MANILA, Philippines --- The House of Representatives has approved a bill granting state subsidy to national political parties and setting limits on voluntary contributions that they may receive from donors.

Voting 168 for and zero against, members of the Lower Chamber passed on third and final reading House Bill 6551, the Political Party Development Act of 2012, on Monday.

Cavite 4th District Representative Elpidio F. Barzaga Jr., chairman of the House Committee on Suffrage and Electoral Reforms, said HB 6551 seeks to institutionalize and strengthen political parties in the country by introducing reforms in campaign financing.

Photo credit: Tobias Engay, Media Relations Service-PRIB / 26 September 2012 07:04:15 PM
Beneath the canopy of its vision, "One Nation, One Future," Speaker Feliciano Belmonte, Jr. lauded members of the National Unity Party (NUP) headed by its Chairman - Cebu Rep. Pablo Garcia, National President - Rep. Rodolfo Antonino and Secretary General - Rep. Roger Mercado, for their trust and confidence in his leadership and their continuing support for the programs of President Aquino.

MANILA, Philippines - The National Unity Party (NUP), composed of erstwhile allies of former President and now Pampanga Rep. Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo, is set to forge a coalition agreement with the administration Liberal Party (LP) for the 2013 senatorial elections.

The NUP, which was accredited by the Commission on Elections (Comelec) as a political party in December 2010, also formally elected Speaker Feliciano Belmonte Jr. as its chairman emeritus during its first national convention yesterday. Belmonte is also vice chairman of the LP.

NUP: A movement for national reconciliation and unity

(Speech of Speaker Feliciano Belmonte, Jr. during the National Convention of the National Unity Party at Sofitel Hotel on September 26, 2012)

Officers and founding members of the National Unity Party, distinguished guests, my colleagues and friends, ladies and gentlemen:

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MANILA, Philippines -- The National Unity Party introduced itself Wednesday, four days before the election season officially begins with the filing of certificates of candidacy, and immediately announced its alignment with the administration.

Reggie Velasco, NUP executive director, said close to 400 party members, mostly local leaders, attended the convention at the Sofitel Hotel in Pasay City.