar** (asr-000244) visit to New York, where he addressed a special session of the UN General Assembly on the rule **[00:18:50.790] DFA Assistant Secretary Robespierre L. Bolivar** (asr-000245) of law, multilateralism, and the peaceful settlement of disputes. The President also **[00:18:55.410] DFA Assistant Secretary Robespierre L. Bolivar** (asr-000246) delivered the Philippine National Statement at the 70th session of the Commission on the **[00:18:59.550] DFA Assistant Secretary Robespierre L. Bolivar** (asr-000247) Status of Women, and met with the UN Secretary General. At the sidelines of the 80th UNGA, **[00:19:05.070] DFA Assistant Secretary Robespierre L. Bolivar** (asr-000248) the Philippines, the DFA, continued high-level side events on financing and partnership for **[00:19:11.250] DFA Assistant Secretary Robespierre L. Bolivar** (asr-000249) loss and damage, with the Fund for Responding to Loss and Damage, advancing climate justice and **[00:19:15.930] DFA Assistant Secretary Robespierre L. Bolivar** (asr-000250) climate finance for a country as explosive to climate risk as the Philippines. The Secretary **[00:19:20.850] DFA Assistant Secretary Robespierre L. Bolivar** (asr-000251) of Foreign Affairs also convened a foreign ministerial meeting on maritime security, **[00:19:24.090] DFA Assistant Secretary Robespierre L. Bolivar** (asr-000252) with 40 countries participating, 28 countries delivering interventions highlighting the **[00:19:29.550] DFA Assistant Secretary Robespierre L. Bolivar** (asr-000253) role of the multilateral system and the UN Convention on the Law of the Sea in ensuring **[00:19:34.050] DFA Assistant Secretary Robespierre L. Bolivar** (asr-000254) maritime peace and security. Next slide, please. On economic cooperation, the Philippines and the **[00:19:40.710] DFA Assistant Secretary Robespierre L. Bolivar** (asr-000255) DFA continues to support several of our economic thrusts on education, creative industries, **[00:19:46.890] DFA Assistant Secretary Robespierre L. Bolivar** (asr-000256) and technical cooperation, including the mutual recognition agreements to facilitate recognition **[00:19:51.930] DFA Assistant Secretary Robespierre L. Bolivar** (asr-000257) abroad of Philippine educational credentials. We also support the Philippine Creative Industries **[00:19:59.550] DFA Assistant Secretary Robespierre L. Bolivar** (asr-000258) Development Plan 2026 to 2034, promote Filipino creative talent and content and design abroad. And for technical **[00:20:07.530] DFA Assistant Secretary Robespierre L. Bolivar** (asr-000259) cooperation, we are also spearheading the Philippines' efforts to strengthen South-South **[00:20:11.610] DFA Assistant Secretary Robespierre L. Bolivar** (asr-000260) cooperation, highlighting the Philippines' role as a development cooperation partner. Next slide, please. **[00:20:18.750] DFA Assistant Secretary Robespierre L. Bolivar** (asr-000261) In terms of protecting overseas Filipinos, we have 10.5 million Filipinos overseas at this time, **[00:20:24.930] DFA Assistant Secretary Robespierre L. Bolivar** (asr-000262) 2.7 million of whom are overseas Filipino workers, **[00:20:29.550] DFA Assistant Secretary Robespierre L. Bolivar** (asr-000263) with a direct purview of the Department of Migrant Workers. Everyone else who is now classified as **[00:20:34.470] DFA Assistant Secretary Robespierre L. Bolivar** (asr-000264) overseas Filipino workers, including tourists, students, migrants, spouses of foreign nationals, **[00:20:40.470] DFA Assistant Secretary Robespierre L. Bolivar** (asr-000265) fall within the purview of the Department of Foreign Affairs, and we continue to assist them **[00:20:44.670] DFA Assistant Secretary Robespierre L. Bolivar** (asr-000266) in this regard. Also, in jurisdictions and countries where there are no resident migrant workers offices, **[00:20:51.810] DFA Assistant Secretary Robespierre L. Bolivar** (asr-000267) it is the DFA which still leads in protecting and promoting the rights of our kababayans. **[00:20:56.910] DFA Assistant Secretary Robespierre L. Bolivar** (asr-000268) So on the slide, we can see two **[00:20:59.550] DFA Assistant Secretary Robespierre L. Bolivar** (asr-000269) almost 3,000 ATN fund beneficiaries, 16 Legal Assistance Fund beneficiaries as of 31 July. **[00:21:06.990] DFA Assistant Secretary Robespierre L. Bolivar** (asr-000270) We also lead in repatriating human trafficking victims from mainland Southeast Asia, **[00:21:12.930] DFA Assistant Secretary Robespierre L. Bolivar** (asr-000271) more than 1,000 of them, and almost 2,000 repatriated and assisted Filipinos during **[00:21:20.850] DFA Assistant Secretary Robespierre L. Bolivar** (asr-000272) the Middle East crisis. So far, we have 67 Foreign Service posts where we do not have a resident migrant workers **[00:21:29.550] DFA Assistant Secretary Robespierre L. Bolivar** (asr-000274) office. Next slide please. We also serve to bring consular services closer to the **[00:21:36.650] DFA Assistant Secretary Robespierre L. Bolivar** (asr-000275) Filipino people. During the year we processed over 1.5 million passports, **[00:21:42.550] DFA Assistant Secretary Robespierre L. Bolivar** (asr-000276) issued over 67,000 visas and e-visas, issued 413,000 apostille certificates **[00:21:51.830] DFA Assistant Secretary Robespierre L. Bolivar** (asr-000277) and e-apostille certificates, and processed over 36,000 civil registry **[00:21:56.790] DFA Assistant Secretary Robespierre L. Bolivar** (asr-000278) reports. We have 42 consular offices nationwide, and we undertook 35 passport **[00:22:03.630] DFA Assistant Secretary Robespierre L. Bolivar** (asr-000279) on Wheels activities as of 31 August 2026. Next slide please. Part of bringing **[00:22:09.570] DFA Assistant Secretary Robespierre L. Bolivar** (asr-000280) world-class services closer to the Filipino people is the digital **[00:22:12.850] DFA Assistant Secretary Robespierre L. Bolivar** (asr-000281) transformation of our consular services. So far as of 16 March 2026, we have fully **[00:22:21.150] DFA Assistant Secretary Robespierre L. Bolivar** (asr-000282) online digital apostille for PSA civil registry e-certificates, **[00:22:26.770] DFA Assistant Secretary Robespierre L. Bolivar** (asr-000285) CHED academic records, and Marina seafarer certificates, and we are currently **[00:22:31.930] DFA Assistant Secretary Robespierre L. Bolivar** (asr-000286) working with other government agencies issuing such certificates so that we can **[00:22:36.070] DFA Assistant Secretary Robespierre L. Bolivar** (asr-000287) make all of these fully online. We have also 77 of our Foreign Service posts now **[00:22:41.650] DFA Assistant Secretary Robespierre L. Bolivar** (asr-000288) issuing e-visas, and we are cooperating with DICT on the phased rollout of this **[00:22:47.530] DFA Assistant Secretary Robespierre L. Bolivar** (asr-000289) e-visa issuance. Next slide please. Again to bring services closer to the **[00:22:54.930] DFA Assistant Secretary Robespierre L. Bolivar** (asr-000290) Filipino people in various jurisdictions **[00:22:56.430] DFA Assistant Secretary Robespierre L. Bolivar** (asr-000291) around the world, we have opened three Foreign Service post in 2025. Our first **[00:23:02.010] DFA Assistant Secretary Robespierre L. Bolivar** (asr-000292) resident embassy in the Pacific, in Suva, Fiji, covering over 1,500 Filipinos. We **[00:23:09.890] DFA Assistant Secretary Robespierre L. Bolivar** (asr-000293) reopened a consulate general in Busan, and Southern Republic of Korea, which **[00:23:14.510] DFA Assistant Secretary Robespierre L. Bolivar** (asr-000294) covers 20,000 Filipinos, and we reopened our consulate general in Seattle, in **[00:23:20.150] DFA Assistant Secretary Robespierre L. Bolivar** (asr-000295) Washington State, which covers 167,000 Filipinos, not only in Washington State, **[00:23:26.090] DFA Assistant Secretary Robespierre L. Bolivar** (asr-000296) but in Alaska and the Pacific Northwest. **[00:23:28.710] DFA Assistant Secretary Robespierre L. Bolivar** (asr-000297) Next slide, please. **[00:23:30.630] DFA Assistant Secretary Robespierre L. Bolivar** (asr-000298) In 2026 and over to 2027, **[00:23:34.810] DFA Assistant Secretary Robespierre L. Bolivar** (asr-000299) we are going to be opening four new foreign service posts. **[00:23:39.190] DFA Assistant Secretary Robespierre L. Bolivar** (asr-000300) Our Consulate General in Ho Chi Minh City, **[00:23:41.690] DFA Assistant Secretary Robespierre L. Bolivar** (asr-000301) which covers 1,800 Filipinos **[00:23:43.610] DFA Assistant Secretary Robespierre L. Bolivar** (asr-000302) and is also the economic hub of Vietnam, **[00:23:47.130] DFA Assistant Secretary Robespierre L. Bolivar** (asr-000303) we opened, I think, two months ago. **[00:23:49.770] DFA Assistant Secretary Robespierre L. Bolivar** (asr-000304) We will be opening before the end of the year **[00:23:51.670] DFA Assistant Secretary Robespierre L. Bolivar** (asr-000305) our embassy in Accra, Ghana, **[00:23:54.330] DFA Assistant Secretary Robespierre L. Bolivar** (asr-000306) and our first resident embassy in Central Asia **[00:23:57.390] DFA Assistant Secretary Robespierre L. Bolivar** (asr-000307) in Astana, Kazakhstan. **[00:23:59.410] DFA Assistant Secretary Robespierre L. Bolivar** (asr-000308) And by early next year or sometime next year, **[00:24:02.010] DFA Assistant Secretary Robespierre L. Bolivar** (asr-000309) we will be opening our Consulate General in Miami, **[00:24:05.670] DFA Assistant Secretary Robespierre L. Bolivar** (asr-000310) servicing over 200,000 Filipinos **[00:24:07.830] DFA Assistant Secretary Robespierre L. Bolivar** (asr-000311) in the U.S. Southwest and the Caribbean. **[00:24:12.850] DFA Assistant Secretary Robespierre L. Bolivar** (asr-000312) Next slide, please. **[00:24:15.390] DFA Assistant Secretary Robespierre L. Bolivar** (asr-000313) As the Secretary mentioned, **[00:24:16.910] DFA Assistant Secretary Robespierre L. Bolivar** (asr-000314) we are requesting a budget of 35 billion pesos, **[00:24:19.630] DFA Assistant Secretary Robespierre L. Bolivar** (asr-000315) which represents 0.49% of the total proposed national budget. **[00:24:25.330] DFA Assistant Secretary Robespierre L. Bolivar** (asr-000316) And next slide, please. **[00:24:27.490] DFA Assistant Secretary Robespierre L. Bolivar** (asr-000317) Briefly, a big part of that budget **[00:24:31.730] DFA Assistant Secretary Robespierre L. Bolivar** (asr-000318) will go to the implementation **[00:24:35.370] DFA Assistant Secretary Robespierre L. Bolivar** (asr-000319) of the new next-generation Philippine passport. **[00:24:39.390] DFA Assistant Secretary Robespierre L. Bolivar** (asr-000320) We are hoping to redesign the passport booklet **[00:24:42.430] DFA Assistant Secretary Robespierre L. Bolivar** (asr-000321) to make it fully compliant with ICAO **[00:24:45.770] DFA Assistant Secretary Robespierre L. Bolivar** (asr-000322) and with enhanced security features, **[00:24:49.110] DFA Assistant Secretary Robespierre L. Bolivar** (asr-000323) additional pages for a full 10-year validity, **[00:24:51.070] DFA Assistant Secretary Robespierre L. Bolivar** (asr-000324) and the latest contactless chip technology. **[00:24:56.180] DFA Assistant Secretary Robespierre L. Bolivar** (asr-000331) The estimated indicative launch of the e-passport, **[00:24:59.460] DFA Assistant Secretary Robespierre L. Bolivar** (asr-000332) the new generation e-passport, **[00:25:01.200] DFA Assistant Secretary Robespierre L. Bolivar** (asr-000333) is June 2028. **[00:25:02.980] DFA Assistant Secretary Robespierre L. Bolivar** (asr-000334) But over the next year, **[00:25:04.600] DFA Assistant Secretary Robespierre L. Bolivar** (asr-000335) we would need to **[00:25:05.580] DFA Assistant Secretary Robespierre L. Bolivar** (asr-000336) phase in the requirements we needed **[00:25:10.400] DFA Assistant Secretary Robespierre L. Bolivar** (asr-000337) for the rollout of the next-generation passport. **[00:25:14.200] DFA Assistant Secretary Robespierre L. Bolivar** (asr-000338) Next slide, please. **[00:25:16.300] DFA Assistant Secretary Robespierre L. Bolivar** (asr-000347) FY 2027 budgetary thrusts for national security include **[00:25:20.320] DFA Assistant Secretary Robespierre L. Bolivar** (asr-000348) enhancing bilateral strategic partnerships, **[00:25:22.480] DFA Assistant Secretary Robespierre L. Bolivar** (asr-000349) multilateral and regional mechanisms, **[00:25:24.520] DFA Assistant Secretary Robespierre L. Bolivar** (asr-000350) and of course, **[00:25:25.120] DFA Assistant Secretary Robespierre L. Bolivar** (asr-000351) continuing to protect our sovereignty **[00:25:27.100] DFA Assistant Secretary Robespierre L. Bolivar** (asr-000352) in our maritime domain. **[00:25:28.840] DFA Assistant Secretary Robespierre L. Bolivar** (asr-000353) Next slide, please. **[00:25:30.760] DFA Assistant Secretary Robespierre L. Bolivar** (asr-000361) For economic security, **[00:25:32.720] DFA Assistant Secretary Robespierre L. Bolivar** (asr-000362) we will continue to raise awareness **[00:25:34.220] DFA Assistant Secretary Robespierre L. Bolivar** (asr-000363) on Philippine creative industries, **[00:25:36.260] DFA Assistant Secretary Robespierre L. Bolivar** (asr-000364) promote opportunities **[00:25:36.900] DFA Assistant Secretary Robespierre L. Bolivar** (asr-000365) from free trade agreements, **[00:25:38.760] DFA Assistant Secretary Robespierre L. Bolivar** (asr-000367) champion services trade facilitation, **[00:25:40.980] DFA Assistant Secretary Robespierre L. Bolivar** (asr-000368) and development cooperation **[00:25:42.220] DFA Assistant Secretary Robespierre L. Bolivar** (asr-000370) as an economic enabler **[00:25:43.600] DFA Assistant Secretary Robespierre L. Bolivar** (asr-000372) and to leverage our participation **[00:25:45.000] DFA Assistant Secretary Robespierre L. Bolivar** (asr-000374) in APEC, ASEAN, **[00:25:46.500] DFA Assistant Secretary Robespierre L. Bolivar** (asr-000375) the UN and other multilateral **[00:25:48.420] DFA Assistant Secretary Robespierre L. Bolivar** (asr-000377) economic forums. Next slide, please. For our services to **[00:25:53.890] DFA Assistant Secretary Robespierre L. Bolivar** (asr-000378) the public we will continue to promote and from protect the rights and **[00:25:57.450] DFA Assistant Secretary Robespierre L. Bolivar** (asr-000379) welfare of overseas Filipinos we will actively engage with national agencies **[00:26:01.770] DFA Assistant Secretary Robespierre L. Bolivar** (asr-000380) including the DMW or BI and others to protect our overseas Filipinos we are **[00:26:08.030] DFA Assistant Secretary Robespierre L. Bolivar** (asr-000381) also rolling out programs to enhance Filipino communities overseas **[00:26:12.690] DFA Assistant Secretary Robespierre L. Bolivar** (asr-000382) preparedness during national emergencies in their host countries and **[00:26:17.010] DFA Assistant Secretary Robespierre L. Bolivar** (asr-000383) we are also continuing with developing a data-driven evidence-based database for **[00:26:23.490] DFA Assistant Secretary Robespierre L. Bolivar** (asr-000384) overseas Filipinos next slide please for consular and other services we will **[00:26:30.210] DFA Assistant Secretary Robespierre L. Bolivar** (asr-000385) continue to improve our authentication and apostille coverage and of course as **[00:26:34.950] DFA Assistant Secretary Robespierre L. Bolivar** (asr-000386) mentioned earlier the preparations for the next generation of Philippine **[00:26:37.350] DFA Assistant Secretary Robespierre L. Bolivar** (asr-000387) passport continue bilateral consular cooperation provide undisrupted **[00:26:42.010] DFA Assistant Secretary Robespierre L. Bolivar** (asr-000388) consular services **[00:26:42.670] DFA Assistant Secretary Robespierre L. Bolivar** (asr-000389) and in the lead-up to the elections in 2028 to assist Comelec in overseas **[00:26:48.610] DFA Assistant Secretary Robespierre L. Bolivar** (asr-000390) voting registration and voting proper next slide please in terms of **[00:26:54.230] DFA Assistant Secretary Robespierre L. Bolivar** (asr-000391) organizational development we will continue with our ICT programs aligned **[00:26:59.010] DFA Assistant Secretary Robespierre L. Bolivar** (asr-000392) with the ICT's ISP and BT we will we have established the our own **[00:27:05.390] DFA Assistant Secretary Robespierre L. Bolivar** (asr-000393) information communications and technology office and we are now in the **[00:27:08.590] DFA Assistant Secretary Robespierre L. Bolivar** (asr-000394) process of operationalizing this to improve consular services using IT **[00:27:12.670] DFA Assistant Secretary Robespierre L. Bolivar** (asr-000395) and other online platforms we are also in the currently retrofitting the DFA **[00:27:19.570] DFA Assistant Secretary Robespierre L. Bolivar** (asr-000396) headquarters in 2330 Ross Boulevard and we will continue capacity building for **[00:27:24.670] DFA Assistant Secretary Robespierre L. Bolivar** (asr-000397) DFA personnel at the final slide for this presentation next slide please **[00:27:33.870] DFA Assistant Secretary Robespierre L. Bolivar** (asr-000398) again to summarize the DFA and its attached agencies are requesting the **[00:27:40.730] DFA Assistant Secretary Robespierre L. Bolivar** (asr-000399) House of Representatives' support for thirty-four point nine zero two billion **[00:27:44.930] DFA Assistant Secretary Robespierre L. Bolivar** (asr-000400) pesos budget as shown on the screen and to present the technical details of our **[00:27:51.250] DFA Assistant Secretary Robespierre L. Bolivar** (asr-000401) budget proposal i would like to turn over to assistant secretary Emilio Fernandez **[00:27:55.370] DFA Assistant Secretary Robespierre L. Bolivar** (asr-000402) of our Office of Financial Management Services. Thank you. **[00:27:59.890] DFA Assistant Secretary Emilio T. Fernandez** (asr-000403) good afternoon your honors the twenty twenty seven NEP level of the DFA and **[00:28:07.030] DFA Assistant Secretary Emilio T. Fernandez** (asr-000404) its attached agencies stands at thirty five point one seven billion pesos this **[00:28:13.610] DFA Assistant Secretary Emilio T. Fernandez** (asr-000405) is a **[00:28:14.770] DFA Assistant Secretary Emilio T. Fernandez** (asr-000406) 17% increase compared to the 2026 nep of 30.09 billion pesos okay i'll just wait for the **[00:28:28.900] DFA Assistant Secretary Emilio T. Fernandez** (asr-000407) slide presentation okay third slide please okay next slide all right this slide shows the breakdown **[00:28:43.880] DFA Assistant Secretary Emilio T. Fernandez** (asr-000408) of the nep for the dfa and its attached agencies the rightmost column shows the percentage change **[00:28:51.800] DFA Assistant Secretary Emilio T. Fernandez** (asr-000409) of the 2027 nep against the department's 2026 ga level with the dfa osec receiving a 22% increase **[00:29:03.320] DFA Assistant Secretary Emilio T. Fernandez** (asr-000410) and the attached agencies showing slight declines next slide this slide shows the dfa's budget in **[00:29:11.640] DFA Assistant Secretary Emilio T. Fernandez** (asr-000411) 2025 and 2026 and next year's proposed budget the amount increased by about 1 billion in 2026 **[00:29:21.800] DFA Assistant Secretary Emilio T. Fernandez** (asr-000412) and by some 6.3 billion in 2027 the reasons for which we will expound on later next slide **[00:29:31.560] DFA Assistant Secretary Emilio T. Fernandez** (asr-000413) now this slide shows the 2027 nep by allotment class with omooe continuing to take the largest **[00:29:39.400] DFA Assistant Secretary Emilio T. Fernandez** (asr-000414) share at 54 followed by personnel services at 39 and capital outlay at seven percent next slide **[00:29:49.720] DFA Assistant Secretary Emilio T. Fernandez** (asr-000415) now this slide provides the main reasons for **[00:29:51.800] DFA Assistant Secretary Emilio T. Fernandez** (asr-000416) the changes in the budget for ps we have three things the implementation of the fourth tranche **[00:29:58.840] DFA Assistant Secretary Emilio T. Fernandez** (asr-000417) of the updated salary **[00:30:00.000] DFA Assistant Secretary Emilio T. Fernandez** (asr-000418) schedule, ito yung ating basic salary. There's also the implementation of the, also fourth **[00:30:06.160] DFA Assistant Secretary Emilio T. Fernandez** (asr-000419) tranche of the increase in foreign service allowances. And there's the transfer of the **[00:30:12.020] DFA Assistant Secretary Emilio T. Fernandez** (asr-000420) budget of the Technical Cooperation Council of the Philippines, which has been integrated **[00:30:16.860] DFA Assistant Secretary Emilio T. Fernandez** (asr-000421) to the DFA. For MOE, we have four reasons as well. We have the initial funding for the **[00:30:25.180] DFA Assistant Secretary Emilio T. Fernandez** (asr-000422) next-gen passport at 2.8 billion pesos. There's the provision for foreign exchange fluctuations **[00:30:32.340] DFA Assistant Secretary Emilio T. Fernandez** (asr-000423) and inflation, particularly for FSPs, and additional funds for rents of FSPs to cover **[00:30:39.000] DFA Assistant Secretary Emilio T. Fernandez** (asr-000424) the annual increases in their contracts. And there's also the increase for the MOE component **[00:30:46.020] DFA Assistant Secretary Emilio T. Fernandez** (asr-000425) of the ISSP projects. Finally, for capital outlay, three factors to note. As directed **[00:30:53.260] DFA Assistant Secretary Emilio T. Fernandez** (asr-000426) by the Development Budget Coordinator, we have the need to increase the capital outlay **[00:30:55.160] DFA Assistant Secretary Emilio T. Fernandez** (asr-000427) for the ISSP projects. And this is true for all agencies. There's also no appropriations **[00:31:07.160] DFA Assistant Secretary Emilio T. Fernandez** (asr-000428) for the opening of additional FSPs in 2027. Next slide. Let me provide some of the highlights **[00:31:15.760] DFA Assistant Secretary Emilio T. Fernandez** (asr-000429) for each of the allotment classes for the DFA's proposed budget. For PS, there is the **[00:31:22.360] DFA Assistant Secretary Emilio T. Fernandez** (asr-000430) provision of 3.6 billion pesos. **[00:31:25.120] DFA Assistant Secretary Emilio T. Fernandez** (asr-000431) For the salaries and benefits of its 3,000-plus personnel, there is 9.9 billion for the Foreign **[00:31:33.360] DFA Assistant Secretary Emilio T. Fernandez** (asr-000432) Service Allowances of DFA's personnel overseas. And about 345 million pesos has been set aside **[00:31:40.440] DFA Assistant Secretary Emilio T. Fernandez** (asr-000433) as terminal leave benefits for those scheduled to retire. Next slide. For MOE, we have 5.8 **[00:31:52.000] DFA Assistant Secretary Emilio T. Fernandez** (asr-000434) billion for passports, including the implementation of the next-generation passport. **[00:31:58.060] DFA Assistant Secretary Emilio T. Fernandez** (asr-000438) billion for the International Commitments Fund to cover mandatory contributions to **[00:32:05.980] DFA Assistant Secretary Emilio T. Fernandez** (asr-000439) international organizations and the hosting of international conferences. There is 1.2 **[00:32:10.620] DFA Assistant Secretary Emilio T. Fernandez** (asr-000440) billion for the ATN and legal assistance fund, 957 million for ICT expenditures, 572 million **[00:32:20.360] DFA Assistant Secretary Emilio T. Fernandez** (asr-000441) for the Deployment Fund, and about 45 million **[00:32:24.500] DFA Assistant Secretary Emilio T. Fernandez** (asr-000444) pesos for overseas voting next slide please for moe and capital outlay we have the building fund **[00:32:33.680] DFA Assistant Secretary Emilio T. Fernandez** (asr-000445) used for the redevelopment acquisition expansion and major repairs of government-owned chanceries **[00:32:41.200] DFA Assistant Secretary Emilio T. Fernandez** (asr-000446) and official residences abroad it's in the amount of 1.4 billion there's also the retrofitting **[00:32:48.560] DFA Assistant Secretary Emilio T. Fernandez** (asr-000447) project with its moe component for the lease of its temporary offices and the project management **[00:32:55.600] DFA Assistant Secretary Emilio T. Fernandez** (asr-000448) cost as well as the capital outlay component for the retrofitting of the permanent headquarters **[00:33:01.840] DFA Assistant Secretary Emilio T. Fernandez** (asr-000449) along ross boulevard and its interior fit out work next slide as far as the dfa's performance **[00:33:10.800] DFA Assistant Secretary Emilio T. Fernandez** (asr-000450) is concerned a very satisfactory rating was again obtained from dbm's agency performance review **[00:33:18.560] DFA Assistant Secretary Emilio T. Fernandez** (asr-000451) for 2025 in the area of physical performance which checks if agencies finished **[00:33:25.200] DFA Assistant Secretary Emilio T. Fernandez** (asr-000452) their targeted programs activities and projects the department did very well in meeting its **[00:33:30.720] DFA Assistant Secretary Emilio T. Fernandez** (asr-000453) targets for all of its indicators with accomplishment figures between 96 and 100 **[00:33:39.600] DFA Assistant Secretary Emilio T. Fernandez** (asr-000454) next night for the dfa's financial performance a bur of 80 percent in 2025 was realized next slide **[00:33:52.290] DFA Assistant Secretary Emilio T. Fernandez** (asr-000455) and this slide shows the dfa's major programs and their corresponding utilization **[00:33:58.450] DFA Assistant Secretary Emilio T. Fernandez** (asr-000456) this year and using last year's continuing appropriations they include passports **[00:34:03.490] DFA Assistant Secretary Emilio T. Fernandez** (asr-000457) the icf building fund the retrofitting project ATN and legal assistance funds and the Motor Vehicle Refleeting **[00:34:11.650] DFA Assistant Secretary Emilio T. Fernandez** (asr-000458) program the next slide shows the allocation and utilization of the budget of the department's **[00:34:20.530] DFA Assistant Secretary Emilio T. Fernandez** (asr-000459) major programs **[00:34:22.290] DFA Assistant Secretary Emilio T. Fernandez** (asr-000460) and the level of investment the department has made in the past the past five years **[00:34:30.580] DFA Assistant Secretary Emilio T. Fernandez** (asr-000461) next slide we could trace the department's bur performance in 2025 to a number of factors **[00:34:38.020] DFA Assistant Secretary Emilio T. Fernandez** (asr-000462) there was a slight delay in the retrofitting of the dfa headquarters in 2025 owing to a failure **[00:34:46.420] DFA Assistant Secretary Emilio T. Fernandez** (asr-000463) in the initial bidding and it was not until the middle of the year when the project began. Likewise, **[00:34:51.800] DFA Assistant Secretary Emilio T. Fernandez** (asr-000464) ATN functions were formally transferred to DMW, created in 2023, leading to decreased **[00:34:59.840] DFA Assistant Secretary Emilio T. Fernandez** (asr-000465) utilization of the ATN and legal assistance funds. Moreover, a number of **[00:35:05.360] DFA Assistant Secretary Emilio T. Fernandez** (asr-000466) building fund projects were deferred due to cost escalations, feasibility **[00:35:10.860] DFA Assistant Secretary Emilio T. Fernandez** (asr-000467) concerns, and constraints imposed by host country regulatory requirements. Also, **[00:35:16.580] DFA Assistant Secretary Emilio T. Fernandez** (asr-000468) there's the shifting demand for passports, owing to the lengthening of **[00:35:21.060] DFA Assistant Secretary Emilio T. Fernandez** (asr-000469) their validity to 10 years. Next slide. Finally, for the first half of the year, **[00:35:28.900] DFA Assistant Secretary Emilio T. Fernandez** (asr-000470) a BUR of close to 53% was realized, and the DFA is ensuring the proper **[00:35:36.640] DFA Assistant Secretary Emilio T. Fernandez** (asr-000471) utilization of its remaining funds for the rest of the year, and it is hopeful **[00:35:42.320] DFA Assistant Secretary Emilio T. Fernandez** (asr-000472) that it will equal, if not surpass, last year's figures. Maraming salamat po. **[00:35:55.400] Rep. Sancho Fernando "Ando" F. Oaminal** (asr-000473) Thank you. Thank you, sir. **[00:35:57.460] Rep. Sancho Fernando "Ando" F. Oaminal** (asr-000474) At this point, we will entertain the interpolations of our distinguished **[00:36:02.620] Rep. Sancho Fernando "Ando" F. Oaminal** (asr-000475) colleagues. May I remind our distinguished colleagues that each member is allotted **[00:36:07.300] Rep. Sancho Fernando "Ando" F. Oaminal** (asr-000476) five minutes for questions or interpolation, excluding the responses **[00:36:11.120] Rep. Sancho Fernando "Ando" F. Oaminal** (asr-000477) of the resource persons. When the bell sounds, the member has 30 seconds to **[00:36:15.640] Rep. Sancho Fernando "Ando" F. Oaminal** (asr-000478) conclude. Consistent with the long-standing practice of the House, the **[00:36:19.400] Rep. Sancho Fernando "Ando" F. Oaminal** (asr-000479) Chair shall recognize minority, independent, and majority members in an **[00:36:23.880] Rep. Sancho Fernando "Ando" F. Oaminal** (asr-000480) alternating manner when practicable. **[00:36:27.460] Rep. Sancho Fernando "Ando" F. Oaminal** (asr-000481) The Chair first recognizes the Honorable Perci Cendaña from the minority. **[00:36:32.980] Rep. Percival "Perci" Cendaña** (asr-000482) Good afternoon, Mr. Chair. Good afternoon, Madam Secretary. Radiant in pink today. **[00:36:40.220] Rep. Percival "Perci" Cendaña** (asr-000483) Let me begin with an administrative question before I proceed to the **[00:36:45.280] Rep. Percival "Perci" Cendaña** (asr-000484) broader policy questions that I will raise today. Memo Order No. 24, **[00:36:51.260] Rep. Percival "Perci" Cendaña** (asr-000485) series of 1992, and the July 2025 memo on strengthening the legislative liaison **[00:36:57.000] Rep. Percival "Perci" Cendaña** (asr-000486) system require legislative liaison officers in each department to have the **[00:37:01.520] Rep. Percival "Perci" Cendaña** (asr-000487) rank of at least Assistant Secretary. Previous DFA leaderships have assigned **[00:37:07.840] Rep. Percival "Perci" Cendaña** (asr-000488) senior Foreign Service officers. Many are ASIC level to lead the DLLU. May we ask **[00:37:15.200] Rep. Percival "Perci" Cendaña** (asr-000489) our dear Foreign Affairs Secretary, ano po ang rank ng assigned sa DLLU ngayon? **[00:37:21.880] DFA Secretary Ma. Theresa P. Lazaro** (asr-000490) Thank you, Your Honor. First of all, the persons who are in charge of the DLLU, **[00:37:27.000] DFA Secretary Ma. Theresa P. Lazaro** (asr-000491) now, is a home-based personnel, meaning this person will not be given an opportunity to be **[00:37:33.860] DFA Secretary Ma. Theresa P. Lazaro** (asr-000492) assigned abroad. That's what we call a home-based personnel. Now, indeed, you're correct that in the **[00:37:41.100] DFA Secretary Ma. Theresa P. Lazaro** (asr-000493) past, the DFA legislative liaison unit was given to assistant secretaries with the rank of chief **[00:37:48.780] DFA Secretary Ma. Theresa P. Lazaro** (asr-000494) of mission tour ambassadors. However, it is because of the reorganization of the department **[00:37:56.280] DFA Secretary Ma. Theresa P. Lazaro** (asr-000495) and by the fact that DLLU means DFA legislative liaison unit, and it is just merely a unit which **[00:38:05.520] DFA Secretary Ma. Theresa P. Lazaro** (asr-000496) is attached to the department, to the office of the secretary. And therefore, I am given the **[00:38:11.500] DFA Secretary Ma. Theresa P. Lazaro** (asr-000497) discretion on who to appoint. And it is my view, as secretary of foreign affairs, that the person **[00:38:21.120] DFA Secretary Ma. Theresa P. Lazaro** (asr-000498) that should be in charge of this unit should be somebody who should be **[00:38:25.620] DFA Secretary Ma. Theresa P. Lazaro** (asr-000499) know **[00:38:26.280] DFA Secretary Ma. Theresa P. Lazaro** (asr-000500) the history or also know the personnel of both Houses, **[00:38:36.900] DFA Secretary Ma. Theresa P. Lazaro** (asr-000501) which will enable us to deal with both houses efficiently. So that, Your Honor, is the reason. I think there is **[00:38:50.840] DFA Secretary Ma. Theresa P. Lazaro** (asr-000502) only one office, I think. I just surmise. It is the PLLO, which is based in the palace, whereby it is with a ranking. **[00:38:55.620] DFA Secretary Ma. Theresa P. Lazaro** (asr-000503) with the rank of assistant secretary but in our you know in the department of foreign affairs it **[00:39:00.660] DFA Secretary Ma. Theresa P. Lazaro** (asr-000504) is a unit and therefore it doesn't have to be with the rank of a chief of mission too **[00:39:07.700] DFA Secretary Ma. Theresa P. Lazaro** (asr-000505) because there are other offices that we have reconstituted and reorganized and we need those um **[00:39:14.820] DFA Secretary Ma. Theresa P. Lazaro** (asr-000506) those um assistant secretaries with that corresponding rank thank you **[00:39:19.540] Rep. Percival "Perci" Cendaña** (asr-000506-split-2) thank you mr **[00:39:20.980] Rep. Percival "Perci" Cendaña** (asr-000507) Chair, Madam Secretary. Sana po bigyan po natin ng sapat na halaga at importansya yung trabaho natin with the House of Representatives and the legislative branch of government by assigning an ASEC-level liaison officer. **[00:39:34.660] Rep. Percival "Perci" Cendaña** (asr-000508) considering dfa's historical practice existing memorandum and the nature **[00:39:39.140] Rep. Percival "Perci" Cendaña** (asr-000509) of dfa's dealings with congress on legislative matters **[00:39:42.220] Rep. Percival "Perci" Cendaña** (asr-000510) Sana po ay mag-commit ang DFA to assign a DLLU head na at least ASEC level. And this is the humble appeal of this representation to the good Secretary. **[00:39:51.740] DFA Secretary Ma. Theresa P. Lazaro** (asr-000511) Thank you, Your Honor. I just want to reiterate that when it comes to the **[00:39:59.140] DFA Secretary Ma. Theresa P. Lazaro** (asr-000512) pagdating po sa halaga ng House of Representatives, ito po ay of utter, of paramount importance, and the reason that we are **[00:40:06.740] DFA Secretary Ma. Theresa P. Lazaro** (asr-000513) given a home-based personnel because it is really under the office of the secretary **[00:40:12.580] DFA Secretary Ma. Theresa P. Lazaro** (asr-000514) anything but everything that is conveyed or through our conduit it is really um me myself and **[00:40:20.260] DFA Secretary Ma. Theresa P. Lazaro** (asr-000515) the other undersecretaries who act on it for [unclear]. Salamat po. **[00:40:24.820] Rep. Percival "Perci" Cendaña** (asr-000516) Thank you, Mr. Chair, Madam Secretary. We insist that the good **[00:40:29.060] Rep. Percival "Perci" Cendaña** (asr-000517) secretary consider this a decision and we hope that there will be time between now and the **[00:40:34.260] Rep. Percival "Perci" Cendaña** (asr-000518) plenary for the consideration of this decision thank you mr chair madam secretary let me move **[00:40:40.420] Rep. Percival "Perci" Cendaña** (asr-000519) on to other issues. Ito po yung usapin ng, I'm sure you're expecting that Akbayan will ask this question. Sukatin niyo na po kami pagdating dito. **[00:40:47.700] Rep. Percival "Perci" Cendaña** (asr-000520) Alam naman po natin na patuloy ang pang-angkin ng China sa West Philippine Sea **[00:40:52.900] Rep. Percival "Perci" Cendaña** (asr-000521) philippine sea at walang tigil po ang pamubuli nito sa ating philippine coast guard pero **[00:40:58.100] Rep. Percival "Perci" Cendaña** (asr-000522) Pero nabalitaan po natin na ang DFA has referred to an arrangement with China concerning rotation and **[00:41:03.860] Rep. Percival "Perci" Cendaña** (asr-000523) resupply missions to Ayungin Shoal. Pwede po ba naming malaman ang nature at scope ng arrangement na ito? Madam Secretary, Mr. Chair. **[00:41:12.460] DFA Secretary Ma. Theresa P. Lazaro** (asr-000524) Your Honor, gusto ko lang po linawin, ito po ba yung arrangement ng Philippine Coast Guard with the **[00:41:18.780] DFA Secretary Ma. Theresa P. Lazaro** (asr-000525) Chinese Coast Guard, or ito po you're pertaining **[00:41:20.540] DFA Secretary Ma. Theresa P. Lazaro** (asr-000526) to the rotation, the RO-RE? **[00:41:24.180] Rep. Percival "Perci" Cendaña** (asr-000526-split-2) RO-RE po. We're pertaining to the RO-RE po, Madam Secretary. **[00:41:26.660] DFA Secretary Ma. Theresa P. Lazaro** (asr-000527) if you're looking at the arrangement well let me just give the genesis of this this um provisional **[00:41:33.300] DFA Secretary Ma. Theresa P. Lazaro** (asr-000528) arrangement came about as a result of the june 2024 whereby uh one of our um uh personnel uh **[00:41:43.460] DFA Secretary Ma. Theresa P. Lazaro** (asr-000529) armed personnel, naputol po yung daliri. **[00:41:46.100] DFA Secretary Ma. Theresa P. Lazaro** (asr-000530) it was a very tense moment that it almost i think in the defense uh uh area um it was a very tense **[00:41:58.100] DFA Secretary Ma. Theresa P. Lazaro** (asr-000531) moment and therefore we were requested at that time by concerned uh security agencies that the **[00:42:04.180] DFA Secretary Ma. Theresa P. Lazaro** (asr-000532) department of foreign affairs should try to come up with an arrangement with uh with with china **[00:42:11.540] DFA Secretary Ma. Theresa P. Lazaro** (asr-000533) and therefore this provisional arrangement, which is actually allowed under UNCLOS. Now, what does **[00:42:16.900] DFA Secretary Ma. Theresa P. Lazaro** (asr-000534) this entail **[00:42:17.700] DFA Secretary Ma. Theresa P. Lazaro** (asr-000535) It's very, very important, and one of the important provisions is not to **[00:42:24.020] DFA Secretary Ma. Theresa P. Lazaro** (asr-000536) prejudice the positions that we have had. That means UNCLOS and the 2016 Arbitral Award. **[00:42:30.580] DFA Secretary Ma. Theresa P. Lazaro** (asr-000537) so what is the basis here is actually information exchange but i have to tell you your honor that **[00:42:37.860] DFA Secretary Ma. Theresa P. Lazaro** (asr-000538) when this provision arrangement was done it is now shifted it is the the operational side is with afp **[00:42:45.300] DFA Secretary Ma. Theresa P. Lazaro** (asr-000539) as well as the Coast Guard. So kami lang po, hindi po kami pumupunta sa karagatan, **[00:42:52.200] DFA Secretary Ma. Theresa P. Lazaro** (asr-000540) pero we are there to support our defense agencies in trying to give, I mean trying to **[00:43:00.820] DFA Secretary Ma. Theresa P. Lazaro** (asr-000541) get the connection or it's the information exchange aspect of the provisional arrangement **[00:43:06.260] Rep. Percival "Perci" Cendaña** (asr-000542) May we know, Mr. Chair, Madam Secretary, if this is a written arrangement? Meron po ba tayong pinirmahan o exchange of notes? **[00:43:16.280] DFA Secretary Ma. Theresa P. Lazaro** (asr-000543) It is actually an exchange of notes, Your Honor. **[00:43:20.120] Rep. Percival "Perci" Cendaña** (asr-000544) So, sino po ang nag-negotiate, under whose authority, at anong mga ahensya ang kinonsulta natin para po dito? **[00:43:26.940] DFA Secretary Ma. Theresa P. Lazaro** (asr-000544-split-2) All the agencies, the security agencies are very much involved, particularly the NSC. **[00:43:37.620] Rep. Percival "Perci" Cendaña** (asr-000545) thus the