- 6 weeks ago
Are stricter vape regulations coming? And is the country truly prepared for the next major emergency?
Today on Beyond the Headlines, we go live with Cong. Nathan Oducado to unpack two key proposals:
• HB 6990 – Vape Products Public Health Protection Act
• HB 5764 – Disaster and Emergency Management Act of 2025
What could change if these bills pass? Who will be affected? And what does this mean for public health, businesses, and disaster response systems?
Join us LIVE. Ask your questions. Be part of the conversation.
Today on Beyond the Headlines, we go live with Cong. Nathan Oducado to unpack two key proposals:
• HB 6990 – Vape Products Public Health Protection Act
• HB 5764 – Disaster and Emergency Management Act of 2025
What could change if these bills pass? Who will be affected? And what does this mean for public health, businesses, and disaster response systems?
Join us LIVE. Ask your questions. Be part of the conversation.
Category
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NewsTranscript
01:00One is the bill that seeks to completely ban the use, possession, sale, and distribution of heated tobacco and vape
01:07products in the country.
01:08Second is a proposal to transform how the Philippines responds to disasters by upgrading our current council-based system into
01:16a full cabinet-level Department of Disaster and Emergency Management.
01:21After the conversation, we will have the scheduled maintenance advisory of the Visayan Electric Company or VECO.
01:27Now joining us in the studio is the man behind two of the most talked about legislative proposal this season,
01:34Attorney Nat Odokado, representative of One Tahanan Party List.
01:38Attorney Nat, welcome to the program.
01:39Thank you, sir, DJ. Good afternoon to all our viewers and listeners.
01:43And thank you for making time. I know that you have a very packed schedule today.
01:47Yes, we're very happy to announce that the consultation for the anti-dynasty bill is happening right now here in
01:54Cebu, in UP Cebu.
01:55And I'm looking forward also to hear more about that.
01:58But first, let's talk about something that youth, like me, would be very interested about.
02:07And maybe some of the parents also of the youth.
02:10And I'm referring to House Bill 6990 or the Vape Products Public Health Protection Act.
02:18So tell us more about that.
02:19Yes, basically, the history of this thing is it was advertised or marketed as something like an healthier option instead
02:27of cigarettes.
02:28It even had superficial health benefits.
02:32So upon further studies, we realized that it's actually more dangerous than cigarettes because of the metallic content that's being
02:38inhaled in the lungs.
02:40It's supported by a lot of studies abroad.
02:42Daghan po kaayot ang nakita ng cases.
02:44But I'm very much concerned because the Philippines na-anatay one case of death and four suspected cases of death
02:54right now.
02:54But it's still being verified.
02:56Among the things why we're very apprehensive or very scared for this thing to continue is because of the number
03:03of teenage or pre-teenage users.
03:06From 2021, if my numbers are correct, I think it was only around 21,000.
03:11But currently, it's around 500,000 users.
03:16And for 18 to 44, it has increased to around 1,000,000 plus.
03:21So now correct me if I'm wrong because the numbers also that I'm seeing here, not necessarily for vape, but
03:28specifically in terms of the trend of smoking.
03:31So in the Philippines, at least from what I'm also seeing, the numbers have been trending down for overall smoking.
03:41And over recent decades, from 34% also from 2000 to 20% by 2025.
03:49So there's also a decline.
03:52But to your point, there's also a sharp increase in terms of vaping use.
03:57So why immediately move to prohibiting vape instead of starting with just regulating vape?
04:05Well, I think we've already tried regulating it.
04:07And if something is not working, it only goes to show that it will no longer work.
04:14So it's time to ban it.
04:15Now, one of the things that we're very worried about if this continues is the health issue.
04:21It's actually a public health crisis.
04:23Because apart from those four cases and the hundreds and thousands of cases that's unreported, we're seeing deaths directly related
04:31to vape.
04:32I think, Sir DJ, and to everyone, one death is more than enough to show how dangerous a product is.
04:38But more importantly, I'm scared because it's not transparent of what we're actually inhaling.
04:43By the way, is this number just for the Philippines?
04:47Just for the Philippines.
04:48The number will rise if we include other countries.
04:52Other countries.
04:52Now, the reason I ask or clarify that because there's also data here, but this time coming from the UK
04:58government report that actually concluded,
05:02and their numbers are huge, impressive, in fact, in support of vaping.
05:07Because the study actually concluded that vaping is about 95% less harmful than smoking tobacco.
05:15And then later summaries also reiterated, at least they changed a little bit of the position slightly
05:21by saying that a fraction of the risks is reduced compared to actual smoking.
05:28So why ban vaping instead of cigarettes?
05:36Of course, we understand that there are studies who will support certain commercial interests.
05:40That's why the criteria is very important.
05:42I think I've seen that study.
05:44But overall, in terms of checking all of the studies, it only goes to show that vape is more dangerous.
05:50So if we go through experience and not just by data that's being done by researchers who may be paid
05:57or not paid,
05:58it goes to show that vape is actually very harmful because of its metallic contents.
06:04And that's something that experience would really teach you.
06:07If you inhale something that's non-biological to your body, it will create something there.
06:12And in fact, I've seen six UK studies that directly attributes calcification in the lungs and lung scarring also to
06:21vape.
06:22Now, further down the line is I've also did some research about countries that actually ban or prohibiting vaping.
06:31But let's start with the countries that do not necessarily do that but just doing some restrictions.
06:37So, for example, I already cited United Kingdom.
06:40So it actually, they are just restricting vaping to legal adults that's 18 plus.
06:46And then they're also putting a cap on the nicotine strength.
06:50And then advertising is also restricted.
06:53Now, in Canada, New Zealand, and Australia, they are also not prohibiting vaping but they're just regulating it.
07:02So, in your case, although you've covered it already slightly but I'd just like to push the envelope further,
07:08why not start with just regulating?
