The Freedom of Information Bill, that would have helped eradicate 50% of Philippine corruption - passed by the Senate - was "killed" by the House in the ratification bid by calling the over-used yarn of "lack of quorum" last Friday.
The 14th Congress, people agreed, should be called the "Killer of Freedom" as only 128 members of the 135 required (for a quorum) showed up last Friday on the last day of Congress. In the morning, the House was assured of a quorum and indeed there were more than 135 (according to witnesses) - when a few suddenly, suspiciously disappeared.
Some were reportedly seen in the House lounge and some in their offices in order to "kill the quorum", according to exasperated bill proponents.
Administration stalwart of Lakas Kampi Rep. Pedro Romualdo (Camiguin) suddenly raised the issue of lack of quorum as "a matter of principle" and effectively "killed the bill".
About 181 House members (of the 268) already voted for the bill early this year including House Speaker Prospero Nograles. It was stalled by the same lack of quorum in February 2010 and suffered the same fate Friday.
The Palace, heretofore, had urged the Senate and the House to ratify the bill but the "no show" of many administration allies belied the real intent of "Kill Bill" confirmed by the conspicuous absence of the Arroyo clan - made up of three representatives.
Even the act of Speaker Nograles to seek "on bended knees" for Rep. Romualdo to reconsider his "quorum stance" was not taken "hook, line and sinker" by the suspicious House Gallery - some of whom were escorted out by House security for rowdy behavior. - Bohol Chronicle
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