Magna Carta for the poor HB 4484 approved on second reading

CEBU, Philippines - The House of Representatives has approved on second reading the proposed Magna Carta for the Poor.

Cebu City North District Rep. Rachel Marguerite “Cutie” del Mar is one of the authors of House Bill 4484 which seeks to uplift the standards of living and quality of life of the poor by providing them with sustained opportunities for growth and development.

The bill seeks to provide for the creation and expansion of employment and livelihood opportunities involving a gradual shift from government subsidy to the eventual empowerment of the poor to meet their minimum basic needs.

Pursuant to Republic Act 8425 or the Social Reform Agenda, del Mar defines “poor” as families or individuals whose income falls below the poverty threshold as defined by the National Economic Development Authority (NEDA) and those who cannot afford, in a sustained manner, to provide their minimum basic needs of food, health, education, housing or other essential amenities of life.

Del Mar said the poor shall be identified by the National Anti-Poverty Commission (NAPC) with the participation of the Local Government Units (LGUs) and the Basic Sectors.

“The measure will provide the poor utmost care, a continuing and sincere concern for the underprivileged, a genuine and serious effort to improve their quality of life,” Del Mar said.

The bill authorizes the government implementing agencies to accredit development partners, such as NGOs, POs and private corporations, which, like these government bodies shall also be authorized to accept donations, aids or grants, in cash or in kind, from duly accredited sources, to meet the demands of the basic rights of the poor.

It mandates that the funding to be used for the implementation of this act should be sourced from the existing anti-poverty programs of different departments and agencies of the government.

Any public official or employee who knowingly or negligently permits the violation of any provision of the proposed act shall be suspended for one year or removed from office depending on the gravity of the offense or fined an equivalent of six months salary. — (FREEMAN)