07:11Well, in terms of comparison, we have to understand that those countries have robust healthcare systems.
07:18In the Philippines, we don't.
07:19And if we continue this trend, given our current system, it's going to be more expensive for the government which
07:25leads to more deaths.
07:26So, for me, it's actually a health crisis already.
07:29That's why we have to ban and not just regulate it.
07:33Now, do you also have successful case studies also on several countries that actually succeeded in completely prohibiting vaping?
07:44Well, from our research, our country is very unique.
07:49So, no study can actually apply.
07:51Because first, in terms of percentage of pre-teenage years usage, that's one of seven before 18 years old using
07:59vape already in our country, unlike any other country in the world.
08:02So, that means that at least from the data that you have, we are more adaptable in terms of the
08:09use of vape.
08:10We are quick to take the practice compared to other countries.
08:15Actually, just to push it further, we're actually very prone to abuse because the ones using the vape are below
08:2118 years old.
08:22The ones who have not so mature health organs, not so mature thinking, that's a problem because of how we
08:31market it currently and how our system is built.
08:34Like, for instance, vape is actually under DTI, something that promotes businesses rather than promotes health.
08:41Now, in terms of age, our age restriction is 18, while in other countries, it's already 21.
08:48Our tobacco is 21.
08:49I don't understand why it's 18.
08:50Our enforcement, for instance, we've only around, we've confiscated around 80, I think, out of the 2,000 violations.
08:59So, it really speaks a lot about how we enforce and how it's difficult for us to monitor for pre
09:06-teenage years.
09:06And for me, that's more concerning because why?
09:10You see your kids going to school instead of buying snacks, they have vapes in their pocket.
09:14It's seen as cool.
09:16And later on in their lives, as early as 24, someone will die already.
09:20I actually captured and I did not realize it that smoking in the Philippines, if I captured it correctly, is
09:26for 21 years old and above.
09:28Well, because I'm actually seeing people younger than 21 who are smoking.
09:37And then, if that is true, and I would believe you, so yeah, somehow there's something that's strange because vaping
09:43is allowed 18 years old, but smoking is allowed only 21 years and above.
09:48Now, with that contrast, I've also heard people would say that the reason why they're adults, so let's talk about
09:56the 21, the legally 21 and above, who would use vape to substitute for them to be able to eventually
10:03consume less tobacco and then hopefully eventually quit.
10:09So, what are your thoughts about that?
10:10If, for example, we will eventually decide to just prohibit vaping entirely?
10:15Well, I think we should go back to data.
10:17I mean, at the beginning of all of these things, it's actually a vice.
10:22So, it's very detrimental to health.
10:24It's just a matter of balancing national interest in terms of our taxes.
10:28And just to insert a fact, we're losing $44 billion a year for illegal vapes and tobaccos entering the country.
10:34So, since it's a loose-loose situation, what would you prefer?
10:39Would you prefer regulating something where you have good science already?
10:42Or do you want to still continue something which is already affecting children as early as 11?
10:48And at the same time, something very accessible, something that does not smell bad, which entices children.
10:58It has good flavor.
10:59So, those things are for consideration.
11:02So, for me, if I'm given the same question, I'd rather stop vape because of its non-transparent approach when
11:09it comes to vice, but more importantly, to its content.
11:13I'm really concerned of the content.
11:14Not really much about the nicotine content because it's very small and it can be regulated.
11:19But in order to create vaporized smoke, you have to use certain chemicals that's more harmful than nicotine itself.
11:28Now, you've mentioned earlier that at least for the Philippine number, there's already one death attributed to vaping.
11:35Reported.
11:36Reported.
11:37Unreported a lot.
11:38Unreported a lot.
11:39And there are currently four that are still to be confirmed as related to vaping.
11:46Now, the numbers that I have here, though, is the worldwide number referring to smoking because the World Health Organization
11:54also reported that tobacco smoking is causing 8 million deaths per year globally.
12:00So, I think we're not stranger to the reality that smoking is also harmful.
12:06So, why focus on just the vape instead of working more aggressively against something deadlier, which is smoking?
12:17Sorry, I beg to disagree.
12:18I think vape is deadlier.
12:20If you look at the, in terms of lifespan of creation of, let's say, cancer or tar buildup, smoking takes
12:26around 20 years.
12:28The effect you mean?
12:29Yes.
12:29Vape takes around one and a half years.
12:32That's new to me.
12:33And it's very worse because children, like I can't emphasize even further, 11 years old, already knows about vape, uses
12:41vape.
12:42And that's 500,000 of our next generation leaders, next generation workforce already having or using that vice as early
12:51as 11 years old.
12:54That's new to me.
12:55And I think, I hope that our viewers have also captured that because I think a lot of the people,
13:01at least within my circle, are actually thinking that vape is safer compared to smoking.
13:07That's why more people look at it as an effective substitute rather than smoking itself.
13:12So, just to close on that particular part before we move to my next question, but this time is on
13:18the governance around it.
13:20So, we are actually, or you are actually saying that regulation as of this time will never work.
13:26That's why we're moving towards prohibition.
13:29Yes.
13:29We've seen it.
13:31We've tried it.
13:31And we've seen that even if we have strong restrictions, we have seen strong circulars, specifically online selling, especially distributions
13:41on kiosks.
13:42There's no know your customers approach.
13:45These things don't work already.
13:47What else can you put?
13:49So, for me, banning is very important.
13:51And, I mean, if we've seen something harmful, for instance, Pogo, we've already done it.
13:57If we've seen it, it's something very harmful to the society.
14:00I think it doesn't take much for us to vote against it also.
14:03You know, lives matter more than money.
14:05And you've mentioned that one life is already reason enough.
14:10So, before we move to governance, I remember because I have a question here.
14:14Although you've mentioned it already that there's an exponential increase of vaping from 18 years old to 44.
14:22Years old.
14:23You've mentioned about flavor, etc.