arrangement madam secretary mr chair in any way **[00:43:41.540] Rep. Percival "Perci" Cendaña** (asr-000546) limit the philippines ability to conduct resupply uh rotation repair or other lawful activities **[00:43:46.900] Rep. Percival "Perci" Cendaña** (asr-000547) within our own exclusive economic zone **[00:43:49.570] DFA Secretary Ma. Theresa P. Lazaro** (asr-000547-split-2) well this is a provisional arrangement only in this **[00:43:54.420] DFA Secretary Ma. Theresa P. Lazaro** (asr-000548) particular shoal, the Ayungin Shoal, because this is with particular reference only **[00:44:00.740] DFA Secretary Ma. Theresa P. Lazaro** (asr-000549) to the Sierra Madre ship. That's why it's called RO-RE: RO, rotation; RE, reprovisioning of necessities. **[00:44:10.660] Rep. Percival "Perci" Cendaña** (asr-000550) Opo. Kasi po, para po sa mga kababayan nating nakikinig, parang every time na lang po... Maraming salamat. May [unclear] question po yata. **[00:44:22.680] Rep. Percival "Perci" Cendaña** (asr-000551) Mukha pong tinatanong ng mga kababayan natin kung bakit po mahalaga yung RO-RE. Kasi po, tandaan po natin, **[00:44:27.880] Rep. Percival "Perci" Cendaña** (asr-000552) nandun po ang BRP Sierra Madre, ang ating first among our frontliners **[00:44:32.500] Rep. Percival "Perci" Cendaña** (asr-000553) na kailangan ng regular na resupply mission **[00:44:35.260] Rep. Percival "Perci" Cendaña** (asr-000554) para sa kanilang pangangailangan. Pero every time po magre-resupply tayo, laging extra challenge. **[00:44:40.200] Rep. Percival "Perci" Cendaña** (asr-000555) Para siyang amazing race **[00:44:41.600] Rep. Percival "Perci" Cendaña** (asr-000556) with the forces of China **[00:44:43.300] Rep. Percival "Perci" Cendaña** (asr-000557) blocking our capacity **[00:44:44.620] Rep. Percival "Perci" Cendaña** (asr-000558) to provide the necessary supplies **[00:44:46.260] Rep. Percival "Perci" Cendaña** (asr-000559) to our frontliners of the West Philippine Sea. **[00:44:49.680] Rep. Percival "Perci" Cendaña** (asr-000579) Hindi na po ako magtatanong ng masyado pang detalye, Madam Secretary, because I understand the nature of the information. **[00:44:55.440] Rep. Percival "Perci" Cendaña** (asr-000580) But given the constitutional responsibilities of the Congress, will the DFA provide... **[00:45:00.040] Rep. Percival "Perci" Cendaña** (asr-000581) appropriate congressional committee with the complete terms of the arrangement even in an **[00:45:04.480] Rep. Percival "Perci" Cendaña** (asr-000582) executive or confidential session if necessary **[00:45:08.010] DFA Secretary Ma. Theresa P. Lazaro** (asr-000582-split-2) we are at your disposal your honor but i just want to **[00:45:11.520] DFA Secretary Ma. Theresa P. Lazaro** (asr-000583) to uh to um affirm or to reconfirm confirm that there had been 16 rores for the past two years **[00:45:20.160] DFA Secretary Ma. Theresa P. Lazaro** (asr-000584) without incident i just want to reiterate to emphasize that **[00:45:23.650] Rep. Percival "Perci" Cendaña** (asr-000584-split-2) thank you for that madam secretary **[00:45:25.520] Rep. Percival "Perci" Cendaña** (asr-000585) and we will hold you to your commitment that you will share with us the details of this um **[00:45:30.480] Rep. Percival "Perci" Cendaña** (asr-000586) arrangement made with a china um let me go to my last set of questions i understand that **[00:45:38.080] Rep. Percival "Perci" Cendaña** (asr-000587) i still have a few more minutes um, ito naman po ay tungkol doon sa austerity measures, no? **[00:45:43.440] Rep. Percival "Perci" Cendaña** (asr-000588) Meron po tayong na-receive na report na nag-celebrate sa five star hotel **[00:45:47.200] Rep. Percival "Perci" Cendaña** (asr-000589) Hotels, I'm sorry, na nag-celebrate sa five star hotels ang independence day celebration **[00:45:52.240] Rep. Percival "Perci" Cendaña** (asr-000590) ang DFA. So meaning ay yung independence day celebrations natin **[00:45:55.520] Rep. Percival "Perci" Cendaña** (asr-000591) here and abroad, kahit may memo na tayo to observe austerity can the department confirm this if this **[00:46:02.000] Rep. Percival "Perci" Cendaña** (asr-000592) indeed took place madam secretary mr chair **[00:46:06.130] DFA Secretary Ma. Theresa P. Lazaro** (asr-000592-split-2) um i i i'm sorry uh your honor just to repeat your **[00:46:11.950] DFA Secretary Ma. Theresa P. Lazaro** (asr-000593) your question **[00:46:12.970] Rep. Percival "Perci" Cendaña** (asr-000593-split-2) we receive reports madam secretary that the dfa conducted independence day **[00:46:18.430] Rep. Percival "Perci" Cendaña** (asr-000594) celebrations in five-star hotels even if there's already a memo directing us to observe austerity **[00:46:26.590] Rep. Percival "Perci" Cendaña** (asr-000595) measures **[00:46:27.630] Rep. Percival "Perci" Cendaña** (asr-000596) may we confirm it this actually took place **[00:46:30.180] DFA Secretary Ma. Theresa P. Lazaro** (asr-000596-split-2) um your honor i think there would be um i because of the **[00:46:34.750] DFA Secretary Ma. Theresa P. Lazaro** (asr-000597) memo that has been uh furnished all our foreign service posts i think most of them have exercised **[00:46:41.550] DFA Secretary Ma. Theresa P. Lazaro** (asr-000598) austerity measures however there are very important posts which in the view of the ambassador as the **[00:46:49.070] DFA Secretary Ma. Theresa P. Lazaro** (asr-000599) person on the ground because it's the 80th anniversary is the 50th anniversary that they **[00:46:54.270] DFA Secretary Ma. Theresa P. Lazaro** (asr-000600) took it upon themselves to **[00:46:57.550] DFA Secretary Ma. Theresa P. Lazaro** (asr-000601) be more than the usual, in the sense, like, I'll just give you a perfect example: Washington, D.C. **[00:47:04.350] DFA Secretary Ma. Theresa P. Lazaro** (asr-000602) that was an ed celebration of the 80th anniversary of philippine u.s relations however it is um **[00:47:12.750] DFA Secretary Ma. Theresa P. Lazaro** (asr-000603) even when i was ambassador and my funds are not enough there's always certain uh um **[00:47:21.070] DFA Secretary Ma. Theresa P. Lazaro** (asr-000604) funds that can be sourced out so um we'll i think that's that's the response and it is the view **[00:47:27.550] DFA Secretary Ma. Theresa P. Lazaro** (asr-000605) that um if if there was a slight uh um it i would i will not consider it extravagance but **[00:47:35.950] DFA Secretary Ma. Theresa P. Lazaro** (asr-000606) it is the importance of the of the celebration but generally your honor i think austerity **[00:47:43.310] DFA Secretary Ma. Theresa P. Lazaro** (asr-000607) uh was practiced by almost all of our foreign service posts thank you **[00:47:47.420] Rep. Percival "Perci" Cendaña** (asr-000607-split-2) thank you uh madam **[00:47:49.310] Rep. Percival "Perci" Cendaña** (asr-000608) Secretary. Mr. Chair, may the committee request the DFA to provide a spending breakdown per Foreign **[00:47:57.550] Rep. Percival "Perci" Cendaña** (asr-000609) service post including expenses for venues catering receptions entertainment transportation **[00:48:01.870] Rep. Percival "Perci" Cendaña** (asr-000610) and related costs in time for a plenary thank you mr chair and um before i end this round of **[00:48:09.550] Rep. Percival "Perci" Cendaña** (asr-000611) questioning to provide the opportunity to other members of the house i'd like to reiterate our **[00:48:14.110] Rep. Percival "Perci" Cendaña** (asr-000612) humble appeal to the good secretary for the designation of the dllu with the rank of at least **[00:48:19.470] Rep. Percival "Perci" Cendaña** (asr-000613) assistant secretary and this question we will raise again in the plenary thank you very much **[00:48:25.390] Rep. Percival "Perci" Cendaña** (asr-000614) madam secretary mr chair **[00:48:29.260] Rep. Sancho Fernando "Ando" F. Oaminal** (asr-000615) thank you our congressman sendenya um may we now call on representative brian poe from the majority **[00:48:39.340] Rep. Brian Poe** (asr-000616) thank you very much mr chair uh mr chair before i say anything else i want to preface uh with **[00:48:45.500] Rep. Brian Poe** (asr-000617) the fact that i would like to acknowledge the best and the brightest one of our most professional **[00:48:50.060] Rep. Brian Poe** (asr-000618) agencies the department of foreign affairs especially in this time though mr chair wherein **[00:48:55.740] Rep. Brian Poe** (asr-000619) uh global tensions are high **[00:48:59.020] Rep. Brian Poe** (asr-000620) foreign affairs plays a very vital role in making sure that we're able to put our best foot forward **[00:49:05.580] Rep. Brian Poe** (asr-000621) and negotiations on both economic and security matters so it's very important that we're able **[00:49:11.100] Rep. Brian Poe** (asr-000622) to support them in this budget cycle with that being said as their chair i i'll take off from **[00:49:17.420] Rep. Brian Poe** (asr-000623) where my colleague left us and i just want to ask about the um the status of our diplomatic protests **[00:49:25.020] Rep. Brian Poe** (asr-000624) i believe within the first half of the year alone we filed 27 protests and of course this is in **[00:49:31.740] Rep. Brian Poe** (asr-000625) relation to the west philippine sea now has anything materialized because of these protests **[00:49:39.100] Rep. Brian Poe** (asr-000626) what can we report back as kind of our achievements in this front **[00:49:44.220] DFA Secretary Ma. Theresa P. Lazaro** (asr-000626-split-2) um thank you your honor **[00:49:45.980] DFA Secretary Ma. Theresa P. Lazaro** (asr-000627) um thank you very much for your very kind words your initial statement um actually we have a total **[00:49:55.020] DFA Secretary Ma. Theresa P. Lazaro** (asr-000629) 39 protests for 20 diplomatic protests for 2026. um your question if there were any changes um if **[00:50:05.980] DFA Secretary Ma. Theresa P. Lazaro** (asr-000630) um well the only change that i can cite right now is that the uh incidents that have happened in the **[00:50:12.380] DFA Secretary Ma. Theresa P. Lazaro** (asr-000631) past um the um the the the water cannon the laser i think it has sort of uh decreased and therefore **[00:50:24.620] DFA Secretary Ma. Theresa P. Lazaro** (asr-000632) this **[00:50:25.020] DFA Secretary Ma. Theresa P. Lazaro** (asr-000633) are the significant changes although we know very well that our defense establishments have always **[00:50:30.380] DFA Secretary Ma. Theresa P. Lazaro** (asr-000634) been uh um citing also the um the um the chinese military vessels so that's the only change but **[00:50:39.660] DFA Secretary Ma. Theresa P. Lazaro** (asr-000635) uh your honor i'd like to refer this to our um um executive director for our maritime affairs **[00:50:47.420] DFA Secretary Ma. Theresa P. Lazaro** (asr-000636) office we have more information please **[00:50:50.160] DFA Deputy Assistant Secretary Rogelio Villanueva, Jr.** (asr-000636-split-2) thank you madam secretary um good afternoon **[00:50:54.620] DFA Deputy Assistant Secretary Rogelio Villanueva, Jr.** (asr-000637) uh your honor as already mentioned by the secretary from 2026 this year we have **[00:51:01.660] DFA Deputy Assistant Secretary Rogelio Villanueva, Jr.** (asr-000638) issued already 39 protests and for the whole year i mean from 2022 to 2026 **[00:51:09.500] DFA Deputy Assistant Secretary Rogelio Villanueva, Jr.** (asr-000639) the total number of diplomatic protests that we have issued this uh stands at 296 ready **[00:51:16.860] DFA Deputy Assistant Secretary Rogelio Villanueva, Jr.** (asr-000640) but we have to understand also that results on the ground may take time because while diplomacy **[00:51:24.620] DFA Deputy Assistant Secretary Rogelio Villanueva, Jr.** (asr-000641) is the bigger toolbox in the government's uh bigger tool in the government's toolbox we have to work **[00:51:30.060] DFA Deputy Assistant Secretary Rogelio Villanueva, Jr.** (asr-000642) in tandem with other government agencies particularly our security agencies our national **[00:51:37.820] DFA Deputy Assistant Secretary Rogelio Villanueva, Jr.** (asr-000643) maritime council because this is a whole of government effort so all these things will factor **[00:51:43.900] DFA Deputy Assistant Secretary Rogelio Villanueva, Jr.** (asr-000644) in this is not to say that we expect to see immediate results because it we have to be patient **[00:51:52.620] DFA Deputy Assistant Secretary Rogelio Villanueva, Jr.** (asr-000645) we have to take time but if we have to take time to do something we have to take time to do things **[00:51:54.220] DFA Deputy Assistant Secretary Rogelio Villanueva, Jr.** (asr-000646) what the president has always mentioned that we have to give diplomacy and dialogue a chance **[00:51:59.700] DFA Deputy Assistant Secretary Rogelio Villanueva, Jr.** (asr-000647) thank you your honor **[00:52:01.150] Rep. Brian Poe** (asr-000647-split-2) thank you um that's that's really the point no i was happy to hear from the **[00:52:06.020] Rep. Brian Poe** (asr-000648) the secretary that we have less incidents no of water cannons and of lasers uh in the west **[00:52:12.720] Rep. Brian Poe** (asr-000649) philippine sea because this is a whole of nation approach as you said there are other agencies and **[00:52:16.960] Rep. Brian Poe** (asr-000650) other departments involved uh and whatever effort the dfa puts in with these diplomatic uh protests **[00:52:22.940] Rep. Brian Poe** (asr-000651) uh also supports uh our front liners including the coast guard and of course our fisher folk no **[00:52:28.980] Rep. Brian Poe** (asr-000652) um so i just wanted to ask about that so that at least on the record we can tell **[00:52:33.600] Rep. Brian Poe** (asr-000653) our constituents that something happened because we have diplomatic protests and the efforts of **[00:52:40.620] Rep. Brian Poe** (asr-000654) the dfa continue we are not discouraged that even if we have 100 200 plus diplomatic protests **[00:52:47.000] Rep. Brian Poe** (asr-000655) we will continue as long as there are any violations we feel of our sovereignty **[00:52:52.940] Rep. Brian Poe** (asr-000656) Uh, with that being said, the second question I want to ask is para sa mga OFWs natin or yung mga constituents, mga Filipinos sa Nepal, **[00:53:00.780] Rep. Brian Poe** (asr-000657) do we have a complete list of those who are affected and what is the dfa doing to support **[00:53:06.300] Rep. Brian Poe** (asr-000658) uh our kababayan abroad **[00:53:08.300] DFA Secretary Ma. Theresa P. Lazaro** (asr-000658-split-2) initial thank you very much your honor initial reaction is that we do not **[00:53:13.020] DFA Secretary Ma. Theresa P. Lazaro** (asr-000659) have a foreign service establishment in Nepal, so we rely only on our embassy in New Delhi, **[00:53:22.940] DFA Secretary Ma. Theresa P. Lazaro** (asr-000660) which has jurisdiction over Nepal and that area. **[00:53:26.080] DFA Secretary Ma. Theresa P. Lazaro** (asr-000661) More so, we have an honorary consul **[00:53:29.260] DFA Secretary Ma. Theresa P. Lazaro** (asr-000662) in Kathmandu, which is the capital of Nepal, that I think **[00:53:34.860] DFA Secretary Ma. Theresa P. Lazaro** (asr-000663) the honorary consul himself is also **[00:53:40.940] DFA Secretary Ma. Theresa P. Lazaro** (asr-000664) affected however based on the information and uh of course that is cascading to our embassy in delhi **[00:53:47.580] DFA Secretary Ma. Theresa P. Lazaro** (asr-000665) there is um there were filipinos there but there's only one missing uh and uh all efforts now have **[00:53:52.780] DFA Secretary Ma. Theresa P. Lazaro** (asr-000666) I mean, all the resources, international organizations as well as the local authorities are still in the process of searching, as there are many. Reports said that there are about 4,000 missing persons. So now, I think we ask the family for the DNA so that we can match it with those bodies that are around the area. **[00:54:20.420] Rep. Brian Poe** (asr-000667) Of course, the situation in Nepal is very unfortunate. We have one kababayan that's missing, and I'm glad to hear that there are efforts to identify possibly through DNA matching. But at least may update po tayo dito. **[00:54:35.220] Rep. Brian Poe** (asr-000668) Speaking of a kababayan that has passed away, there is the case of Sam De La Cruz. He was a 25-year-old migrant worker who was working on a fishing vessel. He passed away in 2018. **[00:54:49.280] Rep. Brian Poe** (asr-000669) And his body was buried somewhere in Somalia. And the family, until now, is still requesting that his body be returned to the Philippines. Is there any update on Sam De La Cruz? **[00:55:02.080] DFA Secretary Ma. Theresa P. Lazaro** (asr-000670) Your Honor, I would refer you to our officer in charge of migrant affairs, please. **[00:55:08.760] DFA OIC Undersecretary Ezzedin H. Tago** (asr-000671) Thank you, Madam Secretary. Good afternoon, Honorable Member of the House. Thank you for this opportunity. **[00:55:19.280] DFA OIC Undersecretary Ezzedin H. Tago** (asr-000673) We traced the information, and I can confirm that Mr. Sam De La Cruz is a former seafarer who was registered with the agency of GMM Global Maritime in Manila. **[00:55:36.600] DFA OIC Undersecretary Ezzedin H. Tago** (asr-000674) He died in July 2018 due to cardiopulmonary arrest back in 2018. **[00:55:45.220] DFA OIC Undersecretary Ezzedin H. Tago** (asr-000675) I would like to state first that the DFA understands the immense difficulty. **[00:55:49.280] DFA OIC Undersecretary Ezzedin H. Tago** (asr-000676) And emotional pain the family continues to endure during this prolonged process. **[00:55:56.960] DFA OIC Undersecretary Ezzedin H. Tago** (asr-000677) The DFA remains committed to supporting the De La Cruz family in coordination with Global Maritime. **[00:56:03.740] DFA OIC Undersecretary Ezzedin H. Tago** (asr-000678) The case, which dates back to 2018, sir, has been complicated by various factors. **[00:56:10.680] DFA OIC Undersecretary Ezzedin H. Tago** (asr-000679) First was, of course, the COVID-19 pandemic. **[00:56:18.420] DFA OIC Undersecretary Ezzedin H. Tago** (asr-000680) And it's... **[00:56:19.280] DFA OIC Undersecretary Ezzedin H. Tago** (asr-000681) What had happened in Somalia, which has immediate... **[00:56:25.240] DFA OIC Undersecretary Ezzedin H. Tago** (asr-000682) Which applies Islamic Sharia, and therefore burying the remains immediately, and other logistical concerns. **[00:56:35.460] DFA OIC Undersecretary Ezzedin H. Tago** (asr-000683) The DFA had... **[00:56:37.200] DFA OIC Undersecretary Ezzedin H. Tago** (asr-000684) I have a record of all the diplomatic notes that had been sent by our embassy in Nairobi, Kenya, **[00:56:43.780] DFA OIC Undersecretary Ezzedin H. Tago** (asr-000685) which has responsibility over Somalia. **[00:56:49.280] DFA OIC Undersecretary Ezzedin H. Tago** (asr-000686) Since we also do not have a mission in Somalia. **[00:56:53.160] DFA OIC Undersecretary Ezzedin H. Tago** (asr-000687) And at that time, they had not received an official reply from the government of Somalia. **[00:57:03.340] DFA OIC Undersecretary Ezzedin H. Tago** (asr-000688) GMM, the agency, also communicated with Somali authorities back in November 2018, and had located the burial site in Bosaso, **[00:57:13.580] DFA OIC Undersecretary Ezzedin H. Tago** (asr-000689) which is about a thousand kilometers away from Mogadishu, the capital. **[00:57:19.280] DFA OIC Undersecretary Ezzedin H. Tago** (asr-000690) Uh, and had worked to secure permits and funding for exhumation of the remains. **[00:57:26.180] DFA OIC Undersecretary Ezzedin H. Tago** (asr-000691) Despite preliminary agreement with local officials, negotiations stalled, and the plan did not proceed. **[00:57:33.600] DFA OIC Undersecretary Ezzedin H. Tago** (asr-000692) Uh, back in, uh, in 2025 last year, we had asked our, uh, embassy in Nairobi to engage again with the embassy, with the Philippine, with the Somali embassy. **[00:57:49.140] DFA OIC Undersecretary Ezzedin H. Tago** (asr-000694) Nairobi to convey our request to the government in Mogadishu, Somalia, and unfortunately they **[00:57:55.380] DFA OIC Undersecretary Ezzedin H. Tago** (asr-000695) had not yet also received any reply officially. **[00:58:03.800] DFA OIC Undersecretary Ezzedin H. Tago** (asr-000696) With that update, we will re-instruct or send instructions again to our embassy in Nairobi **[00:58:14.660] DFA OIC Undersecretary Ezzedin H. Tago** (asr-000697) to meet with the embassy of Somalia in Nairobi to revive this issue. **[00:58:25.040] DFA OIC Undersecretary Ezzedin H. Tago** (asr-000698) Thank you, sir. **[00:58:26.040] Rep. Brian Poe** (asr-000699) Thank you very much, and I appreciate how thorough the discussion is on this and how **[00:58:31.920] Rep. Brian Poe** (asr-000700) well you've kept track of this situation. **[00:58:33.860] Rep. Brian Poe** (asr-000701) That shows that you truly care about the Filipino that we lost abroad and that you care about **[00:58:39.440] Rep. Brian Poe** (asr-000702) the plight of their family. **[00:58:41.100] Rep. Brian Poe** (asr-000703) This is an important message that we need to send all of our migrants. **[00:58:44.640] Rep. Brian Poe** (asr-000704) We need to remind our migrant workers that the DFA will continue to keep working for **[00:58:47.960] Rep. Brian Poe** (asr-000705) you. **[00:58:48.960] Rep. Brian Poe** (asr-000706) The assurance that I was looking for in this committee hearing was just the assurance that **[00:58:52.940] Rep. Brian Poe** (asr-000707) the DFA will continue to try its best to bring home the body of our kababayan. **[00:58:59.200] Rep. Brian Poe** (asr-000708) But understanding the situation, of course it's difficult with Somalia, the diplomatic **[00:59:03.780] Rep. Brian Poe** (asr-000709) ties that we don't have a mission there, and of course the fact that they're not responding **[00:59:08.800] Rep. Brian Poe** (asr-000710) to us is not our fault, but we should not stop knocking at their door to ask for the **[00:59:13.300] Rep. Brian Poe** (asr-000711) body back. **[00:59:14.300] Rep. Brian Poe** (asr-000712) Thank you. **[00:59:14.640] Rep. Brian Poe** (asr-000713) So with that being said, I want to move now to the assessment of an important document, **[00:59:26.040] Rep. Brian Poe** (asr-000714) and that's the Mombasa Declaration. **[00:59:28.980] Rep. Brian Poe** (asr-000715) This would affect us because of our status as a maritime nation with our fishing, etc. **[00:59:35.060] Rep. Brian Poe** (asr-000716) What is the position or what is the assessment of the DFA when it comes to the Mombasa Declaration? **[00:59:40.960] DFA Secretary Ma. Theresa P. Lazaro** (asr-000717) Again, thank you, Mr. Chair. **[00:59:43.000] DFA Secretary Ma. Theresa P. Lazaro** (asr-000718) I mean, rather, Your Honor. **[00:59:43.960] DFA Secretary Ma. Theresa P. Lazaro** (asr-000719) I would like to refer this to my Assistant Secretary for UN and other international organizations **[00:59:51.840] DFA Secretary Ma. Theresa P. Lazaro** (asr-000720) on this, particularly of this Mombasa Declaration. **[01:00:00.720] DFA Secretary Ma. Theresa P. Lazaro** (asr-000729) I'm sorry, it's not you; it's our maritime affairs office again because this pertains to fishing personnel. **[01:00:06.480] DFA Secretary Ma. Theresa P. Lazaro** (asr-000730) please **[01:00:08.600] DFA Deputy Assistant Secretary Rogelio Villanueva, Jr.** (asr-000730-split-2) thank you madam secretary your honor for having the floor again and um the mombasa **[01:00:13.600] DFA Deputy Assistant Secretary Rogelio Villanueva, Jr.** (asr-000731) declaration is an international commitment to increase fisheries transparency and in the global **[01:00:21.680] DFA Deputy Assistant Secretary Rogelio Villanueva, Jr.** (asr-000732) efforts to combat illegal unreported fishing iouf and this was adopted last june 17 2026 by **[01:00:33.360] DFA Deputy Assistant Secretary Rogelio Villanueva, Jr.** (asr-000733) 16 countries and of course we we acknowledge and recognize the leadership of the good congressman **[01:00:40.720] DFA Deputy Assistant Secretary Rogelio Villanueva, Jr.** (asr-000734) your advocacy on blue economy climate resilience and environmental protection for being the head **[01:00:47.760] DFA Deputy Assistant Secretary Rogelio Villanueva, Jr.** (asr-000735) of delegation during the 11th hour ocean **[01:00:51.680] DFA Deputy Assistant Secretary Rogelio Villanueva, Jr.** (asr-000736) conference which was held in mombasa kenya last 16 to 18. and for our consultation with the **[01:00:59.360] DFA Deputy Assistant Secretary Rogelio Villanueva, Jr.** (asr-000737) department of agriculture particularly with the bureau of fisheries and aquatic resources before **[01:01:05.040] DFA Deputy Assistant Secretary Rogelio Villanueva, Jr.** (asr-000738) because this is uh they are the primary government agency in charge of fisheries and in fact in **[01:01:12.320] DFA Deputy Assistant Secretary Rogelio Villanueva, Jr.** (asr-000739) combating illegal unreported fishing iuf there were some concerns as regards the open access provisions **[01:01:21.360] DFA Deputy Assistant Secretary Rogelio Villanueva, Jr.** (asr-000740) in the **[01:01:21.680] DFA Deputy Assistant Secretary Rogelio Villanueva, Jr.** (asr-000741) mombasa declaration particularly on the sharing of sensitive fisheries information **[01:01:29.760] DFA Deputy Assistant Secretary Rogelio Villanueva, Jr.** (asr-000742) data ownership and confidentiality but regardless of our current status the the philippine government **[01:01:37.520] DFA Deputy Assistant Secretary Rogelio Villanueva, Jr.** (asr-000743) is already in fact implementing certain measures like the ship identifiers which you already have **[01:01:44.160] DFA Deputy Assistant Secretary Rogelio Villanueva, Jr.** (asr-000744) and there are also efforts to combat iuf this is not a new issue for the philippines but we want to **[01:01:51.360] DFA Deputy Assistant Secretary Rogelio Villanueva, Jr.** (asr-000745) assure the uh the good congressman that we will continue to coordinate and consult with the dab **[01:01:57.040] DFA Deputy Assistant Secretary Rogelio Villanueva, Jr.** (asr-000746) far to come up with a firmer position on the mambasa declaration thank you your honor **[01:02:02.650] Rep. Brian Poe** (asr-000746-split-2) thank you **[01:02:03.200] Rep. Brian Poe** (asr-000747) Thank you. Ito yung gusto ko sa DFA eh kasi pag may tanong, hindi 'we will get back to you'; kumpleto yung background, **[01:02:09.200] Rep. Brian Poe** (asr-000748) yung current status, etc. Ito yung gusto ko sa mga committee hearings na prepared yung mga agencies. **[01:02:14.960] Rep. Brian Poe** (asr-000749) uh agencies so with that concern i'm hoping that you can keep me abreast no as to the development **[01:02:21.360] Rep. Brian Poe** (asr-000750) of the official position of the DFA when it comes to the declaration para I can, with my counterparts **[01:02:26.720] Rep. Brian Poe** (asr-000751) abroad uh i can also keep them updated on the the status here in the philippines so maraming salamat **[01:02:33.200] Rep. Brian Poe** (asr-000752) po my last one my last question is something that i think uh for kababayans who aren't too familiar **[01:02:39.520] Rep. Brian Poe** (asr-000753) about, want to know what exactly is the role of the DFA when it comes to Pax Silica, just for clarity. **[01:02:47.920] DFA Secretary Ma. Theresa P. Lazaro** (asr-000754) uh thank you again uh your honor **[01:02:51.760] DFA Secretary Ma. Theresa P. Lazaro** (asr-000755) as of the present time the issue of pac silica is really an issue between and that is being tackled **[01:02:58.640] DFA Secretary Ma. Theresa P. Lazaro** (asr-000756) by the department of trade and industry and bcda um it is not within the purview of the department **[01:03:06.880] DFA Secretary Ma. Theresa P. Lazaro** (asr-000757) of foreign affairs because even the signing of the document of pac silica was signed by a **[01:03:12.080] DFA Secretary Ma. Theresa P. Lazaro** (asr-000758) representative from the department of trade and industry so that is as far as we're concerned **[01:03:17.440] DFA Secretary Ma. Theresa P. Lazaro** (asr-000759) however if it is concerning the luzon economic corridor **[01:03:21.360] DFA Secretary Ma. Theresa P. Lazaro** (asr-000760) which is also in conjunction with the pac silica project then we have we are aware of it since **[01:03:27.680] DFA Secretary Ma. Theresa P. Lazaro** (asr-000761) this is one of the projects of the tripartite meeting which is between among the u.s japan **[01:03:34.560] DFA Secretary Ma. Theresa P. Lazaro** (asr-000762) and the philippines thank you **[01:03:35.900] Rep. Brian Poe** (asr-000762-split-2) but uh in terms of the uh pac silica project um does the dfa play any **[01:03:42.080] Rep. Brian Poe** (asr-000763) kind of advisory or um consulting role **[01:03:45.570] DFA Secretary Ma. Theresa P. Lazaro** (asr-000763-split-2) um your honor it do it is during the initial stages when **[01:03:51.360] DFA Secretary Ma. Theresa P. Lazaro** (asr-000764) the secretary of the state department has been calling on many of the concerned agencies of **[01:03:56.800] DFA Secretary Ma. Theresa P. Lazaro** (asr-000765) government and of course i was one of them that i was able to talk to the the person in charge **[01:04:04.000] DFA Secretary Ma. Theresa P. Lazaro** (asr-000766) who is an undersecretary level so um of course the the the concept itself i think is very good **[01:04:10.800] DFA Secretary Ma. Theresa P. Lazaro** (asr-000767) but uh again um this is something that has to be um now that it has a certain uh area that is being **[01:04:21.360] DFA Secretary Ma. Theresa P. Lazaro** (asr-000768) considered i think it's now within the hands of um the two the two other agencies but initially **[01:04:27.920] DFA Secretary Ma. Theresa P. Lazaro** (asr-000769) during the initial discussions of course i think they were looking at how we see things for us **[01:04:34.560] DFA Secretary Ma. Theresa P. Lazaro** (asr-000770) even initially i think we were all it was it was a very good uh concept because i think it is **[01:04:42.480] DFA Secretary Ma. Theresa P. Lazaro** (asr-000771) actually the ai data it is um the concerning critical minerals and the micro or the computer **[01:04:51.360] DFA Secretary Ma. Theresa P. Lazaro** (asr-000772) um semiconductor industry and for us if this becomes a reality i think this will mean more jobs **[01:04:58.800] DFA Secretary Ma. Theresa P. Lazaro** (asr-000773) and going up the ladder in terms of technology thank you **[01:05:02.390] Rep. Brian Poe** (asr-000773-split-2) i just wanted to make sure that our **[01:05:05.040] Rep. Brian Poe** (asr-000774) kababayans are aware that the area of responsibility really falls on dti as well as bcda **[01:05:11.600] Rep. Brian Poe** (asr-000775) when it comes to this agreement and that it's economic in nature **[01:05:15.120] Rep. Brian Poe** (asr-000776) but in the before we went into this uh there was a little bit of an advisory role **[01:05:21.360] Rep. Brian Poe** (asr-000777) uh that the dfa did play in making sure that all stakeholders involved were informed it's just a **[01:05:26.560] Rep. Brian Poe** (asr-000778) matter of clarity for the record uh so that moving forward people don't uh you know go to the dfa **[01:05:33.360] Rep. Brian Poe** (asr-000779) asking, 'Oh, bakit ganito yung agreement natin for Pax Silica?' At least we're very well aware of **[01:05:38.480] Rep. Brian Poe** (asr-000780) the distinct department roles. So yun lang, Mr. Chair, and I would like to thank the DFA **[01:05:44.240] Rep. Brian Poe** (asr-000781) for being so prepared in answering our questions. Maraming salamat po. **[01:05:52.380] Rep. Sancho Fernando "Ando" F. Oaminal** (asr-000782) thank you uh congressman **[01:05:55.100] Rep. Sancho Fernando "Ando" F. Oaminal** (asr-000783) May we now recognize the Honorable Dadah Kiram Ismula from the minority. **[01:06:01.700] Rep. Dadah Kiram Ismula** (asr-000783-split-2) Thank you, Mr. Chair. Assalamualaikum warahmatullahi wabarakatuh. **[01:06:07.340] Rep. Dadah Kiram Ismula** (asr-000784) good afternoon to the dfa family and to its attached agency **[01:06:16.780] Rep. Dadah Kiram Ismula** (asr-000785) Congratulations po. But anyway, Mr. Chair, **[01:06:24.140] Rep. Dadah Kiram Ismula** (asr-000786) dahil ako naman na yung huling magtatanong, hindi naman na siguro masama kung ako'y lalagpas ng limang minuto, no? **[01:06:31.100] Rep. Dadah Kiram Ismula** (asr-000787) but anyway um to the dfa family no um madam secretary last year i was invited by a civil **[01:06:40.060] Rep. Dadah Kiram Ismula** (asr-000788) society organization to observe the 11th session of negotiations for the drafting of a legally **[01:06:48.780] Rep. Dadah Kiram Ismula** (asr-000789) binding instrument that will regulate the activities of transnational communities **[01:06:54.140] Rep. Dadah Kiram Ismula** (asr-000790) corporations, and other business enterprises. **[01:06:58.300] Rep. Dadah Kiram Ismula** (asr-000791) Ah, kumbaga kung napagkasunduan sa mga member states, may laban po tayo kung ang mga malalaking foreign companies **[01:07:07.260] Rep. Dadah Kiram Ismula** (asr-000792) na nasa bansa natin, katulad ng mga social media, mga mining, ay sundin ang ating batas para sa mga manggagawa o para sa **[01:07:18.660] Rep. Dadah Kiram Ismula** (asr-000793) ating kalikasan. **[01:07:20.640] Rep. Dadah Kiram Ismula** (asr-000794) Now, I was surprised to learn na wala po tayong formal representative mula sa Philippines **[01:07:28.680] Rep. Dadah Kiram Ismula** (asr-000795) sa negosasyong ito last year. **[01:07:31.280] Rep. Dadah Kiram Ismula** (asr-000796) For this year po ba, magkakaroon ulit ng negotiation round? **[01:07:37.100] Rep. Dadah Kiram Ismula** (asr-000797) May plano po ba ang Philippines na mag-participate formally o magpapadala po ba kayo ng representatives? **[01:07:46.880] DFA Secretary Ma. Theresa P. Lazaro** (asr-000798) Thank you, Your Honor. **[01:07:48.500] DFA Secretary Ma. Theresa P. Lazaro** (asr-000799) Sir, can we have the full title, Your Honor, of this conference? **[01:07:55.460] Rep. Dadah Kiram Ismula** (asr-000800) Yes, sir. **[01:07:56.060] Rep. Dadah Kiram Ismula** (asr-000801) The drafting of the legally binding instrument that will regulate the activities of transnational **[01:08:08.840] Rep. Dadah Kiram Ismula** (asr-000802) corporations. **[01:08:11.380] Rep. Dadah Kiram Ismula** (asr-000803) Apparently, actually nandoon ako noon. I was there for nine days. **[01:08:18.500] Rep. Dadah Kiram Ismula** (asr-000804) Nagkaroon ako ng chance na makausap naman yung ating member of state doon. **[01:08:25.860] Rep. Dadah Kiram Ismula** (asr-000805) Apparently, wala ngang instruction as to kung mag-a-attend sila doon. **[01:08:34.060] Rep. Dadah Kiram Ismula** (asr-000806) So that's why na-surprise po ako. **[01:08:36.840] Rep. Dadah Kiram Ismula** (asr-000807) So gusto kong malaman kung this year po ba ay makakasama tayo. Knowing na alam po natin ang daming **[01:08:43.340] Rep. Dadah Kiram Ismula** (asr-000808) mining corporations, mga giant companies na nandito sa ating bansa. **[01:08:48.500] Rep. Dadah Kiram Ismula** (asr-000809) na ang gusto lang naman natin mangyari ay mapanagot **[01:08:51.380] Rep. Dadah Kiram Ismula** (asr-000810) sila doon in the event na hindi sila **[01:08:53.860] Rep. Dadah Kiram Ismula** (asr-000811) sumunod **[01:08:54.860] Rep. Dadah Kiram Ismula** (asr-000812) sa ating batas **[01:08:55.860] Rep. Dadah Kiram Ismula** (asr-000813) o lumabag sila **[01:08:56.860] Rep. Dadah Kiram Ismula** (asr-000814) sa ating batas. **[01:08:57.860] Rep. Dadah Kiram Ismula** (asr-000815) Thank you, Your Honor. **[01:08:58.940] DFA Secretary Ma. Theresa P. Lazaro** (asr-000816) And before I give this, the floor to my colleague who is in charge of this, the United Nations **[01:09:07.440] DFA Secretary Ma. Theresa P. Lazaro** (asr-000817) issues, because this is also under the UN purview, I just want to say that I have a **[01:09:12.800] DFA Secretary Ma. Theresa P. Lazaro** (asr-000818) question that I really want to ask you, Sir. **[01:09:14.940] DFA Secretary Ma. Theresa P. Lazaro** (asr-000819) Yes, Sir. **[01:09:15.940] DFA Secretary Ma. Theresa P. Lazaro** (asr-000820) Yes, Sir. **[01:09:16.940] DFA Secretary Ma. Theresa P. Lazaro** (asr-000821) Go ahead. **[01:09:17.980] DFA Secretary Ma. Theresa P. Lazaro** (asr-000822) po kasing mga ibang mga meetings and conferences na tina-target din itong mga transnational issues **[01:09:26.860] DFA Secretary Ma. Theresa P. Lazaro** (asr-000823) na to. Particularly the scams that are in the Southeast Asian region. Nag-uumpisa pa lang ho **[01:09:33.300] DFA Secretary Ma. Theresa P. Lazaro** (asr-000824) yung ibang mga conferences usually nangyayari po sa banda sa Thailand kasi doon sa kanila, **[01:09:40.400] DFA Secretary Ma. Theresa P. Lazaro** (asr-000825) doon sa borders nila. So yun ho mga mina-attendan namin with the other concerned government **[01:09:46.780] DFA Secretary Ma. Theresa P. Lazaro** (asr-000826) agencies. But sasagutin po namin yan. I just want to give it again to our Assistant Secretary **[01:09:52.280] DFA Secretary Ma. Theresa P. Lazaro** (asr-000827) for UN and other agencies, other organizations. **[01:09:56.400] DFA Assistant Secretary Leila C. Lora-Santos** (asr-000827-split-2) Thank you very much, Secretary, Your Honor. **[01:09:59.300] DFA Assistant Secretary Leila C. Lora-Santos** (asr-000828) I think you were talking about the business and human rights, the business and human rights **[01:10:07.550] DFA Assistant Secretary Leila C. Lora-Santos** (asr-000829) process currently ongoing in Geneva? Yes, that's right. **[01:10:10.750] Rep. Dadah Kiram Ismula** (asr-000829-split-2) Sa Geneva po. Naka-11 session na po kasi tayo niya. **[01:10:15.210] Rep. Dadah Kiram Ismula** (asr-000830) Okay po. Nung representatives po natin sa Geneva, **[01:10:18.030] DFA Assistant Secretary Leila C. Lora-Santos** (asr-000831) it might be possible, ma'am, that you attended the sectoral pathway of that process, either the **[01:10:26.930] DFA Assistant Secretary Leila C. Lora-Santos** (asr-000832) civil society or the private sector. Pero po yung government process po is being followed by our **[01:10:32.310] DFA Assistant Secretary Leila C. Lora-Santos** (asr-000833) Geneva colleagues. **[01:10:33.300] Rep. Dadah Kiram Ismula** (asr-000833-split-2) Okay. So may nag-attend, however, on a different session. **[01:10:39.300] DFA Assistant Secretary Leila C. Lora-Santos** (asr-000833-split-3) Yes po. **[01:10:39.950] Rep. Dadah Kiram Ismula** (asr-000833-split-4) But on a sectoral **[01:10:41.910] Rep. Dadah Kiram Ismula** (asr-000834) session, wala pong from the Philippines. Tama? **[01:10:45.200] DFA Assistant Secretary Leila C. Lora-Santos** (asr-000834-split-2) Well, may po kayo. Yes po. Not from the government. **[01:10:49.820] Rep. Dadah Kiram Ismula** (asr-000835) So in this case po, maaari ko po bang makuha ang ano po kaya yung malinaw na commitment ng DFA patungkol dito? **[01:10:59.330] Rep. Dadah Kiram Ismula** (asr-000836) Magkakaroon po ba kayo ng representative for this year's convention sa Geneva? Actually, this coming October 9 to 14? Yes. **[01:11:11.630] DFA Secretary Ma. Theresa P. Lazaro** (asr-000837) Your Honor, thank you for that question. When it comes to conventions and international conferences, **[01:11:18.030] DFA Secretary Ma. Theresa P. Lazaro** (asr-000839) whether it's Geneva, New York, or Vienna, our Foreign Service Establishment is attending as well as other concerned government agencies. **[01:11:29.030] DFA Secretary Ma. Theresa P. Lazaro** (asr-000840) I surmise that if this is a transnational crime, there will be law enforcement agencies here as well as the ICT because it involves technology. **[01:11:39.030] DFA Secretary Ma. Theresa P. Lazaro** (asr-000841) But doon po sa question ninyo about really what you're focusing, I think, Your Honor, is the CSOs. So we will be coordinating now **[01:11:47.870] DFA Secretary Ma. Theresa P. Lazaro** (asr-000842) with our mission in Geneva and make sure that the relevant CSOs will be informed so that they can be represented, as their views are very important. **[01:12:02.870] Rep. Dadah Kiram Ismula** (asr-000843) Maraming salamat po, Mr. Chair, Madam Secretary. The Akbayan Reform Bloc po kasi has already filed House Resolution No. 902 urging the DFA to engage, **[01:12:17.710] Rep. Dadah Kiram Ismula** (asr-000844) kasi hindi po pwedeng papasok na lang ang mga foreign companies dito sa ating bansa. Kinakalbo ang ating mga bundok at binabarat ang ating mga manggagawa. **[01:12:28.710] Rep. Dadah Kiram Ismula** (asr-000845) I will personally engage ngayong taon in the discussion of this legally binding instrument in October. Kaya't hahanapin **[01:12:38.710] Rep. Dadah Kiram Ismula** (asr-000846) ko po ulit ang DFA sa United Nations Working Group. Now I will move forward on a different question. **[01:12:46.710] Rep. Dadah Kiram Ismula** (asr-000847) Dito po ay patungkol sa UN Security Council bid po natin. On June 3 of 2026, the Philippines lost its bid **[01:12:57.110] Rep. Dadah Kiram Ismula** (asr-000848) for a non-permanent seat on the un security council in this regard can the dfa explain **[01:13:04.870] Rep. Dadah Kiram Ismula** (asr-000849) ano ang mga factors po kaya bakit naging unsuccessful tayo rito and how much po was **[01:13:12.230] Rep. Dadah Kiram Ismula** (asr-000850) appropriated and actually spent for the philippines campaign for a non-permanent **[01:13:18.390] Rep. Dadah Kiram Ismula** (asr-000851) seat on the un security council **[01:13:21.300] DFA Secretary Ma. Theresa P. Lazaro** (asr-000851-split-2) um thank you your honor if a reason is being asked why do we failed **[01:13:27.830] DFA Secretary Ma. Theresa P. Lazaro** (asr-000852) in our bid the only answer and the the answer to that is the geopolitical issue **[01:13:35.110] DFA Secretary Ma. Theresa P. Lazaro** (asr-000853) um i i can spell it um but i would prefer that it is uh in writing so i can tell you what but **[01:13:42.070] DFA Secretary Ma. Theresa P. Lazaro** (asr-000854) it is geopolitical issues um **[01:13:47.430] DFA Secretary Ma. Theresa P. Lazaro** (asr-000855) and uh where i give it again to my colleague um uh from the office of fiscal management please **[01:13:55.270] DFA Assistant Secretary Emilio T. Fernandez** (asr-000856) yes thank you uh your honor uh in 2025 and 2026 the amount total amount of 70 million pesos was **[01:14:12.100] DFA Assistant Secretary Emilio T. Fernandez** (asr-000857) appropriated for this purpose, yung ating UN Security Council campaign. **[01:14:17.380] DFA Assistant Secretary Emilio T. Fernandez** (asr-000858) And of that amount, 52.5 million was obligated for a utilization of 75 percent. **[01:14:24.920] Rep. Dadah Kiram Ismula** (asr-000859) Tama po ba 2022 pa lang napondohan na po ito, up to the present? **[01:14:30.800] DFA Assistant Secretary Emilio T. Fernandez** (asr-000859-split-2) 2025 po. **[01:14:32.360] Rep. Dadah Kiram Ismula** (asr-000860) 2025 nagsimula. So nung 2022 wala pa. **[01:14:37.160] Rep. Dadah Kiram Ismula** (asr-000861) Okay. Maraming salamat for that, Mr. Chair, Madam Secretary. I would like also to request that this committee **[01:14:47.220] Rep. Dadah Kiram Ismula** (asr-000862) direct the DFA to provide the expenditures by category, including diplomatic missions, travel, representation, promotional activities, and other campaign-related **[01:14:59.820] Rep. Dadah Kiram Ismula** (asr-000863) expenses on the Philippines bid **[01:15:02.200] Rep. Dadah Kiram Ismula** (asr-000864) for the non-permanent seat **[01:15:04.060] Rep. Dadah Kiram Ismula** (asr-000865) on the UNSC. **[01:15:06.200] Rep. Dadah Kiram Ismula** (asr-000866) Sana po, Mr. Chair, **[01:15:08.120] Rep. Dadah Kiram Ismula** (asr-000867) makatanggap po tayo ng **[01:15:09.660] Rep. Dadah Kiram Ismula** (asr-000868) expenditure category na ito. **[01:15:14.480] Rep. Dadah Kiram Ismula** (asr-000869) At sana po yung representasyong **[01:15:16.320] Rep. Dadah Kiram Ismula** (asr-000870) ito ay makatanggap din po ng copy **[01:15:18.260] Rep. Dadah Kiram Ismula** (asr-000871) of it. And finally po, **[01:15:20.560] Rep. Dadah Kiram Ismula** (asr-000872) what accountability **[01:15:22.220] Rep. Dadah Kiram Ismula** (asr-000873) po kaya in post-campaign **[01:15:24.260] Rep. Dadah Kiram Ismula** (asr-000874) assessment has the DFA **[01:15:25.920] Rep. Dadah Kiram Ismula** (asr-000875) undertaken given the public **[01:15:28.360] Rep. Dadah Kiram Ismula** (asr-000876) resources devoted to **[01:15:30.300] Rep. Dadah Kiram Ismula** (asr-000877) this campaign po? **[01:15:38.850] DFA Secretary Ma. Theresa P. Lazaro** (asr-000878) Thank you, Your Honor. **[01:15:40.250] DFA Secretary Ma. Theresa P. Lazaro** (asr-000879) If the question is our assessment **[01:15:42.290] DFA Secretary Ma. Theresa P. Lazaro** (asr-000880) of **[01:15:43.270] DFA Secretary Ma. Theresa P. Lazaro** (asr-000881) this failed bid, **[01:15:47.150] DFA Secretary Ma. Theresa P. Lazaro** (asr-000882) it's obviously **[01:15:48.570] DFA Secretary Ma. Theresa P. Lazaro** (asr-000883) the **[01:15:50.130] DFA Secretary Ma. Theresa P. Lazaro** (asr-000884) geopolitical issues **[01:15:52.590] DFA Secretary Ma. Theresa P. Lazaro** (asr-000885) have become very increasingly **[01:15:54.410] DFA Secretary Ma. Theresa P. Lazaro** (asr-000886) determinant **[01:15:56.590] DFA Secretary Ma. Theresa P. Lazaro** (asr-000887) of the presence **[01:15:58.610] DFA Secretary Ma. Theresa P. Lazaro** (asr-000888) of the situation. And that's the reason **[01:16:00.750] DFA Secretary Ma. Theresa P. Lazaro** (asr-000889) why **[01:16:01.190] DFA Secretary Ma. Theresa P. Lazaro** (asr-000890) as such nangyari **[01:16:04.390] DFA Secretary Ma. Theresa P. Lazaro** (asr-000891) po, despite, I can tell **[01:16:06.490] DFA Secretary Ma. Theresa P. Lazaro** (asr-000892) you, the Herculean task **[01:16:07.910] DFA Secretary Ma. Theresa P. Lazaro** (asr-000893) of **[01:16:08.690] DFA Secretary Ma. Theresa P. Lazaro** (asr-000894) really campaigning **[01:16:11.950] DFA Secretary Ma. Theresa P. Lazaro** (asr-000895) for this seat. **[01:16:14.270] DFA Secretary Ma. Theresa P. Lazaro** (asr-000896) But unfortunately, **[01:16:16.230] DFA Secretary Ma. Theresa P. Lazaro** (asr-000897) there are many other forces **[01:16:18.350] DFA Secretary Ma. Theresa P. Lazaro** (asr-000898) as I said, geopolitical issues. **[01:16:20.010] Rep. Dadah Kiram Ismula** (asr-000899) I definitely understand po, Mr. Chair. **[01:16:22.590] Rep. Dadah Kiram Ismula** (asr-000900) However, sana po **[01:16:24.490] Rep. Dadah Kiram Ismula** (asr-000901) maging accountable lang po sana tayo **[01:16:26.510] Rep. Dadah Kiram Ismula** (asr-000902) dun kasi taxpayers' money **[01:16:28.510] Rep. Dadah Kiram Ismula** (asr-000903) po yung ginamit natin para sa campaign **[01:16:30.490] Rep. Dadah Kiram Ismula** (asr-000904) ito. But I will move forward **[01:16:32.750] Rep. Dadah Kiram Ismula** (asr-000905) for another **[01:16:34.230] Rep. Dadah Kiram Ismula** (asr-000906) topic po. Ito'y tungkol sa **[01:16:36.230] Rep. Dadah Kiram Ismula** (asr-000907) Assistance to National Fund **[01:16:38.330] Rep. Dadah Kiram Ismula** (asr-000908) Utilization. **[01:16:40.590] Rep. Dadah Kiram Ismula** (asr-000909) Ang Assistance to National **[01:16:42.530] Rep. Dadah Kiram Ismula** (asr-000910) Fund or ATN **[01:16:44.730] Rep. Dadah Kiram Ismula** (asr-000911) ay nakalaan para tulungan **[01:16:46.710] Rep. Dadah Kiram Ismula** (asr-000912) ang mga Filipino **[01:16:47.690] Rep. Dadah Kiram Ismula** (asr-000913) in distress abroad. Ano po **[01:16:50.470] Rep. Dadah Kiram Ismula** (asr-000914) ang total appropriations **[01:16:52.470] Rep. Dadah Kiram Ismula** (asr-000915) na po natin para sa ATN **[01:16:54.510] Rep. Dadah Kiram Ismula** (asr-000916) Fund from June of **[01:16:56.470] Rep. Dadah Kiram Ismula** (asr-000917) 2022 to June **[01:16:58.470] Rep. Dadah Kiram Ismula** (asr-000918) of 2026? Kahit yung **[01:17:00.430] Rep. Dadah Kiram Ismula** (asr-000919) sumatotal lang po. **[01:17:06.360] DFA Secretary Ma. Theresa P. Lazaro** (asr-000920) Again, **[01:17:07.080] DFA Secretary Ma. Theresa P. Lazaro** (asr-000921) your honor, our **[01:17:08.440] DFA Secretary Ma. Theresa P. Lazaro** (asr-000922) Fiscal Management Assistance Secretary. **[01:17:24.130] DFA Assistant Secretary Emilio T. Fernandez** (asr-000923) Yes, your honor. **[01:17:25.290] DFA Assistant Secretary Emilio T. Fernandez** (asr-000924) From 2022 to 2025 **[01:17:27.630] DFA Assistant Secretary Emilio T. Fernandez** (asr-000925) for the Assistance **[01:17:29.310] DFA Assistant Secretary Emilio T. Fernandez** (asr-000926) to National Fund, **[01:17:31.090] DFA Assistant Secretary Emilio T. Fernandez** (asr-000927) 1 billion annually ang **[01:17:32.790] DFA Assistant Secretary Emilio T. Fernandez** (asr-000928) na-appropriate. **[01:17:35.150] Rep. Dadah Kiram Ismula** (asr-000929) So, 1 billion mula **[01:17:37.130] Rep. Dadah Kiram Ismula** (asr-000930) or per year? **[01:17:39.270] DFA Assistant Secretary Emilio T. Fernandez** (asr-000931) Per year. **[01:17:40.060] Rep. Dadah Kiram Ismula** (asr-000931-split-2) Okay. Salamat po. **[01:17:41.510] Rep. Dadah Kiram Ismula** (asr-000932) For fiscal year po of **[01:17:43.050] Rep. Dadah Kiram Ismula** (asr-000933) 2026, ilan po ang **[01:17:45.030] Rep. Dadah Kiram Ismula** (asr-000934) total ng ATN **[01:17:47.630] Rep. Dadah Kiram Ismula** (asr-000935) requests na natanggap mula? **[01:17:49.270] Rep. Dadah Kiram Ismula** (asr-000936) Sa post po. At ilan po dito **[01:17:51.250] Rep. Dadah Kiram Ismula** (asr-000937) ang na-approve? Ilan din po **[01:17:53.410] Rep. Dadah Kiram Ismula** (asr-000938) yung na-deny o na-return **[01:17:55.570] Rep. Dadah Kiram Ismula** (asr-000939) o pending pa rin po? **[01:17:58.670] Rep. Dadah Kiram Ismula** (asr-000940) Kahit **[01:17:59.230] Rep. Dadah Kiram Ismula** (asr-000941) figures lang po. Salamat po. **[01:18:01.410] DFA Secretary Ma. Theresa P. Lazaro** (asr-000942) Thank you again, your honor. I'll give it to our **[01:18:03.610] DFA Secretary Ma. Theresa P. Lazaro** (asr-000943) Office of **[01:18:05.310] DFA Secretary Ma. Theresa P. Lazaro** (asr-000944) Migrant Affairs. **[01:18:08.150] Rep. Sancho Fernando "Ando" F. Oaminal** (asr-000945) Before we continue, **[01:18:09.570] Rep. Sancho Fernando "Ando" F. Oaminal** (asr-000946) may I recognize the **[01:18:11.190] Rep. Sancho Fernando "Ando" F. Oaminal** (asr-000947) presence of our **[01:18:13.290] Rep. Sancho Fernando "Ando" F. Oaminal** (asr-000948) Vice Chairperson, **[01:18:15.850] Rep. Sancho Fernando "Ando" F. Oaminal** (asr-000949) Representative Jose **[01:18:17.190] Rep. Sancho Fernando "Ando" F. Oaminal** (asr-000950) Joboy Aquino II. **[01:18:19.270] Rep. Sancho Fernando "Ando" F. Oaminal** (asr-000951) And Deputy Minority Leader **[01:18:21.430] Rep. Sancho Fernando "Ando" F. Oaminal** (asr-000952) Antonio Tini. Thank you. **[01:18:23.230] Rep. Sancho Fernando "Ando" F. Oaminal** (asr-000953) You may proceed. **[01:18:25.030] DFA OIC Undersecretary Ezzedin H. Tago** (asr-000954) Thank you, sir. **[01:18:29.410] DFA OIC Undersecretary Ezzedin H. Tago** (asr-000955) Can I just **[01:18:30.230] DFA OIC Undersecretary Ezzedin H. Tago** (asr-000956) request clarification **[01:18:32.170] DFA OIC Undersecretary Ezzedin H. Tago** (asr-000957) for the last question? Is that for 2026? **[01:18:35.570] Rep. Dadah Kiram Ismula** (asr-000958) Yes po. **[01:18:36.470] Rep. Dadah Kiram Ismula** (asr-000959) For fiscal year of 2026, **[01:18:38.630] Rep. Dadah Kiram Ismula** (asr-000960) ilan po yung total requests na natanggap? **[01:18:41.470] Rep. Dadah Kiram Ismula** (asr-000961) Mula doon sa total **[01:18:42.630] Rep. Dadah Kiram Ismula** (asr-000962) requests, ilan ang na-approve, **[01:18:44.450] Rep. Dadah Kiram Ismula** (asr-000963) na-deny, at **[01:18:46.070] Rep. Dadah Kiram Ismula** (asr-000964) pending and na-return? **[01:18:49.310] DFA OIC Undersecretary Ezzedin H. Tago** (asr-000965) Thank you, ma'am. **[01:18:50.550] DFA OIC Undersecretary Ezzedin H. Tago** (asr-000966) For 2026, I have a list **[01:18:52.870] DFA OIC Undersecretary Ezzedin H. Tago** (asr-000967) of beneficiaries. **[01:18:55.050] DFA OIC Undersecretary Ezzedin H. Tago** (asr-000968) And for repatriation, **[01:18:57.170] DFA OIC Undersecretary Ezzedin H. Tago** (asr-000969) there were 387 **[01:18:58.570] DFA OIC Undersecretary Ezzedin H. Tago** (asr-000970) beneficiaries from January to **[01:19:00.830] DFA OIC Undersecretary Ezzedin H. Tago** (asr-000971) July. For welfare assistance, **[01:19:02.770] DFA OIC Undersecretary Ezzedin H. Tago** (asr-000972) 559. For medical assistance, **[01:19:05.070] DFA OIC Undersecretary Ezzedin H. Tago** (asr-000973) 20. Shipment of remains, **[01:19:07.810] DFA OIC Undersecretary Ezzedin H. Tago** (asr-000974) 40. **[01:19:09.550] DFA OIC Undersecretary Ezzedin H. Tago** (asr-000975) And that's a total **[01:19:11.110] DFA OIC Undersecretary Ezzedin H. Tago** (asr-000976) of 2,884 **[01:19:13.070] DFA OIC Undersecretary Ezzedin H. Tago** (asr-000977) beneficiaries for the first 6 **[01:19:14.990] DFA OIC Undersecretary Ezzedin H. Tago** (asr-000978) months of the **[01:19:17.130] DFA OIC Undersecretary Ezzedin H. Tago** (asr-000979) year. **[01:19:18.470] Rep. Dadah Kiram Ismula** (asr-000980) Yes, ma'am. **[01:19:20.550] Rep. Dadah Kiram Ismula** (asr-000981) And I hope that we have **[01:19:22.550] Rep. Dadah Kiram Ismula** (asr-000982) really helped this year. **[01:19:24.270] Rep. Dadah Kiram Ismula** (asr-000983) And I hope that this will continue **[01:19:25.590] Rep. Dadah Kiram Ismula** (asr-000984) and would like to support **[01:19:28.450] Rep. Dadah Kiram Ismula** (asr-000985) that particular **[01:19:30.610] Rep. Dadah Kiram Ismula** (asr-000986) program. For the last **[01:19:33.370] Rep. Dadah Kiram Ismula** (asr-000987) question, Mr. Chair, **[01:19:35.570] Rep. Dadah Kiram Ismula** (asr-000988) what are the specific **[01:19:37.210] Rep. Dadah Kiram Ismula** (asr-000989) guidelines and criteria **[01:19:39.030] Rep. Dadah Kiram Ismula** (asr-000990) for approving or **[01:19:41.230] Rep. Dadah Kiram Ismula** (asr-000991) denying ATN fund **[01:19:43.570] Rep. Dadah Kiram Ismula** (asr-000992) requests, specifically **[01:19:45.250] Rep. Dadah Kiram Ismula** (asr-000993) who has the final **[01:19:47.510] Rep. Dadah Kiram Ismula** (asr-000994) approving authority? **[01:19:48.650] Rep. Sancho Fernando "Ando" F. Oaminal** (asr-000995) Congressman Dada, kindly **[01:19:50.390] Rep. Sancho Fernando "Ando" F. Oaminal** (asr-000996) wrap up your five minutes. **[01:19:52.970] Rep. Sancho Fernando "Ando" F. Oaminal** (asr-000997) Thank you. **[01:19:55.260] DFA OIC Undersecretary Ezzedin H. Tago** (asr-000998) Thank you, ma'am. **[01:19:58.140] DFA OIC Undersecretary Ezzedin H. Tago** (asr-000999) There's a department **[01:19:59.340] DFA OIC Undersecretary Ezzedin H. Tago** (asr-001000) order that **[01:20:01.960] DFA OIC Undersecretary Ezzedin H. Tago** (asr-001001) governs the **[01:20:03.520] DFA OIC Undersecretary Ezzedin H. Tago** (asr-001002) guidelines for the ATN fund **[01:20:05.980] DFA OIC Undersecretary Ezzedin H. Tago** (asr-001003) and also for the legal assistance fund **[01:20:07.980] DFA OIC Undersecretary Ezzedin H. Tago** (asr-001004) in 2019. **[01:20:11.460] DFA OIC Undersecretary Ezzedin H. Tago** (asr-001005) And **[01:20:11.760] DFA OIC Undersecretary Ezzedin H. Tago** (asr-001006) essentially, ma'am, **[01:20:16.000] DFA OIC Undersecretary Ezzedin H. Tago** (asr-001007) for it's **[01:20:17.460] DFA OIC Undersecretary Ezzedin H. Tago** (asr-001008) this office that **[01:20:19.120] DFA OIC Undersecretary Ezzedin H. Tago** (asr-001009) drafts the recommendations for approval. **[01:20:21.700] DFA OIC Undersecretary Ezzedin H. Tago** (asr-001010) For certain amounts below 20, **[01:20:25.180] DFA OIC Undersecretary Ezzedin H. Tago** (asr-001011) it's this office and for more than that, **[01:20:27.940] DFA OIC Undersecretary Ezzedin H. Tago** (asr-001012) it's the Honorable Secretary. **[01:20:31.480] Rep. Dadah Kiram Ismula** (asr-001013) Yes, Mr. Chair, that was my last question. **[01:20:33.740] Rep. Dadah Kiram Ismula** (asr-001014) And just a quick manifestation, **[01:20:35.740] Rep. Dadah Kiram Ismula** (asr-001015) magre-request na lang po yung **[01:20:37.560] Rep. Dadah Kiram Ismula** (asr-001016) representasyong ito sa DFA **[01:20:42.380] Rep. Dadah Kiram Ismula** (asr-001017) to provide a copy of the guidelines **[01:20:45.320] Rep. Dadah Kiram Ismula** (asr-001018) on the use of the ATN fund po. **[01:20:47.500] Rep. Dadah Kiram Ismula** (asr-001019) Yun lamang po, Mr. Chair. **[01:20:48.900] Rep. Dadah Kiram Ismula** (asr-001020) Maraming salamat. **[01:20:49.300] Rep. Sancho Fernando "Ando" F. Oaminal** (asr-001021) Thank you, Congressman Dada. **[01:20:50.500] Rep. Sancho Fernando "Ando" F. Oaminal** (asr-001022) May we have a question? **[01:20:51.320] Rep. Sancho Fernando "Ando" F. Oaminal** (asr-001023) May we request the Committee Secretary **[01:20:54.080] Rep. Sancho Fernando "Ando" F. Oaminal** (asr-001024) to kindly adjust the volume of the bell **[01:20:57.400] Rep. Sancho Fernando "Ando" F. Oaminal** (asr-001025) so that the interpolators will be reminded **[01:21:01.240] Rep. Sancho Fernando "Ando" F. Oaminal** (asr-001026) of the remaining time that they have, **[01:21:04.500] Rep. Sancho Fernando "Ando" F. Oaminal** (asr-001027) especially yung 30-second bell po. **[01:21:07.700] Rep. Sancho Fernando "Ando" F. Oaminal** (asr-001028) Now we proceed. **[01:21:09.840] Rep. Sancho Fernando "Ando" F. Oaminal** (asr-001029) We recognize Representative **[01:21:13.840] Rep. Sancho Fernando "Ando" F. Oaminal** (asr-001030) Eulogio Rodriguez from the majority. **[01:21:17.040] Rep. Sancho Fernando "Ando" F. Oaminal** (asr-001031) Sir, you're recognized. **[01:21:19.180] Rep. Eulogio "Leo" R. Rodriguez** (asr-001032) Thank you, Mr. Chair. **[01:21:21.320] Rep. Eulogio "Leo" R. Rodriguez** (asr-001033) Magandang hapon po sa ating lahat, **[01:21:24.320] Rep. Eulogio "Leo" R. Rodriguez** (asr-001034) lalong-lalo na po ang ating DFA family. **[01:21:27.320] Rep. Eulogio "Leo" R. Rodriguez** (asr-001035) Diyos maray na hapon, tabi sa gabos. **[01:21:30.320] Rep. Eulogio "Leo" R. Rodriguez** (asr-001036) Mr. Chair, napakahalaga po ng DFA services, **[01:21:34.940] Rep. Eulogio "Leo" R. Rodriguez** (asr-001037) particularly passport processing **[01:21:37.440] Rep. Eulogio "Leo" R. Rodriguez** (asr-001038) and other consular transactions. **[01:21:39.440] Rep. Eulogio "Leo" R. Rodriguez** (asr-001039) Kaya mahalagang accessible po ito **[01:21:42.080] Rep. Eulogio "Leo" R. Rodriguez** (asr-001040) sa ating mga kababayan. **[01:21:44.080] Rep. Eulogio "Leo" R. Rodriguez** (asr-001041) Pero hanggang ngayon, marami pa rin Pilipino, **[01:21:46.680] Rep. Eulogio "Leo" R. Rodriguez** (asr-001042) especially those coming from the provinces **[01:21:48.780] Rep. Eulogio "Leo" R. Rodriguez** (asr-001043) without a consular office, **[01:21:50.120] Rep. Eulogio "Leo" R. Rodriguez** (asr-001044) and kailangan bumuyahi ng malayo at gumastos pa **[01:21:54.120] Rep. Eulogio "Leo" R. Rodriguez** (asr-001045) just to access these basic government services. **[01:21:59.120] Rep. Eulogio "Leo" R. Rodriguez** (asr-001046) May we ask the DFA, paano po ninyo sinisiguro **[01:22:03.900] Rep. Eulogio "Leo" R. Rodriguez** (asr-001047) na accessible ang inyong consular services **[01:22:06.340] Rep. Eulogio "Leo" R. Rodriguez** (asr-001048) sa ating mga kababayan **[01:22:08.140] Rep. Eulogio "Leo" R. Rodriguez** (asr-001049) sa pagtatayo ng consular office na kinikonsider po? **[01:22:12.140] Rep. Eulogio "Leo" R. Rodriguez** (asr-001050) Kinikonsider po ba ng DFA ang distance, **[01:22:15.640] Rep. Eulogio "Leo" R. Rodriguez** (asr-001051) geographic isolation, travel cost, at overall access... **[01:22:20.120] Rep. Eulogio "Leo" R. Rodriguez** (asr-001052) accessibility ng inyong services to the people? **[01:22:24.120] Rep. Eulogio "Leo" R. Rodriguez** (asr-001053) Ano po ba ang plano natin sa mga underserved provinces, **[01:22:28.120] Rep. Eulogio "Leo" R. Rodriguez** (asr-001054) Mr. Chair? **[01:22:32.490] DFA Secretary Ma. Theresa P. Lazaro** (asr-001055) Salamat po, Your Honor. **[01:22:34.510] DFA Secretary Ma. Theresa P. Lazaro** (asr-001056) I refer this question to our Assistant Secretary **[01:22:36.510] DFA Secretary Ma. Theresa P. Lazaro** (asr-001057) for Consular Affairs. **[01:22:40.140] DFA Assistant Secretary Anne Jalando-on Louis** (asr-001058) Good afternoon, Your Honors. **[01:22:42.140] DFA Assistant Secretary Anne Jalando-on Louis** (asr-001059) Good afternoon, Honorable Congressman Leo Rodriguez. **[01:22:47.140] DFA Assistant Secretary Anne Jalando-on Louis** (asr-001060) First of all, I would like to take this opportunity, **[01:22:50.140] DFA Assistant Secretary Anne Jalando-on Louis** (asr-001061) with the permission of the Secretary, **[01:22:52.140] DFA Assistant Secretary Anne Jalando-on Louis** (asr-001062) to convey the Department's appreciation **[01:22:55.140] DFA Assistant Secretary Anne Jalando-on Louis** (asr-001063) for the members of the House of Representatives **[01:22:59.140] DFA Assistant Secretary Anne Jalando-on Louis** (asr-001064) for their continued interest and efforts **[01:23:02.140] DFA Assistant Secretary Anne Jalando-on Louis** (asr-001065) to assist in bringing consular services **[01:23:05.140] DFA Assistant Secretary Anne Jalando-on Louis** (asr-001066) nearer to the Filipino people **[01:23:08.140] DFA Assistant Secretary Anne Jalando-on Louis** (asr-001067) through their assistance and support **[01:23:10.140] DFA Assistant Secretary Anne Jalando-on Louis** (asr-001068) to the consular services being extended by the Department. **[01:23:14.140] DFA Assistant Secretary Anne Jalando-on Louis** (asr-001069) Now that there are a total of 42 consular offices **[01:23:19.140] DFA Assistant Secretary Anne Jalando-on Louis** (asr-001070) across the country, **[01:23:21.140] DFA Assistant Secretary Anne Jalando-on Louis** (asr-001071) the Department is undertaking a thorough evaluation **[01:23:25.140] DFA Assistant Secretary Anne Jalando-on Louis** (asr-001072) of the operations of these 42 existing consular offices **[01:23:31.140] DFA Assistant Secretary Anne Jalando-on Louis** (asr-001073) to streamline and align its organizational structure **[01:23:35.140] DFA Assistant Secretary Anne Jalando-on Louis** (asr-001074) with the government's public sector optimization program. **[01:23:39.140] DFA Assistant Secretary Anne Jalando-on Louis** (asr-001075) At the same time, the Department is undertaking **[01:23:42.140] DFA Assistant Secretary Anne Jalando-on Louis** (asr-001076) a nationwide assessment, **[01:23:45.140] DFA Assistant Secretary Anne Jalando-on Louis** (asr-001077) taking into consideration the demand for consular services **[01:23:50.140] DFA Assistant Secretary Anne Jalando-on Louis** (asr-001078) of that specific region or locality, **[01:23:53.140] DFA Assistant Secretary Anne Jalando-on Louis** (asr-001079) accessibility, as rightly pointed out by Congressman Rodriguez, **[01:24:00.140] DFA Assistant Secretary Anne Jalando-on Louis** (asr-001080) including proximity to existing consular offices **[01:24:05.140] DFA Assistant Secretary Anne Jalando-on Louis** (asr-001081) that are in the region, **[01:24:07.140] DFA Assistant Secretary Anne Jalando-on Louis** (asr-001082) operational viability, fiscal sustainability, **[01:24:11.140] DFA Assistant Secretary Anne Jalando-on Louis** (asr-001083) and the optimal distribution of consular offices **[01:24:15.140] DFA Assistant Secretary Anne Jalando-on Louis** (asr-001084) throughout the country. **[01:24:17.140] DFA Assistant Secretary Anne Jalando-on Louis** (asr-001085) We also note the Department of Budgeting **[01:24:20.140] DFA Assistant Secretary Anne Jalando-on Louis** (asr-001086) and Management's recent comments **[01:24:23.140] DFA Assistant Secretary Anne Jalando-on Louis** (asr-001087) conveyed to the DFA wherein they raised **[01:24:26.140] DFA Assistant Secretary Anne Jalando-on Louis** (asr-001088) the proximity of the existence of consular offices **[01:24:32.140] DFA Assistant Secretary Anne Jalando-on Louis** (asr-001089) and how the possible opening of new consular offices **[01:24:36.140] DFA Assistant Secretary Anne Jalando-on Louis** (asr-001090) could affect the production of the existing consular offices **[01:24:42.140] DFA Assistant Secretary Anne Jalando-on Louis** (asr-001091) in the area. **[01:24:44.140] DFA Assistant Secretary Anne Jalando-on Louis** (asr-001092) I wish to note that in our recent engagement **[01:24:47.140] DFA Assistant Secretary Anne Jalando-on Louis** (asr-001093) with Congressman Rodriguez, **[01:24:49.140] DFA Assistant Secretary Anne Jalando-on Louis** (asr-001094) he raised the possibility of the Department **[01:24:55.140] DFA Assistant Secretary Anne Jalando-on Louis** (asr-001095) considering a satellite office in Catanduanes **[01:25:00.140] DFA Assistant Secretary Anne Jalando-on Louis** (asr-001096) which would be smaller and leaner than a consular office. **[01:25:07.140] DFA Assistant Secretary Anne Jalando-on Louis** (asr-001097) We note that currently the opening of consular offices **[01:25:12.140] DFA Assistant Secretary Anne Jalando-on Louis** (asr-001098) is governed by Executive Order 45 **[01:25:15.140] DFA Assistant Secretary Anne Jalando-on Louis** (asr-001099) which sets the criteria for the opening **[01:25:18.140] DFA Assistant Secretary Anne Jalando-on Louis** (asr-001100) of the consular offices, **[01:25:20.140] DFA Assistant Secretary Anne Jalando-on Louis** (asr-001101) the population, **[01:25:22.140] DFA Assistant Secretary Anne Jalando-on Louis** (asr-001102) the projected production output, **[01:25:25.140] DFA Assistant Secretary Anne Jalando-on Louis** (asr-001103) and the projected income or revenue. **[01:25:28.140] DFA Assistant Secretary Anne Jalando-on Louis** (asr-001104) And this governs the opening of a full-fledged consular office. **[01:25:35.140] DFA Assistant Secretary Anne Jalando-on Louis** (asr-001105) So at the moment we don't have an existing **[01:25:38.140] DFA Assistant Secretary Anne Jalando-on Louis** (asr-001106) smaller satellite office model. **[01:25:42.140] DFA Assistant Secretary Anne Jalando-on Louis** (asr-001107) So the Department is seriously studying **[01:25:46.140] DFA Assistant Secretary Anne Jalando-on Louis** (asr-001108) the viability of this option **[01:25:49.140] DFA Assistant Secretary Anne Jalando-on Louis** (asr-001109) because it would need a certain set of criteria and guidelines. **[01:25:54.140] DFA Assistant Secretary Anne Jalando-on Louis** (asr-001110) Thank you, Your Honor. **[01:25:57.620] Rep. Eulogio "Leo" R. Rodriguez** (asr-001111) Yes, Mr. Chair. **[01:25:59.620] Rep. Eulogio "Leo" R. Rodriguez** (asr-001112) O kasi, Mr. Chair, alam mo sa ngayon po **[01:26:01.620] Rep. Eulogio "Leo" R. Rodriguez** (asr-001113) kasi itong pinatayo natin na **[01:26:06.620] Rep. Eulogio "Leo" R. Rodriguez** (asr-001114) noong 19th Congress ko pa itong tinutulak na magkaroon po kami ng Catanduanes **[01:26:10.620] Rep. Eulogio "Leo" R. Rodriguez** (asr-001115) People's Center na maging one-stop shop **[01:26:15.620] Rep. Eulogio "Leo" R. Rodriguez** (asr-001116) ng government services na sa mainland Bicol pa po kinukuha **[01:26:20.620] Rep. Eulogio "Leo" R. Rodriguez** (asr-001117) namin ang mga dokumento, which island po **[01:26:22.620] Rep. Eulogio "Leo" R. Rodriguez** (asr-001118) kami. Sabi ko nga, matagal na kaming **[01:26:25.620] Rep. Eulogio "Leo" R. Rodriguez** (asr-001119) probinsya, Catanduanes, **[01:26:26.620] Rep. Eulogio "Leo" R. Rodriguez** (asr-001120) so parang nasa anino pa rin kami ng Albay. **[01:26:29.620] Rep. Eulogio "Leo" R. Rodriguez** (asr-001121) Noong 19th Congress ko pa po itong itinutulak **[01:26:33.620] Rep. Eulogio "Leo" R. Rodriguez** (asr-001122) na mapondohan itong **[01:26:37.620] Rep. Eulogio "Leo" R. Rodriguez** (asr-001123) establisimyento na ito. So ngayon po tapos na ito. **[01:26:39.620] Rep. Eulogio "Leo" R. Rodriguez** (asr-001124) Marami na rin pong **[01:26:43.620] Rep. Eulogio "Leo" R. Rodriguez** (asr-001125) willing na mag-opisina doon, gaya ng PRC, **[01:26:45.620] Rep. Eulogio "Leo" R. Rodriguez** (asr-001126) yung [unclear], **[01:26:47.620] Rep. Eulogio "Leo" R. Rodriguez** (asr-001127) yung DMW. **[01:26:49.620] Rep. Eulogio "Leo" R. Rodriguez** (asr-001128) So sabi ko nga, **[01:26:50.620] Rep. Eulogio "Leo" R. Rodriguez** (asr-001129) pinakaimportante sa amin yung DFA, **[01:26:53.620] Rep. Eulogio "Leo" R. Rodriguez** (asr-001130) kasi alam ninyo naman po **[01:26:56.620] Rep. Eulogio "Leo" R. Rodriguez** (asr-001131) na sabi ko nga, **[01:26:57.620] Rep. Eulogio "Leo" R. Rodriguez** (asr-001132) pag nangangailangan kami, **[01:26:58.620] Rep. Eulogio "Leo" R. Rodriguez** (asr-001133) pag medyo masama ang panahon, **[01:27:01.620] Rep. Eulogio "Leo" R. Rodriguez** (asr-001134) eh nai-isolate kami. **[01:27:04.620] Rep. Eulogio "Leo" R. Rodriguez** (asr-001135) So kung mayroon na po nito doon, **[01:27:06.620] Rep. Eulogio "Leo" R. Rodriguez** (asr-001136) hindi na po mahihirapan **[01:27:09.620] Rep. Eulogio "Leo" R. Rodriguez** (asr-001137) ang aming mga kababayan. So ito ang tinutulak ko, **[01:27:11.620] Rep. Eulogio "Leo" R. Rodriguez** (asr-001138) Mr. Chair, **[01:27:12.620] Rep. Eulogio "Leo" R. Rodriguez** (asr-001139) Madam Secretary, **[01:27:14.620] Rep. Eulogio "Leo" R. Rodriguez** (asr-001140) kung paano ninyo po kami matutulungan **[01:27:17.620] Rep. Eulogio "Leo" R. Rodriguez** (asr-001141) dahil yung establisimyento po nandoon na, **[01:27:20.620] Rep. Eulogio "Leo" R. Rodriguez** (asr-001142) na-inspeksyon na rin ito dati **[01:27:25.620] Rep. Eulogio "Leo" R. Rodriguez** (asr-001143) noong mga taga-DFA, medyo okay naman sa kanila. **[01:27:28.620] Rep. Eulogio "Leo" R. Rodriguez** (asr-001144) So hindi naman siguro kami [unclear] sa bagong establisimyento **[01:27:37.620] Rep. Eulogio "Leo" R. Rodriguez** (asr-001145) dahil well-equipped po iyon. **[01:27:40.620] Rep. Eulogio "Leo" R. Rodriguez** (asr-001146) So actually, **[01:27:41.620] Rep. Eulogio "Leo" R. Rodriguez** (asr-001147) mayroon na ngayon kaming signing **[01:27:43.620] Rep. Eulogio "Leo" R. Rodriguez** (asr-001148) para po kasi under po ito sa lupa ng Catanduanes State University, **[01:27:49.620] Rep. Eulogio "Leo" R. Rodriguez** (asr-001149) kasi doon lang po kami may puwedeng makuhang **[01:27:55.620] Rep. Eulogio "Leo" R. Rodriguez** (asr-001150) lupa para makapagtayo ng building na ito. **[01:27:56.620] Rep. Eulogio "Leo" R. Rodriguez** (asr-001151) Kaya siyempre silang **[01:27:58.620] Rep. Eulogio "Leo" R. Rodriguez** (asr-001152) ang [unclear] kung sino man po ang mag- **[01:28:02.620] Rep. Eulogio "Leo" R. Rodriguez** (asr-001153) o-office doon. Kaya ito po, **[01:28:04.620] Rep. Eulogio "Leo" R. Rodriguez** (asr-001154) gusto ko pong medyo **[01:28:07.620] Rep. Eulogio "Leo" R. Rodriguez** (asr-001155) mag-cooperate na tayo. Sana po, **[01:28:08.620] Rep. Eulogio "Leo" R. Rodriguez** (asr-001156) Mr. Chair, **[01:28:09.620] Rep. Eulogio "Leo" R. Rodriguez** (asr-001157) Madam Secretary, **[01:28:10.620] Rep. Eulogio "Leo" R. Rodriguez** (asr-001158) matulungan ninyo po kami **[01:28:12.620] Rep. Eulogio "Leo" R. Rodriguez** (asr-001159) para naman po accessible sa amin **[01:28:14.620] Rep. Eulogio "Leo" R. Rodriguez** (asr-001160) ang serbisyo **[01:28:16.620] Rep. Eulogio "Leo" R. Rodriguez** (asr-001161) ng gobyerno po **[01:28:18.620] Rep. Eulogio "Leo" R. Rodriguez** (asr-001162) sa isla ng Catanduanes. **[01:28:20.620] DFA Secretary Ma. Theresa P. Lazaro** (asr-001163) Your Honor, **[01:28:21.620] DFA Secretary Ma. Theresa P. Lazaro** (asr-001164) naiintindihan po namin **[01:28:23.620] DFA Secretary Ma. Theresa P. Lazaro** (asr-001165) ang pangangailangan ng inyong mga **[01:28:27.620] DFA Secretary Ma. Theresa P. Lazaro** (asr-001166) kababayan sa inyong area of jurisdiction. **[01:28:30.620] DFA Secretary Ma. Theresa P. Lazaro** (asr-001167) However, **[01:28:31.620] DFA Secretary Ma. Theresa P. Lazaro** (asr-001168) ang gagawin po namin, **[01:28:33.620] DFA Secretary Ma. Theresa P. Lazaro** (asr-001169) based on the information that we received, **[01:28:36.620] DFA Secretary Ma. Theresa P. Lazaro** (asr-001170) nakalagay po ang inyong lugar **[01:28:38.620] DFA Secretary Ma. Theresa P. Lazaro** (asr-001171) under consideration. **[01:28:41.620] DFA Secretary Ma. Theresa P. Lazaro** (asr-001172) Dahil may Executive Order 45, **[01:28:45.620] DFA Secretary Ma. Theresa P. Lazaro** (asr-001173) may certain guidelines **[01:28:47.620] DFA Secretary Ma. Theresa P. Lazaro** (asr-001174) na dadaanan po ito. Ang final say is the Department **[01:28:51.620] DFA Secretary Ma. Theresa P. Lazaro** (asr-001175) of Budget and Management, kasi doon nila **[01:28:55.620] DFA Secretary Ma. Theresa P. Lazaro** (asr-001176) ia-assess kung ito ba ay ayon sa **[01:28:59.620] DFA Secretary Ma. Theresa P. Lazaro** (asr-001177) mga guidelines po na nararapat. So in the meantime, **[01:29:01.620] DFA Secretary Ma. Theresa P. Lazaro** (asr-001178) Your Honor, **[01:29:02.620] DFA Secretary Ma. Theresa P. Lazaro** (asr-001179) siguro ang mare-recommend po namin sa inyo ay, **[01:29:05.620] DFA Secretary Ma. Theresa P. Lazaro** (asr-001180) pending the decision of **[01:29:08.620] DFA Secretary Ma. Theresa P. Lazaro** (asr-001181) the DBM, **[01:29:09.620] DFA Secretary Ma. Theresa P. Lazaro** (asr-001182) ang gusto po naming gawin ay **[01:29:11.620] DFA Secretary Ma. Theresa P. Lazaro** (asr-001183) i-propose ang Passport on Wheels. **[01:29:16.620] DFA Secretary Ma. Theresa P. Lazaro** (asr-001184) So itong **[01:29:17.620] DFA Secretary Ma. Theresa P. Lazaro** (asr-001185) which means, **[01:29:19.620] DFA Secretary Ma. Theresa P. Lazaro** (asr-001186) it will be, **[01:29:20.620] DFA Secretary Ma. Theresa P. Lazaro** (asr-001187) it's a mobile passport system, **[01:29:22.620] DFA Secretary Ma. Theresa P. Lazaro** (asr-001188) dadating po sa inyong lugar **[01:29:24.620] DFA Secretary Ma. Theresa P. Lazaro** (asr-001189) pag-usapan po natin **[01:29:26.620] DFA Secretary Ma. Theresa P. Lazaro** (asr-001190) on a certain date, **[01:29:27.620] DFA Secretary Ma. Theresa P. Lazaro** (asr-001191) on a certain time. **[01:29:28.620] DFA Secretary Ma. Theresa P. Lazaro** (asr-001192) We're willing to do that **[01:29:29.620] DFA Secretary Ma. Theresa P. Lazaro** (asr-001193) just as, **[01:29:30.620] DFA Secretary Ma. Theresa P. Lazaro** (asr-001194) habang hinihintay po natin **[01:29:32.620] DFA Secretary Ma. Theresa P. Lazaro** (asr-001195) ang final decision ng DBM. **[01:29:34.620] DFA Secretary Ma. Theresa P. Lazaro** (asr-001196) If that is okay with you, **[01:29:35.620] DFA Secretary Ma. Theresa P. Lazaro** (asr-001197) Your Honor. **[01:29:36.620] Rep. Eulogio "Leo" R. Rodriguez** (asr-001198) Eh kasi **[01:29:37.620] Rep. Eulogio "Leo" R. Rodriguez** (asr-001199) medyo marami pong **[01:29:38.620] Rep. Eulogio "Leo" R. Rodriguez** (asr-001200) naiinggit doon sa building **[01:29:39.620] Rep. Eulogio "Leo" R. Rodriguez** (asr-001201) na mga **[01:29:40.620] Rep. Eulogio "Leo" R. Rodriguez** (asr-001202) government agencies **[01:29:41.620] Rep. Eulogio "Leo" R. Rodriguez** (asr-001203) na gusto ring kunin. **[01:29:43.620] Rep. Eulogio "Leo" R. Rodriguez** (asr-001204) So **[01:29:44.620] Rep. Eulogio "Leo" R. Rodriguez** (asr-001205) Sabi ko nga, kayo nga **[01:29:45.620] Rep. Eulogio "Leo" R. Rodriguez** (asr-001206) ang priority ko. **[01:29:46.620] Rep. Eulogio "Leo" R. Rodriguez** (asr-001207) Simula nung **[01:29:47.620] Rep. Eulogio "Leo" R. Rodriguez** (asr-001208) pinapunduhan **[01:29:48.620] Rep. Eulogio "Leo" R. Rodriguez** (asr-001209) ko **[01:29:49.620] Rep. Eulogio "Leo" R. Rodriguez** (asr-001210) ito, **[01:29:50.620] Rep. Eulogio "Leo" R. Rodriguez** (asr-001211) nasabi ko, **[01:29:51.620] Rep. Eulogio "Leo" R. Rodriguez** (asr-001212) magkaroon **[01:29:52.620] Rep. Eulogio "Leo" R. Rodriguez** (asr-001213) man lang doon yung **[01:29:53.620] Rep. Eulogio "Leo" R. Rodriguez** (asr-001214) DFA **[01:29:54.620] Rep. Eulogio "Leo" R. Rodriguez** (asr-001215) at saka **[01:29:55.620] Rep. Eulogio "Leo" R. Rodriguez** (asr-001216) yung PRC. **[01:29:56.620] Rep. Eulogio "Leo" R. Rodriguez** (asr-001217) Kasi yung PRC po, **[01:29:57.620] Rep. Eulogio "Leo" R. Rodriguez** (asr-001218) tumatawid **[01:29:58.840] Rep. Eulogio "Leo" R. Rodriguez** (asr-001219) pa po yung mga **[01:29:59.380] Rep. Eulogio "Leo" R. Rodriguez** (asr-001220) teacher **[01:30:00.520] Rep. Eulogio "Leo" R. Rodriguez** (asr-001227) namin pag mag-renewal license, **[01:30:02.220] Rep. Eulogio "Leo" R. Rodriguez** (asr-001228) yung mga bagong pasa sa **[01:30:04.060] Rep. Eulogio "Leo" R. Rodriguez** (asr-001229) education, tatawid **[01:30:06.640] Rep. Eulogio "Leo" R. Rodriguez** (asr-001230) pa doon para kumuha ng exam. **[01:30:08.780] Rep. Eulogio "Leo" R. Rodriguez** (asr-001231) Ang problema po, **[01:30:10.520] Rep. Eulogio "Leo" R. Rodriguez** (asr-001232) pag wala pong pera **[01:30:12.540] Rep. Eulogio "Leo" R. Rodriguez** (asr-001233) kasi pag tumawid ka doon, dapat **[01:30:14.140] Rep. Eulogio "Leo" R. Rodriguez** (asr-001234) may 5,000 ka pataas. **[01:30:17.640] Rep. Eulogio "Leo" R. Rodriguez** (asr-001235) So, kaya po **[01:30:18.540] Rep. Eulogio "Leo" R. Rodriguez** (asr-001236) talagang ginawa natin **[01:30:20.300] Rep. Eulogio "Leo" R. Rodriguez** (asr-001237) ang paraan na kumaari **[01:30:22.280] Rep. Eulogio "Leo" R. Rodriguez** (asr-001238) hindi na po sila umalis ng isla. **[01:30:24.700] Rep. Eulogio "Leo" R. Rodriguez** (asr-001239) Ilapit natin ang servisyo **[01:30:26.420] Rep. Eulogio "Leo" R. Rodriguez** (asr-001240) ng gobyerno sa ating **[01:30:28.180] Rep. Eulogio "Leo" R. Rodriguez** (asr-001241) mga mamamayan. Kaya yan po **[01:30:30.140] Rep. Eulogio "Leo" R. Rodriguez** (asr-001242) Mr. Chair, Madam Secretary, **[01:30:33.200] Rep. Eulogio "Leo" R. Rodriguez** (asr-001243) yung po aking pakiusap, **[01:30:34.760] Rep. Eulogio "Leo" R. Rodriguez** (asr-001244) alam ko naman, sabi nga **[01:30:36.220] Rep. Eulogio "Leo" R. Rodriguez** (asr-001245) mayroon naman pwedeng maging satellite **[01:30:38.060] Rep. Eulogio "Leo" R. Rodriguez** (asr-001246) topis muna, habang medyo **[01:30:40.040] Rep. Eulogio "Leo" R. Rodriguez** (asr-001247) pinag-aaralan pa **[01:30:42.540] Rep. Eulogio "Leo" R. Rodriguez** (asr-001248) natin, at least **[01:30:44.360] Rep. Eulogio "Leo" R. Rodriguez** (asr-001249) man lang, mayroon tatanggap doon **[01:30:46.460] Rep. Eulogio "Leo" R. Rodriguez** (asr-001250) kung magpaparinyo man, magpapasport **[01:30:48.840] Rep. Eulogio "Leo" R. Rodriguez** (asr-001251) man, lalo na po **[01:30:50.360] Rep. Eulogio "Leo" R. Rodriguez** (asr-001252) yung ating mga... **[01:30:51.460] Rep. Sancho Fernando "Ando" F. Oaminal** (asr-001253) Congressman Leo, please wrap up. You have 30 seconds. **[01:30:54.140] Rep. Eulogio "Leo" R. Rodriguez** (asr-001254) Yes, ito lang, last **[01:30:56.020] Rep. Eulogio "Leo" R. Rodriguez** (asr-001255) tanong lang naman ito. So, yan lang **[01:30:57.980] Rep. Eulogio "Leo" R. Rodriguez** (asr-001256) naman po ang aking, baka sabi ko **[01:31:00.100] Rep. Eulogio "Leo" R. Rodriguez** (asr-001257) ang ating butihing sekretary, **[01:31:02.520] Rep. Eulogio "Leo" R. Rodriguez** (asr-001258) Mr. Chair, na **[01:31:04.040] Rep. Eulogio "Leo" R. Rodriguez** (asr-001259) medyo makapag-commitman lang, kasi **[01:31:05.980] Rep. Eulogio "Leo" R. Rodriguez** (asr-001260) para naman na medyo **[01:31:08.100] Rep. Eulogio "Leo" R. Rodriguez** (asr-001261) matuwa naman po **[01:31:10.200] Rep. Eulogio "Leo" R. Rodriguez** (asr-001262) ang aking mga kababayan. **[01:31:12.460] Rep. Eulogio "Leo" R. Rodriguez** (asr-001263) Yes. **[01:31:14.200] Rep. Sancho Fernando "Ando" F. Oaminal** (asr-001264) Thank you, Kong Leo. **[01:31:16.500] Rep. Sancho Fernando "Ando" F. Oaminal** (asr-001265) Madam Secretary, **[01:31:18.000] Rep. Sancho Fernando "Ando" F. Oaminal** (asr-001266) maybe we can **[01:31:19.520] Rep. Sancho Fernando "Ando" F. Oaminal** (asr-001267) ask **[01:31:21.260] Rep. Sancho Fernando "Ando" F. Oaminal** (asr-001268) your department **[01:31:23.760] Rep. Sancho Fernando "Ando" F. Oaminal** (asr-001269) to give **[01:31:24.920] Rep. Sancho Fernando "Ando" F. Oaminal** (asr-001270) Kong Leo's office, **[01:31:27.980] Rep. Sancho Fernando "Ando" F. Oaminal** (asr-001271) the **[01:31:28.520] Rep. Sancho Fernando "Ando" F. Oaminal** (asr-001272) written update **[01:31:30.960] Rep. Sancho Fernando "Ando" F. Oaminal** (asr-001273) of his request, especially **[01:31:33.060] Rep. Sancho Fernando "Ando" F. Oaminal** (asr-001274) that he has already prepared **[01:31:35.120] Rep. Sancho Fernando "Ando" F. Oaminal** (asr-001275) a building for **[01:31:37.100] Rep. Sancho Fernando "Ando" F. Oaminal** (asr-001276) your office. **[01:31:39.980] Rep. Sancho Fernando "Ando" F. Oaminal** (asr-001277) Naintindihan po natin **[01:31:41.340] Rep. Sancho Fernando "Ando" F. Oaminal** (asr-001278) hindi ganun kadali **[01:31:42.720] Rep. Sancho Fernando "Ando" F. Oaminal** (asr-001279) maghanap ng pondo para **[01:31:44.540] Rep. Sancho Fernando "Ando" F. Oaminal** (asr-001280) makapagpatayo ng mga **[01:31:46.560] Rep. Sancho Fernando "Ando" F. Oaminal** (asr-001281) infrastruktura. **[01:31:49.360] Rep. Sancho Fernando "Ando" F. Oaminal** (asr-001282) So, **[01:31:50.100] Rep. Sancho Fernando "Ando" F. Oaminal** (asr-001283) baka kaya po natin mabigyan **[01:31:53.180] Rep. Sancho Fernando "Ando" F. Oaminal** (asr-001284) ng special accommodation, **[01:31:55.620] Rep. Sancho Fernando "Ando" F. Oaminal** (asr-001285) special treatment si Kong Leo **[01:31:57.260] Rep. Sancho Fernando "Ando" F. Oaminal** (asr-001286) considering that he already has **[01:31:58.720] Rep. Sancho Fernando "Ando" F. Oaminal** (asr-001287) a building waiting for your personnel **[01:32:01.140] Rep. Sancho Fernando "Ando" F. Oaminal** (asr-001288) to occupy. **[01:32:03.660] Rep. Sancho Fernando "Ando" F. Oaminal** (asr-001289) And baka mabigyan din po natin siya **[01:32:05.760] Rep. Sancho Fernando "Ando" F. Oaminal** (asr-001290) ng yung opisina niya **[01:32:07.360] Rep. Sancho Fernando "Ando" F. Oaminal** (asr-001291) ng written status update po. **[01:32:10.540] Rep. Sancho Fernando "Ando" F. Oaminal** (asr-001292) And we hope that there will be **[01:32:12.000] Rep. Sancho Fernando "Ando" F. Oaminal** (asr-001293) a close coordination **[01:32:13.540] Rep. Sancho Fernando "Ando" F. Oaminal** (asr-001294) with the agency. **[01:32:16.500] Rep. Sancho Fernando "Ando" F. Oaminal** (asr-001295) We fully support **[01:32:18.000] Rep. Sancho Fernando "Ando" F. Oaminal** (asr-001296) and we understand yung mga hinanain **[01:32:20.240] Rep. Sancho Fernando "Ando" F. Oaminal** (asr-001297) ni Kong Leo. **[01:32:21.720] Rep. Sancho Fernando "Ando" F. Oaminal** (asr-001298) So, may we **[01:32:23.480] Rep. Sancho Fernando "Ando" F. Oaminal** (asr-001299) get the response po **[01:32:26.060] Rep. Sancho Fernando "Ando" F. Oaminal** (asr-001300) of the good secretary. **[01:32:27.260] Rep. Sancho Fernando "Ando" F. Oaminal** (asr-001301) Thank you. **[01:32:28.260] DFA Secretary Ma. Theresa P. Lazaro** (asr-001302) Thank you, Mr. Chair. **[01:32:29.980] DFA Secretary Ma. Theresa P. Lazaro** (asr-001303) Gagawin po namin ang lahat na magagawa namin **[01:32:33.040] DFA Secretary Ma. Theresa P. Lazaro** (asr-001304) na nakikita po naman namin **[01:32:35.420] DFA Secretary Ma. Theresa P. Lazaro** (asr-001305) yung mga **[01:32:36.780] DFA Secretary Ma. Theresa P. Lazaro** (asr-001306) particularities **[01:32:39.180] DFA Secretary Ma. Theresa P. Lazaro** (asr-001307) nitong lugar po ninyo, **[01:32:41.760] DFA Secretary Ma. Theresa P. Lazaro** (asr-001308) Your Honor. **[01:32:42.580] DFA Secretary Ma. Theresa P. Lazaro** (asr-001309) So, first of all, we'll give you a status **[01:32:44.820] DFA Secretary Ma. Theresa P. Lazaro** (asr-001310) and perhaps talk to DBM **[01:32:47.180] DFA Secretary Ma. Theresa P. Lazaro** (asr-001311) also for serious **[01:32:49.100] DFA Secretary Ma. Theresa P. Lazaro** (asr-001312) consideration. Salamat po. **[01:32:51.060] Rep. Eulogio "Leo" R. Rodriguez** (asr-001313) So, Mr. Chair, Madam **[01:32:52.960] Rep. Eulogio "Leo" R. Rodriguez** (asr-001314) Secretary, i-re-reserve ko muna **[01:32:55.120] Rep. Eulogio "Leo" R. Rodriguez** (asr-001315) yung slot nyo doon. **[01:32:57.260] Rep. Eulogio "Leo" R. Rodriguez** (asr-001316) Thank you, Mr. Chair. **[01:33:00.260] Rep. Sancho Fernando "Ando" F. Oaminal** (asr-001317) Thank you, Kong Leo. **[01:33:02.260] Rep. Sancho Fernando "Ando" F. Oaminal** (asr-001318) Thank you, Madam Secretary. **[01:33:04.260] Rep. Sancho Fernando "Ando" F. Oaminal** (asr-001319) We may now recognize **[01:33:06.260] Rep. Sancho Fernando "Ando" F. Oaminal** (asr-001320) the Honorable **[01:33:08.260] Rep. Sancho Fernando "Ando" F. Oaminal** (asr-001321) Congressman from the Minority **[01:33:10.260] Rep. Sancho Fernando "Ando" F. Oaminal** (asr-001322) Representative Renee Co. **[01:33:12.260] Rep. Renee Louise M. Co** (asr-001323) Thank you, Mr. Chair, and good afternoon **[01:33:17.720] Rep. Renee Louise M. Co** (asr-001324) to the Department of Foreign Affairs. **[01:33:19.720] Rep. Renee Louise M. Co** (asr-001325) My first **[01:33:21.720] Rep. Renee Louise M. Co** (asr-001326) question is in relation **[01:33:23.720] Rep. Renee Louise M. Co** (asr-001327) to the Critical Minerals **[01:33:25.720] Rep. Renee Louise M. Co** (asr-001328) Agreement. This was signed **[01:33:27.720] Rep. Renee Louise M. Co** (asr-001329) by the United States and the **[01:33:29.720] Rep. Renee Louise M. Co** (asr-001330) Philippines last **[01:33:31.720] Rep. Renee Louise M. Co** (asr-001331) February 6, 2026. **[01:33:34.720] Rep. Renee Louise M. Co** (asr-001332) And subsequently, **[01:33:37.720] Rep. Renee Louise M. Co** (asr-001333) this month in particular, **[01:33:39.720] Rep. Renee Louise M. Co** (asr-001334) the **[01:33:41.720] Rep. Renee Louise M. Co** (asr-001335) Malacanang **[01:33:43.720] Rep. Renee Louise M. Co** (asr-001336) issued Executive Order **[01:33:45.720] Rep. Renee Louise M. Co** (asr-001337) Number 122 **[01:33:47.720] Rep. Renee Louise M. Co** (asr-001338) that establishes the Philippine **[01:33:49.720] Rep. Renee Louise M. Co** (asr-001339) National Policy Framework for Developing the **[01:33:51.720] Rep. Renee Louise M. Co** (asr-001340) Critical Minerals Industry. **[01:33:53.720] Rep. Renee Louise M. Co** (asr-001341) So, it provides a strategic **[01:33:55.720] Rep. Renee Louise M. Co** (asr-001342) direction for developing the critical **[01:33:57.720] Rep. Renee Louise M. Co** (asr-001343) minerals industry in the country. **[01:33:58.720] Rep. Renee Louise M. Co** (asr-001344) In the country now. **[01:34:00.720] Rep. Renee Louise M. Co** (asr-001345) Right now, the Critical **[01:34:02.720] Rep. Renee Louise M. Co** (asr-001346) Minerals Agreement or **[01:34:04.720] Rep. Renee Louise M. Co** (asr-001347) the MOU entered by the **[01:34:06.720] Rep. Renee Louise M. Co** (asr-001348) Philippines and the U.S. **[01:34:08.720] Rep. Renee Louise M. Co** (asr-001349) is not publicly available. **[01:34:10.720] Rep. Renee Louise M. Co** (asr-001350) Hindi po alam kung anong **[01:34:12.720] Rep. Renee Louise M. Co** (asr-001351) laman neto, pero **[01:34:14.720] Rep. Renee Louise M. Co** (asr-001352) ang nasa laman po ng **[01:34:16.720] Rep. Renee Louise M. Co** (asr-001353) article na nirelease po ng **[01:34:18.720] Rep. Renee Louise M. Co** (asr-001354) U.S. Embassy of the Philippines **[01:34:20.720] Rep. Renee Louise M. Co** (asr-001355) ay this is **[01:34:22.720] Rep. Renee Louise M. Co** (asr-001356) to create a **[01:34:24.720] Rep. Renee Louise M. Co** (asr-001357) stable and resilient **[01:34:26.720] Rep. Renee Louise M. Co** (asr-001358) supply and a value chain **[01:34:28.720] Rep. Renee Louise M. Co** (asr-001359) in critical minerals and rare earths **[01:34:30.720] Rep. Renee Louise M. Co** (asr-001360) in both countries. **[01:34:32.720] Rep. Renee Louise M. Co** (asr-001361) And it is reported **[01:34:34.720] Rep. Renee Louise M. Co** (asr-001362) that the U.S. has signed 10 **[01:34:36.720] Rep. Renee Louise M. Co** (asr-001363) other critical mineral frameworks **[01:34:38.720] Rep. Renee Louise M. Co** (asr-001364) or MOUs **[01:34:40.720] Rep. Renee Louise M. Co** (asr-001365) in the past 5 months **[01:34:42.720] Rep. Renee Louise M. Co** (asr-001366) since February. So, there's been **[01:34:44.720] Rep. Renee Louise M. Co** (asr-001367) 11 countries, kasama yung **[01:34:46.720] Rep. Renee Louise M. Co** (asr-001368) sa atin, kasama po yung Argentina, **[01:34:48.720] Rep. Renee Louise M. Co** (asr-001369) Ecuador, Paraguay, **[01:34:50.720] Rep. Renee Louise M. Co** (asr-001370) Uzbekistan, etc. **[01:34:52.720] Rep. Renee Louise M. Co** (asr-001371) So, my question **[01:34:54.720] Rep. Renee Louise M. Co** (asr-001372) Mr. Chair is, can the **[01:34:56.720] Rep. Renee Louise M. Co** (asr-001373) UFA submit a copy **[01:34:58.720] Rep. Renee Louise M. Co** (asr-001374) of the Critical Minerals Agreement **[01:35:00.720] Rep. Renee Louise M. Co** (asr-001375) or the MOU to this **[01:35:02.720] Rep. Renee Louise M. Co** (asr-001376) committee para po **[01:35:04.720] Rep. Renee Louise M. Co** (asr-001377) ma-assess kung ano pong **[01:35:06.720] Rep. Renee Louise M. Co** (asr-001378) pinapasok natin **[01:35:08.720] Rep. Renee Louise M. Co** (asr-001379) beyond yung sa pag-establish **[01:35:10.720] Rep. Renee Louise M. Co** (asr-001380) simply ng framework sa Philippines? **[01:35:12.720] Rep. Renee Louise M. Co** (asr-001381) How does this connect **[01:35:14.720] Rep. Renee Louise M. Co** (asr-001382) to the **[01:35:16.720] Rep. Renee Louise M. Co** (asr-001383) simultaneous movement **[01:35:18.720] Rep. Renee Louise M. Co** (asr-001384) of the United States and 10 other **[01:35:20.720] Rep. Renee Louise M. Co** (asr-001385) countries with relation to **[01:35:22.720] Rep. Renee Louise M. Co** (asr-001386) the critical minerals **[01:35:24.720] Rep. Renee Louise M. Co** (asr-001387) supply? Yun po, **[01:35:26.720] Rep. Renee Louise M. Co** (asr-001388) Madam, Mr. Chair. **[01:35:28.720] DFA Secretary Ma. Theresa P. Lazaro** (asr-001389) Thank you, Your Honor. **[01:35:30.720] DFA Secretary Ma. Theresa P. Lazaro** (asr-001390) This agreement was signed **[01:35:32.720] DFA Secretary Ma. Theresa P. Lazaro** (asr-001391) by DNR, **[01:35:34.720] DFA Secretary Ma. Theresa P. Lazaro** (asr-001392) particularly Secretary Popo **[01:35:36.720] DFA Secretary Ma. Theresa P. Lazaro** (asr-001393) Lotilla when he was the DENR **[01:35:38.720] DFA Secretary Ma. Theresa P. Lazaro** (asr-001394) Secretary. However, **[01:35:40.720] DFA Secretary Ma. Theresa P. Lazaro** (asr-001395) this particular **[01:35:42.720] DFA Secretary Ma. Theresa P. Lazaro** (asr-001396) agreement, the agencies **[01:35:44.720] DFA Secretary Ma. Theresa P. Lazaro** (asr-001397) that are involved here **[01:35:46.720] DFA Secretary Ma. Theresa P. Lazaro** (asr-001398) are DTI and BOI. **[01:35:48.720] DFA Secretary Ma. Theresa P. Lazaro** (asr-001399) So, **[01:35:50.720] DFA Secretary Ma. Theresa P. Lazaro** (asr-001400) I don't think **[01:35:52.720] DFA Secretary Ma. Theresa P. Lazaro** (asr-001401) we have any access. **[01:35:54.720] DFA Secretary Ma. Theresa P. Lazaro** (asr-001402) Plainly speaking, we don't have any **[01:35:56.720] DFA Secretary Ma. Theresa P. Lazaro** (asr-001403) access to this agreement **[01:35:58.720] DFA Secretary Ma. Theresa P. Lazaro** (asr-001404) as this is by **[01:36:00.720] DFA Secretary Ma. Theresa P. Lazaro** (asr-001405) another agency. **[01:36:04.720] DFA Secretary Ma. Theresa P. Lazaro** (asr-001406) Ordinarily, **[01:36:06.720] DFA Secretary Ma. Theresa P. Lazaro** (asr-001407) agreements, MOUs **[01:36:08.720] DFA Secretary Ma. Theresa P. Lazaro** (asr-001408) pass through us but with this particular **[01:36:10.720] DFA Secretary Ma. Theresa P. Lazaro** (asr-001409) one, I think there was **[01:36:12.720] DFA Secretary Ma. Theresa P. Lazaro** (asr-001410) a certain element of urgency **[01:36:14.720] DFA Secretary Ma. Theresa P. Lazaro** (asr-001411) at that time. So, **[01:36:16.720] DFA Secretary Ma. Theresa P. Lazaro** (asr-001412) we can only request **[01:36:18.720] DFA Secretary Ma. Theresa P. Lazaro** (asr-001413) DNR **[01:36:20.720] DFA Secretary Ma. Theresa P. Lazaro** (asr-001414) to give us a copy of this **[01:36:22.720] Rep. Renee Louise M. Co** (asr-001415) agreement. **[01:36:24.720] Rep. Renee Louise M. Co** (asr-001416) Urgency? Tama po ba, Mr. Chair? **[01:36:26.720] Rep. Renee Louise M. Co** (asr-001417) Urgency during that time? **[01:36:28.720] DFA Secretary Ma. Theresa P. Lazaro** (asr-001418) Well, I just surmise, Your Honor. **[01:36:30.720] DFA Secretary Ma. Theresa P. Lazaro** (asr-001419) I'm trying **[01:36:32.720] DFA Secretary Ma. Theresa P. Lazaro** (asr-001420) to recall the incidents **[01:36:34.720] DFA Secretary Ma. Theresa P. Lazaro** (asr-001421) at the situation at that time **[01:36:36.720] DFA Secretary Ma. Theresa P. Lazaro** (asr-001422) but there's really no involvement **[01:36:38.720] DFA Secretary Ma. Theresa P. Lazaro** (asr-001423) of the DFA on this **[01:36:40.720] DFA Secretary Ma. Theresa P. Lazaro** (asr-001424) particular agreement since critical **[01:36:42.720] DFA Secretary Ma. Theresa P. Lazaro** (asr-001425) minerals is **[01:36:44.720] DFA Secretary Ma. Theresa P. Lazaro** (asr-001426) even now, the Pax Silica was signed also **[01:36:46.720] DFA Secretary Ma. Theresa P. Lazaro** (asr-001427) by DTI. **[01:36:48.720] Rep. Renee Louise M. Co** (asr-001428) But, Mr. Chair, has the DFA **[01:36:50.720] Rep. Renee Louise M. Co** (asr-001429) reviewed the agreement? **[01:36:52.720] Rep. Renee Louise M. Co** (asr-001430) Were they part of maybe **[01:36:54.720] Rep. Renee Louise M. Co** (asr-001431) discussions ensuring **[01:36:56.720] Rep. Renee Louise M. Co** (asr-001432) the consistency of language **[01:36:58.720] Rep. Renee Louise M. Co** (asr-001433) bago po ito pumasa? **[01:37:00.720] Rep. Renee Louise M. Co** (asr-001434) I assume dahil this is a bilateral **[01:37:02.720] Rep. Renee Louise M. Co** (asr-001435) agreement and prior **[01:37:04.720] Rep. Renee Louise M. Co** (asr-001436) to the entering of this agreement, **[01:37:06.720] Rep. Renee Louise M. Co** (asr-001437) there were subsequent bilateral agreements **[01:37:08.720] Rep. Renee Louise M. Co** (asr-001438) of the US on the **[01:37:10.720] Rep. Renee Louise M. Co** (asr-001439) same subject matter na **[01:37:12.720] Rep. Renee Louise M. Co** (asr-001440) could affect essentially the relations **[01:37:14.720] Rep. Renee Louise M. Co** (asr-001441) or whether that be economic **[01:37:16.720] Rep. Renee Louise M. Co** (asr-001442) or trade or political **[01:37:18.720] Rep. Renee Louise M. Co** (asr-001443) na may effect **[01:37:20.720] Rep. Renee Louise M. Co** (asr-001444) po sa Pilipinas. So, has the DFA **[01:37:22.720] Rep. Renee Louise M. Co** (asr-001445) reviewed this? **[01:37:24.720] DFA Secretary Ma. Theresa P. Lazaro** (asr-001446) Your Honor, I **[01:37:26.720] DFA Secretary Ma. Theresa P. Lazaro** (asr-001447) would like to refer this, your question **[01:37:28.720] DFA Secretary Ma. Theresa P. Lazaro** (asr-001448) to my Undersecretary for Policy. **[01:37:30.720] DFA Secretary Ma. Theresa P. Lazaro** (asr-001449) Thank you. **[01:37:32.720] DFA Undersecretary Leo M. Herrera-Lim** (asr-001450) Thank you. **[01:37:34.720] DFA Undersecretary Leo M. Herrera-Lim** (asr-001451) Thank you, Madam Secretary. **[01:37:36.720] DFA Undersecretary Leo M. Herrera-Lim** (asr-001452) Your Honor, our **[01:37:38.720] DFA Undersecretary Leo M. Herrera-Lim** (asr-001453) recollection on the circumstances **[01:37:40.720] DFA Undersecretary Leo M. Herrera-Lim** (asr-001454) on the signing of that **[01:37:42.720] DFA Undersecretary Leo M. Herrera-Lim** (asr-001455) agreement is that the **[01:37:44.720] DFA Undersecretary Leo M. Herrera-Lim** (asr-001456) request for **[01:37:46.720] DFA Undersecretary Leo M. Herrera-Lim** (asr-001457) signing authority **[01:37:48.720] DFA Undersecretary Leo M. Herrera-Lim** (asr-001458) was course through DFA and **[01:37:50.720] DFA Undersecretary Leo M. Herrera-Lim** (asr-001459) DNR **[01:37:52.720] DFA Undersecretary Leo M. Herrera-Lim** (asr-001460) issued the **[01:37:54.720] DFA Undersecretary Leo M. Herrera-Lim** (asr-001461) national **[01:37:56.720] DFA Undersecretary Leo M. Herrera-Lim** (asr-001462) importance statement **[01:37:58.720] DFA Undersecretary Leo M. Herrera-Lim** (asr-001463) on why it should be signed **[01:38:00.720] DFA Undersecretary Leo M. Herrera-Lim** (asr-001464) but it was all the determination **[01:38:02.720] DFA Undersecretary Leo M. Herrera-Lim** (asr-001465) of DNR **[01:38:04.720] DFA Undersecretary Leo M. Herrera-Lim** (asr-001466) at that time and **[01:38:06.720] DFA Undersecretary Leo M. Herrera-Lim** (asr-001467) during that period there was **[01:38:08.720] DFA Undersecretary Leo M. Herrera-Lim** (asr-001468) a critical minerals **[01:38:10.720] DFA Undersecretary Leo M. Herrera-Lim** (asr-001469) summit ongoing **[01:38:12.720] DFA Undersecretary Leo M. Herrera-Lim** (asr-001470) in Washington **[01:38:14.720] DFA Undersecretary Leo M. Herrera-Lim** (asr-001471) D.C. and **[01:38:16.720] DFA Undersecretary Leo M. Herrera-Lim** (asr-001472) in attendance were **[01:38:18.720] DFA Undersecretary Leo M. Herrera-Lim** (asr-001473) DNR Secretary **[01:38:20.720] DFA Undersecretary Leo M. Herrera-Lim** (asr-001474) and the Undersecretary of DTI **[01:38:22.720] DFA Undersecretary Leo M. Herrera-Lim** (asr-001475) and we **[01:38:24.720] DFA Undersecretary Leo M. Herrera-Lim** (asr-001476) go by the determination of the relevant **[01:38:26.720] DFA Undersecretary Leo M. Herrera-Lim** (asr-001477) agency that this **[01:38:28.720] DFA Undersecretary Leo M. Herrera-Lim** (asr-001478) agreement will be **[01:38:30.720] DFA Undersecretary Leo M. Herrera-Lim** (asr-001479) valuable for the Philippines **[01:38:32.720] DFA Undersecretary Leo M. Herrera-Lim** (asr-001480) in terms of technological know-how **[01:38:34.720] DFA Undersecretary Leo M. Herrera-Lim** (asr-001481) and also participation **[01:38:36.720] DFA Undersecretary Leo M. Herrera-Lim** (asr-001482) in future **[01:38:38.720] DFA Undersecretary Leo M. Herrera-Lim** (asr-001483) development of **[01:38:40.720] DFA Undersecretary Leo M. Herrera-Lim** (asr-001484) processing of critical **[01:38:42.720] DFA Undersecretary Leo M. Herrera-Lim** (asr-001485) minerals. But in **[01:38:44.720] DFA Undersecretary Leo M. Herrera-Lim** (asr-001486) terms of actual execution **[01:38:46.720] DFA Undersecretary Leo M. Herrera-Lim** (asr-001487) of the agreement, we **[01:38:48.720] DFA Undersecretary Leo M. Herrera-Lim** (asr-001488) haven't reached that stage yet. **[01:38:50.720] Rep. Renee Louise M. Co** (asr-001489) So, Mr. Chair, **[01:38:52.720] Rep. Renee Louise M. Co** (asr-001490) has the **[01:38:54.720] Rep. Renee Louise M. Co** (asr-001491) DFA or can the DFA **[01:38:56.720] Rep. Renee Louise M. Co** (asr-001492) issue what? A comment **[01:38:58.720] Rep. Renee Louise M. Co** (asr-001493) about the **[01:39:00.720] Rep. Renee Louise M. Co** (asr-001494) agreement? **[01:39:02.720] Rep. Renee Louise M. Co** (asr-001495) You mentioned that the DNR **[01:39:04.720] Rep. Renee Louise M. Co** (asr-001496) issued a national importance **[01:39:06.720] Rep. Renee Louise M. Co** (asr-001497) statement to the DFA for its **[01:39:08.720] Rep. Renee Louise M. Co** (asr-001498) appreciation. Is there a counter **[01:39:10.720] Rep. Renee Louise M. Co** (asr-001499) comment or essentially **[01:39:12.720] Rep. Renee Louise M. Co** (asr-001500) what does the DFA read **[01:39:14.720] Rep. Renee Louise M. Co** (asr-001501) about the role **[01:39:16.720] Rep. Renee Louise M. Co** (asr-001502) of the Philippines in the larger **[01:39:18.720] Rep. Renee Louise M. Co** (asr-001503) international **[01:39:20.720] Rep. Renee Louise M. Co** (asr-001504) political landscape that we're **[01:39:22.720] Rep. Renee Louise M. Co** (asr-001505) navigating in? **[01:39:24.720] DFA Undersecretary Leo M. Herrera-Lim** (asr-001506) Well, in general terms, we go **[01:39:26.720] DFA Undersecretary Leo M. Herrera-Lim** (asr-001507) by the relevant agency's **[01:39:28.720] DFA Undersecretary Leo M. Herrera-Lim** (asr-001508) assessment and **[01:39:30.720] DFA Undersecretary Leo M. Herrera-Lim** (asr-001509) the DFA weighs in only **[01:39:32.720] DFA Undersecretary Leo M. Herrera-Lim** (asr-001510) in terms of the value on **[01:39:34.720] DFA Undersecretary Leo M. Herrera-Lim** (asr-001511) the bilateral relationship **[01:39:36.720] DFA Undersecretary Leo M. Herrera-Lim** (asr-001512) with the country. **[01:39:38.720] DFA Undersecretary Leo M. Herrera-Lim** (asr-001513) So, if there's a determination **[01:39:40.720] DFA Undersecretary Leo M. Herrera-Lim** (asr-001514) that it will help **[01:39:42.720] DFA Undersecretary Leo M. Herrera-Lim** (asr-001515) one **[01:39:44.720] DFA Undersecretary Leo M. Herrera-Lim** (asr-001516) scale up the **[01:39:46.720] DFA Undersecretary Leo M. Herrera-Lim** (asr-001517) value-added **[01:39:48.720] DFA Undersecretary Leo M. Herrera-Lim** (asr-001518) portion of the Philippines in **[01:39:50.720] DFA Undersecretary Leo M. Herrera-Lim** (asr-001519) terms of **[01:39:52.720] DFA Undersecretary Leo M. Herrera-Lim** (asr-001520) processing critical minerals **[01:39:54.720] DFA Undersecretary Leo M. Herrera-Lim** (asr-001521) instead of exporting **[01:39:56.720] DFA Undersecretary Leo M. Herrera-Lim** (asr-001522) raw materials to other **[01:39:58.720] DFA Undersecretary Leo M. Herrera-Lim** (asr-001523) processors, that is **[01:40:00.720] DFA Undersecretary Leo M. Herrera-Lim** (asr-001524) DNR and DTI. **[01:40:02.720] DFA Undersecretary Leo M. Herrera-Lim** (asr-001525) So, we've also **[01:40:04.720] DFA Undersecretary Leo M. Herrera-Lim** (asr-001526) accepted that determination. **[01:40:06.720] DFA Undersecretary Leo M. Herrera-Lim** (asr-001527) We did not **[01:40:08.720] DFA Undersecretary Leo M. Herrera-Lim** (asr-001528) go against it. And **[01:40:10.720] DFA Undersecretary Leo M. Herrera-Lim** (asr-001529) also, the fact that **[01:40:12.720] DFA Undersecretary Leo M. Herrera-Lim** (asr-001530) it's part of a relationship **[01:40:14.720] DFA Undersecretary Leo M. Herrera-Lim** (asr-001531) with a **[01:40:16.720] DFA Undersecretary Leo M. Herrera-Lim** (asr-001532) traditional economic partner **[01:40:18.720] DFA Undersecretary Leo M. Herrera-Lim** (asr-001533) of the Philippines, **[01:40:20.720] DFA Undersecretary Leo M. Herrera-Lim** (asr-001534) the DFA weighs in on that **[01:40:22.720] DFA Undersecretary Leo M. Herrera-Lim** (asr-001535) and sees that it enhances **[01:40:24.720] DFA Undersecretary Leo M. Herrera-Lim** (asr-001536) the relationship with the **[01:40:26.720] DFA Undersecretary Leo M. Herrera-Lim** (asr-001537) U.S. and all the other **[01:40:28.720] DFA Undersecretary Leo M. Herrera-Lim** (asr-001538) participants in the critical minerals **[01:40:30.720] DFA Undersecretary Leo M. Herrera-Lim** (asr-001539) path. **[01:40:32.720] Rep. Renee Louise M. Co** (asr-001540) But to clarify one last time, **[01:40:34.720] Rep. Renee Louise M. Co** (asr-001541) there's an Office of International Economic **[01:40:36.720] Rep. Renee Louise M. Co** (asr-001542) Relations of the DFA, correct? **[01:40:38.720] Rep. Renee Louise M. Co** (asr-001543) Did it pass through **[01:40:40.720] Rep. Renee Louise M. Co** (asr-001544) review of that office **[01:40:42.720] Rep. Renee Louise M. Co** (asr-001545) before we signed the critical **[01:40:44.720] Rep. Renee Louise M. Co** (asr-001546) minerals agreement? **[01:40:46.720] DFA Secretary Ma. Theresa P. Lazaro** (asr-001547) I'll refer you now to the Under Secretary **[01:40:48.720] DFA Secretary Ma. Theresa P. Lazaro** (asr-001548) of that Office, International Economic Relations. **[01:40:50.720] DFA Undersecretary Maria Andrelita S. Austria** (asr-001549) Thank you, **[01:40:52.720] DFA Undersecretary Maria Andrelita S. Austria** (asr-001550) Madam Secretary, and thank you **[01:40:54.720] DFA Undersecretary Maria Andrelita S. Austria** (asr-001551) Madam Congressman. **[01:40:56.720] DFA Undersecretary Maria Andrelita S. Austria** (asr-001552) In this case, because it was already passed upon **[01:40:58.720] DFA Undersecretary Maria Andrelita S. Austria** (asr-001553) the economic aspects of the **[01:41:00.720] DFA Undersecretary Maria Andrelita S. Austria** (asr-001554) agreement was passed upon by DNR **[01:41:02.720] DFA Undersecretary Maria Andrelita S. Austria** (asr-001555) and DTI, it did not pass **[01:41:04.720] DFA Undersecretary Maria Andrelita S. Austria** (asr-001556) through our, to ask for economic **[01:41:06.720] DFA Undersecretary Maria Andrelita S. Austria** (asr-001557) review because they are the more **[01:41:08.720] DFA Undersecretary Maria Andrelita S. Austria** (asr-001558) competent bodies to **[01:41:10.720] DFA Undersecretary Maria Andrelita S. Austria** (asr-001559) review it. Thank you. **[01:41:12.720] Rep. Renee Louise M. Co** (asr-001560) Mr. Chair, narinig ko po **[01:41:14.720] Rep. Renee Louise M. Co** (asr-001561) yung essentially **[01:41:16.720] Rep. Renee Louise M. Co** (asr-001562) tinimbang ng DFA bago **[01:41:18.720] Rep. Renee Louise M. Co** (asr-001563) siguro, **[01:41:20.720] Rep. Renee Louise M. Co** (asr-001564) pero yan maybe may **[01:41:22.720] Rep. Renee Louise M. Co** (asr-001565) clearance bago **[01:41:24.720] Rep. Renee Louise M. Co** (asr-001566) binigay po ito and mag-proceed. **[01:41:26.720] Rep. Renee Louise M. Co** (asr-001567) But ako nonetheless, **[01:41:28.720] Rep. Renee Louise M. Co** (asr-001568) I think it should be weighed that **[01:41:30.720] Rep. Renee Louise M. Co** (asr-001569) this MOU **[01:41:32.720] Rep. Renee Louise M. Co** (asr-001570) that the Philippines is now part **[01:41:34.720] Rep. Renee Louise M. Co** (asr-001571) of is not just with one **[01:41:36.720] Rep. Renee Louise M. Co** (asr-001572) bilateral partner, pero nasa picture **[01:41:38.720] Rep. Renee Louise M. Co** (asr-001573) siya ng mas maraming **[01:41:40.720] Rep. Renee Louise M. Co** (asr-001574) same agreements na **[01:41:42.720] Rep. Renee Louise M. Co** (asr-001575) pinipirmahan natin and **[01:41:44.720] Rep. Renee Louise M. Co** (asr-001576) also kasabay nito **[01:41:46.720] Rep. Renee Louise M. Co** (asr-001577) yung Pax Silica Initiative **[01:41:48.720] Rep. Renee Louise M. Co** (asr-001578) na ang basa **[01:41:50.720] Rep. Renee Louise M. Co** (asr-001579) natin na may **[01:41:52.720] Rep. Renee Louise M. Co** (asr-001580) supply of critical minerals, **[01:41:54.720] Rep. Renee Louise M. Co** (asr-001581) may supply of **[01:41:56.720] Rep. Renee Louise M. Co** (asr-001582) or rather **[01:41:58.720] Rep. Renee Louise M. Co** (asr-001583) pag-set up ng **[01:42:00.720] Rep. Renee Louise M. Co** (asr-001584) infrastructure, whether it be sa pag-create ng **[01:42:02.720] Rep. Renee Louise M. Co** (asr-001585) semiconductors or data centers or artificial **[01:42:04.720] Rep. Renee Louise M. Co** (asr-001586) intelligence, at ang Pilipinas po ang mag-host nun. **[01:42:06.720] Rep. Renee Louise M. Co** (asr-001587) So that's not **[01:42:08.720] Rep. Renee Louise M. Co** (asr-001588) just national policy or **[01:42:10.720] Rep. Renee Louise M. Co** (asr-001589) national framework na **[01:42:12.720] Rep. Renee Louise M. Co** (asr-001590) dinidiscuss natin, there are international **[01:42:14.720] Rep. Renee Louise M. Co** (asr-001591) implications to this. Meron po bang **[01:42:16.720] Rep. Renee Louise M. Co** (asr-001592) basa na ganun ang DFA? **[01:42:18.720] Rep. Renee Louise M. Co** (asr-001593) Madam, Mr. Chair. **[01:42:20.720] Rep. Sancho Fernando "Ando" F. Oaminal** (asr-001594) Congressman Rene, **[01:42:22.720] Rep. Sancho Fernando "Ando" F. Oaminal** (asr-001595) kindly wrap up. You have 30 seconds remaining. **[01:42:24.720] DFA Undersecretary Leo M. Herrera-Lim** (asr-001596) Thank you. Your Honor, **[01:42:28.730] DFA Undersecretary Leo M. Herrera-Lim** (asr-001597) generally, **[01:42:30.730] DFA Undersecretary Leo M. Herrera-Lim** (asr-001598) that is the way we **[01:42:32.730] DFA Undersecretary Leo M. Herrera-Lim** (asr-001599) read it. Right now, **[01:42:34.730] DFA Undersecretary Leo M. Herrera-Lim** (asr-001600) some of the critical minerals available for **[01:42:36.730] DFA Undersecretary Leo M. Herrera-Lim** (asr-001601) us for export **[01:42:38.730] DFA Undersecretary Leo M. Herrera-Lim** (asr-001602) raw would be copper, nickel, **[01:42:40.730] DFA Undersecretary Leo M. Herrera-Lim** (asr-001603) useful for EVs **[01:42:42.730] DFA Undersecretary Leo M. Herrera-Lim** (asr-001604) and **[01:42:44.730] DFA Undersecretary Leo M. Herrera-Lim** (asr-001605) they're mostly **[01:42:46.730] DFA Undersecretary Leo M. Herrera-Lim** (asr-001606) unprocessed and **[01:42:48.730] DFA Undersecretary Leo M. Herrera-Lim** (asr-001607) the determination of DTI, **[01:42:50.730] DFA Undersecretary Leo M. Herrera-Lim** (asr-001608) DNR, is that **[01:42:52.730] DFA Undersecretary Leo M. Herrera-Lim** (asr-001609) providing value-added processing **[01:42:54.730] DFA Undersecretary Leo M. Herrera-Lim** (asr-001610) will elevate **[01:42:56.730] DFA Undersecretary Leo M. Herrera-Lim** (asr-001611) both the capabilities of our country **[01:42:58.730] DFA Undersecretary Leo M. Herrera-Lim** (asr-001612) and also earn **[01:43:00.730] DFA Undersecretary Leo M. Herrera-Lim** (asr-001613) both for **[01:43:02.730] DFA Undersecretary Leo M. Herrera-Lim** (asr-001614) locators and **[01:43:04.730] DFA Undersecretary Leo M. Herrera-Lim** (asr-001615) people hired by locators **[01:43:06.730] DFA Undersecretary Leo M. Herrera-Lim** (asr-001616) in terms of processing **[01:43:08.730] DFA Undersecretary Leo M. Herrera-Lim** (asr-001617) of critical minerals. And **[01:43:10.730] DFA Undersecretary Leo M. Herrera-Lim** (asr-001618) to be in the ambit of **[01:43:12.730] DFA Undersecretary Leo M. Herrera-Lim** (asr-001619) users of these **[01:43:14.730] DFA Undersecretary Leo M. Herrera-Lim** (asr-001620) critical minerals, whether it's **[01:43:16.730] DFA Undersecretary Leo M. Herrera-Lim** (asr-001621) development of **[01:43:18.730] DFA Undersecretary Leo M. Herrera-Lim** (asr-001622) chips or AI applications **[01:43:20.730] DFA Undersecretary Leo M. Herrera-Lim** (asr-001623) or EV application, **[01:43:22.730] DFA Undersecretary Leo M. Herrera-Lim** (asr-001624) put the Philippines in a unique **[01:43:24.730] DFA Undersecretary Leo M. Herrera-Lim** (asr-001625) role and protects investment **[01:43:26.730] DFA Undersecretary Leo M. Herrera-Lim** (asr-001626) in the Philippines by providing **[01:43:28.730] DFA Undersecretary Leo M. Herrera-Lim** (asr-001627) also a **[01:43:30.730] DFA Undersecretary Leo M. Herrera-Lim** (asr-001628) protection against price volatility **[01:43:32.730] DFA Undersecretary Leo M. Herrera-Lim** (asr-001629) in case some of the **[01:43:34.730] DFA Undersecretary Leo M. Herrera-Lim** (asr-001630) producers of critical minerals **[01:43:36.730] DFA Undersecretary Leo M. Herrera-Lim** (asr-001631) starts dumping in the open **[01:43:38.730] DFA Undersecretary Leo M. Herrera-Lim** (asr-001632) market some of these **[01:43:40.730] DFA Undersecretary Leo M. Herrera-Lim** (asr-001633) critical minerals. So, this arrangement **[01:43:42.730] DFA Undersecretary Leo M. Herrera-Lim** (asr-001634) was seen by DTI and **[01:43:44.730] DFA Undersecretary Leo M. Herrera-Lim** (asr-001635) DNR along this **[01:43:46.730] DFA Undersecretary Leo M. Herrera-Lim** (asr-001636) line and we went along with that **[01:43:48.730] DFA Undersecretary Leo M. Herrera-Lim** (asr-001637) evaluation. **[01:43:50.730] DFA Secretary Ma. Theresa P. Lazaro** (asr-001638) Your Honor, if I just would like to add, **[01:43:52.730] DFA Secretary Ma. Theresa P. Lazaro** (asr-001639) certain **[01:43:54.730] DFA Secretary Ma. Theresa P. Lazaro** (asr-001640) MOUs or agreements **[01:43:56.730] DFA Secretary Ma. Theresa P. Lazaro** (asr-001641) which is being led **[01:43:58.730] DFA Secretary Ma. Theresa P. Lazaro** (asr-001642) by a different government agency **[01:44:00.730] DFA Secretary Ma. Theresa P. Lazaro** (asr-001643) has been mentioned. And since **[01:44:02.730] DFA Secretary Ma. Theresa P. Lazaro** (asr-001644) they are the lead agency who understands **[01:44:04.730] DFA Secretary Ma. Theresa P. Lazaro** (asr-001645) this whole gamut of critical **[01:44:06.730] DFA Secretary Ma. Theresa P. Lazaro** (asr-001646) mineral infrastructure, then **[01:44:08.730] DFA Secretary Ma. Theresa P. Lazaro** (asr-001647) DFA has **[01:44:10.730] DFA Secretary Ma. Theresa P. Lazaro** (asr-001648) a conduit **[01:44:12.730] DFA Secretary Ma. Theresa P. Lazaro** (asr-001649) to these international agreements **[01:44:14.730] DFA Secretary Ma. Theresa P. Lazaro** (asr-001650) as well as MOUs **[01:44:16.730] DFA Secretary Ma. Theresa P. Lazaro** (asr-001651) because of **[01:44:18.730] DFA Secretary Ma. Theresa P. Lazaro** (asr-001652) we see it has been **[01:44:20.730] DFA Secretary Ma. Theresa P. Lazaro** (asr-001653) mentioned. Then we just **[01:44:22.730] DFA Secretary Ma. Theresa P. Lazaro** (asr-001654) give our concurrence. So, **[01:44:24.730] DFA Secretary Ma. Theresa P. Lazaro** (asr-001655) that is exactly the situation that **[01:44:26.730] DFA Secretary Ma. Theresa P. Lazaro** (asr-001656) that was **[01:44:28.730] DFA Secretary Ma. Theresa P. Lazaro** (asr-001657) but attended this **[01:44:30.730] DFA Secretary Ma. Theresa P. Lazaro** (asr-001658) particular agreement. And we **[01:44:32.730] DFA Secretary Ma. Theresa P. Lazaro** (asr-001659) concur because considering **[01:44:34.730] DFA Secretary Ma. Theresa P. Lazaro** (asr-001660) that the **[01:44:36.730] DFA Secretary Ma. Theresa P. Lazaro** (asr-001661) lead agencies has already said **[01:44:38.730] DFA Secretary Ma. Theresa P. Lazaro** (asr-001662) that this is good for the country. **[01:44:40.730] Rep. Renee Louise M. Co** (asr-001663) Mr. Chair, **[01:44:42.730] Rep. Renee Louise M. Co** (asr-001664) clarified lang din natin **[01:44:44.730] Rep. Renee Louise M. Co** (asr-001665) yung essentially role ng DFA sa lahat **[01:44:46.730] Rep. Renee Louise M. Co** (asr-001666) na ito. Dahil to my **[01:44:48.730] Rep. Renee Louise M. Co** (asr-001667) understanding, kung may **[01:44:50.730] Rep. Renee Louise M. Co** (asr-001668) papasukin pong international agreement **[01:44:52.730] Rep. Renee Louise M. Co** (asr-001669) yung DFA at **[01:44:54.730] Rep. Renee Louise M. Co** (asr-001670) the very least, para i-ensure yung **[01:44:56.730] Rep. Renee Louise M. Co** (asr-001671) consistency of language, consistency ng **[01:44:58.730] Rep. Renee Louise M. Co** (asr-001672) mga agreements natin before. **[01:45:00.000] Rep. Renee Louise M. Co** (asr-001673) Or dapat po may review or even may comment doon po sa ano yung papasukin kung mayroon mang incompatibilities, inconsistencies na kailangan pong ayusin. **[01:45:12.040] Rep. Renee Louise M. Co** (asr-001674) So for now, at least mas enlightened ako, but siguro last na lang po. **[01:45:15.960] Rep. Renee Louise M. Co** (asr-001675) So for now, Mr. Chair, ang clear po is the DFA cannot provide a copy of this MOU to the committee. **[01:45:25.500] DFA Secretary Ma. Theresa P. Lazaro** (asr-001676) No, we cannot, Your Honor. It is not with us, perhaps. **[01:45:28.960] DFA Secretary Ma. Theresa P. Lazaro** (asr-001677) But we can request the concerned agency. **[01:45:33.560] DFA Secretary Ma. Theresa P. Lazaro** (asr-001678) Thank you. **[01:45:34.020] Rep. Renee Louise M. Co** (asr-001679) Much appreciated. That would be helpful, Mr. Chair, kung maaari bago po mag-plenary. **[01:45:38.320] Rep. Renee Louise M. Co** (asr-001680) Thank you very much, Mr. Chair. **[01:45:39.560] Rep. Sancho Fernando "Ando" F. Oaminal** (asr-001681) Thank you, Congressman Rene. And thank you, Madam Secretary. **[01:45:43.220] Rep. Sancho Fernando "Ando" F. Oaminal** (asr-001682) May we now recognize the Honorable Jay Vergara from the majority. **[01:45:52.010] Rep. Julius Cesar "Jay" V. Vergara** (asr-001683) Magandang hapon po. **[01:45:55.150] Rep. Julius Cesar "Jay" V. Vergara** (asr-001684) So, sususugang ko lamang po yung salita nung... **[01:46:01.810] Rep. Julius Cesar "Jay" V. Vergara** (asr-001685) ...nangangailangan ng consular office. **[01:46:08.690] Rep. Julius Cesar "Jay" V. Vergara** (asr-001686) Yung sa amin po, palengke naman pinagawa namin. **[01:46:12.390] Rep. Julius Cesar "Jay" V. Vergara** (asr-001687) At LGU funded lang po. **[01:46:15.930] Rep. Julius Cesar "Jay" V. Vergara** (asr-001688) 31,000 square meters. **[01:46:18.450] Rep. Julius Cesar "Jay" V. Vergara** (asr-001689) Because we believe na may partnership po dapat sa gobyerno with the government. **[01:46:29.210] Rep. Julius Cesar "Jay" V. Vergara** (asr-001690) So... **[01:46:31.810] Rep. Julius Cesar "Jay" V. Vergara** (asr-001691) Merong paglalagyan po. **[01:46:35.270] Rep. Julius Cesar "Jay" V. Vergara** (asr-001692) Merong pangangailangan. **[01:46:36.790] Rep. Julius Cesar "Jay" V. Vergara** (asr-001693) Dahil kasi lahat nung buong Region 1, **[01:46:42.370] Rep. Julius Cesar "Jay" V. Vergara** (asr-001694) isang linggo na hong dumadaan sa Cabanatuan City. **[01:46:47.650] Rep. Julius Cesar "Jay" V. Vergara** (asr-001695) Buong Region 1. **[01:46:50.680] Rep. Julius Cesar "Jay" V. Vergara** (asr-001696) Pati na yung Region 3. **[01:46:53.520] Rep. Julius