Month: August 2024

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CIBAC REP. BRO. EDDIE HOPES NEW DEPED SECRETARY WILL SUPPORT PROPOSAL TO DISPLAY THE 10 COMMANDMENTS IN SCHOOLS

June 28, 2024

CIBAC Party-List Representative Bro. Eddie Villanueva hopes the new Secretary of the Department of Education (DepEd) will support his proposal to display the Ten Commandments in every school in the country.

The CIBAC solon made the statement after President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. said that he will announce the new DepEd Secretary, who will replace Vice President and former DepEd Secretary Sara Duterte, by the end of June.

“I will propose to the new DepEd Secretary the posting of the Ten Commandments in our schools in order to promote the spiritual and moral well-being of the Filipino youth as mandated by the Constitution. This is a fitting initiative for schools as complementary institution of the church in strengthening the moral fiber of our youth. I hope the incoming DepEd head will support it,” said the CIBAC Solon.

“The Bible states in Proverbs 22:6 that when we teach our children in their prime years the foundational values that make God-centered and humane citizens, they will live out those lessons throughout their lifetime. By displaying and teaching the Ten Commandments in our schools, we will be able to raise our youth in the fear of God, which is a key element for a stable and successful society. In fact, the measure would be a a cost-efficient way of reviving our country’s moral health because we would have already nipped at the bud various moral, social, and political problems,” added Rep. Bro. Eddie.

The CIBAC solon also clarified that the Ten Commandments is not a mere religious tenet exclusive to Christianity. “Throughout history, Christians and non-Christians alike have acknowledged the universal applicability of the Ten Commandments in molding good citizens. It is more than just a set of religious teachings; the Commandments are a guide for nation building and social cohesion,” he said.

The CIBAC solon said that he would also file a bill that will institutionalize the posting of the Ten Commandments in schools. This is inspired by a recent law in Louisiana, USA which does the same. Rep. Villanueva also prays that the new DepEd Secretary would integrate the Decalogue in the Good Manners and Right Conduct (GMRC) subject of the K-12 curriculum.

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CIBAC REP. BRO. EDDIE CONDEMNS IRAN ATTACKS VS. ISRAEL, CALLS FOR DE-ESCALATION

April 15, 2024

CIBAC Party-List Rep. Bro. Eddie Villanueva condemns the missile and drone attacks launched by Iran against Israel yesterday.

“We condemn the missile and drone attacks of Iran against Israel as it put thousands of innocent civilians–Jews, Arabs, Muslims, Christians, and OFWs among others–at risk. With this development, we call on all quarters to practice restraint so as not to escalate the volatile situation into a protracted war,” says the CIBAC solon.

“We condemn such attacks, which are rooted in extremist and genocidal denial of the right of Israel to exist as a nation-state. I call on everyone to continue to pray for the peace and safety of Israel, which is one of our country’s close allies,” adds Rep. Villanueva. “I also call on all Filipinos to pray for the safety of the four (4) Filipinos aboard the Portuguese vessel MSC Aries, which was hijacked by Iranian authorities on weekend near the Strait of Hormuz between the Persian Gulf and the Gulf of Oman. May God’s divine protection be upon all Filipinos in the Middle East region amidst the on-going tension there,” ends the CIBAC solon.

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CIBAC REP. BRO EDDIE STRONGLY OPPOSES DIVORCE BILL; CALLS IT UNCONSTITUTIONAL, ANTI-FAMILY, ANTI-FILIPINO, ANTI-GOD

March 19, 2024

Citizens’ Battle Against Corruption (CIBAC) Party-List Representative Bro. Eddie Villanueva on Tuesday strongly opposed House Bill 9349 or the Absolute Divorce Bill calling it unconstitutional, anti-family, anti-Filipino and, ultimately, anti-God.

“Mr. Speaker, this Representation opposes the divorce bill because I find it unconstitutional. Not only is it questionable in light of Article XV, Section 2, which declares Filipino marriages as inviolable, but, more importantly, the effects of the bill directly and clearly contradict the Constitutional mandates of protecting the family as the foundation of the nation–as stated in Article XV Section 1–and of promoting the development and well-being of our youth–as stated in Article II Section 13,” said CIBAC Rep. Bro. Eddie.

The CIBAC solon also said that practically all studies and literature on divorce indicate negative impacts on the family, couples, and their children in varying degrees. He also cited studies showing that the divorce of parents raise the risk and possibility that children’s marriages would also end in divorce.