14:25But can you articulate better?
14:27And this is for the parents who are watching for them to understand the habit.
14:32What is it with vaping, man, that's attractive to minors?
14:38Well, at first, it's a very unusual phenomenon.
14:40I was talking to a psychologist about this.
14:43It's now seen as a status symbol that you're cool when you vape.
14:46Yeah, you have something in your pocket.
14:48Yep.
14:49And then you have the latest flavor.
14:51You have limited edition designs, everything.
14:54So, it becomes like a fad for children.
14:57And that's more disturbing for me more than anything else.
15:00And apart from that, it's very hard to catch if your children are using it.
15:05Because unlike before, cigarettes really smell bad.
15:08You have to take candy.
15:09You have to spray.
15:10You have to shower perfume in order to smell good again.
15:12But vape, it doesn't.
15:14It has good flavors.
15:15It smells good.
15:16But more importantly, because of the flavors and how it's being presented, it attracts younger generations.
15:21And Sige, before governance, I remembered another question.
15:27So, if the bill will be passed, you can imagine a 25-year-old adult be penalized for possessing vape?
15:40Yes.
15:41Okay.
15:42Sige.
15:43That's the one thing we need.
15:44I mean, people need to learn how to follow the law.
15:48Now, let's move towards governance.
15:50So, can you realistically eliminate also a multi-billion peso industry overnight?
15:58Well, pogo.
15:59You've cited that already.
16:01Sige.
16:02More?
16:03As long as there's political will, I think we can really close it.
16:06I know there will be a lot of business interest that will be affected.
16:10But if the government is really serious about preparing the next generation, then I think we have to do it.
16:15I mean, fighting for the right thing was never easy to begin with.
16:20And it's something that we have to do, no matter the circumstances.
16:23Sige.
16:23So, pogo is an interesting case also that you presented.
16:26But I'll push the envelope even further.
16:29Now, the Philippines is not necessarily the most effective when it comes to smuggling.
16:35So, what are also the enforcement mechanisms if the bill will be passed that will ensure that this is not
16:42going to expand underground?
16:44Well, there's always that forbidden fruit effect.
16:46Correct.
16:47Yeah.
16:47But once it's already illegal, you basically eliminate around 60% to 70% already.
16:53And it's easier to catch people who have vapes in their pocket once it's illegal.
16:56Mm-hmm.
16:58Okay.
16:59But did you also see the other side about, like, for example, I remembered, although hopefully this will not get
17:07me into trouble, but I remembered that during the pandemic, there was a liquor ban, especially if you take alcohol
17:13in public places.
17:14But unfortunately, there were also studies that eventually showed that while people were not necessarily buying alcohol because it was
17:25prohibited in a certain time, but consumption actually increased.
17:29And because they're buying it underground and they're consuming it inside the house.
17:34So, I'm not necessarily talking about consumption inside the house, but the habit also.
17:39Okay.
17:39And the underground market, that is why there was a dispute because the legal outlets suffered, but the underground market
17:49was the one that was thriving during that period.
17:51Okay.
17:52The difference is, is alcohol illegal per se?
17:55Pero it was banned at that time.
17:57Banned to drink, but not importation.
17:59Yes.
18:00But when importation is stopped, anything that comes in the country or seen that's entering the country will now be
18:06considered as illegal.
18:08A ban is not illegal.
18:11Sige.
18:11But I'm more into the creativity of people to look for waste.
18:17There will always be.
18:17So, I think, Sigoro, to be clear, my fear is it might reduce consumption on the surface.
18:26And to your point, it's not easily detectable, unlike smoking.
18:31But this might also result to more expanded underground transactions.
18:37There will always be something like that in any law.
18:39But get this, if right now you see children openly buying, and then you're able to stop stores that actually
18:47sell that, how can children get access?
18:49They have to go through an illegal organization to get it.
18:54You're going to stop the behavior of children getting available vapes as early as 11.
19:00And I think that's key.
19:01And if it's illegal, it's most likely going to be very expensive.
19:05So who has access?
19:06Now, when you know who has access, we can pinpoint who will be the supplier.
19:10Because only a few will get their hands on something expensive as that.
19:13Sige.
19:13So, I will not push that envelope further, no?
19:17Sige.
19:18If the bill will be passed, so of course there will be some budget allocation that's necessary for its enforcement.
19:28So that it would be enforced appropriately.
19:31Plus also detection and control.
19:35It's already subsumed.
19:37It's already subsumed.
19:38It's already subsumed in the department budget.
19:40Okay.
19:41Because they have an intelligence fund.
19:42They have an enforcement fund.
19:43Mm-hmm.
19:44So.
19:48No, no, no, no.
19:49But we, I hope it will not get, I'm not very confident.
19:54Okay, I'll put it this way.
19:55I'm not very confident also in terms of the actual enforcement of the intelligent funds and also how it's being
20:02managed for cases like this.
20:04But anyway, kung sa may kanina lang, specific to vaping, what's the anti-corruption mechanisms man that we will have
20:12to put in?
20:13Obviously, this is an added restriction that they also will have to be watchful now.
20:19So previously, they don't watch out for this, but now they will if ever going to be passed.
20:23So what's the, Kwanman, what's the anti-corruption mechanisms that should be in place to ensure that this is going
20:31to be prohibited moving forward?
20:34Well, maybe I'm speaking forward ahead of BOC on this, but they're actually digitalizing.
20:40Because as much as we understand, as long as there's human intervention for anything that's prone to corruption and error,
20:46but if it's fully digitized, like what they're trying to do right now, it can be eliminated.
20:51I understand the apprehension.
20:53I mean, we've always been used to a culture that there's always a loophole.
20:57Filipinos will always find a way.
20:58But I think we're living in a different scenario.
21:02I mean, before, like for instance, I wasn't so confident with Gen Z, but what they showed in 2025 and
21:10what they show currently, specifically for issues that are important for the country, I think I see hope.
