Move to 'reconsider' approval of bill institutionalizing UP-DND pact null, void —Makabayan, Belmonte

Some minority lawmakers expressed opposition to the move of the House of Representatives to reconsider the approval of the measure seeking to institutionalize the 1989 University of the Philippines-Department of National Defense (UP-DND) accord.

House Bill 10171 was approved by the chamber on third and final reading last September 21.

In a letter addressed to Speaker Lord Allan Velasco dated October 4, members of the Makabayan Bloc and Quezon City Representative Christopher "Kit" Belmonte said a reconsideration of the measure was moved on September 30.

It was Cavite Representative Jesus Crispin "Boying" Remulla who made the motion that was adopted during the plenary session.

The lawmakers cited Section 106 of the Rules of the 18th Congress regarding reconsideration, stating that, "When a measure, report or motion is approved, adopted or lost, a member who voted with the majority may move for its reconsideration on the same or succeeding session day. Only one motion for reconsideration shall be allowed."

The section adds: "The motion for reconsideration shall take precedence over all other questions, except a motion to adjourn, a point of order, a question of privilege, and a motion to declare a recess. A bill, resolution, memorial or petition recommitted to a committee or ordered to be printed shall not be brought back to the House on a motion to reconsider."

Makabayan and Belmonte said five session days had already passed since the deadline on September 22, thereby making the reconsideration invalid.

"Thus, we would like to put this manifestation on record in the Journal for September 30, and request that the move for reconsideration of HB 10171 be declared null and void," the lawmakers said in the letter.

Section 11. A. of the measure states that "prior notification shall be given by the Philippine National Police, the Armed Forces of the Philippines, or any other law enforcement agencies, intending to conduct any police, military, or law enforcement operation in any UP campus nationwide to the UP president or the chancellor of the constituent university or the dean of the college concerned or the respective officers-in-charge, in the event of their absence, as the case may be, when the situation so warrants."

The bill also states the entry of state forces is banned except in cases of hot pursuit and similar occasions of emergency.

It also says no member of the PNP, AFP, or other law enforcement agencies shall enter the premises of any of the UP campuses or regional units. —KBK, GMA News