“Are we willing to pass this bill at the expense of the interest and future of our children and their future families?” asked the CIBAC solon.

Rep. Bro Eddie also said the divorce bill is anti-poor woman because studies show that divorced women are more economically vulnerable and worse off than men after the divorce. According to Villanueva, divorce will entrap women, especially the poor, into hardship and poverty because they are the ones who usually bear the burden of raising the children.

In addition, the CIBAC solon pointed out that there is significant opposition to the bill as evidenced by a recent 2023 OCTA Research survey which showed that majority of Filipinos are not in favor of legalizing divorce in the country.

Further, Rep. Villanueva said that a better policy option now is just to strengthen available remedies under existing laws that address gravely problematic marriages – namely, annulment and legal separation processes – and make them pro-poor, cheaper, affordable, and expeditious.

“If the services and government assistance that would be mandated by this bill for divorce cases would also be available to annulment cases, we argue that the annulment process would be made cheaper, accessible, and faster to address problematic marriages. In addition, we believe that between divorce and annulment, annulment is more akin to the Constitutional mandate of protecting the institution of marriage and is more aligned to Filipino culture,” added the CIBAC solon.”

On the issue that the Philippines is the only country in the world without a divorce law, Rep. Bro Eddie said that he is in fact “proud to have a Constitution which has a provision on marriage that is faithful to the intent and design of marriage as originally institutionalized by God Himself in the Bible. It only shows that Filipinos are not easily persuaded by emerging philosophies and trends, and that we have a strong resolve to uphold our culture and identity amidst the influence and manipulation of other countries,” said the CIBAC solon

Lastly, for Rep. Villanueva, the most important reason to oppose the divorce is that it is clearly against the will of God and legalizing it will just invite curses, not blessings, to the country.

“Divorce is out of the will, design, and purpose of God who explicitly says in Malachi 2:16: “For I hate divorce!” I hope that we will all take heed of God’s Word and reject this divorce bill,” ended the CIBAC solon.

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CIBAC REP. BRO. EDDIE TO POLITICAL LEADERS ON NATIONAL BIBLE DAY: STOP POLITICAL FIGHTS AND RESTORE FEAR OF GOD

January 30, 2024

In celebration of this year’s National Bible Day, CIBAC Party List Representative Bro. Eddie Villanueva called for political ceasefire among all political leaders in connection with the fights surrounding charter change and people’s initiative efforts.

In a privilege speech delivered in Congress on Monday, Bro. Eddie called on all political camps to abandon all political bickerings and personal agenda and to turn back to God to avert any possible sudden destruction that is threatening the country.

“Nasa krisis po ngayon ang ating bansa. You can ignore it; you can accept it. But it is a fact; it is a reality… Kung narinig natin ang mga mensahe kahapon sa People’s Assembly sa Luneta sa pangunguna ng ating Pangulong Bongbong Marcos, at sa Davao City sa pangunguna ng dating Presidente Rodrigo Duterte… The Holy Spirit spoke to my heart: kung hindi mapipigil ang lumalalang political crisis that will lead to Constitutional crisis, this will lead our nation to destruction,” said Bro. Eddie.

“Meron pong nakaambang panganib. Kapag hindi nagkaroon ng intervention ang Diyos sa ating bansa, patungo ito sa political, business, economic, social super-typhoon that will eventually lead our beloved nation to nationwide chaos and anarchy. At lahat nang pinaghirapan natin dito sa Kongreso for many years will suddenly be destroyed in the twinkling of an eye,” added the CIBAC solon.

“Ang solusyon po ay nasa Salita ng Diyos…Gusto kong hikayatin ang lahing Pilipino, magbalik-loob tayo sa Diyos. Magkaroon ng banal na takot sa Diyos.. Sabi ng Proverbs 9:10, ‘The fear of God is the beginning of wisdom,’ Kapag ang mga leaders ng ating bansa ay wala ni katiting na fear of God, walang wisdom. Pag walang wisdom, walang mangyayari sa direksyon ng ating bansa at ng ating lipunan,” said Bro. Eddie

“Kaya sabi ng Diyos, kung tayo’y magpapakumbaba, mananalangin, hahanapin ang Kanyang mukha, tatalikod sa kasalanan, “Ako na Diyos na may gawa ng langit at lupa, patatawarin ko ang inyong mga kasalanan at pagagalingin ko ang inyong bayan..’ Ang Salita ng Diyos can make or break a nation.  Ang Salita ng Diyos can make or break an individual person. Gusto ng Diyos, lahat po tayo, ang konklusyon ng buhay natin sa mundong ito ay maganda—hindi condemned ng history,” ended the CIBAC solon Bro. Eddie capped his privilege speech with a prayer for the nation and its leaders.

