Third among Cebuano lawmakers: Rep. Mendoza gets House committee

CEBU, Philippines - Trade Union Congress of the Philippines (TUCP) Party-list Rep. Raymond Democrito Mendoza is added to two other Cebuano congressmen who hold committee chairmanship in the House of Representatives.

The rest of the neophyte Cebuano congressmen elected during the May 13 elections got hold of vice-chairmanship.

Mendoza is the chairman of the Special House Committee on East Asean Growth Area, which jurisdiction includes all matters directly and principally relating to social, political, economic policies affecting the countries within the area, and the promotion of trade and investment among these countries.

Earlier, Cebu City north district Rep. Raul del Mar was elected chairman of the Committee on Interparliamentary Relations and Diplomacy while Cebu fourth district Rep. Benhur Salimbangon retained the Committee on Aquaculture and Fisheries Resources.

It has been the practice in Congress that neophyte congressmen are not given committee chairmanships, at most they are appointed as vice chairman.

Cebu City south district Rep. Rodrigo Abellanosa is the chairman of the House Committee on Small Business and Entrepreneurship Development.

Cebu Rep. Gerald Anthony Gullas Jr. (1st district) is the vice-chairman of Committee on Higher and Technical Education; and Youth and Sports Development. He is also the assistant Majority Leader.

Rep. Wilfredo Caminero (2nd district) is the vice-chairman of the Committee on Agriculture and Food while Rep. Gwendolyn Garcia (3rd district) is the vice-chairman of the Committee on Basic Education and Culture.

Rep. Joseph “Ace” Durano (5th district), a returnee, is the Deputy Majority Leader while second termer, Rep. Gabriel Luis Quisumbing (6th district) is the vice-chairman of the Committee on Appropriations, and National Defense and Security.

Rep. Aileen Radaza (Lapu-Lapu City lone district) is the vice-chairman of the Committee on Aquaculture and Fisheries Resources while another Cebuano, Magdalo Party-list Rep. Francisco Ashley Acedillo, is also the vice chairman of the Special Committee on Globalization and WTO.

There are 58 standing committees and 11 special committees in the House of Representatives with 289 members. (FREEMAN)