21:16And it might not happen immediately when the law is passed, but I think because of the behavior in the
21:23direction of the social climate right now, things will change.
21:27Now, sige, let's move forward from the smuggling or the underground market.
21:32Let's now talk about bribery.
21:35We also know that, sige, ako na lang.
21:38The Philippines doesn't have a good track record in terms of saying no to bribery.
21:43Now, in this case, then, I would anticipate that if this is passed, there will be confiscation, and there will
21:49be storage of these confiscated items also.
21:52Do you think this will just kind of increase?
21:57Revenue when it comes to bribery, no?
21:59I don't want to demonize all of our bureaus or departments.
22:03I mean, people are inherently good.
22:05I mean, we've all had that misconceptions, but I think it's natural for us to always have that at the
22:13back of our heads.
22:13But I think it can easily be deterred.
22:16And more importantly, I think, when we show that we're really against it, it's going to be stopped.
22:21Like, for instance, outside from Pogo, let's go to something that's very close to the heart of the Filipino, Sabong.
22:28So much money, so much powerful people involved, a lot of briberies.
22:33But because the government said no, what happened?
22:38Sige, what happened?
22:39It stopped.
22:41And any small-time online cockfighting happening right now, it's being monitored and it's being ceased.
22:52Sige, so you've mentioned in the beginning that when I asked about countries restricting and then eventually and I asked
23:02if some of them were successful and you've mentioned that the situation in the Philippines is not necessarily the same
23:09for these countries.
23:12But for context and for benchmark, can you also cite a successful country that prohibit vaping at the same time
23:20they were also able to prohibit also or curb the corruption, the corrupt practices such as bribery and also smuggling?
23:31I think there's no proper comparison for the Philippines because the biggest difference is it's a health issue for us,
23:40like a really big health issue for us.
23:42And I'm sorry for pushing that, but unfortunately, the Philippines is also one of the most corrupt.
23:48That's where I'm coming from. Continue.
23:50Yes. Well, we will always have that issue at the back of our heads.
23:54But like I said, there are reforms ongoing.
23:57Digitalization and the fact that you're allowing it right now gives them room to bring that in or bring illegal
24:04stuff in.
24:05But once it's labeled as illegal per se, no exceptions.
24:11Sige.
24:11Assuming that this is passed and then it's moving forward and then, of course, we also wanted to trust the
24:20system that would govern this one.
24:23But moving forward, for example, will there be portions also of the bill that would state that just in case,
24:34while it is controlled in the surface but it's not controlled underground, will there be a provision also that would
24:41say that this will have to be evaluated?
24:45Well, there's a sunset provision.
24:47Okay.
24:47And, you know, those things, those line of questions, it will always be there because a lot of people will
24:53always invest in a business which will earn a lot.
24:56There's no country in the world that can say that once you ban something, it's going to be really super,
25:02very super successful.
25:04And now it goes to the question of what's the political will of your country because if you have political
25:09will, you'll do everything to make that stop.
25:12And I think, I think because of what you're saying, corruption, etc., there's more impetus for the government to really
25:20prove that they can do something and they can stop something when they want to stop something.
25:25There, there's, of course, smoking, no? And, and we're, we're no stranger also for existing problems in terms of cigarette
25:33smuggling, no?
25:34So why, why should we think na controlling smuggling of vaping is easier than controlling smuggling of cigarettes?
25:42No, I actually filed a bill about illegal smuggling of cigarettes because that's a different case.
25:48You know, this is the case that happened.
25:49Again, we don't define smuggling of cigarettes per se.
25:54We have two laws that govern it.
25:55One is economic sabotage.
25:57That's 10 million above.
25:59Who reaches 10 million above?
26:00How about the small time players, right?
26:02Second, we use the customs and tariff codes, including the taxes.
26:05What's considered there?
26:07Unregulated imports, non-payment of excise taxes, which is also a high threshold.
26:13I think the minimum is 1.2 million.
26:15Okay, what happens next?
26:16Next, if there is an arrest, like for instance, you saw that person, there's something suspicious, you open, there's, but
26:25there's no authorization from the BOC, the BIR, or by the commissioner of the BOC.
26:31All of those items are going to become fruit of the poisonous tree, meaning they can't be used as evidence
26:39in court.
26:40So what will happen if there's no evidence in court?
26:42Case will be dismissed.
26:43And that's why smuggling thrives currently, because there's a huge loophole in our law.
26:49So what I filed is it now stratifies it into one, organized smuggling for tobacco is now considered as economic
26:58sabotage.
26:59Life imprisonment, 2 million, fine, etc.
27:02Second, there's now stratification of the number of PACs that you bring or what you possess.
27:12So 10,000 or one master case, 10,000 PACs, there's a different penalty.
27:1710,000 to 50,000, there's a different penalty.
27:20More than 50,000 now, that's economic sabotage.
27:22But more importantly, the provision there is any law enforcement, including the PNP, who ceases something discovered to be illegal
27:32tobacco, does not require authorization from Section 214 of the Customs and Tariffs Code.
27:38No need for a deputy commissioner, no need for a district collector, no need for BIR.
27:43That will be the biggest difference for that bill.
27:45And yes, I also think, listening to you, that this is potentially going to be an improvement.
27:54And I also heard you when you said that there's the current focus in terms of better governance overall.
28:02I've also heard you when you said that we have Gen Zs now who are more active and engaged and
28:08participative in the discourse about integrity.
28:15However, from my observation, I think I could still hear questions about the lack of accountability.
28:22And I will not even go to the specifics of those.
28:26That's a good question.
28:27That's a good question.
28:28So in the context then, going back to this, in this context then, how do we ensure that if ever
28:36there should be personalities, whether politicians or entrepreneurs or ordinary citizens who are eventually caught violating the revised or proposed
28:49revision on the smuggling policy or even specific to vaping?