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CIBAC REP. BRO. EDDIE CONFERRED WORLD INTEGRITY AWARD BY AN INT’L ANTI-CORRUPTION BODY

January 15, 2024

CIBAC Party-List Representative Bro. Eddie Villanueva was awarded a World Integrity Prize and cited as “Person of Sincere Anti-Corruption Integrity” by a South Korea-based organization Anti-Corruption Civil Movement General Federation (ACCMGF).

Yesterday, January 14, 2024, sixteen (16) officers of the ACCMGF from South Korea, led by its Chairman and World Standing Representative Weon Deok Ho, went to Bocaue, Bulacan to personally award the plaque to Rep. Bro. Eddie during a worship service of JIL Church.

ACCMGF is an internationally recognized coalition of around 300 associations in politics, public affairs, education, religion, media, national defense, social welfare, economics, public organizations and non-government organizations whose objective is to promote and spread the values of integrity and transparency across sectors, governments and countries in the world.

ACCGMF is an authorized partner of Anti-Corruption and Civil Rights Commission(ACRC), Korea’s national anti-corruption body tasked to combat corruption and act on public complaints aimed at eradicating corruption in Korea. It is also a member of Union of International Associations (UIA).

ACCMGF confers recognition to individuals known for integrity and anti-corruption stance in order to encourage people to inspire people to emulate the lifestyle of integrity which is the antidote against corruption. Awardees underwent through serious screening and vetting in order to ascertain qualification.

“It is very humbling and honoring to be a recipient of this prestigious recognition from a reputable and highly-esteemed international anti-corruption group. Indeed, this citation is an immense boost to my and to CIBAC’s resolve to continue the fight for a corruption-free Philippines,” said Rep. Bro. Eddie. CIBAC Party-List has championed vital anti-corruption laws and measures in Congress which include RA 9184 (Government Procurement Act), RA 9160 (Anti-Money Laundering Act), RA 9485 (Anti-Red Tape Act), RA 10149 (GOCC Governance Act), RA 11059 (Strengthening of Ombudsman Act), RA 11032 (Ease of Doing Business Act), RA 11476 (GMRC law), Freedom of Information(FOI) bill, National Independent Commission against Corruption (NICAC) bill, and whistleblower’s protection bill, among others.

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CIBAC REP. BRO. EDDIE WELCOMES BANNING OF GAMBLING IN HOUSE-APPROVED BULACAN AIRPORT ECOZONE BILL

December 12, 2023

CIBAC Party-List Representative Bro. Eddie Villanueva welcomes the House approval on 3rd and final reading of House Bill 8841 which establishes the Bulacan airport economic zone but opposes the establishment of any gambling or gaming-related business within the covered area.

Congress adopted an amendment proposed by CIBAC Rep. Bro. Eddie which prohibits the Bulacan Airport City Special Economic Zone and Freeport Authority (BACSEZFA), the body corporate which shall manage and operate the ecozone of the biggest airport in the country, to approve and register any activity “that supports gaming or gambling, even if the same is regulated or licensed or allowed by Philippine laws.”

“The moral ills and damaging effects of gambling are so empirically pronounced and cannot be denied. Gambling brings indebtedness, money laundering, prostitution, proliferation of drugs and crimes, reduced familial stability, marriage break-ups, and to name a few. The approval of the amended bill is a positive step to pursuing holistic and genuine development minus moral setbacks. We aim to that through the Bulacan ecozone model, we might be able to show the world that genuine progress and affluence can be achieved through obedience to God’s Word and not by succumbing to the get-rich-quick formula of the world,” says CIBAC Rep. Bro. Eddie who is a native of Bocaue, Bulacan and also co-author of HB 8841.  “I thank my colleagues for approving our proposed amendment to oppose gambling businesses in the Bulacan ecozone. It is worth noting that this not only mirrors the will of this Representation and of the concerned sectors in Bulacan but also of the franchise-recipient of airport construction in the province. This is a big win for all Bulakenyos,” ends the CIBAC solon.

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CIBAC REP. BRO. EDDIE ON GLOBAL ANTI-CORRUPTION DAY: GOV’T NEEDS SERIOUS EFFORTS TO ADDRESS GROWING PUBLIC HELPLESSNESS TOWARDS FIGHTING CORRUPTION

December 8, 2023

In celebration of this year’s International Anti-Corruption Day, CIBAC Party-List Representative Bro. Eddie Villanueva calls on the government to renew its commitment and intensify its efforts to fight corruption as increasing number of Filipino finds corruption in the government normal and helpless to be solved.

“The state of corruption in the country is beyond critical and deserves nothing less than a pressing genuine response. We need to wake up and prick ourselves to reverse the tide of apathy and numbness towards corruption! I call on everyone to renew our disgust towards corruption and for the government to ramp up its efforts in leading the fight against the problem,” says Rep. Villanueva.

The CIBAC solon refers to a Pulse Asia survey in June of this year which showed that nearly half or 47% of Filipinos has normalized attitude towards corrupt practices. In the said survey, 67% said that they have lost trust in government services and public officials.

In the 2022 global corruption index by watchdog Transparency International, the Philippines ranked 116th out of 180 countries assessed on levels of corruption perception. The country was among the “significant decliners” by having a score of 33 (0 means ‘highly corrupt and ‘100’ as very clean), which was below the average score of 45 in the Asia Pacific region.

In 2019, a Deputy Ombudsman (Cyril Ramos) said that the government is losing 20% of the national budget or around Php700 billion annually to corruption. The figure means 1.4 million housing for the poor, medical assistance for around 7 million Filipinos, or a rice buffer stock that can last for more than a year.

“To take no commensurate action simply means consenting to corrupt officials to devour our public resources. Thus, I call on the entire government to prioritize three (3) things to resuscitate public confidence in our ability to fight corruption. First, I want to emphasize the indispensability of leadership by example. We need to refrain from appointing corruption-tainted officials, it will surely demoralize and negate in-roads in promoting a transparent and accountable government.”

“Secondly, we need to fast-track the wheels of justice on corruption cases. Unless our people see that crooks are jailed, we cannot restore public confidence.”

“Lastly, we renew our calls for the passage of the Freedom of Information (FOI) law which requires all government agencies to fully disclose its transactions and documents to the public. A corruption-free Philippines is far from sight without the FOI law,” adds the CIBAC solon.

Rep. Villanueva also hints that he will file a bill aimed at limiting confidential and intelligence funds to select few agencies and institutionalizing a mechanism in auditing and scrutinizing the same.

“We need to make our anti-corruption crusade consistent and with no let up. With or without sensational media-hyped corruption cases, we need to keep the fire burning in battling the evils of corruption that keeps us from experiencing the development and affluence that God dreams for all Filipinos,” ends Rep. Villanueva The United Nations designated December 9 of each year to be the International Anti-Corruption Day to raise awareness on the effects of corruption and the need to prevent and combat it.

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CIBAC REP. BRO. EDDIE: PBBM NATIONAL BIKE-TO-WORK DAY AN EXCELLENT SDG INITIATIVE

November 30, 2023

CIBAC Party-List Representative and House Committee on Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) Chairperson Bro. Eddie Villanueva lauds President Marcos’ Proclamation 409 which declares the last working day of November every year as National Bike-to-Work day.

“We welcome the President’s Proclamation No. 409. The promotion of non-motorized transportation has three-pronged benefits – it will decongest traffic, promote environment protection and advance physical health consciousness. Further, it will promote an efficient yet low-cost alternative transportation to commuters who are not able or do not intend to use motorized vehicles,” says Rep. Villanueva.

“This initiative of the President is an excellent and pivotal move in putting sustainable development goals (SDGs) in the national consciosuness. Indeed, this step is but a milestone in cultivating a SDG mindset in the country,” says Villanueva.

Bro. Eddie says that the promotion of cycling or the use of non-motorized vehicles will contribute to the country’s performance in achieving targets in SDG 3 (Good Health and Well-Being), SDG 7 (Affordable and Clean Energy) and SDG 11 (Sustainable Cities and Communities). The CIBAC solon also authors House Bill 5090 which aims to establish a network of bicycle lanes in the country.

