Villar says acts of terrorism will not
prevent the Senate from doing its job

Senate President Manny Villar today expressed the assurance that the bombing at the House of Representatives will not prevent the Senate from doing its job and multitask on legislation and the conduct of investigations.

"Certainly, we will not let the perpetrators of this dastardly act of terror to intimidate us into inaction. We will continue to legislate reforms and provide the venue to discuss issues affecting our nation today," Villar said.

Villar added that he asked Gen. Jose Balajadia, the Senate Sergeant-at-Arms to tighten security measures in the premises. He also appealed for understanding from people visiting the Senate for inconveniences the stricter procedures may cause.

"We will continue with the scheduled public hearings and plenary session. We will not let this act of terrorism veer us away from our commitment to offer our people a hard working Senate," he said.

Villar added that the Senate is set to deliberate on the 2008 General Appropriations Act, the bill extending the life of the Agricultural Competitiveness Enhancement Fund, the bill granting more benefits to World War II veterans, the bill fixing the term of the Armed Forces Chief of Staff and the bill professionalizing the military.

He said he is also expecting the committee reports for the Credit Information Bureau Act, Compensation Program for human rights victims of the Marcos regime, World Health Day Act, the Personal Equity and Retirement Act and the Police and the Law Enforcement Assistance Bill.

"Also in the pipeline are the Tourism Act, UP Charter bill, Hepa-B Vaccination and Immunization Act and the bills penalizing drunk-driving and stalking," he added.

Villar condemned the bombing at the Batasan as a work of the enemies of peace and security showing a complete disregard for innocent lives.

"We would like to express our heartfelt condolences to the families and loved ones of the deceased and we offer our prayers for the speedy recovery of those who were hurt," he said.