28:55How will the big fishes eventually be held accountable if ever they commit this violation?
29:01Again, it goes back to how much change do you want for our country?
29:06I think it's really, if you really check the social climate with young people going into government, young people getting
29:12more involved, it's really different.
29:14I mean, I'm a millennial.
29:15And once I see this Gen Z, once I work with them, once I see how they work in government,
29:21it's really different.
29:22I think to properly answer that is to have a little more faith for our next generation, not really what
29:28we experience.
29:29Because it's really different right now.
29:31Okay.
29:32Now, I'm going to, before we move to the other bill, I promise I'm going to keep, that we will
29:38end positively.
29:39No problem.
29:40I like this course.
29:42Okay.
29:43For this particular bill na lang, what also do you think parents and communities should do along with the government?
29:50Because I'm convinced that there is an existing problem on, especially on the minors who are consuming vape.
29:58Interestingly, we found that there's always, normally, children or pre-teens who try vape have parental issues.
30:07So, I think it has to be community effort in terms of, one, information, two, making parents also accountable when
30:13it comes to their children entering into vices like this.
30:16And I've seen successful programs with the NGO I was working on, but on a different scene.
30:23It was for about children in conflict with the law, wherein the community was involved.
30:27The community was reporting to the parents and explaining to the parents.
30:31Plus, there is someone from the municipality or city explaining to them how you should approach this type of behavior.
30:38So, these things, if you can only scale it to all over the country, I think it would be very
30:43effective in, one, making parents responsible.
30:45Two, making the community more aware about the bad effects of vape and their responsibility to the children and their
30:52community.
30:53And then, if I may suggest that the point that you said earlier that would break the misconception that vapes
31:06are safer compared to smoking,
31:09I think that information should be also shared more publicly to educate more people.
31:14I agree. I agree.
31:16And then, at the heart of the bill, what kind of Philippines do you want to see?
31:20Well, we need a healthier next generation of citizens.
31:26But more than that, we need them to be more focused because everything is dropping in terms of education at
31:32the moment.
31:33And when education drops, our competence level to be part of the world's development or progress will also go lower.
31:41And with a population of more than 120 million, we can't continue this path.
31:47Okay. So, thank you very much for the engagement specific to this bill.
31:52Not yet.
31:54Because we will tackle one important, because I know that you're proposing four bills, but we just pick this two
32:01because this one is also close to the heart.
32:04Or, I don't smoke, by the way.
32:06And I don't vape.
32:08And the minds also of our viewers.
32:11So, the first one that was specific to vaping.
32:13Second is, I'd like us to discuss more before we close about House Bill 5764, which is Disaster and Emergency
32:22Management Act of 2025.
32:24Because Cebu, along with the other parts, even of the Visayas and Bindanao, have been affected by disasters.
32:33So, what is this proposed bill about before we go to the details of it?
32:40Well, a brief background.
32:41We've been experiencing at least 21.5 typhoons a year.
32:45And apart from typhoons, we've been seeing a string of earthquakes because of the movement of our tectonic plates and
32:55sub-abduction lines.
32:56So, I think it's high time for Filipinos to be professional when it comes to disaster.
33:03It's something that we cannot just pray about because it's already happening.
33:08So, what's our current system?
33:11The NDRMC is only a coordinating council.
33:14There's a law for it, but they can only coordinate multiple departments in terms of disaster.
33:19What happens next?
33:20It's the OCD who executes.
33:22It's the executing arm.
33:23By the way, can you tell them what's NDRMC and OCD?
33:29Oh, the National Disaster Risk Management Council and the Office of the Civil Defense.
33:35So, those are the two main branches of government that handles disasters when a province or a city encounters a
33:43disaster.
33:44So, what this bill does is it elevates the position of disaster response.
33:49It creates a cabinet-level approach, meaning there will be a secretary straight to the president, a separate budget, and
33:55just one line of order.
33:57Meaning there can only be one person or one command, chain of command, giving or preparing our areas for disaster.
34:05And when disaster hits, there will be just one department focusing on it.
34:11So, what's the difference?
34:13Well, in terms of decision-making, you don't have to go through several roadblocks because it's now a department.
34:20Two, any recommendations will go straight to the president.
34:23It becomes very fast.
34:24Three, you make it more professional.
34:27So, people there will have a plantilla, will become expert.
34:31We bring in a pool of experts.
34:32We also put Pag-asa and Philbox under it for us to gather data.
34:37Four, we'll have a long-term plan that's going to be handled by just one department, not different departments.
34:46Sige.
34:46Let's put that to test.
34:49So, for example, if this bill already existed before Tino happened, what would have been different had we had this
35:01bill even before Tino happened?
35:03Okay.
35:04Preparations-wise, they will already be there because the order will just come from one department enough to coordinate with
35:09DSWD.
35:10Oh, DSWD, prepare the goods.
35:11Oh, DPWH, prepare for land clearing.
35:14Oh, DNR, blah, blah, blah, blah.
35:15You don't have to go through that.
35:16It's just one department.
35:17That's free.
35:19Also, including also, because typically it's done by DSWD, the preparation also of the contingency when it comes to food.
35:28So, this one will also be centralized into one department.
35:32Got it.
35:33Okay.
35:33Now, when the typhoon hits, they're already there.
35:35Post-typhoon.
35:37It's going to be very fast because everything is already there.
35:40But more importantly, the difference is they will learn their lesson from that typhoon and prepare which areas are most
35:49vulnerable and implement it already department-wise.
35:52They don't have to ask another department to implement for them.
35:55So, another specific test case that's also very recent in Cebu because I'm also lost on the role of the
36:03Office of Civil Defense.
36:06And I'm referring to Binalio for a tragedy such as that.
36:12And there were a lot of support also coming from the different LGUs.
36:16But 72 hours already passed and people were still not retrieved or recovered.
