Like district congressmen, party list reps enjoy perks

by SHERRIE ANN TORRES VERA Files (Conclusion)

From Malaya

Link: http://www.malaya.com.ph/03312010/news11.html

When it comes to the perks of being a lawmaker, party list representatives are no different from congressional district representatives.

Every month, they, too, receive a monthly salary of P35,000. Every year, each of them are also entitled to P70 million from the Priority Development Assistance Fund (PDAF) and at least P30 million from Public Works Fund, more popularly known as "pork-barrel funds."

Then there are the so-called "extras"–at least for those who align themselves with the powers-that-be.

Some party list representatives admit receiving a monthly allowance from the Office of the Speaker. They get additional "bonuses" when the passage of Malacanang-sponsored bills is being rushed. The sums range from P100,000 to P250,000 per vote, depending on the importance of the bill, according to congressional sources.

The opportunity to travel abroad for free, either by invitation of groups abroad or by hosts within the House of Representatives, is also something the party list representatives look forward to.

Because of these privileges, many among the party list representatives prefer to stick it out with the majority bloc. As a result, the party list representatives are divided into three groups–pro-administration, the opposition and hard-line opposition.

Those who have chosen to stand up for their principles say they have had to pay a stiff price.

Luzviminda Ilagan of the militant group Gabriela has not received the PDAF since she assumed office in 2007. Nonrelease of the pork barrel funds to militant congressmen began when they vigorously pushed for President Arroyo’s impeachment in 2005 following the "Hello, Garci" scandal, she said.

Like Ilagan, Gabriela’s Liza Maza, Bayan Muna’s Satur Ocampo and Teodoro Casino and Anakpawis Rep. Rafael Mariano have not been getting their yearly pork barrel fund.

NP has most women bets in nat’l slate

by ROLLY T. CARANDANG, HANNAH TORREGOZA (Manila Bulletin)

http://mb.com.ph/articles/246667/np-has-most-women-bets-nat-l-slate

As the world celebrates International Women's Day on Monday, Senator Pia Cayetano lauded Nacionalista Party standard-bearer Sen. Manuel “Manny” Villar for including the most number of women candidates in the party’s national slate for this year’s elections.

Cayetano also called on Filipino voters to support pro-women candidates in the May 10 polls to ensure that the interest and issues of women are protected under the next administration.

“Voters should carefully study the track record of candidates, particularly their stand on women’s concerns,” she said.

“Regardless of whether they are male or female, the candidate should have a clear platform that looks after issues affecting women, including maternal health, the declining state of public health services, feminization of labor migration, gender discrimination, poverty, and trafficking.”

Cayetano, principal author of the Magna Carta of Women, added that a deeper and more diverse field of male and female candidates would give voters more options and better chances of pushing for genuine reforms in 2010.

NP a united political body

by Raul S. Beltran (Journal Online)

http://www.journal.com.ph/index.php/national/3854-np-a-united-political-body.html

DESPITE the clash of opinions among its members who come from diverse backgrounds and different ideologies, the Nacionalista Party remains a united and democratic political organization as the May presidential election approaches, NP standard-bearer Manuel Villar said yesterday.

Villar cited the three senatorial candidates in the NP slate who, he said, are on the opposite side of the political spectrum.

The former Senate president was referring to militant Representatives Satur Ocampo and Liza Maza, who are running for senator in the NP under the Makabayan Party, and Ilocos Norte Rep. Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr., son of ousted President Ferdinand Marcos, who sent Ocampo to military detention during martial law.

Maza, Marcos to join common NP sorties

By Leila Salaverria (Philippine Daily Inquirer)
http://newsinfo.inquirer.net/breakingnews/nation/view/20100118-248076/Maza-Marcos-to-join-common-NP-sorties

MANILA, Philippines—Gabriela Rep. Liza Maza and Ilocos Norte Rep. Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos can look forward to spending more time together.

Maza on Monday said she and Marcos would be in one group of the Nacionalista Party senatorial candidates touring the country during the campaign period.

The NP divided its 12 senatorial candidates into two groups to maximize the exposure of the party's candidates. Maza would be in one group while Bayan Muna Rep. Satur Ocampo would be in another group of senatorial candidates.

Maza and Ocampo joined the NP and endorsed its top two bets, but have refused to support Marcos, whose inclusion in the party slate almost led to the two Bayan Muna representatives to reject the party.

The militants have been critical of the Marcoses, saying no member of the family have shown remorse for the wrongdoing committed during the regime of late dictator Ferdinand Marcos. Ocampo was among those thrown in prison and tortured when the elder Marcos imposed martial law.

Maza said she plans to simply avoid standing next to Marcos during the sorties.

“Of course, it would be difficult for me to raise his hand. I will make sure we will not be beside each other,” Maza said when asked how she would deal with being with Marcos on the same stage.

Marcos earlier said he hoped to have a “good working relationship” with the militants and was willing to be on the same stage with them.