Republic of the Philippines
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
Quezon City

Fifteenth Congress
Second Regular Session

COMMITTEE REPORT NO. 165k
‘Submitted by the Committee on Revision of Laws on__“T QDEC_201f
R . 5655
e : House Bill No.
Recommending its approval in substitution of House Bill No. 4073

Sponsors : Representatives Marlyn L. Primicias-Agabas and Mylene J.
Garcia-Albano .

Mr. Speaker:

The Committee on Revision of Laws to which was referred House Bill No. 4073,
introduced by Rep. Mylene J. Garcia-Albano:

“AN ACT DECLARING THE WALINGWALING AS THE NATIONAL FLOWER OF
THE PHILIPPINES”

has considered the same and recommends that the attached House Bill No.

SESS se

“AN ACT DECLARING THE WALING-WALING ORCHID AS NATIONAL FLOWER OF
THE PHILIPPINES IN ADDITION TO SAMPAGUITA AS DECLARED IN

PROCLAMATION NO, 652, DATED 01 FEBRUARY 1934 BY GOVERNOR-
GENERAL FRANK MURPHY”

be approved in substitution of House Bill No. 4073 with Reps. Mylene J. Garcia-Albano,
Angelo B. Palmones and Marlyn L. Primicias-Agabas as authors thereof.

Respectfully submitted,

/.

PRIMI -AGABAS



Republic of the Philippines
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
Quezon City

FIFTEENTH CONGRESS
Second Regular Session

HOUSE BILL NO.
In Substitution of House Bill No. 4073

troduced by Representatives MYLENE J. GARCIA-ALBANO AND ANGELO B.
1d by Representatives IE
' Ny

AN ACT
DECLARING THE WALING-WALING ORCHID AS NATIONAL FLOWER OF THE
PHILIPPINES IN ADDITION TO SAMPAGUITA AS DECLARED IN PROCLAMATION
NO. 652, DATED 01 FEBRUARY 1934 BY GOVERNOR-GENERAL FRANK
MURPHY

Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the Philippines in
Congress assembled:

SECTION 1. The Waling-Waling orchid is hereby declared as another national
flower, together with Sampaguita, which was declared national flower of the Philippines

in Proclamation No. 652, dated 01 February 1934 by Governor-General Frank Murphy.

SEC. 2. The Secretary of Environment and Natural Resources shall promulgate
Tules and regulations that will protect, conserve and propagate the Waling-Waling

orchid together with Sampaguita.

SEC. 3. Executive Proclamation No. 652 and other laws, rules and regulations,

or parts thereof, inconsistent with this Act are hereby repealed or modified accordingly.

SEC 4. This act shall take effect fifteen (15) days after its publication in at least

two (2) national newspapers of general circulation,

Approved,


I? pee

> RECEIVE

Republic of the Philippines Seer i

HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES lle ior
Quezon City = 4
pie
Fifteenth Congress
First Regular Session
nouse snino,_ 4073

Introduced by Hon. Mylene J. Gareia-Albano

EXPLANATORY NOTE

This bill seeks to declare the Walingwaling as the National Flower of the Philippines,
to replace the Sampaguita.

‘The Sampaguita was designated as the Philippines’ National Flower by virtue of
Executive Proclamation No. 652 issued by Gov. Gen. Frank Murphy on February i, 1934.

According to Dr. Eduardo Quisumbing, National Museum Director and Dr. Vicente
Saplala, a professor of the UP Los Banos, the sampaguita is a native of India and Arabia
while the Walingwaling “is not only indigenous but endemic to the Philippines”.

The Walingwaling plant, which is the best orchid variety in the country, is
scientifically known as Vanda Sanderiana and used to abound in the tropical forest of Mount
Apo, Province of Davao, and Zamboanga del Sur. The orchid is touted as the queen of
Philippine flowers and is worshipped as “diwata” by the native Bagobos.

Aside from having its origin in the Philippines, the Walingwaling flower is truly
symbolic of the Filipino traits and characteristics.

‘The Walingwaling plant grow on tall diptherocarps but is never known to be a
parasite. It lives on treetops reaching for the light of the sun.