36:24So, we know that it ended in the tragedy of missing, or I mean, 36 people who actually died in
36:30the tragedy.
36:31So, if we test that case specific to this proposed bill, what would have happened if this bill already existed?
36:38You won't have to go to regional, ask OCD. OCD will ask clearance. Clearance will come by, drop it here,
36:45okay, execute.
36:47Right now, it's just one department. If it existed already.
36:50Okay. Now, the other thing that I gathered, and correct me if I'm wrong, with the existing setup for a
36:56localized incident, it will just be the LGU.
37:02No, this is different.
37:03This is different. So, tell us more about that site.
37:06We won't trample on the powers of the LGU to create their risk reduction councils or risk reduction response teams.
37:13This is support for them.
37:15What's the difference? Well, you have a national policy using this.
37:19You have a national support aside from the budget.
37:22You have additional equipment, additional trainings, and ready response teams to supplement your local risk reduction councils.
37:31So, why not just strengthen the existing?
37:34Because there's always a need for us on a national level to think for a roadmap, first.
37:41Second, because some areas might not have equal resources, you must have a national level support for you to supplement
37:48that area.
37:49Let's say municipality A is a fourth class municipality.
37:52They don't have much income.
37:55They don't have much employees.
37:56And then a big disaster hits.
37:58You'll require assistance from national government for you to do proper relief operations and retrieval as well as planning for
38:04that area.
38:04That's why a department is needed.
38:06Okay.
38:07I'll dwell more on that.
38:09So, from what I gathered, and then I'll go back to the question earlier.
38:12From what I gathered, if it happens to just an LGU, it's the LGU's, that's a protocol that I understand
38:18for the current state.
38:19It's the LGU's risk reduction management, disaster management office that would react.
38:25If it involves two LGUs or three, that's when the regional would come in.
38:29And then, if it's more than that, then that's when the national body would come in.
38:34In my view, if that's just executed properly, it's workable.
38:39So, why, instead of strengthening that, why would we elevate the current state from a council to a separate department
38:48when it looks like it's more of an implementation issue?
38:52Well, actually, it's really about the policy and preparedness.
38:55Like, for instance, you've already answered that question.
38:57If more than two municipalities are involved, and those two municipalities have differing political views, how can you create a
39:05unified policy to approach the area?
39:07So, that's where the current regional office supposedly for…
39:12Supposedly.
39:12Supposedly.
39:13So, that's why I was saying, why don't we just strengthen that?
39:16Next question.
39:17Can the regional office put plans for both areas?
39:23That's the current state.
39:25They can't, right?
39:25That's why we need a national department.
39:27Now, what's the difference between a coordinating council and a department?
39:31A coordinating council only coordinates.
39:34A department issues policies and implements them.
39:38Case in point, DPWH.
39:41Okay.
39:42Sige.
39:42Now, you know the beauty of this law?
39:45What the beauty of this law is?
39:47They handle their own infrastructure, which makes them more accountable and more prepared.
39:53Now, I've also, at least gathered, and correct me if I'm wrong, if my reading and understanding is correct, that
40:01part of the improvement that the bill is proposing is on permanent evacuation centers.
40:07That's one.
40:08What does this mean?
40:09Well, we've seen that a lot of our disasters normally uses other buildings.
40:15Schools.
40:15Yeah, schools, sometimes covered courts, which doesn't provide enough safety.
40:20Correct.
40:20And sometimes those areas are very dangerous as well.
40:23So, this one, it will give them evacuation centers, which is plotted correctly in safe areas, but more importantly, sufficient
40:33enough given the population for the area.
40:36This is exactly why a region or an LGU approach is not enough.
40:40And how will this permanent infrastructure be utilized at a time in which there is no disaster?
40:49We leave it to the IRR and to the agreement of that department if it is created with the LGUs.
40:54Okay.
40:55No, because, Sige, the reason why I asked that question, the context of the question, it's because…
40:59It will not be a white elephant.
41:00Don't worry.
41:01Why not?
41:02Sige.
41:02There will always be a provision in the IRR about it.
41:06It's not like when you pass a law, it's going to be just that.
41:09It's not going to be just a standing building and roof.
41:12There will always be usage for whatever we invest using public funds.
41:17And the reason lang, I know we covered this also earlier.
41:19I think the Philippines, at least from my impression, does not have a good track record.
41:24Have a little faith in the next generation.
41:26We're not that bad.
41:29But this is the same generation, 18 to 44, no?
41:33Actually, I won't be back.
41:36So, I…
41:37Well, actually, the median…
41:39I believe in optimism.
41:40But the reason why I'm raising this is because I also want to ground that optimism to the current perception
41:46of the reality.
41:48Well, actually, to be honest, our median age is 25.
41:51It's very young.
41:51It's actually Gen Z.
41:52It's not like the millennials part where we still experience the authority of older people.
41:58This is really different.
41:59Now, why am I saying this?
42:01Because in my experience, Gen Z is very innovative.
42:05Gen Z is very more upright in terms of integrity.
42:10And I think it's the key, the best key forward.
42:13That's why I have a lot of faith for the next generation.
42:15Rather than think that they'll go the same path as our previous generations.
42:19It's okay.
42:20So, it's okay.
42:22Because…
42:23If you want to temper it down because you're concerned that it might follow the same path,
42:28you must always go back to behavior.
42:30What were the incentives at that time?
42:34And what is the incentives right now?
42:36Well, social climate check.
42:38People don't like corruption.
42:39People don't like politicians getting richer.
42:43People don't like officers or technocrats just getting rich and not implementing their projects.
42:49That's the social climate now.
42:51You know why?
42:51That's what has been the survey showing us.
42:55And it's really felt down to the masses.
42:57You know why?
42:58The number one most important concern overall of Filipinos is food.
43:05Everything's so expensive.
43:09All because of what our previous generation did.
43:12And that's the biggest difference.
