House sec-gen says some lawmakers asked for travel authority from airport, another from Hong Kong

House of Representatives Secretary General Reginald Velasco reminded incoming members of the 20th Congress on Monday to submit requests for travel authority three days before the dates of their departure.

On the first day of the executive course on legislation for new House members in the 20th Congress, Velasco said some lawmakers requested travel authority on the dates of their trip.

"Let me share something interesting with you. I am available 24-7 via Viber or cellphone, FaceTime, Telegram, WhatsApp. I am available. I will share with you one thing: all travel clearances and travel authorities are signed by me and the Speaker," Velasco said.

"I beg you, please, please submit your request at least three days before you travel," he added.

Velasco then recalled scrambling to issue travel authority to those who asked for a travel authority on the day of the trip itself.

“There are some congressmen who will call me and say, Sir, I need a travel clearance. Where are you now? I'm now at the airport. Okay. We will find a way. So in 30 minutes, he was able to get his travel clearance,” Velasco said.

“That is via Viber, no? Sobra na nga kung by Grab or Lalamove or Shopee. And then another congresswoman begged me. She said, SecGen. I need my travel clearance. I said when? Now? Where are you? In Hong Kong. So again, in a few hours, we were able to send her her travel clearance. So, these are the services that we render to all of you,” he added.

Velasco assured the incoming House members that the Executive Course in Legislation, done by the House in partnership with the University of the Philippines National College of Public Administration and Governance (NCPAG), will help the lawmakers carry out “an effective and decisive leadership that will enhance the lives of their constituents.”

“I'm sure your constituents are likewise eagerly awaiting to see you dive into action. For this preparatory course, we have gathered the most important topics that we believe will be critical for your new role as resource persons and sharers. We have invited past and current House members and renowned individuals from the academia and subject matter experts with unmatched track records,” Velasco said.

“Hence, this will also serve as a wonderful platform for intellectual exchange of perspectives and ideas. I'm sure you will eventually discover that it is an ongoing process...until you complete your term. Maybe until the end of your three terms. As your Secretary General, I assure you of wholehearted and unwavering support,” he added. –NB, GMA Integrated News