This majestic plant perched atop a tall tree enjoying the elements of the éarth
symbolize the high aspirations of the Filipino. The Walingwaling is never choosy in its
growing environs. It is known to thrive in the lowlands of Southern Tagalog, the cool climes
of Los Banos, Laguna and even the cold wintry weather of America, subsisting on the lights
of a flourescent bulb. Such quality can be a symbol of resiliency of the Filipinos. Moreover,
the plant could live without support. It does not shy away from symbiotic relationships with
the diptherocarps. Such characteristics are symbolic of Filipino independence. As a proud
Filipino race, we enjoy our independence but we also live harmoniously and peacefully with

other nations.



The omamental value of Walingwaling is of national and international popularity. It
was in 1982 when Frederick Sander of London introduced the Walingwaling to the orchid
enthusiasts and lovers in London. It was also propagated by orchid lobbyist and commercial
orchid growers in other countries particularly Singapore, Thailand, Hongkong and Hawaii.
Since then, the Walingwaling hybrids have been one of the world's multibillion dollar orchid
and cutflower industry. This is symbolic of the adaptability of the Filipinos.

If Walingwaling shall be saved, protected, regulated and its industry developed, it
could be the single biggest dollar earner for the country and would contribute fo the economic
growth of the Filipinos.

For these reasons, the Walingwaling should be the Philippines’ National Flower,
hence, this Bill, approval of which is earnestly recommended.

hy ube dy lui

TA-ALBANO.



Republic of the Philippines
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
Quezon City

Fifteenth Congress
First Regular Session

HOUSE BILL NO. 407 3

Introduced by Hon. Mylene J. Garcia-Albano

AN ACT
DECLARING THE WALINGWALING AS THE NATIONAL
FLOWER OF THE PHILIPPINES

Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the Philippines in Congress
assembled:

|ON 1. The Walingwaling orchid is hereby declared the National Flower of the

Philippines.

SEC. 2. The Secretary of Environment and Natural Resources shall promulgate rules
and regulations that will govern the acquisition, care and disposal of, and to protect, conserve

and propagate the Walingwaling.

SEC. 3. Executive Proclamation No. 652 and laws, decrees, rules, and regulations, or
parts thereof, inconsistent with this Act are hereby repealed or modified accordingly.

SEC. 4. This Act shall take effect upon its approval.

Approved,


MINUTES OF MEETING OF THE COMMITTI

Republic of the Philippines
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES,
‘Quezon City
COMMITTEE ON REVISION OF LAWS

EE ON REVISION OF LAWS HELD ON 22 NOVEMBER

2011, TUESDAY, 9:30 AM. AT CONFERENCE R
Bi USSR oe ICE ROOM NO. 6 MITRA BUILDING, HOUSE OF

MM.

CALL TO ORDER

ine Pissing Officer, Vice Chairperson Mercedes K. Alvarez, called the meeting to order at

ROLL CALL

Upon motion, duly seconded the calling of the roll was dispensed with and the guests and
members were acknowledged.

READING AND APPROVAL OF THE MINUTES OF THE PREVIOUS MEETING

Upon motion, duly seconded the reading of the minutes of the previous meeting was dispensed
with and the same approved.

APPROVAL OF THE FOLLOWING SUBSTITUTE BILLS:

1. SUBSTITUTE BILL consolidating House Bill Nos. 3058, 3391, 3598 and 4467: PROVIDING
ADDITIONAL BENEFITS TO SOLO PARENTS AND PROVIDING PENALTIES FOR
VIOLATORS, AMENDING FOR THE PURPOSE RA 8972 OF THE SOLO PARENTS’
WELFARE ACT OF 2000 (introduced by Reps. Ma. Theresa B. Bonoan-David, Carol Jayne
B. Lopez, Cesar V. Sarmiento, Diosdado Macapagal Arroyo, Emmi De Jesus, Teodoro
Casino, Salvador H. Escudero Ill, Yevgeny Vincente B. Emano, Neri Colmenares, Rafael V.
Mariano, Raymond Palatino and Antonio Tinio)

Upon motion, duly seconded the Substitute bill amending the Solo Parent's Welfare Act of
2000 was approved subject to style and was referred to the Committee on Appropriations for
approval or comment of its appropriations provision.

2. SUBSTITUTE BILL on House Bill Nos. 4010 and 5175: IMPOSING STIFFER PENALTIES
ON THE OFFENSE OF STEALING OR TAMPERING GOVERNMENT RISKS REDUCTION
AND PREPAREDNESS EQUIPMENT, ACCESSORIES AND OTHER FACILITY ITEMS
(introduced by Reps. Angelo B. Palmones, Erico B. Aumentado, Romero Federico “Miro” S
Quimbo, Mercado A. Homer, Tomas V. Apacible, Rachel Marguerite B. Del Mar, Victorino
Dennis Socrates, Mercedes K. Alvarez, Glorgidi 8. Aggabao, Emmi A. De Jesus and Daisy
Avance-Fuentes)

Upon motion, duly seconded the Substitute Bill imposing stiffer penalties on the offense of
stealing or tampering risks reduction and preparedness equipment, accessories and other
facility items was approved subject to style. Rep. Quimbo commended the Technical
Working group for the bill approved and stated that the same should not be referred to the
Committee on Appropriations as there are no appropriations provision in the said measure,



vi

Subsequently, Rep. Mylene Garcia-Albano manifested to be co-author of the said measure.

3. SUBSTITUTE BILL consolidating House Bill N
los. 251 and 2399: PROVIDING STRICTE
PENALTIES ON THE CRIME OF DELIVERING PRISONERS FROM JAIL AND INFIDELITY
IN THE CUSTODY Cana AMENDING ARTS. 156, 223 AND 224 OF THE
introduced by Reps. Juan Edgardo M. A\ :
Calimbas-Villarosa and Romeo M. Acop) " neare, Nev avelia 8

‘Similarly, upon motion, duly seconded the Substitute Bill on providing stricter penalties on the
crime of delivering prisoners from jail and infidelity in the custody of prisoners was also
approved subject to style. However, Rep. Romeo M. Acop expressed reservation to the
phrase, “FOR PURPOSES OF THIS ARTICLE, THE PUBLIC OFFICER CHARGED WITH
THE CUSTODY OR CONVEYANCE OF THE CONVICT OR DETENTION PRISONER IS
PRIMA FACIE PRESUMED TO HAVE CONSENTED OR CONNIVED TO THE EVASION.”
He noted that guilt cannot be presumed as this is unconstitutional, The Constitution provides
that “in all criminal prosecutions, the accused shall be presumed innocent until the contrary is
proved.” Rep. Acop stated that he will confer with Rep. Juan Edgardo M. Angara, principal
author of HB No. 251, regarding said provision.

4, SUBSTITUTE BILL consolidating House Bill Nos. 258, 1705, 4212 and 4694: AMENDING RA
9208 OTHERWISE KNOWN AS THE ANTI-TRAFFICKING ACT OF 2003 (Reps. Mel Senen
S. Sarmiento, Pryde Henry A. Teves, Susan A. Yap, Cinchona Cruz-Gonzales, Emmanuel D.
Pacquiao, Walden F. Bello, Maria Isabelle Climaco, Maximo Rodriguez, Jr., Karlo Alexei B,
Nograles, Rachel Marguerite 8. Del Mar, Erico B. Aumentado, Rodante D. Marcoleta, Rufus
B. Rodriguez, Cesar V. Sarmiento, Linabelle Ruth R, Villarica)

Further, upon motion, duly seconded the Substitute Bill amending RA 9208 otherwise known
as the Anti-Trafficking Act of 2003 was also approved subject to style.

CONTINUATION OF CONSIDERATION OF HOUSE BILL NO. 4073: DECLARING WALING-
WALING AS THE NATIONAL FLOWER OF THE PHILIPPINES (Rep. Mylene Garcia-Albano)

‘At this point, the Presiding Officer read the letter of the National Museum stating “that the
selection of Sampaguita as a national flower was not based on considerations of endemism to
the archipelago but rather its traditional and historical significance, specifically “its popularity,
ornamental value, fragrance and the role it plays in the legends and traditions of the Filipino
people." The National Museum believes that the cultural importance of the Sampaguiita,
particularly to the intangible cultural heritage of the Filipino people, remains as relevant, valid and
widely held among the current generation as it has for many generations past. It respectfully
recommends that the Sampaguita retain its status and that Waling-waling be designated as the
national orchid of the country. Alternatively, it would be possible for the country to have more
than one national flower, as is the practice elsewhere, such as Indonesia, which has three
national flowers,” may be declared as another national flower of the country.