43:14Although, I think because you will be visiting Cebu,
43:18because I just like to express this thought,
43:21but I know that this is not also the venue for her to do that.
43:25But the reason why, while I'm very optimistic with the younger generation,
43:29because I know that especially in the past elections,
43:32they've been participative, and they also are now more engaged in intellectual discourses,
43:37which is really welcome.
43:38Because that means that we have a young population that's active instead of passive,
43:43which makes a country like us with a young demographic making the most of what we have.
43:52But I think the final test there, which is yet, I would like to see,
43:57is how honest are these kids when they are in school.
44:03That I have yet to establish.
44:06Because in school man good, if they don't copy, cheat,
44:10then I would say that we have built a strong moral integrity in them,
44:16that they can say no to an unfair advantage.
44:20Because there's no quarter to school in school.
44:22So it's easier to criticize somebody who's got a quarter.
44:25But how about the grades?
44:28Getting a grade they do not deserve.
44:31Getting scholarships that they do not deserve.
44:34Or securing Latin honors that they do not deserve.
44:38That's kawatable when they are students.
44:41I'd like to see more students who would say,
44:44I'm sorry, I don't like the leakage.
44:45I would rather fail than cheat.
44:47Agree, agree, agree.
44:47Then I will say, yes, we have a generation that has the stamina to say no to unfair advantage.
44:56Well, first question.
44:57With that, I mean, let's turn the tables.
45:01How big is the percentage of that incidence in the Philippines?
45:06Isolated cases, right?
45:07No.
45:08Really?
45:08How big, how big?
45:10Sige, we'll deal with that in some other time.
45:12But that's actually where my worry is.
45:14So that's why I kept on asking also about corruption.
45:18But now, let's go back to the topic.
45:20And then we'll reserve.
45:21The interviewer became the interviewee.
45:23Yes.
45:24But I welcome this discourse about the young in another episode.
45:30Pero sige na, let's go back to this one.
45:32But at least you know where my confidence is also yet to be established as far as the unfair advantage
45:40denial.
45:43So let's go back to this one of the changes man said that a lot of people would want to
45:49see.
45:49Will there be performance metrics also that will come with this bill?
45:54Specifically on the performance of the secretary?
45:57Yes.
45:57It has a sunset provision every five years.
45:59So it will review what will be the changes, what success, and then what will be the way forward.
46:07Do we stop this?
46:07Do we continue this, etc.?
46:09That's a sunset provision.
46:10Five years.
46:10And what are the performance metrics, man, that at least we can think of that would support evaluation if this
46:18is meant to continue or not?
46:19If it is implemented and the IRR is created at this moment, it will be about rainfall, containment.
46:28It will be about transferring those living in dangerous areas into safer areas.
46:34It will be about how many lives are saved from average of around 500 per year.
46:40Those things will be the metrics if it is created right now.
46:43But I don't know what will be the metrics in the future.
46:46And the reason I ask for that because if and supposedly my next question would have been if this metrics
46:54were just in place in the current state, why would we need to have a separate department?
47:00Correct.
47:01But we'll end positively before we let you go.
47:05But I'm enjoying this conversation.
47:08Why would Filipinos believe that this is not just another reorganization that looks good on paper?
47:18Well, the biggest difference is right now we have technically ad hoc bodies implementing whatever disaster plans you have.
47:25We have fragmented data centers under different departments which you don't even have coordination with in order to get proper
47:34operations and preparedness to go.
47:37Now, if it's just one single department, all of these issues will now be solved.
47:43It may not be perfect.
47:44It might have birth pains.
47:45But the good thing about it is it's now centralized.
47:49We'll leave it at that.
47:51And I'm glad actually that we also have young lawmakers like you who are also looking for positive changes in
48:00government.
48:02But you mentioned, I know this is not part of the topic, but you mentioned earlier that there's a forum
48:05about anti-diancy.
48:06I will not ask you anymore about it, but can you just tell the viewers about what is this about?
48:11Because I think that's also one of the hot issues.
48:13Yes.
48:13We're doing consultations asking the people their thoughts about an anti-diancy bill.
48:19You know, Sir DJ, I mean, personally, I've heard so many stories telling us that once you go into government,
48:26you're going to be eaten by the system.
48:27You're going to be corrupt.
48:28Heard about that also.
48:30You're going to be a bad person.
48:31So, if that's going to be our mindset and the person will just get eaten by the system, why not
48:37change the system?
48:38And for me, the system is not just about dynasties.
48:41The system is also about political reforms.
48:44Political campaign reforms, anti-turncotism reforms, or yung balimbing, para yung stand on your principle.
48:52Disclosures on fundings and donations, but more importantly, party list reform bill.
48:57I think it's really high time to do the right thing.
48:59And for us to fix the system, we have to do this all together and we have to commit.
49:05It's not going to be easy.
49:07Someone's going to get hurt.
49:08In our study, 250 families will be affected.
49:11And out of the 18,000 positions elected with a proposal of one only for national, one only for local,
49:20it's going to get 1,200 plus out of office because of dynasties.
49:297%, not so bad.
49:31So, for this particular forum, who, aside from you, who will be there and what's the expected outcome?
49:40The interview na ginoko.
49:41Okay, sorry.
49:42Sige, continue.
49:43Well, it's shared by Kong Zia Alonto.
49:46And then there are several congressmen there.
49:48Kong Lila Dilima is there.
49:49Kong Rene Ko.
49:50Kong Sarah Elago.
49:51Kong Keith Flores.
49:54Kong Edgar Iriese.
49:56And I think Kong Tan Watko is also there.
49:58It's very well represented.
50:00And the desired output.
50:01We want to hear the students about their output.
50:04There are several designs for the dynasty bill.
50:07There's one per sector.
50:08There's one for succession.
50:10So, we want to know the experiences of the students right now.
50:13What do they experience in their province?