Cesar "Jay" V. Vergara** (asr-001697) Pati na yung Region 2. **[01:46:56.140] Rep. Julius Cesar "Jay" V. Vergara** (asr-001698) So, I cannot emphasize further. **[01:46:58.520] Rep. Julius Cesar "Jay" V. Vergara** (asr-001699) Kasi kasama ko ang buong probinsya. **[01:47:03.180] Rep. Julius Cesar "Jay" V. Vergara** (asr-001700) ng Aurora at parte ng Quezon ay nandun din po sa amin sa Vizcaya. **[01:47:13.240] Rep. Julius Cesar "Jay" V. Vergara** (asr-001701) Doon po mas kaya strategically located yung pag tinanong po niyo sa Northeastern Luzon ang isang consular office. **[01:47:28.720] Rep. Julius Cesar "Jay" V. Vergara** (asr-001702) So... **[01:47:30.200] Rep. Julius Cesar "Jay" V. Vergara** (asr-001703) Yun po lamang ang aking gustong sabihin. **[01:47:33.180] Rep. Julius Cesar "Jay" V. Vergara** (asr-001704) at gusto ko pong tanong lang yung kalagayan na hindi na po kailangan sagutin. **[01:47:43.180] Rep. Julius Cesar "Jay" V. Vergara** (asr-001705) Ang akin lang, sulat lang po para maintindihan ko lamang po yung kalagayan **[01:47:47.940] Rep. Julius Cesar "Jay" V. Vergara** (asr-001706) ng mga nag-request na kasamahan kong mga kongresista ng Consular Office. **[01:47:55.400] Rep. Julius Cesar "Jay" V. Vergara** (asr-001707) Yun lamang po ang first question. **[01:47:59.320] DFA Secretary Ma. Theresa P. Lazaro** (asr-001708) Kung pwede ko pong sagutin. **[01:48:00.960] DFA Secretary Ma. Theresa P. Lazaro** (asr-001709) Salamat, Your Honor. **[01:48:02.600] DFA Secretary Ma. Theresa P. Lazaro** (asr-001710) Naalala ko po yung pag-uusap natin last year tungkol dito sa inyong request. **[01:48:09.200] DFA Secretary Ma. Theresa P. Lazaro** (asr-001711) Palagi ko pong pinapaalahanan yung aming Consular Office **[01:48:12.240] DFA Secretary Ma. Theresa P. Lazaro** (asr-001712) kasi alam kong malaki yung populasyon and coming from the different regions. **[01:48:18.820] DFA Secretary Ma. Theresa P. Lazaro** (asr-001713) So, based on the information na naman natanggap po namin, **[01:48:22.540] DFA Secretary Ma. Theresa P. Lazaro** (asr-001714) nandun din po kayo sa listahan na yun na sa kagaya ng sinabi ko **[01:48:28.040] DFA Secretary Ma. Theresa P. Lazaro** (asr-001715) is kailangan po din na-approval. **[01:48:30.960] DFA Secretary Ma. Theresa P. Lazaro** (asr-001716) ng Department of Budget and Management. **[01:48:33.420] DFA Secretary Ma. Theresa P. Lazaro** (asr-001717) So, naghihintay lang po kami ng approval ng DBM on this matter. **[01:48:39.400] DFA Secretary Ma. Theresa P. Lazaro** (asr-001718) But we're very, very conscious kasi ilang beses na po tayo nag-uusap tungkol dito. **[01:48:44.680] DFA Secretary Ma. Theresa P. Lazaro** (asr-001719) Salamat po. **[01:48:45.860] Rep. Julius Cesar "Jay" V. Vergara** (asr-001720) Madam, salamat po, Madam Secretary. **[01:48:49.300] Rep. Julius Cesar "Jay" V. Vergara** (asr-001721) Ang pangalawang question po. **[01:48:52.260] Rep. Julius Cesar "Jay" V. Vergara** (asr-001722) Sa kasaysayan po ay inapi ang balsang China **[01:48:55.600] Rep. Julius Cesar "Jay" V. Vergara** (asr-001723) ng mga foreign powers. **[01:48:58.260] Rep. Julius Cesar "Jay" V. Vergara** (asr-001724) Kaya sinasabi kong madalas, **[01:49:00.960] Rep. Julius Cesar "Jay" V. Vergara** (asr-001725) huwag silang maging katulad ng Bansang Hapon **[01:49:06.100] Rep. Julius Cesar "Jay" V. Vergara** (asr-001726) na nung sila'y apahin nung pagyayari ng gera sibil ng Amerika **[01:49:11.300] Rep. Julius Cesar "Jay" V. Vergara** (asr-001727) at nung mag-progress na ang Bansang Hapon at kinonsiderang world power **[01:49:18.160] Rep. Julius Cesar "Jay" V. Vergara** (asr-001728) e nung 1905 sa gera ng Strait of Tsushima **[01:49:23.660] Rep. Julius Cesar "Jay" V. Vergara** (asr-001729) wherein the Japanese Navy beat the Russian fleet **[01:49:28.740] Rep. Julius Cesar "Jay" V. Vergara** (asr-001730) and the Russian fleet, **[01:49:30.960] Rep. Julius Cesar "Jay" V. Vergara** (asr-001731) and the Russians went to President Theodore Roosevelt **[01:49:35.960] Rep. Julius Cesar "Jay" V. Vergara** (asr-001732) to ask for help para magkaayos sila. **[01:49:39.920] Rep. Julius Cesar "Jay" V. Vergara** (asr-001733) Tayo po ang madlang Pilipino. **[01:49:42.640] Rep. Julius Cesar "Jay" V. Vergara** (asr-001734) Ang masang Pilipino po ay nakiki[unclear]. Ang damdamin po nila ay nag-uumigting. **[01:49:49.920] Rep. Julius Cesar "Jay" V. Vergara** (asr-001735) Ano po ang ginagawa natin doon sa pangapi na ginagawa ng China sa atin ngayon? **[01:49:56.960] DFA Secretary Ma. Theresa P. Lazaro** (asr-001736) Tungkol doon po sa marami pong aspekto yung tanong nyo. **[01:50:02.340] DFA Secretary Ma. Theresa P. Lazaro** (asr-001737) Siguro po sa umpisa pa lang is kung pinag-uusapan natin ang karagatan, **[01:50:08.240] DFA Secretary Ma. Theresa P. Lazaro** (asr-001738) the West Philippine Sea, **[01:50:10.220] DFA Secretary Ma. Theresa P. Lazaro** (asr-001739) well, nakikita rin po ninyo na ang ating mga security and defense establishments **[01:50:15.540] DFA Secretary Ma. Theresa P. Lazaro** (asr-001740) kung anong ginagawa. **[01:50:16.960] DFA Secretary Ma. Theresa P. Lazaro** (asr-001741) However, as far as Department of Foreign Affairs concerned, **[01:50:20.660] DFA Secretary Ma. Theresa P. Lazaro** (asr-001742) ang mandato po ng Pangulo ay yung discussion should be done **[01:50:27.400] DFA Secretary Ma. Theresa P. Lazaro** (asr-001743) with diplomacy and diplomatic dialogue. **[01:50:32.340] DFA Secretary Ma. Theresa P. Lazaro** (asr-001744) So kami po ay may dalawang mekanismo na ginagamit namin sa aming pakikipag-usap sa China **[01:50:38.940] DFA Secretary Ma. Theresa P. Lazaro** (asr-001745) and that is the bilateral consultation mechanism on the South China Sea **[01:50:43.200] DFA Secretary Ma. Theresa P. Lazaro** (asr-001746) at saka foreign ministry consultations. **[01:50:46.060] DFA Secretary Ma. Theresa P. Lazaro** (asr-001747) Nandito po nakasaloob lahat ang mga issues na pinag-uusapan. **[01:50:51.260] DFA Secretary Ma. Theresa P. Lazaro** (asr-001748) Ito po ay twice at least a year ginagawa. **[01:50:55.420] DFA Secretary Ma. Theresa P. Lazaro** (asr-001749) At meron po kami ding mga ibang mekanismo kagaya ng sa ASEAN **[01:50:59.840] DFA Secretary Ma. Theresa P. Lazaro** (asr-001750) at hopefully, **[01:51:02.340] DFA Secretary Ma. Theresa P. Lazaro** (asr-001751) mak-conclude namin yung ASEAN-China Code of Conduct on the South China Sea. **[01:51:09.740] DFA Secretary Ma. Theresa P. Lazaro** (asr-001752) So ito po yung aming pamamaraan na tinitingnan din po namin. **[01:51:16.980] DFA Secretary Ma. Theresa P. Lazaro** (asr-001753) Nandun din po yung mga nahuhuli nilang mga Pilipino na sinasabing sa China po. **[01:51:23.440] DFA Secretary Ma. Theresa P. Lazaro** (asr-001754) So tinitingnan po namin ang kanilang kalagayan through our consular offices. **[01:51:29.680] DFA Secretary Ma. Theresa P. Lazaro** (asr-001755) Isang tingin namin dito, these are consular issues. **[01:51:32.340] DFA Secretary Ma. Theresa P. Lazaro** (asr-001756) At sa Vienna Convention, dapat sinasabi nila sa amin kung ano-ano bang kaso nila. **[01:51:38.140] DFA Secretary Ma. Theresa P. Lazaro** (asr-001757) So nakatutok po kami dyan. **[01:51:41.600] DFA Secretary Ma. Theresa P. Lazaro** (asr-001758) Well, ito po yung aming sinasagawa as Department of Foreign Affairs. **[01:51:48.820] Rep. Julius Cesar "Jay" V. Vergara** (asr-001759) Bilang isa sa principal author ng modernisasyon ng Coast Guard, **[01:51:55.340] Rep. Julius Cesar "Jay" V. Vergara** (asr-001760) talaga pong nakakalungkot lamang po kaya ako lamang binanggit. **[01:52:00.140] Rep. Julius Cesar "Jay" V. Vergara** (asr-001761) At alam ko pong diplomasyon. **[01:52:02.340] Rep. Julius Cesar "Jay" V. Vergara** (asr-001762) Ito po siya ang ating tatahaking landas. **[01:52:06.040] Rep. Julius Cesar "Jay" V. Vergara** (asr-001763) Nasa inyo po, Madam Secretary, ang aking suporta. **[01:52:09.640] Rep. Julius Cesar "Jay" V. Vergara** (asr-001764) At natutuwa po ako sa Foreign Affairs family. **[01:52:14.500] Rep. Julius Cesar "Jay" V. Vergara** (asr-001765) And magandang hapon po sa inyo. **[01:52:17.140] DFA Secretary Ma. Theresa P. Lazaro** (asr-001766) Salamat po. **[01:52:20.570] Rep. Sancho Fernando "Ando" F. Oaminal** (asr-001767) Thank you, Representative Vergara. **[01:52:25.110] Rep. Sancho Fernando "Ando" F. Oaminal** (asr-001768) Before we proceed to the next interpellator, **[01:52:29.210] Rep. Sancho Fernando "Ando" F. Oaminal** (asr-001769) may we recognize the presence of the Honorable Sara Elago. **[01:52:34.390] Rep. Sancho Fernando "Ando" F. Oaminal** (asr-001770) We proceed with the member from the minority, Representative Antonio Tinio. **[01:52:40.250] Rep. Sancho Fernando "Ando" F. Oaminal** (asr-001771) You are now recognized, sir. **[01:52:44.620] Rep. Antonio L. Tinio** (asr-001772) Thank you, Chair. **[01:52:48.980] Rep. Antonio L. Tinio** (asr-001773) Chair, una, kaugnay sa proposed budget ng DFA, **[01:52:59.050] Rep. Antonio L. Tinio** (asr-001774) I noted one item, ICT expenditures for 2027, 956.61 million. **[01:53:08.510] Rep. Antonio L. Tinio** (asr-001775) Napasin ko po as a trend na, **[01:53:11.590] Rep. Antonio L. Tinio** (asr-001776) in recent years, lumulobo, lumalaki yung mga ICT expenditures ng maraming agencies, hindi lang kayo. **[01:53:19.370] Rep. Antonio L. Tinio** (asr-001777) So, para saan po ito? **[01:53:22.450] Rep. Antonio L. Tinio** (asr-001778) At how much was the budget, is the ICT budget for this year? **[01:53:29.050] Rep. Antonio L. Tinio** (asr-001779) Kumusta ang utilization? Saan ito ginamit? **[01:53:31.870] Rep. Antonio L. Tinio** (asr-001780) And why 956 million for next year? **[01:53:38.990] DFA Secretary Ma. Theresa P. Lazaro** (asr-001781) Thank you, Your Honor. **[01:53:40.250] DFA Secretary Ma. Theresa P. Lazaro** (asr-001782) I will refer the question now to two points. **[01:53:44.050] DFA Secretary Ma. Theresa P. Lazaro** (asr-001783) First is our Assistant Secretary in charge of ICT and all these issues, please. **[01:53:54.110] DFA Assistant Secretary Charmaine A. Serna-Chua** (asr-001784) Thank you, Madam Secretary. **[01:53:55.650] DFA Assistant Secretary Charmaine A. Serna-Chua** (asr-001785) Thank you, Honorable Tinio. **[01:53:57.750] DFA Assistant Secretary Charmaine A. Serna-Chua** (asr-001786) Sir, for our ICT expenditures for 2025 to 2026, **[01:54:04.370] DFA Assistant Secretary Charmaine A. Serna-Chua** (asr-001787) all these expenditures were approved by the MITI. **[01:54:07.950] DFA Assistant Secretary Charmaine A. Serna-Chua** (asr-001788) It's a committee composed of the DICT, DBM, and all other agencies. **[01:54:14.590] DFA Assistant Secretary Charmaine A. Serna-Chua** (asr-001789) The overall surge in the MOE, **[01:54:17.890] DFA Assistant Secretary Charmaine A. Serna-Chua** (asr-001790) the MOE budget at 115% and our capital outlay budget at 400% in our ISSP from 2025 to 2026, **[01:54:29.470] DFA Assistant Secretary Charmaine A. Serna-Chua** (asr-001791) marks a deliberate fiscal pivot away from acquiring day-to-day operational ICT assets **[01:54:36.710] DFA Assistant Secretary Charmaine A. Serna-Chua** (asr-001792) to strategically acquiring large-scale, enterprise-grade, and high-value capital ICT assets **[01:54:44.050] DFA Assistant Secretary Charmaine A. Serna-Chua** (asr-001793) to support the institutional **[01:54:46.590] DFA Assistant Secretary Charmaine A. Serna-Chua** (asr-001794) reinforcement of the **[01:54:47.650] DFA Assistant Secretary Charmaine A. Serna-Chua** (asr-001795) President's policy directives and digitization assets of the department, sir, **[01:54:53.030] DFA Assistant Secretary Charmaine A. Serna-Chua** (asr-001796) for both critical, mission-critical, and frontline services. **[01:54:57.310] DFA Assistant Secretary Charmaine A. Serna-Chua** (asr-001797) Essentially, sir, we have four priorities for the ICT. **[01:55:00.630] DFA Assistant Secretary Charmaine A. Serna-Chua** (asr-001798) First is cybersecurity. **[01:55:02.490] DFA Assistant Secretary Charmaine A. Serna-Chua** (asr-001799) Second is data privacy and data protection. **[01:55:05.570] DFA Assistant Secretary Charmaine A. Serna-Chua** (asr-001800) Third would be digital transformation. **[01:55:08.170] DFA Assistant Secretary Charmaine A. Serna-Chua** (asr-001801) And the last one, sir, would be the information systems strategic plan and ICT procurement. **[01:55:13.710] DFA Assistant Secretary Charmaine A. Serna-Chua** (asr-001802) For 2026 to 2028, sir, as I've mentioned earlier, **[01:55:17.650] DFA Assistant Secretary Charmaine A. Serna-Chua** (asr-001803) our ISSP plan was approved last year in May 2025. **[01:55:23.530] DFA Assistant Secretary Charmaine A. Serna-Chua** (asr-001804) We're currently utilizing ICT for four. **[01:55:27.310] DFA Assistant Secretary Charmaine A. Serna-Chua** (asr-001805) First is for the foreign policy services. **[01:55:30.530] DFA Assistant Secretary Charmaine A. Serna-Chua** (asr-001806) These are cloud-based office productivity tools, **[01:55:33.890] DFA Assistant Secretary Charmaine A. Serna-Chua** (asr-001807) security for our ICT infrastructure, **[01:55:36.870] DFA Assistant Secretary Charmaine A. Serna-Chua** (asr-001808) technical support to the home office. **[01:55:39.710] DFA Assistant Secretary Charmaine A. Serna-Chua** (asr-001809) Second, sir, would be for diplomatic and consular services, **[01:55:43.490] DFA Assistant Secretary Charmaine A. Serna-Chua** (asr-001810) the ATN management database, **[01:55:45.470] DFA Assistant Secretary Charmaine A. Serna-Chua** (asr-001811) the e-passport, **[01:55:46.990] DFA Assistant Secretary Charmaine A. Serna-Chua** (asr-001812) and the passport system. **[01:55:47.650] DFA Assistant Secretary Charmaine A. Serna-Chua** (asr-001813) We also have the e-passport appointment system, **[01:55:49.650] DFA Assistant Secretary Charmaine A. Serna-Chua** (asr-001814) e-apostile, e-visa, **[01:55:51.650] DFA Assistant Secretary Charmaine A. Serna-Chua** (asr-001815) fraud management and detection tools. **[01:55:53.650] DFA Assistant Secretary Charmaine A. Serna-Chua** (asr-001816) We also have a call center, **[01:55:55.650] DFA Assistant Secretary Charmaine A. Serna-Chua** (asr-001817) the technical support to our foreign service post, **[01:55:57.650] DFA Assistant Secretary Charmaine A. Serna-Chua** (asr-001818) and to our consular offices. **[01:55:59.650] DFA Assistant Secretary Charmaine A. Serna-Chua** (asr-001819) The last one, sir, would be for general administration and support services. **[01:56:03.650] DFA Assistant Secretary Charmaine A. Serna-Chua** (asr-001820) We have our ICT infrastructure. **[01:56:05.650] DFA Assistant Secretary Charmaine A. Serna-Chua** (asr-001821) For our personnel, sir, **[01:56:07.650] DFA Assistant Secretary Charmaine A. Serna-Chua** (asr-001822) we have the human resources, **[01:56:09.650] DFA Assistant Secretary Charmaine A. Serna-Chua** (asr-001823) HCMPS, that's how we call it. **[01:56:11.650] DFA Assistant Secretary Charmaine A. Serna-Chua** (asr-001824) For the finance side, **[01:56:13.650] DFA Assistant Secretary Charmaine A. Serna-Chua** (asr-001825) we have the ENGAS. **[01:56:15.650] DFA Assistant Secretary Charmaine A. Serna-Chua** (asr-001826) We also have web presence, **[01:56:17.650] DFA Assistant Secretary Charmaine A. Serna-Chua** (asr-001827) we have the sense care of the DICT, sir. **[01:56:19.650] DFA Assistant Secretary Charmaine A. Serna-Chua** (asr-001828) We have collaboration software, **[01:56:21.650] DFA Assistant Secretary Charmaine A. Serna-Chua** (asr-001829) and we also have our visitor management. **[01:56:23.650] DFA Assistant Secretary Charmaine A. Serna-Chua** (asr-001830) For our challenges, **[01:56:25.650] DFA Assistant Secretary Charmaine A. Serna-Chua** (asr-001831) that's why, sir, we're acquiring really large projects, sir, **[01:56:31.650] DFA Assistant Secretary Charmaine A. Serna-Chua** (asr-001832) because we have a lot of challenges. **[01:56:33.650] DFA Assistant Secretary Charmaine A. Serna-Chua** (asr-001833) The first one, sir, is we have a lot of cybersecurity threats. **[01:56:37.650] DFA Assistant Secretary Charmaine A. Serna-Chua** (asr-001834) Most especially, it's the ASEAN year. **[01:56:39.650] DFA Assistant Secretary Charmaine A. Serna-Chua** (asr-001835) We need to protect our networks. **[01:56:41.650] DFA Assistant Secretary Charmaine A. Serna-Chua** (asr-001836) We also have to manage and protect the data **[01:56:43.650] DFA Assistant Secretary Charmaine A. Serna-Chua** (asr-001837) because we have passport information, **[01:56:45.650] DFA Assistant Secretary Charmaine A. Serna-Chua** (asr-001838) the personal information, **[01:56:47.650] DFA Assistant Secretary Charmaine A. Serna-Chua** (asr-001839) of our clients. **[01:56:49.650] DFA Assistant Secretary Charmaine A. Serna-Chua** (asr-001840) Third, sir, we also have to strengthen connectivity **[01:56:51.650] DFA Assistant Secretary Charmaine A. Serna-Chua** (asr-001841) because we have a lot of foreign service posts **[01:56:53.650] DFA Assistant Secretary Charmaine A. Serna-Chua** (asr-001842) and consular offices. **[01:56:57.650] DFA Assistant Secretary Charmaine A. Serna-Chua** (asr-001843) Another one, sir, we also have to deal with **[01:56:59.650] DFA Assistant Secretary Charmaine A. Serna-Chua** (asr-001844) the pace of technological challenges. **[01:57:01.650] DFA Assistant Secretary Charmaine A. Serna-Chua** (asr-001845) And last one, sir, would be **[01:57:03.650] DFA Assistant Secretary Charmaine A. Serna-Chua** (asr-001846) to address our ICT personnel challenges. **[01:57:05.650] DFA Assistant Secretary Charmaine A. Serna-Chua** (asr-001847) Thank you. **[01:57:07.650] Rep. Antonio L. Tinio** (asr-001848) Thank you, sir. **[01:57:09.650] Rep. Antonio L. Tinio** (asr-001849) Okay, you mentioned **[01:57:11.650] Rep. Antonio L. Tinio** (asr-001850) your thrust is acquisition of **[01:57:13.650] Rep. Antonio L. Tinio** (asr-001851) or investing in capital, **[01:57:15.650] Rep. Antonio L. Tinio** (asr-001852) right? **[01:57:17.650] DFA Assistant Secretary Charmaine A. Serna-Chua** (asr-001853) Yes, sir. **[01:57:19.650] Rep. Antonio L. Tinio** (asr-001854) But like what you said, **[01:57:21.650] Rep. Antonio L. Tinio** (asr-001855) mostly services, I think. **[01:57:23.650] Rep. Antonio L. Tinio** (asr-001856) Could you clarify that? **[01:57:25.650] DFA Assistant Secretary Charmaine A. Serna-Chua** (asr-001857) Sir, because, sir, **[01:57:27.650] DFA Assistant Secretary Charmaine A. Serna-Chua** (asr-001858) we're purchasing a lot lately **[01:57:29.650] DFA Assistant Secretary Charmaine A. Serna-Chua** (asr-001859) for cybersecurity, sir. **[01:57:31.650] DFA Assistant Secretary Charmaine A. Serna-Chua** (asr-001860) Our purchases **[01:57:33.650] DFA Assistant Secretary Charmaine A. Serna-Chua** (asr-001861) for capital outlay, sir, **[01:57:35.650] DFA Assistant Secretary Charmaine A. Serna-Chua** (asr-001862) we're upgrading, sir, **[01:57:37.650] DFA Assistant Secretary Charmaine A. Serna-Chua** (asr-001863) our infrastructure. **[01:57:39.650] DFA Assistant Secretary Charmaine A. Serna-Chua** (asr-001864) We're upgrading our infrastructure **[01:57:41.650] DFA Assistant Secretary Charmaine A. Serna-Chua** (asr-001865) in the capital outlay. **[01:57:43.650] DFA Assistant Secretary Charmaine A. Serna-Chua** (asr-001866) And, sir, most others would be... **[01:57:45.650] Rep. Antonio L. Tinio** (asr-001867) So, concretely, you mean purchases of **[01:57:47.650] Rep. Antonio L. Tinio** (asr-001868) computers? **[01:57:49.650] Rep. Antonio L. Tinio** (asr-001869) Routers? **[01:57:51.650] Rep. Antonio L. Tinio** (asr-001870) What do you acquire? **[01:57:53.650] DFA Assistant Secretary Charmaine A. Serna-Chua** (asr-001871) Sir, yung sa aming mga ICT projects, **[01:57:55.650] DFA Assistant Secretary Charmaine A. Serna-Chua** (asr-001872) ang malaki naming budget **[01:57:57.650] DFA Assistant Secretary Charmaine A. Serna-Chua** (asr-001873) would be for the OCA, sir. **[01:57:59.650] DFA Assistant Secretary Charmaine A. Serna-Chua** (asr-001874) Kasi sa consular offices. **[01:58:01.650] DFA Assistant Secretary Charmaine A. Serna-Chua** (asr-001875) Kasi, sir, as of now, **[01:58:03.650] DFA Assistant Secretary Charmaine A. Serna-Chua** (asr-001876) most of our, **[01:58:05.650] DFA Assistant Secretary Charmaine A. Serna-Chua** (asr-001877) what we're doing, marami, sir, kaming **[01:58:07.650] DFA Assistant Secretary Charmaine A. Serna-Chua** (asr-001878) projects on the ICT projects **[01:58:09.650] DFA Assistant Secretary Charmaine A. Serna-Chua** (asr-001879) amounting to **[01:58:11.650] DFA Assistant Secretary Charmaine A. Serna-Chua** (asr-001880) 511 million. **[01:58:13.650] DFA Assistant Secretary Charmaine A. Serna-Chua** (asr-001881) Critical infrastructure resilience **[01:58:15.650] DFA Assistant Secretary Charmaine A. Serna-Chua** (asr-001882) and the e-visa system and the **[01:58:17.650] DFA Assistant Secretary Charmaine A. Serna-Chua** (asr-001883) e-passport system, the OCA **[01:58:19.650] DFA Assistant Secretary Charmaine A. Serna-Chua** (asr-001884) would be in a better position to discuss. **[01:58:21.650] Rep. Antonio L. Tinio** (asr-001885) Now, yung **[01:58:23.650] Rep. Antonio L. Tinio** (asr-001886) e-passports, may hiwalay na budget, **[01:58:25.650] Rep. Antonio L. Tinio** (asr-001887) which is 5.5 **[01:58:27.650] Rep. Antonio L. Tinio** (asr-001888) billion. **[01:58:29.650] Rep. Antonio L. Tinio** (asr-001889) In your presentation, this is different **[01:58:31.650] Rep. Antonio L. Tinio** (asr-001890) from ICT expenditures, which is **[01:58:33.650] Rep. Antonio L. Tinio** (asr-001891) 956 million, almost **[01:58:35.650] Rep. Antonio L. Tinio** (asr-001892) 1 billion. So, ako, **[01:58:37.650] Rep. Antonio L. Tinio** (asr-001893) parang intindi ko, hiwalay pa yung e-passport, **[01:58:39.650] Rep. Antonio L. Tinio** (asr-001894) which I understand as a large **[01:58:41.650] Rep. Antonio L. Tinio** (asr-001895) ICT component. **[01:58:43.650] Rep. Antonio L. Tinio** (asr-001896) So, **[01:58:45.650] Rep. Antonio L. Tinio** (asr-001897) naroon, marami pong sinabi, **[01:58:47.650] Rep. Antonio L. Tinio** (asr-001898) pwede pong mabigay na lang yung **[01:58:49.650] Rep. Antonio L. Tinio** (asr-001899) detalyadong breakdown **[01:58:51.650] Rep. Antonio L. Tinio** (asr-001900) ng mga **[01:58:53.650] Rep. Antonio L. Tinio** (asr-001901) from 2025, 2026, **[01:58:55.650] Rep. Antonio L. Tinio** (asr-001902) and then the proposed 2027 **[01:58:57.650] Rep. Antonio L. Tinio** (asr-001903) in terms of the services, the providers, **[01:58:59.650] Rep. Antonio L. Tinio** (asr-001904) and so on. **[01:59:01.650] DFA Assistant Secretary Charmaine A. Serna-Chua** (asr-001905) We will comply, Your Honor. **[01:59:03.650] DFA Assistant Secretary Charmaine A. Serna-Chua** (asr-001906) We will comply, sir. We have a list **[01:59:05.650] DFA Assistant Secretary Charmaine A. Serna-Chua** (asr-001907) with me right now, then we'll send it **[01:59:07.650] DFA Assistant Secretary Charmaine A. Serna-Chua** (asr-001908) to you, sir. Thank you, sir. **[01:59:11.650] Rep. Antonio L. Tinio** (asr-001909) May iba pa tayong tanong, pero **[01:59:13.650] Rep. Antonio L. Tinio** (asr-001910) of course, you mentioned the **[01:59:15.650] Rep. Antonio L. Tinio** (asr-001911) question of securing **[01:59:17.650] Rep. Antonio L. Tinio** (asr-001912) the **[01:59:19.650] Rep. Antonio L. Tinio** (asr-001913) private data of **[01:59:21.650] Rep. Antonio L. Tinio** (asr-001914) lalo pa kayo hawak **[01:59:23.650] Rep. Antonio L. Tinio** (asr-001915) niyo yung passports. Could you just talk a little **[01:59:25.650] Rep. Antonio L. Tinio** (asr-001916) bit about that? Nasan ba **[01:59:27.650] Rep. Antonio L. Tinio** (asr-001917) actually, where is the passport **[01:59:29.650] Rep. Antonio L. Tinio** (asr-001918) data of the Filipino people? **[01:59:31.650] Rep. Antonio L. Tinio** (asr-001919) Where is it stored? **[01:59:33.650] Rep. Antonio L. Tinio** (asr-001920) Issue na kasi yan, diba? **[01:59:35.650] Rep. Antonio L. Tinio** (asr-001921) Na sa totoo lang, it's not **[01:59:37.650] Rep. Antonio L. Tinio** (asr-001922) stored. We do not have **[01:59:39.650] Rep. Antonio L. Tinio** (asr-001923) so-called data sovereignty. It's stored **[01:59:41.650] Rep. Antonio L. Tinio** (asr-001924) somewhere else, in some other country. **[01:59:43.650] Rep. Antonio L. Tinio** (asr-001925) Nasan po? At how can **[01:59:45.650] Rep. Antonio L. Tinio** (asr-001926) we assure **[01:59:47.650] Rep. Antonio L. Tinio** (asr-001927) the, you know, the privacy, the **[01:59:49.650] Rep. Antonio L. Tinio** (asr-001928) security, sovereignty over **[01:59:51.650] Rep. Antonio L. Tinio** (asr-001929) our own data? **[01:59:53.650] DFA Secretary Ma. Theresa P. Lazaro** (asr-001930) Your Honor, I will **[01:59:55.650] DFA Secretary Ma. Theresa P. Lazaro** (asr-001931) refer this to our Assistant Secretary for **[01:59:57.650] DFA Secretary Ma. Theresa P. Lazaro** (asr-001932) Consular Affairs. **[02:00:00.000] DFA Assistant Secretary Anne Jalando-on Louis** (asr-001933) honor good afternoon for the e-passport database we would like to inform or your honor that we have **[02:00:08.960] DFA Assistant Secretary Anne Jalando-on Louis** (asr-001934) a third party service provider for the production of the e-passport and that is one of our **[02:00:16.720] DFA Assistant Secretary Anne Jalando-on Louis** (asr-001935) recognized government printers the apo printing unit and at the moment they are in charge of the **[02:00:26.560] DFA Assistant Secretary Anne Jalando-on Louis** (asr-001936) uh database for the passport system and the data center is with them actually **[02:00:38.160] Rep. Antonio L. Tinio** (asr-001937) With them? So sino po ito? **[02:00:41.900] DFA Assistant Secretary Anne Jalando-on Louis** (asr-001937-split-2) That's the APO. **[02:00:42.600] Rep. Antonio L. Tinio** (asr-001937-split-3) APO, the data center is with them. What does that mean? Na meron silang sariling data center na nasa Pilipinas? **[02:00:49.840] DFA Assistant Secretary Anne Jalando-on Louis** (asr-001938) We have the passport production plant, which is located in Lima, Batangas. **[02:00:55.840] DFA Assistant Secretary Anne Jalando-on Louis** (asr-001939) That's operated by APO. **[02:00:57.520] Rep. Antonio L. Tinio** (asr-001940) And they have a data center? **[02:00:59.900] DFA Assistant Secretary Anne Jalando-on Louis** (asr-001940-split-2) Yes, they maintain a server for the passport database. **[02:01:05.200] Rep. Antonio L. Tinio** (asr-001941) So the passport database is in-country? **[02:01:07.600] DFA Assistant Secretary Anne Jalando-on Louis** (asr-001941-split-2) Yes. **[02:01:08.200] Rep. Antonio L. Tinio** (asr-001941-split-3) Okay. Pwede po magbigay na lang nung mas technical na report para maaral po natin. **[02:01:13.600] DFA Assistant Secretary Anne Jalando-on Louis** (asr-001941-split-4) Okay, **[02:01:14.200] Rep. Antonio L. Tinio** (asr-001941-split-5) thank you po. So parang sinasabi niyo, wala yan sa Amazon Web Services **[02:01:19.840] Rep. Antonio L. Tinio** (asr-001942) or something like that? **[02:01:21.000] DFA Assistant Secretary Anne Jalando-on Louis** (asr-001942-split-2) Yes. **[02:01:21.600] Rep. Antonio L. Tinio** (asr-001942-split-3) Not in the cloud? **[02:01:22.600] DFA Assistant Secretary Anne Jalando-on Louis** (asr-001942-split-4) Yes. **[02:01:23.200] Rep. Antonio L. Tinio** (asr-001942-split-5) Okay. Okay. **[02:01:26.560] Rep. Antonio L. Tinio** (asr-001943) Next questions po natin ay kaugnay. Well, yung sa Pax Silica, ang intindi ko kanina, wala kayong **[02:01:33.840] Rep. Antonio L. Tinio** (asr-001944) involvement. Is that correct? **[02:01:37.920] Rep. Antonio L. Tinio** (asr-001945) Kasi yung on the U.S. side, it's the U.S. State Department. **[02:01:42.320] Rep. Antonio L. Tinio** (asr-001946) Ang nagpupunta dito si Undersecretary of State Jacob Helberg. **[02:01:49.440] DFA Secretary Ma. Theresa P. Lazaro** (asr-001947) runner the initial discussions with the undersecretary of the state department **[02:01:57.520] DFA Secretary Ma. Theresa P. Lazaro** (asr-001948) we i was also we were had discussions and we were that the concept was still being formulated **[02:02:05.440] DFA Secretary Ma. Theresa P. Lazaro** (asr-001949) at that time however when the uh when the pac silica and particularly that document it was the **[02:02:14.640] DFA Secretary Ma. Theresa P. Lazaro** (asr-001950) department of trade and industry we deemed it that it will be dti although it's the state department **[02:02:21.600] DFA Secretary Ma. Theresa P. Lazaro** (asr-001951) on the other side but the state department is being handled by international economic affairs **[02:02:26.960] DFA Secretary Ma. Theresa P. Lazaro** (asr-001952) So we deemed it proper and appropriate na si DTI ang mag-handle this. **[02:02:32.560] DFA Secretary Ma. Theresa P. Lazaro** (asr-001953) So since then, of course, it has evolved. Now it's DTI and [unclear] that are now working on this. **[02:02:43.360] DFA Secretary Ma. Theresa P. Lazaro** (asr-001954) discussions our and the initial discussions we were involved in other concerned government agencies **[02:02:50.240] Rep. Antonio L. Tinio** (asr-001955) So, all right. So hindi na kayo directly involved at this point of time? **[02:02:55.960] DFA Secretary Ma. Theresa P. Lazaro** (asr-001956) no but we are part of well we still continue to follow this up and of course the messaging **[02:03:03.560] DFA Secretary Ma. Theresa P. Lazaro** (asr-001957) that we need to convey. **[02:03:06.720] Rep. Antonio L. Tinio** (asr-001957-split-2) Okay. So it's described as a non-binding agreement. **[02:03:09.800] Rep. Antonio L. Tinio** (asr-001958) Bilang DFA, pwede niyo po ba i-explain 'yon? Sabihin, ang dami na pong pangako ng Pax Silica. Apparently our industrial development is at stake with this agreement, pero non-binding naman siya. In other words, ang concern po natin ay, paano po kung **[02:03:35.160] Rep. Antonio L. Tinio** (asr-001959) this Pax Silica is very much associated with the presidency of Trump? **[02:03:39.800] Rep. Antonio L. Tinio** (asr-001960) Paano kung napalitan ang president? They have a presidential election in 2028. Meron pa bang **[02:03:46.920] Rep. Antonio L. Tinio** (asr-001961) Pax Silica after 2028? **[02:03:50.720] DFA Secretary Ma. Theresa P. Lazaro** (asr-001961-split-2) Your Honor, I would tend to compare this because **[02:03:57.240] DFA Secretary Ma. Theresa P. Lazaro** (asr-001962) even during the biden uh presidency uh if you recall there was **[02:04:03.640] DFA Secretary Ma. Theresa P. Lazaro** (asr-001963) this secretary of commerce raymundo who brought a good number of investors and most of them are in **[02:04:09.800] DFA Secretary Ma. Theresa P. Lazaro** (asr-001964) semiconductor industry so i think it's um i think as far as the uh americans are concerned **[02:04:16.920] DFA Secretary Ma. Theresa P. Lazaro** (asr-001965) this is a very important issue and the semiconductor industry of course critical **[02:04:21.240] DFA Secretary Ma. Theresa P. Lazaro** (asr-001966) minerals came in so um it seems that uh this is uh we i surmise that this will be a policy issue **[02:04:29.720] DFA Secretary Ma. Theresa P. Lazaro** (asr-001967) that will continue on uh whatever i mean because it was there during the biden administration **[02:04:38.440] Rep. Antonio L. Tinio** (asr-001968) Pero ang point lang po, **[02:04:40.440] Rep. Antonio L. Tinio** (asr-001969) it's also possible that a future administration may not continue with this. **[02:04:45.720] Rep. Antonio L. Tinio** (asr-001970) In other words, kasi nga non-binding, and it's not like it's a treaty **[02:04:49.960] Rep. Antonio L. Tinio** (asr-001971) with obligations, correct? **[02:04:52.500] DFA Secretary Ma. Theresa P. Lazaro** (asr-001971-split-2) Yes, Your Honor. It is possible. **[02:04:56.360] Rep. Antonio L. Tinio** (asr-001972) So, pwede rin talaga. Okay. **[02:04:59.480] Rep. Antonio L. Tinio** (asr-001973) Yun lang yung point. Now to the VFA Commission, **[02:05:03.160] Rep. Antonio L. Tinio** (asr-001974) tama ba? **[02:05:05.960] Rep. Antonio L. Tinio** (asr-001975) Sa inyong presentation ay, **[02:05:08.600] Rep. Antonio L. Tinio** (asr-001976) Of course, we have had a series of Status of Forces Agreements. **[02:05:16.760] Rep. Antonio L. Tinio** (asr-001977) Is the VFA Commission here? **[02:05:22.980] DFA Secretary Ma. Theresa P. Lazaro** (asr-001978) We have our Undersecretary for the Visiting Forces, Presidential Commission on the Visiting Forces. **[02:05:37.710] DFA Secretary Ma. Theresa P. Lazaro** (asr-001979) And he will be able to respond. **[02:05:39.090] Rep. Antonio L. Tinio** (asr-001980) PCVF, yes. **[02:05:40.230] Rep. Antonio L. Tinio** (asr-001981) So, in your presentation here, we have currently implemented SOFAs 1, 2, 3. **[02:05:52.920] Rep. Antonio L. Tinio** (asr-001982) Only three, correct? **[02:05:54.780] PCVF Executive Director Antonio Atanacio Habulan** (asr-001983) Currently, sir, yes. **[02:05:56.160] PCVF Executive Director Antonio Atanacio Habulan** (asr-001984) Actually, five already because the Senate has already granted concurrence for New Zealand and Canada. **[02:06:06.380] PCVF Executive Director Antonio Atanacio Habulan** (asr-001985) So, it's now five. **[02:06:07.120] Rep. Antonio L. Tinio** (asr-001986) So, it's now five. **[02:06:08.080] Rep. Antonio L. Tinio** (asr-001987) Your presentation is not updated. **[02:06:08.620] Rep. Antonio L. Tinio** (asr-001988) So, it's US, Australia, Japan. **[02:06:13.460] Rep. Antonio L. Tinio** (asr-001989) And then, most recently, New Zealand and Canada. **[02:06:19.880] Rep. Antonio L. Tinio** (asr-001990) And then, in the pipeline, it says here, sorry, awaiting ratification and concurrence, France? **[02:06:27.020] PCVF Executive Director Antonio Atanacio Habulan** (asr-001991) France, yes, sir. **[02:06:28.620] Rep. Antonio L. Tinio** (asr-001992) And in the pipeline, UK? **[02:06:33.140] PCVF Executive Director Antonio Atanacio Habulan** (asr-001993) That's correct, Your Honor. **[02:06:35.220] Rep. Antonio L. Tinio** (asr-001994) Is there another one in the pipeline? **[02:06:37.340] PCVF Executive Director Antonio Atanacio Habulan** (asr-001995) That's it for the current situation. **[02:06:41.480] PCVF Executive Director Antonio Atanacio Habulan** (asr-001996) That's the last one that we have. **[02:06:43.460] PCVF Executive Director Antonio Atanacio Habulan** (asr-001997) That's the last one that we have started negotiations with. **[02:06:45.760] Rep. Antonio L. Tinio** (asr-001998) Last one under this administration? **[02:06:48.540] Rep. Sancho Fernando "Ando" F. Oaminal** (asr-001999) Honorable Tinio, kindly wrap up, please. **[02:06:50.540] Rep. Antonio L. Tinio** (asr-002000) Yes, Your Honor. **[02:06:53.440] Rep. Antonio L. Tinio** (asr-002001) Okay. **[02:06:55.400] Rep. Antonio L. Tinio** (asr-002002) Pwede po bang mabigyan kami ng kopya ng complete text ng lahat ng mga SOFAs na ito? **[02:07:02.500] PCVF Executive Director Antonio Atanacio Habulan** (asr-002003) I think so, sir. **[02:07:03.720] PCVF Executive Director Antonio Atanacio Habulan** (asr-002004) We could provide that request from the DND because they are the lead agency with regards to the negotiations. **[02:07:13.220] Rep. Antonio L. Tinio** (asr-002005) The DND? **[02:07:14.160] PCVF Executive Director Antonio Atanacio Habulan** (asr-002006) Yes, sir. **[02:07:15.580] PCVF Executive Director Antonio Atanacio Habulan** (asr-002007) They're the lead. **[02:07:16.580] Rep. Antonio L. Tinio** (asr-002008) Oo, kayo na bahala doon, basta **[02:07:17.760] PCVF Executive Director Antonio Atanacio Habulan** (asr-002009) Yes, sir. **[02:07:18.260] Rep. Antonio L. Tinio** (asr-002010) please provide us. **[02:07:19.120] PCVF Executive Director Antonio Atanacio Habulan** (asr-002011) We will ask that from them. **[02:07:20.420] Rep. Antonio L. Tinio** (asr-002012) Kahit hindi na yung sa U.S., meron na kami noon. **[02:07:22.660] PCVF Executive Director Antonio Atanacio Habulan** (asr-002013) Yes, sir. **[02:07:23.060] Rep. Antonio L. Tinio** (asr-002014) Okay. **[02:07:23.740] PCVF Executive Director Antonio Atanacio Habulan** (asr-002015) Yes, Your Honor. **[02:07:24.180] Rep. Antonio L. Tinio** (asr-002016) Thank you po. **[02:07:25.640] Rep. Antonio L. Tinio** (asr-002017) Mr. Chair, meron pa yata. **[02:07:28.440] Rep. Sancho Fernando "Ando" F. Oaminal** (asr-002018) Okay, meron pa pala. **[02:07:30.040] Rep. Antonio L. Tinio** (asr-002019) The third set of questions has to do with West Philippine Sea and China. **[02:07:37.040] PCVF Executive Director Antonio Atanacio Habulan** (asr-002020) Thank you, Your Honor. **[02:07:37.840] Rep. Antonio L. Tinio** (asr-002021) Meron pong Twitter account ang Chinese Embassy in Manila. **[02:07:45.580] Rep. Antonio L. Tinio** (asr-002022) Are you aware of this Twitter account? **[02:07:47.580] Rep. Antonio L. Tinio** (asr-002023) And is this really the official one? **[02:07:50.580] Rep. Antonio L. Tinio** (asr-002024) Can we confirm that from the DFA? **[02:07:56.580] Rep. Sancho Fernando "Ando" F. Oaminal** (asr-002025) Last question, please, Honorable Tinio. **[02:07:59.580] DFA Secretary Ma. Theresa P. Lazaro** (asr-002026) Your Honor, let me refer this to our Maritime Affairs Office, please. **[02:08:05.580] DFA Deputy Assistant Secretary Rogelio Villanueva, Jr.** (asr-002027) Your Honor, we have monitored statements in the Twitter account, but we have to verify if these are authentic from the Chinese Embassy. **[02:08:18.060] Rep. Antonio L. Tinio** (asr-002028) So, what you're saying is, **[02:08:19.040] Rep. Antonio L. Tinio** (asr-002029) up to this point, you can't say here in the Congress if this Twitter account is authentic. **[02:08:30.040] Rep. Antonio L. Tinio** (asr-002030) It says there, the official Twitter account of the Embassy of the People's Republic of China in the Republic of the Philippines at China and Manila. **[02:08:40.040] Rep. Antonio L. Tinio** (asr-002031) And there's a link to their supposedly website, ph.chineseembassy.org. **[02:08:49.040] Rep. Antonio L. Tinio** (asr-002032) You just can't confirm that? **[02:08:59.120] DFA Deputy Assistant Secretary Rogelio Villanueva, Jr.** (asr-002033) Your Honor, I have to... **[02:09:00.200] Rep. Antonio L. Tinio** (asr-002034) Bakit po? Kasi po, you're all over the media at napaka-active ng Twitter account na ito claiming to be the official Twitter account of the Chinese Embassy in Manila. **[02:09:13.960] Rep. Antonio L. Tinio** (asr-002035) At kung ano-anong sinasabi nila. **[02:09:15.960] Rep. Antonio L. Tinio** (asr-002036) Tapos hindi niyo pa ma-confirm? **[02:09:17.960] DFA Deputy Assistant Secretary Rogelio Villanueva, Jr.** (asr-002037) Your Honor, I have to clarify my previous answer. **[02:09:20.960] DFA Deputy Assistant Secretary Rogelio Villanueva, Jr.** (asr-002038) According to our Asia Pacific office, this Twitter account is authentic. **[02:09:23.960] DFA Deputy Assistant Secretary Rogelio Villanueva, Jr.