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Rm. N-411, House of Representatives, Quezon City, Metro Manila, Philippines
+63 2 931 5497, +63 2 931 5001 local 7370

Bicol

(Speech delivered by REP. EDCEL C. LAGMAN at the
2007 Oath Taking Ceremonies of Barangay Officials of the First Congressional District of Albay)

The Barangay as a political unit is the most enduring legacy of our pre-Hispanic past. As pupils we learned that the word barangay traces its roots to balangay – the small but sturdy boats that our Malay ancestors used to navigate the rough seas of the Pacific to settle in these lands.

As barangay officials, it would be best to understand the history of this unique political unit so as to better recognize its indispensability to effective local and national governance. 

Bicol

(Speech delivered by REP. EDCEL C. LAGMAN at the Bicol Federation of Population Officers and Workers (BFPOW) Orientation on Responsible Parenthood on
11 July 2007 in Legaspi City)

Last week, a reporter from ABS-CBN called to ask if I planned to re-file the so-called “two-child policy” bill. I was dismayed that up to now, the deliberate misinformation of those opposed to a consistent and coherent national policy on responsible parenthood and reproductive health has managed to confuse not only the public but also media practioners who ought to know better. I had no choice but to strongly admonish her for resorting to misguided labels.

House

The first bill that sought to criminalize enforced disappearance (then called unexplained disappearance) was filed on 04 September 1990 by Rep. Eduardo Nonato Joson, Jr.  Other bills penalizing enforced disappearance were filed in the following Congresses. The House of Representatives in the 13th Congress approved the Anti-Disappearance Bill on 3rd and final reading on 29 May 2006 and was received by the Senate two days later. Lamentaby, the Senate failed to act on it and its own counterpart versions of the measure.

I see no reason for the current Congress to temporize on passing a special law penalizing enforced disappearance as a distinct crime separate from kidnapping, serious illegal detention and/or murder.

House

Mr. Speaker, may I explain my negative vote?

The overriding issue before us transcends personal relationships and partisan motives. At stake are the state of the country and the prospect of a better economic growth.

Following are among the major reasons for my “No” vote: