Despite being a neophyte at the Lower House, Benguet caretaker Eric Yap of the ACT-CIS party-list is the new chair of the Committee on Appropriations.
His appointment, sources said, could help bring more funds and developments to the province.
In a statement, Yap said he is accepting the challenge given to him during the March 2 session of the House, putting him in place of Davao City 3rd District Rep. Isidro Ungab.
Yap, who was the chair of the House Committee on Games and Amusement, said for the half year of being in Congress, he has handled well the responsibilities given to him.
“Kahit ang pagpapasa ng 2020 budget, naging bahagi tayo ng bicam para siguraduhin na ang budget ay tunay na sumasalamin sa pangangailangan ng bawat distrito at ahensiya ng ating bansa,” Yap said.
He will now sit as the vice chair of the House Committee on Games and Amusement while the vice chair of the panel, Abra Rep. Joseph Bernos would take the chairmanship.
“Isang magandang pagkakataon ang ating pagkakatalaga upang tiyakin na ang lahat ng mga panukalang dadaan sa Appropriations Committee ay magiging kapaki-pakinabang sa karamihan ng ating mga kababayan,” he said.
He said aside from the general appropriations of the government, the various priority projects such as social service delivery programs that needed funds would go through the committee.
“Bilang legislative caretaker ng Benguet, magandang pagkakataon din ito upang maihatid natin at maramdaman ang tunay na pangangailangan ng mga taga-Benguet sa pamamagitan ng mga priority projects na makakatulong sa tao,” he said.
Yap, who acknowledged several times in interviews and speeches that he is a close friend of the President’s son, Davao City Rep. Paolo Duterte, said his friendship with the latter did not affect the recent House decision.
Kabataan party-list Rep. Ron Salo also replaced Oriental Mindoro Rep. Salvador Leachon as the new head of the House Electoral Tribunal. – Ofelia C. Empian
April 23, 2024