** (asr-002039) This Twitter account is authentic and is linked to the Chinese Embassy. **[02:09:28.100] Rep. Antonio L. Tinio** (asr-002039-split-2) Okay, so it's authentic. Ngayon, Mr. Chair, marami akong tanong dito, pero ititigil n'yo na yata ako, eh. **[02:09:36.100] Rep. Sancho Fernando "Ando" F. Oaminal** (asr-002040) Hindi po, Honorable Tinio, maybe because there are other members who are waiting. We will accommodate. **[02:09:43.720] Rep. Antonio L. Tinio** (asr-002041) I'm sorry for putting it that way, Mr. Chair. Alam ko naman po. So I will just continue in the second round. **[02:09:49.720] Rep. Sancho Fernando "Ando" F. Oaminal** (asr-002042) Thank you, Honorable Tinio. May we acknowledge the presence **[02:09:57.960] Rep. Sancho Fernando "Ando" F. Oaminal** (asr-002043) of um or a good congressman from the province of bukidnon who **[02:10:05.080] Rep. Sancho Fernando "Ando" F. Oaminal** (asr-002044) has manifested not to interpolate anymore as long as she will get the commitment that a **[02:10:10.760] Rep. Sancho Fernando "Ando" F. Oaminal** (asr-002045) consular office be constructed in her district, the Honorable Laarni Lavin Roque. **[02:10:20.510] Rep. Sancho Fernando "Ando" F. Oaminal** (asr-002046) and **[02:10:21.070] Rep. Sancho Fernando "Ando" F. Oaminal** (asr-002047) Now we proceed with our next interpellator, the good congressman from Cagayan de Oro **[02:10:28.430] Rep. Sancho Fernando "Ando" F. Oaminal** (asr-002048) Honorable Rufus Rodriguez. Sir, you're, uh... **[02:10:30.390] Rep. Rufus B. Rodriguez** (asr-002048-split-2) Thank you very much, Mr. Chairman, my fellow Mindanaon. **[02:10:35.470] Rep. Rufus B. Rodriguez** (asr-002049) first of all i would like to greet our dfa officialdom and its attached agencies **[02:10:43.070] Rep. Rufus B. Rodriguez** (asr-002050) led by secretary teslazaro i have read mr chairman **[02:10:49.150] Rep. Rufus B. Rodriguez** (asr-002051) the various accomplishments **[02:10:51.650] Rep. Rufus B. Rodriguez** (asr-002052) of the Department of Foreign Affairs. First, the protection of overseas Filipinos. **[02:10:59.000] Rep. Rufus B. Rodriguez** (asr-002053) They protected our people overseas. Next is the consular services, bringing them closer to the people. **[02:11:08.700] Rep. Rufus B. Rodriguez** (asr-002054) Then we have the digital transformation of consular services **[02:11:14.190] Rep. Rufus B. Rodriguez** (asr-002055) make it **[02:11:15.950] Rep. Rufus B. Rodriguez** (asr-002056) faster **[02:11:16.990] Rep. Rufus B. Rodriguez** (asr-002057) to serve **[02:11:18.110] Rep. Rufus B. Rodriguez** (asr-002058) our people. And then **[02:11:19.010] Rep. Rufus B. Rodriguez** (asr-002059) most importantly, the West Philippine Sea. **[02:11:22.450] Rep. Rufus B. Rodriguez** (asr-002060) There's a statement in the report that the Philippines will remain steadfast in upholding **[02:11:27.550] Rep. Rufus B. Rodriguez** (asr-002061) its interests in the West Philippine Sea, anchored on the 1982 United Nations Convention **[02:11:35.910] Rep. Rufus B. Rodriguez** (asr-002062) of the Loved Sea and the July 12, 2016 Arbitrar Award. **[02:11:42.870] Rep. Rufus B. Rodriguez** (asr-002063) And all of this, we thank the strong, dedicated leadership of Secretary Tess Lazaro. **[02:11:53.210] Rep. Rufus B. Rodriguez** (asr-002064) And because of that, because of these achievements, Mr. Chairman, this representation would like **[02:12:01.130] Rep. Rufus B. Rodriguez** (asr-002065) to therefore manifest not only my support to the budget, but to ask the Honorable Secretary, **[02:12:10.250] Rep. Rufus B. Rodriguez** (asr-002066) what else are you asking? **[02:12:14.320] Rep. Rufus B. Rodriguez** (asr-002067) Thank you very much. **[02:12:14.880] DFA Secretary Ma. Theresa P. Lazaro** (asr-002068) Your Honor, Congressman Rodriguez, you've been very, very supportive of us from day **[02:12:20.520] DFA Secretary Ma. Theresa P. Lazaro** (asr-002069) one. **[02:12:21.520] DFA Secretary Ma. Theresa P. Lazaro** (asr-002070) And the whole officialdom of the Department of Foreign Affairs really gives you our, I **[02:12:26.640] DFA Secretary Ma. Theresa P. Lazaro** (asr-002071) would like to convey to you our deep appreciation. **[02:12:30.420] DFA Secretary Ma. Theresa P. Lazaro** (asr-002072) Your Honor, you're asking for our wish list. **[02:12:34.240] Rep. Rufus B. Rodriguez** (asr-002073) Because last year we increased your budget, the judiciary, we increased it by 13 billion **[02:12:41.000] Rep. Rufus B. Rodriguez** (asr-002074) because I am the one in charge there. **[02:12:43.120] Rep. Rufus B. Rodriguez** (asr-002075) Well, of course, in your case, we did. **[02:12:44.320] Rep. Rufus B. Rodriguez** (asr-002076) So we know from you, your priority list, like the request of the Butuan, oh, no, sorry, **[02:12:51.900] Rep. Rufus B. Rodriguez** (asr-002077) the request of the Bukidnon for Consular Office. **[02:12:56.100] Rep. Rufus B. Rodriguez** (asr-002078) And then let me tell you that he will not anymore interpret the Congressman of Butuan **[02:13:01.880] Rep. Rufus B. Rodriguez** (asr-002079) City, Joe Boy Aquino, and he has tasked me to ask you for vehicles for the Butuan Consular **[02:13:09.680] Rep. Rufus B. Rodriguez** (asr-002080) Offices. **[02:13:10.680] Rep. Rufus B. Rodriguez** (asr-002081) Is that approved also? **[02:13:11.680] Rep. Rufus B. Rodriguez** (asr-002082) Because the- **[02:13:14.860] DFA Secretary Ma. Theresa P. Lazaro** (asr-002083) We are under the- **[02:13:15.860] DFA Secretary Ma. Theresa P. Lazaro** (asr-002084) Your Honor, just to tell you, just to answer the vehicle, at this point of time, for 2027, **[02:13:24.640] DFA Secretary Ma. Theresa P. Lazaro** (asr-002085) we don't have a car fleet. **[02:13:27.980] DFA Secretary Ma. Theresa P. Lazaro** (asr-002086) It is not in our- **[02:13:28.980] Rep. Rufus B. Rodriguez** (asr-002087) We should put them, Mr. Chairman, because the Congressman of Butuan, my neighbor, has **[02:13:35.100] Rep. Rufus B. Rodriguez** (asr-002088) requested that. **[02:13:36.100] Rep. Rufus B. Rodriguez** (asr-002089) But how about the Bukidnon Consular Office, okay? **[02:13:40.820] DFA Secretary Ma. Theresa P. Lazaro** (asr-002090) I think this is also under review together with the- **[02:13:45.700] DFA Secretary Ma. Theresa P. Lazaro** (asr-002091) Um **[02:13:45.820] DFA Secretary Ma. Theresa P. Lazaro** (asr-002092) Nueva Ecija and that of Virac, Catanduanes. **[02:13:50.300] DFA Secretary Ma. Theresa P. Lazaro** (asr-002093) So we are, as I said, we are going to coordinate with the Department of Budget and Management **[02:13:55.700] DFA Secretary Ma. Theresa P. Lazaro** (asr-002094) to give us the necessary funds. But, Your Honor, **[02:13:58.500] DFA Secretary Ma. Theresa P. Lazaro** (asr-002095) we are very, very conscious of the requests of your **[02:14:02.100] DFA Secretary Ma. Theresa P. Lazaro** (asr-002096) co-legislators. **[02:14:03.400] Rep. Rufus B. Rodriguez** (asr-002097) And so what is the prioritization of the wish list? **[02:14:06.900] DFA Secretary Ma. Theresa P. Lazaro** (asr-002098) Okay, wish list. Thank you very much. **[02:14:08.500] DFA Secretary Ma. Theresa P. Lazaro** (asr-002099) First of all, I'd like to give **[02:14:10.300] DFA Secretary Ma. Theresa P. Lazaro** (asr-002100) very specific po to our Office of Fiscal Management, the first request on that wish list. **[02:14:15.820] DFA Secretary Ma. Theresa P. Lazaro** (asr-002101) So number one, **[02:14:25.000] DFA Assistant Secretary Anne Jalando-on Louis** (asr-002101-split-2) good afternoon, Your Honor. Among the requests being made by the DFA is the inclusion, again, of special provision on the exemption of our Chancery's consulates abroad from the requirement of a MICA so they could enter into a lease of up to five years. Yes. **[02:14:54.140] DFA Assistant Secretary Anne Jalando-on Louis** (asr-002102) So, nasa JA na ho ito kahapon, wala lang, last year. **[02:15:00.000] Rep. Rufus B. Rodriguez** (asr-002103) language for that can you submit that language that's correct next number two actually uh your **[02:15:08.400] DFA Secretary Ma. Theresa P. Lazaro** (asr-002104) honor number two is really um which has been asked by uh congressman it's it's really the **[02:15:14.400] DFA Secretary Ma. Theresa P. Lazaro** (asr-002105) issue of cyber security um because of the documentation that has been with us and we **[02:15:21.440] DFA Secretary Ma. Theresa P. Lazaro** (asr-002106) have been receiving a good number of attacks and and that's why there has been that issue of the **[02:15:28.800] DFA Secretary Ma. Theresa P. Lazaro** (asr-002107) high budget that we're requesting on cyber security we do receive um even not only a weekly **[02:15:37.600] DFA Secretary Ma. Theresa P. Lazaro** (asr-002108) but um i don't know how you called attacks or hacks because of the documentation particularly **[02:15:44.800] DFA Secretary Ma. Theresa P. Lazaro** (asr-002109) because we're the chair of asean so um i think uh but uh congressman tino is requested for a list **[02:15:52.720] DFA Secretary Ma. Theresa P. Lazaro** (asr-002110) for a better understanding but we need that um your honor for our **[02:15:58.800] DFA Secretary Ma. Theresa P. Lazaro** (asr-002111) cyber security needs **[02:16:00.640] Rep. Rufus B. Rodriguez** (asr-002111-split-2) how much is the budget for that needed **[02:16:01.560] DFA Secretary Ma. Theresa P. Lazaro** (asr-002111-split-2-split-2) how much? **[02:16:07.040] DFA Assistant Secretary Charmaine A. Serna-Chua** (asr-002112) If I may po, Madam Secretary, 10M **[02:16:09.880] Rep. Rufus B. Rodriguez** (asr-002112-split-2) 10 million, very small. **[02:16:17.900] Rep. Rufus B. Rodriguez** (asr-002112-split-3) Um, it's really, um, 10 million. **[02:16:22.340] DFA Secretary Ma. Theresa P. Lazaro** (asr-002112-split-4) 10 million, tama, puwede hong billion din naman kung billion, but 10 million. **[02:16:26.050] DFA Secretary Ma. Theresa P. Lazaro** (asr-002113) actually um the reason why um this is really very important we're trying even to get **[02:16:32.210] DFA Secretary Ma. Theresa P. Lazaro** (asr-002114) this this infrastructure coming from estonia because it's it's really probably one of the best **[02:16:44.110] DFA Assistant Secretary Charmaine A. Serna-Chua** (asr-002115) mom our capital outlay was slashed by dbm by 500 million but i know it's asking too much **[02:16:52.910] DFA Assistant Secretary Charmaine A. Serna-Chua** (asr-002116) po. So if we may put 250 million. **[02:16:56.000] Rep. Rufus B. Rodriguez** (asr-002116-split-2) Security reduction? **[02:16:57.000] DFA Assistant Secretary Charmaine A. Serna-Chua** (asr-002116-split-3) Yes sir, kasi po ini-slash po ng DBM all **[02:16:59.950] DFA Assistant Secretary Charmaine A. Serna-Chua** (asr-002117) ICT capital outlay. MOE lang po kami. Subscription lang po kami lahat. **[02:17:08.350] DFA Assistant Secretary Charmaine A. Serna-Chua** (asr-002118) but it's a very big amount for it's 511 million **[02:17:12.430] Rep. Rufus B. Rodriguez** (asr-002119) What is the list that you can ask? **[02:17:15.400] DFA Assistant Secretary Charmaine A. Serna-Chua** (asr-002119-split-2) 250 million po. **[02:17:17.040] Rep. Rufus B. Rodriguez** (asr-002119-split-3) Okay, so we will put this here on record 250 **[02:17:20.190] Rep. Rufus B. Rodriguez** (asr-002120) million for cyber security what is the third one **[02:17:23.360] DFA Secretary Ma. Theresa P. Lazaro** (asr-002120-split-2) the third one uh your honor is um as time progresses **[02:17:28.190] DFA Secretary Ma. Theresa P. Lazaro** (asr-002121) and we have now an increasing number of foreign service establishments some of it is now i think **[02:17:35.950] DFA Secretary Ma. Theresa P. Lazaro** (asr-002122) the appropriate time for us to purchase some of it is now i think the appropriate time for us to purchase **[02:17:38.430] DFA Secretary Ma. Theresa P. Lazaro** (asr-002123) and those that we have purchased we need to maintain so if um your honors if you can visit **[02:17:45.950] DFA Secretary Ma. Theresa P. Lazaro** (asr-002124) singapore or the philippine embassy in singapore it's a brand new building and then we're also now **[02:17:51.790] DFA Secretary Ma. Theresa P. Lazaro** (asr-002125) looking at the many other posts because it is already um it's already there but we have to **[02:17:57.870] DFA Secretary Ma. Theresa P. Lazaro** (asr-002126) maintain it in some of many times so that's that's um the third wish list uh your honor **[02:18:04.030] DFA Secretary Ma. Theresa P. Lazaro** (asr-002127) the maintenance and establishment and purchase of the **[02:18:08.510] DFA Secretary Ma. Theresa P. Lazaro** (asr-002128) And we want an increase in the building fund. **[02:18:11.500] Rep. Rufus B. Rodriguez** (asr-002128-split-2) But you have a building fund, right? You just want augmentation? **[02:18:16.400] DFA Secretary Ma. Theresa P. Lazaro** (asr-002128-split-3) Yes, but we still need to continue with our building fund, Congressman, which is 1.4 billion for fiscal year 2027. That's the proposal. **[02:18:36.480] DFA Assistant Secretary Emilio T. Fernandez** (asr-002129) It has been reduced considerably from the current year. For example, we have 1.75. **[02:18:40.760] DFA Assistant Secretary Emilio T. Fernandez** (asr-002130) But because of **[02:18:42.300] DFA Assistant Secretary Emilio T. Fernandez** (asr-002131) fiscal prudence for some of the figures have gone down but if we can increase it a little bit more **[02:18:50.060] DFA Assistant Secretary Emilio T. Fernandez** (asr-002132) we will be able to **[02:18:51.300] Rep. Rufus B. Rodriguez** (asr-002132-split-2) how much for the building fund the augmentation they're all reasonable **[02:18:58.290] DFA Undersecretary Maria Theresa B. Dizon-De Vega** (asr-002133) we uh we were reduced by 300 million so if we could get one point uh for 1.4 plus 300 million **[02:19:07.330] DFA Undersecretary Maria Theresa B. Dizon-De Vega** (asr-002134) for next year that will give us more fiscal space to accomplish all the targets for our building **[02:19:15.570] DFA Undersecretary Maria Theresa B. Dizon-De Vega** (asr-002135) fund. **[02:19:15.900] Rep. Rufus B. Rodriguez** (asr-002135-split-2) So you need, you already given 1.4 billion for next year? **[02:19:18.800] DFA Undersecretary Maria Theresa B. Dizon-De Vega** (asr-002135-split-3) 1.4 po yung NEP ho namin. **[02:19:21.200] Rep. Rufus B. Rodriguez** (asr-002135-split-4) Yes, that's right. So you're only **[02:19:22.610] Rep. Rufus B. Rodriguez** (asr-002136) asking for additional 300 million. Is that correct? **[02:19:25.600] DFA Undersecretary Maria Theresa B. Dizon-De Vega** (asr-002136-split-2) If we can restore the 300 million. **[02:19:28.600] Rep. Rufus B. Rodriguez** (asr-002136-split-3) Yes, yes. **[02:19:30.050] Rep. Rufus B. Rodriguez** (asr-002137) Definitely, it's very very reasonable. **[02:19:32.500] DFA Undersecretary Maria Theresa B. Dizon-De Vega** (asr-002137-split-2) Okay sir, thank you po. Yun sir, that's our wish list. **[02:19:35.800] Rep. Rufus B. Rodriguez** (asr-002137-split-3) Okay, so very **[02:19:36.610] Rep. Rufus B. Rodriguez** (asr-002138) reasonable, Mr. Chairman. **[02:19:38.210] Rep. Rufus B. Rodriguez** (asr-002139) so uh we are therefore going to support this mr chairman and of course uh chairman mika is **[02:19:46.130] Rep. Rufus B. Rodriguez** (asr-002140) coming here and uh the record will show that they need the special provision that is just **[02:19:52.770] Rep. Rufus B. Rodriguez** (asr-002141) a provision in the uh in the jaa cyber security budget is only uh 250 million **[02:20:01.010] Rep. Rufus B. Rodriguez** (asr-002142) and 300 for that no cyber security so much **[02:20:05.700] DFA Undersecretary Maria Theresa B. Dizon-De Vega** (asr-002142-split-2) for the building fund your honor **[02:20:06.500] Rep. Rufus B. Rodriguez** (asr-002142-split-3) yeah no for the building **[02:20:07.330] Rep. Rufus B. Rodriguez** (asr-002143) fund is about 300 million and then for the cyber security fund is 250. yeah mr chairman we are **[02:20:15.490] Rep. Rufus B. Rodriguez** (asr-002144) saying therefore that the dfa is our face internationally and they have been doing a good **[02:20:22.850] Rep. Rufus B. Rodriguez** (asr-002145) job i have been to many embassies they're so helpful to congressmen when we visit them **[02:20:28.610] Rep. Rufus B. Rodriguez** (asr-002146) they are always working some i have given to the secretary the request for enlargement like australia **[02:20:37.650] Rep. Rufus B. Rodriguez** (asr-002147) canberra the enlargement of the uh their consular offices mainly the consular offices because they **[02:20:44.610] Rep. Rufus B. Rodriguez** (asr-002148) serve a lot of filipinos so uh i would say mr chairman that the wish list is reasonable **[02:20:53.010] Rep. Rufus B. Rodriguez** (asr-002149) and so i am therefore would like to manifest that in the proper time **[02:21:00.610] Rep. Rufus B. Rodriguez** (asr-002150) i will move for the uh not only the approval of the present budget of proposed by nep **[02:21:07.570] Rep. Rufus B. Rodriguez** (asr-002151) of the uh dfa and no before that how about the attached agencies what are their requirements **[02:21:15.330] Rep. Rufus B. Rodriguez** (asr-002152) let me tell you i support the visiting forces agreement i support more **[02:21:24.130] Rep. Rufus B. Rodriguez** (asr-002153) at com our visiting forces sites i support tax silica tax silica is good for our country economically **[02:21:37.330] Rep. Rufus B. Rodriguez** (asr-002154) for job employment and for income of our country so this representation believes in what the **[02:21:43.410] Rep. Rufus B. Rodriguez** (asr-002155) executive has done tax silica visiting forces why because we have to deter china in its expansionary **[02:21:53.890] Rep. Rufus B. Rodriguez** (asr-002156) designs so that is the my uh my view there so maybe no now from from the uh our uh our agencies what are their requirements **[02:22:07.570] DFA Secretary Ma. Theresa P. Lazaro** (asr-002157) your honor i can simply say that i think **[02:22:11.490] DFA Secretary Ma. Theresa P. Lazaro** (asr-002158) they're on standby but there's one particular request from the foreign service institute **[02:22:16.850] DFA Secretary Ma. Theresa P. Lazaro** (asr-002159) which is our training arm. **[02:22:25.249] Rep. Rufus B. Rodriguez** (asr-002159-split-2) Good friend. Please, you have the floor. **[02:22:35.310] FSI Director General Neil Frank R. Ferrer** (asr-002160) Thank you, Madam Secretary, and good afternoon, Your Honor. For the Foreign Service **[02:22:37.580] FSI Director General Neil Frank R. Ferrer** (asr-002161) Institute, we are, in our wish list, the only one, Your Honor, and that is the HMO, the health insurance **[02:22:44.940] FSI Director General Neil Frank R. Ferrer** (asr-002162) for the almost 100 personnel of the Institute, amounting to 6.5 million pesos only, Your Honor. **[02:22:54.880] Rep. Rufus B. Rodriguez** (asr-002163) 6.5? So that's approved according to the Chairman. **[02:23:00.320] FSI Director General Neil Frank R. Ferrer** (asr-002163-split-2) Thank you so much, Your Honor. **[02:23:02.240] Rep. Rufus B. Rodriguez** (asr-002163-split-3) So what else of the **[02:23:03.140] Rep. Rufus B. Rodriguez** (asr-002164) agencies are you okay with others so that we have some fiscal space and dfa is very important that **[02:23:12.490] Rep. Rufus B. Rodriguez** (asr-002165) we will have these are not even very big so uh **[02:23:16.800] PCVF Executive Director Antonio Atanacio Habulan** (asr-002165-split-2) your honor the visiting forces agreement uh **[02:23:19.450] PCVF Executive Director Antonio Atanacio Habulan** (asr-002166) presidential mission x no funding because uh the new uh agreements that we have right now **[02:23:30.940] PCVF Executive Director Antonio Atanacio Habulan** (asr-002167) are still not not uh not operational in the sense that there are no activities yet scheduled for **[02:23:38.420] PCVF Executive Director Antonio Atanacio Habulan** (asr-002168) those in with canada and new zealand **[02:23:40.620] Rep. Rufus B. Rodriguez** (asr-002168-split-2) in the future you know what would you like to have more visiting **[02:23:44.620] Rep. Rufus B. Rodriguez** (asr-002169) force agreements with many countries **[02:23:46.140] Rep. Rufus B. Rodriguez** (asr-002170) i support that **[02:23:47.160] PCVF Executive Director Antonio Atanacio Habulan** (asr-002170-split-2) yes sir what we would like to request though is uh to have some of the positions **[02:23:52.640] PCVF Executive Director Antonio Atanacio Habulan** (asr-002171) of the office to become permanent because they're all of our staff except for myself **[02:23:58.580] PCVF Executive Director Antonio Atanacio Habulan** (asr-002172) are contractual employees so **[02:24:02.520] Rep. Rufus B. Rodriguez** (asr-002172-split-2) dbm right **[02:24:04.040] PCVF Executive Director Antonio Atanacio Habulan** (asr-002172-split-3) yes yes sir so we are already requesting for that or **[02:24:08.240] PCVF Executive Director Antonio Atanacio Habulan** (asr-002173) we'll request for that soon enough uh through our chairperson the secretary of foreign affairs **[02:24:14.860] PCVF Executive Director Antonio Atanacio Habulan** (asr-002174) but that's **[02:24:16.140] PCVF Executive Director Antonio Atanacio Habulan** (asr-002175) still have to be processed by the dbm as well probably next year uh **[02:24:22.000] Rep. Rufus B. Rodriguez** (asr-002175-split-2) how many positions and **[02:24:23.080] Rep. Rufus B. Rodriguez** (asr-002176) how much would you need **[02:24:23.840] PCVF Executive Director Antonio Atanacio Habulan** (asr-002176-split-2) we're asking for uh 13 permanent positions yes so to to ensure the **[02:24:32.120] PCVF Executive Director Antonio Atanacio Habulan** (asr-002177) continuity of the office in terms of the institutional knowledge that we have to retain **[02:24:38.440] PCVF Executive Director Antonio Atanacio Habulan** (asr-002178) as well as fiduciary functions that need to be permanent **[02:24:43.200] Rep. Rufus B. Rodriguez** (asr-002178-split-2) and how much would this entail the **[02:24:44.740] Rep. Rufus B. Rodriguez** (asr-002179) expenses for the year **[02:24:46.140] PCVF Executive Director Antonio Atanacio Habulan** (asr-002180) um well there are additional positions that we will still be requesting i think it will involve uh **[02:24:52.660] PCVF Executive Director Antonio Atanacio Habulan** (asr-002181) a little more, a little less than three million additional for PS. **[02:24:56.120] Rep. Rufus B. Rodriguez** (asr-002181-split-2) Three million? **[02:24:57.260] PCVF Executive Director Antonio Atanacio Habulan** (asr-002181-split-3) Yes sir, but that is **[02:24:58.660] PCVF Executive Director Antonio Atanacio Habulan** (asr-002182) still for the future, not this year. Well, **[02:25:01.500] PCVF Executive Director Antonio Atanacio Habulan** (asr-002184) for now. Thank you, thank you. **[02:25:03.180] PCVF Executive Director Antonio Atanacio Habulan** (asr-002185) We will also work for that. **[02:25:05.000] Rep. Rufus B. Rodriguez** (asr-002185-split-2) Thank you very much, Secretary. Yeah, I'm going to wrap up, Mr. Chairman. **[02:25:14.160] DFA Undersecretary Maria Theresa B. Dizon-De Vega** (asr-002185-split-3) Sorry, sir, are you still asking for a wish list? **[02:25:16.860] Rep. Rufus B. Rodriguez** (asr-002186) No, for the other attached agencies, because you have already **[02:25:19.820] DFA Undersecretary Maria Theresa B. Dizon-De Vega** (asr-002187) Wala na po. There's one which is our UNESCO National Commission, but we were informed that **[02:25:25.340] Rep. Rufus B. Rodriguez** (asr-002188) so far they're good so finally may i request the honorable secretary to give us a letter addressed **[02:25:33.100] Rep. Rufus B. Rodriguez** (asr-002189) to our chairperson mikas one singh on this dfa this is your need foreign service institute only **[02:25:40.780] Rep. Rufus B. Rodriguez** (asr-002190) 6.5 bfa 3 million and then in your case it's about 350 million and the special provision if **[02:25:49.580] Rep. Rufus B. Rodriguez** (asr-002191) this can be in writing because we will take it up i'm also vice chairman of the uh of preparations **[02:25:57.260] Rep. Rufus B. Rodriguez** (asr-002192) and we will have a meeting of vice chairs and i will push for this because i believe in the **[02:26:02.540] Rep. Rufus B. Rodriguez** (asr-002193) department of foreign affairs under your leadership and that is why we strongly promote this so mr **[02:26:09.500] Rep. Rufus B. Rodriguez** (asr-002194) german **[02:26:10.780] Rep. Rufus B. Rodriguez** (asr-002195) i move to terminate already **[02:26:13.320] Rep. Sancho Fernando "Ando" F. Oaminal** (asr-002195-split-2) um honorable uh rufus uh **[02:26:16.720] Rep. Rufus B. Rodriguez** (asr-002195-split-3) yeah because they have already **[02:26:18.140] Rep. Rufus B. Rodriguez** (asr-002196) we have started already and uh **[02:26:20.400] Rep. Sancho Fernando "Ando" F. Oaminal** (asr-002196-split-2) you know we'll ask our friends to ask in the plenary **[02:26:23.980] Rep. Sancho Fernando "Ando" F. Oaminal** (asr-002197) because after all they will ask a couple of um our colleagues who wish to **[02:26:29.980] Rep. Sancho Fernando "Ando" F. Oaminal** (asr-002198) interpellate, um, in this hearing, has not yet spoken. **[02:26:35.720] Rep. Rufus B. Rodriguez** (asr-002198-split-2) I, I will, I will withdraw, but **[02:26:38.620] Rep. Rufus B. Rodriguez** (asr-002199) it is really my stand **[02:26:40.780] Rep. Rufus B. Rodriguez** (asr-002200) that we already already terminate these proceedings and already recommend **[02:26:47.340] Rep. Rufus B. Rodriguez** (asr-002201) to the plenary your budget plus the wish list that you have so my thanks again secretary **[02:26:53.020] Rep. Rufus B. Rodriguez** (asr-002202) lazaro thank you for the foreign service doing very well in this country and abroad thank you **[02:26:57.420] Rep. Rufus B. Rodriguez** (asr-002203) very much thank you for all your support for the filipino people thank you very much mr german **[02:27:03.020] Rep. Sancho Fernando "Ando" F. Oaminal** (asr-002204) thank you honorable rufus rodriguez and uh thank you for um not moving for a motion to **[02:27:10.780] Rep. Sancho Fernando "Ando" F. Oaminal** (asr-002205) increase their budget uh at this time otherwise our good colleague and co-sponsor here would be **[02:27:19.180] Rep. Sancho Fernando "Ando" F. Oaminal** (asr-002206) oblig obliged to um gives uh allocate some of his budget and uh transfer it to the dfa proposed **[02:27:30.860] Rep. Sancho Fernando "Ando" F. Oaminal** (asr-002207) budget nope and but uh thank you for the manifestation of course as sponsors we will fully **[02:27:37.740] Rep. Sancho Fernando "Ando" F. Oaminal** (asr-002208) support that. And may we **[02:27:41.740] Rep. Sancho Fernando "Ando" F. Oaminal** (asr-002209) remind **[02:27:42.840] Rep. Sancho Fernando "Ando" F. Oaminal** (asr-002210) the good **[02:27:43.840] Rep. Sancho Fernando "Ando" F. Oaminal** (asr-002211) secretary that **[02:27:44.840] Rep. Sancho Fernando "Ando" F. Oaminal** (asr-002212) our good chairperson Mikaela Suansing has set the deadline for the additional wish list **[02:27:53.840] Rep. Sancho Fernando "Ando" F. Oaminal** (asr-002213) that would be **[02:27:55.820] Rep. Sancho Fernando "Ando" F. Oaminal** (asr-002214) next week and **[02:27:57.820] Rep. Sancho Fernando "Ando" F. Oaminal** (asr-002215) it should be properly **[02:27:59.820] Rep. Sancho Fernando "Ando" F. Oaminal** (asr-002216) endorsed and signed po **[02:28:01.820] Rep. Sancho Fernando "Ando" F. Oaminal** (asr-002217) by the good secretary **[02:28:04.940] Rep. Sancho Fernando "Ando" F. Oaminal** (asr-002218) no, so **[02:28:05.340] Rep. Sancho Fernando "Ando" F. Oaminal** (asr-002219) Wednesday next week **[02:28:07.340] Rep. Sancho Fernando "Ando" F. Oaminal** (asr-002220) by Wednesday next week po **[02:28:09.420] Rep. Sancho Fernando "Ando" F. Oaminal** (asr-002221) and **[02:28:10.300] Rep. Sancho Fernando "Ando" F. Oaminal** (asr-002222) of **[02:28:10.780] Rep. Sancho Fernando "Ando" F. Oaminal** (asr-002225) course uh you already have several vice chairpersons um behind you supporting for your **[02:28:17.620] Rep. Sancho Fernando "Ando" F. Oaminal** (asr-002226) additional uh request for funding thank you our good colleague congressman rufus but mr chair **[02:28:25.760] DFA Secretary Ma. Theresa P. Lazaro** (asr-002227) with your permission again i would like to reiterate on behalf of the department of foreign **[02:28:30.660] DFA Secretary Ma. Theresa P. Lazaro** (asr-002228) affairs family our appreciation and thanks for the non-stop support and the full support **[02:28:37.080] DFA Secretary Ma. Theresa P. Lazaro** (asr-002229) of congressman rodriguez thank you very much sir **[02:28:41.000] Rep. Sancho Fernando "Ando" F. Oaminal** (asr-002229-split-2) thank you and um and now we proceed uh **[02:28:47.790] Rep. Sancho Fernando "Ando" F. Oaminal** (asr-002230) to the next interpolator the honorable sarah elago from the minority **[02:28:52.730] Rep. Sarah Jane I. Elago** (asr-002231) Maraming salamat, Mr. Chair. **[02:28:55.930] Rep. Sarah Jane I. Elago** (asr-002232) Ilang mga paglilinaw mula sa representasyon ng Gabriela. Bakit ho napakaliit ng ating utilization rate pagdating sa pondo para sa Assistance to Nationals at Legal Assistance Fund? **[02:29:08.690] Rep. Sarah Jane I. Elago** (asr-002233) Napakaliit ho nito **[02:29:11.000] Rep. Sarah Jane I. Elago** (asr-002234) kumpara doon sa ating target at sa panahon pa na patong-patong ang krisis sa buong daigdig na nararanasan din ng ating mga kababayang Pilipino na nakatira at nagtatrabaho sa ibayong dagat. **[02:29:25.490] DFA Secretary Ma. Theresa P. Lazaro** (asr-002235) Thank you, Your Honor. Ibibigay ko po ang makakasagot po, our Office of Migrant Affairs. **[02:29:30.800] DFA OIC Undersecretary Ezzedin H. Tago** (asr-002235-split-2) Thank you, ma'am. Thank you for the question, honorable member. **[02:29:37.610] DFA OIC Undersecretary Ezzedin H. Tago** (asr-002236) the **[02:29:39.510] DFA OIC Undersecretary Ezzedin H. Tago** (asr-002237) the dfa atn fund used to fund many aspects of assistance to nationals including repatriation **[02:29:47.530] DFA OIC Undersecretary Ezzedin H. Tago** (asr-002238) welfare and so on for all filipinos who are in distress overseas and also the legal assistance **[02:29:56.210] DFA OIC Undersecretary Ezzedin H. Tago** (asr-002239) fund used to cover uh hiring of lawyers and **[02:30:00.000] DFA OIC Undersecretary Ezzedin H. Tago** (asr-002240) retainers for OFWs overseas, but with the establishment of RA11641 in 2023. **[02:30:09.420] DFA OIC Undersecretary Ezzedin H. Tago** (asr-002241) Some of these functions, as mentioned, my colleague contributed to lower utilization **[02:30:17.320] DFA OIC Undersecretary Ezzedin H. Tago** (asr-002242) of the ATN fund. **[02:30:20.960] DFA OIC Undersecretary Ezzedin H. Tago** (asr-002243) And every year, the DMW establishes and opens more MWOs. **[02:30:27.420] DFA OIC Undersecretary Ezzedin H. Tago** (asr-002244) They become responsible for more OFWs across the world. **[02:30:33.900] DFA OIC Undersecretary Ezzedin H. Tago** (asr-002245) The DFA, though, continues to be responsible for countries where there are no MWOs, and **[02:30:42.600] DFA OIC Undersecretary Ezzedin H. Tago** (asr-002246) all over the world for the following categories, including tourists, pilgrims, students, permanent **[02:30:48.660] DFA OIC Undersecretary Ezzedin H. Tago** (asr-002247) residents, and dual citizens. **[02:30:50.940] DFA OIC Undersecretary Ezzedin H. Tago** (asr-002248) We continue to work, though, with the DMW where they are not, and hand-in-hand, we commit **[02:31:00.660] DFA OIC Undersecretary Ezzedin H. Tago** (asr-002249) our dedication to ensure that more Filipinos are protected all over the world. **[02:31:07.180] DFA OIC Undersecretary Ezzedin H. Tago** (asr-002250) Thank you, ma'am. **[02:31:08.180] Rep. Sarah Jane I. Elago** (asr-002251) Mr. Chair, how many countries have we not had a migrant workers' office? **[02:31:13.700] Rep. Sarah Jane I. Elago** (asr-002252) You also gave a statement of the beneficiaries that we helped from the ATN fund and the LAF **[02:31:20.400] Rep. Sarah Jane I. Elago** (asr-002253) fund. **[02:31:20.900] Rep. Sarah Jane I. Elago** (asr-002254) Can we know the number of requests from our foreign service posts that have come in, **[02:31:30.620] Rep. Sarah Jane I. Elago** (asr-002255) asked for help, and asked for help from our nationals? **[02:31:40.300] DFA OIC Undersecretary Ezzedin H. Tago** (asr-002256) Right now, there are 42 migrant workers' offices in 31 countries, which leaves about 67 embassies **[02:31:52.480] DFA OIC Undersecretary Ezzedin H. Tago** (asr-002257) without a migrant workers' office. **[02:31:54.940] DFA OIC Undersecretary Ezzedin H. Tago** (asr-002258) The ATN fund, as mentioned earlier, provides immediate assistance to distressed overseas **[02:32:08.140] DFA OIC Undersecretary Ezzedin H. Tago** (asr-002259) workers other than OFWs, and we have, for 2026, from January to July, extended assistance **[02:32:20.460] DFA OIC Undersecretary Ezzedin H. Tago** (asr-002260) to 2,884. **[02:32:23.500] DFA OIC Undersecretary Ezzedin H. Tago** (asr-002261) These are the number of beneficiaries of the ATN fund, including 387 for repatriation, **[02:32:30.100] DFA OIC Undersecretary Ezzedin H. Tago** (asr-002266) 559 for welfare assistance, medical assistance of 20, and 40 for shipment of remains, **[02:32:38.000] DFA OIC Undersecretary Ezzedin H. Tago** (asr-002267) including administrative expenses of ATN offices across the world. **[02:32:45.300] DFA OIC Undersecretary Ezzedin H. Tago** (asr-002269) This, however, we do not keep data on pending or reject denials, because we do not really **[02:32:55.980] DFA OIC Undersecretary Ezzedin H. Tago** (asr-002270) deny anything. **[02:32:57.860] DFA OIC Undersecretary Ezzedin H. Tago** (asr-002272) As long as they qualify under the rules, if they're not **[02:33:03.920] DFA OIC Undersecretary Ezzedin H. Tago** (asr-002273) ours or DMW, then we move to approve them. That's all, ma'am. **[02:33:19.850] Rep. Sarah Jane I. Elago** (asr-002273-split-2) Mr. Chair, if **[02:33:22.080] Rep. Sarah Jane I. Elago** (asr-002274) that is the case I'm for the six for the six to seven countries without migrant **[02:33:27.000] Rep. Sarah Jane I. Elago** (asr-002275) workers office can we have a report on the approval rejection or the **[02:33:32.660] Rep. Sarah Jane I. Elago** (asr-002276) non-qualification of a funding request are related to ATN and LAF apart from **[02:33:40.040] Rep. Sarah Jane I. Elago** (asr-002277) that I'd also like to put on record a request for the full status report on **[02:33:44.600] Rep. Sarah Jane I. Elago** (asr-002278) the ATN fund utilization including the balance of these funds the categories of **[02:33:51.740] Rep. Sarah Jane I. Elago** (asr-002279) expenditures incurred the itemized description of the expenditure the **[02:33:56.180] Rep. Sarah Jane I. Elago** (asr-002280) number of beneficiaries on a per expense basis as well as **[02:34:02.600] Rep. Sarah Jane I. Elago** (asr-002281) other **[02:34:02.640] Rep. Sarah Jane I. Elago** (asr-002282) data related to the concern of this representation now I'm moving on to the **[02:34:12.960] Rep. Sarah Jane I. Elago** (asr-002283) concern on the very low turnout of the 2025 elections. Yung may kinalaman **[02:34:20.080] Rep. Sarah Jane I. Elago** (asr-002284) naman posa napakababa na registration na registration ng ating mga kababayan **[02:34:26.520] Rep. Sarah Jane I. Elago** (asr-002285) sa iba yung dagat ang sabi ko ng Comelec no kasi for the very first time **[02:34:30.760] Rep. Sarah Jane I. Elago** (asr-002286) nitong 20-25 **[02:34:32.580] Rep. Sarah Jane I. Elago** (asr-002287) po bila po an agkaroon ng online voting and counting system pero ang **[02:34:37.780] Rep. Sarah Jane I. Elago** (asr-002288) inaasahan po nila napagtaas hindi ho natin nakita na pakaliit at nagtanong **[02:34:43.680] Rep. Sarah Jane I. Elago** (asr-002289) ko ako sa kanila no kumusta ho ba yung efforts natin pagdating sa **[02:34:47.440] Rep. Sarah Jane I. Elago** (asr-002290) awareness sa voters education information campaign ang sabi ho nila **[02:34:53.640] Rep. Sarah Jane I. Elago** (asr-002291) ang pagpaparehistro daw ko ay nasa responsibilidad ng DfA **[02:34:58.260] Rep. Sarah Jane I. Elago** (asr-002292) ba kayo magulat tungkol dito? **[02:35:01.020] DFA Secretary Ma. Theresa P. Lazaro** (asr-002293) Your Honor, gusto ko lang po sabihin na totoo, it's a concern. **[02:35:07.440] DFA Secretary Ma. Theresa P. Lazaro** (asr-002294) Siguro what happened during the 2022 elections, it is not a presidential election. **[02:35:13.100] DFA Secretary Ma. Theresa P. Lazaro** (asr-002295) So nagkakaiba ho yung numbers eh. **[02:35:15.700] DFA Secretary Ma. Theresa P. Lazaro** (asr-002296) Pag presidential elections mas marami. **[02:35:18.560] DFA Secretary Ma. Theresa P. Lazaro** (asr-002297) Pero pag hindi presidential elections, it's not that many. **[02:35:23.360] DFA Secretary Ma. Theresa P. Lazaro** (asr-002298) Pero marami pong mga, there are many reasons. **[02:35:25.840] DFA Secretary Ma. Theresa P. Lazaro** (asr-002299) In fact, what we have just done, we have a meeting. **[02:35:29.900] DFA Secretary Ma. Theresa P. Lazaro** (asr-002300) We had a meeting with the Comelec, and we established a technical working group **[02:35:38.060] DFA Secretary Ma. Theresa P. Lazaro** (asr-002301) to really determine anong capacity of our foreign service establishments **[02:35:44.520] DFA Secretary Ma. Theresa P. Lazaro** (asr-002302) in trying to get more, not only awareness, but to really make people not only register. **[02:35:52.140] DFA Secretary Ma. Theresa P. Lazaro** (asr-002303) Sometimes they all register pagdating sa voting time. **[02:35:56.280] DFA Secretary Ma. Theresa P. Lazaro** (asr-002304) They do not do it. **[02:35:58.520] DFA Secretary Ma. Theresa P. Lazaro** (asr-002305) They're not doing what is... **[02:35:59.900] DFA Secretary Ma. Theresa P. Lazaro** (asr-002306) what they should be doing. **[02:36:01.400] DFA Secretary Ma. Theresa P. Lazaro** (asr-002307) And it's really various reasons. **[02:36:05.940] DFA Secretary Ma. Theresa P. Lazaro** (asr-002308) In fact, Your Honor, if we can give you a paper on the many aspects, on the reasons **[02:36:12.900] DFA Secretary Ma. Theresa P. Lazaro** (asr-002309) why there is such a difficulty in gaining or rather getting these people to vote. **[02:36:21.060] DFA Secretary Ma. Theresa P. Lazaro** (asr-002310) I'll just tell you about the technical, pwede na sana yung online voting. **[02:36:29.900] DFA Secretary Ma. Theresa P. Lazaro** (asr-002311) Pero totoo lang, Your Honor, **[02:36:31.400] DFA Secretary Ma. Theresa P. Lazaro** (asr-002312) marami naman ding Jurassic at maraming elderly **[02:36:35.200] DFA Secretary Ma. Theresa P. Lazaro** (asr-002313) who cannot perform also the function, especially so in many of the European countries that have been there **[02:36:42.460] DFA Secretary Ma. Theresa P. Lazaro** (asr-002314) for quite some time. **[02:36:43.860] DFA Secretary Ma. Theresa P. Lazaro** (asr-002315) So it's various. **[02:36:45.160] DFA Secretary Ma. Theresa P. Lazaro** (asr-002316) It depends on the region. **[02:36:46.420] DFA Secretary Ma. Theresa P. Lazaro** (asr-002317) It depends on the area. **[02:36:48.140] DFA Secretary Ma. Theresa P. Lazaro** (asr-002318) Of course, in the Middle East, there