Solon explains “no bills filed”

BACOLOD CITY, Philippines - Representative Jeffrey Ferrer (4th district, Negros Occidental) explained that his committee had been busy conducting investigations concerning national security, the reason why he failed to file a single bill in the 16th Congress.

Records at the House of Representatives showed Ferrer didn’t filed any bill in the 16th Congress although he co-authored nine bills.

Of all the seven Negrense solons, Bacolod lone district Representative Evelio Leonardia topped the list of most bills filed with 46 and co-authored 27 others.

Records also showed Representatives Albee Benitez (3rd district) filed 12 bills and co-authored 12 others; Leo Cueva (2nd district) had five bills filed and co-authored 20 others; Mercedes Alvarez (6th district) had two bills filed and co-authored 23 others; Jules Ledesma (1st district) filed one and co-authored three; and Alejandro Mirasol (5th district) filed one and co-authored 11 others.

Ferrer, chairman of the House committee on public order and safety, said he has been presiding on a series of investigation on celebrated cases including the Cagayan de Oro bombing and the missing firearms in Mindanao.

He further said, “it’s not about who filed the most (bills),” noting that these bills have slim chances of getting approved. “What is a bill when it won’t become a law?” Ferrer asked.