(Explanation of affirmative vote with grave reservations on the Bicameral Conference Committee Report on Bayanihan 2)
by Rep. Edcel C. Lagman, 1st District of Albay
Something is better than nothing.
I vote “Yes” to the Bicameral Committee Report on Bayanihan 2, but with grave reservations.
Considering that I was not yet called to deliver the Contra-SONA on behalf of the independent opposition despite the fact that I am scheduled to speak after Minority Leader Abante, who is still being interpellated, I have decided to put on record my Contra-SONA by furnishing the Journal Service and the Office of Majority Leader Romualdez with a copy the speech.
By: Rep. Edcel C. Lagman
The freedom of the press is an overriding issue in the long-drawn renewal of the legislative franchise of ABS-CBN Corporation.
The freedom of the press, which is an integral component of the freedom of expression, is accorded primacy in the constellation of civil liberties which are guaranteed by the Bill of Rights.
Not since the Black Death decimated 60% of the afflicted populations in Europe and Western Asia in the mid-14th century has a deadly contagion devastated the world with inordinate loss of lives and crippling economic downturn than the current COVID-19 pandemic.
Worldwide, as of 05 May 2020, there are 3,596,142 confirmed positive cases, 251,718 of whom had died and 1,170,779 recovered.
I vote No to House Bill No. 6616, which was originally crafted by Malacañang, for the following reasons:
