rmiclat08

SPEAKER Ferdinand Martin G. Romualdez on Wednesday afternoon facilitated the release of P630,000 worth of assistance package from him and the Marcos administration to the Filipino caregiver who was taken hostage and subsequently released by Palestinian Islamist militant group Hamas.

Jimmy Pacheco, 33 years old, was taken by Hamas in Kibbutz Nir Oz in southern Israel during the group’s attack on October 7 against Israel and was released on November 24 through efforts of the Philippine government and other organizations.

“We know that this aid package cannot undo the physical and psychological scars that Jimmy Pacheco suffered while being held hostage in Gaza. We cannot begin to imagine what he has witnessed and what pain he has experienced,” Speaker Romualdez said after personally meeting Pacheco.

“But we do hope that this government assistance will send a message to Jimmy, his family and to all Filipinos that the government is there for you and that it will do everything to show that it cares for you, especially during times of great need,” he added.

Pacheco was accompanied by his wife, Clarice Joy, and his three children: Geyanah Clein, 5 years old; Gillian Carlo, 11 years old; and Ghieann Cayll, 11 years old, as well as his mother Felicitas.

His family received P500,000 in cash from the Office of the Speaker, which he received in person together with his family.

Additionally, Pacheco and his wife received P10,000 each from the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) under the program Assistance to Individuals in Crisis Situations (AICS).

His three children also received P5,000 each in educational assistance, also given under DSWD’s AICS program.

Also, Pacheco and his wife were also granted P95,000 in livelihood assistance: P15,000 under the Sustainable Livelihood Program (SLP) of the DSWD and P40,000 each under the Department of Labor and Employment’s Tulong Panghanapbuhay sa Ating Disadvantaged/Displaced Workers (TUPAD).

The aid packaged totaled P630,000.

“We welcome you home, Jimmy. And you have our gratitude for being a modern-day hero for your family and for your country. Itinuturing nating bayani ang ating mga OFWs na nakikipagsapalaran sa ibang bansa at tinitiis na malayo sa pamilya. We recognize your contribution to nation-building,” Speaker Romualdez said. (END)

HOR-AFP FELLOWSHIP — Speaker Ferdinand Martin G. Romualdez share a historic moment with National Defense Secretary Gilberto “Gibo” Teodoro, AFP Chief of Staff Gen. Romeo Brawner, House Committee of Appropriation Chairman and Ako Bicol Party List Rep. Elizaldy “Zaldy” Co and Camiguin Lone District Rep. Jurdin Jesus “JJ” Romualdo during the HOR-AFP Fellowship at the Tejeros Hall in Camp Aguinaldo. Romualdez assured the AFP of vigorous support from the House of Representatives.

Before adjourning for the Christmas break, Speaker Ferdinand Martin Romualdez on Wednesday lauded his fellow lawmakers after the House of Representatives (HRep) was able to approve on final reading 20 Legislative-Executive Development Advisory Council (LEDAC) priority measures three months ahead of schedule. He also recognized them for passing on final reading all 17 State of the Nation Address (SONA) 2023 priority bills seven months before SONA 2024. “We continue to produce landmark legislation that are designed to strengthen the economy, revitalize business, and widen the scope of services provided to our kababayans,” he said. Speaker Romualdez also highlighted that the 2024 General Appropriations Bill (GAB) is being scheduled for submission to the President after the House and the Senate’s timely ratification of the measure’s bicameral report. “The House of Representatives considers it a core mission to utilize the national budget next year to address four major concerns: 1) fight inflation; 2) keep the price of rice and basic food items at affordable levels; 3) provide more jobs and livelihood; and 4) expand social services,” he assured everyone. Speaker Romualdez also recognized that the House is taking a more active role in nation-building by exercising its oversight functions. He bared that the House would prioritize reviewing the proposed amendments to the 1987 Constitution next year, particularly the restrictions blocking the entry of foreign capital and investments to ultimately “unlock the vast potential of the Philippine economy.” The HRep also ratified the bicameral conference committee reports on the disagreeing provisions of 1) House Bill (HB) 8278 and Senate Bill (SB) 2243 or the proposed “Philippine Salt industry Development Act,” 2) HB 8525 and SB 2426 or the proposed “Tatak Pinoy Act,” and 3) HB 7325 and 2221 or the proposed “Magna Carta of Filipino Seafarers. The HRep will resume session in January 22, 2024. All committees were authorized to conduct meetings and hearings during the holiday break. Deputy Speakers Vincent Franco “Duke” Frasco and Raymond Democrito Mendoza also presided over the plenary session.

Speaker Ferdinand Martin G. Romualdez delivers his message before Congress adjourns for Christmas break at the plenary hall of the House of Representatives Wednesday night.

Speaker Ferdinand Martin G. Romualdez joins Department of Interior and Local Government Secretary Benjamin “Benhur” Abalos, Jr., Negros Occidental 6th District Rep. Mercedes Alvarez, other DILG officials, and the recipients of the 2023 DILG Seal of Good Local Governance Awards for a group photo during the awards rites at the Fiesta Pavillion of Manila Hotel Thursday afternoon.