Transcript of Interview of Senate President Franklin Drilon

On the passage of the Marina bill

Q: Ano po iyong significance ng pagpasa ng bill kahapon on second reading?

SP: The Marina Bill which makes the Marina the single maritime authority is in compliance with our international obligation. Marami pong nagrereklamo sa Europa na mukhang bumabagsak ang quality n gating seafarers at dahilan po sa hindi maayos na setup dito sa atin, kaya merong audit report na lalabas. Isa sa mga kritisismo ay maraming ahensiya ng pamahalaan ang nakikialam doon sa ating mga seamen kaya ginawa natin ang batas at pinasa ng Senado na mag-dedesignate ng Marina as the single maritime authority in compliance with our international obligation and hopefully we're confident that this will improve the training, competence and proficiency of our seafarers.

Q: Sir, have you communicated with the House to ensure na ano din...

SP: Yes, there is a corresponding measure in the House. They committed that they will also pass it next week.

On the rice smuggling hearing

Q: Sir, doon sa rice smuggling hearing kahapon, may sinasabi kasi iyong ilang senador lalo na si Senator Recto na NFA na raw ang bahalang mag-angkat ng bigas para maiwasan daw ang smuggling. What's your thought on that, sir?

SP: Ako, sang-ayon doon ngunit kaya ba ng NFA in terms of funding? Malaking pera ang kailangan. Kaya pinayagan ng Department of Agriculture iyong mga theoretically mga kooperatiba to import rice. Unfortunately, maraming corruption. But as a concept, yes, NFA should be the sole government authority that can import but the big question is hindi kaya na pondohan ang pangangailangan ng NFA tungkol diyan.