initiatives to get House of Reps to discuss new devts. in U.S.-Phil. relations

[Princess Nemenzo]

Dear Everyone,

Last Monday after our meeting, I proceeded to the Batasan because Rep. Kimi Cojuanco was scheduled to give a privilege speech on the RH Bill.

The legislators were discussing in plenary the bill "defining the crime of financing terrorism" (which was inserted in the schedule at the last minute) and Rep. Bong Colmenares was interpellating the sponsor and exposing the dangerous implications on human rights of some provisions in the bill. Bong declared that he would join an EDSA 1, EDSA 2 or another EDSA again, and even join a national strike, and why would that be considered a crime under the bill? Really scary what is being legislated without the public knowing because media and our leaders are so engrossed on the IMPEACHMENT proceedings! As it turned out, di na natuloy ang RH privilege speech, pati rin si Walden who was scheduled to give a privilege speech on PhilHealth.

While there I took the opportunity to take up our plan for a committee hearing on the current U.S.-Phil. talks. I asked to speak with Rep. Bichara, however he was not around. According to Mon San Pascual, the better procedure was to get a progressive legislator to file a resolution calling for an inquiry on the talks. Nabanggit ko ito kay Walden. He immediately saw the importance of this, and he right away said that after his PhilHealth speech, he'll deliver next a privilege speech on the topic! What's more, he'll talk to Bichara directly and he's confident he can convince Bichara because he has been helping him on other matters. Galing, di ba?!

I suggest, Anna, that we still write to Bichara formally to let him know that there are people concerned about the implications to our foreign relations and military arrangements. I hope Cora/Focus and KPD can continue to gather materials we can give to friendly members of Bichara's committee, like Rep. Carlos Padilla who expected materials from us so he could speak on the VFA in the committee. Can we do this soon? Then Anna and I can schedule when we go to Batasan.

Princess