are young people still there. **[02:36:50.860] DFA Secretary Ma. Theresa P. Lazaro** (asr-002319) But in many other areas, all of us that have been assigned abroad had that kind of difficulties. **[02:36:57.620] DFA Secretary Ma. Theresa P. Lazaro** (asr-002320) But we prefer that we put it... **[02:36:58.900] DFA Secretary Ma. Theresa P. Lazaro** (asr-002321) put it in a paper for a more succinct details of the of this of the situation **[02:37:08.620] Rep. Sarah Jane I. Elago** (asr-002322) and overseas voting mr. chairman carnavon the para reto **[02:37:13.300] Rep. Sarah Jane I. Elago** (asr-002323) ngayong taon at susunod a bilang paghahanda no susunod na eleksyon **[02:37:17.720] Rep. Sarah Jane I. Elago** (asr-002324) siyempre na is naman ho natin mapataas yung makakapag parehistro at yung **[02:37:22.600] Rep. Sarah Jane I. Elago** (asr-002325) makakapag enroll dun sa sistema no kasi abago lang ho sa marami nating mga **[02:37:27.040] Rep. Sarah Jane I. Elago** (asr-002326) filipinos na nagtatrabaho at nakatira overseas yung magpaparegister ka tas **[02:37:31.720] Rep. Sarah Jane I. Elago** (asr-002327) kailangan mo pa palang mag enroll para makaboto dun sa bagong sistema **[02:37:36.700] Rep. Sarah Jane I. Elago** (asr-002328) ah kamusta ho ang ating pondo para rito kasi ah kung sa comelec ho yan maliit ang **[02:37:41.380] Rep. Sarah Jane I. Elago** (asr-002329) pondo nila na may kinalaman sa overseas voting nais po natin kumustahin kung sa **[02:37:45.820] Rep. Sarah Jane I. Elago** (asr-002330) parte naman ng DFA meron ba tayong sapat na pondo para maabot yung napakarami **[02:37:51.100] Rep. Sarah Jane I. Elago** (asr-002331) hong jurisdiction na kailangan nating mabigyan ng impormasyon ng ating mga **[02:37:55.100] Rep. Sarah Jane I. Elago** (asr-002332) kababayan **[02:37:55.980] Rep. Sarah Jane I. Elago** (asr-002333) ang **[02:37:57.020] DFA Secretary Ma. Theresa P. Lazaro** (asr-002334) Ang the amount is 44.5 million pesos. This was what it was last year and ito **[02:38:03.500] DFA Secretary Ma. Theresa P. Lazaro** (asr-002335) rin naman its maintained the same amount but of course 2028 is presidential **[02:38:08.900] DFA Secretary Ma. Theresa P. Lazaro** (asr-002336) election so nakikita na may a lot of interest from our OFW's and other **[02:38:15.380] DFA Secretary Ma. Theresa P. Lazaro** (asr-002337) migrants. **[02:38:16.250] Rep. Sarah Jane I. Elago** (asr-002337-split-2) Mr. Chair, **[02:38:17.940] Rep. Sarah Jane I. Elago** (asr-002338) hingin na lang po natin yung detalye din ng plano na paggastos **[02:38:23.960] Rep. Sarah Jane I. Elago** (asr-002340) nito sa ating mga kababayan. At kung meron na rin kayong mga ilulunsad na konsultasyon kung paano natin matitiyak na mahahabol yung mga hindi pa nakakapagparehistro at maitulak na rin yung tulad ng sinabi ninyo, iba pang option sa pagboto. **[02:38:40.100] Rep. Sarah Jane I. Elago** (asr-002341) Yung pagbementain ng mga traditional means na in-person voting or yung by post ay magawa pa rin natin kasabay nung online. **[02:38:47.700] Rep. Sarah Jane I. Elago** (asr-002342) Ngayon naman, Mr. Chair, tungkol sa visiting forces, sa balikatan exercises, meron hong mga fishing ban na ipatupad na kaugnay ng balikatan exercises. **[02:39:04.800] Rep. Sarah Jane I. Elago** (asr-002343) Lalong-lalo na ngayong taon, meron ho, asang-ayon sa mga grupo ng mga registered fisher folk, nasa at least 4,800 mangingisda ho yung naapektuhan ng mga fishing ban na ito. **[02:39:16.900] Rep. Sarah Jane I. Elago** (asr-002344) So, ano po ba ang nagiging usapan pagdating dito? May kinukuha po bang pondo halimbawa sa pondo ninyo para matulungan naman ho yung ating mga small-scale fisher folk na makuha pa rin yung kanilang days worth of catch or income dahil po sa epekto ng fishing ban na ito? **[02:39:38.100] PCVF Executive Director Antonio Atanacio Habulan** (asr-002345) When it comes to things like this, itong mga fishing bans sa mga areas where exercises are conducted, **[02:39:46.900] PCVF Executive Director Antonio Atanacio Habulan** (asr-002346) yung AFP coordinates with the local government and also DSWD as far as we know. **[02:39:53.460] PCVF Executive Director Antonio Atanacio Habulan** (asr-002347) We only coordinate with them kasi ang monitoring namin is purely on the activities of the visiting forces and our forces during exercises. **[02:40:03.300] PCVF Executive Director Antonio Atanacio Habulan** (asr-002348) So, we coordinate with them and ask them what they are doing. **[02:40:09.080] PCVF Executive Director Antonio Atanacio Habulan** (asr-002349) And if I remember correctly, they actually coordinate with the local government, also DSWD. **[02:40:16.900] PCVF Executive Director Antonio Atanacio Habulan** (asr-002350) And also sometimes the U.S. forces also provide assistance to these fishing communities para maibisan yung days na hindi sila makapangisda. **[02:40:30.320] PCVF Executive Director Antonio Atanacio Habulan** (asr-002351) So, the data I think is available from these agencies, particularly yung AFP. **[02:40:39.320] Rep. Sarah Jane I. Elago** (asr-002352) Maraming salamat. **[02:40:39.920] PCVF Executive Director Antonio Atanacio Habulan** (asr-002353) Sa amin kasi hindi namin nakaka-capture yung actual data as to how many were helped, but we can ask. **[02:40:45.420] Rep. Sarah Jane I. Elago** (asr-002354) Mainam ko maitanong ito ng ating komisyon dahil nagtanong ko tayo sa DND, zero budget daw para rito. **[02:40:56.160] Rep. Sarah Jane I. Elago** (asr-002355) Nagtanong tayo sa BFAR, zero budget din para rito. **[02:40:59.580] Rep. Sarah Jane I. Elago** (asr-002356) Itatanong pa lang natin sa DSWD, pero hindi po biro yung nasa apat na libo na mga mangingisda. **[02:41:06.680] Rep. Sarah Jane I. Elago** (asr-002357) And marami nga po dito mga maliliit na mangingisda. **[02:41:10.240] Rep. Sarah Jane I. Elago** (asr-002358) Kaya bawat araw na hindi sila nakakapagpalaot, malaki ang efekto. **[02:41:15.420] Rep. Sarah Jane I. Elago** (asr-002359) Sa kanilang kalagayan. **[02:41:17.500] Rep. Sarah Jane I. Elago** (asr-002360) At maari ho bang mapag-aralan din natin yung konsiderasyon na isa sakripisyo ba natin yung interest ng mga mangingisda **[02:41:26.360] Rep. Sarah Jane I. Elago** (asr-002361) sa isa, dalawa, tatlong araw na hindi po sila makakapanghuli doon sa interest din para dito sa pagpapatupad ng VFA **[02:41:37.520] Rep. Sarah Jane I. Elago** (asr-002362) or paglulunsad ng balikatang exercises. **[02:41:40.160] Rep. Sarah Jane I. Elago** (asr-002363) Sa tingin ko ho, dapat ang ating posisyon. **[02:41:42.940] Rep. Sarah Jane I. Elago** (asr-002364) Unang-una natin bibigyan ng prioridad, yung interest ng Pilipino, interest ng ating mga maliliit na mga mangingisda. **[02:41:51.820] Rep. Sarah Jane I. Elago** (asr-002365) Kaya ho, aabangan ho namin ang isusumitin niyong ulat tungkol sa usapin na ito. **[02:41:57.820] Rep. Sarah Jane I. Elago** (asr-002366) Bilang panghuli na lang, Mr. Chair, tungkol lang ho. **[02:42:02.820] PCVF Executive Director Antonio Atanacio Habulan** (asr-002367) Sa totoo lang po, nagkakaroon po tayo ng mga coordination meetings, including local governments. **[02:42:10.820] PCVF Executive Director Antonio Atanacio Habulan** (asr-002368) And from time to time, **[02:42:12.940] PCVF Executive Director Antonio Atanacio Habulan** (asr-002369) there are local communities involved as well. **[02:42:15.940] PCVF Executive Director Antonio Atanacio Habulan** (asr-002370) At doon, kung hindi man kasama yung mga affected communities, whether farming or fishing communities, **[02:42:23.940] PCVF Executive Director Antonio Atanacio Habulan** (asr-002371) ini-inform din po namin actually ang armed forces and other agencies regarding this **[02:42:28.940] PCVF Executive Director Antonio Atanacio Habulan** (asr-002372) para malaman nila na merong effect ito sa ating mga kababayang mangingisda at magsasak. **[02:42:36.940] PCVF Executive Director Antonio Atanacio Habulan** (asr-002373) So yung armed forces naman po, nakikipag-usap sa DSW. **[02:42:42.940] PCVF Executive Director Antonio Atanacio Habulan** (asr-002374) Ang pagkaalam ko, and sometimes sa local government, regarding itong issue ng nawawalang hanap buhay nila for a few days. **[02:42:54.940] PCVF Executive Director Antonio Atanacio Habulan** (asr-002375) And I think they are, yung AFP in particular, and sometimes even the U.S. armed forces, provides assistance to these communities and these fisherfolk and farmers. **[02:43:06.940] PCVF Executive Director Antonio Atanacio Habulan** (asr-002376) So iuulitin po namin yan palagi once we do yung ating coordinating conference. **[02:43:11.940] PCVF Executive Director Antonio Atanacio Habulan** (asr-002377) Or meetings with all stakeholders involved dito sa mga exercise. **[02:43:17.940] Rep. Sarah Jane I. Elago** (asr-002378) Maraming salamat po sa update. **[02:43:20.940] Rep. Sarah Jane I. Elago** (asr-002379) At ihahapag din natin ang katanungan na ito sa DSWD para po mabigay ng linaw ang representasyon na ito. **[02:43:27.940] Rep. Sarah Jane I. Elago** (asr-002380) Ngayon naman po, Mr. Chair, tungkol sa war assets sa Japan na identified po bilang parte ng Japanese war reparations. **[02:43:41.940] Rep. Sarah Jane I. Elago** (asr-002381) Yung apat po na government properties natin, ano po yung current market value ng mga properties na ito? **[02:43:48.940] Rep. Sarah Jane I. Elago** (asr-002382) Magkano ang kinikita? Saan napupunta? Napupunta po ba ito sa Maharlika Investment Fund? Ano po bang agencies ang nag-a-administer nito? **[02:43:58.940] Rep. Sarah Jane I. Elago** (asr-002383) DFA po ba? At may nakaalat po ba sa NAP 2027 para sa mga properties na ito? **[02:44:06.940] DFA Secretary Ma. Theresa P. Lazaro** (asr-002384) I can refer to our Assistant Secretary for the properties. **[02:44:09.940] DFA Assistant Secretary Charmaine A. Serna-Chua** (asr-002385) Thank you, Madam Secretary. **[02:44:18.440] DFA Assistant Secretary Charmaine A. Serna-Chua** (asr-002386) Your Honor, we have five properties in Japan. **[02:44:21.440] DFA Assistant Secretary Charmaine A. Serna-Chua** (asr-002387) And the management is really taken, the maintenance of these properties would be undertaken by our embassies and our consulates. **[02:44:30.440] DFA Assistant Secretary Charmaine A. Serna-Chua** (asr-002388) But as to the general authority on the projects that could be undertaken lies with BAC Japan. **[02:44:39.440] DFA Assistant Secretary Charmaine A. Serna-Chua** (asr-002389) BAC Japan. **[02:44:40.440] DFA Assistant Secretary Charmaine A. Serna-Chua** (asr-002390) Madam, your Honor is chaired by the Department of Finance. **[02:44:46.440] Rep. Sarah Jane I. Elago** (asr-002391) Maraming salamat, Mr. Chair. Then we will propound our questions related to this before the Department of Finance. **[02:44:57.190] Rep. Sarah Jane I. Elago** (asr-002392) Thank you, Mr. Chair. **[02:44:58.190] Rep. Sancho Fernando "Ando" F. Oaminal** (asr-002393) Thank you. **[02:44:59.190] Rep. Sancho Fernando "Ando" F. Oaminal** (asr-002394) Maraming salamat po sa DFA. **[02:45:00.600] Rep. Sancho Fernando "Ando" F. Oaminal** (asr-002395) the honorable sarah elago and now we proceed to our second round of interpellations um the **[02:45:07.280] Rep. Sancho Fernando "Ando" F. Oaminal** (asr-002396) honorable antonio tino sir you have uh you have the floor and you have um all the time that uh **[02:45:16.800] Rep. Sancho Fernando "Ando" F. Oaminal** (asr-002397) you need of course i i i believe uh our resource persons from the department of foreign affairs **[02:45:27.760] Rep. Sancho Fernando "Ando" F. Oaminal** (asr-002398) have prepared uh their uh responses to their queries so sir you are recognized **[02:45:33.500] Rep. Antonio L. Tinio** (asr-002398-split-2) thank you chair **[02:45:35.360] Rep. Antonio L. Tinio** (asr-002399) um well uh chair uh unang tanong ko kanina i raised the matter about the chinese embassy's **[02:45:45.200] Rep. Antonio L. Tinio** (asr-002400) Twitter account. Babalikan natin 'yon. Um, punta muna ako doon sa **[02:45:52.880] Rep. Antonio L. Tinio** (asr-002401) rotation and resupply missions **[02:45:57.760] Rep. Antonio L. Tinio** (asr-002402) sa Ayungin Shoal. Um, alam natin yung nangyari doon. **[02:46:03.400] Rep. Antonio L. Tinio** (asr-002403) Before—was it 2024? During 2024, mainit 'yan. Every month nasa media na ire-resupply, haharangin and so on. Nag-escalate, umabot sa punto na may **[02:46:15.800] Rep. Antonio L. Tinio** (asr-002404) sundalo tayong naputulan ng hinlalaki. Tapos nag-usap ang DFA at ang China, and now **[02:46:27.760] Rep. Antonio L. Tinio** (asr-002405) palagin may bina bangit na meron daw provisional agreement **[02:46:31.840] Rep. Antonio L. Tinio** (asr-002406) uh between the philippine government or the philippine government and china or the dfa **[02:46:38.880] Rep. Antonio L. Tinio** (asr-002407) and and the chinese embassy **[02:46:43.280] Rep. Antonio L. Tinio** (asr-002408) Pag tinatanong kahit si Secretary Teodoro sa media, sinasabi niya, wala akong alam **[02:46:51.520] Rep. Antonio L. Tinio** (asr-002409) na provisional agreement parang dinidinay ng isang uh bahagi ng **[02:46:57.760] Rep. Antonio L. Tinio** (asr-002410) administration no so um **[02:47:04.930] Rep. Antonio L. Tinio** (asr-002411) ano ba, meron ba talagang provisional agreement? Is this a secret agreement? **[02:47:11.190] Rep. Antonio L. Tinio** (asr-002412) could you set the record straight on this provisional agreement once and for **[02:47:19.110] Rep. Antonio L. Tinio** (asr-002413) all thank you **[02:47:20.300] DFA Secretary Ma. Theresa P. Lazaro** (asr-002413-split-2) um your honor to answer the **[02:47:24.030] DFA Secretary Ma. Theresa P. Lazaro** (asr-002414) question once and for all to determine if there **[02:47:26.670] DFA Secretary Ma. Theresa P. Lazaro** (asr-002415) is such a provisional agreement or understanding i think we **[02:47:30.510] DFA Secretary Ma. Theresa P. Lazaro** (asr-002416) have to refer to the statement made by the president **[02:47:34.350] DFA Secretary Ma. Theresa P. Lazaro** (asr-002417) during the folk up meeting a few days ago or rather two weeks ago **[02:47:38.830] DFA Secretary Ma. Theresa P. Lazaro** (asr-002418) the president made the pronouncement that the provisional understanding **[02:47:43.310] DFA Secretary Ma. Theresa P. Lazaro** (asr-002419) is uh something that um that that really helps um **[02:47:49.630] DFA Secretary Ma. Theresa P. Lazaro** (asr-002420) i just want to i just want to have the exact quotation **[02:47:55.550] DFA Secretary Ma. Theresa P. Lazaro** (asr-002421) the president said **[02:47:56.670] DFA Secretary Ma. Theresa P. Lazaro** (asr-002422) that these arrangements that we make are to prevent any kind of miscalculation **[02:48:02.910] DFA Secretary Ma. Theresa P. Lazaro** (asr-002423) mistake that might lead to an even greater tension **[02:48:06.230] DFA Secretary Ma. Theresa P. Lazaro** (asr-002424) and hopefully not conflict this does not somehow make us more vulnerable **[02:48:11.150] DFA Secretary Ma. Theresa P. Lazaro** (asr-002425) or give us any of our sovereign rights any of our territorial claims and our **[02:48:17.230] DFA Secretary Ma. Theresa P. Lazaro** (asr-002426) well-recognized territory, especially under UNCLOS, **[02:48:20.210] DFA Secretary Ma. Theresa P. Lazaro** (asr-002427) you know and under the arbitral awards nothing **[02:48:23.430] DFA Secretary Ma. Theresa P. Lazaro** (asr-002428) of that has been weakened in any way **[02:48:26.670] DFA Secretary Ma. Theresa P. Lazaro** (asr-002429) or form. It does not weaken our position in any way in terms of the **[02:48:31.070] DFA Secretary Ma. Theresa P. Lazaro** (asr-002430) arbitral award unglos and our exercise of sovereign rights or our defense of our **[02:48:36.350] DFA Secretary Ma. Theresa P. Lazaro** (asr-002431) territory quote unquote and that is the statement made during the folk meeting **[02:48:42.830] DFA Secretary Ma. Theresa P. Lazaro** (asr-002432) so that was the statement made by the president where he refers to arrangements **[02:48:47.950] DFA Secretary Ma. Theresa P. Lazaro** (asr-002433) that do not compromise the position or stand of the philippines with respect to a young intro all **[02:48:55.870] DFA Secretary Ma. Theresa P. Lazaro** (asr-002434) the west philippines **[02:48:56.670] Rep. Antonio L. Tinio** (asr-002435) Okay, ngayon, pero the Chinese side keeps on referring to a provisional agreement with the Philippines on the humanitarian resupply of living necessities. **[02:49:09.450] Rep. Antonio L. Tinio** (asr-002436) If the Philippine side attempts to deliver construction materials and build fixed facilities or a permanent outpost, **[02:49:17.450] Rep. Antonio L. Tinio** (asr-002437) the Chinese side will absolutely not accept it and will resolutely stop it in accordance with laws and regulations. **[02:49:26.670] Rep. Antonio L. Tinio** (asr-002438) So, sa panig nila, ito, this is from Zhang Xiaogang of the Chinese, China's presumably foreign ministry, **[02:49:41.730] Rep. Antonio L. Tinio** (asr-002439) as published on the Chinese Embassy Manila Twitter account. It's from the MND. **[02:49:49.470] DFA Secretary Ma. Theresa P. Lazaro** (asr-002440) Your Honor, we have responded to that accordingly in stating. **[02:49:54.930] DFA Secretary Ma. Theresa P. Lazaro** (asr-002441) And during, I remember I mentioned... **[02:49:56.670] DFA Secretary Ma. Theresa P. Lazaro** (asr-002442) We made a statement at the last day of the ASEAN ministerial meeting last July that there is no such thing **[02:50:04.490] DFA Secretary Ma. Theresa P. Lazaro** (asr-002443) and there was never any reference to construction materials in the provisional arrangement. **[02:50:11.370] DFA Secretary Ma. Theresa P. Lazaro** (asr-002444) There's none whatsoever. **[02:50:12.290] Rep. Antonio L. Tinio** (asr-002445) So, there is a provisional arrangement. **[02:50:16.610] Rep. Antonio L. Tinio** (asr-002446) Sinasabi nyo walang ganong anumang provision regarding prohibition of... **[02:50:26.670] Rep. Antonio L. Tinio** (asr-002447) bringing construction materials and so on. **[02:50:30.990] Rep. Antonio L. Tinio** (asr-002448) Can you then disclose what are the provisions of this arrangement? **[02:50:38.540] DFA Secretary Ma. Theresa P. Lazaro** (asr-002449) What... I can give you some basic points that were... **[02:50:43.860] Rep. Antonio L. Tinio** (asr-002450) Yes, please. **[02:50:44.460] DFA Secretary Ma. Theresa P. Lazaro** (asr-002451) That in that, one, there is no... that it is without prejudice. **[02:50:49.500] DFA Secretary Ma. Theresa P. Lazaro** (asr-002452) The provisional arrangement is without prejudice to our existing positions as, of course, in UNCLOS, as well as in the... **[02:50:57.380] DFA Secretary Ma. Theresa P. Lazaro** (asr-002460) Arbitral Award. **[02:50:59.800] DFA Secretary Ma. Theresa P. Lazaro** (asr-002461) Second, this is just an information exchange, meaning, but I have to give you that information that this provisional arrangement, **[02:51:06.800] DFA Secretary Ma. Theresa P. Lazaro** (asr-002462) kami lang po ay pinagkatiwalaan na mag-negotiate, but this is now, the operational side is with the armed forces. **[02:51:13.880] Rep. Antonio L. Tinio** (asr-002463) Okay. **[02:51:14.380] DFA Secretary Ma. Theresa P. Lazaro** (asr-002464) WESTCOM is in charge of that, as well as the Coast Guard. **[02:51:18.160] Rep. Antonio L. Tinio** (asr-002465) Mm-hmm. **[02:51:18.660] DFA Secretary Ma. Theresa P. Lazaro** (asr-002466) So, it is just an information exchange, and there is no permission that is being asked, and we are very emphatic to that. **[02:51:24.920] Rep. Antonio L. Tinio** (asr-002467) Mm-hmm. **[02:51:25.420] DFA Secretary Ma. Theresa P. Lazaro** (asr-002468) And what is being done is only the... **[02:51:26.920] DFA Secretary Ma. Theresa P. Lazaro** (asr-002472) daily necessities. **[02:51:28.500] DFA Secretary Ma. Theresa P. Lazaro** (asr-002473) So, that's why RO is for rotation, RE is for provisioning of the necessities, and that is the essence of RO-RE. **[02:51:36.960] DFA Secretary Ma. Theresa P. Lazaro** (asr-002474) And, Your Honor, I just want to tell you that we had already 16 RO-RES in two years without incident. **[02:51:46.040] Rep. Antonio L. Tinio** (asr-002475) Um, ako, I recognize na talaga naman na mula nung nagkaroon ng usapan, ay... **[02:51:58.440] Rep. Antonio L. Tinio** (asr-002478) nawala na yung mainit na sitwasyon sa Ayungin Shoal. **[02:52:03.540] Rep. Antonio L. Tinio** (asr-002480) Totoo naman 'yun, di ba? As you said, **[02:52:06.280] Rep. Antonio L. Tinio** (asr-002482) since 2024, **[02:52:09.360] Rep. Antonio L. Tinio** (asr-002484) up to now, apparently, as you said, 16 RORE missions have been conducted **[02:52:17.060] Rep. Antonio L. Tinio** (asr-002485) successfully, seemingly without any incidents. So walang duda 'yon, pero **[02:52:27.200] Rep. Antonio L. Tinio** (asr-002486) ang gusto lang natin malinaw, ano ba talaga yung naging terms nung **[02:52:33.060] Rep. Antonio L. Tinio** (asr-002487) nung arrangement and you said information exchange information **[02:52:41.100] Rep. Antonio L. Tinio** (asr-002488) exchange to this is about rotation so ibig sabihin palitan ng tropa siguro **[02:52:46.440] Rep. Antonio L. Tinio** (asr-002489) ang ibig sabihin niya ano no personnel pangatlo resupply so your term is **[02:52:52.140] Rep. Antonio L. Tinio** (asr-002490) necessities reprovisioning of necessities food water telephone yes fuel fuel okay **[02:53:04.780] Rep. Antonio L. Tinio** (asr-002491) could you be more specific on information exchange the information exchange every **[02:53:12.880] DFA Secretary Ma. Theresa P. Lazaro** (asr-002492) time there is a situation it will be coming from **[02:53:16.160] DFA Secretary Ma. Theresa P. Lazaro** (asr-002493) you know **[02:53:16.440] DFA Secretary Ma. Theresa P. Lazaro** (asr-002494) the westcom the afp that there will be it's time to provide them with their **[02:53:23.020] DFA Secretary Ma. Theresa P. Lazaro** (asr-002495) necessities or whatever they're the only ones who can determine that and the only **[02:53:28.820] DFA Secretary Ma. Theresa P. Lazaro** (asr-002496) information is that we just exchange information that that there is such a boat or a vehicle that **[02:53:38.340] DFA Secretary Ma. Theresa P. Lazaro** (asr-002497) will be going to that area it's basically that and they will tell us also which vessels will **[02:53:44.700] DFA Secretary Ma. Theresa P. Lazaro** (asr-002498) be present in during that **[02:53:46.440] Rep. Antonio L. Tinio** (asr-002499) time so you information exchange kayo po dumata ang sinyo or is this basically **[02:53:52.040] DFA Secretary Ma. Theresa P. Lazaro** (asr-002500) we where we are informed and then we tell and we exchange this information with the **[02:54:00.060] DFA Secretary Ma. Theresa P. Lazaro** (asr-002501) counterpart with the where I'll be the minister of foreign affairs **[02:54:03.740] Rep. Antonio L. Tinio** (asr-002502) Okay, noted. So sige po, thank you for clarifying kung ano nga ba ang **[02:54:13.320] Rep. Antonio L. Tinio** (asr-002503) nilalaman at **[02:54:16.060] Rep. Antonio L. Tinio** (asr-002504) mga detalye ng provisional arrangement na ito. Okay. Now next, again I go to that Twitter account. **[02:54:24.780] Rep. Antonio L. Tinio** (asr-002505) so kinumpirman niyo po na chinese embassy ito um gayon ang concern po natin ay regular halos **[02:54:35.550] Rep. Antonio L. Tinio** (asr-002506) araw-araw naglalabas ang chinese embassy through this twitter account ng iba't-ibang mga pahayag **[02:54:42.050] Rep. Antonio L. Tinio** (asr-002507) regarding the west philippine sea issue and these statements are uh you know the opposite **[02:54:50.990] Rep. Antonio L. Tinio** (asr-002508) of diplomatic they are inflammatory for example uh ito this is august 31 chinese embassy manila **[02:55:02.420] Rep. Antonio L. Tinio** (asr-002509) twitter account or x account repeating the words quote final and binding cannot transform an illegal **[02:55:09.980] Rep. Antonio L. Tinio** (asr-002510) and invalid quote award into international consent **[02:55:15.000] Rep. Antonio L. Tinio** (asr-002511) nor can it turn the award into a license for infringement or provocation china's position **[02:55:22.900] Rep. Antonio L. Tinio** (asr-002512) on the south china sea arbitration has been clear consistent and firm the arbitration violates **[02:55:29.300] Rep. Antonio L. Tinio** (asr-002513) fundamental principles of international law etc etc napakahaba po nyan and this is uh signed by **[02:55:37.440] Rep. Antonio L. Tinio** (asr-002514) well at least attributed to deputy spokesperson of the chinese embassy woe way okay tapos meron **[02:55:44.980] Rep. Antonio L. Tinio** (asr-002515) pa siyang picture this is in response to a apparently a post by admiral tariela of the coast guard **[02:55:52.980] Rep. Antonio L. Tinio** (asr-002516) tapos merong malaking um the words in red repeat false narratives mislead the public stir up **[02:56:02.800] Rep. Antonio L. Tinio** (asr-002517) confrontation so typical po yan ng mga pahayag halos araw-araw ng chinese embassy na talagang **[02:56:09.800] Rep. Antonio L. Tinio** (asr-002518) tahas ang tinatawag na um false narrative **[02:56:14.980] Rep. Antonio L. Tinio** (asr-002519) ang posisyon ng filipinas uh regarding the arbitral award peke yung award walang basis **[02:56:21.680] Rep. Antonio L. Tinio** (asr-002520) um and that we mga filipinos are misleading the public no so um ano pong kinagawa ng dfa **[02:56:33.680] Rep. Antonio L. Tinio** (asr-002521) why has the dfa been silent all this time samantalang itong embassy ng china ay walang **[02:56:42.740] Rep. Antonio L. Tinio** (asr-002522) patid tuloy-tuloy na **[02:56:44.980] Rep. Antonio L. Tinio** (asr-002523) nagpapahayag ng ganito **[02:56:46.960] Rep. Antonio L. Tinio** (asr-002524) uh nang walang anumang sagot mula sa dfa **[02:56:54.020] DFA Secretary Ma. Theresa P. Lazaro** (asr-002525) sasagutin po namin yan i'll refer this to the assistant secretary for asia pacific affairs **[02:56:59.800] DFA Secretary Ma. Theresa P. Lazaro** (asr-002526) He's in charge of China. **[02:57:02.500] Rep. Sancho Fernando "Ando" F. Oaminal** (asr-002526-split-2) Before we proceed, the Chair would like to **[02:57:09.790] Rep. Antonio L. Tinio** (asr-002527) Before you answer, tanong ko lang po kayo mga professionals of the Foreign Service. **[02:57:17.730] Rep. Sancho Fernando "Ando" F. Oaminal** (asr-002528) Yes, but before that I would like to acknowledge the presence of our great Deputy Speaker **[02:57:24.510] Rep. Sancho Fernando "Ando" F. Oaminal** (asr-002529) Bambi Emano and our Vice Chair, the Honorable Maria Isabel Sagarbarria. **[02:57:30.690] Rep. Sancho Fernando "Ando" F. Oaminal** (asr-002530) You may proceed. **[02:57:32.300] Rep. Antonio L. Tinio** (asr-002530-split-2) Yes, before you answer, **[02:57:34.610] Rep. Antonio L. Tinio** (asr-002531) yun pa 'yung tanong ko. Kayo nga, lahat kayo, mga **[02:57:37.270] Rep. Antonio L. Tinio** (asr-002532) You know uh professionals of the foreign service as i said **[02:57:41.090] Rep. Antonio L. Tinio** (asr-002533) normal po ba 'yan na ang isang spokesperson **[02:57:44.430] Rep. Antonio L. Tinio** (asr-002534) ng embassy ng isang foreign mission ay bumabanat ng ganyan sa mga patakaran ng host country **[02:57:53.310] Rep. Antonio L. Tinio** (asr-002535) of course there will always be disagreements between nations pero **[02:57:59.150] Rep. Antonio L. Tinio** (asr-002536) kaya nga tinatawag na diplomasya e diba so is this does this **[02:58:04.510] Rep. Antonio L. Tinio** (asr-002537) uh um um leave up to standards of diplomacy yung ganitong asal ng mga **[02:58:17.710] Rep. Antonio L. Tinio** (asr-002538) official ng Chinese Embassy dito sa Manila? **[02:58:20.830] Rep. Sancho Fernando "Ando" F. Oaminal** (asr-002538-split-2) Asec, please respond. **[02:58:23.300] DFA Assistant Secretary Robespierre L. Bolivar** (asr-002538-split-3) With the permission of the Secretary, **[02:58:24.430] DFA Assistant Secretary Robespierre L. Bolivar** (asr-002539) uh mr chair uh your honor um the dfa po na notice na po naman na dfa uh yung uh the approach of the **[02:58:33.070] DFA Assistant Secretary Robespierre L. Bolivar** (asr-002540) chinese embassy when making progress **[02:58:34.510] DFA Assistant Secretary Robespierre L. Bolivar** (asr-002541) public statements with regard to their position and their narrative on the west philippine sea **[02:58:40.190] DFA Assistant Secretary Robespierre L. Bolivar** (asr-002542) and south china sea issues and certainly uh from the from the dfa's uh **[02:58:46.830] DFA Assistant Secretary Robespierre L. Bolivar** (asr-002543) mandate we have also raised this with the chinese embassy **[02:58:53.470] DFA Assistant Secretary Robespierre L. Bolivar** (asr-002544) there are better fora for the exchange of positions uh on the west philippines and south **[02:58:59.630] DFA Assistant Secretary Robespierre L. Bolivar** (asr-002545) china sea issues and uh kami po ang paniwala po namin is that **[02:59:04.510] DFA Assistant Secretary Robespierre L. Bolivar** (asr-002546) the proper forum is between foreign ministries and between diplomatic representatives to argue and **[02:59:10.910] DFA Assistant Secretary Robespierre L. Bolivar** (asr-002547) debate about our respective positions on the south china sea unfortunately po uh **[02:59:15.950] DFA Assistant Secretary Robespierre L. Bolivar** (asr-002548) ang approach nila e hindi palaging ganoon at ginagamit nga po nila ang ang ang public **[02:59:23.470] DFA Assistant Secretary Robespierre L. Bolivar** (asr-002549) ang ang media at ang social media upang mai mailahad ang kanilang posisyon **[02:59:30.910] DFA Assistant Secretary Robespierre L. Bolivar** (asr-002550) Meron naman pong mga pagkakataon na yung DFA **[02:59:34.500] DFA Assistant Secretary Robespierre L. Bolivar** (asr-002552) sinasagot sila, lalo na po kung talagang taliwas sa katotohanan yung posisyon na kanilang inilalahad tungkol sa arbitral award o tungkol doon sa ating mga aksyon sa West Philippine Sea. **[02:59:46.650] DFA Assistant Secretary Robespierre L. Bolivar** (asr-002553) At hindi naman po nagkukulang ang DFA pagdating doon. **[02:59:51.190] DFA Assistant Secretary Robespierre L. Bolivar** (asr-002554) Minsan lang po, may mga statement sila na hindi na ho namin masyadong **[03:00:00.000] DFA Assistant Secretary Robespierre L. Bolivar** (asr-002555) pinapatulan kasi **[03:00:01.540] DFA Assistant Secretary Robespierre L. Bolivar** (asr-002556) paulit-ulit po kasi yung **[03:00:03.300] DFA Assistant Secretary Robespierre L. Bolivar** (asr-002557) arguments at wala namang **[03:00:05.520] DFA Assistant Secretary Robespierre L. Bolivar** (asr-002558) bago at lagi naman po namin **[03:00:07.480] DFA Assistant Secretary Robespierre L. Bolivar** (asr-002559) sinasagot po yun in the proper **[03:00:10.040] DFA Assistant Secretary Robespierre L. Bolivar** (asr-002560) fora which is through diplomatic **[03:00:11.980] DFA Assistant Secretary Robespierre L. Bolivar** (asr-002561) representation. **[03:00:13.000] Rep. Antonio L. Tinio** (asr-002561-split-2) Okay. **[03:00:13.620] Rep. Antonio L. Tinio** (asr-002562) Hindi pinapatulan ng DFA pero **[03:00:15.760] Rep. Antonio L. Tinio** (asr-002563) unfortunately pinapatulan ng ibang mga **[03:00:17.700] Rep. Antonio L. Tinio** (asr-002564) opisyal ng administrasyon. **[03:00:20.540] Rep. Antonio L. Tinio** (asr-002565) So for example, there has been **[03:00:21.900] Rep. Antonio L. Tinio** (asr-002566) an ongoing running gun battle **[03:00:23.760] Rep. Antonio L. Tinio** (asr-002567) between the Chinese embassy **[03:00:25.860] Rep. Antonio L. Tinio** (asr-002568) and I think the Department **[03:00:28.000] Rep. Antonio L. Tinio** (asr-002569) of National Defense. **[03:00:29.320] Rep. Antonio L. Tinio** (asr-002570) Di ba? Ngayon ang issue **[03:00:31.560] Rep. Antonio L. Tinio** (asr-002571) ay tungkol dun sa **[03:00:32.720] Rep. Antonio L. Tinio** (asr-002572) parang raid **[03:00:35.040] Rep. Antonio L. Tinio** (asr-002573) dun sa Fividec Industrial **[03:00:37.240] Rep. Antonio L. Tinio** (asr-002574) Estate. **[03:00:39.360] Rep. Antonio L. Tinio** (asr-002575) And of course yung kay **[03:00:40.840] Rep. Antonio L. Tinio** (asr-002576) Tariela ng Philippine Coast Guard **[03:00:43.240] Rep. Antonio L. Tinio** (asr-002577) Admiral Tariela that has been going **[03:00:45.320] Rep. Antonio L. Tinio** (asr-002578) on for so long as well. **[03:00:47.700] Rep. Antonio L. Tinio** (asr-002579) So nagpapatuloy **[03:00:49.340] Rep. Antonio L. Tinio** (asr-002580) sabi nyo sinabihan nyo na **[03:00:51.140] Rep. Antonio L. Tinio** (asr-002581) anong forma po yan? Sinabihan nyo na **[03:00:53.080] Rep. Antonio L. Tinio** (asr-002582) and hindi ba kung sinabihan nyo na **[03:00:55.180] Rep. Antonio L. Tinio** (asr-002583) pero hindi pa rin kayo **[03:00:56.560] Rep. Antonio L. Tinio** (asr-002584) hindi pa rin niririspeto ang inyong **[03:00:58.760] Rep. Antonio L. Tinio** (asr-002585) paabot. **[03:01:02.300] Rep. Antonio L. Tinio** (asr-002586) Hindi ba pwedeng **[03:01:03.580] Rep. Antonio L. Tinio** (asr-002587) ano ba? What are other options **[03:01:06.320] Rep. Antonio L. Tinio** (asr-002588) available to you? Pag summoning **[03:01:08.120] Rep. Antonio L. Tinio** (asr-002589) the ambassador? Hindi ba pwedeng ganon? **[03:01:13.620] DFA Assistant Secretary Robespierre L. Bolivar** (asr-002590) Mr. Chair, **[03:01:14.780] DFA Assistant Secretary Robespierre L. Bolivar** (asr-002591) Your Honor, **[03:01:16.500] DFA Assistant Secretary Robespierre L. Bolivar** (asr-002592) yung pagkikipag-usap po namin **[03:01:18.360] DFA Assistant Secretary Robespierre L. Bolivar** (asr-002593) ay meron naman po mga pagkakataon na **[03:01:20.320] DFA Assistant Secretary Robespierre L. Bolivar** (asr-002594) regular interaction with the Chinese embassy **[03:01:22.520] DFA Assistant Secretary Robespierre L. Bolivar** (asr-002595) pati na po ang mga **[03:01:24.260] DFA Assistant Secretary Robespierre L. Bolivar** (asr-002596) opisyal sa Ministry of Foreign Affairs **[03:01:26.440] DFA Assistant Secretary Robespierre L. Bolivar** (asr-002597) sa Beijing. At **[03:01:28.000] DFA Assistant Secretary Robespierre L. Bolivar** (asr-002598) pagka **[03:01:29.060] DFA Assistant Secretary Robespierre L. Bolivar** (asr-002599) I mean yung pagkakataon, **[03:01:31.060] DFA Assistant Secretary Robespierre L. Bolivar** (asr-002600) nag-uusap po eh regular naman. Pero bukod po doon, **[03:01:34.080] DFA Assistant Secretary Robespierre L. Bolivar** (asr-002601) meron din po kaming mga **[03:01:35.100] DFA Assistant Secretary Robespierre L. Bolivar** (asr-002602) pagkakataon para mag-issue ng formal **[03:01:37.100] DFA Assistant Secretary Robespierre L. Bolivar** (asr-002603) protests when it comes to **[03:01:38.900] DFA Assistant Secretary Robespierre L. Bolivar** (asr-002604) very specific statements **[03:01:41.000] DFA Assistant Secretary Robespierre L. Bolivar** (asr-002605) of the Foreign Ministry and the Chinese Government. **[03:01:44.040] DFA Assistant Secretary Robespierre L. Bolivar** (asr-002606) So in a whole, **[03:01:45.200] DFA Assistant Secretary Robespierre L. Bolivar** (asr-002607) in an entire context po, **[03:01:47.240] DFA Assistant Secretary Robespierre L. Bolivar** (asr-002608) hindi po naman **[03:01:48.100] DFA Assistant Secretary Robespierre L. Bolivar** (asr-002609) nagkukulang yung ating paalala **[03:01:51.020] DFA Assistant Secretary Robespierre L. Bolivar** (asr-002610) sa kanila of the Philippine position. **[03:01:53.540] DFA Assistant Secretary Robespierre L. Bolivar** (asr-002611) Yung nabanggit nyo po kanina **[03:01:55.140] DFA Assistant Secretary Robespierre L. Bolivar** (asr-002612) tungkol dun sa mga statements **[03:01:56.960] DFA Assistant Secretary Robespierre L. Bolivar** (asr-002613) na binibigay ng ibang ahensya, **[03:01:59.440] DFA Assistant Secretary Robespierre L. Bolivar** (asr-002614) meron po rin po kasi silang **[03:02:01.060] DFA Assistant Secretary Robespierre L. Bolivar** (asr-002615) mga mandato that are related **[03:02:03.240] DFA Assistant Secretary Robespierre L. Bolivar** (asr-002616) to their duties **[03:02:05.140] DFA Assistant Secretary Robespierre L. Bolivar** (asr-002617) and responsibilities in **[03:02:07.140] DFA Assistant Secretary Robespierre L. Bolivar** (asr-002618) the maritime space, kasama **[03:02:09.120] DFA Assistant Secretary Robespierre L. Bolivar** (asr-002619) po sa West Philippine Sea. **[03:02:11.000] DFA Assistant Secretary Robespierre L. Bolivar** (asr-002620) And of course they are given **[03:02:13.020] DFA Assistant Secretary Robespierre L. Bolivar** (asr-002621) the leeway of course to give their own **[03:02:15.140] DFA Assistant Secretary Robespierre L. Bolivar** (asr-002622) statements, public statements. **[03:02:17.080] Rep. Antonio L. Tinio** (asr-002623) So have you actually **[03:02:18.820] Rep. Antonio L. Tinio** (asr-002624) large formal diplomatic **[03:02:21.040] Rep. Antonio L. Tinio** (asr-002625) protests in relation to the statements **[03:02:23.460] Rep. Antonio L. Tinio** (asr-002626) that are being issued **[03:02:25.160] Rep. Antonio L. Tinio** (asr-002627) by the **[03:02:26.700] Rep. Antonio L. Tinio** (asr-002628) embassy in Manila? **[03:02:29.580] DFA Assistant Secretary Robespierre L. Bolivar** (asr-002629) There have been **[03:02:31.060] DFA Assistant Secretary Robespierre L. Bolivar** (asr-002630) 39 statements, 39 **[03:02:32.860] DFA Assistant Secretary Robespierre L. Bolivar** (asr-002631) diplomatic protests po this year **[03:02:34.920] DFA Assistant Secretary Robespierre L. Bolivar** (asr-002632) alone. And **[03:02:36.160] DFA Assistant Secretary Robespierre L. Bolivar** (asr-002633) we actually have a weekly protest **[03:02:38.920] DFA Assistant Secretary Robespierre L. Bolivar** (asr-002634) with regard to their activities. **[03:02:41.080] DFA Assistant Secretary Robespierre L. Bolivar** (asr-002635) Pero po pagdating sa mga specific **[03:02:42.900] DFA Assistant Secretary Robespierre L. Bolivar** (asr-002636) protests, meron din po tayo mga **[03:02:44.700] DFA Assistant Secretary Robespierre L. Bolivar** (asr-002637) protests within the year. **[03:02:47.240] Rep. Sancho Fernando "Ando" F. Oaminal** (asr-002638) Honorable, tinyo as a matter **[03:02:49.100] Rep. Sancho Fernando "Ando" F. Oaminal** (asr-002639) of protocol, I am obliged **[03:02:50.940] Rep. Sancho Fernando "Ando" F. Oaminal** (asr-002640) to remind you. **[03:02:52.040] Rep. Antonio L. Tinio** (asr-002641) Patapos na po. **[03:02:53.860] Rep. Antonio L. Tinio** (asr-002642) Pwede po nalang mabigyan tayo ng **[03:02:56.000] Rep. Antonio L. Tinio** (asr-002643) some sort of report **[03:02:59.260] Rep. Antonio L. Tinio** (asr-002644) on the protests. **[03:03:01.060] Rep. Antonio L. Tinio** (asr-002645) And are they specific **[03:03:02.860] Rep. Antonio L. Tinio** (asr-002646) to the statements being **[03:03:05.080] Rep. Antonio L. Tinio** (asr-002647) issued by the **[03:03:07.060] Rep. Antonio L. Tinio** (asr-002648) embassy? Yung mga katulad **[03:03:08.960] Rep. Antonio L. Tinio** (asr-002649) nung sinayit ko kanina, which was **[03:03:11.020] Rep. Antonio L. Tinio** (asr-002650) issued just a few days ago? **[03:03:15.820] DFA Assistant Secretary Robespierre L. Bolivar** (asr-002651) Your