Press Release
August 24, 2007

ROXAS ALLAYS PALACE FEARS OF
GRIDLOCK OVER DOBLE HEARINGS

AFFORDABLE MEDICINES BILL WILL NOT BE IMPEDED

Senator Mar Roxas allayed fears expressed by the Palace that hearings on the Garci tapes will hamper the passage of vital measures, including the affordable medicines bill.

"In the Senate, the chairs of the health and trade committees, namely Sen. Pia Cayetano and myself, have agreed to hold continuous hearings on this and other similar measures to cut the costs of medicines," he said.

"Given this agreement, and because the affordable medicines bill did pass the Senate on third reading during the 13th Congress, I see no serious impediments to its passage in the Upper Chamber," he added.

He said the Senate, as an institution, is strong and responsible enough to make sure that the people's agenda will remain on course.

"On our part, the Liberal Party will push for its Affirmative Action Agenda to put people first which include the affordable medicines bill, tax exemption for minimum wage earners, creation of a People's Fund from EVAT revenues to be used solely for education and health, and other reform agenda."

Roxas said health and economic experts as well as different stakeholder groups would be invited to Senate hearings on the different proposals to lower the cost of medicines. "We will hear all sides and craft the best law possible to give much needed relief to millions of ailing Filipinos," he stressed.

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