50:16Because a lot of kids are from Cebu who studies here, especially in UP Cebu.
50:20So, we want to know what do they experience for us to really evaluate what's the better model.
50:25Okay, and then, sorry.
50:27I suppose I said that I will not ask you last again.
50:30No, no problem.
50:31No problem.
50:31To the Antarii dynasty bill.
50:33There's numbers would also support this.
50:36That the congress alone is also composed of dynasties.
50:3878%.
50:39Yes.
50:41What will make this narrative?
50:43I know you anchored on Gen Z, etc.
50:45But what will make this narrative different this time around?
50:48Because that's the one that, in my opinion,
50:51kept the Antarii dynasty law from moving forward.
50:55Because a huge majority actually are in dynasties also themselves.
51:00So, why would they curtail something that they seem to be benefiting?
51:04I'll throw the question back to them.
51:06There's no question that you all love the country.
51:09You want the country to progress and be better.
51:11But it's a question of how much do you love your country?
51:14Are you willing to sacrifice things in order to try something new to a very old problem?
51:21I would want to see that.
51:24I would want to see that.
51:26And in my opinion, before we close,
51:28and thank you for indulging us in this bonus round.
51:32If we call it that way.
51:34And if there is something that I'd like to see.
51:37The reason why I wanted to see this.
51:40Because this, to me, is one of the tangible steps.
51:44It's a major step that would really let the Filipinos know
51:49that we have a set of lawmakers in Congress
51:52that are thinking about the Filipinos first
51:55and not just themselves and their family.
51:58Because for a time, unfortunately, that's an ongoing perception.
52:03So, this one to me is a major step to break that perception.
52:08We'll fight our way.
52:12And on your next visit in Cebu, let me know.
52:15Because we will talk about the Gen Z.
52:17Because that's also one topic that I'd also like to explore more.
52:21But this time, in the context also of you on the ground,
52:24and your experience also as a lawmaker.
52:26But for now, thank you for taking the time to walk us through
52:29these important proposals
52:31and for engaging in open and thoughtful discussion.
52:35So, we're supposed to just cover two bills
52:42and two bold proposals.
52:44But thank you for indulging us
52:45because you also gave us the bonus
52:46specific to the ongoing consultation
52:48for the anti-dynasty bill.
52:51Thank you, Sir DJ.
52:52Thank you, Sunstar.
52:53I really like these conversations.
52:55It's the hard questions that makes us better.
52:57And I think it's very important
52:59for us to get this out to the public
53:02and for the public to rethink.
53:04And I'm very happy that Sunstar asked this.
53:07Thank you, thank you.
53:08And speaking of thinking,
53:10so this is also the question
53:11that we would also like to leave our viewers,
53:14specific to the conversation.
53:16So, I'll start with the third
53:18because it's not on the script.
53:19Will the Philippines finally step forward
53:22to make a strong statement
53:23in the form of our lawmakers
53:25to actually curtail something
53:27that is said to benefit them?
53:30And so, creating a better perception
53:32that we have a set of lawmakers
53:34who would say Filipinos first
53:35and then not just my family first.
53:38So, that's the first question.
53:40The second is,
53:41will systems move faster
53:42when storms will come,
53:45considering this proposal?
53:47And will lives,
53:48especially the young lives,
53:49be shielded from addiction?
53:52And finally, we talk a great deal.
53:54And thank you for indulging us
53:55on the corruption
53:55and the bribery part
53:57because will enforcement this time
53:59be fair,
54:00transparent,
54:01and free from abuse?
54:04No?
54:05So, to our viewers,
54:06this conversation does not end here.
54:07It continues in our homes,
54:09in our communities,
54:10and in the choices
54:11we make every day
54:12as citizens.
54:14But before we let you go,
54:15we have the scheduled
54:16maintenance advisory
54:17from the Visayan Electric Company
54:19or VVECO.
54:19This will affect some areas
54:21in Cebu City,
54:23Mandawis City,
54:24on Saturday,
54:25that's this weekend,
54:25February 21, 2026.
54:27So, the time,
54:29it will be 4 p.m. to 6 p.m.
54:31That's two hours.
54:32And the purpose for this one
54:33is to ensure the safety
54:35of personnel working on the lines.
54:38Areas affected
54:38will be portions of
54:39Subangdako
54:40and North Reclamation Area,
54:42Mandawis City,
54:42and Cebu City
54:43along portions of
54:45Pilaes Street,
54:46Mantawi Drive,
54:48Oano Avenue,
54:50Mandawis,
54:52CSWY,
54:52FF Cruz Street,
54:54and FE Zwillig Avenue.
54:57And then another one,
54:58this is still two hours also,
54:59but this time in the morning,
55:006 a.m. to 8 a.m.,
55:03to ensure the safety
55:04of personnel working
55:05on the line also.
55:06And the impact will be
55:07portions of Subangdako,
55:08North Reclamation Area,
55:10Mandawis City,
55:11Cebu City,
55:11and portions of
55:12Pilaes Street,
55:14Oano Avenue,
55:15and Mandawis,
55:16FF Cruz Street,
55:17and FE Zwillig Avenue.
55:18And finally,
55:20this is the longest,
55:226 a.m. to 6 p.m.,
55:2312 hours.
55:24And this is to improve
55:26the reliability
55:26of the distribution system
55:28serving
55:29Barangay,
55:30Subangdako.
55:31Areas affected,
55:32portions of Subangdako,
55:34North Reclamation,
55:35Cebu City,
55:36and portions,
55:37the same area,
55:38of EO Pilae Street,
55:40and Oano Avenue.
55:42So that's all
55:43for this afternoon.
55:45I know you need
55:45to rush back.
55:46So thank you very much
55:47once again.
55:48Thank you so much.
55:49And I'm DJ Moises,
55:50and we'll see you again
55:51tomorrow.
55:52Have a good afternoon.
55:52See you next time.
55:54See you next time.
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