Honor, **[03:03:17.580] DFA Assistant Secretary Robespierre L. Bolivar** (asr-002652) yung mga diplomatic **[03:03:19.400] DFA Assistant Secretary Robespierre L. Bolivar** (asr-002653) protests po are specific **[03:03:21.460] DFA Assistant Secretary Robespierre L. Bolivar** (asr-002654) to the Chinese position. **[03:03:24.600] DFA Assistant Secretary Robespierre L. Bolivar** (asr-002655) So not **[03:03:25.160] DFA Assistant Secretary Robespierre L. Bolivar** (asr-002656) always to the **[03:03:27.340] DFA Assistant Secretary Robespierre L. Bolivar** (asr-002657) statements that they issue in public. **[03:03:29.380] DFA Assistant Secretary Robespierre L. Bolivar** (asr-002658) But there are examples of that **[03:03:30.920] DFA Assistant Secretary Robespierre L. Bolivar** (asr-002659) in the diplomatic protests that **[03:03:33.180] DFA Assistant Secretary Robespierre L. Bolivar** (asr-002660) we have issued since 2022. **[03:03:35.640] Rep. Antonio L. Tinio** (asr-002661) Well, Mr. Chair, yan po ang **[03:03:37.100] Rep. Antonio L. Tinio** (asr-002662) hinihingi natin **[03:03:39.700] Rep. Antonio L. Tinio** (asr-002663) sa **[03:03:40.500] Rep. Antonio L. Tinio** (asr-002664) DFA. **[03:03:43.900] Rep. Antonio L. Tinio** (asr-002665) Magsalita naman kayo **[03:03:45.160] Rep. Antonio L. Tinio** (asr-002666) and specifically call them out **[03:03:47.220] Rep. Antonio L. Tinio** (asr-002667) publicly for making **[03:03:49.040] Rep. Antonio L. Tinio** (asr-002668) such statements. Kasi nagpapainit, **[03:03:50.880] Rep. Antonio L. Tinio** (asr-002669) hindi po nakakatulong **[03:03:52.280] Rep. Antonio L. Tinio** (asr-002670) at lalo lang nagpapainit **[03:03:55.140] Rep. Antonio L. Tinio** (asr-002671) sa sitwasyon **[03:03:56.600] Rep. Antonio L. Tinio** (asr-002672) na in the end, hindi naman **[03:03:59.000] Rep. Antonio L. Tinio** (asr-002673) magbabago ang mga posisyon **[03:04:00.780] Rep. Antonio L. Tinio** (asr-002674) ng dalawang bansa, diba? **[03:04:03.180] Rep. Antonio L. Tinio** (asr-002675) Okay. Now, **[03:04:04.920] Rep. Antonio L. Tinio** (asr-002676) my last question **[03:04:07.440] Rep. Antonio L. Tinio** (asr-002677) has to do with **[03:04:09.060] Rep. Antonio L. Tinio** (asr-002678) the recent statements of the **[03:04:10.880] Rep. Antonio L. Tinio** (asr-002679) President, kaugnay **[03:04:13.240] Rep. Antonio L. Tinio** (asr-002680) sa joint development. **[03:04:15.800] Rep. Antonio L. Tinio** (asr-002681) And on August **[03:04:17.040] Rep. Antonio L. Tinio** (asr-002682) 14, **[03:04:18.100] Rep. Antonio L. Tinio** (asr-002683) during a media event, **[03:04:21.720] Rep. Antonio L. Tinio** (asr-002684) he was again, **[03:04:23.020] Rep. Antonio L. Tinio** (asr-002685) parang unang sinabi yung joint development **[03:04:25.140] Rep. Antonio L. Tinio** (asr-002686) sa kainitan nung **[03:04:26.420] Rep. Antonio L. Tinio** (asr-002687) energy **[03:04:28.580] Rep. Antonio L. Tinio** (asr-002688) emergency. **[03:04:31.740] Rep. Antonio L. Tinio** (asr-002689) Sabi, **[03:04:32.200] Rep. Antonio L. Tinio** (asr-002690) buhayin natin itong joint development. **[03:04:35.060] Rep. Antonio L. Tinio** (asr-002691) Tapos, just recently, August 14, **[03:04:37.680] Rep. Antonio L. Tinio** (asr-002692) again, he made **[03:04:39.140] Rep. Antonio L. Tinio** (asr-002693) a statement. **[03:04:43.380] Rep. Antonio L. Tinio** (asr-002694) Sabi niya, **[03:04:47.200] Rep. Antonio L. Tinio** (asr-002695) according to a news report, **[03:04:50.900] Rep. Antonio L. Tinio** (asr-002696) possible joint **[03:04:52.580] Rep. Antonio L. Tinio** (asr-002697) exploration with China **[03:04:54.780] Rep. Antonio L. Tinio** (asr-002698) before term ends. **[03:04:57.420] Rep. Antonio L. Tinio** (asr-002699) So, that's 2028. **[03:05:00.020] Rep. Antonio L. Tinio** (asr-002700) At ang sabi ng **[03:05:00.960] Rep. Antonio L. Tinio** (asr-002701) Pangulo, **[03:05:02.760] Rep. Antonio L. Tinio** (asr-002702) ay the **[03:05:04.340] Rep. Antonio L. Tinio** (asr-002703) discussion has gained prominence **[03:05:06.080] Rep. Antonio L. Tinio** (asr-002704) and where we are now, I think we have moved **[03:05:08.240] Rep. Antonio L. Tinio** (asr-002705) forward. **[03:05:09.940] Rep. Antonio L. Tinio** (asr-002706) There were several issues from the beginning **[03:05:12.160] Rep. Antonio L. Tinio** (asr-002707) that we are slowly **[03:05:14.240] Rep. Antonio L. Tinio** (asr-002708) working through. **[03:05:16.120] Rep. Antonio L. Tinio** (asr-002709) And I can see the distinct possibility **[03:05:18.440] Rep. Antonio L. Tinio** (asr-002710) that there will be such **[03:05:20.420] Rep. Antonio L. Tinio** (asr-002711) joint explorations. **[03:05:22.580] Rep. Antonio L. Tinio** (asr-002712) It is just in the terms of reference **[03:05:24.640] Rep. Antonio L. Tinio** (asr-002713) and what we are going to do **[03:05:26.240] Rep. Antonio L. Tinio** (asr-002714) like any joint venture **[03:05:27.980] Rep. Antonio L. Tinio** (asr-002715) or if it is nearly commercial, **[03:05:30.340] Rep. Antonio L. Tinio** (asr-002716) that's what we're doing now. **[03:05:32.740] Rep. Antonio L. Tinio** (asr-002717) Okay. So, **[03:05:34.340] Rep. Antonio L. Tinio** (asr-002718) sa nakaraang **[03:05:37.060] Rep. Antonio L. Tinio** (asr-002719) administrasyon, yung DFA po **[03:05:39.360] Rep. Antonio L. Tinio** (asr-002720) ang directly involved sa **[03:05:40.880] Rep. Antonio L. Tinio** (asr-002721) usapin ng joint development, **[03:05:43.080] Rep. Antonio L. Tinio** (asr-002722) joint exploration, whatever. **[03:05:44.840] Rep. Antonio L. Tinio** (asr-002723) Parang, it was directly led **[03:05:47.020] Rep. Antonio L. Tinio** (asr-002724) by the secretary, that time **[03:05:49.160] Rep. Antonio L. Tinio** (asr-002725) si Teddy Boy Loxin. **[03:05:52.140] Rep. Antonio L. Tinio** (asr-002726) So, ngayon po ba, **[03:05:53.600] Rep. Antonio L. Tinio** (asr-002727) ay ganun pa rin. Yung **[03:05:54.860] Rep. Antonio L. Tinio** (asr-002728) tinutukoy ng Pangulo dito **[03:05:56.760] Rep. Antonio L. Tinio** (asr-002729) na **[03:05:58.080] Rep. Antonio L. Tinio** (asr-002730) we are moving forward, obviously, **[03:06:01.020] Rep. Antonio L. Tinio** (asr-002731) may not, that implies **[03:06:03.020] Rep. Antonio L. Tinio** (asr-002732) that talks are **[03:06:04.300] Rep. Antonio L. Tinio** (asr-002733) ongoing. So, **[03:06:07.040] Rep. Antonio L. Tinio** (asr-002734) is it **[03:06:08.600] Rep. Antonio L. Tinio** (asr-002735) the DFA that **[03:06:09.920] Rep. Antonio L. Tinio** (asr-002736) has the lead role in these **[03:06:12.520] Rep. Antonio L. Tinio** (asr-002737) discussions? And if so, **[03:06:14.180] Rep. Antonio L. Tinio** (asr-002738) could you **[03:06:16.040] Rep. Antonio L. Tinio** (asr-002739) update the committee **[03:06:18.080] Rep. Antonio L. Tinio** (asr-002740) on ano ibig sabihin ng **[03:06:20.080] Rep. Antonio L. Tinio** (asr-002741) presidente dito that we have moved **[03:06:22.160] Rep. Antonio L. Tinio** (asr-002742) forward and that **[03:06:24.220] Rep. Antonio L. Tinio** (asr-002743) it's possible to have **[03:06:25.700] Rep. Antonio L. Tinio** (asr-002744) some sort of joint development **[03:06:27.920] Rep. Antonio L. Tinio** (asr-002745) before the end of his term? **[03:06:30.940] DFA Secretary Ma. Theresa P. Lazaro** (asr-002746) Your Honor, thank you. **[03:06:32.380] DFA Secretary Ma. Theresa P. Lazaro** (asr-002747) I think for now, **[03:06:34.300] DFA Secretary Ma. Theresa P. Lazaro** (asr-002748) it is not called joint development **[03:06:36.220] DFA Secretary Ma. Theresa P. Lazaro** (asr-002749) but joint cooperation on oil and gas. **[03:06:39.160] DFA Secretary Ma. Theresa P. Lazaro** (asr-002750) But, given the **[03:06:40.620] DFA Secretary Ma. Theresa P. Lazaro** (asr-002751) binigay na statement **[03:06:42.720] DFA Secretary Ma. Theresa P. Lazaro** (asr-002752) ng Pangulo, we have to go back **[03:06:44.820] DFA Secretary Ma. Theresa P. Lazaro** (asr-002753) to what happened during the **[03:06:46.620] DFA Secretary Ma. Theresa P. Lazaro** (asr-002754) previous administration. **[03:06:48.160] DFA Secretary Ma. Theresa P. Lazaro** (asr-002755) You know, kagaya na sinabi nyo, **[03:06:51.120] DFA Secretary Ma. Theresa P. Lazaro** (asr-002756) si Secretary Loxin **[03:06:52.280] DFA Secretary Ma. Theresa P. Lazaro** (asr-002757) was leading it. In fact, **[03:06:54.320] DFA Secretary Ma. Theresa P. Lazaro** (asr-002758) meron na tinatawag na **[03:06:55.640] DFA Secretary Ma. Theresa P. Lazaro** (asr-002759) CONRAD document. **[03:06:58.320] DFA Secretary Ma. Theresa P. Lazaro** (asr-002760) I think may mga certain issues na lang **[03:07:00.440] DFA Secretary Ma. Theresa P. Lazaro** (asr-002761) concerning **[03:07:01.040] DFA Secretary Ma. Theresa P. Lazaro** (asr-002762) the constitutional issue. **[03:07:04.300] DFA Secretary Ma. Theresa P. Lazaro** (asr-002763) Of what laws to **[03:07:06.260] DFA Secretary Ma. Theresa P. Lazaro** (asr-002764) apply and **[03:07:07.780] DFA Secretary Ma. Theresa P. Lazaro** (asr-002765) taxation issues. However, **[03:07:10.560] DFA Secretary Ma. Theresa P. Lazaro** (asr-002766) unilaterally, **[03:07:12.460] DFA Secretary Ma. Theresa P. Lazaro** (asr-002767) tinerminate ni Secretary **[03:07:14.260] DFA Secretary Ma. Theresa P. Lazaro** (asr-002768) Loxin. Tinanong ko siya, **[03:07:16.400] DFA Secretary Ma. Theresa P. Lazaro** (asr-002769) bakit nyo po tinerminate? Ang sabi **[03:07:18.400] DFA Secretary Ma. Theresa P. Lazaro** (asr-002770) niya, to give a free hand **[03:07:20.420] DFA Secretary Ma. Theresa P. Lazaro** (asr-002771) to the next administration. **[03:07:22.280] DFA Secretary Ma. Theresa P. Lazaro** (asr-002772) Which also makes sense. Now, **[03:07:24.600] DFA Secretary Ma. Theresa P. Lazaro** (asr-002773) so, I think, **[03:07:26.160] DFA Secretary Ma. Theresa P. Lazaro** (asr-002774) doon nang gagaling ang Pangulo. **[03:07:28.160] DFA Secretary Ma. Theresa P. Lazaro** (asr-002775) Kasi may mga nangyari **[03:07:30.180] DFA Secretary Ma. Theresa P. Lazaro** (asr-002776) na in the past. However, **[03:07:31.760] DFA Secretary Ma. Theresa P. Lazaro** (asr-002777) there, **[03:07:32.240] DFA Secretary Ma. Theresa P. Lazaro** (asr-002778) there, **[03:07:34.300] DFA Secretary Ma. Theresa P. Lazaro** (asr-002779) just to tell you that **[03:07:36.240] DFA Secretary Ma. Theresa P. Lazaro** (asr-002780) the consideration of this issue **[03:07:38.240] DFA Secretary Ma. Theresa P. Lazaro** (asr-002781) is very important and seriously **[03:07:40.340] DFA Secretary Ma. Theresa P. Lazaro** (asr-002782) considering. Kaya lang po, kami po **[03:07:42.180] DFA Secretary Ma. Theresa P. Lazaro** (asr-002783) ay masyadong involved dito sa **[03:07:44.360] DFA Secretary Ma. Theresa P. Lazaro** (asr-002784) ASEAN. May summit na **[03:07:46.340] DFA Secretary Ma. Theresa P. Lazaro** (asr-002785) darating sa November. So, **[03:07:49.180] DFA Secretary Ma. Theresa P. Lazaro** (asr-002786) sinasangtabi **[03:07:50.460] DFA Secretary Ma. Theresa P. Lazaro** (asr-002787) muna namin ngayon. **[03:07:52.740] DFA Secretary Ma. Theresa P. Lazaro** (asr-002788) At, of course, **[03:07:54.960] DFA Secretary Ma. Theresa P. Lazaro** (asr-002789) being the architect of foreign **[03:07:56.200] DFA Secretary Ma. Theresa P. Lazaro** (asr-002790) policy, implement namin naman **[03:07:58.100] DFA Secretary Ma. Theresa P. Lazaro** (asr-002791) yan at the appropriate time. **[03:08:00.560] Rep. Antonio L. Tinio** (asr-002792) Okay. So, you confirm **[03:08:02.580] Rep. Antonio L. Tinio** (asr-002793) na kayo po ang may lead role? **[03:08:04.300] Rep. Antonio L. Tinio** (asr-002794) Dito. Katulad nung sa nakaraan **[03:08:06.340] Rep. Antonio L. Tinio** (asr-002795) na si Secretary Locsin **[03:08:08.320] Rep. Antonio L. Tinio** (asr-002796) ang parang lead **[03:08:10.040] Rep. Antonio L. Tinio** (asr-002797) negotiator, kumbaga. **[03:08:12.200] Rep. Antonio L. Tinio** (asr-002798) So, in this case, kayo po. **[03:08:14.760] Rep. Antonio L. Tinio** (asr-002799) Kayo rin po yun. Ganun po ba? **[03:08:16.520] DFA Secretary Ma. Theresa P. Lazaro** (asr-002800) Well, I, as of this **[03:08:18.240] DFA Secretary Ma. Theresa P. Lazaro** (asr-002801) time and which is not yet, hindi pa naman **[03:08:20.120] DFA Secretary Ma. Theresa P. Lazaro** (asr-002802) talaga na nabubuhu. Well, it **[03:08:22.240] DFA Secretary Ma. Theresa P. Lazaro** (asr-002803) would be me. However, I think that **[03:08:24.300] DFA Secretary Ma. Theresa P. Lazaro** (asr-002804) this would be **[03:08:25.520] DFA Secretary Ma. Theresa P. Lazaro** (asr-002805) involving other agencies, **[03:08:28.420] DFA Secretary Ma. Theresa P. Lazaro** (asr-002806) particularly DOE. **[03:08:30.380] Rep. Antonio L. Tinio** (asr-002807) Okay. Particularly **[03:08:32.060] Rep. Antonio L. Tinio** (asr-002808) DOE. Okay. So, ang sinasabi po nyo, **[03:08:34.280] Rep. Antonio L. Tinio** (asr-002809) yan ang direktiba ng Pangulo **[03:08:36.340] Rep. Antonio L. Tinio** (asr-002810) pero abala kayo sa ASEAN **[03:08:38.340] Rep. Antonio L. Tinio** (asr-002811) at hindi nyo pa nahaharap. **[03:08:40.220] Rep. Antonio L. Tinio** (asr-002812) Ganun po ba? **[03:08:40.750] DFA Secretary Ma. Theresa P. Lazaro** (asr-002812-split-2) Well, to a certain extent, **[03:08:42.560] DFA Secretary Ma. Theresa P. Lazaro** (asr-002813) yun naman talaga ang dahilan. **[03:08:44.700] Rep. Antonio L. Tinio** (asr-002814) Okay. Thank you, **[03:08:46.280] Rep. Antonio L. Tinio** (asr-002815) Mr. Chair. **[03:08:48.100] Rep. Antonio L. Tinio** (asr-002816) Hanggang doon na lang po muna. **[03:08:49.200] Rep. Sancho Fernando "Ando" F. Oaminal** (asr-002816-split-2) Okay. **[03:08:49.980] Rep. Sancho Fernando "Ando" F. Oaminal** (asr-002817) Maraming salamat din po, Honorable Tinu. **[03:08:52.020] Rep. Sancho Fernando "Ando" F. Oaminal** (asr-002818) I hope **[03:08:52.400] Rep. Sancho Fernando "Ando" F. Oaminal** (asr-002819) you enjoyed that long time **[03:08:56.540] Rep. Sancho Fernando "Ando" F. Oaminal** (asr-002820) that we **[03:08:58.320] Rep. Sancho Fernando "Ando" F. Oaminal** (asr-002821) appropriated for you. **[03:08:59.900] Rep. Sancho Fernando "Ando" F. Oaminal** (asr-002822) Now, we proceed **[03:09:02.380] Rep. Sancho Fernando "Ando" F. Oaminal** (asr-002823) back to **[03:09:03.140] Rep. Sancho Fernando "Ando" F. Oaminal** (asr-002824) the Honorable **[03:09:06.200] Rep. Sancho Fernando "Ando" F. Oaminal** (asr-002825) Sara Elago, again from the minority **[03:09:08.300] Rep. Sancho Fernando "Ando" F. Oaminal** (asr-002826) for a brief **[03:09:10.600] Rep. Sancho Fernando "Ando" F. Oaminal** (asr-002827) interpellation. **[03:09:13.380] Rep. Sarah Jane I. Elago** (asr-002828) Maraming salamat, **[03:09:14.460] Rep. Sarah Jane I. Elago** (asr-002829) Mr. Chair. **[03:09:16.000] Rep. Sarah Jane I. Elago** (asr-002830) Hindi ko po mapalagpas yung pagkakataon **[03:09:18.520] Rep. Sarah Jane I. Elago** (asr-002831) dahil sa nakakadurog na puso **[03:09:20.360] Rep. Sarah Jane I. Elago** (asr-002832) na balita na meron na namang **[03:09:22.340] Rep. Sarah Jane I. Elago** (asr-002833) dalawang Filipino seafarer **[03:09:24.000] Rep. Sarah Jane I. Elago** (asr-002834) na nasawi sa **[03:09:25.900] Rep. Sarah Jane I. Elago** (asr-002835) atake sa kanilang **[03:09:28.540] Rep. Sarah Jane I. Elago** (asr-002836) pinagtatrabahuhan **[03:09:30.940] Rep. Sarah Jane I. Elago** (asr-002837) na oil tanker sa **[03:09:32.120] Rep. Sarah Jane I. Elago** (asr-002838) Strait of Hormuz. **[03:09:33.140] Rep. Sarah Jane I. Elago** (asr-002839) Nais ko pong matanong, **[03:09:35.360] Rep. Sarah Jane I. Elago** (asr-002840) ano ho ang mga pinakahuling **[03:09:37.660] Rep. Sarah Jane I. Elago** (asr-002841) ulat mula sa **[03:09:39.320] Rep. Sarah Jane I. Elago** (asr-002842) DFA ng ating **[03:09:41.460] Rep. Sarah Jane I. Elago** (asr-002843) mga sinasagawa na **[03:09:43.300] Rep. Sarah Jane I. Elago** (asr-002844) mga mas mahigpit **[03:09:45.340] Rep. Sarah Jane I. Elago** (asr-002845) na safety measures, **[03:09:47.160] Rep. Sarah Jane I. Elago** (asr-002846) protocols, pagtitiyak **[03:09:49.160] Rep. Sarah Jane I. Elago** (asr-002847) na napoprotektahan ho **[03:09:50.960] Rep. Sarah Jane I. Elago** (asr-002848) yung ating mga kababayan. Pero bago ho **[03:09:53.100] Rep. Sarah Jane I. Elago** (asr-002849) natin pakinggan yung sagot **[03:09:55.160] Rep. Sarah Jane I. Elago** (asr-002850) ng DFA, nais ko rin **[03:09:57.120] Rep. Sarah Jane I. Elago** (asr-002851) magpaabot ng lubos **[03:09:59.100] Rep. Sarah Jane I. Elago** (asr-002852) na pakikiramay doon sa **[03:10:01.180] Rep. Sarah Jane I. Elago** (asr-002853) mga pamilya, nung mga nasawi, **[03:10:03.140] Rep. Sarah Jane I. Elago** (asr-002854) bukod po dito sa dalawang **[03:10:05.200] Rep. Sarah Jane I. Elago** (asr-002855) napabalita, meron pa hong isa **[03:10:07.020] Rep. Sarah Jane I. Elago** (asr-002856) na Filipino seafarer **[03:10:09.400] Rep. Sarah Jane I. Elago** (asr-002857) na nasawi, **[03:10:11.040] Rep. Sarah Jane I. Elago** (asr-002858) na nareport din itong **[03:10:13.200] Rep. Sarah Jane I. Elago** (asr-002859) nakaraan na buwan, **[03:10:15.200] Rep. Sarah Jane I. Elago** (asr-002860) at meron pa hong isang nawawala **[03:10:17.140] Rep. Sarah Jane I. Elago** (asr-002861) noong Marso ngayong taon. **[03:10:20.440] Rep. Sarah Jane I. Elago** (asr-002862) Ano ho ang **[03:10:21.200] Rep. Sarah Jane I. Elago** (asr-002863) ginagawa ng DFA **[03:10:22.860] Rep. Sarah Jane I. Elago** (asr-002864) para matiyak sa **[03:10:24.800] Rep. Sarah Jane I. Elago** (asr-002865) pakikipagtulungan sa iba nating mga **[03:10:27.100] Rep. Sarah Jane I. Elago** (asr-002866) agencies tulad ng DMW **[03:10:29.020] Rep. Sarah Jane I. Elago** (asr-002867) para maprotektahan ang ating mga seafarers? **[03:10:31.900] DFA Secretary Ma. Theresa P. Lazaro** (asr-002868) Your Honor, **[03:10:33.140] DFA Secretary Ma. Theresa P. Lazaro** (asr-002869) gusto ko lang pong linawin na **[03:10:34.740] DFA Secretary Ma. Theresa P. Lazaro** (asr-002870) ang ating mga OFWs **[03:10:37.300] DFA Secretary Ma. Theresa P. Lazaro** (asr-002871) and seafarers are already under the **[03:10:39.100] DFA Secretary Ma. Theresa P. Lazaro** (asr-002872) jurisdiction of the Department of **[03:10:41.160] DFA Secretary Ma. Theresa P. Lazaro** (asr-002873) Migrant Workers. So the reports **[03:10:43.220] DFA Secretary Ma. Theresa P. Lazaro** (asr-002874) are coming from them, they're monitoring it, **[03:10:45.140] DFA Secretary Ma. Theresa P. Lazaro** (asr-002875) they have their own mechanism. Pero hindi rin **[03:10:47.160] DFA Secretary Ma. Theresa P. Lazaro** (asr-002876) po kami nagpapalagpas. **[03:10:49.220] DFA Secretary Ma. Theresa P. Lazaro** (asr-002877) Nandiyan pa rin po kami, kagaya nang **[03:10:50.860] DFA Secretary Ma. Theresa P. Lazaro** (asr-002878) in-explain, may mga lugar na walang **[03:10:53.260] DFA Secretary Ma. Theresa P. Lazaro** (asr-002879) DMW office and we take **[03:10:55.180] DFA Secretary Ma. Theresa P. Lazaro** (asr-002880) charge of it. But I refer the details **[03:10:57.380] DFA Secretary Ma. Theresa P. Lazaro** (asr-002881) to our Migrant Affairs **[03:10:59.400] DFA Secretary Ma. Theresa P. Lazaro** (asr-002882) OIC. **[03:11:02.000] DFA OIC Undersecretary Ezzedin H. Tago** (asr-002883) Thank you, ma'am. **[03:11:03.140] DFA OIC Undersecretary Ezzedin H. Tago** (asr-002884) Madam Secretary, Honorable **[03:11:04.920] DFA OIC Undersecretary Ezzedin H. Tago** (asr-002885) Member, nabasa ko yung report **[03:11:07.120] DFA OIC Undersecretary Ezzedin H. Tago** (asr-002886) ng ating embahada sa Muscat **[03:11:08.680] DFA OIC Undersecretary Ezzedin H. Tago** (asr-002887) kung saan nag-disembark **[03:11:11.180] DFA OIC Undersecretary Ezzedin H. Tago** (asr-002888) yung mga ibang seafarer, **[03:11:13.240] DFA OIC Undersecretary Ezzedin H. Tago** (asr-002889) 14 of them on the same ship **[03:11:15.220] DFA OIC Undersecretary Ezzedin H. Tago** (asr-002890) as well as **[03:11:17.000] DFA OIC Undersecretary Ezzedin H. Tago** (asr-002891) the remains. And Secretary **[03:11:19.160] DFA OIC Undersecretary Ezzedin H. Tago** (asr-002892) also, **[03:11:21.120] DFA OIC Undersecretary Ezzedin H. Tago** (asr-002893) Secretary Hans also confirmed **[03:11:22.860] DFA OIC Undersecretary Ezzedin H. Tago** (asr-002894) earlier in a **[03:11:24.960] DFA OIC Undersecretary Ezzedin H. Tago** (asr-002895) interview that MWO **[03:11:27.460] DFA OIC Undersecretary Ezzedin H. Tago** (asr-002896) with our embassy there **[03:11:28.820] DFA OIC Undersecretary Ezzedin H. Tago** (asr-002897) are **[03:11:29.300] DFA OIC Undersecretary Ezzedin H. Tago** (asr-002898) assisting each other, **[03:11:33.140] DFA OIC Undersecretary Ezzedin H. Tago** (asr-002899) coordinating about this. In general, **[03:11:34.900] DFA OIC Undersecretary Ezzedin H. Tago** (asr-002900) Meron Pong, he reminded also that **[03:11:37.040] DFA OIC Undersecretary Ezzedin H. Tago** (asr-002901) seafarers have the right to **[03:11:39.100] DFA OIC Undersecretary Ezzedin H. Tago** (asr-002902) refuse to work in certain areas, **[03:11:41.500] DFA OIC Undersecretary Ezzedin H. Tago** (asr-002903) also in other **[03:11:43.200] DFA OIC Undersecretary Ezzedin H. Tago** (asr-002904) areas that had been determined as **[03:11:45.020] DFA OIC Undersecretary Ezzedin H. Tago** (asr-002905) dangerous. **[03:11:47.060] DFA OIC Undersecretary Ezzedin H. Tago** (asr-002906) But our embassies, together with **[03:11:49.140] DFA OIC Undersecretary Ezzedin H. Tago** (asr-002907) the MWOs and **[03:11:51.140] DFA OIC Undersecretary Ezzedin H. Tago** (asr-002908) DMW, have **[03:11:53.180] DFA OIC Undersecretary Ezzedin H. Tago** (asr-002909) regular meetings with the **[03:11:55.440] DFA OIC Undersecretary Ezzedin H. Tago** (asr-002910) manning agencies that **[03:11:57.160] DFA OIC Undersecretary Ezzedin H. Tago** (asr-002911) are based here, who have a **[03:11:59.080] DFA OIC Undersecretary Ezzedin H. Tago** (asr-002912) direct line of communication **[03:12:00.620] DFA OIC Undersecretary Ezzedin H. Tago** (asr-002913) sa mga shipping **[03:12:05.200] DFA Secretary Ma. Theresa P. Lazaro** (asr-002914) Your Honor, gusto ko po rin **[03:12:06.860] DFA Secretary Ma. Theresa P. Lazaro** (asr-002915) idagdag na **[03:12:08.440] DFA Secretary Ma. Theresa P. Lazaro** (asr-002916) dahil sa purview ng DFA, **[03:12:10.860] DFA Secretary Ma. Theresa P. Lazaro** (asr-002917) nandiyan din po yung active **[03:12:12.120] DFA Secretary Ma. Theresa P. Lazaro** (asr-002918) engagement of the **[03:12:14.520] DFA Secretary Ma. Theresa P. Lazaro** (asr-002919) International Maritime Organization. **[03:12:16.940] DFA Secretary Ma. Theresa P. Lazaro** (asr-002920) Kasi sila rin po ang in-charge dito **[03:12:18.540] DFA Secretary Ma. Theresa P. Lazaro** (asr-002921) sa mga seafarers **[03:12:20.980] DFA Secretary Ma. Theresa P. Lazaro** (asr-002922) natin. Thank you. **[03:12:24.140] Rep. Sarah Jane I. Elago** (asr-002923) Maraming salamat po sa update. **[03:12:26.580] Rep. Sarah Jane I. Elago** (asr-002924) Nabanggit niyo po yung right **[03:12:28.120] Rep. Sarah Jane I. Elago** (asr-002925) to refuse sailing na **[03:12:30.020] Rep. Sarah Jane I. Elago** (asr-002926) karapatan **[03:12:31.640] Rep. Sarah Jane I. Elago** (asr-002927) ng ating mga seafarers. **[03:12:35.040] Rep. Sarah Jane I. Elago** (asr-002928) Angunit, meron din po ang **[03:12:35.960] Rep. Sarah Jane I. Elago** (asr-002929) mga ulat na may mga pagkakataon **[03:12:38.200] Rep. Sarah Jane I. Elago** (asr-002930) na oo, pwede ho silang **[03:12:40.720] Rep. Sarah Jane I. Elago** (asr-002931) tumanggi na **[03:12:42.460] Rep. Sarah Jane I. Elago** (asr-002932) mag-sail, pwede ho silang **[03:12:44.620] Rep. Sarah Jane I. Elago** (asr-002933) mag-refuse, ngunit may mga kaso **[03:12:46.660] Rep. Sarah Jane I. Elago** (asr-002934) na kapag majority daw ho ng mga **[03:12:48.680] Rep. Sarah Jane I. Elago** (asr-002935) crew members ng isang vessel **[03:12:51.020] Rep. Sarah Jane I. Elago** (asr-002936) ay sumasang-ayon, **[03:12:52.920] Rep. Sarah Jane I. Elago** (asr-002937) nag-a-agree, ay wala daw **[03:12:55.340] Rep. Sarah Jane I. Elago** (asr-002938) hong choice yung mga nag-refuse **[03:12:56.940] Rep. Sarah Jane I. Elago** (asr-002939) kundi sumama na rin. **[03:12:59.520] Rep. Sarah Jane I. Elago** (asr-002940) Kaya sa ganitong mga **[03:13:00.740] Rep. Sarah Jane I. Elago** (asr-002941) pagkakataon, kasi alam ko ang DFA, **[03:13:03.200] Rep. Sarah Jane I. Elago** (asr-002942) meron ho kayong mga **[03:13:04.480] Rep. Sarah Jane I. Elago** (asr-002943) naging pag-uusap, **[03:13:05.960] Rep. Sarah Jane I. Elago** (asr-002944) sa mga bansa, tungkol dun sa safe passage **[03:13:08.940] Rep. Sarah Jane I. Elago** (asr-002945) ng Philippine flagged vessel **[03:13:10.640] Rep. Sarah Jane I. Elago** (asr-002946) sa Strait of Hormuz. **[03:13:13.120] Rep. Sarah Jane I. Elago** (asr-002947) Pero paano naman ho para dun **[03:13:14.820] Rep. Sarah Jane I. Elago** (asr-002948) sa ibang mga vessels na hindi po **[03:13:17.040] Rep. Sarah Jane I. Elago** (asr-002949) Philippine flagged? **[03:13:18.520] Rep. Sarah Jane I. Elago** (asr-002950) Paano ho natin natitiyak na **[03:13:20.640] Rep. Sarah Jane I. Elago** (asr-002951) yung mga Filipino seafarers **[03:13:22.980] Rep. Sarah Jane I. Elago** (asr-002952) po natin on board, **[03:13:24.580] Rep. Sarah Jane I. Elago** (asr-002953) yung karapatan nila, kanila ho **[03:13:26.660] Rep. Sarah Jane I. Elago** (asr-002954) na-exercise, at **[03:13:28.320] Rep. Sarah Jane I. Elago** (asr-002955) natitiyak ho natin na **[03:13:31.040] Rep. Sarah Jane I. Elago** (asr-002956) na kumbagang **[03:13:32.360] Rep. Sarah Jane I. Elago** (asr-002957) may plano ho ba **[03:13:35.360] Rep. Sarah Jane I. Elago** (asr-002958) ang kayo na makipag-usap **[03:13:37.360] Rep. Sarah Jane I. Elago** (asr-002959) para naman halimbawa **[03:13:39.940] Rep. Sarah Jane I. Elago** (asr-002960) yung mga kababayan ho natin **[03:13:42.360] Rep. Sarah Jane I. Elago** (asr-002961) sa mga ships na **[03:13:43.760] Rep. Sarah Jane I. Elago** (asr-002962) dumadaan doon sa **[03:13:45.540] Rep. Sarah Jane I. Elago** (asr-002963) mga high-risk areas **[03:13:48.020] Rep. Sarah Jane I. Elago** (asr-002964) or corridors, ay **[03:13:49.860] Rep. Sarah Jane I. Elago** (asr-002965) magagarantiya **[03:13:51.840] Rep. Sarah Jane I. Elago** (asr-002966) yung kanilang mga karapatan. **[03:13:54.040] DFA Secretary Ma. Theresa P. Lazaro** (asr-002967) Your Honor, kung natatandaan ninyo **[03:13:56.100] DFA Secretary Ma. Theresa P. Lazaro** (asr-002968) a few months back, **[03:13:58.280] DFA Secretary Ma. Theresa P. Lazaro** (asr-002969) first quarter, nung **[03:13:59.380] DFA Secretary Ma. Theresa P. Lazaro** (asr-002970) nagumpisa itong **[03:14:00.700] DFA Secretary Ma. Theresa P. Lazaro** (asr-002971) itong **[03:14:01.680] DFA Secretary Ma. Theresa P. Lazaro** (asr-002972) hidwaan na to in the **[03:14:05.360] DFA Secretary Ma. Theresa P. Lazaro** (asr-002973) Middle East, **[03:14:07.080] DFA Secretary Ma. Theresa P. Lazaro** (asr-002974) ako, the DFA, and particularly **[03:14:09.260] DFA Secretary Ma. Theresa P. Lazaro** (asr-002975) me, I was able to talk **[03:14:11.380] DFA Secretary Ma. Theresa P. Lazaro** (asr-002976) to the Iranian foreign **[03:14:13.140] DFA Secretary Ma. Theresa P. Lazaro** (asr-002977) minister, and **[03:14:14.780] DFA Secretary Ma. Theresa P. Lazaro** (asr-002978) nagkaroon kami ng understanding **[03:14:17.240] DFA Secretary Ma. Theresa P. Lazaro** (asr-002979) na pag Philippine flagged **[03:14:19.100] DFA Secretary Ma. Theresa P. Lazaro** (asr-002980) vessel, at of course, **[03:14:22.300] DFA Secretary Ma. Theresa P. Lazaro** (asr-002981) hindi nila **[03:14:23.020] DFA Secretary Ma. Theresa P. Lazaro** (asr-002982) hindi nila **[03:14:24.160] DFA Secretary Ma. Theresa P. Lazaro** (asr-002983) gagalawin or **[03:14:26.300] DFA Secretary Ma. Theresa P. Lazaro** (asr-002984) bibigyan nila ng safe passage. **[03:14:29.100] DFA Secretary Ma. Theresa P. Lazaro** (asr-002985) But of course, that was a few months ago, **[03:14:32.620] DFA Secretary Ma. Theresa P. Lazaro** (asr-002986) nagkaroon na ngayon **[03:14:33.300] DFA Secretary Ma. Theresa P. Lazaro** (asr-002987) ng konting **[03:14:34.120] DFA Secretary Ma. Theresa P. Lazaro** (asr-002988) pagbabago in the sense that **[03:14:36.800] DFA Secretary Ma. Theresa P. Lazaro** (asr-002989) it's no longer the foreign ministry that is **[03:14:39.000] DFA Secretary Ma. Theresa P. Lazaro** (asr-002990) in control. I think, **[03:14:40.820] DFA Secretary Ma. Theresa P. Lazaro** (asr-002991) iba ng puwersa. I think it's the **[03:14:42.920] DFA Secretary Ma. Theresa P. Lazaro** (asr-002992) revolutionary force. I mean, ito lang **[03:14:44.800] DFA Secretary Ma. Theresa P. Lazaro** (asr-002993) inatatanggap namin mga informasyon, **[03:14:46.960] DFA Secretary Ma. Theresa P. Lazaro** (asr-002994) and that's why ngayon, nagkakaroon **[03:14:49.000] DFA Secretary Ma. Theresa P. Lazaro** (asr-002995) problema. But we, **[03:14:50.720] DFA Secretary Ma. Theresa P. Lazaro** (asr-002996) ang aming palaisipan **[03:14:53.040] DFA Secretary Ma. Theresa P. Lazaro** (asr-002997) dito is that we can **[03:14:54.880] DFA Secretary Ma. Theresa P. Lazaro** (asr-002998) only go through IMO **[03:14:57.220] DFA Secretary Ma. Theresa P. Lazaro** (asr-002999) kasi sa International **[03:14:58.760] DFA Secretary Ma. Theresa P. Lazaro** (asr-003000) Maritime Organization. **[03:15:00.000] DFA Secretary Ma. Theresa P. Lazaro** (asr-003001) which is based in London, **[03:15:01.700] DFA Secretary Ma. Theresa P. Lazaro** (asr-003002) nandito yung mga areas, **[03:15:04.540] DFA Secretary Ma. Theresa P. Lazaro** (asr-003003) ay nandito yung mga may-ari **[03:15:07.240] DFA Secretary Ma. Theresa P. Lazaro** (asr-003004) ng mga barko **[03:15:09.420] DFA Secretary Ma. Theresa P. Lazaro** (asr-003005) which is very influential **[03:15:11.560] DFA Secretary Ma. Theresa P. Lazaro** (asr-003006) and therefore we're trying to talk to them **[03:15:14.400] DFA Secretary Ma. Theresa P. Lazaro** (asr-003007) na bigyan ng leeway **[03:15:20.060] DFA Secretary Ma. Theresa P. Lazaro** (asr-003008) itong ating mga seafarers. **[03:15:22.640] DFA Secretary Ma. Theresa P. Lazaro** (asr-003009) Marami yung pag-uusap **[03:15:23.760] DFA Secretary Ma. Theresa P. Lazaro** (asr-003010) not only with the workers, **[03:15:25.720] DFA Secretary Ma. Theresa P. Lazaro** (asr-003011) rather with the owners **[03:15:26.980] DFA Secretary Ma. Theresa P. Lazaro** (asr-003012) but also with the unions **[03:15:28.160] DFA Secretary Ma. Theresa P. Lazaro** (asr-003013) na malakas din ang mga union **[03:15:30.000] DFA Secretary Ma. Theresa P. Lazaro** (asr-003014) ng mga seafarers. **[03:15:31.480] DFA Secretary Ma. Theresa P. Lazaro** (asr-003015) These are, and of course, bilateral **[03:15:33.760] DFA Secretary Ma. Theresa P. Lazaro** (asr-003016) like meron kami mga pag-uusap **[03:15:36.220] DFA Secretary Ma. Theresa P. Lazaro** (asr-003017) sa Panama. **[03:15:38.040] DFA Secretary Ma. Theresa P. Lazaro** (asr-003018) Panama has how many? **[03:15:40.160] DFA Secretary Ma. Theresa P. Lazaro** (asr-003019) 180,000 seafarers. **[03:15:43.980] DFA Secretary Ma. Theresa P. Lazaro** (asr-003020) So ano yun? **[03:15:45.520] DFA Secretary Ma. Theresa P. Lazaro** (asr-003021) On a bilateral basis may ginagawa kami. **[03:15:50.520] Rep. Sarah Jane I. Elago** (asr-003022) Mr. Chair, manghihingi na lang po tayo **[03:15:52.520] Rep. Sarah Jane I. Elago** (asr-003023) ng komprehensibong ulat **[03:15:53.840] Rep. Sarah Jane I. Elago** (asr-003024) mula sa DFA tungkol dito **[03:15:55.900] Rep. Sarah Jane I. Elago** (asr-003025) at hindi lang po pakikiramay ang **[03:15:58.160] Rep. Sarah Jane I. Elago** (asr-003026) ating nais maipahatid **[03:16:01.200] Rep. Sarah Jane I. Elago** (asr-003027) kundi pakikiisa din **[03:16:03.940] Rep. Sarah Jane I. Elago** (asr-003028) dun sa panawagan nila **[03:16:05.340] Rep. Sarah Jane I. Elago** (asr-003029) ng lahat ng tulong **[03:16:06.980] Rep. Sarah Jane I. Elago** (asr-003030) para dun sa mga pamilya **[03:16:08.760] Rep. Sarah Jane I. Elago** (asr-003031) ng mga nasawi **[03:16:10.100] Rep. Sarah Jane I. Elago** (asr-003032) at panawagan na rin **[03:16:11.980] Rep. Sarah Jane I. Elago** (asr-003033) para sa mas malakas na mga hakbang **[03:16:15.840] Rep. Sarah Jane I. Elago** (asr-003034) para sa kaligtasan **[03:16:17.740] Rep. Sarah Jane I. Elago** (asr-003035) at paninindigan para sa karapatan **[03:16:20.880] Rep. Sarah Jane I. Elago** (asr-003036) ng ating mga seafarers. **[03:16:23.460] Rep. Sarah Jane I. Elago** (asr-003037) Ngayon naman po bilang huli **[03:16:24.860] Rep. Sarah Jane I. Elago** (asr-003038) meron hong lumapit sa aming **[03:16:28.160] Rep. Sarah Jane I. Elago** (asr-003040) Opisina sa Gabriela Women's Party **[03:16:30.480] Rep. Sarah Jane I. Elago** (asr-003041) tungkol dito sa kaso **[03:16:32.180] Rep. Sarah Jane I. Elago** (asr-003042) ng head-on collision **[03:16:35.140] Rep. Sarah Jane I. Elago** (asr-003043) sa Japan **[03:16:36.240] Rep. Sarah Jane I. Elago** (asr-003044) kung saan may nasawi **[03:16:38.100] Rep. Sarah Jane I. Elago** (asr-003045) isang Filipino national **[03:16:40.320] Rep. Sarah Jane I. Elago** (asr-003046) kasama ang kanyang asawa **[03:16:42.680] Rep. Sarah Jane I. Elago** (asr-003047) at isa pang kasama **[03:16:46.620] Rep. Sarah Jane I. Elago** (asr-003048) meron hong **[03:16:48.120] Rep. Sarah Jane I. Elago** (asr-003049) survivor na kanilang **[03:16:50.120] Rep. Sarah Jane I. Elago** (asr-003050) 4-year-old son. **[03:16:52.100] Rep. Sarah Jane I. Elago** (asr-003051) Nakarating na ho ba ito sa DFA? **[03:16:54.440] Rep. Sarah Jane I. Elago** (asr-003052) At kung hindi pa, maaari nyo ho bang **[03:16:56.700] Rep. Sarah Jane I. Elago** (asr-003053) tignan? **[03:16:58.160] Rep. Sarah Jane I. Elago** (asr-003054) Ilalapit ko ho sa inyo ang report na ito **[03:17:01.060] Rep. Sarah Jane I. Elago** (asr-003055) at kung maaari ho natin **[03:17:03.180] Rep. Sarah Jane I. Elago** (asr-003056) na lubos na matulungan **[03:17:04.480] Rep. Sarah Jane I. Elago** (asr-003057) para matiyak yung **[03:17:06.560] Rep. Sarah Jane I. Elago** (asr-003058) accountability **[03:17:09.700] Rep. Sarah Jane I. Elago** (asr-003059) kung meron mang kinakailangang habulin **[03:17:12.280] Rep. Sarah Jane I. Elago** (asr-003060) sa sitwasyon na ito **[03:17:14.520] Rep. Sarah Jane I. Elago** (asr-003061) at yung tulong na rin na kinakailangan nila. **[03:17:17.220] DFA Secretary Ma. Theresa P. Lazaro** (asr-003062) Your Honor, hindi pa ho nakakarating **[03:17:18.520] DFA Secretary Ma. Theresa P. Lazaro** (asr-003063) sa amin pero we will be **[03:17:20.440] DFA Secretary Ma. Theresa P. Lazaro** (asr-003064) obliged, bibigyan po namin kayo **[03:17:22.300] DFA Secretary Ma. Theresa P. Lazaro** (asr-003065) ng report and details **[03:17:24.480] DFA Secretary Ma. Theresa P. Lazaro** (asr-003066) at 2 days ago ito nangyari. **[03:17:27.000] DFA Secretary Ma. Theresa P. Lazaro** (asr-003067) Thank you. **[03:17:28.260] Rep. Sarah Jane I. Elago** (asr-003068) Maraming salamat ho, Mr. Chair. **[03:17:36.000] Rep. Sancho Fernando "Ando" F. Oaminal** (asr-003069) Thank you, Honorable **[03:17:37.380] Rep. Sancho Fernando "Ando" F. Oaminal** (asr-003070) Elago. **[03:17:39.600] Rep. Sancho Fernando "Ando" F. Oaminal** (asr-003071) Honorable Daza, you are recognized. **[03:17:42.200] Rep. Niko Raul S.J. Daza** (asr-003072) Thank you, Kong Sara. **[03:17:44.360] Rep. Niko Raul S.J. Daza** (asr-003073) With there being no members **[03:17:45.780] Rep. Niko Raul S.J. Daza** (asr-003074) who wish to interpellate **[03:17:47.740] Rep. Niko Raul S.J. Daza** (asr-003075) unless Kong Tonchi has any objections. **[03:17:53.180] Rep. Niko Raul S.J. Daza** (asr-003076) Pwede pa po ngayon na... **[03:17:55.520] Rep. Niko Raul S.J. Daza** (asr-003077) Mr. Chair, may I move that we terminate **[03:17:59.700] Rep. Niko Raul S.J. Daza** (asr-003078) the budget hearing of the Department **[03:18:01.520] Rep. Niko Raul S.J. Daza** (asr-003079) of Foreign Affairs and its attached agencies. **[03:18:03.380] Rep. Sancho Fernando "Ando" F. Oaminal** (asr-003080) It has been moved. **[03:18:05.520] Rep. Sancho Fernando "Ando" F. Oaminal** (asr-003081) And duly, any... **[03:18:07.140] Rep. Sancho Fernando "Ando" F. Oaminal** (asr-003082) Before we... Any second **[03:18:09.540] Rep. Sancho Fernando "Ando" F. Oaminal** (asr-003083) the motion? **[03:18:10.820] Rep. Sarah Jane I. Elago** (asr-003084) Second. **[03:18:12.280] Rep. Sancho Fernando "Ando" F. Oaminal** (asr-003085) Okay. It has been moved and duly seconded. **[03:18:15.280] Rep. Sancho Fernando "Ando" F. Oaminal** (asr-003086) To terminate the hearing on the proposed **[03:18:16.960] Rep. Sancho Fernando "Ando" F. Oaminal** (asr-003087) 2027 budget of the Department of Foreign **[03:18:19.480] Rep. Sancho Fernando "Ando" F. Oaminal** (asr-003088) Affairs including its attached **[03:18:21.500] Rep. Sancho Fernando "Ando" F. Oaminal** (asr-003089) agencies. Is there any **[03:18:23.340] Rep. Sancho Fernando "Ando" F. Oaminal** (asr-003090) objection? **[03:18:24.760] Rep. Sancho Fernando "Ando" F. Oaminal** (asr-003091) The Chair hears none. The motion is approved. **[03:18:34.850] Rep. Sancho Fernando "Ando" F. Oaminal** (asr-003092) Thank you, Your Honors **[03:18:35.930] Rep. Sancho Fernando "Ando" F. Oaminal** (asr-003093) and our colleagues **[03:18:37.270] Rep. Sancho Fernando "Ando" F. Oaminal** (asr-003094) from the Department of Foreign Affairs for your **[03:18:40.150] Rep. Sancho Fernando "Ando" F. Oaminal** (asr-003095) valuable participation in today's **[03:18:42.270] Rep. Sancho Fernando "Ando" F. Oaminal** (asr-003096) budget hearing. We likewise thank **[03:18:44.650] Rep. Sancho Fernando "Ando" F. Oaminal** (asr-003097) the members of the committee for their **[03:18:47.150] Rep. Sancho Fernando "Ando" F. Oaminal** (asr-003098) active participation. **[03:18:49.310] Rep. Sancho Fernando "Ando" F. Oaminal** (asr-003099) Honorable Daza. **[03:18:50.750] Rep. Niko Raul S.J. Daza** (asr-003100) Mr. Chair, may I move to suspend the budget **[03:18:52.810] Rep. Niko Raul S.J. Daza** (asr-003101) hearing until Monday, September 7, **[03:18:55.250] Rep. Niko Raul S.J. Daza** (asr-003102) 2026, 9 AM. **[03:18:58.510] Rep. Niko Raul S.J. Daza** (asr-003103) Is there any second? **[03:18:59.430] Rep. Antonio L. Tinio** (asr-003104) I second. **[03:19:00.990] Rep. Sancho Fernando "Ando" F. Oaminal** (asr-003105) Okay. It has been moved and duly seconded. **[03:19:04.130] Rep. Sancho Fernando "Ando" F. Oaminal** (asr-003106) Is there any objection? **[03:19:06.850] Rep. Sancho Fernando "Ando" F. Oaminal** (asr-003107) The Chair hears none. The committee hearing **[03:19:09.930] Rep. Sancho Fernando "Ando" F. Oaminal** (asr-003108) here at the Plenary Hall on House Bill number **[03:19:13.610] Rep. Sancho Fernando "Ando" F. Oaminal** (asr-003109) 10858 is hereby suspended until Monday, September 7, **[03:19:21.050] Rep. Sancho Fernando "Ando" F. Oaminal** (asr-003110) at 9 AM. **[03:19:24.980] Rep. Sancho Fernando "Ando" F. Oaminal** (asr-003111) Thank you, everyone. **[03:19:27.500] Rep. Niko Raul S.J. Daza** (asr-003112) Congratulations.