‘House committees authorized to hold hearings during break’

MANILA, Philippines - Standing and special committees of the House of Representatives have been authorized to conduct public hearings or inquiries during the current campaign break, Speaker Feliciano Belmonte Jr. said yesterday.

“The House in plenary has approved a resolution last Feb. 6 authorizing all committees to, if necessary, conduct their respective public hearings or inquiries, in aid of legislation, during the current break until resumption in June,” he said.

Congress adjourned last Feb. 7 and will resume on June 3 before its formal sine die adjournment on June 7.

The session break is to afford re-electionist members of Congress time to campaign for the May elections.

The House committees on food security, and on agriculture and food will continue their joint hearing on the alleged preferential treatment and tax incentives that the Board of Investments has given to Thai company Charoen Pokphand (CP) Foods Corp.

In their recent hearing, the committees decided to await the final report of the BOI to verify alleged violations of CP.

The company is engaged in livestock (broiler, layer and swine) and aquaculture (shrimp and fish) businesses.

Another basis for the joint hearing is House Resolution 2921 of Agham party-list Rep. Angelo Palmones seeking an inquiry into the incentives granted to CP.