At this juncture, upon motion, duly seconded HB No. 4073 was approved subject to style,
declaring Waling Waling as national Flower of the Philippines in addition to the existing
Sampaguita flower.

CONSIDERATION OF HOUSE RESOLUTION NO. 1684, STRONGLY URGING THE
COMMISSION ON ELECTIONS (COMELEC) TO CODIFY ALL EXISTING STATUTES


VI

Vil

GOVERNING ELECTIONS AND TO SUBMIT TO CONGR!
ESS A DRAFT BILL Ft
PURPOSE (introduced by Rep. Lucy Torres-Gomez) OR THs

Commissioner Elias Yusoph manifested the suj
ipport of Comelec on the proposal and informed
nial ody that the Commission has already started drafting an omnibus election code that is
nd comprehensive in all aspects. They are targeting to
upd pd-compreh geting to submit it to Congress for

‘The Presiding Chair informed the body that the subject is already cont
ly contained in the bill autho
by Hon, Rufus Rodriguez re: Codification of all laws of the Philippines. res

CONSIDERATION OF THE FOLLOWING HOLIDAY BILLS:

Upon an omnibus motion, made by Hon. Rodolfo B. Albano, the following local bills declaring
holidays were approved subject to style:

1) HB 36 Declaring August 25 as “City of Gapan or Gapan City Day”, (introduced
by Rep. Rodolfo W. Antonino)

2) HB 2421 Declaring March 9 as “Abra Foundation Anniversary and Culmination of
the Abrenian Kawayan Festival” (introduced by Rep. Ma. Jocelyn Valera-
Bernos)

3) HB3670 Declaring July 4 as “Lanao Del Norte Foundation Day" (introduced by
Rep. Imelda Q. Dimaporo)

4) HB3757 Declaring June 24 as “Masbate Kasadyaan sa Dagat Festival" (introduced
by Rep. Antonio T. Kho)

5) HB 4098 —_Declaring October 26 as “Foundation Day of Catanduanes" (introduced by
Rep. Cesar V. Sarmiento and Ma. Theresa B. Bonoan-David)

6) HB4114 Declaring July 1 as “San Carlos City Charter Day" (introduced by Rep.
Julio IV A. Ledesma)

7) HB4173 Declaring February 10 as “Passi City Annual Fiesta Day” (introduced by
Rep. Ferjene! G. Biron)

8) HB4401 Declaring December 20 as “Capiz Liberation Day’ (introduced by Rep.
Anthony G. Del Rosario)

9) HB 4525 Declaring October 28 as “Cry of Lumid” (introduced by Rep, Ferjene! G
Biron)

40) HB 4587 Declaring February 26 as “Dia dela Ciudad de Zamboanga’ (introduced by
Rep. Maria Isabelle “Beng” G. Climaco”

ADJOURNMENT

There being no other matter to be discussed the meeting adjourned at 11:30 A.M.

Noted

ATTY.

Prepared by:
La, (Ltt (V9
by: HEIDI LSTA. MARIA-TUAZON
78180 Il

Le
iS. MARCOS

Servicf Director, CTSS VI


FACT SHEET
5655
House Bill No.

In substitution of House Bill No. 4073
(As Approved on November 22, 2011)

AN ACT DECLARING WALING-WALING ORCHID AS NATIONAL
FLOWER IN ADDITION TO SAMPAGUITA.

Introduced by : Reps. Maylene J. Garcia-Albano and Angelo B.
Palmones :

Committee Referral : Revision of Laws

Committee Chairperson: Rep. Marlyn L. Primicias-Agabas

OBJECTIVEIS:

@ To underscore the popularity of Waling-Waling Orchid worldwide as an
endemic Philippine flower that epitomizes the trait and character of Filipinos
as a people and likewise for them to appreciate and behold the sense of
pride and identity Waling-Waling offers.

KEY PROVISION:

* Declares Waling-Waling orchid as national flower of the Philippines in
addition to Sampaguita.