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CIBAC REP. BRO. EDDIE, PH CHRISTIAN GROUPS: WE STAND IN SOLIDARITY WITH ISRAEL

November 10, 2023

CIBAC Rep. Bro Eddie Villanueva with country’s large Christian groups yesterday expressed unequivocal support and solidarity with Israel amidst the on-going Israel-Hamas conflict in the middle east.

The office of CIBAC Rep. Villanueva together with leaders of Christian organizations Philippines for Jesus Movement (PJM), Pentecostal Missionary Church of Christ (PMCC), Ministerial Association of the Philippines (MAP), Capitol City Four Square Church and Jesus Is Lord Church Worldwide (JIlCW) yesterday met with the office of Israeli ambassador to the Philippines Ilan Fluss to convey their solidarity and commitment to support the cause of Israel.

“We express our solidarity with Israel because we don’t want our constituents and our countrymen to be deceived by prevailing anti-Israel disinformation and propaganda which says that the war is between the peace-loving people of Israelite and Palestine,” says the CIBAC solon.

“The war is against the terrorist organization Hamas which is the perpretator of inhumane acts and the real cause of conflict in Israel and Palestine. We recognize Israel’s right to self-defense against Hamas and we call on everyone not to buy in to any move that will lead to the legitimization of its acts or strengthening of its ranks,” adds the CIBAC solon. “Israel is a state with which the Philippines has a strong bilateral relation anchored on deep historical and diplomatic ties. Israel provide us jobs, defense aid, economic gains, humanitarian aid, investments, visa-free entry, and many more,” ends the CIBAC solon.

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CIBAC REP. BRO. EDDIE, GROUPS OPPOSE BILLS NEGATING PREFERENCE OF FATHER AND HUSBAND AS HEAD OF FAMILY

November 8, 2023

In a statement, CIBAC Rep. Bro. Eddie Villanueva on Wednesday expressed his opposition against measures nullifying the preference given to roles of fathers and husbands on certain family issues.

Rep. Bro. Eddie shared the opposition of Christian organizations Philippine Council of Evangelical Churches (PCEC), Philippines for Jesus Movement (PJM), and the Coalition of Concerned Families against House Bills 1335, 5281, and 8907 which nullify the preference given to roles and decisions of fathers and husbands on certain family issues. The House Committee on Women and Gender Equality deliberated on the measures on Wednesday.

The said measures aim to amend Article 14 of the Family Code which gives preference to a father’s decision in giving consent to the marriage of a son or daughter. The bills also aim to amend Articles 96, 124, 211 and 225 that give weight to the father’s decision in the administration and enjoyment of family properties, as well as in the exercise of parental authority of children and legal guardianship over children’s property.

HBs 1335, 5281 and 8907 seek to amend said Family Code provisions by giving each spouse the option to immediately go to courts for settlement.

CIBAC Rep. Bro. Eddie said the proposed bills are clearly against the interest of preserving the solidarity and harmony of the family.

“The family is the basic unit of our society just like what is a cell to body. If the cells are incohesive and weak, you cannot expect a healthy and strong body. In the same vein, we cannot expect to have a vibrant society if its basic units – the families – are vulnerable to collapse and are disjointed due to struggles and bitterness brought by legal problems catalyzed by a proposed legislation that has a destabilizing lure and effect to the family,” said the CIBAC solon.

“Let us not rock the boat. Resorting to courts to immediately settle disputes can consume valuable judicial resources. This immediate judicial route is expensive, long-drawn, unwise, and will violate family autonomy and the sanctity of family life enshrined in the Constitution. There are many protections in place already in case of abuse by the husband of his tie- breaking power – notable, for example, is Republic Act No. (RA) 9262, the Anti-Violence Against Women and their Children (VAWC) Act, RA 9710, or the Magna Carta of Women,” said PCEC lawyer Atty. Aldwin Salumbides.

Meanwhile, the Philippines for Jesus Movement (PJM) – a coalition of more than 7,000 Christian churches nationwide says that there is nothing wrong with Family Code provisions because it was drafted with the intention of keeping Filipino customs, values and ideals in mind.

“If it ain’t broke, don’t fix it. There should be a head in the family to keep the balance of roles. These bills are more of a guise for equality because it will lead to strife and hostility between couples and ultimately to breakdown of marital and family relations” says PJM lawyer Atty. Mary Traje.

The Coalition of Concerned Families of the Philippines, represented by Atty. Aristogerson Gesmundo, asserted there is no need for said amendments because there are already sufficient safeguards in the Family Code, Civil Code and even jurisprudences.